Hello, friends! I’m sorry for being so MIA on the blog the past couple of months! You know, this pandemic and its effects ebb and flow. Some days, I have loads of time to devote to my creative passions—and other days, I’m knees deep in a to-do list that doesn’t seem to end. That’s life!
Any who, today’s post is all about facial tools you need to have in your skincare toolkit in your 20s. Given, you could—and should—continue to use these tools as you age. There is no better time to start caring about your skin than now!
You all know how obsessed I am with skincare, so I’m PUMPED about this post.
Let’s dive in!
Facial Tool No. 1
Red Earth Mini 3D Face Massager
This facial tool might be small, but it sure is mighty! I bought this from Urban Outfitters a couple years ago. At the beginning of this year, I kind of fell off the bandwagon with using it. But, I’m back to using it and have been for the past five months!
I use this massager every single night, no matter what! Sometimes I will use it in the morning to help depuff my eyes, but it’s usually not a part of my morning routine.
Why You Should Use a Face Massager
Before I give you the scoop on the scientific reasons why you should use one, let me share a story with you. When I was working as a manager at Anthropologie, I encountered a lot of women—some who have had lots of facial work done and others who haven’t.
One night, I was helping a woman pick out Christmas gifts for her granddaughters. We happened to be looking at the jade face rollers we were carrying in store at the time. As we were chatting, the woman said to me “I’ve used a face massager for over 40 years. I haven’t had any work done and I’m 66.”
My jaw DROPPED. This woman looked INCREDIBLE! Great genes, yes, but I have no doubt in my mind that the face massager had something to do with it as well.
My facial massager can be found here.
Benefits of Using a Face Massager
- Helps to contour the face.
- Supports the lifting of skin.
- Designed to help tighten the skin.
- Promotes blood flow to the skin to brighten complexion.
- Provides a natural face lift over time.
Facial Tool No. 2
PMD Beauty Personal Microderm Classic
I bought this microdermabrasion device at the beginning of the pandemic and damn, I’m glad I did!
Typically, you’re only supposed to use this once a week, but we all know how well I follow directions. I use it twice a week and that’s what works for me! You’ll be able to tell after the first use how often your skin can handle it. I definitely wouldn’t do it more than twice a week. Usually my designated microdermabrasion days are Sundays and Thursdays.
Why You Should Use a Microdermabrasion Device
First off, regular microdermabrasion treatments can help to reduce enlarged pores, acne scarring, and fine lines and wrinkles. Who doesn’t want that?! Essentially what a microdermabrasion device does is remove all the dead, gross skin cells on the surface of your skin.
When those dead skin cells build up, it can cause breakouts—the worst! By removing that barrier of dead cells, you reveal more radiant, smooth skin. The best comparison to this device is a vacuum. It sucks up all the yucky buildup on your face, which stimulates circulation to your skin, boosting collagen and elastin production. Because it uses suction, it may leave your skin a little red, which is why I only use it at night.
My microdermabrasion device can be found here.
Benefits of At-Home Microdermabrasion
- Gently exfoliates the skin using suction technology.
- Smoothes the surface of the skin.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps to even the skin tone and brighten the complexion.
Facial Tool No. 3
Facial Steamer
If you’re looking to create a spa day at home, a facial steamer is a necessity. I bought this one off of Amazon because The Skinny Confidential recommended it. This steamer works well for the price you pay.
Mine looks a little wonky because I dropped the top on the floor a couple times so it doesn’t sit on the steamer part right. What can I say—I’m clumsy, okay!!! But really, order yourself a facial steamer and thank me later.
Why You Should Use a Facial Steamer
Okay, first off, a known fact: when you steam your face, you open up your pores. By opening up your pores, you can loosen up any buildup of dirt and makeup that have accumulated on your face. Because the buildup is floating to the surface of the skin, extractions of blackheads becomes much easier as well.
Facial steaming can also promote hydration by softening the outer layer of your skin. Whenever I facial steam, my skin is baby soft afterward. Some people say not to wash your face after steaming, but I do. I just do a quick splash with lukewarm water and then immediately apply my toner. Quick and simple!
You don’t want to wait more than a minute before applying your toner or else you will lose a significant portion of the glorious hydration you just steamed onto your face. Be cognizant of how often you facial steam, too. You shouldn’t do it more than once a week. Overdoing it on the steam can actually lead to dehydration of the skin, so less is more in this case!
My facial steamer can be found here.
Benefits of Facial Steaming
- Allows products to penetrate deeper into the skin by softening the outer layer.
- Skin feels smoother and looks more radiant after use.
- Raises your skin’s temperature, which promotes circulation.
- Purifies the skin (which is great after wearing a mask all day).
Well, there you have it! My top 3 facial tools you should use in your 20s. Of course, I could go on and on about even more tools you should keep in your skincare toolkit, but I’ll save that for another day!
Until next time, friends!
Take care and be kind!
Alicia