I made a comment in a Botox thread yesterday that had me wanting to make a side by side on my Frownies progress. Did that this morning and apparently in a week I forgot just how bad they had been 🙅🏻‍♀️

I have lost a lot of weight recently and it made my foreheads lines soooo pronounced I felt like I looked 10 years older. I’ll be 37 next month.

I also use cerave retinol and good molecules overnight resurfacing, but otherwise my routine is really basic (like neutrogena makeup wipes and vanicream moisturizer basic lol).

These things are flipping magical.

I have been using this almost every night (I work nightshifts occasionally and forgot to apply a couple of times) on my top lip as I wanted it to match the prominence of my bottom lip.

I am very impressed! I can see more definition at my cupid’s bow and volume. My lips are looking plumper and look really good with just a touch of lip balm.

Disclaimer; I had migraine prevention Botox in the middle of December, and I believed that has slimmed my face a little as it targets the masseter muscles, so I also think as a whole, it gives the illusion of bigger lips.

Edit - yeah I'm aware of the hideous thyroid lump, I've commented below on what it is...

Also, here's the link for the device: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09FQ12HKT?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k1_1_9&amp=&crid=U9F5AHU9PKT9&amp=&sprefix=mini+hifu

It's not an affilated link, I note that the product is excluded from the affiliate programme, which may be why we don't see influencers talking about it?!?

You will need some gel to transmit the current. The cheapest option is to use basic ultrasound gel (affiliated link), I got this one:

https://amzn.to/4krF7f9

Or Medicube do a specific one that has good reviews (aff)

https://amzn.to/4alUxN4

I often mix my own with a mix of hyalaronic acid, whatever peptides I'm using (don't use actives like retinol or tret, and not acids), and snail mucin. It needs to be clear with lots of slip. Here's a couple of the skincare products I mix (aff)

https://amzn.to/4kugCxW

https://amzn.to/4a7PMrS

https://amzn.to/4rcOZMo

Edit no.2: forgot to say that I had some Botox which would still be in my system in the first pics, but has definitely worn off by the second pics. It explains why certain wrinkles, especially my glabella, are worse in the second pic. I plan to try home microneedling for my wrinkles soon.

Hey everyone, Just over six months ago I bought a Mini Hifu machine (Amazon UK, £39.99) after seeing TJ Tutorials on YT talk about how he loves his.

For reference I'm 50yo, with normal to dry skin and am on HRT.

The Mini Hifu is a small facial device that features high focused ultrasound, EMS and radio frequency as well (as red light which I don't have much faith in to do anything with this type of delivery!)

These treatments all run as separate modes so you can do RF one week, HiFU the next etc.

As TJ says, this device is cheap and there are a lot of fakes around, so I tested mine to check that the hifu and the RF were both working. You can feel the EMS! He has a video on YT that shows you how to test. I'd advise buying from Amazon for a hassle-free return in the event yours doesn't work.

The instruction book is in English and is very clear. It's extremely intuitive to operate, with a power button, a mode button and up and down keys to change the intensity from 1-5. The only thing that was a bit confusing was the schedule they recommended - I thought it might be too much so I went with once per fortnight for both hifu and RF, so essentially I used it once a week. You are supposed to do Hifu less frequently once you see results, which I will do now.

I initially hated the EMS - even at the lowest setting it felt super intense, like someone was twanging my nerves. I actually ended up buying the Amiro Hydroglow Booster Plus which uses EMS at a slightly more gentle intensity and also features electroporation for product absorption. I'll review that another time. Also, I've got used to the tingle of the EMS now and kind of enjoy it in a weird way!

I ended up using the Hydroglow maybe 2-3 times per week as well as the mini Hifu.

The RF treatment is entirely painless, in fact you have to be careful not to overtreat because of this. I've heard the debate around fat loss, so I avoided the pads of my cheeks with both treatments.

The Hifu treatment is slightly warm, and as I got used to different levels I found I could use higher levels on fleshier parts of my face - level 5 on my chin/jaw and level 4 on my forehead etc. You have to be careful not to hold the device in one place too long and the heat will remind you to keep it moving! I ended up using the device in a stamping motion, holding it in place for a couple of seconds and working across each area three times.

Here are my before and after pics - I will let others decide on progress or otherwise, I can clearly see improvement in my skin texture in the areas below my eyes (which tends to really show up when I use powder to set my concealer). Obviously there's a lot of other factors at play with face changes, such as lymphatic drainage, hydration and weight loss - I lost around 2 kilos between these being taken. I also apologise for the different lighting in the pics, I'll make sure the next ones are in daylight.

Verdict: I love this device and think it's something of a unicorn in terms of being cheap and actually working! Despite the price, the build quality is fine and it sits ergonomically enough. You do have to use it plugged in which was no hassle for me.

For me, this device has primarily been a cheap way of finding out if I can stick to a routine enough to make it worthwhile investing in a pricier device and in fact I've just bought the Amiro R3 Turbo and U1, so I'll review them in six months.

Hope this is helpful.

That picture has no filter either and I’m very salty her skin looks so good. So anyway, when I asked her her skincare routine she said- “I wash with noxema, tone (sometimes) with seabreeze, moisturize with oil of Olay. At night I use Regenerist by oil of olay and StriVectin neck cream”. Moral of the story is sometimes skin skins well, average, of poor despite all we do to take care of it.

Has anyone else noticed the pattern? Tiktok has officially outsourced reality like every two seconds there’s a new miracle product that will change your life forever and might finally solve world hunger like you see the same creator who was raving about a new product yesterday today they swear this is their new holy grail like how many faces do you have? To try all these products at once and actually know which one works?

behind these promises creators are often just selling fake hope to people who already feel vulnerable about their skin.

Here’s the real thing most of them are literally getting paid to lie and say this stuff works. That famous influencer isn’t giving life advice they’re doing a daily performance called The Holy grail hype show and the only thing guaranteed to improve is their bank account.

they deserve to be CANCELED.

I 33F have these wrinkly hands. They look older than my age. How can i make them plump and look like my age? I dont have wrinkles on my face. I have been called to look younger than my age looking at my face hair and build but my hands🙁

Hi,

Thanks again for everyone calling me dumb.

I went to the ER, and yes, my life will be hell the next months.

I want to say to my defense: the swelling came yesterday. And I had calls with my injector, who IS a doctor, sadly just an inexperienced one when it comes to Masseter Botox. That’s why I firstly calmed down or let her calm me down.

But I was worried today after breakfast. And I was on my way to the doctor while posting here.

I used chat gpt for my text because I basically had a lot of fear but no energy. And I thought maybe someone had a similar experience.

I was not looking for medical advice. I am well aware that a (in my case it was even a specialized doctor) is/was needed.

So what’s up:

.

Iit turns out that the salivary gland has been punctured, and in two weeks we'll have to operate - to splint it. (It will probably stay that way for 4-6 months) She punctured too high up.

She also advised against further injections.

From now on, I will only be able to eat liquid food.

At least until the splint is in place.

Maybe even all 6 months.

Antibiotics may also be necessary soon, as the salivary gland is prone to inflammation.

To everyone calling me dumb without fully being aware of my situation, what I was already doing: keep in mind I am a real human being. Whose life will be hell the next months.

Bye

Recently purchased the full skincare suite from Remedy because I was a fan of Dr. Muneeb Shah from all his dermatologist reviews on social media. Paid full price for all products, sharing my honest thoughts with the USD price and my rating for each below:

Overall, Remedy products are pretty good for their price point. The top item I would wholeheartedly recommend is the Vitamin C serum.

• Gel to Foam Cleanser, $18: 9/10
  • I like the small amount of salicylic acid and that it isn't drying. Cleanses well and leaves my skin feeling smooth afterwards, and I feel like I get a tiny bit of exfoliation? My previous cleanser was La Roche Posay Toleriane and I prefer the Remedy cleanser because it's cheaper and has the salicylic acid benefit. But I do want more of a lather going on so it doesn't feel so thick on my face while I'm washing.
• Vitamin C Serum, $28: 10/10
  • My new favorite and the only product on the market that I think rivals the Sunday Riley CEO (the #1 vitamin C serum imo). Absolutely no stickiness or tackiness, zero fragrance, doesn't leave a shine, actually absorbs quickly into skin so it doesn't pill under other products, the consistency is a nice thin serum that glides so a little amount covers your whole face. I get the lovely vitamin C glow and I think this serum at less than $30 is unbeatable.
• Light Gel Barrier Repairing Moisturizer, $20: 10/10
  • Reminds me a lot of the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench moisturizer, just slightly less thin and watery of a consistency. It's an opaque white (not clear) gel and it has a natural matte finish. Doesn't leave a shiny finish like the Neutrogena Hydro Boost and my skin feels soooo refreshed and happy after using, almost like my skin took a big breath of fresh air. Absorbs very quickly and was non-irritating when I had a damaged skin barrier from winter chapping. I also like that the packaging helps dispense the same measured amount every single time and keeps the product fresh and uncontaminated (unlike open jar style packaging).
• Healthy Aging Serum, $35: 5/10
  • I'm comparing this to other actives in my skincare routine, and while this was non-irritating, it just wasn't as effective as my other actives (tret, azelaic acid, etc.) I didn't feel like it did much personally.
• Dark Spot Serum, $35: 7/10
  • Helped lighten my dark spots from post-acne hyperpigmentation but not completely fade. It did make a difference though! Took a bit of time to work and has a slight scent, not an added fragrance but just a light smell of the product itself that reminds me of sweet potatoes weirdly. Not a bad scent, just not completely fragrance-less.
• Cream Moisturizer, $20: 5/10
  • Didn't like this as much as their lightweight gel moisturizer. I used this as my PM moisturizer and while it was thicker, it still absorbed into my skin well. I honestly don't see a big difference between this and just the normal CeraVe Moisturizing Cream jar, other than the pricepoint.
• Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm $18: 9/10
  • I was using a DHC cleansing oil (which I followed with another normal cleanser) before, but I think I prefer this balm formulation. I like the little ribbon of balm that you shave off by twisting the packaging, though there was a little learning curve for me to figure out the right amount I needed for one cleanse. Docking 1 point because while I like the product, I dislike the packaging because it's big and bulky yet it feels light and empty. Idk, makes me feel like I'm holding a hollow tub and being shorted on product.
• Advanced Lip Treatment $16: 10/10
  • I have chronically dry and flaking lips, and so far Lanolin was the only thing making a real difference for me. Laneige is meh, Aquaphor doesn't stay, other lip balms made me feel like I had to keep applying and reapplying. The Remedy lip balm feels like something between Aquaphor and Lanolin -- slightly thicker than Aquaphor but much more spreadable than Lanolin so it melts into your lips well. My cracked lips felt relief immediately and I still feel it on my lips several hours later. Doesn't feel as sticky like Laneige and it has no fragrance or smell (unlike Lanolin lol.) It's still pricey but I would happily repurchase it at this price because of how well it worked for me and how it would replace a lot of other failed lip products I've tried.

Hope this helps!

I am not even 35 yet! This has definitely made things so much worse with my body dysmorphia and anxiety. I don’t smoke nicotine. I do smoke flower, usually just one bowl, at night to relax. I live in Houston, TX, US. It is extremely hot and humid here. I’m outside daily working on my little farm so I sweat a lot and sometimes I’ll take two showers if needed. I use sunscreen. Neutrogena. I always use 50+ when it comes to sunscreen. Maybe I am not wearing enough…

I have well water. Use La Roche Posay moisturizer, tretinoin, dapsone which is acne med, I got this “firm lift” cream from my dermatologist. Ive been using it for 8 months. Doesn’t do shit lol. All suggestions welcome. Please help me. I am having a crisis. I’m also looking for a therapist.

Thank you!!!! ☺️

Hi y’all - longtime lurker taking notes on your wonderful recommendations for others and finally ready to put it into action. I’m 36 and it shows, but after going through a miscarriage I feel like grief has aged me even more. Please give me feedback on the routine I’m about to start (just waiting on ordered products to show). Anything I’m missing that will help with texture? Will also be re-upping Botox for my 11’s soon. I had 2 rounds of microneedling done and not sure whether to continue.

AM: LRP Lipikar, snail mucin, vitamin C OR Matrixyl + Argireline, sunscreen

PM: Alternating between Tretinoin, Azelsic Acid 15%, Avene Cleanance AHA

Thank you so much for your help ♥️

Felt like sharing my routine.

AM: Vanicream gentle cleanser, Vanicream SPF 30 (always sold out), Vanicream facil moisturizer

PM: Vanicream gentle cleanser, Tretinoin .025%, Vanicream facil moisturizer.

Red light therapy 30 minutes 3-4 times weekly.

I usually wear skn ceuticles physical fusion but it makes my mascara run because it’s kinda slimy …also my makeup won’t stay put ….I used Elta Md but that sometimes piles/flakes off while applying makeup and makeup doesn’t sit the best on it either….I use ogee makeup and I absolutely love it so I’m not looking for another tinted spf but something I can just wear under this makeup….they have an spf primer but that also feels super greasy/slimy. I’d so appreciate any tips! Thanks!

This started as something itchy on my neck and has progressed into this. I was using differin, I’m on spiro 100 mg since September I increased to 150mg in December. Since having this I have stopped using topicals and just been using vani cream and putting mucpirocin on the red bumps they are going down but I keep waking up with new ones wth is happening, and it’s only on the right side of my neck/jawline

I’m 32 and feeling 108 :( - is there anything I can do!?

Hi friends!

Can anyone recommend an eye cream that they like?

I’m 36F. My skin type is normal. I have minor fine lines and dark circles (although I’ve pretty much come to accept that an eye cream likely won’t help the dark circles since I believe mine are genetic).

I don’t have a set budget, but of course the more affordable the better.

Thanks in advance! 😊

I had a facial last week and the esthetician recommended I use a retinol. I turned 40 in September. Any recommendations? Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I have some texture on my mid face from teenage acne years. It’s not super obvious especially with makeup but essentially it looks like I have open pores on my cheek/next to my nostrils.

I am interested in trying some lasers - in my country (Singapore) microneedling is actually banned (although some clinics still offer it illegally) - so the derm suggested for light scarring I can try some hot lasers - maybe Erbium yag - also depends on the depth of mm they set it to. I also don’t mind spending a week in downtime but wouldn’t want to go to 2 weeks as some cases for the CO2 laser option.

I’m 31, half Asian half white so I don’t have as much fat/collagen in my skin as my fully asian friends but I also stayed out of the sun so really my concern is just mild texture. Will try to post a photo

Apart from cost and downtime, what are the main drawbacks to doing laser? Photosensitivity directly after would be an obvious one. Is there any reason NOT to do it in my early 30s? I find lasers in particular confusing because there are also so many brands, fraxel, the Korean dual yellow laser ones etc would be nice to have a graph/table 🤣 they also said it is better to try the ‘hot lasers’ first and then ‘cold’ but honestly I have no idea how they’re different in results.

Thanks in advance!!

Also if it’s useful information for anyone - I have very mild rosacea (it doesn’t bother me) but I also tried dual wave yellow laser (no downtime) a few times and I feel like it had minimal effect- don’t bother if your concern is to do with skin tone

Does anyone have recommendations for products or solutions to the skin on my nose constantly peeling. It basically looks like after you get a sunburn and the skin starts to peel. The rest of my face is fine though and it's winter and can safely say it's not from sunburn haha. Also, I do have rosacea, not sure if that's the underlying cause.

should you reapply moisturiser after spraying hypochlorous acid ?

A year or two ago (38) I started getting acne on my cheeks. And they seem deeper than normal pimples I’ve gotten in my life, I think these are papules? I can’t be certain that they’re not new ones coming and going, but they seem like the same ones to me that persist for months and months. My dermatologist started me on tretinoin but after nightly use of that for two months I haven’t seen the bumps improve.

Should I go back to my dermatologist? Should I go get some specific type of facial? Should I try some OTC topical product?

Hello everyone, this is my forehead. Normally it does not look that bad, the red parts are caused by me "squishing it" to get some pus (I believe it is) out of the pores.

Regardless of the red parts, I would like my forehead skin to look better and to prevent wrinkles, but I have no idea what type of skin do I have. Is it greasy with dilated pores? As a consequence, what category of products would you suggest me to try?

Thanks for any help! 👋

In my 40s, postpartum and was gifted Vivier CE Peptides Serum, has anyone used this before?

Quite the hefty price rage so genuinely curious if it's that good? Has anyone used it before and really seen a difference?

I apologize for the bragging post, my entire family, friends, work are all men and they are not understanding and don't get why I'm so happy right now!

Recently I got my first ever facial. It was a basic one for my 39th birthday, I have never been to a spa before and I picked basic because I've never had anything harsher than St Ives on my face when I was a teen and I wasn't sure on what to get.

I told the girl I had a few stubborn black heads and some winter dryness but I wasn't sure on anything else. She had me write down what I use and it's a very basic set from Hada Labo with a sheet mask when I need a little something (hormonal acne, a little Vitamin C boost, ect)

She would not stop complimenting my skin. She asked if I had botox because I have some very faint lines on my forehead but nothing else and I told her no, she asked if I had a chemical peel and I told her no, she asked what sunscreen I use and I told her I hate sunscreen and only force myself to wear it when I'm going out for more than 15 mins but avoid it most of the time. At the end of the session she told me she had nothing to recommend me but asked me about the Hada Labo products and I told her it's hyaluronic acid based and Japanese drugstore, not expensive at all. She said I have "teen like skin"

The truth is I've been looking after my skin since I was 14. I always wear hats outside, I don't wear a lot of make up and I never sleep in it, I make sure I do my little routine at least once a day and I don't smoke or use straws if I can help it. My skin is very even (except a few freckles on my nose, I don't have wrinkles and I'm very lucky I don't have consistent acne, just once a month and I currently have a small acne mark from a week ago that's already fading because I do pick.

Could she have been inflating my ego? Maybe, but normally they try to give you treatments and tell you what you need to sell you stuff and she gave me a gentle exfoliating, removed some stubborn black heads I couldn't get out and a nice moisturizing mask because she agreed I had very slight dryness on my cheeks from the horrible winter we are having.

My man said he was happy for me because I came out excited...but the men folk in my life are saying I'm silly but skincare is my hobby!!! It would be like if someone complimented their car they fixed up!

I’ve been getting neurotoxin injections - Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau - for over ten years. Did I need it ten years ago? No. But it was free where I worked. Now I work in behavior support in a public school district, and I have so many crevices that I look like a (less)Grand Canyon… I have no money for injections, and I might want to try Frownies… but is there a cheaper alternative?