When you turn to a skincare pro for advice on getting smoother skin you should be prepared to hear the following words: botox and filler. These options offer instant or near-instant results, there’s no doubt about it. But what if you count yourself as one of many people who feel uncomfortable with the thought of needles and spending a lot of money for temporary results, there are other options that can keeping your skin glowing and more youthful-looking. Here are four skincare hacks estheticians swear by to make fine lines and wrinkles disappear.
Oil Cleansing
Cleansing the skin is a far less glam topic to talk about then, say, lasers and fillers. but according to Ashley Deckard, LE, asst. dir. of education for Color Up and Owner and Operator of a.d. esthetics, it’s still one that deserves your consideration.
“Apply a generous amount of your oil cleanser of choice and watch this simple product work its magic (you can also DIY it with some basics at home like avocado and olive oils),” Deckard said. “From the center of the face massage in an upward and outward motion, don’t be afraid to use some good pressure. Not only is this rejuvenating for your skin but also the muscles of the face. Focus on areas that may feel rougher, like the T-zone and areas where fine lines and wrinkles are apparent. Spend a minimum of three minutes but up to 10 [minutes] massaging in the product. Not only will the oils moisturize your skin, softening fine lines and smoothing texture, the massage brings extra circulation to the face adding to that coveted rosy glow.”
Gua Sha Facial Massage
“Fine lines and wrinkles can develop from repetitive facial expressions (we’re looking at you 11s between the brows),” Deckard said. “Facial massage can soften wrinkles on the surface of the skin and more importantly smooth the muscles underneath. When our muscles and the fascia that lies over them is relaxed our wrinkles appear less visible. Hold skin taut on one side of the wrinkle and smooth the stone (or anything with a smooth, even surface like a spoon) over the skin, repeat on the other side.”
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s)
Exfoliation is key to glowing skin — but knowing which ingredients to use will make all of the difference. “AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids work on the surface of the skin as well the deeper layers to support production of collagen over the long term,” Deckard said. “If your skin is feeling a little dull and makeup is sticking in creases, a quick wipe of an AHA can make all the difference. This will immediately brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and smooth the texture. Apply your AHAs three times per week and make sure to moisturize after.”
Cold Therapy
This one seems to good to be true — and it’s the easiest and cheapest of all hacks. “Fill a bowl with cold water, a little ice and splash your face for 20-30 seconds, a facial ice roller works too,” Deckard said. “Cold therapy temporarily constricts blood vessels, soothes inflammation and improves circulation. While you may be a little flushed immediately after, once the skin warms up your skin will appear toned, bright and smooth. Follow up with a moisturizer and some facial massage for best results.”
You don’t have to shell out big bucks to keep your skin looking radiant. A few simple and affordable hacks followed by the pros themselves can take your skin to the next level.
