Injure to Repair?
Are you buying in to the beauty industry’s “injure to repair” marketing?
It started in the ‘80s. The beauty industry began to convince us that in order to have younger, more radiant skin we had to adopt the concept that when we force a wound on the skin with things like chemical peels and lasers, it will inspire the (body) skin into “repair mode”.
It's true, when you wound the skin the body considers it to be a 911 event. However, the promise is that wounding the skin will stimulate the body into regeneration and, with that, fresh new skin and collagen growth. Furthermore, the recommendation is to continue these treatments on a regular basis and, over time, the skin will become younger and more revitalized.
As a holistic esthetician who is focused on supporting the skin’s NATURAL tendency toward wellness and balance, the concept of “wound to rejuvenate” falls very short. In fact, over time these methods will not only begin to break down, they will **absolutely fail,** especially as the skin ages.
Bursting the Beauty Bubble
Wounding the body (and skin) in any way, shape or form, leaves a mark. I'm sorry to burst the beauty bubble, but there is no way to wound skin (or the body in any way) and NOT cause long-term damage. Even if these injurious methods stood a chance, they would MAYBE do so with intensive consideration that wounded skin requires – support to prepare it to be injured in the first place and then stellar follow up to feed and nurture the skin back to radiant wellness.
Sadly, this is NOT what many practitioners or products provide.
No Quick Fix
I see clients all the time who, for years, did these treatments and are now suffering the consequences of the “quick fix” promise. By the time they reach me, their skin is prematurely aged, damaged or has post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I am always shocked when I go through their skin history and learn that after the lasers, harsh chemical peels, and deep needling treatments, there was little to no follow up to help nourish and nurture their skin back to balance. And sadly, most people are simply told to apply a super heavy, petroleum occlusive treatment. Aquaphor is not good skincare! It's an ointment used for damaged, wounded skin! I apologize for my tone, but these methods infuriate me! As far as I'm concerned, I consider this neglect and it borders on being unethical in my book!
Skin responds to the environment that we provide for it – the good, the bad and the ugly. Give it the GOOD and it will pay you back in dividends! That's a promise I can stand behind. I'm here for you and your skin for the long haul. I will NEVER promise quick fixes. Radiant health takes time and dedication. The skin is no different.
