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Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to finally unveil my revamped evening skincare routine, a culmination of a 10-week skin transformation journey. It all started with a much-needed reset: I completely eliminated all active skincare products and devices for an entire month. That meant no prescription retinoids, no retinoids of any kind, and no fancy gadgets. It was a true skin detox, and the results, which I'll share in before-and-after photos later, speak for themselves. Many of you have been asking for my thoughts on OneSkin products, and I'm also excited to introduce a new way I'm using microcurrent that I think you'll find fascinating. So, let's get started!
For the past two months, my cleansing routine has revolved around two DRMTLGY favorites: the gOAT Cleanser and the Soft Wash.
The gOAT Cleanser has a delightful jelly-like texture that glides effortlessly across the skin. It’s incredibly gentle, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Despite its gentle nature, it effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Lightweight, Moisturizing Face Wash For Sensitive Skin
Gentle jelly-like cleanser for sensitive skin.
g(OAT) Cleanser®
Lightweight, Moisturizing Face Wash For Sensitive Skin
tl;dr
Gentle jelly-like cleanser for sensitive skin.
Pros
Cons
If you prefer a richer, more emollient cleansing experience, the Soft Wash is your perfect match. Its creamy texture provides a luxurious feel, leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated. Like the gOAT Cleanser, it effectively removes makeup and impurities, making it a fantastic option for both single and double cleansing.
While both cleansers effectively remove most of my makeup, I occasionally need a little extra help with stubborn mascara.
Rich, Emollient Cleanser
Creamy and luxurious cleanser for soft skin.
Soft Wash Jelly Cleanser
Rich, Emollient Cleanser
tl;dr
Creamy and luxurious cleanser for soft skin.
Pros
Cons
For those days, I reach for the Outset Micellar Water by Scarlett Johansson. This micellar water is incredibly gentle on my eyes, a crucial factor for me, as the eye area is particularly delicate. It effortlessly dissolves any remaining traces of makeup without any irritation.
After cleansing, it's time for my ZIIP routine, featuring the ZIIP HALO, a micro-nanocurrent device. While we often hear about the lifting and toning benefits of microcurrent, the ZIIP stands out because it incorporates nanocurrent technology. When you use a standard microcurrent treatment on the ZIIP, you're actually benefiting from both micro and nanocurrent.
Micro-Nanocurrent Device
Advanced micro-nanocurrent device for skin rejuvenation.
ZIIP HALO
Micro-Nanocurrent Device
tl;dr
Advanced micro-nanocurrent device for skin rejuvenation.
Pros
Cons
Many of you have asked about nanocurrent – what it is and how it works. In simple terms, nanocurrent is an extremely low-level electrical current that mirrors the natural currents present in our bodies. Unlike microcurrent, which you can perceive as a subtle tingling or pulling sensation, nanocurrent is imperceptible. It penetrates deeper into the skin, stimulating cells to produce ATP (cellular energy), collagen, and elastin, essential components for youthful-looking skin.
I'm currently using the ZIIP Crystal Gel, which I recently switched to after finishing the Silver Gel. The Crystal Gel is formulated with willow bark and glutathione, a potent antioxidant and peptide. This combination is ideal for pairing with nanocurrent as it focuses on cellular repair, particularly beneficial during the harsh winter months. The gel is also incredibly hydrating, transforming my 10-minute nanocurrent routine into a luxurious masking session. The nanocurrent gently infuses these beneficial ingredients into my skin while I relax, creating a gentle yet effective treatment that delivers results over time.
Important Note: Before incorporating any new skincare device, especially microcurrent or nanocurrent, consult with your physician and dermatologist. They can assess your individual health conditions and ensure it's a safe and appropriate addition to your routine.
Next up is the OneSkin OS-1 Peptide. I'm almost finished with this bottle, so I've opened it up to savor every last drop. While I initially applied my Mother Science Malastasin Anti-Pigmentation Serum before the OS-1, OneSkin recommends applying the OS-1 directly to clean skin, so I've adjusted my routine accordingly. They do mention that if you're using a watery serum, you can apply it before the OS-1. The only watery serum I currently use is the Laneige Cream Skin Toner, which I occasionally incorporate into my evening routine, either as a mist or by splashing it onto my face. If I were to use any other serum before the OS-1, it would be a lightweight, water-based formula, like the Botazime Youth Recovery Serum, which I plan to introduce into my routine soon.
While I initially mistook the OS-1 for a moisturizer, it's actually a serum. OneSkin cleverly formulated it with a moisturizing base to enhance its user-friendliness. As promised, I've delved deeper into the science behind the OS-1 peptide and will share my findings below.
Peptide Powerhouse
Peptide serum for youthful skin.
OneSkin |Limited Edition Holiday Bundle
Peptide Powerhouse
tl;dr
Peptide serum for youthful skin.
Pros
Cons
OneSkin launched their eye cream a couple of years after the topical supplement. The eye cream contains the same proprietary peptide as the facial supplement, but in a thicker, more potent concentration. This is crucial because the skin around our eyes is thinner and more delicate, making it more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. In a recent Zoom meeting with OneSkin, they explained that the OS-1 peptide targets senescent cells – damaged cells that stop replicating and contribute to inflammation and aging. The OS-1 peptide helps regulate these senescent cells, preventing the spread of inflammation and promoting a more youthful appearance. It works at a cellular level, boosting skin health from the inside out.
After the OS-1, I apply my anti-pigmentation serum. While I typically use the Mother Science Malastasin, I'm currently using the Dr. Idris Major Fade Hyper Serum. This serum is incredibly hydrating, helps reduce pigmentation, and imparts a beautiful glow to my skin. It's one of my absolute favorites. However, I'm seriously considering reordering the Malastasin, as it worked wonders on my pigmentation when used in conjunction with my other products.
Hydrating Anti-Pigmentation Serum
Hydrating serum for pigmentation reduction.
Major Fade Hyper Serum Dark Spot Treatment
Hydrating Anti-Pigmentation Serum
tl;dr
Hydrating serum for pigmentation reduction.
Pros
Cons
My relationship with retinoids has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Last summer, I attempted to reintroduce prescription retinoids into my routine, even just once a week, but my skin reacted negatively. I experimented with different strengths and frequencies, but nothing seemed to work. So, I decided to take a complete break from all retinoids for a month.
After my skin reset, I slowly started reintroducing retinoids, beginning with the Admire My Skin Dark Spot Corrector. I was surprised to discover it contained retinol, which was perfect, as it combined my retinol and anti-pigmentation needs into one product. I also continued using the Malastasin, as it targets pigmentation through a different mechanism.
Brightening Discoloration Correcting Serum
Retinol and anti-pigmentation serum.
REMEDY for dark spots
Brightening Discoloration Correcting Serum
tl;dr
Retinol and anti-pigmentation serum.
Pros
Cons
After finishing the Dark Spot Corrector, which contains encapsulated retinol (a gentler form), I transitioned to the Remedy for Aging Nighttime Anti-Aging Formula. This product contains both retinol and retinaldehyde. Retinaldehyde is a more potent form of vitamin A that converts to retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A) in fewer steps than retinol. This formula also includes other beneficial ingredients like arginine (to smooth wrinkles), Matrixyl 3000 (peptides for collagen and elastin production), glycolic acid (for exfoliation), niacinamide (for brightening), resveratrol, and ferulic acid (antioxidants). It's been a fantastic way to increase my retinoid usage without experiencing irritation. I apply it after my anti-pigmentation serum and the OS-1. It has a yellow tint, but I haven't noticed any staining on my sheets as long as I apply a thin layer.
To recap, my evening routine consists of cleansing, my ZIIP Halo nanocurrent treatment, and three key skincare steps: OneSkin OS-1 Peptide, an anti-pigmentation serum, and a retinoid. Over the past two months, this routine has significantly improved my skin. The combination of targeted anti-pigmentation formulas, the reparative properties of the OS-1 peptide, and the cellular regeneration from nanocurrent has made a real difference. My skin feels less fragile, less irritated, and more resilient. I've even received compliments on my skin recently, which is always a welcome boost!
Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for – the before and after photos! These photos were taken 10 weeks apart, in the same location and lighting, after cleansing but before applying any skincare products. The most striking difference I notice is the increased glow and luminosity in the "after" photo. My skin tone appears more even, and there's a reduction in redness. While there might be some slight variations in the appearance of my nasolabial folds and marionette lines due to angle and slight weight gain, the overall improvement in skin quality is undeniable. My skin feels healthier, more vibrant, and has a noticeable bounce.
Achieving healthy skin requires time, dedication, and a holistic approach. It's about finding the right combination of products and lifestyle choices that work for you. It's taken me years to learn about ingredients and develop a routine that addresses my specific skin concerns. I hope this detailed look into my routine has been helpful, and I encourage you to be patient and persistent in your own skincare journey. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint!