Spa Economy

Spa Experience at Home

DIY Spa treatments light therapy, dermaplaning, chemical peels, hair masque, hair removal, massagers, acupressure, spa gadgets, and products. We tried a collection of hair, skin, and body pampering products and gadgets at home and report our experience.

Favorite Things: reVive dpl® IIa for Professional Wrinkle Reduction and Acne Treatment Light Therapy

November 24, 2019 · 10 Comments

Back in March 2018, we reviewed the reVive dpl® IIa, a home light therapy device. It has continued to be one of our personal favorite skincare device for reducing signs of aging and acne. The Style Chicks Skincare Team is astounded at the efficacy of the device and how easy it is to use.

reVive is having an amazing 40% off sitewide starting Thursday, November 28th through the end of the day Tuesday, December 3rd, no promo code necessary. In case you didn’t catch it the first time, we wanted to bring you our review of this astounding device that delivers medi-spa level results in the convenience of your own home, and at a fraction of the price, especially with the amazing Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, they will be offering. We also have added a few tips we picked up in the time we have been using it!

So let’s get to it!

As part of our Style Chicks Hair and Skin Care Series, we’re exploring the advantages of home light therapy for improving skin. LED light therapy builds collagen, reduces wrinkles, improves acne, fades discoloration and scars. A high-quality light therapy device is a worthwhile investment. We recently tried the reVive dpl® IIa – Professional Wrinkle Reduction and Acne Treatment Light Therapy, which is an FDA-cleared, OTC Class II medical device. It is a lightweight panel big enough to cover the entire face at once. It uses powerful LED diodes that emit safe light therapy that tackles acne and wrinkles while building collagen.

WHAT LIGHT THERAPY DOES FOR SKIN

Backed by numerous clinical studies, blue and red light therapy are both effective, pain-free, chemical-free, non-invasive way to improve the skin’s texture, tone, and firmness.

WHAT THE REVIVE dpl® IIa PANEL DOES

This device is for acne treatment and wrinkles. Today we focus primarily on the anti-wrinkle/anti-aging aspect of this device.

It reduces wrinkles by promoting collagen production. More collagen means stronger, more elastic skin with less sagging.

The device also improves skin tone, texture and reduces hyperpigmentation, which promotes the appearance of healthy, glowing, and youthful skin.

The reVive dpl® IIa is the only full-face professional light therapy devices with FDA clearance for in-home use.

THE REVIVE DPL® IIa SET INCLUDES:

Device
AC/DC power supply
Instruction manual
Goggles
One year warranty

HOW DOES THE REVIVE DPL® IIa RATE?

As beauty bloggers, we’ve tried many at-home light therapy products. The reVive DPL® IIa is in a class by itself. This light is powerful and consistently even, and feels much more like an in-office caliber treatment than other commercially available light therapy devices we’ve tried.

GOGGLES

The goggles say optional, but in my opinion, they are mandatory. The reason is that even with the goggles AND my eyes closed, I can still see the brightness of the light, just like a professional in-office IPL or light therapy treatment.

But I do like using these goggles, though, as they’re designed to fit just over the actual eye, exposing the maximum amount of orbital skin area for treatment. This allows dark circles, sagging upper lids and browbones, and the general orbital skin to get treatment, including crow’s feet.

The goggles are adjustable to be secure but comfortable.

FULL-FACE TREATMENT AT ONCE

This book-sized device covers your entire face (and much of throat) at once, making for faster and evener treatment.

DEEPLY SATURATED COLORED LIGHT

This device produces a powerful light! The whole wall behind you will be illuminated with color like a neon sign. Once you see that, other at-home light therapy devices pale in comparison. It’s not that other devices can’t deliver results, but if I’m going to spend the time and money do light therapy at home, I want a powerfully effective device.

MULTIPLE LIGHT THERAPY MODES

Choose the red or blue light setting, or use both at once.

RED LIGHT WRINKLE SETTING

RED LIGHT jump-starts tissue rejuvenation by increasing blood flow and collagen stimulation. Red light therapy significantly improves skin complexion, tone, and texture. It also reduces roughness, wrinkles, and fine lines. In clinical studies, Ultrasonographic tests show red light therapy increases collagen.

BLUE LIGHT ACNE SETTING

BLUE LIGHT is used to treat acne because it eliminates bacteria, reduces inflammation and redness, stabilizes oil glands, fades old and new scars and discoloration. This is especially helpful for adult acne, as the harsh drying methods we may have used as a teen are too rough on adult skin, especially wrinkling skin.

COMBO MODE: BOTH RED AND BLUE AT ONCE SETTING

Treat wrinkles and acne simultaneously with both red and blue light. This mode uses all of the colored light diodes for a super-powerful light therapy treatment. The combo works very effectively for wrinkles and maximizes light therapy based collagen production while fading discoloration and redness.

Interested in the expanded details on how these specific colors of light therapy work from a clinical view? Read our upcoming post covering all the need to know the science behind home light therapy.

Using the device for a dual red and blue light therapy treatment. The diodes are powerful enough to cover my face, neck, palms, and the wall behind me in intense colored light

EASE OF USE

It’s comfortable on the skin, there is no burning or any discomfort at all, it’s quite relaxing. The device opens like a book, and it’s easy to hold the device for treatment right on the face. It’s lightweight like a Kindle tablet and can be propped up if needed.

It beeps at every minute interval until the treatment is over and it shuts itself off.

TIP: Before a light therapy session, apply an SPF-free serum or moisturizer for maximum benefit. We love the When Revivifying line from When Beauty. This decadent three-product line (which we will be reviewing soon), contains Brown Algae Extract from Jeju Island in South Korea. Brown Algae is photo-reactive, so using it with the reVive dpl IIa amplifies the effects!

This device is a collagen-building lifesaver for those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate Vitamin C serums or Retinol because it works without any irritation, redness or dryness.

The device is lightweight like a Kindle tablet and opens like a book for a double paneled treatment display

RESULTS

The reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and crows feet are the hallmark of this light therapy device. My eleven lines appeared less deep and long even after a few uses. I find both eleven and smile lines look much smoother the day after I use the reVive DPL® IIa and my skin appears brighter.

I’m particularly happy with the ability to treat the eye area including crows feet, my undereye area gets a nice treatment of wrinkle reduction and lightening discoloration. The long-term ability to build collagen along the upper eyelid and browbone turns back time in a way that a topical eye cream alone cannot.

When I use the device at night before bed, my skin also has a lovely glow to it in the morning, I look more vibrant and awake, my skin tone seems more rosy and even.

Since using the device, I tend to use less foundation and concealer so the glow of my skin can shine through.

CONCLUSION

An outstanding addition to your at-home anti-aging arsenal, the reVive dpl® IIa – Professional Wrinkle Reduction and Acne Treatment Light Therapy provides powerful, professional quality results in an easy-to-use device that takes just minutes to use. This highly worthwhile investment treats face, throat, decolletage, and hands whenever you want.

This FDA-cleared, OTC Class II medical device is lightweight and covers the entire face at once for fast, even treatment. The three-light mode settings deliver precious collagen-building therapeutic light, which over the course of a few months, makes a meaningful difference in the strength, firmness, texture, and appearance of skin.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the reVive dpl® IIa – Professional Wrinkle Reduction and Acne Treatment Light Therapy at Revive

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions about reVive dpl® IIa? The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

Leave a comment or email us at [email protected]

ABOUT THIS POST

reVive dpl® IIa was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

Pedicure Spa at Home: Equilibrian Foot Care Kit

November 21, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Are you embarrassed to wear your favorite shoes because of cracked heels and dry feet? Keep feet in spa-worthy shape with the Equilibrian Foot Care Kit. It uses AHAs, BHAs, and essential oils and peels feet naturally with no shellfish based ingredients.

Do your favorite shoes reveal cracked heels or dry foot skin? Fix it with Equilibrian Foot Care Kit

Feet don’t get much attention over winter, and foot skin quickly becomes neglected and unsightly. But who wants scaly feet during that mid-winter tropical vacation? Or during a yoga, barre or pilates class? Keep feet smooth and delicate all year long without a special trip to the salon. This kit contains everything you need to get soft feet.

Are dry feet with cracked heels embarrassing you in yoga or pilates class? Try the Equilibrian Foot Care Kit to peel away all the dead skin and keep feet smooth and pretty.

ABOUT THIS SET

This Equilibrian Foot Care Kit keeps feet smooth all year long. It contains:

Two pairs of foot peel masks
Moisturizing gel socks
One hydrating foot mask
Bonus foot rasp file and a silicone scrubbing pad

Kit contents

STEP ONE: Foot Peel Mask

This mask contains AHAs, BHAs, natural extracts, and botanicals. It gently and safely penetrates dead skin cells to break down and remove the outer layers.

Two pairs of the Step 1 Foot peel

Foot Peel Ingredients

Glycolic Acid(AHA) Glycolic Acid (AHA) exfoliates by loosening the “glue” that adheres dry, dead skin to healthy skin, and then dissolves away the dead skin. There is also limited redness or irritation after use. Skin is brighter, younger, softer, and it glows like younger skin. Glycolic Acid also promotes collagen production.

Lactic acid exfoliates and brightens skin. It is gentler than glycolic acid. Lactic acid holds moisture while increasing firmness and skin thickness.

Salicylic Acid is a bHA (beta hydroxy acid). Salicylic acid removes dry skin debris without excess drying. It helps build collagen. Salicylic acid works best when paired with another peeling agent.

Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and increases the effectiveness of other ingredients. It holds so much moisture that it instantly plumps fine lines. Hyaluronic Acid also helps active ingredients sink deeper into the skin.

Castor seeds

Castor Seed Oil is a humectant reduces inflammation, heals scars and hydrates.

Vitamin E softens skin texture and reduces acne scars. Vitamin E makes old acne scars softer and more pliable. Vitamin E makes rough, sunburned, scarred or otherwise damaged skin soft and pliable. Once the skin is pliable, other treating ingredients can work their magic.

STEP TWO: Moisturizing Gel Socks

One size fits all, they are suitable for women and men.

These hypo-allergenic gel lined socks are infused with essential oils and lotion for soft, healthy feet. They are reusable and washable and will hydrate feet for up to three months or sixty wearings.

Gel lined socks with skid-proof bottoms

Wear the moisturizing gel socks for one hour per session to keep feet smooth and soft. I like to use them once or twice a week. They have skid-proof treads on the bottom for safety.

Moisturizing Gel Sock Infused Ingredients

Grapeseed Oil is nourishing to the skin and contains building blocks for collagen production. High in Polyphenols, Vitamins C, D, E and Omega 6, it treats dry skin, wrinkles, discoloration, and aging. Grapeseed Oil Extract kills bacteria while softening skin.

Lavender

Lavender Oil softens and conditions the skin.

Jojoba is excellent for body skin. Jojoba has a similar structure to sebum, replacing the natural oils the scalp needs to stay healthy. It removes impurities and skin flakes, reduces inflammation and soothes skin. Jojoba oil is an emollient, made of 98% monounsaturated fats. Jojoba is a carrier oil, increasing the efficacy of other active ingredients.

Olive Oil has skin enhancing Omega-3s and polyphenols. Olive Oil makes skin smooth and supple. Linoleic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect.

STEP THREE: Moisturizing Mask Booties

These disposable hydrating booties are fortified with powerful natural hydrating ingredients to moisturize and nourish foot skin. Wear them for 15 to 20 minutes, no need to rinse off feet after use.

Step 3 disposable booties

Moisturizing Mask Booties Ingredients

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot Oil is an emollient that softens and smooths. It contains antioxidant vitamin E and nourishing fatty acids (mostly oleic acid 54-74%, linoleic acid 12-35%). It has nourishing and moisturizing properties and is quite easily absorbed into the skin.

Castor Seed Oil is a humectant reduces inflammation, heals scars and hydrates.

Rosa Rugosa

Rosa Rugosa flower extract is rich in vitamin C, sucrose, citric acid, malic acid, and carotene. It promotes collagen production and reduces enlarged pores. It also makes the skin exceptionally smooth while removing excess inflammation.

Macadamia oil is very rich and contains many natural lipids and fatty acids. It’s a high oleic acid oil (50-67% oleic acid and only 0-5% linoleic acid) that makes it very emollient and helpful for dry skin types. Macadamia uniquely contains high amounts of the rare palmitoleic acid (12-25%) that give Macadamia oil a “cushiony” feel. It’s also easily absorbed and makes the skin soft and supple.

BONUS

Use the bonus tools to address calluses or especially rough patches of skin such as cracked heels.

Well made dual-sided foot rasp and silicone scrubber

MY EXPERIENCE

This three-step system gently removes dead skin, then the gel socks and moisturizing mask keep feet smooth.

After using the peel, my feet felt instantly smoother. The dead skin started to peel in a few days. Then they continued to peel for about two or three days. So much dead skin came off! Skin slowly exfoliates away layer by layer until all the dry skin is gone. I was especially impressed with how much smoother and softer my dry, cracked heels were immediately after using the peel.

There is no discomfort, stinging or burning while using the peel. It does not sting like AHAs and BHAs do on the face.

The peeling will continue for several days, however, and it is unattractive, so be prepared to cover the feet during this unsightly week. But afterward, the feet are so smooth!

How to Use the Peel

Open one STEP ONE package. There is one pair of booties folded inside. You can see the peel solution.

Step 1 booties have the AHA and BHA acids to gently peel feet

Soak feet, unfold the booties and tear or cut the tops. Slip the booties on the feet for 90 to 120 minutes. It does not sting or burn, you can put your feet up, relax and watch a movie. Then remove the booties and wash off your feet.

Next put on the gel socks.

The gel socks are comfortable and wearing them for an hour makes my feet softer and smooth.

I like that they are hypoallergenic, reusable, roomy and comfortable. The essential oils and infused lotion means I don’t have to add any extra lotions or creams for my feet to be soft after use.

The bonus tools are of good quality and manage calluses before they become unsightly. The foot rasp is particularly effective.

great gift

This three-step system gently removes dead skin, then the gel socks and moisturizing mask keep feet smooth. It comes nicely boxed and makes a great gift!

Festive gift packaging

Gift Boxed with festive crinkled colored paper

WHERE TO FIND IT

Find the Equilibrian Foot Care Kit at Amazon

QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions about Equilibrian Foot Care Kit? The Style Chicks are here to answer them.
Leave a comment or email us at [email protected]

ABOUT THIS POST

Like you, the Style Chicks team needs time to evaluate and form an opinion about the products we try. With The Equilibrian Foot Care Kit, we received compensation for our time and effort to form an opinion of the product. We produced this blog post because we think the product is great and want to share it with you!

Gifts to Pamper: the Wireless SKG Neck Massager to Soothe Sore Neck Muscles Anytime

May 3, 2019 · 9 Comments

Regular massage is an important part of our self-care to keep us at our physical and mental best. Most of us are too busy to get a professional massage. Take care of neck pain fast with the wireless SKG Neck Massager.

SKG Neck Massager operates with the touch of a button

WHY NECK MASSAGE IS NECESSARY

Phones, tablets, and laptops cause us to bend our necks in unnatural positions. This results in aches and pains. They sometimes call this “tech neck”. It is the undue stress caused by the posture our necks take while using technology. Other activities also stress our necks. These include travel, reading, gardening, washing dishes, heavy lifting or other household chores. Even sleeping in an odd position can cause a sore neck.

The SKG Neck Massager comes in an attractive box suitable for gift giving

ABOUT the SKG Neck Massager

SKG Neck Massager relieves aches, knots and muscle tension. in the neck and other areas of the body. It is the result of patented research and technology. It simulates the impact of real human massage.

The SKG Neck Massager comes with optional remote, manual and USB charger cord

SKG Neck Massager FEATURES

WIRELESS DESIGN

I especially love that this device is wireless yet still can deliver a strong massage. I can use it anywhere including walking outside or while traveling. It is never a cumbersome feel and I am not tethered to staying in the range of an electric cord during use.

No wires. Use SKG Neck Massager anywhere, even walking outside

SILENT OPERATION

The SKG Neck Massager is virtually silent. I’ve used it while watching TV, listening to music, talking on the phone, and working on the computer.

One touch button

DESIGN & AESTHETIC

It is a sleek, modern, all-white design. It has a 3D suspension and 4-point design for a comfortable neck fit. There is a soft silicone to support the neck. I like that it doesn’t look like a weird old lady health contraption. It looks like fashionable headphones so I can discretely wear it out in public.

It is discrete and looks like headphones. No sticky pads or wires to catch my hair

Padded silicone neck cushion provides a secure yet comfortable fit

Padded silicone neck cushions provide a secure yet comfortable fit

Padded and comfortable design features

Contoured for comfort and fit

LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO WEAR

Weighing less than six ounces (160g), it is suitable for use at home or traveling and fits into my bag or backpack. Despite being lightweight it is still sturdy. I dropped it with no cracks, dents or damage.

Lightweight and easy to carry in bag or backpack

Lightweight and easy to carry in a bag or backpack

TEN MASSAGE MODES

Many neck massagers offer two or three modes that are mostly vibration. That is soothing but not helpful enough to combat a sore neck.

The SKG neck massager has ten (10) different massage modes. These range from suitable for achy and sensitive to deep muscle stiffness. It uses e-stim or TENS technology, which is found effective in reducing muscle pain and retraining muscles within physical therapy settings. Typically e-stim involves sticky pads and wires, but this device uses neither. The two heads provide massage contact points.

Heat and massage functions on two sturdy but flexible heads

SKG Neck Massager

The SKG Neck Massager provides wireless massage relief

HEAT

There is precise temperature control. Not too hot, but warm enough to soothe achy muscles. I like that there is a heat sensor, so it doesn’t get TOO hot. It is easy to burn sensitive neck skin with moist heating pads. I don’t have to worry about that with this device.

Close up: Provides heat and e-stim massage capabilities

USB CHARGER & BUILT-IN BATTERY

I get four hours of use from one charge. The charger is a convenient USB port that recharges the built-in battery.

I especially like not having to restrict my use of the device to locations near an electrical plug. I can walk around the house or outside and get a soothing neck massage. Most devices require me to stop what I am doing to get relief for aching muscles. The SKG Neck Massager lets me go about my regular day without interruption. I especially like this feature for use while traveling.

Often portable products aren’t powerful. But this device can deliver effective relief for achy neck muscles.

SKG Neck Massager with easy access USB charger port

Fast charging by USB. It blinks orange until fully charged

SKG Neck Massager charges quickly for use anywhere. Once it is fully charged, it turns blue.

Get 4 hours of massage from one USB charge

ABOUT SKG

SKG researches, designs, and manufacturers of small appliances, beauty and massage appliances. The company has won design awards and has 114 patented technologies. SKG products are popular in Germany, France, and 28 other countries.

SKG makes beauty and health devices, like this Neck Massager

MAKES A GREAT GIFT

The SKG Neck Massager is attractive, sturdy and effective. It is lightweight and easy to use anywhere. It comes in a box suitable for gift giving. Its sleek design makes for a great gift for yourself, a friend or for Mom! What Mom couldn’t use some pampering?

There is a special Mother’s day 15% discount for Amazon Prime Members on the SKG Neck Massager from May 3 to May 12.

The SKG Neck Massager makes a great gift

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the SKG Neck Massager at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5D2TH8

The SKG Neck Massager

ABOUT THIS POST

Like you, the team here at Style Chicks needs time to evaluate and form an opinion of the products we talk about. In the case of the SKG Neck Massager, we received compensation for our time and effort to form an opinion of this product. We produced this blog post because we think the product is great and want to share it with you!

Endorphins & Better Beauty Sleep with the Wellness Collections Acupressure Mat

April 18, 2019 · 3 Comments

If you could choose a daily spa treatment, what would it be? How about a massage with acupressure? Acupressure reduces stress, pain and encourages restful beauty sleep. A few minutes of acupressure makes a remarkable difference. So I’m delighted to find the Wellness Collections Acupressure Eco Cotton Mat.

Wellness Collection Acupuncture mat and pillow

WHAT IT DOES

The Wellness Collections Acupressure Eco Cotton Mat eases pain and muscle tension within minutes.

This mat has “spikes” that work like an acupressure treatment. The spikes engage the body’s natural healing and relaxation capabilities. It can improve a stiff neck, headache, chronic pain, and stress.

This Wellness Collection Acupressure Mat

This mat uses numerous spikes clustered in a shape of lotus flowers to form of steady means of acupressure

HOW DOES ACUPRESSURE WORK?

Acupressure is an ancient medical practice. It uses targeted pressure to restore body balance and blood flow. Increased blood flow encourages skin rejuvenation, improved metabolism, and releases endorphins.

Close up of the lotus flower spikes that provide steady but comfortable acupressure points

HOW DO ACUPRESSURE MATS WORK?

Acupressure mats use spike meditation to increase blood flow. The mat works by applying body weight against the spikes. The balanced force of the spikes increases blood flow and massages deep into muscles.

But… most at-home acupressure items use hard “bed of nails” style spikes that are too painful to use long enough to get the benefit.

WHAT MAKES WELLNESS COLLECTIONS ACUPRESSURE MAT SPECIAL?

The Wellness Collections Acupressure Mat has 27 point Yoga Lotus Flower spikes. The spikes are not too hard but not too soft. This gives the ability to tolerate a long enough session to gain benefit. This enables pain relief, muscle massage, and increased blood circulation. Twenty minutes relaxing on the mat gives acupressure session type benefits.

The Wellness Collection Acupressure Mat and pillow

MY EXPERIENCE: PUTTING THE WELLNESS COLLECTIONS ACUPRESSURE MAT TO THE TEST

We tried the Wellness Collections Acupressure Mat for seven days to test if it eased muscle aches, improved sleep, and promoted relaxation.

The spikes look sharp and scratchy but are comfortable to lay on

The spikes look sharp and scratchy but are comfortable to lay upon

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

HOW IT FEELS
At first, I was a bit worried about these spikes. I thought they would be too hard and scratchy. But this mat works for me because it relaxes my muscles and is firm enough without being too pointy. It emulates the gentle but steady pressure of practitioner acupuncture.

The mat and pillow fit comfortably on a chair, bed or on a yoga mat, overhead view

Wellness Collections pillow and mat, side view

Just twenty minutes a day provides relaxing acupuncture benefits

If you’ve had acupressure or a deep massage before, you recognize the feeling. If you haven’t had acupressure, it is comfortable but still a pressure that takes a few minutes to get used to. Then it feels very relaxing.

After I adjusted to the mat, it was relaxing enough to fall asleep!

The neck pillow is comfortable. It is an ergonomic neck position and precise acupressure point delivery. Ever sleep the wrong way and awake with a crick in your neck that is sore all day? The pillow is helpful to ease that feeling.

The acupressure pillow works on neck and calves

Closeup of pillow and lotus spikes. Try it under the knees for rejuvenating tired legs!

The spikes are resilient but not stiff. Muscles in my shoulders and back relax with use. As someone who spends time hunched over a laptop, that’s a huge selling point.

Standing on the mat in bare feet relieves foot fatigue from standing or walking in high heels.

Try standing on the mat after a long day on your feet for instant foot relief

I also like to sit on the mat for post-workout recovery. I also found it useful when sitting at my desk.

While I have used it on my bed with successful results, I have a fluffy pillowtop mattress that makes the surface less even. I personally find that I get the most benefit using it on the floor or laying the Wellness Collection Acupressure Mat on top of a rug or on my yoga mat.

DOES SCIENCE SUPPORT ACUPRESSURE?

Style Chicks own in-house researcher located many clinical studies supporting acupuncture benefits. Studies showed acupressure helped anxiety, sleep problems, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and nausea. Pain reduction occurred in chronic neck and back pain and acute orthopedic injuries. Acupressure even helped reduce labor pains. Improved circulation and endorphin release are both benefits of acupressure.

One acupuncture study appeared last month in The Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine.

This large hospital-based study included 519 acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture was done on subjects with anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain ranging from minor to serious. Serious pain included bone cancer pain. Some study finding excerpts:

“Seventy-five percent of participants were highly satisfied with acupressure treatments.”
“96% of treatments were administered in less than 30 minutes”.
“Acupressure is a highly satisfactory complementary therapy that can demonstrate a clinically significant decrease in self-rated pain and anxiety scores.” (1)

A second acupuncture study was done on injured athletes. It showed consistent pain reduction in even acute musculoskeletal sports injuries. (2)

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

The mat is attractive and well made with spikes formed into lotus flowers.

The mat itself is 100% organic cotton, soft hypoallergenic pad. The spikes are made of organic cotton and polymer. It is sturdy and well made.

Mat and pillow fold together with handles to carry

Each mat and neck pillow set has attached handles and a sturdy waterproof carrying bag. This makes it easy to use after long flights or cramped car rides.

Zippered carrying case for ease of storage or for use while traveling

Included zippered bag with handles for easy storage and use while traveling

GUARANTEE

The mat comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year free replacement warranty.

CONCLUSION

The Wellness Collections Lotus Acupressure Massage Mat addresses pain, post-workout soreness, and stress. It is comfortable enough to use but stiff enough to be effective. It is an easy way to get the benefits of acupressure at home or while traveling. A great gift for men or women, students, a new mom or someone on their feet or sitting at a computer all day.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Wellness Collections Lotus Acupressure Massage Mat with Original Yoga Lotus Spikes at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FTRGD2Z

REFERENCES

“Beyond Pills: Acupressure Impact on Self-Rated Pain and Anxiety Scores.”
Altern Complement Med.2019 Mar 30. doi: 10.1089/acm.2018.0422, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30932686.
“Does Acupressure Hit the Mark? A Three-Arm Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Acupressure for Pain and Anxiety Relief in Athletes With Acute Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries.”
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 27(4):338–343, JUL 2017
DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000378
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28653963

ABOUT THIS POST

Like you, the team here at Style Chicks needs time to evaluate and form an opinion of any of the products we talk about. In the case of the Wellness Collections Lotus Acupressure Massage Mat, we received compensation for our time and effort to form an opinion of this product. We produced this blog post because we think the product is great and want to share it with you!

Dermaplane at Home with the Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System by Michael Todd Beauty

November 7, 2018 · 3 Comments

Our skincare and makeup is an investment: we spend a pretty penny on products to look and feel our best. But the best serum, retinol, masque or moisturizer can’t do its’ job if dead, dry skin layers sit atop your skin. Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells so skin care products perform better. Until recently, dermaplaning was best left to a professional. But Michael Todd Beauty has a safe, easy to use dermaplaning device: the Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System. Read why dermaplaning works for skin at any age, and how this handy Michael Todd Beauty device can help you achieve flawless skin!

Dermaplane at home safely and effectively with the SonicSmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System by Michael Todd Beauty

Skin looks better exfoliated, fine lines are softer and skin glows. Exfoliation is vital to optimal skin care, makeup application, and acne prevention.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Skincare products can’t work their magic if dead skin cells obstruct their absorption. For example, Retinol causes excess irritation if it can’t properly absorb. Vitamin C serums must penetrate skin layers to build valuable, beauty enhancing collagen. Retinol and Vitamin C cause rapid cell turnover, but dead skin must be regularly removed to see it.

MAKEUP APPLICATION

Concealer, primer, and foundations need an even surface to adhere well and look their best. Powders, creams, and contour look blotchy over dry, dead skin cells.

ACNE PREVENTION

Dead skin cells are a harbor for bacteria, trap sebum and oil, making a perfect home for blemishes to develop. This is why exfoliation is key in the reduction of acne.

THE BONUS REASON: SELFIES & PEACH FUZZ

Exfoliating can’t get rid of peach fuzz, but HD cameras can make you wish it could. Superficial vellus hair is the transparent peach fuzz that we all have but *think* no one notices. It is actually quite noticeable. And makeup doesn’t hide it. Rather, makeup can cake up in peach fuzz, making it all the more obvious. It’s tempting to start covertly shaving like a dude. But don’t, that carries risk of razor burn and uneven, choppy exfoliation results. There’s a better answer: dermaplaning.

DERMAPLANING DEETS

Dermatologists and Aestheticians have been dermaplaning for years. They use a surgical scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother and brighter skin. It also removes peach fuzz. While the lack of fuzz feels amazingly smooth, the real benefit is improved skin texture and younger skin appearance. And skincare products and makeup go on like a dream.

WHY USE AN DERMAPLANING EXFOLIATING SYSTEM

As teens, we may have exfoliated with a gritty, granular face scrub. Adult skin cannot tolerate harsh, abrasive scrubbing. Skin can even get microtears and damage in the process. Dermaplaning can make skin of any age appear its’ best without damage. But it must be done regularly to see the best results.

ABOUT THE SONICSMOOTH SONIC DERMAPLANING & EXFOLIATING SYSTEM BY MICHAEL TODD BEAUTY

FEATURES

While the device is spa-grade, the design is safe enough for a layperson to use. The ergonomic handle prevents slipping. A sonic technology treatment head gives results without the risks.
Pain-free with no downtime; but comes with a soothing Aloe Vera based serum to apply after use anyways. This serum is light and nourishing.
Unlike a razor or scalpel, the Sonicsmooth is for the more delicate female facial skin. Even those with sensitive skin can use it.
It has 3-speed settings to customize your treatment.

MY RESULTS

It didn’t hurt, sting or zap like some devices. It didn’t leave my skin in “recovery mode” for a day or two like a chemical peel. No downtime.

I used it on the lowest setting and used very gentle, light strokes going in the direction of the hair growth. I practiced a few times on my forearm to get the hang of the correct angle and pressure.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how much of my uneven discoloration was, in fact, very surface level. My skin appeared far more even after using Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System. Removing dead skin reveals younger skin. It is like a glycolic peel but without the dryness, redness and irritation.

I thought my Vitamin C serum wasn’t getting the results lately. But after using this device, it appears I just had lots of dead skin blocking absorption.

So..um, here’s a close up of the head with the dead skin that came off my face. Yuck.

I was also surprised to see the impact “peach fuzz” had on the appearance of my face. This dander-like layer is still very noticeable in bright light or sunlight. This is especially so on the angles of our face like cheekbones, jawline, and around our lips. My cheekbones look more sculpted without that layer of fuzz diffusing their angles. Blush and highlighter go on so much better.

I would recommend doing this by a well-lit window, or better yet, in your car, where you can see peach fuzz and dry, dead skin very well. I was surprised at how much dead skin and fuzz came off the top of my cheekbone where I put highlighter. But it makes sense because I would not use a traditional exfoliant scrub this close to the eye area.

The first time peach fuzz is dermaplaned, there is a fluffy dander-like layer to remove. Afterward, the skin is so, so soft. But the real benefit is skincare products can do their job once dead skin cells are gone, and my skin can look its’ best.

VERDICT

Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System from Michael Todd Beauty promotes better skin by removing acne-causing debris and surface discoloration. In-office dermaplaning costs between $100 – $200 a session. This makes Sonicsmooth a spectacular deal in my book.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System from Michael Todd Beauty at Ulta.

Style Chicks received the Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System for review purposes. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.