One of the things I’ve noticed since the rise of filters on social media, is that I’ve become a lot more self conscious about how I look. I wish that wasn’t the case, but when you see how great flawless skin looks, or how just a touch of lip filler would enhance your mouth, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unrealistic beauty standards. I started relying more on filters when I would show up online, even on days when I felt good about how I looked IRL (in real life). It was really taking a toll on my mental health.
As a mom, I really try to be aware of these kinds of thoughts. Why do I feel the need to filter my appearance? Is this how I want my children to feel? To think they’re only worthy of being seen if they are perceived as perfect? No way! But I also want them to take care of things that are in their control. If they’re not feeling completely confident in one area of their life, what can they do? What steps can they take to improve themselves? It’s important to me to model that behavior for them.
One of the things I really wanted to invest in this year was my skincare. I’m 35 now and I’ve always looked older than my age. I’m open to things like Botox and fillers. Hell, I even look forward to the day when I can get a little nip tuck. But I’m not there yet and I would rather start with less invasive measures until I’m really bothered by how I’m aging. I don’t want to feel like it’s necessary for me to use a filter or spend a bunch of time on makeup before feeling confident enough to face the world.
Finding The Skin Educator
This is where the Universe works its magic. A few years ago I met Jade at a photography workshop. She was clearly passionate about skincare, and she had the healthy glow to back it up. Jade was so kind and knowledgeable that I immediately knew I had to follow her on IG.
Jade shares so much knowledge online, and she offers virtual skin consultations. It’s the perfect service for me, as I am very limited on time without childcare. All you’ve got to do is take pictures of your bare face from a few different angles, tell her what your concerns are, and send them in. The hardest part is truly taking a hard look at your images and dissecting everything you don’t like about your skin! Otherwise, it’s a simple and painless process.
Honestly, I couldn’t even put a finger on what exactly was bothering me about my skin, but I knew there was so much room for improvement. I felt like I had zero confidence to go out without makeup and was actually grateful that I could hide behind a mask for the last couple of years. But then when I did put makeup on, it made my skin look worse. Jade had all the answers for me and spent an hour on a zoom call educating me on what was happening, why it was happening, and what to do to reverse it and prevent it going forward.
I know that sounds like it’s a miracle, and I’m overpromising on what she can deliver, but no! Look at my before and after pics, this girl is for real!
What Am I Seeing?
- my skin is significantly brighter and smoother
- look at how my forehead freckles have been transformed!
- I still look like myself, and not like I’ve had “something done”
- less fine lines (I find this especially noticeable in the eye and mouth areas)
- I’ve got my pre-motherhood glow back!
- a much more even skin tone without losing my freckles completely
- see below for more side by side images
Before and After
Some of the things I’ve loved about working with Jade are that she takes the time to follow up with me, and never makes me feel like an idiot for asking what sometimes feels like a ridiculous question. She suggests excellent products without making you feel like you need 10+ products 2x daily to get your desired result. If I ask to add in another product, she has excellent feedback on why it’s a good or not so good idea.
My biggest concern was how uneven my skin tone looked. I’ve always had freckles and they never bothered me, but for some reason, it felt like they were starting to get out of control. Jade explained to me that I have melasma, which can be onset by pregnancy hormones. It was causing a bunch of what I’ll call freckle clumps that were just making me feel like there was nothing I could do to have an even skin tone. I can’t believe how effective the products Jade recommended have been in getting rid of the damage.
Keep in mind, these are all medical-grade cleansers and creams. I still have not had any procedures like lasers or injections. I haven’t even made time to go get a facial!
So what am I using?! Initially, Jade had me start with four products during the day and added one extra one at night. It was so simple and I saw great results literally within days. Then I got super lucky and won an amazing moisturizer through an Instagram giveaway with SkinBetter Canada! It’s genuinely the best moisturizer I’ve ever used. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and silky soft without any tacky or greasy feelings. I loved it so much that I requested we add in a few more SkinBetter products.
My favorite products that I’ve been using are:
SkinBetter Even Tone Correcting Serum
This correcting serum will break up the appearance of hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone) while also combating the underlying causes. It has brightened my skin and gotten rid of the sallow tones that I feel age me. I’ve found it has significantly lightened my brown spots, sun damage, and the discoloration I’ve been so annoyed by.
The quality of SkinBetter is unparalleled. This serum is non-hydroquinone, non-retinol, fragrance and dye free, paraben free, gluten free, and of course, dermatologist tested. If you want to see more than just my before and after go to the product and check out the sliders under the results tab. I think they’re mind blowing!
Alto Defense Serum
Many years ago I worked in the cosmetics department at an upscale department store. We had many clientele who had used what was touted as the best skin products on the market. I was in my early twenties then but it affirmed to me that skincare is a worthwhile investment in yourself. I envied the radiance women who committed to their skin emitted. One thing that no one ever left without was a serum.
Serums are jam packed with vitamins and your skin soaks them up with ease. I have always had a slight addiction to serums, so I wanted to add another one into my routine. Jade suggested that Alto Defense Serum would be the best one for me. I love how lightweight this serum is, and one pump is enough for my whole face.
The best part about using serums is not only the results you see with fine lines, clarity, and brightness. But think of what you’re preventing! They are truly one thing I would never want to go without.
Escape to the Tropics Cleansing Oil
When Jade suggested I add a cleansing oil to my nighttime routine, I was intrigued. I’ve never tried one before and had never heard of one of her trade secrets — the benefits of double cleansing (trust me, you need to work with her!). I was skeptical because Jade actually formulated this cleansing oil herself and has it made by another small local business, Essentials by Nature. Love that! But I wondered if it was just a ploy to make some easy extra cash.
Wow. I was so wrong. I can’t even believe I questioned it. This has truly become one of my favorite items. I bought one for my sister because I knew she would love it too (and she does!). It takes off every bit of makeup while simultaneously making your face feel hydrated and moisturized. It also smells like a vacation! It will make you excited to take off your makeup, instead of dreading the process. You don’t need to work with Jade directly to order this product, you can shop it here.
Retinol
If you get the kind of memes I do on Instagram (and you probably don’t because the algorithm is so wild like that!) you will have seen a thousand times that retinol is the answer to all life’s problems. But retinol is also a very tricky product to use without guidance from a professional. It makes your skin super sensitive to the sun, so you have to tread lightly. I had tried retinol once in the past and ended up with a horrible rash all over my face. Not ideal!
Jade guided my retinol use from day one. I have very sensitive and dry skin, so I was a little nervous and wondered if I would actually be able to add it into my daily routine. Now I can say it is genuinely one of my favorite products because I know it’s working magic on my skin, and preventing a lot of signs of aging. Like serums, I think retinol will become a new addiction for me. This is the one I’m using now, and I can’t wait to level up!
Interfuse Treatment Eye Cream
I was going to leave the products to just four, but I can’t end this without mentioning the Interfuse Treatment Eye Cream from SkinBetter Canada. The skin around our eyes is much thinner than the rest of our face, which is why it’s susceptible to aging more quickly. I don’t dislike my crow’s feet, but I also don’t want them to get worse. Because they will, and fast. So I asked Jade for an eye cream recommendation, and as usual, my girl did not let me down!
I have noticed so much more brightness around my eyes, as well as fewer fine lines (just compare in the images above). I have a lot of skin on my eyelids, and judging by how my parents have aged (really well, but this one area is not great — sorry mom and dad!) I will need to get some of it cut off eventually or else my eyelids will be like hoods over my eyes and probably blind me. Lol. I can confidently say this eye cream will make the road to an eye lift surgery much longer haha. That’s a major win in my books!
You Need to Work With The Skin Educator
Overall, I am so thrilled with my results. I can’t wait to continue and know I will age so much more confidently with Jade by my side. I had to change my makeup because what I had before was too heavy, and I can go back to a much more low maintenance routine thanks to my skin being significantly better. I don’t rely on filters on social media anymore (though from time to time, you just can’t help it!) and I never feel pressured to put on makeup unless I want to (I will always love makeup!).
If you’re wanting to invest in your skin (and keep in mind, you likely won’t have to buy as many products as I did — I wanted a lot of these by request) I can’t say enough good things about working with Jade. She will empower you to take control of what you can, improve your appearance without making you look like someone else, and happily guide you along your skincare journey. If you’re thinking about working with her, get the details here.
