The Missing Piece in Your Skincare Journey
After my last video, where I shared how my skin looks younger and healthier at 43 than it did at 35 through peels, micro-needling, and diet, I realized I left out a few crucial things. And there is one question that keeps coming up in the comments—whether I have had Botox or filler. Let me address both, starting with the missing essentials that transformed my skin.
The Power of Hydration: Not Just Exfoliation
Exfoliation is vital, but between those treatments, what truly elevated my skin's health, youthfulness, and glow was deep hydration. If you suffer from dry skin like I sometimes do, this is non-negotiable. I start with a hyaluronic acid essence—like the one from Good Molecules, which feels watery but provides incredible hydration. Then, I mix a few drops of a serum, such as the Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum, with a few drops of organic avocado oil. This combination is soothing and intensely hydrating. After that, I apply a moisturizer on top. And on those extra-dry days, I use a sheet mask. My absolute favorite is from the South Korean brand APLB—their collagen EGF sheet mask. It contains unique active ingredients like centella (cica) for soothing. What makes it exceptional is that each mask costs only about a dollar, and I often buy packs of 10 from iHerb. I also love their glutathione niacinamide masks for redness, and their vitamin C retinol masks. Remember, regular exfoliation without replenishing hydration will leave your skin looking anything but plump or youthful.
Safe Micro-Needling Alternatives for Beginners
Many of you wanted a less intimidating alternative to my Dr. Pen micro-needling device. If you are new or cautious, a derma roller with a needle depth of 0.25mm is a great, affordable starter option—costing between one and five dollars. It is extremely mild and safe. However, some worry about tearing skin; I have never had issues with such minuscule needles. For even more precision, there are stamping micro-needling devices like the Bio Pen or the Banished brand stamp. These vibrate and allow you to stamp treatments into the skin without the learning curve of a pen. Always remember to do thorough research and maintain strict sanitation with any treatment.
The Hidden Influence of Your Sleep Posture
One critical thing I forgot to mention is how you sleep. About four years ago, I began waking up with deep lines on the left side of my face, which would fade during the day but return the next morning. I realized I was "smooshing" my face into my pillow while sleeping on my left side. I trained myself to sleep on my back, and it made a dramatic difference. The most affordable option that worked for me is a simple orthopedic pillow made in the USA, costing around $30. I use the petite version to avoid neck pain. I also keep a small blanket scrunched up next to my face to act as a barrier, which prevents me from turning my head into a position that causes lines. For a more luxurious approach, the brand Sleep and Glow makes beautiful Italian pillows that are designed to support back sleeping. Their cutout pillow, meant for side sleepers to keep the face un-smooshed, worked less well for me. But their back-sleeping pillow is perfectly designed—not too thick, and it supports my neck beautifully. The key is catching these sleep-induced wrinkles early, as I did, and adjusting your position can stop them in their tracks.
The Truth About Botox and Filler
Now, to the question that keeps appearing: Have I had Botox or filler? The answer is no, and I want to prove it to you visually. I recorded a video four years ago showing that I can move my forehead, because many thought I had Botox. The truth is, I have never had a lot of movement there. My eyebrows are naturally very high, likely from years of plucking. When I consciously try to scrunch my forehead on camera, it feels completely unnatural—like lifting an impossibly heavy weight. It takes real effort, and the lines that appear are not my usual ones. I am simply not an expressive person through my forehead; my expressions come from my eyes and mouth. For me, the thought of injecting botulism toxin or fillers is unsettling. I see celebrities with all the resources in the world, yet many look overdone in a way that feels frightening. I am scared of potential side effects and of something going wrong. I completely understand that others choose these options and look great—I am not judging anyone. But for myself, I prefer to avoid it entirely. My skin has maintained its natural movement, and I am grateful for that.
Thank you for watching. Take care of your skin, and yourself.