LED light facial treatment: Emily Stone One

I really wanted a red light facial, or a red and blue light facial since I've been dealing with acne lately (STRESS!), but I have no time and they are so expensive. So I bought the Emily Stone One LED light treatment on amazon (flash deal for 7000 yen!). It has red, blue, and green LED options, plus a massage button.

I did some research on the LED light facials. For blue light, which kills the bacteria that cause acne, the frequency has to be 405 nm to 420 nm. In some clinical trials with the Tanda, participants saw a marked improvement in skin tone and acne by day 7, and an amazing improvement by day 28.

For anti-aging benefits, the red light should be between 620 nm and 700 nm. All the stars are doing it, so why not me too? Red light led therapy is supposed to reduce inflammation, even out skin tone, and boost collagen production.

So, on day 1 I did 10 minutes on the blue light setting. I noticed that my acne seemed to get WORSE. Maybe from the massage of the treatment? I then did 10 minutes of red light, which definitely brightened my face, but didn't take down the inflammation of my acne. No miracles on day one. Let's see how the rest of the week goes?

Day 3: I've worked my way up to the second setting on both the blue and the red leds. I really think the first day of the blue light made my acne worse, as the newly emerged zits have stuck around. I did some research on this, and, while it's not common to break out, it is reported in some cases. The red light is definitely brightening my skin and reducing redness. So far, I can tell that the general redness I get after washing my face, etc. is drastically reduced. I'm pretty sure this means that those "under the skin" zits are gone. I'm also noticing the very beginning of some diminishing acne scars (it doesn't matter if I pick or not, I ALWAYS get a red spot after any acne). The improvement is on the smaller and lighter scarring, no improvement yet on the big ones.

My new moisturizer: coconut oil from Kaldi's Coffee

I popped into Kaldi's for some coffee and picked up a jar of coconut oil. Apparently, it's the best thing out there for your skin and it has no additives so it's super safe. And, Kylie uses it, so why not.

I picked up a big jar for about 800 yen.

I applied after my shower. It was a bit oily, but absorbed into my skin well. The coconut smell was overwhelming at first, but became pleasant after a few minutes.

My skin really is super soft now.

Hair removal at Azabu Clinic

I tried out Azabu clinic in Tokyo because they have a wide range of cosmetic dermatology services and an English speaking staff. I started out with the laser hair removal for two reasons: 1) I was due for a treatment and couldn't use my American spa (which is still my favorite), and 2) I wanted to try a service I was familiar with before jumping into new territory (Thermage!)

So, staff speaks English well and there are a lot of foreign clients. Staff prefer to speak Japanese, so we did. There is a doctor who checks your skin and hair before treatment to recommend intensity of the laser. She spoke perfect English and was having none of my still-learning Japanese.

I selected two areas (face and hygiene) and did the trial price (came to a total of 4 man) for one treatment (due to my travel schedule). I found out later a groupon would have been MUCH cheaper, so you should do that.

I bared the areas to be worked on. The staff drew lines and confirmed hair patterns. Then she applied a cool gel and started with the laser. The laser was MUCH stronger than the one used at Datsumo Labo but I don't think it was as strong as the one I get in the US. There was some stinging, but I bore out the high intensity laser the entire time with discomfort only in the sensitive nether regions.

All in all, I would go back, especially if I just needed a dermatologist (she can write prescriptions for acne medication and anything else you need). The prices are a bit high, so the groupon is perfect. However, for the price you are also getting doctor supervision, so it's not so bad.

Kanebo Suisai face wash powder

I picked up this face wash powder for about 2000 yen at Yamada Denki.

You empty the capsule into your hand, add a bit of water, rub your hands together, and it turns into a lather.

It's ranked very high on cosme and won a best face wash award in 2014. But it was really drying for me. I'll use it when I travel (no liquids!), even though I prefer my Bifesta cleansing sheets for traveling.

Fillers: Tokiko Clinic

I decided to do something about my laugh lines, and that something was fillers.

I made an appointment (in English) through the Tokiko clinic website. The doctor emailed me in English (sometimes obviously through Google translate - it made no sense.) She was to have someone at my appointment to either speak or translate English.

I got to the clinic for my appointment and the intake form was in both Japanese and English. That was the last English I would hear or see.

The doctor gave me a nice consultation in Japanese and we agreed on our plan of attack.

Then, a staff member came in to explain the price structure and get me to sign some forms that I had things explained to me and I understood (again, all in Japanese).

Next, a staff member led me to a private room with a "massage table." My picture was taken (for before and after purposes). I laid down, the staff removed my makeup and applied a topical analgesic that stayed on for 30 minutes.

Finally, the doctor came in, removed the analgesic, gave me some medicine and ice to suck on, and did the injections. I was allowed to reapply my makeup, paid, and left.

Easy! I'll be back again to do some more fillers under my eyes and in my neck!

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel

I took the plunge and bought a 30 day supply of the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta peel. All I can say is that I wish I had done it earlier. My skin looks amazing, after only 2 days.

This product is worth the money. I would buy this over all of the facial masks I've tried over the past year (SK-II mask included). Also, it works as a cleanser (although I use my bioderma first). So, in reality it is cheap: you don't have to buy any expensive cleansers or masks, this does it all in one product.

This will become a staple!!!

UPDATE: I stopped seeing results after the second day. I'm still using the product, but I don't think I will buy it again (especially because of the cost).

Facials and Massages: Beauty Face

My favorite super sento closed, so I am looking for a new place to get decent spa care. I thought I would give the Beauty Face chain a try!

I made an appointment online through Hot Pepper (Japanese only) for a 3400 yen pore reduction facial. Most people come to Beauty Face for facial shaving, but, since that creeps me out a little bit, I went for a facial only.

The experience is Japanese only, but my facialist said that many foreigners come to the shop (I went to the one in the Aeon Kyoto mall). The site is more hospital than spa - definitely no frills.

The facial itself, while bare bones, was good. There was a cleansing, a lot of steam, some sort of lotion that helps pull the gunk out of your pores, a vacuum suction, clay mask, and final cleansing. There was a (too) brief head massage at the end. I left with very red and blotchy skin, which the facialist felt bad about, but I'm pretty sure it was because of the suction and the clay mask. The redness went away in a few hours.

My facialist did not try to sell me anything (which I like), but offered up all of the usual things to encourage a repeat appointment. She gave me an overall assessment of my skin (too dry - use more lotions and essences!) and saw me on my way!

For 3400 yen, this is something I think I will treat myself to more often!

Hot Tab Sparkling Bath tablets

I received a set of 5 Hot Tab Sparkling tablets in my cosme lucky New Year bag and tried them out tonight. They are supposed to cleanse your skin without any soap and leave your skin moist and soft.

You use 5 tablets in one bath. A pack of 10 goes for 1000 yen.

The in-bath experience wasn't much, and my skin feels a little sticky and a bit dry post-bath. I'll stick with my youmeisen.

Combating dry winter skin: Nivea creme and the Raydrop Ultrasonic Aroma Humidifier

I picked up a tin of Nivea creme at the drug store for under 500 yen. It is consistently listed as one of the best moisturizers and seems to only make an appearance in Japanese drugstores in the winter months.

The creme itself does wonders for dry skin. There is no itching or scaling. I do wish that it was not in "tub" form (I have smaller 200 yen tubes for my purse and over the kitchen sink). I also personally like the application feeling from oils better than creme (this can't even really be called a lotion - it is between lotion and wax consistency), but the results (and price point) have me hooked for the winter!

I've never been one to use the humidifier, even though they are very popular here in Japan, especially in winter. I'm always battling humidity and mold - why introduce moisture? My friend says it helps prevent colds. It is true that colds are more prevalent in drier weather, so I'll buy it.  4300 yen on amazon.

A New Year of Beauty secrets: Tend Skin Shaving Liquid

Some research led me to Tend Skin, ordered on the internet, in the hopes of finally banishing the bikini line razor burn.

I am amazed. Completely and utterly amazed.

In two days there has already been dramatic improvement.

I've been applying 2-3 a day, as directed, and will continue to do so until I'm all bump-free and perfect. Then I will apply only after hair removal.

2014 Year end awards: Buy these now!

These are the things I can whole-heartedly recommend:

Heroine make mascara

Heroine make mascara remover

Evangelist BB cream

Muji lipstick

SK-II stempower

Bifesta facial cleansing wipes

Tiare body oil

Beauty Pride's APPS+E(TPNa) shampoo and conditioner

Drybar dry shampoo

Bringing stuff back from the States: Yes to Grapefruit brightening wipes and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I had a quick-turn-around trip planned back to the USA and made a down and dirty list of items I wanted to buy that I couldn't find in Japan. First up was a selection of "Yes to" facial cleansing wipes. I really liked my Bifesta wipes but wanted to try out the "Yes to" collection since they receive raving reviews on US Beauty websites. I have been using the  Yes To Grapefruit brightening wipes (around $7US), and have to say, I prefer the Bifesta. My skin feels dried out after using the "Yes to Grapefruit" wipe. And, I hate the smell. It's like a fruity, medicinal, candy citrus.

I also picked up the highly rated laura mercier tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 in "natural" for $43USD as an experiment against the Evangelist Lady Bright Up BB cream. I like the laura mercier, but it is much more "American" than the Evangelist: it is definitely more of a moisturizer, less coverage, and more precise color for Caucasian skin. I'm glad I have this in my arsenal, and think it will be great for dry winter skin, but it was not the "holy grail" product I was hoping for.

Youmeisen bath salts

My neighbor gave me a 60 gram packet of youmeisen the other day in order to help stave off the coming cold. As many people know, Japanese women are very sensitive to the cold and do all sorts of things to heat up the inner core.

My neighbor said that in addition to being a good cure for chilliness (because, so is a bath, no?), it also helps with her husband's eczema. When I looked this up on the web, indeed, it is said to cure a host of ailments, including skin and chill.

Since I dislike that particular cold of a Japanese winter in Kyoto (so damp and so cold, yet my skin is still so dry), I gave it a whirl in my bath tonight.

First: it is yellow. Really yellow. Like a "tub full of pee" yellow. You have to laugh.

It did give my skin a nice silky feeling while in the bath, and, after drying off, seems to have left a subtle residue that is trapping in moisture. I think I'm going to like this!

You can buy this on Amazon Japan, about 2050 yen for 900 grams, or 1300 yen for an 8-pack of 60 gram packets.

DHC Deep Facial Cleansing Oil, Grands Rich Soap Rosemary Facial Cleanser, Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

This is supposedly a standard item in most Japanese women's medicine cabinets, and has a ton of positive reviews on the DHC site. Cosme currently has it ranked rather low, although it won top prize in 2000. I got a small bottle for 900 yen at the local drugstore.

It has a similar consistency to the Shisheido cleansing oil, meaning that it is not as "thick" as the Fancl oil. It seems to have done a fine job cleansing, however, I thought the smell of olive oil was too strong. Since I'm using this with the Grands Rich Soap Rosemary facial cleanser, I smell a bit too "savory" in the morning for my taste!

 I'm not so sure that the soap cleaner got all the oil cleaner off, even after an application of my trusty Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Toner.

After this combination, my skin still feels like it has an oil moisturizer on it, which is not a bad thing - I feel all soft and smooth -, it's just different from my former "squeaky clean" feel after the Fancl oil and Shisheido face wash. Perhaps this will be better as the cold weather approaches and starts drying out my skin!

UPDATE: I've thrown out the DHC oil. Being greeted every morning with that bitter olive oil smell was just not worth it. In addition, my skin has been acting up. It could be from any matter of things, but, no matter the cause, I'm not adding oil that doesn't smell good and that I'm not sure actually washes off.

UV protection: Coppertone v. Parasola

I usually head straight for the Western brand UV spray lotion, but decided to test out a Japanese brand on my last summer hurrah.

This Parasola 50+ UV block spray is effective and waterproof! It did a great job and I loved the baby powder smell. Also, it was much cheaper than the Coppertone I usually buy, at about 800 yen.