While I was at the Total Beauty Blog Summit 2008 in LA last weekend, I got to try out Visia, a machine that uses “multi-spectral imaging to reveal damage on and beneath the surface of our skin that is not detectable by visual examination alone”. It was the first time I ever got a real skin analysis done and it was amazing and terrifying at the same time to see how my skin really was.
Basically, what you do is take off all of your foundation and concealer, enter your personal details into the machine, stick your head in it and it will snap a couple of digital and UV pictures of your face to examine the following concerns:
* Age spots
* UV spots
* Brown spots
* Red areas (rosacea/color variations in skintone)
* Wrinkles
* Texture
* Pores
* Porphyrins (bacterial growth)
The machine will then compare your results with other women of the same age and ethnicity to provide additional information about your skin. The machine also has a feature where they can fast forward time to let you get a preview of what your skin would look like in up to 5 years .
Below are my results (sorry if you find the pictures scary)
The skin within the blue area is the area that is being examined. The little blue dots or highlighted areas are where your trouble spots are. The chart on the left is a comparison of your results with your peers and the numbers are a percentile. For instance, if you look at Wrinkles, I got a 99 percentile, which means only 1% of the population has less wrinkles than me.
Advice from the Pros
According to Chief Scientific Officer from Intelligent Beauty, Scott Whittier, my skin is overall, in good condition (yay!) He suggested that I try adding a whitening treatment to my regime for my sun spots and keep wearing sunscreen every day to minimize future damage.
Now I have to start my hunt for a good whitening treatment – any recs ladies?
11 Comments
let us know when you find one!
shu uemura, I hear is effective.
where can you go to get your skin examined like this?
Shiseido’s White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream (or line) is pretty good.
I’m really scared now about my skin. I’ve had a one or two really bad sunburns in the past, but recently there’s been a heatwave going on and guess who got sunburned? It’s been a week, and my skin is still blistered and peeling, ugh.
Speaking of that, what are some good sunscreens that are super moisturizing and don’t have that heavy feel and whiteness? I have really dry skin too.
My mom and aunt have both been using the Obagi Nuderm system for years. They’re 48 and 42 respectively with the most beautiful skin. Virtually no wrinkles, pores, or spots. It contains tretinoin and hydroquinone or something like that…it really cleared up any hyperpigmentation they were concerned with from years of not wearing sunscreen. Supposedly pearl creams are supposed to be good at lightening but I don’t have any personal experience with it. Please let us know what you decide to go with though 🙂
I had this (Visia) done for free when I got a facial. If you’re in the LA area, it’s available at Calidora Skin Clinics. Here’s the link: http://calidoragd.com/chill/
They also made recommendations for me on the types of treatment that will improve my trouble spots, which were brown spots and texture. For brown spots, they recommended IPL. For texture, they recommended laser resurfacing. Maybe when I have more money I’ll look into these services!
off the topic but your eye makeup looks fab! what colors did you use?
The Japanese usually do really good whitening products, I think the Kose is pretty good, they have several lines in the brand ranging from lower to higher price points, let us know which one you choose love to hear about it
Hi! I suggest to use Obagi Nu derm system (which is what I’m using now). It’s a little pricey but definitely worth it! You have great skin so I doubt you have to purchase the whole system unlike myself… You do have to see a Dermatologist first as some of the products in the system is Rx only.
NOTE: I did the whole Visia thing first and that’s when my Dermatologist recommended Obagi. Hope this helps 🙂
obagi blender with tretinoin or obagi clear. They work really fast and effective but you need to switch to a botanical based product after about 3-6 months I believe to maintain and use a high spf to maintain.