All Natural Tattoo Care

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to switch gears a little bit and talk about Tattoo care. Anyone who has met me or knows me personally knows that I'm a big fan of some ink. I get tattoo's to commemorate changes and successes in my life, or to artistically brand values on myself. I have a couple on my arms, my back, etc. I actually very briefly studied to be a Body Piercer (I was still in highschool) but quickly veered off that path. Regardless, the point of all this is that I like tattoos, and as an Esthetician have been slightly concerned with the recommended treatment options provided as aftercare solutions by most brands and companies out there.

I recently got a new tattoo of a shamrock on my right wrist, with the Kanji for Lucky in the middle of it. All but 2 of my tattoos have been done by an awesome artist named Steve at Witch City Ink in Salem, MA. This is a picture of the tattoo the day I got it done.

Now typical protocol for after care, which will vary depending who you ask, involves the following basic idea:

Wash gently 2-3x daily with a mild soap (some will say anti-bacterial soap, but we will get into that in a bit) and pat dry. Apply something like A&D Ointment, Aquaphor, or Bacitracin for the first 3 days as needed, and then start using a gentle, fragrance free moisturizer for sensitive skin. There is A LOT of gray area here. There are also brands that formulate tattoo care, just like skin care bundles, that brag they are superior to the recommended drug store treatments. Let's take a look at the products mentioned, and the alternative options available.

First, let's start with Washing your Tattoo

Most places recommend a gentle soap to cleanse your tattoo. I highly recommend not using something like Dial Antibacterial or regular hand soap. It's too rough, too drying, and strips both bad and good bacteria from the skin, as well as taking away vital oils from the skin. In my experience, the result of most of these traditional soaps is a rough, scaly tattoo that looses a lot of pigment due to stressing the healing process. When picking a cleanser for your tattoo, avoid fragrances, harsh disinfectants, sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate, per example) or ingredients that you just generally aren't sure how to pronounce. I highly recommend shopping for your cleansers in the natural care section of your grocery store, or at Whole foods.

Dove soap is an o.k. option (probably the best of well known and easily accessible cleansing products), a lot of people recommend Dr. Brommer's Castile Soap, but in my opinion, a balancing act between the Face & Body Bar and Sensitive Cleanser Rx, is the best option I've found for cleaning a fresh tattoo (or body piercing!) ever. Here's why-

The Face & Body Bar cleans very effectively, and will help removed any dried blood or oozing that a fresh tattoo will have. It is also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, but promotes these actions gemtly. I generally use the Face & Body Bar for the first few days, as it removes any residues or films the tattoo may encounter. But the skin has just been stabbed a couple thousand times with needles! The skin is very sensitive and will very easily dry out, so after the first few days limit use of the Face & Body bar (or whatever other foaming soap you may choose) to once a day.

The Sensitive Cleanser Rx, is ESSENTIAL for me personally after the 4th or 5th day of the tattoo. The tattoo starts to take on a dry snake skin appearance and sheds at least one layer of skin. The Sensitive Cleanser Rx will clean it, without creating additional dryness. My current tattoo pictured above is currently enjoying only being washed twice a day with Sensitive Cleanser. I will continue doing this for the next week or so, until I think the skin is ready to be treated as normal.

The next step is Treating and Moisturizing your Tattoo

Here's where it gets tricky. The most commonly recommended after care products are Bacitracin, Aquaphor, A&D Ointment or/in conjunction with a fragrance free moisturizer. I personally don't feel great about any of the options recommended, and here's why:

Bacitracin
Active Ingredients: (each gram contains): Bacitracin (500 units) (Antibiotic)
Inactive Ingredients: Light Mineral Oil, White Petrolatum

So basically, it's a drug mixed with mineral oil and petrolatum as the vehicle. Firstly, Bacitracin is a very common allergen. It was actually voted as Allergen of the Year back in 2003, and my mom actually is allergic to this ingredient. She got a tattoo when I was a kid and had to get an anti-histamine injection to take down the swelling caused by the tattoo artists recommendation to apply bacitracin. But what I'm MORE concerned about,which is more applicable when allergy isn't a concern, is the application of mineral oil or petrolatum to the skin. These oils are cheap, dirty in the literal sense, and cause damage to the skin. When Mineral Oil and Petrolatum dry, they take moisture OUT of the skin with it. If you've ever heard of the "chapstick addiction", it's the same idea. The more you apply the petrolatum, the more you need too. It has a rich lubricating effect at first to relieve discomfort, and as it dries it worsens the problem, thus requiring you to continuously reapply the product to create comfort on the skin. Thus, and unhealthy addiction that damages the skin. And people recommend this applied to a freshly tattooed/traumatized skin? I just think it's a horrible idea.

Aquaphor
Active Ingredients: Petrolatum
Inactive Ingredients: Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Bisabolol

So we already know that this product also contains mineral oil and petrolatum, which in my opinion make it a deal breaker. It also contains the be vitamin panthenol, lanolin alcohol (lanolin is produced from sheep, so this is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans) and towards the end, the only seemingly decent ingredient, glycerin. Essentially, a slew of dehydrating ingredients of a lesser quality, mixed with a little glycerin so they claim of "moisturizing" can actually be made. I personally think this is another one that should be left on the shelf, but I am told its the most frequently recommended tattoo and eczema care product. Years ago I tried this for the treatment of eczema and it seemed to actually help at first, and after about 2 days of use I could tell that it really made it worse.

A&D Ointment
Active Ingredients: Contains: Petrolatum (53.4% - Skin Protectant), Lanolin (15.5% - Skin Protectant)
Inactive Ingredients: Cod Liver Oil (contains Vitamin A & Vitamin D), Fragrance (Parfum), Light Mineral Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Beeswax (Apis Mellifera)

So I said above when reviewing Aquaphor that it is the most commonly recommended after care, at least at first. That conclusion was actually drawn from online research and tattoo forums, because it's been my own personal experience that A&D Ointment has been what I've always been recommended. So, firstly, our enemy petroleum is back, and further down the list there's the mineral oil. Now we have the A & D Vitamins sourced from Cod Liver Oil, which is a nice idea in theory, however there are two possible problems. Problem A, is that the cod liver oil is refined to the point that the traces of A & D that were present at the time it was evaluated are far removed, or the product is under refined making is essentially "dirty." Lanolin (which we saw Lanolin Alcohol present in the Aquaphor) is a natural wax coating on sheep wool and is removed by boiling the wool and collecting the wax, and is a potential allergen in many people. Then, it has added FRAGRANCE which is a big no-no for a fresh tattoo. I have a friend who has both his arms covered in tattoos, and his tattoos look good to be honest, and he swears by this stuff - however, I've spent a day with him after he had just gotten a new tattoo and he reapplied the A&D Ointment more times than I could count - because it only makes the skin temporarily comfortable, and then it dries and the skin cries out for more.


I've also used Ointment Rx by 302 on a tattoo, and while it's ingredients are safe and don't cause contraindication, it also doesn't provide the amount of lubrication that is sometimes necessary with a new tattoo. I like using 302 Ointment on a new tattoo from time to time, when I don't feel it requires such deep moisture. It protects it, and takes down any swelling or redness. However, it may not be enough on it's own. This is great to use after the first peeling of the tattoo is completed, as fresh skin is available that is sensitive but not necessarily in need of deep lubrication in terms of comfort. Only through trial and error did I establish that the Ointment Rx by 302 was a good part of healthy tattoo care, but not really enough on its own.

Displeased with the frequently referred too, or most easily obtainable, products for tattoo care, I went on a search. I found two major brands that specialize in tattoo care, and a third option that is my true favorite for tattoo care.

Blue Green Cleansing Foam Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride, Purified Water, Poloamer 188, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice, Disodium EDTA, Salt.

Ocean Care Ingredients:Deionized/Reverse Osmosis Purified Water, Stearic Acid (coconut), Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin (vegetable), Dimethicone (silica), Jojoba oil, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rose Hip Seed Oil, , PEG 8 Sterate, , Cetyl alcohol, Aloe Vera Gel, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Allantoin, Sea Salt, Sclerotium Gum.

Ocean Foam Ingredients: Purified Water, Propellant, Dimethicone, Glycerine, Stearic Acid, Coconut Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, Triethanolamine(tea), Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Allantoin, Sea Kelp, Methyl Paraben, Sea Salt, Lysozyme, Propyl Paraben,

The Brand H2Ocean creates a three step skincare program (kind of like Clinique, which I wouldn't recommend either) for tattoo Aftercare. It brings together a Cleanser, Moisturizer, and Protectant to be used as system. Well I tried it, and it was unfortunately the worst of things I've tried. When you research these products online, they omit the presence of Benzalkonium chloride as the active ingredient in the Foam Cleanser, which can be very drying. I felt slightly played that the companies website didn't list the presence of the b. chloride, and had to find it on the back of the box after purchase. I also found the foam cleanser stung, and didn't effectively remove discharge from the tattoo. The moisturizer, despite being petroleum free and having contained some decent ingredients, was over-run with fillers and unnecessary preservatives. It's not formulated horribly though, and is in fact better a lot of the typical body lotions you'll find, But I didn't find it lived up to its claims of soothing or even effective. I personally preferred using Recovery Plus Intensive with the treatment of a prior tattoo, and the formulation and purity of ingredients is far more trustworthy. Bringing up the rear is the Ocean Foam, which is a foam used to create a barrier and "protect & lock in color." In addition to the stinging effect, its primarily fillers and stabilizers with a lot of silicones and some o.k. stuff rounding up the bottom of the ingredient list. All and all, I was disappointed with this line-up. I even suspect it as a culprit in some lost color in one of my tattoos. However,

To go on an offshoot for a moment, their piercing after care spray is the real gem of a product. The sea salt piercing spray is great for any body piercing aftercare, or even for basic ear piercings. If helps with infection, irritation, redness, discharge - most issues found in any piercing. Even if you just get some scaly patches on your ears when you wear jewelry made of cheaper metals, it will help relieve it. Unfortunately the tattoo care is not as effective as the piercing care in my opinion. Now back to tattoo care:

Next, Tattoo Goo

Tattoo Goo IngredientsL Olive Oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Germ oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavender Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rosemary Extract,, D&C Green 6

Now I almost wish I had tried this one instead; Much better line up of ingredients, all natural oils to lubricate and help with healing of the skin. Vitamin E is in their and beeswax to provide a lightly occlusive effect. Unfortunately, dye was added in which is unecessary in my opinion. It also contains wheat germ oil, which contains gluten, which I am allergic too. Thus, not a good choice for me personally, however if wheat gluten isn't a concern than I'd give this one a thumbs up. I'm not psyched about the dye, but it's nowhere near as big a concern as petroleum, parabens or sulfates in my opinion. I have heard reviews that this product is rather thick and sticky, but I'm passing my judgment based on research, as I haven't actually tried/felt this one on myself.

I tried Jojoba oil as well, but it didn't really help nor hurt. It's "dry" for an oil, but because jojoba mimics the skin's own sebum I gave it a shot.

Inspired by research, trial and error, and really gaining an idea as the needs (in terms of comfort and healing) of a fresh tattoo, I finally found something I was really happy with. And ofcourse, I found it at Wholefoods.

Avalon Organics Baby Protective A, D & E Ointment:
Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil , Organic Coconut Oil , Tribehenin (Canola Oil) , Hydrogenated Castor Oil , Organic Flower Extracts (Certified by Quality Assurance International) , (Calendula , Calendula , Chamomile , Chamomile) , Organic Seed Oils (Certified by Quality Assurance International) , (Safflower , Safflower , Sunflower , Sunflower , Jojoba , Jojoba) , Organic Olive Fruit Oil , Vitamin E , Vitamin A , Vitamin D

This product has the slip, comfort and lubrication that a freshly tattooed person will desire, without the petroleum, lanolin, alcohol, or fillers, parabens, fragrance, sulfates, and all the other no-no's. It's an organic products formulated for babies, with a nice rich blend of oils and flower extracts, and Vitamins A, D, & E. Unlike A&D Ointment, it doesn't need to be frequently applied. One light layer does last a few hours providing comfort, protection and moisture. This was the winning Ointment, in my opinion. It feels the nicest of what I've tried, as well. I know 302 Skincare advises against the mixing of vitamins topically and with continued use it will create receptor fatigue, but this product is only being used on a fresh tattoo for the first week or two. Then you could return to your normal moisturizer, or in my case 302 Body & Scalp Drops.

So, just to summarize my personal tattoo regime:

Initially, allow the tattoo to stay covered for a few hours after first receiving it. Depending on the size and place the tattoo artist may give you a different time line, but after I remove the covering I let it breathe for a little bit before I gently wash it with 302 Face & Body Bar and then apply a very light layer of the Avalon Organics Protective Ointment wit a gentle touch. This is generally continued for 3+ days, washing morning and night with the bar and applying the Avalon Organics Protective Ointment as needed with clean dry hands.

After the 3rd or fourth day, the tattoo will naturally start to loose some skin and get flaky. If over dried, it will have a leathery appearance (this is minimized with the protective ointment). I find it can also be a little tender at this point, so backing off on the bar and using the Sensitive Cleanser or Sensitive Cleanser Rx is very helpful.

After the first week it, it can really depend on your skins needs. Once the first layer of skin is all peeled, and you have fresh skin showing (it has a shiny new skin texture and look) I try to switch to Ointment Rx, just to keep is protected and provide light moisture. Sometimes I dance between the 302 Ointment Rx and the Avalon Organics Protective Ointment, as sometimes you want extra moisture/lubrication. Sometimes, if I just want a happy medium between the Rich Protective Ointment and the lighter 302 Ointment Rx, I will just use 302's Recovery Plus or Recovery Plus Intensive. This is a great lightweight moisturizer that doesn't sting, and will provide some moisture, without the occlusion of the ointments. The idea is to wean the skin off the thicker ointment and replacement with a normal moisturizer.

Once the texture of the tattoo is closer to that of normal skin (basically when the texture of the tattoo becomes more like the texture of the skin around it) I only use Recovery Plus or Ointment for a few more days, and then generally stop noticing that area of skin needing individual attention, and it gets washed with the Bar daily and massaged with 302 Body & Scalp Drops periodically, like the rest of me.

So I hope some of you found that interesting, as I know this probably isn't an expected post. In lieu of the new tattoo, and the much larger and more elaborate tattoo I'm getting next Sunday (super excited, getting it the day after my birthday, as a gift from my soul mate. thanks Jim!), I found it appropriate to look at tattoo care from a Esthetic, Holistic, and health conscious point of view. I hope any of you getting tattoo's in the future can put my experiences and research to good use. Please feel free to post any comments or questions, and I will answer them.

Wishing you Great Skin (and a happily healed tattoo!),
Danny Vanity

(EDITED TO ADD: Just for the sake of being safe, I'd like to make it known that I am an Esthetician, a Make-up Artist, and a Health Counselor in Training, NOT a Tattoo Artist or a Doctor. Please take that into consideration.)

Q&A with Richard Huber

Hi everyone!

Here it is, the typed copy of my Q&A with Richard Huber. Enjoy, and feel free to post your feedback!

1. Does fluorescent/halogen lighting worsen melasma/hyperpigmentaton?

"It's a definite maybe"
Only with a lot of exposure (like a years worth), But darkening in pigmentation would be the least of your concerns. That much exposure would create lesions on the DNA that could be fairly major; Wrinkling or aggravating skin cancers or auto immune function.
In practical situations the worse that would happen would be damage from the heat not necessarily the light. Fluorescent lighting doesn't do a lot.

2. In terms of melasma or uneven patches, can one use the 302 self-tanner gel to darken lighter (normal) skin coloration to better match the hyperpigmented areas?

Too artistic, and too much room for migration of product that would result in less than the desired effect. This client would be Better off with a professional permanent makeup artist, who is used to blending vitiligo or other discolorations.

3. When/will a 302 shampoo and lash serum will be developed?

He's "Studiously stayed away from hair care and makeup," focusing on skin and pharmaceuticals. He wants to focus on one subject matter for 302 as to not get side tracked or end up as the jack of all trades but master of none.

4. When will your book will come out? (the one he's talked about for 3 years now)

It didn't sound like a book was coming. Possibly A documentary following 302, and possibly a write up. He's Waiting to see some activity that's really worth talking about. More likely collaborations, in which he asked the collaborators be kept anonymous. Possible word of neurological applications for studies.

5. What is the longest timeframe that anybody has used 302 continuously (that you are aware of)?

7 years, as far as he is aware. Client is about 50, was a sun worshiper, and she "looks really good." She uses less and less the longer she uses it. "Less is more the longer you use it"

6. Are their any new products we can be looking forward to down the line?

Aside from the pharmaceuticals, based on the feedback from us Esthy's they are expanding the Rx line based on essential oil and gluten intolerant customers (I was excited about this, being I'm gluten intolerant). Something for gum tissue is in the works. He joked about "avodent". A current focus is radically expanding the supply based on demand. 302 is Being used as a pre and post laser treatment by a lot of Dermatologists who are throwing Obagi out the window.

7. What are your thoughts for 302 and Galvanic current? Obviously galvanic requires water based serums, but would it effectively get the Avogen to where it needs to be in then skin?

He's seen a lot of successful use of Galvanic for face lifting & toning. He said he's seen dramatic results with Galvanic at high outputs/voltage. We didn't think my Galvanic unit had that high of an out put for the dramatic lifting effect, but he did say it would heat the skin and penetrate the 302. Basically, getting the skin to heat to 115-120 degrees is the main point

8. What are your thoughts on Dermarolling or Needling scar tissue?

He was In favor of it, but you need to pick your targets correctly. Depth, is important. Not for anyone sensitized or with medication issues.

For Scarring, texture, cross linked texture, after the skin is softened with 302, at a frequency of once a month, starting at a shallow depth. Thought it could be very dangerous for consumer use, due to bad judgement and lack of training. Not good for people with crepe paper thin skin.

Recommended only 302 compound when rolling, not A or C. It's about cellular metabolism more so than collagen. He said there is All this talk about collagen, when washing your face alone starts collagen. Sustainable protein production is the desired goal. Rolling can increase collagen or protein production but it's not sustainable or "real". It's a defensive shield, or an effect brought on by localized trauma. He was very adamant about people using rollers under supervision, as a latter resort, and not after the recent action of any peels, or other treatments such as lasers.

9. Do you think needling has any place as an anti-aging treatment?

"About just as much as a slap." we both laughed about that comment for a good 10 minutes. He went on to saying that it does create collagen production, and recommended it more for scarring. He said most trauma to the skin will increase collagen production, as a healing response.

10. What kind of supplements, if any, would you recommend as part of an anti-aging regimen to be partnered with 302?

The new 302 pharmaceutical supplement will be an excellent aid for scarring, even at low dosages. There were a lot of other antioxidant and skin benefits (as well as possible anti-cancer benefits) however to easier get it into the hands of the consumer they will only be claiming it helps with scarring. The Projected date is June.
Orally as a supplement vs topically in Skincare it takes so much less of the Avogen. He said even 50mg of the supplement form brings on great results.
Drops & serum have a 3% concentration of the avogen.

He did add in that many factors, immune system, etc., Play a role in the results seen.
With Woman, B vitamins are a big issue in Skincare. A lot of Woman taking too many supplements are causing more harm than necessary. The B vitamins can be used as an aging component, but she should try them individually for about 3 days at the RDA and see if there is any mood change as they take them. Irritability or mood change would indicate a certain toxic response. B vitamins have the potential to do very well, or very poor.
Big fan of Wheat grass tablets. (he didn't ellaborate, because I went off on a tangent about chlorophyll and green smoothies, which he seemed to enjoy)
He also spoke of Melatonin (in small doses) to knock down skin inflammation.

11. By what kind of process is the avogen extracted? Heat extraction, cold processing?

The fruit is held at temperature for sustained periods of time. This results in persin, which is poisonous to hoofed animals and acid based stomach systems. The persin molecule creates the avogen. Next is getting it into the oil phase. Avocado oil in of itself is toxic to the skin. If you do it in a certain way it will have a fluorescent quality. Then there is a Partition/separation process to eliminate junk, such as waxes in the products. Then you Purify out the triglycerides. Eventually you end up with an 80% pure product, and then For pharmaceutical benefits it must be brought up to 99-98% pure.

12. In using 302, what is the most effective way to regenerate the eye area?

Cook them with ultrasound on continuous mode. "The receptor population is just crap." go heavy with the ultrasound probe at about 2mhz. The next day eyes may be watery or swollen from product migration. The eye area has So little activity, it takes a lot to stimulate change. He spoke of only using 302 drops or Rx drops.

13. How would you recommend incorporating 302 in the treatment of stretch marks?

For Raised stretch marks, most commonly found around the breast, he finds they respond to ultrasound, with 302 Drops, and thenstandard stuff. (A boost to help with blood flow and what not)

For Crepey ones (often appear as shallow silvery tears, and excess skin) is the actual tear - some people use Needling and high heat, but hasn't seen to much improvement. Ultrasound or Needling can work, but he recommends ultrasound first, then turn to Needling. He said even A boost once a week on stretch marks can help make a difference.

Supplemental 302 paired with topical micro current is the next generation of softening and minimizing these kinds of stretch marks. Calming Mist, C boost, or ointment isn't really going to help this. All in all he thinks you'd see more than with ultrasound, and related stretch marks to the treatment of Ice pick scars.

14. What are your thoughts on disincrustation solutions?

MMoisture drops can be used as disincrustation solution, as can moisture drops Rx, and they will successfully soften oil plugs in then skin pre extractions. One could apply the moisture drops as a wash off for 5-10 minutes, and then continue with Ultrasonic exfoliation with a cleanser as your medium for great cleansing results, but it depends on the condition of the skin.

And then the following are random notes and observations I made while talking with Richard.


He was suggesting that for makeup, or any texture on the skin you could use Ointment as "primer." My boyfriend was discussing New York Fashion Week, and how the models have to remove there makeup and have a new makeup applied multiple times daily. Jim (my boyfriend) described this irritated scaley rash a lot of models develop around the eye area, and Richard said ointment would help better than a silicone under eye primer. Ointment has been added to both our makeup kits.

Also, we discussed the 302 Body & Scalp drops, which are my personal ultimate solution for dry patches, eczema, and keratosis pilaris. I use them as a leave on application about 2-3x a week after showering on damp skin. He recommended using them lightly as a pre-shaving oil. Apply the boy and scalp drops (even for men's facial shaving) and then apply shaving creme or even face and body bar foam (which is what I shave with) and shave away with good results. Takes down inflammation and ingrown hairs.

And there you have it. I hope you all find this information as exciting as I did. Richard and I spoke at length about a collaboration for the future, and I will keep you posted as it unfolds.

Stay tuned!


Wishing you great skin,
Danny Vanity

What an experience!

Hi lovelies!

At 4pm today (due to schedule changes) Richard Huber arrived at my humble residence in Massachusetts, and he and I talked shop until about 7pm. The man is a wealth of knowledge, and I was sure to get lots and lots of information from him about the future of 302, new products, and answers to all our questions. He's a very funny, down to earth guy, very humble, and very interested in my input and our questions. He also enjoyed our animals, which I was happy with (when you walk into a house with 3 dogs and 3 cats, and you respond positively, it takes a lot off our shoulder). It was a fantastic experience!

I have about 2 pages of typed shorthand I need to decipher and organize and make readable for everyone. I should have it done in a day or so so be on the look out for it. It's REALLY exciting stuff, so I'm excited to put it out there for you all.

Random spoiler, to keep you interested, 302 is launching an oral supplement. What for? You'll have to wait and read ;)

Wishing you great skin,
Danny Vanity

Dermastamp, round 2!

Hi Everyone,

So as promised, here is the documentation of my second run-in with my Dermastamp. To refresh everyone's memory, about 6 weeks ago I stamped each of my 3 raised scars with a 1.5 Dermastamp that I purchased from www.owndoc.com, and I took this picture at the 4 week mark to show how the scars appear smoother. Here are some pictures of the scars on the right side of my face, as the one on the left is very hard to see in photos.

You can also see that I look "tan" for a change, and to that I owe a Thank you to 302's self tanner. In the more recent pictures you'll see I haven't reapplied, and I have returned to my former ghastly-white self ;) I will not be self tanning at any point that I plan on photographing progress anymore though, as it did help the scar blend into my skin tone a little bit more, which is great for me but but for documenting progress on this blog. ;)

This is an up close of the largest scar at the 4 week mark. This scar has lost some height since the initial stamping, and the border of the scar isn't at such an incline. I was happy about the progress with this scar, but I think we can make it smoother. I don't care as much about it's coloration, I just want it to be as flat as possible. You can see the hair growing through the center, which in case I didn't mention in the past, this scar is from a re-occuring breakout/ingrown hair that kept coming back over and over. It didn't stop coming to a head until I started using 302, and when it healed I had this scar, which I did expect.

This is the smaller scar at the 4 week mark, which is almost on my chin/jawline. This guy was born from me picking my skin, pre-302 or even before I got my Esthetics license. This one has softened slightly, but not as much as the larger scar at this time. You can see this one made more progress when photographed at the 6 week mark.

Right Side

If you look at the smaller scar in this picture, versus how it photographed at the 4 week mark, you can see the pigment of it seems softer.

Left Side

These were taken on 1.30.11, about 15 minutes before I stamped my skin for round two. I had just cleansed with the Bar and applied Calming Mist. Between the two pictures you can see all three scars, 6 weeks after the initial stamping.

Now, on this next picture I decide to be brave. I took a picture of my skin, immediately after using the stamp (15 stamps per scar) before I cleaned the area with a little Rubbing Alcohol (normally I would never apply Alcohol to the skin, but the stamp does cause bleeding and penetrate the dermis so sanitation is a must in my opinion). This does make the process look a bit barbaric, and painful. I would like to reiterate at this time two things. Firstly, I do not find the stamping procedure painful at all. Since I have not used a full face roller, I can't compare it to that. And Secondly, I am a trained professional. I am not advocating (nor discouraging) all you Do-It-Yourselfers from giving Needling or Dermarolling/Stamping a try:

My Partner was thoroughly freaked out by this one, and being as he is a model for my upcoming full face Rolling treatment (with a 1.0mm) he was not very happy to see this. However, I promised him I would allow him to feel the roller on his arm before I started using it on his face, just to help him make a decision as to whether this is a process he wants to try. Also, the small marks near and around the bottom scar are scratches from my puppy. :P

Here are the scars on the right, after the stamping and after being cleaned. You can see that pinpricks of blood (good thing! It means we hit dermis, baby!) are still seeping through around the scar. I got great pleasure out of the crackling noise when stamping the large scar. Dermastamping physically breaks up the scar tissue so the skin can regenerate and reform. Also, this is the picture where I told you I had lost my fake tan and reclaimed my ghastliness. As soon as the redness subsides from stamping I'll be spraying myself down with Self Tanner again.

And the last picture for today is the scar on the left side of my cheek, after being stamped. It's obviously a little red, but this one bled the absolute least of the three scars.

After stamping, yet again, I applied the triple threat combo of A-Boost, C-Boost, and High Potency 302 Drops. This is the only time I ever mix 302 actives, per professional recommendation.

And there you have it! 4-6 weeks from now I will re-post pictures of the scars along side the pictures taken immediately before this session, so we can compare them side by side. This way we can see the improvement from Stamp session 1 to stamp session 2. I decided not to stamp the faint lines on my forehead or between my brow, because I am focusing on Ultrasound to treat them. I feel given my age, I am not at the point where I am turning to Needling or Dermarolling for Anti-aging solutions, however I may in future years. As for now, my skin looks perfect after an Ultrasound Facial, and with consistent Ultrasound in between stamping it will not only help keep my skin youthful but accelerate the healing process and collagen remodeling of the scar tissue.

As a reminder, any questions you would like me to ask Richard Huber (The Father of 302 Skincare!) when he visits me this month need to get to me by February 17th. I'm meeting with him first thing on the 18th and want to have my interview questions all ironed out.

Thanks for reading, and as always:

Wishing you great skin,
Danny Vanity