My Skin Journey with Aesthetics 360°

My Skin Journey

I want to begin this blog post by saying it is very out of my element. I was very hesitant to do it, but with some friends encouragement, here I am ready to share the nitty-gritty with the world! I figured if you were going to believe anyone’s experience, it would be a normal person like myself, not a beauty blogger.

Some background information to start this skin journey blog post. I have struggled with my skin since my first pimple, which I got in 4th grade. Blame genetics, right? I tried everything but Accutane (only because my parents wouldn’t let me do it) and didn’t see results. I had pimples, blackheads, cystic blemishes. You name it; it was on my face. I have dealt with scarring, pockmarks, and enlarged pores for almost 20 years and didn’t think I had any options to improve my skin. I honestly did not know that I could improve my skin and finally get rid of the scars I have lived so long with. 

I had a friend tell me, “your personality is so bright and confident, I wish you felt the same way with your skin,” and that gave me the encouragement to document this journey with you all. I understand I am in the beginning stages and this will be an ongoing journey but, boy, have I been happy with the results so far!

What drew me to partner with Aesthetics 360°?

Charlotte, the owner, has a positive and bright personality that is so easy to get along with. She told me her vision for the medical spa and Aesthetics 360° Face & Body Center is precisely that. Modern, clean and inviting. She wanted everyone to feel welcome, including men, women, and millennials. The beautiful interior of the spa isn’t gender-specific and offers a crisp, clean look that’s inviting to all. Charlotte has worked in the beauty industry for over 20 years and wanted to provide a comfortable and educational establishment. Their approach at Aesthetics 360° is to educate while improving their customer’s overall skincare. 

Aesthetics 360° is located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for the Third Ward since high school. My sophomore year of high school, when I was on spring break, I called home to check-in, and my parents told me that my childhood home would be put up for sale. They said we were moving to downtown Milwaukee. I had no idea what that meant, but I was grandfathered into my school, so I didn’t have to transfer. I had a bigger room and a larger closet, which helped me become accepting of the move. I lived in the Third Ward for over five years, and now I miss it!

How it began…

My skin journey started with a consultation at Aesthetics° 360 Face & Body Center in May of 2018. I went into the medical spa a bit nervous because; 1. I had to show up with no makeup and 2. I didn’t know what was in store. I was greeted by Charlotte, the owner, and immediately felt calmer. I had my consultation with Angela, who is a Master Clinical Aesthetician and has been practicing for over 15 years. She told me I had beautiful skin and that there was NOTHING to be embarrassed about. I felt as ease with her warm personality. She also has amazing skin, so I knew I could trust her. 

As Angela and I discussed my skincare routine – or should I say lack thereof – I didn’t feel rushed or judged for my lack of knowledge. I was able to ask all the questions I had about the trending beauty routines and was not scolded for not doing “incorrect” things for years and years.

What I loved about Aesthetics 360° Face & Body Center is that it has the fun spa feel, but they get down to business. Each consultation is in-depth and breaks down what will be best for your skin and lifestyle. They are educated in all aspects of non-surgical medical aesthetics and use on top-of-the-line equipment. Before any procedures or treatments, my face was scanned through their VISIA skin analysis. This provides you with an overview of skin concerns including sunspots, wrinkles, pore size, and more. It also gives you a ‘skin age.’ Mine, at the beginning, was three years older than my actual age. You’ll have to check my latest Instagram post to see the full video progress and also watch my ‘beauty’ highlight. 

Microneedling

So, first of all, what’s microneedling? It’s a controlled procedure that creates micro-injuries to stimulate a natural wound-healing process while minimizing cellular damage. It’s basically remodeling my scar tissue while correcting my overall skin texture to improve my years of acne scarring. Aesthetics 360° uses the SkinPen which is the first microneedling device in the world to be cleared by the FDA. Microneedling can be used preventatively to even skin tone and can be used for much more than just scarring.

For my first treatment, I was nervous but SO excited. I heard it was painful… And I’m the biggest wimp in the world. After removing my makeup, they started by applying a topical numbing cream to my entire face. After sitting with that on for 20 minutes, it was time to get started! Pleasantly surprised, no pain. The worst part (if you could even call it that) was the tickling sensation when she went over my nose.

Afterward, I went home, parked myself on the couch, and was set for the night. The pain was similar to that of a sunburn, but luckily, they provided a calming gel to apply if I experienced any discomfort.

Next day: My face was very red but not as painful. I continued to use the calming gel Angela provided to soothe the skin. I took the day off work but would have easily put on lighter makeup and continued as normal.

Day two & three: My face started to peel. It didn’t look too good peeling under my makeup but nothing unbearable.

Day four & five. A bit more flaking but I was able to exfoliate, so I felt a lot better. I could definitely see a visible difference in the scarring and so could my coworkers who commented!

Within two weeks I saw a large difference: less redness, smaller pores, and confidence in my skin I never had. My skin felt so soft and regenerated! My makeup went on easier, and my overall skin tone was better. 

The follow-up treatments were more uncomfortable than the first time. But, keep in mind, my skin was now more sensitive. It hurt a bit on the forehead, but it wasn’t overly painful.

What’s really interesting and exciting about microneedling is that your skin continues to get better and better. The best results can be seen about three months after your first treatment. 

SaltFacial

In addition to the microneedling sessions, Angela and Charlotte thought the SaltFacial would be a great addition to my skincare regiment. The SaltFacial is a one-of-a-kind 3-step treatment designed to restore, replenish and rejuvenate all skin types. The salt is used to exfoliate and is antibacterial so it’s great for acne-prone skin. After the exfoliation, an LED light is used to build collagen and rejuvenate the skin.

What makes the SaltFacial even more desirable is that Aesthetics 360° is the only medical spa in the Milwaukee area that provides this treatment! It was so relaxing – it felt like I could have been on a beach. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Photos by Colleen Kubiak Photography

The Results

So, I know you are all waiting for this…my before and after photos!

What this whole process has given me, other than better skin, was confidence. After a few treatments, I was able to walk to my car after the microneedling session – all red-faced and crazy looking – and feel fine. On the weekends, I now grab my coffee makeup-free and don’t feel like people are staring at me. I’ve even gone on my Instagram stories with minimal makeup. My friends, husband, and even acquaintances have told me they see a huge difference in my overall skin tone and scarring.

I recommend scheduling a free consultation with Aesthetics 360° . You literally have nothing to lose. If you’d like more information, please contact them. You can also watch my Instagram stories from throughout the journey under the ‘beauty’ highlight. 

Bonus: If you mention me or my blog, you’ll receive a complimentary medical-grade skincare product for home use valued at $130 with any microneedling package purchased through August 31st!

As you can see, my redness has really reduced and my scarring has definitely decreased. My skin age went down THREE YEARS, you guys! I stay out of the sun, but my sun spots and every other aspect went down in percentage.

• 

• 

• 

• 

This blog post was sponsored by Aesthetics 360° Face & Body Center. I could not be more thankful for the treatments that were provided and all of my opinions are honest.