[imagesource:instagram/kimkardashian]

Some of the most beloved treatments and products in the skincare game can sound a bit scary at first. Fair enough.

From ‘peeling like a snake’ post-chemical peel and facials that use your own blood, these treatments may initially sound like the start of a skincare horror story. In light of these misconceptions, the aesthetic professionals at Skin Renewal are keen to put your skin scaries to bed – for good, not under the bed to haunt you later, promise.

Here’s all you need to know about ‘scary’ skincare trends and classics that you really shouldn’t be afraid of.

The ‘vampire facial’ is fab, not freaky

Kim Kardashian did it, and for good reason – the results aren’t freaky at all, they’re actually pretty darn fabulous.

A vampire facial combines elastin-boosting and collagen-promoting micro-needling with the topical application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein produced from your blood, which contains a large concentration of growth factors – treating all sorts of skin issues while helping tissue to heal and repair.

Here’s how it works, step-by-step:

1. After the initial blood draw, which is not pain-free but not painful, your blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells.
2. Before the micro-needling part of the treatment starts, a topical numbing cream is applied to the face, so you don’t have to worry about the needling being painful.
3. Once the numbing cream has done its job, the micro-needling commences and, once that’s done, the PRP is rubbed on the skin where it remains for the rest of the day to optimise your results.

For a few days after the treatment, your skin may feel a bit dry, red and sensitive, similar to a light sunburn. Then you’ll feel the benefits of a vampire facial, which include boosted cell turnover, improved skin tone and texture, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and signs of ageing. If you’ve suffered from acne and have scarring or damage courtesy of being in the sun without wearing SPF, this treatment is well worth considering. I mean, if it’s good enough for a Kardashian…

Retinol is for your dreams, not your screams

Retinol – a vitamin A derivative that combats everything from fine lines and uneven skin texture to acne and hyperpigmentation – is a much-talked-about ingredient that can seem intimidating if you’ve heard the horror stories responsible for its ‘frightening’ reputation.

Sure, the side effects of (mis)using the more potent versions of this ingredient (for example, Retin-A) can include excessive flaking, extreme dryness and red-faced irritation but retinol itself is available in gentle versions, too, with many options being specifically formulated for retinol newbies. From natural retinol alternatives to encapsulated retinol, which bypasses irritation and flaking by delivering the active ingredient below the skin’s surface, Retinol is the stuff of sweet dreams, not nightmares, when used correctly as directed by your medically-trained therapist.

There’s no need to be afraid of acids

Truth is, exfoliating acids – think AHAs and BHAs – are among the most effective skincare ingredients to incorporate into your skincare routine if you want to brighten your complexion, fade dark spots, reduce the appearance of scars, unclog pores, and treat acne.

You see, exfoliating acids originate from very un-scary sources like fruits, sugarcane, and willow bark. In other words, they’re safe. Sure, you may experience a slight tingling sensation when you first start using them, but that sensitivity will decrease as your skin gets used to the acids, building up a tolerance as your skin’s barrier gets stronger.

Be open to deal with peels

The point of a chemical peel is to dissolve the damaged upper layers of the skin, revealing a fresh complexion underneath. Most facial peels consist of the exfoliating acids we mentioned above. The stronger ones should definitely be applied by a pro but several DIY peels are safe to be used at home.

Contrary to the horror stories you may have heard or seen (for example, Samantha Jones’s post-peel aftermath in that one Sex and the City episode), a gentler, ‘no downtime’ peel won’t leave you with noticeable ‘peeling’. You may experience some sensitivity during the treatment or some redness afterwards for a couple of hours, but that’s the worst of it. If you do opt for one of the stronger chemical peels, it’s best to do this type of treatment in Winter when you have a few days that you can go without makeup and stay indoors. Let’s just say that you’re not going to want to have a big event or a TV interview lined up the day afterwards but, with some considered planning, the pros of ‘peeling like snake’ for a few days will far outweigh the cons.

If you’re still unsure, talk to the aesthetic experts over at Skin Renewal who are more than happy and willing to give you all the advice you need when it comes to how to treat your skin, nightmares excluded.