Blog - Page 10 of 229 - Charlotta Eve

2023-04-24 Lifestyle

No title

Dear diary,

lately our baby monitor hasn’t caught much crying, yet it keeps catching the birds’ singing. I think I prefer it this way. I used to be so amazed at all the birds I could see at Arabianranta (where we used to live), but this new place in Vantaa beats it with other animals. Yesterday I saw a fox, two times. And on Saturday I saw two foxes. Deer are also an every day thing basically. Rabbits, squirrels – apparently our small natural brook also is the home to at least 8 frogs. I’m still not sure this is the home for us, but I’ve been liking it more and more. (So I guess at least my friends can stop worrying – I don’t hate the whole Vantaa anymore.)

Just being home feels lovely. I just went for two different trips, so for now I’m happy seeing my suitcase empty, on top of my wardrobe. I could just spend the summer at home, on our backyard, watching Eva eat rocks. So far we don’t have much plans so it might just be like that.

Girls trip to Vilnius

My first trip was to Vilnius, Lithuania, with five of my girl friends and it was so lovely. I didn’t mind the rain. It was so relaxing, worrying only about me. And I didn’t really – worry I mean. Drinking my coffee in actual peace each morning and having the best company around me (one who didn’t require diaper change or me feeding them) was simply the best. I also didn’t mind wine Charlotta, who might have taken some dance steps walking home from the restaurants.

And yes obviously, coming back home to my dear family was also lovely after getting to miss them a bit. (If you never go away you don’t have time for missing.) Besides, they were also living their best life here without me, not a single problem. I’m so lucky to be an equal parent, not the number 1 (even though Risto keeps saying that mom is the number 1).

Family trip to Cape Verde

After Vilnius I was at home for a few days, then we went to Africa! It sounds more exciting than it is, I promise you. Cape Verde was beautiful yes, but 5/5 of us caught covid. Me being first in high fever. Oh well, the joys of starting daycare (and catching all them flus). I wasn’t prepared to spend the holiday basically under blankets at the hotel room, though. But focusing on the good stuff, it was nice to spend time with Risto’s mom and niece, seeing some pretty trees and enjoying the beach, although for only short amount of time. Eva also loved the kids’ pool (the one day she got to experience it). The time difference also made it so that at home we got to sleep late for three days. Those were high luxury, let me tell you (too bad we also needed them for our jet lag so the enjoyment was also just a necessity). We’re back to waking up at six now.

I’m focusing on enjoying this moment and the upcoming summer, because life might look quite different next fall. If all goes well, I start studying. I’m realizing that all the days spent at home with Eva are gone quicker than I realize. You know, those days that seemed never ending. They were quite lovely too. As tiring as it is as a parent to constantly have someone’s back, I’ll never get tired of my daughter’s smile. I’m so lucky to have her. And I’m so lucky to have friends who I can travel with or just drink coffee on the floor. And to have a soulmate. Ah, I guess now that I’m writing, all the cliches are coming to me (because they are true, as my sister would say).

So all in all I guess the sun is shining, life feels like it has adventures for me again, and I’m having a good day.
And if we’re being totally honest here, I might have been having a little writer’s block. It’s been a while. And I just wanted to chat. Someone wise once told me to not worry too much and just start doing. Just start somewhere.

No title.

Just some words and feelings on digital paper. Light blue eyeliner and blue mascara. Dear diary, a horsefly bit me in the leg today on my run and I didn’t even notice. Instead I noticed the comics on the underpass and flowers blooming in the forest.

I guess I didn’t even realize it, but I was feeling a little worn out and grey. Worried and guilty for needing a little time, for putting Eva at daycare. Angry and sad for moving to such a different neighborhood. And tired, just tired.

This, a turn suddenly for the better, and not the least in my mind,

is very welcome. Thank you life.

2023-03-13 Skincare

Microneedling 101 – Building more collagen for my skin with Dermapen

Dermapen treatment gifted
by Kosmetologi Noora Kangasmaa

For the longest of time, I was against microneedling. Making tiny holes in the skin just seemed like a scary idea. But then again, there’s the saying: “no pain, no gain”. Before I get more muscle, my muscles hurt a bit after a workout. Before the beautiful glowy skin, my facial might sting a little bit.

Besides, now that I’ve actually read about the treatment and started to see some results myself, I’m turned. You can consider me a microneedling fan. Microneedling done by a professional is safe and really effective. And by now, you probably know I’m all about effective facials (though I do enjoy the traditional facial with a long massage too).

Skin Before Microneedling — My bare skin before microneedling.

The what and how – Microneedling in a nutshell

The idea behind microneedling is to help your skin to build more collagen. This is done by penetrating the skin with tiny needles. The sterile device makes tiny holes (also known as microchannels) to the skin and your skin reacts to that by repairing itself and that boosts the collagen production.

If you want a more in-depth explanation, I recommend reading this Dermapen article.

Dermapen microneedling is effective in treating different scars (such as from acne or stretch marks), pigmentation or wrinkles. Overall it results in healthier, more even-looking skin.

Microneedling dermapen — The Dermapen microneedling pen.

My skin personally has gone through a lot. I’ve dealt with acne and different medications, hormonal changes and just the fact that I live in Finland. I have acne scars, big pores and my skin tone could be smoother. So anything I can do to make my skin more even colored and textured – sign me up!

My experience with the Dermapen treatment

Dermapen treatment is one of the best and safest microneedling treatment there is. The device is pen shaped and makes the holes vertically, instead of a roll, which has more of a risk to hurt the skin. So the so called “trauma” to the skin is more controlled.

This is why Dermapen was my choice too. I’ve now had the treatment a few times and I’m in love.

The facial itself is quite quick, but so effective. It takes about an hour. Basically your skin is just cleansed, microneedled (hah, what a verb!) and masked. Before and during the microneedling, a serum chosen for your skintype, is used. The mask in the end soothes the skin and is very lovely.

Now – does microneedling hurt? Not really, in my opinion. I was very nervous the first time it was done, but Noora started the treatment very carefully and made sure I was okay. Turns out it just feels like some tingling or scratching on the face. It’s hard to describe it. To my surprise, it actually feels oddly satisfying. I even find it relaxing.

Afterwards my skin feels very tight and a bit hot. That’s where the soothing mask really helps. After that, after I leave the salon, I feel fine. Redness is normal, but in my case, it’s really quite mild. I can go on with my day without looking like a lobster. And at the end of the day basically all the redness is gone.

It’s normal a few days after the treatment for your skin to feel dry and peel off a bit. Your skin is renewing. It settles for in about a week. But again, in my opinion, this is nothing crazy either.

You can even wear makeup the next day after the treatment.

My skin after Dermapen

After now having the treatment three times, already I can see my skin looking better. It’s slightly more even, healthier looking and glowy. I can’t wait to share my full experience after being done with the series of the facials (we do it one more time to really battle some deep scarring I have). Before and after photos are coming!

I’m very excited to have found yet again another spectacular treatment that is an investment to my skin.
Truly! I’m telling you, you need to try microneedling.

A video of the treatment can be found here.

Using the code ‘Charlotta’, you’ll get your first microneedling treatment for 125€. Normal price is 150€, so quite a nice save. The discount is valid for the time being. Book your visit here. You’ll also find her on timma.

Have you tried Dermapen?

Search Site