Acne Journey #5 - All about skincare for Acne-prone skin

Just a #selfie to start the post :D Haven't been posting much but this post is specially dedicated to those who've asked what skincare I'm using.

As I've mentioned in my previous Acne Journey #4 post, I stopped using products from DRx and I did some adjusting to my regime.
Few weeks ago, I came across the skincare line of Paula Begoun (Paula's Choice) and immediately sold by the huge positive review for it. The star product for PC got to be the Exfoliating Liquid (More about that HERE)

Difference between AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

• AHA is water soluble while BHA is lipid oil soluble. Hence, BHA is more suitable for oily skin as it is able to penetrate in to the pores and exfoliate the skin cells inside it.
• BHA is more suitable for those who are suffering from blackheads and acne.
• AHA is best for sun damaged and dry skin.

The regime: 

Step 1: Kiehl's Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser - I'm using the second bottle now and I quite like it. It is oil free and contains salicylic acids. Though Salicylic Acid cleanser has never been much of a help to keep acne at bay 'cos they're water soluble cleanser which they get drained down the sink before it has any effect on your skin.


Step 2: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant - Love this! But... I tend to get flaky then I used it back to back without putting enough moisturizer.
                        

Step 3: Serums - I've a few serum on my list. My top few are Lancome Genifique, Lancome Visionnaire, Hada Labo, Ettusais Medicated Acne Skin Version Up, Clarify Facial Oil
I don't use all of them at once, in fact sometimes I dont even use serum. (LAZY!)

Step 4: Paula's  Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel - I was actually using Clinique Moisturizing Gel before switching to this, somehow I still prefer Clinique (more hydrating IMO).
   
Step 5: Ettusais acne whitening uv (oil block) - Bought my second bottle when I was in Japan 'cos it was dirt cheap.
It wasn't the best sunblock out there cos it only has SPF24.
I don't recommend it to anyone and I'm trying to finish it (and I always forgot to apply sunblock!! It's a must to apply now since I'm using BHA ): )  so that I can start using my favourite Kose sunblock.


That's about it I guess, anyway, what works for me might not for you as everyone's skin is different. I still do try out other products that can help with my skin condition but right now, that's what I'm using.

Feel free to drop me a comment on what you guys have been using that are good for acne prone skin!

xx

My Acne Journey with DRx #4

Into the 4th month with DRx, which obviously my worst month with them ever. I had one of the worst break out that scarred me. I was depressed, googling for the best treatment and came across Personal Microdermabrasion (PMD) which costed me USD 188 ++. Money flew out like no one business, which later I regretted the impulse buying 'cos my current skin condition is unable to do such treatment ):

1 September 2013 - It started off with 3 zits along my left jawline. 3 musketeers I called them. I thought they were harmless, however, they grew bigger and angrier by day. It was the worst kind of zit with no pus just inflamed.






15 September 2013 - Started  taking photos of my right profile and covered the left with my hair ):
I am not brave enough to face the world.




















24 September 2013 - Toward the end, more inflamed zits starting to show up, I've a total of 8 inflamed (yes, I counted them).




25 September 2013 - I went to look for Corlyn, the facial was hell I assure you. I had IPL for the 3rd time cos my face was really red and swollen. I look at myself in the mirror and run back to her asking for a mask to hide my face in. I left DRx with a heavy heart, come on, everyone must be judging me and thought I was crazy. Mask + geek specs = crazy (Typical stereotyping Singaporeans)

This was how my face look like in the middle of the night, too afraid to take a proper selfie 'cos I looked terrible. Even the low-resolution pictures are shocking enough.

Throughout the month of October (as my face slowly heals), I took a leap of faith and tried out other products as DRx is TOO bloody expensive for me to carry on.
Surprising, my skin is reacting well to it!! Thank God!!!
(well, except for clogged pores and 3 new zits came up 3 days ago)




28 September 2013 - Loving the first few days of recovery, my face was so smooth, clean, not bumpy at all.
I allowed myself to pile on some make up as I've to attend my friend's party

Scabbing at a few areas, what more can I ask?




My friends could not believe that I had a major breakout a few days before, until I show them the photos.
Words to describe would be "兰掉", "很惨".

I really like to encourage all the ladies out there who are suffering like me, do not give up on yourself.
You have the right to be depressed however, DO NOT remain in that state! Get your ass out there exercise, eat clean, drink more water and add more veggies to your meals!!
We do not have the fortune of having baby skin face, therefore we gotta work extra hard to achieve that!
Please do not be lazy, mask your face EVERYDAY! There is no such thing as "too much masking".
It's either you work hard..... or suffer! No pain no gain, ladies!
Good luck!

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by DRx ( I wish I am) and the above mentioned is solely from my POV. We all have different skin type and what works for me might not work for you (vice versa) (:

Feel free to drop me an email if you have any enquires about acne/ drx treatment, I'll try my best to help (:

My Acne Journey with DRx #3

Hey! I've made it to #3 of my Journey with DRx (fyi, that is - spending thousands of dollars there ): )
I guess I'm a tiny bit late in posting this 'cos my face was facing a huge breakout around end of August all the way till end of September. To be honest I was quite depressed back then, I thought my face was improving.
I was told that it was due to stress that caused all those angry zits to pop out, I thought it was the pills I ate and stop them after 1-2 weeks.

10 August 2013 - honestly, it came to a point where by I've no idea how to judge my skin, it didn't get any "better" not as in flawless kind of "better" I just want all the zits to stop popping out once a month ):
I still do have lots of bumps (which sadly, only can get rid off through extraction)




Lol, ignore my wet forehead lahhh. Anyway as you can see, inflamed zits ):


16 August 2013 - commercial break

17 August 2013 - I can't remember my FOTD products HAHAHA. (Oh lip stick from Elizabeth Arden 25 Pink Blush Sheer - the ah ma colour Lol)




21 August 2013 - went for my monthly facial with Corlyn. Did IPL for the 2nd time too.
Can't-live-without-it-now
(my after treatment face)




Corlyn recommended this pills 'cos she saw how oily my face is however it's not available over counter, have to consult Dr. David to prescribe me those.
I did not see any significant result in oil controlling though.


24 August 2013 - Getting ready for dinner at LeVeL 33 (awesome view up there!)
Anyway, some of you emailed me asking how long can you apply makeup after extraction, well that really depends on your skin's condition. I would recommend NOT wearing anything the next day to allow your face to rest and heal. I am able to apply light makeup (usually) after 3 days of resting.














And yes. Very proud of my lashes. I think the more I apply mascara, the longer they grow. Does it even make sense??


Wearing my first lipstick from NYX.


28 August 2013






31 August 2013 - ending off with a #nofilter photo, which was last pic of me having a "picture worthy" face before my breakout ):










Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by DRx ( I wish I am) and the above mentioned is solely from my POV. We all have different skin type and what works for me might not work for you (vice versa) (:

Feel free to drop me an email if you have any enquires about acne/ drx treatment, I'll try my best to help (: