Updated skincare routine!

I've been obsessing over Caroline Hirons recently... Not sure why didn't I start following her blog more religiously earlier, but it's better late than never. Pop over to her blog's side bar for cheat sheets on different skin conditions, and how to build up your routine!

Here's what I've been doing thus far, and my skin seems to be loving it :)
My morning routine is just a simplified version of my night time routine!

A.M.

Cleanse - Physiogel Cleanser, wipe off with clean flannel. Use something preferably non-foaming, a milk/balm/gel is fine. If I find my face a little greasy, I'd switch to my cleansing balm instead.

Exfoliate - Usually an acid toner would be recommended in this step, but I'd skip it in the mornings as my skin is really pretty sensitive. I'd however use a gentle exfoliating treatment like the La Roche Posay Effaclar K [+].

Spray hydrate - La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water

Serums/Oils - 1-2 drops of Clarins Lotus Facial Treatment Oil

Spot treatment - Thursday Plantation 100% Tea Tree Oil on a cotton bud

Moisturiser - Derm's moisturiser

Sunscreens - I'd do up another post on it!


P.M.

First Cleanse - La Roche Posay Micellar Water

Second Cleanse - Banila & Co. Clean It Zero, wipe off with clean flannel (can use the same one from the morning but discard it into the washbag after this use.) This product does contain mineral oil, which C,Hirons would totally frown upon but it works for me! So I'm not changing it as of now. It is not readily available in SG, but you can purchase it at Changi Airport Duty-free when you're flying or Qoo-10!

Acid Tone/Exfoliate - First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads are really great! They are gentle and do the job of exfoliating very well. Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner, this I use only 2-3 times a week although it feels really gentle as I find that using it too frequently messes with my skin.

Clay Mask - Innisfree Super volcanic clay mousse pack or Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (w Raw Honey and a few drops of TTO) a few times a week after my second cleanse.

Spray hydrate - Spritz La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water. 2 times a week I'd pat in Hada Labo SHA Lotion (Light) instead or when my skin feels extra dehydrated. (Effaclar K [+] and TTO are from the A.M. routine)

To combat breakouts, I'd alternate between Differin and Epiduo (both prescription only) and apply it topically all over my face. A good alternative for these would be Benzac AC 2.5% Water-based gel which is available at all pharmacies, it is also manufactured by Galderma hehe.

Serums/Oils - Currently testing out Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and loving it so far. It absorbs really quickly and is very light-weight. I'm also looking for a good Vit C serum to add into my routine, so if any of you have any recommendations, do drop me an email!

Moisturiser - Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is my all-time favourite. One that I did not expect to fall in love with, due to all the hype surrounding it but I did. After I'm done with the above, I'd stick some Nexcare Acne Patch on any spots before going to bed.

Lip balm - Not forgetting your lips, here's my favourite Dior Lip Glow because you'll wake up with soft and pink lips hehe.

That's all for my current skincare routine!
Have a great week ahead, thanks for reading!

With love,
A

Skincare Updates, again! (Banila & co, Q-switch Laser, Effaclar K+, My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks)

It has been almost 3 months since I last checked in on my skin condition and I just reorganised my skincare items, so I thought why not take some time to do a post to keep track of my skin's progress.

Somewhere in between late May-June, I actually embarked on my first Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) regime with hemp seed oil, and tried out a minimalistic/natural skincare regime for about a month. OCM was great in the sense that I could actually feel those sebum plugs coming out when I massaged the oil all over my face. However, my face was still quite clogged and spotty. It was also very dry and I couldn't apply my foundation without having it cling on to my dry patches. Not cute, I know.

I stopped the previous regime since it wasn't working for me and got back to using Skinlycious' products again but my skin was still dry, red-looking and spotty. Ughs. It was slightly better for a while and I went off to China for 2 weeks in July. My skin was being pretty obedient for the first 2 days, then it started going wonky again right after that. My skin was drying up, I had new spots everyday that would itch like there's no tomorrow. Came back to SG, looking worse than when I left! (Major sad face)

Anyway I stumbled about the no!no! skin device on SIA's inflight shopping magazine and decided to purchase this tiny (but trust me. It's strong) Light and Heat Energy (LHE) zit zapper on my return flight. It was SGD245 and I was on the verge of giving up on my skin. Just thought hey, it sounds good so why not take the plunge and try it. As all my friends/bf/family already know, I'm a major sucker for anything that would help with my skin. No matter how pricey it would seem, if I am able to afford it, I'd try it.

I also bought Banila & Co.'s Clean It Zero (Pink-Normal) makeup cleansing balm and IT IS SERIOUSLY AMAZING. Only SGD20 at Shilla Duty Free! (Regretting right now that I didn't purchase more...) It's like oil-cleansing, but less messy and as effective. It smells great, removes make up well and sebum plugs would also come out if you massage it into your skin for at least 2 minutes. My skin has been loving it thus far, hasn't reacted negatively towards it so I'm really glad! They do have other versions of the Clean It Zero, but I chose the most basic one, just in case.

I also started Q-switch Laser Sessions at an aesthetics clinic which gave me really good results. Active pimples are healed, clogged pores and old brown marks (Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, PIH) are significantly reduced. Of course it's only the first few sessions, so I still have a few brown spots on my left jaw but I can apply just a thin layer of foundation and I'm good to go. Save so much time on concealing! My pain tolerance is really quite up there, so the doctor administered higher powered shots on me. For those who can't tolerate pain very well, the doc will adjust the power level accordingly! My doctor commented that my clogged pores are more or less gone now, except for a few small bumps which is normal to get. Now it's just to focus on removing the PIH! Will update again on my Q-switch results, and I really can't wait for the progress too!

What I found that have helped was a couple of things (besides the laser). First, I'd mist my face with a Thermal Spray (currently using Uriage but have purchased La Roche Posay to try) then drop one drop of tea tree oil (TTO) on my palm and pat it in together with the thermal water. That really helps to calm down ANY irritations (read: itchiness) and it definitely does kill any horrible P.acnes bacteria on my skin. I have also started using sheet masks as the doc has commented that I actually have DRY skin (woah really?). More of like Combi/Oily - Dry on the outside, Oily inside - sort of complicated situation, hence the outbreaks pfft.

I've also made a major skincare routine overhaul after I came back from China. So here goes:

AM
Face wash: Cetaphil/Physiogel Cleanser
(Mist face with Uriage Thermal water, with one drop of TTO)
La Roche Posay Effaclar K+ - this one I'm still testing, so far so good hasn't given me any clogged pores and seem to refine my skin texture
Doctor's moisturiser
Spot treat with Vichy Hyaluspot Treatment

PM
Face wash: Simple Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash - didn't expect to like this but it's doing a good job at keep my oil-water balance so it's a keep for now :)
Alternate between Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mask and Aztec Indian Healing Clay
(Mist face with Uriage Thermal Water with one drop of TTO)
MBD Sheet mask (will go into that in a bit)
Effaclar K+
Laneige Sleeping Mask
Topicals: Epiduo/Differin

Of course I'd also zap spots with the no!no! Skin device and it really helps to bring down the infection especially if it's those kinda pesky blind pimples. I might have over applied my epiduo at times, and I'd end up with slightly obvious brown spots on the spots the next day so I'm keeping that in mind. TO APPLY IT SPARINGLY. I'd apply a thin layer on areas where spots are prone to occur, then spot treat those red spots/bumps/PIH. Please do not follow my method, as the web stated to apply just a thin layer. I IZ KIASU.

My Beauty Diary Masks

This is one of the ever popular sheet mask brands out there and I'm only jumping onto the bandwagon now. I DID purchased them a few years back but felt like they didn't really do anything much for me. So far, I've tried the Imperial Bird's Nest, Aloe, Luffa and the Black Pearl Total Effects (mask sheet is black). My favourites are the Imperial Bird's Nest and Luffa!!! I've even bought a spare box of the IBN to keep because I've been masking almost daily for the past 2 weeks! Luffa was a surprise because I bought it before and it didn't seem to do anything to my skin. I was hoping that I'd love the Aloe vera one but unfortunately, it makes my face itchy and some clogged bumps would appear after :(

Yes I tried the Aloe one yesterday and it gave me the same bumps so I'm giving them away for sure. I've actually also purchased the Naruko Snail Repair Mask and they gave me bumps too! No go for these two, if you've clog-prone, acne-prone, sensitive skin like me. Although the aloe vera one had glowing reviews from redditors, it didn't work out well for me. I'm gonna try the apple phenol one next, and either stock up on the IBN or Luffa ones because Watson's and Guardian are having a 2 for SGD27 promo now!

I do need to mention I use clay masks daily too after washing my face at night, then I'd use the sheet masks after. I find that it didn't dry out my skin, but instead purified it of the impurities as I do get quite oily in the evenings. I let the clay masks sit for a shorter time if I find that my face is less oily that day! I know it might seem like a little of an overkill to some but it has worked in keeping my skin relatively clear so far. I'm planning to reduce the masks (clay & sheet) to about once every 2 days once my skin stabilises itself.

That's all I have for this update, till the next one and hopefully with great skin. Hang in there everyone who's facing a similar condition!

With love,
A

UPDATE: Skinlycious, Aztec Indian Healing Clay, Kinohimitsu BB Drink

Hi guys,

I'm glad to check back and say that I am really satisfied with Skinlycious' products, they have helped me tremendously. I've even repurchased the Anti-Acne bundle for the second time. The products last me about a month plus to 2 months! It may last longer for some of you, but I'm quite kiasu so the first month I didn't know how to control my usage. Lol. Anyway, my skin is less oily now, and I haven't even used up the 7-in-1 Pore Refining Serum.

Current skincare routine

AM:
Skinlycious Anti-Acne Wash
Skinlycious Anti-Acne Solution (Dab on spots and hyperpigmentation)
Hiruscar Post-Acne Gel (On hyperpigmentation as well)
Skinlycious 7-in-1 Pore Refining Serum (if I'm heading out) or Skinlycious Hydrator Serum (if my skin is feeling slightly drier) or The Skin Pharmacy's Oil-free moisturiser (if I'm staying at home because this moisturise doesn't mix well with my make up! It makes my foundation roll up into tiny balls)
Atomy Sunscreen
Urban Decay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation (2 small drops are enough)
Maybelline Mineral Concealer (I'm gonna purchase the Laura Mercier SC Concealer soon, will review soon!)

If I worked out in the afternoon, I'll wash my face with The Skin Pharmacy's Deep Cleansing Amino Powder and repeat the steps above without the foundation.

PM:
Atomy Evening Deep Cleanser on dry skin to remove my makeup
Atomy Evening Care Foam Cleanser on days I wear heavier makeup or Skinlycious Anti-Acne Wash
Skinlycious Anti-Acne Solution (Dab on spots and hyperpigmentation)
Hiruscar Post-Acne Gel (On hyperpigmentation as well)
Skinlycious Hydrator Serum or The Skin Pharmacy's Hydrating Overnight Mask (which is essentially a thicker gel-like moisturiser)

Extra care:
PMD weekly
Clariancy Calla Cleanse, every night
Aztec Healing Clay Mask, depending on how my skin is feeling or Homemade Honey Mask

ALSO, I need to say this. The Aztec Indian Healing Clay Mask is amazing. I used to purchase the Anti-Acne Clay Mask from The Skin Pharmacy but stopped after I got myself a big tub of Aztec mask, which is basically 100% Calcium Bentonite. It is cheap and effective. I try to do it 3-4 times a week as I find that doing it frequently actually helps to keep my skin under control. I tried to do it less frequently but I broke out (say 1 or 2 spots, especially when the time of the month is near) more. It really does help to shrink your pores, and dry out existing acne. I had this large lump on my jaw and after dabbing the clay mask overnight for 3 days straight, it flattened itself out totally. Of course, the surrounding area will be slightly dry and also a little 'scabby' but it's definitely not an issue as it the 'scab' will fall off when your pimple recovers and it falls off when you're washing your face, so you wouldn't even notice it. It also doesn't leave any dark pigmentation!

So recently, I picked at a spot (AGAIN, bad habit I know) and ended up with a bit of a sore area which was weeping a little. I placed the clay on the area, and placed a wet gauze over it, changing it every few hours or so. The wound stopped weeping and a thin scab formed nicely over the wound. I continued for the next day and some of the scab actually fell off, leaving no harsh pigmentation.

They suggest mixing the clay with Apple Cider Vinegar, but I like that it gives room for creative recipes so you can whip up something according to your skin condition of the day. What I like to do is to substitute ACV for a bit of lemon juice (something which is acidic actually gives the clay a smoother texture and it become less chunky, thus easier to apply), add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil, 1 drop of lavender oil if I want to relax, then fill up the remaining water content with brewed green tea. If my skin is feeling extra tight that day, I'd add a dollop of honey and I'm all set.

On days when my skin feels more 'thirsty', I'll take a teaspoon for Manuka Honey, add a few drops of lemon juice (for hyperpigmentation), 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil, mix it up to a smooth consistency and apply it all over my face. It gets pretty messy so I like to wrap a small piece of gauze at my jaw area to prevent the honey from dripping down! I leave it on for as long as I am able to, usually 40mins-1 hour. It leaves my skin feeling nourished, and lighten any redness and pigmentation.

I'm also currently drink the Kinohimitsu BB drink! For the last month, I was drinking the J'Pan Collagen drink but switched to the BB drink as I've read that it was more suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. I find that my acne heals faster, although it won't completely prevent you from having acne. My hyperpigmentation lightens faster and my pores feel tighter. My overall skin tone looks brighter as well!

Anyway, after typing this post, I realised the woes of being a woman. I spend a fortune to make myself look better UGHS.

x
A

Acne Help, Skinlycious Products Review

I have been using The Skin Pharmacy's products for about 4 months now and although they did help ease my acne situation, I was still getting red bumps here and there, at random spots on my face. Sometimes they would transform into full blown bumps under the skin. I suspect my outbreak was caused by the rough exfoilation of the GlamGlow Tinglexfoiliate Mask and SK-II Facial Treatment Essence as pointed out by my GP. It's sad because I really loved the SK-II Facial Treatment Masks. They are sadly too rich for people with Acne-prone skin. I now stick to 'OIL-FREE' everything. Lol.

I was so helpless that I almost made an appointment at one of those famous aesthetic clinics because my friends had seen good results. People around me are starting to recommend me products and giving me that look of disdain when they see my face. 'Your face outbreak ah?', 'Your skin not good leh.' are some comments I received. I was depressed, and I cried. A LOT that is. Those words would just replay in my mind and tears would just start streaming down. I am really not exaggerating, that was how bad it was. I didn't want to go out and I was desperate for a solution. 

One day, my stars aligned and I came across the Facebook ad by Skinlycious. I know, the name doesn't sound professional and the brand is unheard of. But I was desperate and I was willing to try anything. Of course I did some background reading and checks before I placed my first order. I initially ordered their 7-in-1 Pore Refining Serum because I actually just restocked my TSP products (and they cost me a bomb). I also requested for a sample of Skinlycious' Anti-Acne Solution which they kindly added into my order. 

I received these 2 products on the 4th of March and started using them together with my TSP products. I remembered clearly that I just returned home from teaching tuition that Wednesday night and found a large painful bump growing on my chin, so I was like, 'YAY let's put Skinlycious products to the test!' I dabbed the Anti-Acne solution on the spot and followed up with a moisturiser. Woke up the next morning and realised that the bump wasn't as large and painful anymore. AMAZING. I also noticed that my face did not oil up as fast when I used the Pore Refining Serum. 

'Okay, these products might actually work.' I was excited to see the results and I dropped Jasmine, their founder, an email to ask how should I incorporate her products into my current routine as I still have a bunch of newly bought TSP products sitting in my cupboard. She suggested that I finish up my current products and switch over to their Anti-Acne bundle, which includes their Cleanser, Anti-Acne Solution and Hydrator. However, being the impatient person that I am, I decided to go ahead and purchase the products nonetheless. I received my full set on the 10th of March,

I started using the products religiously and guess what? My redness, bumps and clogged pores improved tremendously after 3 days, I am not even kidding. People around me started telling me how much better my skin has gotten. Of course I still have a bit of clogged pores around my jawline and hyperpigmentation but the acne situation as gotten under control. I only get some very tiny bumps and the larger ones subsided within a day or two. I can actually go out without makeup now and my skin looks fine. I am hoping that with continued usage, I can achieve acne-free skin!

Of course the Anti-Acne Solution IS drying and may cause some peeling, but nothing a good hydrator cant fix. My skin is very very thin and delicate and these products work well for me. When I say a major improvement, it really is. I used to go through a box of 3M Acne Patches within 3-4 days but now I only need one or two a day. SIDE NOTE: These little patches are amazing for those annoying tiny bumps! I do also dab a little Differin prescribed by my GP at night for a little extra oomph, so far my skin is holding up well.

I am really glad I found these products and for anyone of you suffering from acne, do check out Skinlycious' products. I am almost certain you'll love it as much as I do.

I know it might to too early to say this but I am certain the products really do work as I saw the transformation myself. I'll try to post some photos when I have time! Perseverance and the right products really pays off. I'm thankful that my boyfriend motivates me throughout this whole ordeal and when I get depressed, he does his best to distract me from thinking negatively. I also started doing yoga daily and it helps refresh my mind.

P.S: Not an advertorial, as I am no blogger. I'm just sharing my experience and hopefully able to help people with the same situation!

With love,

A

Thoughts on Acne

It has been awhile since I updated the space, and I cleared out a whole bunch of old skincare since then. I suffered a minor outbreak, and let's just say that some products do take a while for it to work its effects (be it good or bad).

I'm currently using The Skin Pharmacy's Anti-Acne range and a few beauty tools, both have helped to control my breakouts significantly. I'm now left to deal with the aftermath of an outbreak - hyperpigmentation. Thankfully, I don't have any pitted scars but just really dark hyperpigmentations left. They look especially hideous against my fair skin ughs :( But I still believe that I'm on my way to good skin!

I'm still working on my lengthy review on TSP's products (which are all natural btw) but today I just felt like sharing my thoughts about having acne-prone skin.

IT.IS.A.NIGHTMARE. On good skin days, my skin looks absolutely flawless. On bad skin days, I look horrible. And the worst part about it is, I really have no idea when I'll have good/bad skin. Sometimes, it's almost feels like you go to bed with good skin and wake up with horrible pimples popping out everywhere.

Previously, I was dealing with very bad clogged pores due to harsh exfoiliating products but my skin looks fine from afar because those fleshy bumps aren't that obvious. But when I washed my face, it was never smooth to touch. I get those obnoxious blind pimples that are underneath my skin.  Now that I'm almost 90% cleared of my clogged pores but with heavy hyperpigmentation, people are commenting that 'Omg! You have a very bad outbreak ah! Why ah!'

It makes me very annoyed because:
1) you don't know my skin better than me
2) you don't see me everyday so you can't comment on how bad my outbreak is
3) SENSITIVITY GUYS. SENSITIVITY.

Folks like us, who aren't born with flawless & poreless complexions, know it ourselves. It's not like we are not doing anything to help with ourselves. WE ARE. We spend tons of money on dermatological treatments, facials, products, vitamins, supplements etc. Name it, and we know it. We spend countless hours reading up forums on product reviews, taking plunges on new products, each time hoping that it will work for us. We know when our skin is experiencing a bad time and you do not have to rub it in. Most of the time, we are already trying our best to meet people and be normal. Our self-confidence is already at an all-time low and you do not have to make us feel even worse about ourselves.

Of course, I'm not saying that you go around complimenting people who are currently suffering from a bad skin period that they have good skin, as that wouldn't do any good either. If you have nothing nice to say, please just say nothing at all.

Maybe you have a friend whom you met time to time, and you notice that he/she is currently going through an outbreak. It is definitely a nice gesture if you make an effort not to comment on their skin condition as more often than not, we'd rather hide at home than to go out with a hideous complexion. We'd definitely appreciate your tiny effort. Or if you see that friend in a few weeks' time and you definitely saw an improvement in their complexion, go ahead and compliment them. 'Hey your skin improved so much!' will make their day, for sure. They will even appreciate your friendship, and thank you for your sensitivity towards their feelings.

I just hope that everyone out there learns to be more sensitive towards people with skin conditions, be it acne, eczema or rosacea because we know our condition best and are already trying our best to treat our skin. It is a long battle to treat such skin conditions and we are already very self-conscious, so please be nice to people around you suffering from it :)

Cheers!