I wish I don't have to write this post. I wish I could write about something else instead of this because it isn't the easiest for me to do. I know I'm being melodramatic. But acne is a very serious issue(at least to the 90% of our population who suffer from it). I'll skip defining acne because we all know what it is.
I mostly suffer from hormonal acne, one of the worst attacks came during puberty and another one when I got pregnant. Those were very painful experiences and although I wasn't plagued by cystic acne(deep painful inflammation under the skin), those small persistent spots were all over my face, neck and even on my back that I hated the way I looked. It affected my self-confidence and for a time, I stopped socializing because I felt like people were just staring at my acne(i had zilch knowledge about foundations and concealers then). It got better thankfully after a few visits to the dermatologists and plenty of topical and oral medicines. And when I say plenty, it's really PLENTY. I think that I've tried almost every possible treatment available, both prescriptions and over-the-counter ones including Roaccutane, anti-biotics, Retin-A cream, Differin, ProActiv, Obagi, etc. I've also used most drugstore brands like Neutrogena, Loreal, Clean and Clear, Vichy and many high-end stuff like Shiseido, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Clarins, Chanel, Guerlain and the list goes on, and on. If I didn't have this acne to deal with, my malnourished bank account would've been a lot fatter now hahaha.
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser
-I use this foaming cleanser twice a day, morning and evening. It is a very light, refreshing cleanser. It doesn't give that squeaky clean feel that I usually get after years of using gel cleanser for oily skin. But it leaves the skin cleansed and moisturised. I started using this 2 months ago and I feel that it helped calm my skin during a recent stint of breakout after we went to vacation.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion
-I use this toner once a day at night, after I wash my face. I moisten a piece of cotton, then just gently run it along my face. It removes any dirt/impurities that wasn't caught by the facial cleanser. It helps close the pores and preps the skin better so any treatment you apply after it will work more efficiently. I use it only once a day because my skin is fairly clean in the morning so I don't need the extra cleansing step and because my skin feels a lot drier when I use it twice a day.
Clinique Spot Treatment Gel
-this is by far the best spot treatment I've used. I bought it a year ago for hubby but he was too lazy to use it and his acne vanished without any help(lucky him). I started using it on my spots recently and they healed a lot faster, within a day or two. They don't leave a lot of hyper-pigmentation behind which is huge relief. The downside, it stings!
Clinique Clearing Moisturiser
-again, I got this one for hubby but it turned out that a year later, I would be needing it for myself. I usually swear by my fav moisturiser when my skin is well-behaved, another one from Clinique, the Dramatically Different Moisturing Gel. The Clearing Moisturiser is a great help when my skin is on a breakout spree. It's very lightweight, keeps the oil at bay and leaves the skin well moisturised, but not in a greasy way.
Clarisonic Mia
-this is a wonder gadget. It's an electronic facial brush that is waterproof, so you can even use it while in the shower. It rotates and pulsates, thus massaging the face while it buffs away dirt and dead skin. It exfoliates the skin mildly and cleans really well. I've used other facial brushes before from the Body Shop and Shiseido and they're no where as effective as the Clarisonic. I use it at night. I wet the brush head, add a tiny amount of cleanser and massage it all over my face. It has its own timer so it'll stop by itself after one minute. I am so in love with it. Even though my skin is still far from flawless, it really helped a lot in making my large pores a little less noticeable because it unclogs them after every use, my blackheads are greatly diminished and my skin feels a lot softer and smoother too.
I mostly suffer from hormonal acne, one of the worst attacks came during puberty and another one when I got pregnant. Those were very painful experiences and although I wasn't plagued by cystic acne(deep painful inflammation under the skin), those small persistent spots were all over my face, neck and even on my back that I hated the way I looked. It affected my self-confidence and for a time, I stopped socializing because I felt like people were just staring at my acne(i had zilch knowledge about foundations and concealers then). It got better thankfully after a few visits to the dermatologists and plenty of topical and oral medicines. And when I say plenty, it's really PLENTY. I think that I've tried almost every possible treatment available, both prescriptions and over-the-counter ones including Roaccutane, anti-biotics, Retin-A cream, Differin, ProActiv, Obagi, etc. I've also used most drugstore brands like Neutrogena, Loreal, Clean and Clear, Vichy and many high-end stuff like Shiseido, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Clarins, Chanel, Guerlain and the list goes on, and on. If I didn't have this acne to deal with, my malnourished bank account would've been a lot fatter now hahaha.
My skin has improved a lot ever since, but still far from perfect. Because what I have is hormonal acne, I still get nasty breakouts here and there. Whether if it's that time of the month, or if we travel, if I don't get enough sleep, or if I'm too stressed, these all lead to one thing, an ugly pimple or two, or more. I also have hyperpigmentations as remnants of the previous breakouts and they sure don't look pleasing at all. These things do fade in time, but it takes a while. I'll be sharing my present regimen on how I combat acne. Please remember though that I am not a professional and what I'll be discussing is based on my own experience. I chose these products based on the reviews I've read in the internet and some I bought out of desperation. I also want to point out that every skin is different, what may work for me might not work for you, vice versa. Skincare is very personal, that's why I've been debating whether to make a post about this or not. But I thought I might be able to help someone out there so I decided to do it anyway. Aside from these treatments, healing should also start from within. Don't forget to eat healthy, include fruits and vegetables in your diet, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, have at least 8hours of sleep and exercise regularly. I admit though that I don't drink enough water, I drink too much Pepsi and I hate exercise so good luck to me hahaha.
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser-I use this foaming cleanser twice a day, morning and evening. It is a very light, refreshing cleanser. It doesn't give that squeaky clean feel that I usually get after years of using gel cleanser for oily skin. But it leaves the skin cleansed and moisturised. I started using this 2 months ago and I feel that it helped calm my skin during a recent stint of breakout after we went to vacation.
-I use this toner once a day at night, after I wash my face. I moisten a piece of cotton, then just gently run it along my face. It removes any dirt/impurities that wasn't caught by the facial cleanser. It helps close the pores and preps the skin better so any treatment you apply after it will work more efficiently. I use it only once a day because my skin is fairly clean in the morning so I don't need the extra cleansing step and because my skin feels a lot drier when I use it twice a day.
-this is by far the best spot treatment I've used. I bought it a year ago for hubby but he was too lazy to use it and his acne vanished without any help(lucky him). I started using it on my spots recently and they healed a lot faster, within a day or two. They don't leave a lot of hyper-pigmentation behind which is huge relief. The downside, it stings!
-again, I got this one for hubby but it turned out that a year later, I would be needing it for myself. I usually swear by my fav moisturiser when my skin is well-behaved, another one from Clinique, the Dramatically Different Moisturing Gel. The Clearing Moisturiser is a great help when my skin is on a breakout spree. It's very lightweight, keeps the oil at bay and leaves the skin well moisturised, but not in a greasy way.
Clarisonic Mia
-this is a wonder gadget. It's an electronic facial brush that is waterproof, so you can even use it while in the shower. It rotates and pulsates, thus massaging the face while it buffs away dirt and dead skin. It exfoliates the skin mildly and cleans really well. I've used other facial brushes before from the Body Shop and Shiseido and they're no where as effective as the Clarisonic. I use it at night. I wet the brush head, add a tiny amount of cleanser and massage it all over my face. It has its own timer so it'll stop by itself after one minute. I am so in love with it. Even though my skin is still far from flawless, it really helped a lot in making my large pores a little less noticeable because it unclogs them after every use, my blackheads are greatly diminished and my skin feels a lot softer and smoother too.
I use Retin-A cream when my skin is already clear of breakouts, it gets rid of the remaining hyperpigmentations. It is also very important to use sunscreen especially if you'll be out under the sun. You can also opt for moisturisers or foundation that has spf in them. I'm hardly stepping out of the house during the day so I can get away with products that don't have spf. But if I do, I usually use the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion.
The best piece of advice I can give is to visit a dermatologist as early as possible if you're suffering from persistent acne, especially if it is the cystic type. The earlier you treat it, the better because it'll save you from the deep scarring that is usually more difficult to get rid of than the breakouts. The experts will have a better understanding of your skin type and can give you treatment that suits your needs.
I hope I didn't bore you with this post. And if you're one of the lucky human beings out there who doesn't have to worry about acne, then I'm so jealous of you:(( and I'm not kidding:D
Take care and see ya<3
1 comment:
I hear you girl, been there done that! ;)
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