Last February, I have shared with you my before and after
photos for my 3 week "skin improvement". Of course, all of this
wouldn't be possible without the help of my Doctor from MySkin. I prefer
calling her my doctor rather than some sort of title in profession, since she's
no ordinary over-the-mall-dermatologist who simply just prescribe topical
treatments to patients. Unlike any other, she makes sure to hear you well with
how you've handled your skin condition, what products you used to address your
problems, learn about you and your family's health condition, then she would
prescribe treatments and supplements that wouldn't interrupt nor disturb your
body system. But going back to when I used to have severe acne, I heavily
relied on CHEMICAL based products. The most EXPENSIVE ones. Why? Because
initially, I used to have this thinking that the more expensive the product is,
the more effective it is. However, I was WRONG. Want to know why? Then read on:
BELO
Medical Group (SM Megamall)
→ Please note that even before I had my consultation, I have CLEAR skin with
few unnoticeable black/whiteheads back then. I just sought for their help to
have that super flawless "artistahin" skin.
→ First visit was on November 2013
→ After consultation, the dermatologist gave me this maintenance set which
includes an Obagi Facial Wash (P3,000), Anti Acne Toner (P350), Sunblock Gel
(around P400?), Peeling Cream (around P500?), and Moisturizing Cream for
micropeeling (around P500?). I'm not sure about the exact prices as these were
purchased over a year ago. Well, almost.
→ The derma also suggested that I should have facial services (every two
weeks), until those whiteheads and black heads come off.
→ All prescribed topical treatments on first use, were okay with me. No sting,
no nothing. But as the months go by, my face would hurt as I wash it off with
water. But eventually subsides after drying. My face would turn tomato red
(especially when hit by sunlight), and t'was dry, FLAKY & painful!
→ Yes, I have that dewy, flawless, PIMPLE FREE skin during treatment, but in
exchange of beauty, I need to experience pain
→ Length of use of prods: 4 months
I couldn't stand how painful it was using non organic
facial products anymore, that's why on March 2014, I decided to make an ORGANIC
SWITCH. Now, let us tackle those brands/products that worked well for me!
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One~Earth Organics Beauty
One~Earth Organics Beauty
→ I stumbled upon One Earth when one of their resellers followed me here on Instagram. I became curious, I followed them back. Subsequently, I purchased their UA Therapy (complete) set for my uneven skin toned pits
→ After seeing good results, I then decided to buy their anti-ance combo, Rosehip Soap and Rosehip Oil. What fueled my drive in purchasing these goodies? Client feedbacks. Yeah, it sure was helpful for me in controlling my acne breakout for approximately 3 months. No purging, no nothing BUT CLEAR SKIN. However, as soon as my skin cleared up, there were few pimples popping out around my chin. AGAIN. I couldn't help it and so I became paranoid. Really paranoid. I even asked myself this "Why?" I thought these were good for acne prone skin? I even googled and researched my ass off for Rosehip's skin benefits (which by the way was entertaining) then this happened. I am almost near skin perfection but my face got immuned and hated Rosehip after settling in a love relationship for good 3 months. Way to go skin
→ Saddened by this mini nightmare, I searched other brands everywhere! I even went to Watson's out of desperate call and BOOM! Hello mamamia, Cyleina's Tomato Soap! I got "kilig" after reading its product desc & then the rest is part of history!
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Cyleina
Tomato Soap
→ First cut was amazing, another hopeful heart for clearer skin. I did not lose hope. I really was very optimistic about this baby! True enough, my pimples dried out! Also, my cheeks turned out in its cutesy pinky tone (please refer to my review at the bottom of my Ig page).
→- In a few weeks’ time, my skin was back to its healthy glow. I may get few tiny bumps when my period is around, but they dry out quickly.
→- However, paranoia still bothered my optimism thinking that I would still experience another love-hate relationship with this new baby. Until... Ha! I knew it! After a couple of months, This tomato soap hates me!!
HappySkin888 (Now Sooperbeaute)
→ Fancy
packaging? Check! Organic? Check! Positive client feedbacks? Check! These are
some of the things that awakened my impulsiveness when it comes to buying. Or
should I say, hoarding?
→ I bought
their pimple away kit (P450) which includes the following: Pimple away toner,
soap, day and night creams.
→ Okay,
this may sound very alarming since it is only priced at 450 pesos where
everything is already included in the set. Don't worry, Im wit ya. I used to be bothered by the fact that it's a cheaper
organic alternative. But! That did not stop me from trying. I was like,
"what the heck? My face couldn't get any uglier, I am full of pimples
anyway".
→ I
religiously followed the instructions. So the usual, toner and day creams in
the morning, then toner and night creams at night. First few weeks were really
promising. Pimples shrunk. Little micropeeling happened. I was slowly gaining
back my confidence!
→ I was able to finish one set, so I got addicted and purchased ANOTHER SET. And oh! I almost forgot, I also ordered their Pore Eraser Set (for huge pores)
→ So after finishing my second Pimple Away Set, I immediately tried their Pore Eraser Set. Little did I know, tiny bumps would say hollah mi amiga to me! Gahhhh! That. Was. Really. Annoying. Out of my frustration, I got myself another pimple away kit. And to my dismay, I got immuned from using it. My face was not reacting to it well. Pimples would dry the following week. Yeah, another heartbreak for me
→ I was able to finish one set, so I got addicted and purchased ANOTHER SET. And oh! I almost forgot, I also ordered their Pore Eraser Set (for huge pores)
→ So after finishing my second Pimple Away Set, I immediately tried their Pore Eraser Set. Little did I know, tiny bumps would say hollah mi amiga to me! Gahhhh! That. Was. Really. Annoying. Out of my frustration, I got myself another pimple away kit. And to my dismay, I got immuned from using it. My face was not reacting to it well. Pimples would dry the following week. Yeah, another heartbreak for me
Skinbliss
→ Love at
first sight. This was something I felt right after their approval for my
follower request. Giddy and excited, my eyes rolled through grids of Skinbliss
products from whitening, anti-aging, anti acne, etc.
→ Desperate and hurt from my previous purchases, I again got myself an organic
anti acne set. Their set includes the ff: anti acne toner, pore refiner serum,
anti acne & scar vanisher soap, and anti acne serum
→ Just like a kid who got another candy to munch on, I immediately tried everything. The following day, my face looked fresh. As if my fairy godmother took away my pimple nightmare!
→ However, as the days progressed, I noticed tiny red bumps around my cheeks. That. Was. Terrible!
→ Confused and terrified, I asked for the complete list of ingredients. What have I discovered? It has ARGAN OIL! I guess everyone knows how a whiner I am when it comes to this ingredient. This one causes me red bumps which sooner comes with a head. Blah!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
→ I know, I should have asked for the key ingredients first before buying and putting it on my face. However, curiosity and excitement misled me into something worse. FIMFLES. Nevertheless, this served as a painful reminder that Argan/Rosehip Oils are not my cups of tea!
→ Just like a kid who got another candy to munch on, I immediately tried everything. The following day, my face looked fresh. As if my fairy godmother took away my pimple nightmare!
→ However, as the days progressed, I noticed tiny red bumps around my cheeks. That. Was. Terrible!
→ Confused and terrified, I asked for the complete list of ingredients. What have I discovered? It has ARGAN OIL! I guess everyone knows how a whiner I am when it comes to this ingredient. This one causes me red bumps which sooner comes with a head. Blah!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
→ I know, I should have asked for the key ingredients first before buying and putting it on my face. However, curiosity and excitement misled me into something worse. FIMFLES. Nevertheless, this served as a painful reminder that Argan/Rosehip Oils are not my cups of tea!
DISCLAIMER
For explanation purposes only. My experience DOES NOT signify nor mean that their product is ineffective. It just did not work for me. You may go check their account for good client feedbacks
For explanation purposes only. My experience DOES NOT signify nor mean that their product is ineffective. It just did not work for me. You may go check their account for good client feedbacks
The Skin Naturals
→ Magically stunned by their client's FLAWLESS before and after photos, and knowing how I easily get attracted with these feedback, I ordered my very first Smooth Facial Micropeel. It comes with a fruity scented toner, night serum, honey facial wash and a sunblock!
→ It promises smooth and pimple free skin in just 7 days. I trusted this brand so much, I laid my hands over it and used it on my face.
→ Nothing really happened from the first few days. But through the succeeding days, I started to feel stingy whenever I wash my face with water or when I apply the toner and night cream. I never experienced evident micropeeling.
→ Can't really recall when but within that same week, I saw 2 to 3 pimples popping out around my forehead and chin. Gave it another chance but the "hapdi" effect held me back.
→ I guess on the 7th day, I stopped using this set. It simply was just not effective for me. I've had high hopes for this one but unfortunately, hindi ako hiyang.
DISCLAIMER
For explanation purposes only. My experience DOES NOT signify nor mean that their product is ineffective. It just did not work for me. You may go check their account for good client feedbacks
I got mad and hopeless so I opted for CHEMICAL BASED
PRODUCTS. AGAIN. Yes, you're not seeing any typographical errors, I lost
control and ventured to facial sets made from harmful ingredients.
MCA's Flawless Set
→ A family friend saw my face one day and almost got disgusted with what she saw. Pimpled, dry, flaky skin. She was not used to seeing me that way, so it also broke her heart.
→ Felt the need to help me, she recommended this Flawless set she had been using over a year then. Costs around 1,300 pesos. A pouch contains toner, peeling cream, kojic soap, and sunblock cream.
→ Since my skin was previously irritated by Skin Natural's Facial Set, this Flawless set didn't go well with my skin and gave me much worse reaction, a BURNT face!! I looked like a toasted bacon and even the slightest touch would hurt! I even cursed my heart out because of what had happened.
→ Despite the horrifying effect, it did not break me out, but it wasn't able to heal those existing pimples neither. Meh.
→ I never gave this set another chance. EVER!
⠀
When my
mom saw how hot of a mess I was, she scolded me for buying unnecessary beauty
products. She even told me to stop putting anything on my face but I resisted.
Out of my bravery, I asked her if I could use her ever trusted rejuvenating set
and to my surprise, she said YES!
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Professional Skincare Formula
Professional Skincare Formula
→ My mom had been using this ever since I was in college. It made her skin finer and she NEVER broke out from it, EVER. What a lucky woman eh?
→ I gave myself a week of rest after the MCA incident. Just so the products won't mix up and result to further unsightly effects.
→ Surprisingly, first few uses were easy peasy. I remember so well that on the 7th day, it got stingy and my face peeled. DRAMATICALLY.
→ People would have my skin macro peelings mistaken as wooden shavings haha! What a prick right?
→ I noticed 3 to 4 angry, red, swollen pimples on my chin.
→ I gave up on the second week. There is noooo way I am resorting back to this set.
→ There's nothing interesting here so let us move on to the next!
This trial and error beauty method for clearer skin was NOT
easy for me. Depression struck me then and I would almost cry myself to sleep
at night. I know it may sound disturbing, but this was what I really felt when
I used to have severe acne. Everyone goes through it and by letting my story be
told, could at least help alleviate the pain of my fellow acne fighters and
implement a strong message that they are not alone in this battle!
Moving on
with those hits and misses, I searched for beauty gurus over the net to get some
tips and apply them to my routine. I have discovered a looooot of routines and
bottomline is, you should keep your face clean as much as possible. I have
collated these tips and summarized it into:
✔Cleanse
with warm water
✔Tone to
prepare your skin with all skinfood you are going to feed it with
✔Moisturize
to seal in nutrients and prevent further sebum build up (oils will do)
✔Protect
with sunblock to prevent premature aging and damaging of skin
These
four easy steps at least helped me lessen those swollen pimples before.
However, they are STILL THERE :( I,
as a prodigal son (or daughter just to make it proper) of mother nature, again
ventured into organic skincare. I found another set of soaps online from
Racosme's Bird Poop Soap, One Earth's Rosehip Soap (yep matigas ulo ko), and
those previous ones that I have used before. Despite those terrible love-hate
relationships I've had with these soaps, I still gave them another chance BUT
to NO AVAIL.
Having a face ruined and burnt by chemical based products, this thing you call "phase" from switching to organic products for me was horrible. I experienced purging and pimples started to flush out - reminder of those nasty toxins I slapped into my face before. I almost gave up not until One Earth released their DCR Soap. That. Was. Mere. Perfection! *Insert musical choir singing*
Going back to One
Earth~Organics Beauty
Activated
Charcoal and Moringa are two of the most helpful ingredients in flushing away
toxins from your face. It is an acne-prone skin friendly soap and it can give
you that clean feel you always get from prefessional derma salons. As claimed
by One Earth; it can help remove blackheads, whiteheads, and heal pimples! Are
those statements true? YES!!!!! A FIRM YES friends!!!! It was actually my holy
grail soap back then for it was able to heal my pimples and it CLEARED UP MY
SKIN. People started to notice how my pimples were REDUCED. How they were no
longer in their highest LUMPS! I always get COMPLIMENTS and people would ask me
"WHAT HAPPENED? ANG GANDA NA NG SKIN MO PAWALA NA PIMPLES MO"
CONGRATS! I am always thankful that I have trusted my guts to try their DCR
CHARCOAL soap.
I also
incorporated this soap to my ROUTINE and heaven knows how happy I was to have
my skin back. I used it twice a day and let the bubbles stay on my face for
about 2-5 minutes. I did this everyday for 1 week straight. Then alternate the
following week with 60 seconds babad on my face.
I may
still have few marks back then but I guess, it would be better compared to the
so-called saying "Pimple na tinubuan ng mukha" So, to add up the
spice, my skin further improved by adding double cleansing method into my
routine. Thanks to Eden's Paradise for creating an emulsifying cleansing oil! Here's how my routine went by:
1) I
apply Cleansing Oil onto my face (1x a day)
2) I rinse off with warm water
3) I wash my face with DCR Charcoal Soap
4) I rinse off with water
5) I tone my face
6) I moisturize
2) I rinse off with warm water
3) I wash my face with DCR Charcoal Soap
4) I rinse off with water
5) I tone my face
6) I moisturize
These
simple steps helped me achieve a much clearer skin. Everything went well. My
mom praised me for my beautiful skin. Not until..... UH OHHH!
.... Until my hormones started to get wild and not even my
routine, nor soaps, nor whatnots could help me cope up with NEW PIMPLES! I even
tried Red Berries Natural's Face Clarity soap but my pimples just got worse.
Well this happened last year, December, right after our trip from Thailand. I
also blamed the humid weather there and the water we consumed and used for
cleansing. I do not know how or why, pimples just started to crawl on to my
skin. It was devastating! Then, I was back to ZERO. Dropped everything off.
Feeling hopeless and betrayed, my mother offered me help and
she brought me to her trusted dermatologist, Doctora Joan Lengson-San Juan, MD.
of Myskin. Her clinic is located at Taytay, Rizal and somewhere in Antipolo.
She's the Managing Director of I.O.N Medical Group and the Board of Director of
Preventive Regenerative Integrative Medicine Association of the Philippines
(PRIMA PHIL.) Quite long title eh? She has been in the business for almost 25 years now and that saved me from
doubting her dermatological skills.
Doc J asked me a few questions about what soaps or anti acne
products I have used, if I have ovarial problems (which I used to have before),
she even asked me about my family's health background, and so on and so forth.
She examined my skin well and here's what she prescribed and asked me to do:
✔ Derma
facials (every 2 weeks; for 1 month)
✔Photodynamic
Therapy in Blue Light - a mask that releases blue light for the face. Helps
reduce redness of pimples, prevents acne breakouts, heals pimples (every week;
for 1 month)
✔Strict
LF Supplement (30 caps; taken twice a day; for 1 month)
✔ Strict
topical treatments: Guava Soap, Clindamycin Toner & Benzoyl Peroxide
I strictly complied to what she prescribed me with and in
within 2 weeks time, I already started to see FAVORABLE RESULTS. Pimples were
less swollen, I get fewer breakouts. However, pimple marks are still there.
Been complying with her prescription for a month and soon enough, I've had a
second round of checkup........
1 month was quite a long journey for someone who wants to
see immediate results. Like me. But I started to learn on how to be more
patient and trustful to the products which my Doctor has prescribed me with.
As the weeks passed by, I started to see a slowly-but-surely POSITIVE results. Evidently, I DON'T get cystic acnes anymore. Pimples would only pop out when my monthly visitor arrives. However, pimple marks are still there!
On my second month, same procedure and prescriptions were given to me. Except that this time, I only consume 1 capsule of LF supplement per day, good for 1 month.
People started to notice how my skin has really IMPROVED!! I even get BETTER compliments compared to when I used to be an avid user of DCR Charcoal soap. By far, this phase was the MOST SUCCESSFUL ANTI-ACNE movement for me!! It will take you a week for you to notice, a month for others to see, and months more for the world to see, so never give up!
Now that I am on my third month with MySkin, I can proudly say that I am almost PIMPLE FREE! I like the way my skin looks like now. I am never afraid nor bothered to touch it anymore because of how smooth it is. I am now confident because despite the fact that I still have those red marks, I can still wear less makeup and go out & about! Even Doc J was proud of me. For being compliant, for believing in myself, for being optimistic and for being patient all throughout the journey! I may still get UBER LITTLE pimples around my face but they would only be 1 or 2 in number and were bearable to look at. A BIG BIG THANKS TO MYSKIN AND DOC J! HUUURRRAAAHHH!
Okay, on my 3rd month here's my new prescription:
✔️ Guava Soap
✔️ Glycolic Toner
✔️ LF Supplement (30 caps; take 1x; 1 month)
✔️ Diamond Peel (once a month)
✔️ PDT Blue Light (once a month)
This three-month journey was no joke, nagtiis akong may
flares on my face. Sometimes, I second guess myself if I should continue this
phase with Doc J. Luckily, everything went well. Thanks to my handy dandy guts
that pulled me back when I almost surrendered to this battle. Sounds dramatic
but it's true. When you started to trust everything and be more optimistic about
it, everything will follow! Just hold on and be more patient! There is nothing
in this world that goes instant when it comes to hard earned optimal result
I also gave in
to a healthier living, dropped off junk food and started to eat greener! This
was one of Doc J's suggestion for me. I took her advice and everything seems to
fall into place. I also tried to insert exercise in my weekly routine to tap on
a more holistic approach when it comes to fighting with acne. True enough,
hindi lang sa pahid pahid madadaan ang pag clear up ng acne. You also need to
take good care of yourself from within. Living testimony ovah here!
Being an avid fan of organic skincare, I started to incorporate it into my skincare routine. I ditched my guava soap and changed it to Mesha Organic's Tritone Soap. I actually still have no plans of switching to organic since I had this feeling that it might draw out all my derma prescribed products - PURGING. Good thing I again trusted my instinct and I got overly hiyang with this soap. It also helped lessen those fine red marks on my face. No breakouts no nothing! Happy dance for me yay! However, despite the fact that I did not break out, I still am not satisfied with the "lightening effects of it". Yes it has lightened some marks but there are few deep marks that needs some lovin'. In view of this, I added Vitamin C20 serum into my routine. I got it from FromBusanToCebu on Ig. It is sticky and quite stingy on some areas but it was bearable. Not a biggy. This one helped lighten up those marks and I am loving the results! Tritone and C20's are my beauty must haves right now.
For my weekly routine, I tried to include Mesha Organic's Mermaid's Mask to prevent blackheads from forming. If you have fewer blackheads, then you'll have fewer chances of breaking out. This mask also helped me lessen sebum build up and acne breakouts. Everyone should have a weekly mask routine to thoroughly cleanse their face from deep within. This could help lessen your monthly facial visits from your derma. I also recently purchased Magnifique Skincare Ph's Cocoon scrub in replacement of my old facial brush. It is my cheaper organic alternative to those expensive ones in the market. I included it in my routine, everyday. My face became smoother, dry patches were exfoliated and I felt fresh.
To sum it all up, here's my updated face care routine
DAYTIME ROUTINE
✔Wash with Tritone Soap
✔ Rinse off with warm water
✔Tone with Glycolic Toner
✔Apply Tomato Puree for moisture
✔Protect with Sunblock (Derma prescribed)
NIGHT ROUTINE
✔ Wash with Tritone Soap
✔Rub face with Cocoon Scrub
✔Rinse off with warm water
✔ Tone with Glycolic Toner
✔Apply Vitamin C20 Serum
WEEKLY ROUTINE
✔Apply Mermaid's Mask for 15-20mins
✔Rinse off with warm water
✔Wash with Tritone Soap
✔Rinse off with water
This 8-month journey is actually NOTHING compared to those who fought a good fight for their year-long battles. Nonetheless, everyone struggles with the same epic situation. We sure may have experienced the downsides of this journey, but all of those merely served as a firm reminder that they are not for us. Plus, it made us stronger. If we have slipped through the tiniest obstacle of this journey, then you can definitely go through it all as well. There's still hope for us. It may take quite a while, but I am telling you, all your hard work will pay off. Just keep the faith, be more optimistic, be wiser with the products you choose, and most importantly, be CONFIDENT! Nothing gets any sexier than that. Chin up love, you are not alone
xoxo,
ShopperHoarder
