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Monday, 5 May 2014

[Acne Story/Tips] My Current Skincare Routine May 2014 + Answers to FAQ

Current Skincare Routine Out of all of the emails I get, the most frequently asked questions are "what's your current skincare routine?", "how do you deal with breakouts during 'that time of the month'?", "......products recommendation that can fight pimples and pimple scars" etc. blahhhhhhhhhhhh~ majority of the mails are regarding to the little monster, A.C.N.E!

So, here I am answering to the most frequently asked questions~

Before I start, let me clarify one point. — I'm not a skin or beauty professional etc. so...all the information provided are based on my own experiences and thoughts. Even though the products I use/mention helped treat my skin problems, I don't know if they would work the same for you because our skins are different so what worked for me might not work the same for you. With that said, please treat below information as a reference.

1) What's my my skin type?
Oily/Combination + Acne-prone + Sensitive skin

2) What's my current skincare routine?

Well, I am aware that I have not been updating my skincare routine page since November 2013. That basically means I am still sticking with the routine .aka. am still using the products as listed.

But to be honest, I actually modified and added in a few products into my skincare routine in early Feb this year. Sorry for the extreme late update. In the future, more detailed information about my skincare routine will be updated in this post section followed by FAQ, if any, instead of the skincare routine page. Do take note of it. :)

[My Current Skincare Routine] (dated: 2nd Feb 2014)

The range of products I use for day and night.

To make things clearer, I'm going to separate my skincare routines into TWO — One with makeup products, one without. Without further ado, I shall introduce my current skincare routine~

Day and Night Routine IF I'm staying at home the whole day:
(WITHOUT makeup products)

Product I use in the DAY:

Arranged according to steps:

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner

- Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

Product I use at NIGHT:

Arranged according to steps:

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser

- *Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub (once a week)

- *Cure Natural Aqua Gel (once a week)

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner
- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet (once a week if I get breakout)

- Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion

- Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

Day and Night routine IF I'm going out of the house:

(WITH makeup products)

Product I use in the DAY:

Arranged according to steps:

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner

- Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot
- The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream #02 Natural Beige

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

Product I use at NIGHT:

Arranged according to steps:
- Biore Aqua Jelly Make Up Remover

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser

- *Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub (once a week)

- *Cure Natural Aqua Gel (once a week)

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner
- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet (once a week if I get breakout)

- Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

- Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion
- Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot

- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

*I added both exfoliators into my skincare routine in early January this year. Sorry for the extreme late update... Anyway, I bought the Cure Natural Aqua Gel since last year but I had stopped using it for awhile due to laziness and literally forgot about it's existence.

Till one day, I recalled it's existence, then I resumed using it.

I exfoliate my face once or twice a week, depends on my mood and my hardworking-ness~ ROFL. If I'm going to exfoliate my face twice a week, I will usually use the Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub for the first exfoliation session and on the second exfoliation session, I will use the Cure Natural Gel.

I use different exfoliators because I have pretty sensitive skin especially on the area of my cheeks, excluding the area of my nose. I personally find the Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub a little harsh to my skin when I use it twice a week. As an exception, the area of my nose is non-sensitive but very oily hence, I will usually use the Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub on my nose twice a week. As for the rest of my face, I will usually exfoliate ONCE using the Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub and ONCE using the Cure Natural Gel. I hope it's not too confusing.

Being a girl, breakouts are unavoidable, especially during 'that time of the month' .aka. menstrual period. So ladies..., no matter how good you pampered your skin, during 'that time of the month', the zits will surely come out to play. It's something inevitable but you can find ways to reduce the breakouts that will happen during 'that time of the month'.

Let me share with you some tips~:

First and foremost, refrain from touching or popping the zits! Leave them alone and eventually, they will "ripe" and heal themselves. I saw this interesting picture on twitter the other day and I find it kinda true so let me share with you, readers.

The moral of the story = Refrain touching or popping your pimple/zit!

Secondly, determine when you are most prone to breakout and lastly, deal with it.

To deal with my breakouts during 'that time of the month', I would first find out when my skin is most prone to breakout. I usually breakout during my first week and the week after of my period. Hence, what I usually do is to use Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet a week before my period and when it's going into the week after my period .aka. post safe period. It did help me to reduce the amount and the severity of zits coming out to play. By the way, this mask is one of my 'secret weapons' to deal with breakouts.

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet contains Salicylic Acid, which is an anti-acne ingredient, that helps to prevent pimples and at the same time, tackle and treat the existing ones. Check out my review here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/02/review-etude-house-ac-clinic-intense.html

There are many brands carrying anti-acne mask sheet. So of course, you can use other anti-acne mask sheet from other brands as long as it is specifically for troubled skin, I believe it would work out fine tackling zits as well. Do not neglect to hydrate your skin by the way!

As for guys, apparently you guys don't have the ~~golden~~ shitty time of the month so I don't know if you have a breakout cycle but nevermind, you can also try to determine when your skin are most prone to breakout. From there, you can decide on when to use the anti-acne treatment products, such as the Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet, to tackle the zits.

FYI, Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet is not the only mask sheet I use. I use facial masks twice a week and I have many mask sheets that serve different purposes — whitening, hydrating, soothing, pore tightening, oil-control and many more. Let me know if you are interested and wanted to know more about the mask sheets I use. I might consider doing a post sharing more details about them~

One thing to take note which I have said this a zillion times... As our skins are different, what worked for me might not work the same for you. Therefore, even though Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet worked out awesomely for me, it might not work out as good for you. Hence, I strongly recommend to go ahead and try out different mask sheets that are designated for troubled skin and see which one works better for you then, you can consider adding that into your skincare routine.

On the other hand, in my opinion, what we eat or drink play a part in breakouts. With that said, try to stay away from (or eat less) greasy, spicy foods, seafood particularly "shellfish", junk foods, dairy products, soda/sweet drinks etc. Instead, consume more veggies in your diet and drink plain water or non-additives pure green tea. You can also take in health products such as vitamin pills etc. but for me, I don't do that. The only health product I consume is Chlorophyll drink. Google for more info.

Also, by having a good life routine does help and improve the skin conditions thus, don't be an owl and stay up late at night. Sleep early instead!

4) Products recommendation that can fight pimples and pimple scars
When people asked me for products recommendation, usually I will not state a specific product and ask you to go get this or must get this this this etc. because as stated before, "our skins are different, what worked for me might not work the same for you". I usually only share my experience on the products I used that worked for me. Hence, I always reply like "you might want to give this a try..." etc.. Whether you want to give the product I mentioned a shot, it's all up to you.

So for products recommendation, just check my skincare routine and you will know what products I'm going to share.

Here's an advice... If you are having pimples, just choose skincare products that contain anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil etc. However, be warned that some signs of dryness are inevitable as anti-acne ingredients usually might cause skin to feel dry. If that's a problem to you, just add in an oil-free and non-comedogenic hydrating moisturizer into your skincare routine. In any case, I will advise all, especially for people with sensitive skin, to do a small patch test prior using the product or if there is any tester available on the shelves, test it prior purchasing the product.

Another note for people with sensitive skin... Be cautious to product that contains tea tree oil as it might cause an allergic reaction. Take note of the concentration — 100% is extremely strong... I personally have tried using 100% pure tea tree oil on zits and I suffered from bad allergic/irritation after application. Then I lowered down the concentration to 5% and it did not work out for me as well. It left me with bad allergic reactions/irritation(red, burnt, peeled, extremely itchy patches) again. From then, I stayed away from touching any products that contain tea tree oil. So do take note of the allergic reactions/irritation that might caused by Tea Tree oil.

As for post acne marks/scars, you can try getting whitening/spot treatment that is specifically for pimple scars. There are many various whitening/spot treatment products from different brands in the market.

Throughout my acne journey, I tried a few kinds of whitening/spot treatments and my personally favorite is Hiruscar Post Acne Gel, which is still a part of my skincare routine. It's a light gel and it did lighten my post acne marks. It gets absorbed into the skin without leaving a layer thus, it can be used under makeup without interference. Check out my full review here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/11/review-hiruscar-post-acne-gel.html

5) During the time when I suffered from horrible breakouts, do I wear makeup?
OF COURSE, I DO! But I tried to use products that state "non-comedogenic", which means "less clogging pores" and I tried to wear as minimal makeup as possible because thick makeup can cause acne condition to become worse. Back then, I worn 1 or 2 layers of The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream, covered my blemishes with DHC Medicated Acne Concealer and finished with Maybelline Pure Pact Mineral Healthy Perfecting UV Compact Foundation. Is it too much?

Anyway, nowadays I only wear BB cream alone.

6) What sunscreen do I wear?
I don't wear sunscreen and I have zero knowledge on sunscreen so, sorry I can't help on any questions regarding to sunscreen.

I hope this would help...... There are still many questions that I wanted to post it here but I think I shall stop for now. Otherwise, this post will become super lengthy. I will write up another FAQ post in the future so keep your questions coming!

xo,
Ashley

Monday, 4 November 2013

Review: Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Having trouble with pimple marks/scars? Try this! :Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Hiruscar Post Acne Gel (10g)

Description: Gel for pimple scars and dark marks. In collaboration with Medinova AG — Switzerland, Hiruscar Post Acne, a scar clear gel, is proven to improve depressed scars arising from pimple and help lighten dark spots and/or red marks. Hiruscar Post Acne contains MPS, Allium Cepa, Pionin (Quaternium-73) and other natural ingredients to improve pimple scars and may help the formation of new pimple scars. It provides fast, easy skin absorption with a pleasant and non-greasy texture. It can be used as a part of treatment regime and also can be used under make-up.

Claims to do:
A Unique Formulation with 3-in-1 Scar Clear Benefits:
1. Lightens dark marks in 12 weeks
2. Improves/smoothens depressed pimple scars
3. May prevent pimple occurrence
* Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Alcohol Free.

Directions: Apply 2-3 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Use regularly after skin treatment and before make-up for continuous and better outcome for scars management. Always wash hands before and after use.

Composition (Ingredients):
Aqua, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Niacinamide, Sorbeth-30, PPG-26-Buteth-26 and PEG-40hydrogenated caster oil, Quaternium-73, Carbomer, Fragrance, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and DMDM hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin and Mucopolysaccharide (MPS).

Below pictures(Source: link) further elaborate... (please take some time to read them~)

What is a Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

What can Hiruscar Post Acne do and when to use?

How to use Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

The effectiveness:

It comes in a squeeze-able tube with a twist-off plastic cap.

It's easy to squeeze out the gel from the tube.

Consistency and Color:
Light clear-yellowish gel texture and it's not greasy at all.

Once applied on the skin, it gets absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky residue/layer.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... The scent is kind of "unique" though. I personally find it a little pungent. To be honest, I couldn't accept the scent when I first tried it but after a few use, I'm used to it. It's bearable and will not linger after application.

Likes:
- 100% anti-bacterial
- lighten and improve pimple scars and dark marks
- gets absorbed into the skin
- can be used under makeup
- light gel consistency and not heavy
- non-comedogenic
- alcohol-free
- suits sensitive skin
- doesn't cause breakouts

Dislikes:
- takes time to fully lighten pimple scars/marks

This is not my first time using this product. I first used it back in Year 2010.

This is the one I used last time.(2-in-1 formulation)

*The one I reviewing is Hiruscar Post Acne Gel. I think it's their new product. An upgraded version(3-in-1 formulation) specially for pimple scars/marks.

After some time, I stopped using this product and switched to other lightening/whitening products, such as the Skinfood Tomato Whitening Spot Serum & Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm. It's been quite a few years since I last used this and I decided to use it again because of my allergies and sensitive skin. Well, I got a skin allergic reaction to tea tree oil back in August 2013. Yes, I am allergic to tea tree oil and I know it yet I still used it. Am I stupid or what!? LOL.

Back then, I had an event coming up and I just wanna get rid of about 6 to 8 zits(ranging from small to big) that were on my chin before the event. Despite knowing that I am allergic to tea tree oil, I still took the risk and used it. I actually had a plan in mind... I planned...if an allergic reaction occurs, then I will just don't attend the event. As simple as that. It's not really important anyway. So yeah..., allergic reaction really occurred and I left with even more zits and scars.

During and After the allergic period, my skin on the chin belonged to the VERY sensitive skin type. Therefore, I decided to get back to this Hiruscar Gel because I know it's sensitive skin friendly~ It's clinically proven, safe to use, non skin irritant, even safe to use on sensitive skin.

By the way, it takes time to notice the results so don't expect an instant miracle from this product. The recommended treatment must be at least 2 weeks to 2 months. But I will recommend to use this for at least 3 months. With continuous usage, you will probably see visible results in 2 weeks on fresh pimple scars/marks. Do take note that the treatment period and results may vary depending on individual's condition, such as the condition of the acne wound and also how fast your skin repairs itself.

Here's my 8 weeks and 3 days of 'experiment'~
PS: All the photos were taken on different time so the lighting may vary. NO makeup or editing... errr... actually..., I did edit... — cropped, combined all photos into one and added in watermarks and dates. That's it. NO major editing though.

(Before): I had these patches of redness, bumpy/pimplish skin after using tea tree oil. It was a skin allergic reaction as I've said. Actually, it was much redder than in the photo and it was hell itchy! >< The itchiness and redness took about a week and a half to heal.

PS: I started using the Hiruscar Post Acne Gel on 6th September 2013. So...

Day 1: As you can see, I have a lot of scars/marks left by the allergic reaction...

6 weeks & 2 days: Oops, sorry. Wrong angle. lol. Anyway, you probably still be able to notice the difference huh?

(After) 8 weeks & 3 days: There are still some very faint pimple scars/marks, I don't know if you guys can see... However, the marks are greatly faded! On a side note, please excuse that Nexcare Patch~ lololol. I have a nasty zit there. It popped itself this morning and I just pasted the patch over it to help suck out all the pus. :x

By the way, I apply the gel 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, after my toner and before my moisturizer.

Okay, enough said. Whether the product works in fading scars/marks, you be the judge~ :)

People who have trouble with pimple scars/marks, you might want to give this a try. If you are residing overseas and you can't find Hiruscar® Post Acne Gel in your country, you can get it from me~ I'm selling it at SGD$25.90 (excluding shipping). For more info, you can email me at bitsdiaries@live.com.

---

[01 June 2015]
Re-blogged + Update: http://info-tipstriks.blogspot.com/2015/06/advertorialsponsored-review-say-goodbye.html

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet

Description: Formulated with Salicylic acid, mask sheet made from 100% Bamboo fibers supplies moisture.
Directions: Apply mask sheet to cleansed face and leave on for 15-20minutes. Remove mask and massage remaining solution into skin with hands.

I use this mask during "that time of the month". Y'know, girls get breakouts during that period of time. lol...

Mask sheet soaking wet "sitting" inside the pack~~

Apparently, one hand isn't enough to hold and stretch the mask perfectly so apologize for not able to fully show the shape of the mask. :x

Likes:
- nice scent (i like~)
- contains salicylic acid
- reduce pimples redness
- calm pimples
- prevent breakout
- lots of essence? serum? solution?, whatever you called it...
- does not leave a super sticky residue after application
- not greasy
- lighten acne scars/pigmentation
- essence? serum? solution? gets absorbed totally and it get absorbed really quick (quicker than My Beauty Diary mask)

Dislikes:
- for me, it causes irritation(redness, bumpy and itchy patches) on my sensitive cheeks and jawlines :(
- a little expensive

The next day after using the mask, both of my jawlines turn red(refer to picture below) and later on... my cheeks develop patches of redness too! Looks like rashes fyi. Tsk!

Close-up shot of my left jawline

PS: Spot the zit yeah~ please don't mind that lonely zit. LOL.

Perhaps I'm allergic to one of the ingredients in the mask or maybe... it's the side effects of salicylic acid...? :O

There's a higher possibility that the side effects of salicylic acid being the cause of the irritations on my skin because salicylic acid can cause side effects such as redness, peeling, flakiness, stinging, burning etc. I'm thinking this way because the irritations did not develop right after using. It happened overnight.

And fyi..., the redness ONLY LASTS for an hour and would only flare up again right after I cleansed my face. Other than that, my skin just looks perfectly fine without any signs of irritation.

- How many days does it takes for the redness to stop developing?

Well, I'm on my second day of observing so I will update you guys later.

By the way, I don't know whether it's an allergic reaction or because of the side effects of salicylic acid. Above details are based on my opinion. :)

On the positive side, despite the irritations, it does helps to reduce the pimples redness, calm and dry up the pimples. Besides that, it also helps to lighten acne scars/pigmentation and prevent future breakouts~ (I saw immediate result after one use. XD) Having said that, I kind of have a love-hate relationship with this mask. Sigh... -.-

For those who have occasionally breakouts, try this mask! They do work however, people with sensitive skin, please be ready for the irritations yo! I don't know if it would affect everyone... maybe yes?, maybe not? I don't know... Anyway, it's just a warning, especially to those with super sensitive skin. XOXO :)

x---x

Update on 9th Feb 2013:

- How many days does it takes for the redness to stop developing?

For me, it lasts for 3 days. :)

Despite the irritations, I'm loving the results it gave to my skin. All the nasty whiteheads/small bumps/inflamed zits on my skin are gone! woooohoooooo~ XD

x---x

Update on 6th March 2013:

I used it again yesterday and this time, I didn't get any irritation. By the way, I recommended it to my friend and she did not experience any irritation on her first use. So I concluded that the irritation only happens to some people, depending on the skin condition and it's sensitivity. People with sensitive skin, just be warned... It's best to do a patch test prior to use. :)

Sunday, 23 December 2012

Review: SKIN & LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble

SKIN and LAB Dr. Spot Clear Dont Touch Trouble

SKIN&LAB is not just another cosmetic brand but realization of true science based on plenty of dermatologist experiences. All products of SKIN&LAB are designed to provide dermatological solutions.

Description: Don't Touch Trouble with sophora extract works quickly to help calm the skin and restore skin comfort.

Directions: Apply to the affected area 2-3 times daily.

(Click on the picture to enlarge...)

(Source from SKIN&LAB)

It comes in a soft squeeze-able tube with a twist-off cap.

Consistency & Color:
Gel-like serum texture and opaque. After a few minutes of applying the product, it will get absorbed and become translucent.

Scent:
Errr... not too strong? pretty much odorless? ps, I don't know how to describe for this... :/

Likes:
- the ingredients & the formula
- easy to use
- works effectively on mild acne (whiteheads, flesh color zits etc)
- heals acne zits at the same time, reduce the redness of post acne marks/scarring
- not drying nor harsh; suits sensitive skin
- no side effect; no irritation
- not very sticky
- translucent :)
- can be used both day and night use

Dislikes:
- takes a long period of time to dry and heal the pimples
- for me, it does not work on large painful hormonal pimples

Previously I was using the Etude House AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot which doesn't suit to use it in the day, especially if I'm going out, because it will leave an obvious layer/spot/mark after applying the product. So I got this SKIN&LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble to use it in the day. Right after I used up the AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot, I use the Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble in the day and night. So far, I used up one and a half tube already.

Overall conclusion, I kinda like and hate this. lol.

I like it because it heals and dry up the pimples while minimize the redness of the acne scars/marks. That means when a pimple gets healed, the mark left on the skin will be less red and can be faded easily and much faster using a scar/spot treatment product(eg: whitening spot treatment). For me, using a scar/spot treatment, normally it takes 3-6 months(depends on how severe the acne is) to heal post acne mark. But after using this product, it takes 1-2 months to get rid of the mark. (PS: This only works on new zits, new acne marks.)

I hate it because it takes a long time to get rid of a pimple. Unlike other acne spot treatments which on average takes 3-5days or a week to heal a pimple, the period of time this product takes to heal my pimples various from 1-3 weeks. Another downside, it does not heal my large painful hormonal acne. :(

Even though I do have reasons to hate this product, I would still consider buying it because of the "speed up process" of healing acne mark/scar left after drying up a new pimple. Nowadays I seldom get large inflamed acne unless I'm having a bad life routine or it's "the time of the month"(life being a girl -.-) so since it works effectively for my whiteheads/flesh color zits, I don't mind making a repurchase. In fact, I already gotten another 3 boxes(as seen from first picture). :P I tend to use up a tube pretty fast because I apply a lot of the product on a pimple. LOL! XD As for "How I treat my hormonal acne?", well, Nexcare Acne Patch will do the job~! :D
(Read the review on Nexcare Acne Patch: link)

That's it for the product review. :)

Saturday, 25 August 2012

"My Acne Story" Page is UP!

My Acne Story Battling with bad acne?
Nothing works for you?
Feeling depressed?
Losing hope?

Don't worry, BE HAPPY! :D

I used to have bad acne. Yes, a really bad one for approximately about 3 years.

I experienced before and I understand how it feels like to have bad acne. -.-

Acne sufferers, ~~DON'T~~ NEVER GIVE UP! If I can overcome it, I'm sure you can too!
My acne probably not the WORST in the world however to me, it's PRETTY BAD. :(

Wanna know more about it?
Check out "MY ACNE STORY" Page in the navigation bar to find out more about my experience with ACNE.

And sorry if I made any grammar mistakes... :x

Thursday, 16 August 2012

Review: Mizon All-In-One Snail Repair Cream

Snail Repair Cream Mizon All-In-One Snail Repair Cream 75ml
Description: This original snail mucus takes care of your all kind of skin problems in all-in-one skin care system on your first skin care step. It repairs tired and aging skin to be rejuvenating and it also the first protector of your naked skin.
Direction: At your first skin care step, apply proper amount of it to your face and let it absorbed into the deep skin.
**if you use a toner, then use this cream right after your toner. If not, then use this right after cleansing.
**it's a morning and night cream.

I can't stress enough how awesome this cream is! This is a miracle product! I have only used this for a month+ and the result it gives are truly amazing!!

After I read through the product articles(shown below), I bought the cream hopefully it would help heal my skin problems such as acne, post-acne hyperpigmentation/scars, redness, large pores etc. and to my surprise, it does work wonders! :)

*Photos credit to seller* ↴

*Photos credit to seller* ↲

Look at that! Omg, how it helped to clear up those monster zits!

I was sold to the cream after I saw these pictures review. -_-" To be honest, I used to have bad acne somewhat similar(whole cheek broke out! :( ) but not as bad as what's in the picture. But still, it's pretty bad to me. -_-"After clearing up all the zits, I have been searching for good products to control and maintain my somewhat clear skin. Well, I can't say that I have a totally flawless skin because I do still get zits occasionally and I still have post acne marks left from the horrible breakout. Anyway, before I make the purchase, I did more research on it because you know...sometimes consumer reviews can be fabricated. -_-

But don't worry~, I'm a honest reviewer! Trust me! :D

The cream comes in a sturdy glass jar container with a plastic twist-off screw cap. Right inside there is a plastic cover and it comes without a spatula. TSK! :(

Consistency:

It's 'slime-y'(like real snail slime/mucin) and sticky gel-like texture but no worry, it's not sticky after it absorbs into the skin. It's a non-greasy lightweight cream and it's not heavy at all.

Color:

As you can see from the pictures, the cream is in white color which absorbs into the skin without leaving a white cast/layer on the skin.

Scent:

It's fragrance-free! However, it does have a faint smell which I don't really know how to express...smell like a pure, raw and natural snail extract cream without adding in fragrance(?) [... ... ...] I don't know what I'm talking about... Orz [...] lol. It does not have a strong or bad smell anyway.

Likes:

- contain 92% of snail secretion fitrate!

- all-in-one function!

- lightweight cream. it's not heavy at all!

- helps in skin regenerating

- speed up acnes and hyperpigmentation/scars healing!

- lighten and get rid of redness.

- Pores tightening! *my pores are smaller now yayy~*

- brighten up skin tone

- not sticky nor greasy!

- easy to apply

- absorbed into the skin fast!

- fragrance FREE!

- suits all skin type including sensitive skin!

Dislikes:

- not very moisturizing... I do use a hydrating moisturizer after using this.

- comes without a spatula! TSK! As I have mentioned before, I hate dipping my fingers in to dip out the cream! TSK TSK!

P.S: I don't have any wrinkles so I can't evaluate the "anti-wrinkle" claim. :x

By the way, I experienced a mild breakout when I first started using this cream however, I did not stop using it because I believe it's repairing my skin — pushing out all the gunk, that has been stuck deep down in the skin, to the surface. This last for about 2-3 weeks and yup, my patience paid off.~

That being said, keep in mind that...Anytime you start using a new product, do use it for a month before you make the final conclusion. Your skin needs time(est. 2-4 weeks) to get adapt to new products, routines or regimen. Don't expect drastic changes overnight.

On a side note, remember to do a small patch test before slapping the cream onto your face especially if you are using some other brand products in the same routine. I suffered from a skin reaction when I used this with Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm and so I concluded both products can't be use in the same routine probably because of the ingredients. eg: Ingredient A + Ingredient B = Skin Reaction...? lol.

(PS: Our skin are different so probably this would not happen to you.)

so and so..., I stopped using AC Clinic Red Spot Balm even though it does works well to lighten post acne hyperpigmentation/scars because I find the snail cream works even better. After all, snail secretion extract does have a lot of good benefits for the skin~ Wanna know more about snail secretion extract? GOOGLE! Yes, GOOGLE is your best friend. Lol. :D

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Related Posts:

"My Acne Story" page: [link]

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm + whitening

AC Clinic Red Spot Balm
Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm + whitening (20ml)

Description: Formulated with Madecassoside(skin healing agent), Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress extracts, AC Clinic Red Spot Balm heals, clarifies and soothes facial trouble spots. Specialized target treatment heals and brightens blemishes with improved texture and skin whitening formula. Non-Comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested

Directions: Apply cream directly to acne, pimples and blemishes. Allow cream to absorb into skin. Avoid excessive facial rubbing.
Targets: Troubled Skin

The Red Spot Balm Kit comes with a jar of 20ml Red Spot Balm, a tube of 5ml Pink Daily Spot(Review here - [link]) and a plastic spatula.

I have the Red Spot Balm in smaller version(5ml) which I got it from the AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot Kit. :D FYI, the container of full version is made up of sturdy glass whereas the container of small version is made up of plastic.

Consistency & Color:
The balm has a creamy balm consistency and is in white color. When I gently massaged the balm on my skin, it will turned from white to opaque and with continue massaging, it will turned to nearly colorless.

Scent:
Herby? Medicated? smell... It's bearable. It's not as strong as the Pink Powder Spot.

Likes:
- the scent
- easy to apply
- not greasy
- does not sting
- lessen the redness of pimples marks/hyperpigmentation/scars
- whitening which helps to lighten post acne marks/hyperpigmentation

Dislikes:
- leaves a layer after applying it on skin

I used this only at night because I believe our skin heals better at night while our body is at rest. :x I don't want to rub it excessively on my skin so normally I will just gently massage it on my skin and leaves a white layer to cover the marks. Therefore, I won't apply this in the morning. By the way, I do not recommend to apply this if you're going to apply make-up afterwards because this balm tends to leave a layer of balm on your skin after application.

My friend told me that besides using this as a scar treatment, she used this as a pimple treatment too and it works out great for her. However for me, it does not work out as great as how it works for my friend. :/ Well, like what I've always say, our skin react differently to different products. What is great for one person might be horrible for another. So yeah... Using this as a pimple treatment does not works for me. it does not heal my pimples... :/

On a positive side, this does helps in speeding up the process of fading post acne marks/hyperpigmentation! I have been using this for about a month and 3 weeks. I noticed my pigmentation marks have lightened a lot and some have already gone.

Rating: 5/5
I believe this jar of 20ml Red Spot Balm can last really long because you only need to apply a little on the acne marks/hyperpigmentation. If you ask me if I will repurchase, I will definitely say YES! :) I am really happy that I got this balm and I highly recommend this to people who wants to get rid of acne scars/marks/hyperpigmentation.