MY ACNE-CARE ROUTINE

Battling with acne? You might want to read this.

My favorite (and so far, best) weapon to fighting acne are exfoliants. I usually do a round of BHA - AHA – Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask to keep my skin clearer (though I am still having some minor acne, but it much much better) and in addition, using Benzoyl Peroxide in spot(s).

My favorite brand of course, Paula Choice, followed by Sulwhasoo and La Roche Posay. Their product mostly suit me, and by that means causing less trouble to my skin.

According to Paula Begoun (Paula Choice’s founder), use whatever cleanser that works for you. For me, it’s usually Himalaya Neem Facial Wash or Foaming Facial Wash. It’s supposed to help with acne, but not too necessary. I like how my skin feels after using them, but if I can’t have it then it’s okay. I currently have none of them (so no picture), and using Garnier Rice Facial Wash and Charchoal Soap Bar instead. Both works just fine.

Okay, first, EXFOLIANT.

It’s necessary to help your skin. I am not using scrub and physical exfoliant, they causing me break-out. I am not trusting gel exfoliant too, so yeah skip on it.

As seen on picture, I’m using Paula Choice 2% BHA Liquid and 8% AHA Gel. Paula Choice Clear Anti Redness Exfoliating Solution (Blue bottle, currently empty) is basically the same with 2% BHA Liquid, so I bought 2% BHA Liquid because it’s cheaper.

BHA (Salicylic Acid)  is most likely used by oily and acne prone skin because it’s ability to get through oils that clog pores, and normalizing the lining of misshapen pores that creates acne. BHA also has anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties that suit acne prone and sensitive skin well.

I usually applying BHA after toner (if I’m using one) or right after cleanser using cotton pad. Some might not agree with my method, but I think it works better to me that using with bare hand. Perhaps cotton pad provides some extra exfoliating properties?

However, sometimes, after applying BHA, my skin feels so dry and uncomfortable. If it’s happen, then I’ll take my Evian Facial Mist and spray all over my face. It solves. 

Function :

Creates radiant, even toned skin

Reduces redness and builds collagen

Unclog and diminished enlarged pores

Prevent breakouts

Assist skin healing

Treats acne

AHA (Glycolic Acid) usually works better on dry skin. Because while exfoliating, it doesn’t drying and added moisture content to your skin. BHA only might be enough for Acne, but I think AHA will help to improve my skin texture and acne scar. And sometimes, my skin doesn’t really feels oily.

I use AHA right after cleanser (or toner if I’m using one), without cotton pad, because mine is in gel form. It’s so much more convenient. I use it for my back acne too and it’s works great.

If I’m using AHA the night before, in morning my skin seems much more radiant and fresh. Perhaps its in collagen production or what. But as we know, it doesn’t help with acne at all.

Function :

Creates radiant, even toned skin

Reveals new, younger skin

Stimulates collagen production

Both cause me a little bit over IDR. 400,000 but a good thing, both just need a little amount each use. I think I’ve finished a 4 o.z BHA bottle in 6 month, used on daily basis.

Second, TREATMENT

How useful and amazing these stuff are!

Left to right :

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide and 0.4% LHA), La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+], Paula Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment (5% Benzoyl Peroxide), and from local brand, Benzolac – CL (Benzoyl Peroxide 5% and Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%).

What? Do you think they are too much? Oops. Yes, you don’t need that many. Just one or maybe two, is enough.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide and 0.4% LHA) is the first treatment I bought to solve acne. It’s the one that open my eyes too the wonderfulness of Benzoyl Peroxide and exfoliant world. It supposed to use on spot only, but I’ve tried to use it all over my face and it’s okay. I love it so much, but not the price tag. This one is American version, and cost me a good IDR. 450,000 for 40ml of product. Ugh. Sooo I move to local brand :

Benzolac – CL (Benzoyl Peroxide 5% and Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%), which also available in 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide version. It’s waaaay much cheaper at IDR. 32,000 for 10g of product. Yes. Works just fine, but I don’t think using Clindamycin phosphate on daily basis is a good thing (causing another trouble) so I just use it while travelling. Much smaller and cheaper, right?

Paula Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment (5% Benzoyl Peroxide) is a part of Paula Choice Clear skin range, and I first tried it together with their BHA exfoliant. Price wise, it’s about IDR. 330,000 for 67 ml of product. Not cheap but cheaper than La Roche Posay one.

The only problem is, sometimes it’s feel a bit harsh on my skin, and a bit feels drying. No patch skin to show though. Just a tad uncomfortable for me.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] is Europen version, which use no Benzoyl Peroxide nor LHA. It’s supposed to correct imperfection and reduce redness. No Benzoyl Peroxide here, but it has my favorite Niacinamide. It can be use all over face (not just on spot), leaves matte finish and even skintone. Feels so good on skin, and cheaper that her American version, but it’s harder to get.

This one cost me less than IDR. 300,000 for 40 ml.

In addition, MASK

A thing that bother me more than acne is acne scar. Yes, acne is disturbing but it’s scar is disturbing more, and last longer on you. No joke, I still have some from my High School era. UGH.

Paula Begoun has said that old acne scar are unable to be solve with products, you need to see dermatologist and take serious care about them. But I hate seeing dermatologist, and won’t take skin implant or what. NO.

I heard Sulwhasoo has something to reduce pore size and clean skin, Clarifying Mask. Been in so many blog to check reviews about it and everyone think it’s amazing. Basically it’s an peel-off mask to help you took away dead skin cell, reduce pore size and brighten your skin. Works better while combined with Overnight Vitalizing Mask. Both loaded of Korean Herbal Ingredient, which serve many Korean Royal before.

True, my skin seems much clearer in different way from BHA and AHA. My pores seem smaller and cleaner. My black acne scar which a got several days before first Sulwhasoo mask trial, been much thinner and brown after first use. After second use, it’s being red. Third use, it’s just another soft red spot. Nice!

Overnight Vitalizing Mask help to moisture, which I rarely do in my complex acne treatment. Feels a tad heavy on skin and uncomfortable at first. Leaving my skin plump and healthy looking.

Clarifying Mask is IDR. 170,000 for 50ml and Overnight Vitalizing Mark is IDR. 150,000 for 30ml of product.

while using those steps, i also aware that :

• Wearing BHA, AHA and Benzoyl Peroxide causing skin sensitivity to sun screen. I always use SPF product at daily basis, and reapply every mid day. SPF 30 up is better, but if you’re stay-at-home or indoor kind of type, than below 30 is okay. Do not ever expose your skin under sun.
• At night, always do double cleansing. This is so important to cleansing from sunscreen and foundation residue.
• Don't ever use BHA and AHA and exfoliating mask at the same time. You can use AHA in the morning and BHA at night, but not both at night.

I know I spent a lot (A LOT!) in acne treatment routine, but skin is investation right?

I am happy spent a good amount of money in product that works, than in trial. So far, I have no regret for any of them. All are wonderful and works better than products I’ve tried before. And I think I’ve spent more on dermatologist before, which result me a good 6 month away from acne, but they’re still back and back and back.

Besides, I just tried to take Apple Cider Vinegar on daily basis orally. Some research said it’s help from inside.

Have you try any of these? Hope you love them as much as I do :D

 

instagram @taniaasvs
selling beauty stuff and everything in between @Primafacie_Corner

My First Impression to Paula Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel

If you're an interested in Paula Begoun's product, then you might have heard about BHA and AHA. For facial use, Paula offered several kind of BHA, including 2% BHA Gel which i've tried in sample size (yes, they have official sample size product!)

First, some introduction from paula choice :

What makes this product unique?
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant is a water-based formula that exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining to unclog pores and improve skin cell turnover rate. This creates a dramatic improvement in the skin's appearance, feel, and function especially for blemish-prone skin. There is a great deal of research indicating that BHA (beta hydroxy acid) increases collagen production and drastically smooths the surface of skin. Additionally, BHA has anti-bacterial properties that attack blemish-causing bacteria. The silky gel base of this exfoliant is similar to the texture of the Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant but has twice the amount of salicylic acid to combat stubborn blemishes, including blackheads and white bumps.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.5-3.9. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents.
Who is this product for?
All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to very oily skin prone to blemishes.
NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

 I usually use 2% BHA Liquid with cotton ball (thats my method, and i feel enjoy with it), but i wanna try something else and there's gel type coming in. Please note that i'm only using sample size (1.5 ml actually), so it's just my first impression, okay?

What it does :

creates radiant, even toned skin

reduce redness & builds collagen

unclogs & diminished enlarge pores

Direction of use :

apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a dime sized amount over entire face, including eyes (avoid lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or higher.

My way using it :

this sample size is enough for 3 days of use, twice a day.

i use very little amount and spread all over my face (avoid lower lash line and eyelids) right after cleansing because i'm rarely using toner this days.

2% BHA Gel is clear, has medium thick gel consistency.

Once applied, it feel much more sticky than liquid one and makes my face appear brighter than usual (not that i'm complaining).

Scent is stronger than liquid, but still acceptable. And it's not fragrance smell, it's chemical and gone after few seconds.

For me, it's more practical to use since i'm not using cotton ball here, but apply directly using my finger. My finger feel a tad drier than when i'm using liquid one but if i wash it properly after use, it's okay.

While combating acne, it perform worse than liquid.

I don't know it's just me or what, since Paula said liquid and gel type BHA are basically the same, with different texture only. But i think Liquid works better on me.

PRO's :

Clinically proven non irritating

BHA (for me, it's always a plus)

doesn't causing me break out

easier to apply

makes my face appear brighter

CONs :

 Stronger scent

Doesn't perform as good as liquid type BHA

 makes my fingers drier after application (need to wash properly)

However, if i can't get Liquid BHA, Gel type is much more better than none at all.

Have you tried Paula's product?

I'm still reading her book and hopefully, trying her AHA in short time :)

instagram @taniaasvs

selling beauty stuff and everything in between @Primafacie_Corner

 

 

 

My Favorites in 2014

My blog was started in 2012, and since established, I haven’t do any real “Best Product of the Year” kind of post. Sorry for being late, but here it is :

Tania’s favorite Beauty Product in 2014!

Looking back, in 2014 my skin has up and down journey. Been sorrow and joy, these are my favorites :

SKINCARE

Holy Grail : Paula Choice Clear Anti Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid

My absolute favorites. DOES clean my skin and makes it way much much much better. Now I am just using it like 2-3 times a week to maintain the clearness. The only cons is just price. But well, I’d go for it.

Second, also from Paula Choice : Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide

Hey, I’ve just said my skin is much much much much better, then why do I need another treatment? Because I still get acne during my period. Amount vary from 1 silent acne to 4 horrible acne. This product helps. Cons? Price and sometimes it’s sting.

Third is Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.

Mine is in sample size (and I keep buying sample size because regular size cost a Fortune, no joke).

I have oily skin and mostly, cream moisturizer wouldn’t work. This one works, and could be function as moisturizer, night cream, eye cream (no cream bleeding) and has anti oxidant that help with spot.

Fourth, Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Foaming Face Wash (also the one in tube. I run out of it so no picture)

Thanks God I’ve found this. It’s considerably expensive compared to another drugstore brand here, but only fraction compared to Korean Facial Wash. Plus, it’s free from Parabens, SLS/SLES and Phthalates. It’s helps prevent acne and cleanse well. This one is my second foaming bottle and I’ve just finished my second tube.

Fifth, Evian Natural Mineral Water

I know it's said to be far less amazing than Avene Facian Mist, but it's far more affordable here in Indonesia and i think for me, it's done the job very well.

Last, also from Paula Choice is Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum

It has Retinol and help to fade my acne scars. 2% salicylic acid does the job quite well but it works faster with SBSACS (gosh, what a long name!).

MAKE UP

 

Since I’m not wearing make up much, I only got 2 super-favorites :

Urban Decay Naked 3

No introduction needed, I guess?

Well, first I don’t think I could pull the Rose Gold theme but thankfully, it turn so good. I rarely wear my naked 2 now. Naked 3 ROCKS!

Coty Airspun Translucent Extra Coverage Loose Powder

Maybe it’s too fast to say it’s favorites in 2014, since I just bought it about end of November but I found nothing work as great as this one, even the ingredient is out of my usual picks, but still. I’m in love.

BODY CARE

The Body Shop Vanilla Bliss Body Polish

I’ve praised it so high in my review post (click here to read) and this one is my second tube of vanilla. Faves.

Nivea Daily Protection Sun Lotion Light Feeling SPF 25 PA ++

Remember how I always complained why there’s no good sun lotion? They’re always feel heavy on my skin. Those that lights, has no SPF. No wonder my skintone getting darker and darker.

However, thanks Nivea to bring this cute blue tube to Indonesia. It’s really feels like on my skin. And SPF 25 is enough too. Bought 5 bottles when it launching sale for IDR. 15,000/100ml each. CHEAP.

Have you tried any of these? Does them impressed you?

Check my instagram @Primafacie_Corner (selling beauty stuff, ready stock) and @taniaasvs for beauty reviews :)

 

Paula Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA

Hello!

I’ve using this Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA for about 2.5 months and finally feel (and see) it’s effect so I think I’m ready to share my experience with you. However, I doesn’t take before and after picture but you can put your trust on me. I bought product with my own money, and write review purely because I want to share ^____^

I don’t remember how many years I’ve been spent with body-acne problem. They’re spread on my back and top arms. By the years, its’ getting rough and brown. Do I need to say that I don’t like them?

I was helped by The Body Shop Body Polish, but it’s alone is not enough. Since Paula Choice Anti Redness Exfoliating BHA works so well on my face (review later.. *ehm*) I decided to give Resist Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA a try. Okay it’s expensive (and will be more expensive since USD are raising high compared to IDR) but I put my trust and took the bullet. If you don’t want to, anti redness exfoliating is liquid form of this baby, basically they’re the same. Even Resist Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA could be use on face too.

Okay, going to review..

Paula Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA

What it does :

Exfoliates to reveal younger, hydrated skin

Eliminates rough, bumpy skin

Antioxidants help repair sun damage

direction of use, ingredients etc

Directions :

Apply small amount to clean skin. May be used daily for all-over smoothing and exfoliation, or applied to breakout-prone areas as needed. For daytime use, wear under Paula Choice Sunscreen.

Well, I just use it once a day, after my evening shower since I am not using sunscreen on my back and top arms in daytime. They’re just safely hid under my clothes and I am afraid that wrong sunscreen will make my body acne worse.

tub's hole

 At 210ml of product, this baby is HUGE. It’s not something you’d want to carry all along. But if I am travelling, I’d just bring Resist Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA and use it for my face and body. I think it’s easier since it’s in cream form.

Paula Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA

The product is simply white cream and has hair-styling product scent. Don’t worry, the scent go away easily as you apply it.

I wouldn’t say that I never doubt it. In the end of first month, I feel sad, think that maybe its really not work. But now, I could say that it works slowly but sure. Even today, my acne are still there but far lesser and I have no bumpy skin, just fading scars all around my skin. I would be happy if it could work faster, but maybe I’m asking too much.

This produst is pricey, yes, but after 2.5 months of use, I still have about half bottle. Definitely worth my penny.

Pros :

Clinically proven non irritating (and not irritating on my sensitive skin)

No animal testing

Work slowly but sure

Can be use on face and body

Cream form, easy to travel with even its in HUGE bottle.

Cons :

Expensive

Hard to get in Indonesia

Bad smell

Need sunscreen companion if you want to use in daytime

Slow works, couldn’t rely on if you want speed healing

Thank you for reading, hopefully you're get what you need :)

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be happy always! ^^