Thursday, June 16, 2016

MY ACNE STORY

Okay, let me just put this out there from the get-go. You may need a strong stomach to get through this entire post, as I will be posting really ugly and gross before pictures of myself. If you're struggling with adult acne, and want to know that you are not alone, by all means, please read on. If you're easily grossed out and don't care about acne or skin-care anyways, you might want to skip this post altogether. ;)

I've always been in the normal to oily combination skin category. I've never had sensitive skin, but I did suffer from the occasional cystic acne in my teenage years. My skin was mostly clear throughout college. It wasn't until my early 20's that I noticed my skin taking a turn for the worse. After having my daughter, I went on Depotrust or Medroxyprogesterone --- birth control shots administered every three months. Not too sure if that caused my hormonal acne, but I'm guessing it contributed to it significantly. I'd go through phases where my skin was generally clear, but then there'd be months on end when the acne just would not go away. No topical medication ever worked for me, and I've tried pretty much everything from Proactive, to VMV, to dermatologist prescribed creams, to locally produced skin kits like Beauche, to even more natural approaches like the oil cleansing method (with castor oil, etc) and witch hazel and tea tree. Still nothing. 

Eventually, I resigned to the fact that my Revlon Colorstay Foundation would be my best friend for the rest of my adult life. If you can't beat the acne, buy a good foundation to cover it up, I thought. 

I know it probably wasn't a good idea to be on Medroxyprogesterone for as long as I was, but I had gotten so used to not having to deal with any of the monthly worries females go through otherwise, that at some point I didn't really care about the negative side effects --- such as acne. After about 8 years of going through these phases of having clear skin and then extremely troubled skin (usually aggravated by stress), I started breaking out like never before. This was early this February. It had gotten so bad, that I finally decided to bite the bullet, and get myself back on the pill instead.

My mom also took me to Facial Care Centre for a consultation and signed me up for 3 months worth of treatments. 

Here's what I get every session:

1. Deep Anti-Bacterial Facial - "Reduces current acne and helps prevent further breakouts. It focuses on deep cleansing to eliminate comedones, dirt, and skin impurities."

You don't know pain until you've gone through this treatment. I would pick childbirth over this torture any day. LOL! But you know what they say, no pain no gain! During this treatment, every pore is purged and every pimple popped until you're left looking like a bumpy red crab. After my first treatment (which by the way lasted about 3 hours) I cried like a baby, one, at how much pain i was in and two, at how disgusting I looked. Not for the faint of heart, I tell you. But definitely worth the pain.

2. Diamond Peel"Facial Care Centre’s Diamond Peel is a safe and effective microdermabrasion treatment that gently removes these dead skin cells found on the topmost layer of the skin, leaving it smoother and more radiant."

This one's my favorite. They run a special diamond-tipped wand over the surface of your skin to vacuum away whiteheads, blackheads, dirt, and dead skin. Noticeable improvement in your skin's texture and brightness after every session, I swear. Each treatment lasts about 20 minutes for me.

3. Advanced Laser Tone - "Diminishes fine lines and skin inflammation, increases collagen and elastin production, and noticeably improves skin texture while restoring its youthful radiance. Skin becomes visibly refined and younger-looking right after the first treatment."

To end each session, the facial therapist runs this laser wand over your entire face especially over the big zits she just obliterated, and after a few minutes of this "healing light", inflammation and swelling is significantly reduced.

To maintain my skin between sessions, I also changed my regimen and started using some new skin care products:

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I use this as makeup remover and as I my first step in cleansing before I actually wash my face. 

2. Repêchage Hydra Medic® Face Wash Foaming Gel Cleanser
"Deep clean skin with this gentle and effective face wash. Hydra Medic® Face Wash is a soap-free formula that deep cleanses without causing dryness. Salicylic Acid neutralizes bacteria while gently exfoliating the skin. Infusion of antioxidant synergistic tea blend soothes inflamed skin, leaving it soft and smooth."
I lather this all over my face and neck after removing makeup with Cetaphil. Unlike other facial soaps with Salicylic Acid, this gel cleanser has not given me any dry or flaky patches. It also doesnt make my skin feel uncomfortable and tight after washing. Product is available for sale at Facial Care Centre, or at this link: http://www.repechage.com/products/hydra-medic-face-wash-foaming-gel-cleanser

3. Repêchage Herbal Astringent
"A blend of natural extracts soothes and refreshes skin as it absorbs oil. This antiseptic, non-stinging, non-drying formula contains the extracts of seven natural herbs including: Sage, Colt's Foot, Dutch Rush, Rosemary, Chamomile, Balm Mint and Witch Hazel along with Menthol. The only astringent that removes surface oil without drying."
After washing, I use a cotton pad to apply this on my face and neck. True to it's claims, this doesn't sting at all, even when active acne is present! I love how this makes my skin feel hydrated and keep oil production under control at the same time.  You can buy this at Facial Care Centre, or at this link: http://www.repechage.com/products/herbal-astringent-for-problem-acne-and-oily-skin

3. Germaine de Capuccini Golden Caresse SPF 50 Emulsion
"High strength fluid emulsion with universal anti-age protection, to effectively prevent the skin from sunburn and premature ageing, resulting in a long lasting tan for more beautiful and luminous skin. ESPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR COMBINATION/OILY SKIN."
I use this as my moisturizer and sunblock during the day. This has to be the best sunblock I've ever used by far. It comes with SPF 50, but the consistency is smooth and luscious, and it doesn't leave that ghostly white film most sunblocks do. I find this works really well even under makeup! This too, is available for sale at Facial Care Centre or at this link: http://www.germaine-de-capuccini.com.au/product/golden-caresse-spf-50-emulsion/

4. VMV Hypoallergenics Red Better Daily Therapy Moisturizer
"Ultra-moisturizing inflammation, redness + flaking control. Incredibly rich, soothing and therapeutic yet non-comedogenic and gentle enough for daily use. Comfort + relief plus effective daily control of redness, scaling and hyperreactivity."
I use this as my night moisturizer. Mainly because it has no sun protection, and it kinda smells like coconut oil. And not the warm coconutty smell that'll remind you of sipping piña coladas by the beach. More like lana sa manghihilot kind of coconut. LOL But it works really well though, I feel like using this at night calms any redness and inflammation while I sleep.


And now, for the before and after photos. If you're eating, you may want to stop. haha
I've had about 7 sessions in the span of four months, and I must say, I am very very pleased with how things are going! I still have a long way to go, and to get where I really want to be as far as my skin goals are concerned, but I'm at the point where I'm at least comfortable with how I look sans cosmetics --- or photo filters. LOL! I still get the occasional pimple here and there, but so far, nothing monstrous. Mostly, it's the red marks those nasty zits left behind. I'm just grateful I have spots instead of deep pitted scars, as I'm sure those are harder to remove. I have freckles too, and I actually don't really mind. Now that I don't have to cover up with so much makeup, I actually get to see my freckles peek through, and that's fine. It just feels really LIBERATING to be able to leave the house without foundation! I've also signed up for more sessions at Facial Care Centre, and will be getting treatments probably just every month now for the rest of the year.

I had to work up enough courage to actually post the before pics of myself! It's really not so much about vanity, but anyone who's suffered from acne knows that bad skin does horrible things to your confidence for sure. If you're reading this, and you're one of us adult acne sufferers, I hope this encourages you even just a little bit, that YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and THERE IS HOPE! It may cost you a little bit and it will take some time and a lot of patience, but you CAN achieve clear skin!

Your first step is to find out what's causing the breakouts. Is it the makeup or products you're using? Does it get worse with certain things you eat? Is it hormonal? Find out, see a doctor if you have to. But you have to know what's causing it first, so you'll know the right plan of action for you. It also helps to surround yourself with love and support, and people to remind you that you're beautiful no matter what. <3

Good luck to us, and cheers to happy, healthy skin!





If you'd like to get a consultation at Facial Care Centre (Cebu), contact Karen at 0917.870.3945. Let her know I sent you, I'm sure she'll take good care of you too! :)

This is not a sponsored post and I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies or brands mentioned. =)

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