DRX Clinic Journey Part 6 (5 Months After)

~AG~
My follow-up visit with Dr. Tsu was two weeks ago. Finally, found the time to write an update about it. So what did Dr.Tsu had to say about my skin condition?

Firstly, he said my skin condition has improved. Yay! Somehow I felt that it has too. My mother and boyfriend also commented that my skin looks much better now. Worth every extra minute spent on the skincare regimen, and every dollar spent on the Derma-RX products. It has been about 5 months since I started on the Derma-RX skincare regimen. Some topics that we discussed during the visit:

WHITEHEADS
There are still white bumps on my forehead. But Dr. Tsu explained that they are not pimples but whiteheads (clogged pores). He recommended me to continue applying the Comodone Formula and Blemish Formula on the trapped whiteheads.  

ACNE SCARS
There are some acne scars on my chin. Dr. Tsu mentioned that the scars will take some time to fade away. He said that if I am really concerned about the scarring, I could do some laser treatment.

MEDICATION
He continued to prescribe me the spironolactone for another 45 days. My next appointment with him is in mid-November. Because I had told him that I still suffer from large pimples during the time of the month, he advised me to continue with the medicine to see its effects. I have been on spironolactone since mid-July, it has been three months of continued consumption.

EFFECTS OF EVENING PRIMOSE OIL
Before my appointment with Dr. Tsu, a question appeared to me. I wondered whether the consumption of Evening Primose Oil (EPO) supplement triggered my acne outbreak in April-May. I was taking EPO daily to combat my severe PMS symptoms. Dr. Tsu mentioned that EPO might cause breakouts as it affects hormones. He told me not to start on EPO just yet, as my skin is just "recovering".

"BACTERIA FOOD"
Sugar + Diary Products = Food for Skin Bacteria. Both these two bacteria "food" are my weaknesses. So for those that are suffering breakouts, you might want to cut down on these two ingredients. Yes, it is super difficult. But your skin will thank you for it.
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Overall, I trust Dr. Tsu. He is very easy to talk to, and takes the time to patiently answer all my detailed questions. Regarding the Derma-RX products, there are some hits and misses. I will say some Derma-RX products will not be repurchased such as the Milk Cleanser, Foaming Cleanser, Hydrator, Alpha Beta Gel and Sunscreen. FYI, the tinted sunscreen I am using now is the old formula. They now have a new and improved formula.

From Left to Right: Milk Cleanser, Toner, Comedone Formula, Acne Spot Solution, Blemish Formula, Alpha Beta Gel, Max-C and Tinted Sunscreen

Here are the Derma-RX products that I like the most are, according to their ranking:

1) Max-C - LOVE LOVE this serum. My skin feels instantly firm after use.

2) Toner - Found a newfound love for toner because of this product. It keeps my skin fresh and balanced

3) Blemish Formula - This gentle formula works to tackle pimples and whiteheads

4) Comedone Formula - Keeps my oil glands under control, and helps with pore control

5) Acne Spot Solution - Reduces my red/whitehead pimples

Allure: 8 Rules of Layering Your Skin-Care Products

8 Rules of Layering Your Skin-Care Products

http://www.allure.com/skin-care/2014/how-to-layer-your-skin-care-products?s_cid=skin_20140819_30073166

1. Start light. Serums—the thinnest products—go first, because a) that just makes sense and b) "they deliver active ingredients into the skin most efficiently," says Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in Boston. Plus, they're easy to customize. Pick two or three serums that each treat one of your concerns: formulas with peptides for wrinkles (we like Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum),salicylic acid for oily skin (try Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Serum), and licorice or aloe to calm redness (like First Aid Beauty Anti-­Redness Serum).

2. Add an antioxidant. Vitamin C is one in­gre­dient every skin type needs. "It brightens, protects against sun damage, and promotes collagenproduction," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson, who recommends using a potent serum (such asObagi Professional-C Serum 15%).

3. Take a coffee break. "If you give each product a minute to dry, it won't pill," says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in New York City and Miami. "I flow my skin care in with the rest of my morning routine.For example, I put on a product, have coffee, then put on a second product, then brush my teeth."

4. Lock it down. Moisturizer is key to any layering routine because "it seals serums on your skin, which can make them more effective," says Wilson. Feel free to keep it basic: Try Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 for normal and oily skin and Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer for dry skin.

5. Know when to go in reverse. If your sensitive skin reddens at the thought of using even one treatment product, try putting on a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer first and then serums on top. "The cream will reduce the potency of the serums," says Hirsch, "but they'll also be less likely to cause irritation."

6. Add an oil. In small doses, oils make skin radiant. Put them on dry areas after creams—as a rule, oils can penetrate moisturizers, but not vice versa. We like L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil, with sunflower-seed and jojoba oils. Skip the oil if you're wearing more than two serums under your moisturizer, though—at some point, you can't avoid looking greasy.

7. Don't forget protection. "Sunscreen is your last step in the morning," says Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York. "It sits on top of your skin, so if it goes on first, it prevents other ingredients from penetrating." Coppertone ClearlySheer Faces for Sunny Days SPF 30 is lightweight enough to layer over multiple products.

8. Have a nightcap. It's not as sexy as a snifter of whiskey. But ending your nighttime routine with a retinoidmakes you look a whole lot younger. (Every dermatologist recommends this anti-aging superingredient.) "I put my retinol over a serum and a cream—moisturizing helps retinol to penetrate better with less irritation," says Brandt, who uses his own Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Transforming Pearl Serum and Time Reversing Cream.