REVIEW: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Photo credit: The Ordinary

~AG~

Bought The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% as an alternative acne treatment, specifically for my back acne. Most acne treatment contains Salicylic acid (BHA) and benzoyl peroxide which are not recommended for those who are planning to conceive or are pregnant . This product also has properties such as:

The Ordinary is not readily available in Singapore, so I had to buy it online. It costs S$14 for 30 ml of product, which should lasts 2-3 months. The Ordinary website retails it for USD9.93. This cream-gel brightening formula contains 10% of high-purity Azelaic Acid. Azelaic acid brightens the skin tone while improving skin texture. This product is supposed to help reduce the look of blemishes. 

Overall, this product does help to improve the appearance of blemishes. Though, the result is not immediate. Been using it on and off for over a month, and it does help to improve my back acne. You can use this product twice a day on targeted areas. The only thing I do not like about this product is the scent. It has a distinct sharp scent which becomes apparent when applied to the face, so I only use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension for my back acne. 

Overall, it is a good product and I would repurchase it. It is an affordable acne treatment, at under $20. Wish it was more readily available in Singapore. 

REVIEW: COS-RX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Picture courtesy of Soko Glam

~MG~

This Acne Pimple Patch from COS-RX is a highly raved product. This is one of the best-selling products from COS-RX. Was introduced to this product by YouTuber, Joan Keem. One sheet contains 24 patches of various sizing. There are 3 different sizing available based on your needs. 

Bought this COS-RX Pimple Patch online as you can get a cheaper price at S$2.5-3, when there is a discount. It usually retails for KRW 3,500 (S$4.50) in Korea. 

Confessions: I have gone through 10 sheets of this COS-RX Pimple Patch. It has become one of my skincare must-haves! I always carry it around everyday in my skincare pouch. Whenever I see or feel a pimple appearing, I will stick on the COS-RX Pimple Patch. It works well to prevent me from constantly touching my emerging pimples. What I like about COS-RX Pimple Patch is that it disguises angry, red pimples. It absorbs the gunk from whitehead pimples and helps dry out pimples. 

The COS-RX Patch is also useful for pimples that have been popped. I tend to pop my whitehead pimples at night, and then use the Pimple Patch overnight. It stays on well, compared to Nexcare Acne Patch. I do not have any problem with it peeling off. There will be a lot of residue on the patch the next morning. It treats breakout by eliminating bacteria and infection. Super highly recommend COS-RX Pimple Patch to anyone who has the occasional breakouts or the frequent breakouts.

REVIEW: Nexcare Acne Dressing

~AG~

Bought this Nexcare Acne Dressing for THB 95 (S$3.70) at Boots Pharmacy in Bangkok. While in Bangkok, I was experiencing a cystic acne on my chin. The acne was so red and painful, even after applying my DRX Clinic Acne Spot Solution for two days. Acne Spot Lotion usually works well on emerging pimple, but it did not help in this case. On the last day in Bangkok, I was browsing through Boots Pharmacy and decided to buy this Nexcare Acne Dressing. This box comes with two 16-patches strips. The patches come in two sizes: 0.8 (small) and 1.2 (medium). There are 12 small patches and 6 medium patches in each strip. 

The exterior packaging

How one strip looks like. It comes with 6 medium and 12 small patches.

Nexcare Acne Patch works like a sponge to absorb pus and oil from acne blemishes. The cover turns white when all the oil has been absorbed, giving you a visible sign that it is working. It is drug-free, non-drying way to absorb oil from clogged pores. They act as protective cover, reducing the urge to squeeze or pick at a blemish. They are breathable and comfortable to wear. 

What can I say about Nexcare Acne Dressing?

- Even though it is translucent, the patch has a yellow tinge and is rather thick; and therefore quite visible. If you are self-conscious, you definitely would not wear it in the daytime. 

- I tried using it to bed, and it stayed on well throughout the night. The adhesiveness is good! I do not use any other acne treatment when wearing Nexcare Acne Dressing. 

- The patch becomes cloudy in the morning as it absorbs the oil and pus from the acne, as evidenced below. 

 The morning after, you can see a yellow residue from the whitehead of the pimple

Used acne patch which have turned cloudy

- Nexcare Acne Dressing does not provide immediate results. It does not noticeably reduce the size of acne or dries up whitehead pimples. 

- It does not dry out the skin, unlike harsh acne treatment such as Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. 

- For less than S$4, I think Nexcare Acne Dressing is handy to have. It is especially good if you are travelling to countries with polluted conditions. The patch works as a protective cover from environmental factors. I would repurchase this product because it works, and is easy on the pockets. 

REVIEW: innisfree second skin mask anti-trouble

innisfree second skin mask anti-trouble

~AG~

This sheet mask was gifted to me by my Korean friend, a year ago. But now I finally have the opportunity to give try it. On the package, it says, 'This perfectly adhesive mask contains propolis which deeply penetrated into your skin to intensively ease and soothe red, troubled skin, creating a clear complexion."According to innisfree world, this sheet mask is made up of fermented soybean sheet. It also claims to cool down the skin by 5℃. The bio-cellulose sheet mask adheres well to the face. The propolis content is supposed to soothe skin troubles. Innisfree world is retailing it at SS7.21 per sheet mask. Check out innisfree official shopping site for more details: innisfree second skin mask anti-trouble

This sheet mask is different that regular sheet mask because it does not feel like paper. The serum is also rather gel-like instead of the usual liquid consistency. The feel of the sheet mask is thicker than that of My Beauty Diary Mask or The Face Shop Mask. Since this bio-cellulose mask is delicate, it is protected between two mesh sheets. You remove one side of the mesh sheets then apply the sheet mask on your face, before removing the top mesh sheet. If I had not read the instructions online, I would have applied the mesh sheet thinking it was the sheet mask. Haha! It would have been strange. 

My skin felt tingly when this sheet mask was on. The tingly sensation was quite obvious. I wanted to remove the sheet mask because of the tingly feeling. I thought it was because my skin was having an adverse reaction to the mask. Fortunately, after use, there were no visible bumps or redness on my face. Even the next morning, my skin did not have any allergic reaction it this sheet mask. 

The sheet mask does not fully cover my forehead

 

After I remove the sheet mask, I found that the serum does not penetrate easily into my skin. Even after massaging the serum in, it took a while for it to be fully absorbed. My skin does not feel as hydrated after the use of this mask. But I did notice that my skin felt cooler to touch. My T-zone was experiencing some pimples and this sheet mask did help calm it down. Even though my pimples did not disappear overnight, it became less red after application of the mask.

Overall, I would not recommend this innisfree second mask anti-trouble. I prefer a sheet mask that hydrates and softens my skin. This sheet mask might work well for when my skin is sun-burnt, as it is effective in cooling it down. But the high price tag will make me think twice before repurchasing it.

REVIEW: VICHY Normaderm Hyaluspot

~AG~

In my previous post, this product was introduced as a possible fast-eliminating pimple treatment. Click link for my introduction of Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2015/03/new-buy-vichy-normaderm-hyaluspot.html

Vichy Normaderm Hyalospot

15 ml of product for ~S$26

 Cooling metal applicator to apply the pimple treatment

After several tries with this pimple treatment, I have to admit the sad truth. This Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot does NOT work for my pimples. It claims to vanish pimples in two days. But this was not the case. Even after three days of continual use, my red/whitehead pimples were not minimised.

The only good thing about this product is its packaging. It is convenient to use because it comes with a metal applicator. You do not have to wash your hands after application, as you would other pimple treatment. 

The product itself is interesting in that it creates a film barrier after it dries. As mentioned before, the hyaluronic acid component is used to create a protective film. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring moisture-binding ingredient in the body. It hydrates and protects the skin. This film prevents the existing pimples from exposure to more contamination.

I find that the pimple treatment stings after application. The two acne-fighting ingredients in this product are: Salicylic Acid and LHA (Lipo Hydroxy Acid). 

• Salicylic Acid helps reduce acne and prevent pimples by refining the pores
• LHA is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that exfoliates the skin, decongest clogged pores, and refines skin's surface

These two combined ingredients are probably not suitable for my sensitive skin.
This product costs SS$26, which is expensive for a pimple treatment. I would not consider Vichy as a high-end brand, but because this brand is from Europe thus the steep price tag in Asia.

Overall, I would not recommend Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot to anyone. It does not work to reduce existing pimples, nor does it work to prevent new ones from appearing. Please skip this product when you are browsing through Watsons or Guardian or any other drugstores.

BYRDIE: Why the Clogged Pores on Your Chin Won't Go Away

On the one hand, treating acne on your chin is no different than treating acne in general. On the other, there is a certain science behind why the chin is particularly troublesome area and understanding that will make treating chin breakouts easier. Blackheads, whiteheads, congestion, or inflammation—whatever type of breakout you’re dealing, Benjamin says if it’s on your chin it’s mostly hormonal. Which is both good news and bad news. Bad news in that there’s no miracle serum you can apply that will change your hormones. Good news in that knowing the cause is crucial to finding the best solution. 

So what exactly do hormones have to do with your skin? To answer that, Benjamin first gives us a quick biology lesson. Your 28-day menstrual cycle can be broken down into three sections. During the first seven days, estrogen levels are high. On days seven to 14, estrogen begins to drop. Day 14 through day 28 is when estrogen reaches its lowest levels. Benjamin explains that breakouts are most likely to occur seven to 10 days before your period because that’s when estrogen, which helps keep your skin clear, is lowest. Also during this time, testosterone increases, leading to an increase in sebum production. Progesterone levels increase too, causing your pores to constrict. So you’ve got low levels of the skin-clearing hormone, plus excess oil and constricted pores—basically the perfect storm for an acne flare-up.

Click on link to find out what you can do to prevent chin acne
How to get rid of chin acne

Full Credits to BYRDIE

NEW BUY : Oxe Cure Body Acne Spray

~AG~ 

 

One of my Thai friends recommended this acne body spray. This is in available in Thailand at Boots for 255 Baht (S$11). 

 

 

She said this acne spray works well. The result is not instanteous, but it is effective.   

The active ingredient in this spray is 1% salicylic acid. It claims to cleans acne blemishes and helps prevent new acne pimples. The spray supposedly works from any angle, and even upside down.   

 

My back acne is appearing again. I can feel bumps on my back. Since I will be wearing a strapless evening gown in two weeks time, immediate measure should be taken to treat and prevent more acne from appearing. I really hope this works. *cross my fingers*

 

REVIEW: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

~AG~

Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep.

A must-have for my skincare routine. I've heard that it is a cult worthy product. I was hesitant to try it out because of the price. But I have to say this drying lotion is AMAZING! It really dries out acne overnight. It only works for whitehead pimples. When I was breaking out like crazy, my sister recommended this to me. Within two uses, my huge whitehead pimples vanished. It does sting on application but the slight discomfort is worth the result. The drying lotion has a two-part mixture which consists of a pink (calamine sulfur) and a clear liquid portion. I use a cotton bud to apply the pink portion directly on the whiteheads. Then I leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning. When I first saw the two-part mixture I thought that I need to shake it, but actually this product should not be shaked before application. 

One more thing. I went through two bottles. The first one was in a glass packaging but they changed it now. It comes in a plastic bottle which is great, because you don't have to take extra precaution to make sure it does not break. However, I will recommend you tape the cap with scotch tape before storing it for traveling. Once I did not do that, and the cap "loosen" while travelling and I lost more than half of the product, which was so sad. 

I highly recommend this product! However, be careful not to apply this when your whiteheads are dried up already, or else it will cause your skin to peel. Worth the USD$17. A bottle should lasts you for about 3 months. 

Dermatologist Journey Part IV

~AG~
I stopped using Retinol for over two weeks because my skin was flaking very badly, especially around the chin and mouth area. It was pretty severe and it made me self-conscious. So for about a week, all I used was the desonide cream and the repair cream. After the dry patches were gone, I decided not to go back to using the retinol because I was going on a beach vacation. Since retinol makes my skin very susceptible to sun and the heat. 

I noticed there are tiny red bumps on my cheeks whenever I wake up in the morning. I'm not sure what is the cause of it. But I believe those small bumps are more an adverse reaction than pimples. It is usually minimised after an application of the desonide cream. But it is irritating to find those obvious spots on my cheeks. Some days I find that it is really bad, and makes my skin uneven. I will bring it up to Dr. Joyce for my follow up appointment.

The pigment fader which was a new product on my regimen was for my acne scars. When I first started using it, I did not notice any difference. But now, after about a month, it does help with my brown acne spots. But the effect is not very obvious. 

The repair cream I find can be too rich sometimes. So instead of mixing two parts of it to one part of retinol, I mix one part retinol and one part repair cream. I also avoid my cheeks area when applying the repair cream. 

It's been two months since I started using Dr. Joyce products and followed her regimen. The result is somehow not what I had hoped. I have seen my skin at its better condition. Yes, my whiteheads acne have been reduced in size and severity. But my troubled cheek area is still as sensitive and has constant red bumps. 

REVIEW: Nature’s Cure Body Treatment Spray Acne

Nature’s Cure is an excellent body and back acne treatment for breakouts caused by external conditions, such as sweating and friction from tight-fitting athletic gear and clothing. Plugged pores allow bacteria growth under the skin’s surface, causing inflammation that results in back acne, or acne on the chest, shoulders, arms or other parts of the body. Salicylic acid prevents body acne formation, including tough back acne, by exfoliating dead skin cells and clearing pores. It claims to:

• Penetrates pores
• Sprays from any angle, even upside down
• Fights acne from sports and sweat
• Maximum strength 2% salicylic acid formulation

~AG~

I’ve been using this body acne treatment spray for over 3 months, twice a day, after shower. I can say that this product does not prevent back acne. My back acne is about the same as before I started using this product. I had high hopes for this product because it has one of the higher ratings for acne treatment spray.

The treatment spray is convenient in that it can be sprayed from any angle, so it can target hard-to-reach places. However, I find the 2% salicylic acid formulation is not strong enough for my severe back acne. I think I need to use another acne active ingredient. Salicylic acid is not cutting it for my back acne. I need something that will deeply penetrate the pores and prevent breakouts. Any suggestions readers?

REVIEW: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

What it is formulated to do:

This jet-black, mineral-rich mask creates a unique peel-off effect that delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening results. Made with a premier-quality clay, its deep-cleansing properties draw out dirt and oil. Other natural ingredients go to work exfoliating skin and refining pores. Powerful antioxidants shrink pores, firm skin, and reduce inflammation. Once dried, the mask strips away dead skin, impurities and excess oil to reveal immediate and visible results.

After 4 weeks of use: 

- 91% reported their skin felt softer 

- 91% reported their skin felt less oily 

- 82% reported their skin appeared brighter

~AG~

A clay peel-off mask without all those wonderful properties that Boscia claims. However, it does not seem to work on my skin. It supposedly detoxifies skin and brighten the skin tone, but I did not see any of those effects.

Several beauty bloggers have raved about this product before so I was excited to try it. I bought this mask because I was breaking out like crazy, and wanted something to help with my clogged pores.  I tried using it once a week for over a month. I leave it on for 20-30 minutes until it completely dries, and then peel the mask off. I will then wash off any residue left with lukewarm water. 

A bad thing about this product is when I apply it around the T-zone area. When I apply the mask on my forehead and between the brows, my eyes will start to sting. It is not just a little stinging, sometimes I will tear up because of it.

I also noticed that pimples will pop up one or two days after use. Somehow it draws out the pimples. Instead of drawing out and removing the impurities, it causes me to have pimples. A big NO-NO!

I will not re-purchase this Boscia mask because I like to see instant effects for my skincare products. What I can say about it is that it does not have any positive effects on my skin condition. Plus, it also does not help with the removal of blackheads. Priced at USD $34, which I find rather pricy for a clay mask, I had expected more from it. 

REVIEW: Etude House AC Clinic Pink Daily Spot

 

 ~MG~


One big reason that I love shopping in Korean cosmetic stores are the free samples! Just love the excitement of not knowing what the cashier will surprise you with!

So, I stopped by Etude House in Singapore to pick up some essentials (and random items) before I headed back to U.S. After burning my debit card, the cashier gave me 2 little tubes of the 'AC Clinic Pink Daily Spot' (I think its because my face was breaking out that day). 

I had been using this 'Pink Daily Spot' for about 2 weeks and first thing I noticed is the pink color and the smell of the sulfur powder. This spot treatment is formulated with the antibiotic sulfur powder, salicylic acid and hinoki cypress extract. It claims to soothe, heal and brighten the blemishes. Not sure about the brightening portion but it sure did soothe and healed my blemishes!

Since I have an acne-prone face and my face was breaking out, smelling the sulfur and seeing salicylic acid as its ingredient were heavenly! However, for those who cannot take the sulfur smell, you might not like this product the same like I do. 

Also, this spot treatment can be really drying for your face because so just remember to moisturize your face well.

To maximize its effective, I like to massage and spread out the product on my blemish first and then apply the product again,  on the same spot but without massaging it. The reason why I reapply is because when I massage and spread out the product, it tends to get powdery.

For those warriors who wants to conquer the Acne War, grab this Pink weapon!