REVIEW: 2nd Sessiong Brightening Laser @ DRX Clinic

~AG~

It has been two weeks since my first brightening laser treatment, time to report on my second laser session which happened yesterday. I asked the nurse whether my back acne/pigmentation had improved, and she said they took a before picture so I could compare. Before the treatment, I also asked the doctor whether the pigmentation has reduced. Dr. Tsu said surprisingly my skin condition on my back improved. He remembered the pigmentation was more brown previously. Now it has been significantly lightened. I was so HAPPY to hear that! :) 

I was actually not expecting visible result from the first brightening laser session. My skin tends to take a while to recover from acne or scarring. However, I was at the point of desperation to improve my back acne/pigmentation. On top of the brightening laser treatment, I have also been diligently applying the Lightener cream twice a day on the back area. The dual effect of brightening laser treatment and topical cream has helped lightened the pigmentation on my back area. It is worth every single cent spent on the treatment.


The brightening laser treatment breaks down the dark pigmentation to make the skin appear brighter. Dr. Tsu said the effects of the brightening laser is not the same for everyone. It depends on your skin condition. I would be going in for another brightening laser treatment in two weeks. That is the last one before the big day. Hope it makes a significant difference. Wish me luck!

REVIEW: Brightening Laser @ DRX Clinic

~AG~
Doctor Tsu has been my trusted dermatologist for over two years now. I am a commitment-phobe, and usually not "loyal" to my hairstylists, dermatologists and other beauty therapist. So two years with DRX Clinic, specifically with Dr. Tsu, is a phenomenon. 

The last time I saw Dr. Tsu was in Nov 2016 for my acne breakout after my trip to Italy, as I needed immediate help before my engagement photoshoot. Ever since then, I have not followed-up with him.
This time I decided to see him because it is about a month before the my day. My back acne scars and sun spots have been an issue for me. My back is one of the body parts in which I am very self-conscious about. While trying on my cheongsam, my wedding planner commented on my back acne pigmentation. Second instance was when I was trying on my evening gown and my fiancé commented on my back acne pigmentation also. Thirdly, while trying on a dress, my mom commented about it again. I thought that the Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment @ My Cozy Room has helped with the pigmentation. But apparently not :( Time for a more dramatic intervention for my back acne pigmentation.

 Ketoconazole cream to be used to cleanse the back area

The lightener cream to applied twice a day

 Acne Spot Lotion to treat existing acne

During the consultation, Dr. Tsu mentioned that my back area was not bad at all. He said there was no need for oral medication. He advised on an body shampoo (2% Ketoconazole) to be used to cleanse the back area and to be left on for 2-3 minutes. Then a lightener cream (4% hydroquinone) to target the pigmentation and the acne spot lotion to treat active acne. The lightener creams costs S$106.80 and the ketoconazole cream costs S$10.70. Though, he said I would not see that much of a difference in a month's time. I told him that I wanted more visible results. He said for the laser treatment, it takes a few sessions to notice the difference. He said for the laser treatment, I might not see drastic difference, because I would only be able to do 3 sessions before my big day. 

 My back acne scars and pigmentation are quite obvious *cries*

The whole laser treatment took about 15 minutes. There was no need for topical numbing cream. The nurse clean the back area and then Dr.Tsu started the laser treatment. Compared to IPl hair removal, the laser treatment was less painful. This is coming for a person with very low pain tolerance. The procedure itself felt like static electricity, and I find it slightly ticklish. During the laser treatment, I commented to Dr.Tsu that I smell something burning. He said that was the smell of your body hair burning. Haha! This brightening laser treatment has no downtime and is not painful at all. My ultra sensitive skin did not have much redness. Dr. Tsu advised that the skin tends to get dry after laser treatment. He recommended that I apply body lotion to the back area after I applied the lightener cream.

Slight redness fter treatment 

I will be going for my second laser treatment session in two weeks' time. Will keep you all posted. 

REVIEW: Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant

~AG~

After using Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant for over two months, it is time for me to do a review on it. The reason I bought Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant is because it is designed for sensitive skin.
This 200ml amount of cleanser retails for S$31.90 at Watsons.   

This foaming wash has a smooth and rich gel texture. It does foam up a little,though it is not a thick lather. My skin does not feel squeaky clean after use. It leaves the skin feeling comfortable and not tight. I imagine this Bioderma Gel Moussant will work well for those with normal or dry skin type.

The packaging of this cleanser comes in their signature Bioderma Sensibio pink. The bottle is translucent so you can see how much product you have left. The pump dispenser can be conveniently locked to prevent spillage; this is especially handy for traveling.

I had high hopes for this Bioderma Gel Moussant since I am a HUGE fan of Bioderma H20 (Cleansing Water). For some unknown reason, my skin will have bumps after using this product. I tested to verify whether it was really Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant that triggered the adverse reaction. I stopped using this product for a few days and then the bumps disappeared. When I started using it again, bumps appeared again. Conclusion: Bioderma Gel Moussant does not work for my skin. Unfortunately, this foaming well would not be a repurchase for me.

REVIEW: Benefit Dandelion Travel Size

 ~AG~

Sharon Park, my wonderful makeup artist used this blush/highlighter on me for the prewedding (engagement) photoshoot and it surprisingly showed up well on my skin. Since I still have a handful of other blushes in my collection, getting a mini version makes me less guilty. This travel-sized version also comes with a soft bristle brush. Bought this from Ulta Beauty for US$15 (S$21). This box powder blush from Benefit is an iconic beauty product. Dandelion is a pale pink powder that has soft shimmers. This box powder gives a nice radiant glow. I would have never thought Dandelion would be suitable for my warm skin tone. For shade reference, I am Urban Decay Shade 3.0, Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30, Bobbi Brown Beige (3) and Chanel Beige (10).

A soft pink shimmer

This box powder comes with a brush

Dandelion is a great highlighting powder to use everyday to achieve that healthy glow. You can layer it on to make the pink pop more. The good thing about this blush is that it will not be powdery even if you layer it on. *thumbs up* I would recommend Benefit Dandelion for those with light to medium skin tone. 

Avène Skincare Haul

 Avène skincare haul

~AG~

Gentle Purifying Scrub
This scrub from Avène contains jojoba wax microbeads to gently exfoliate dead skin. Other ingredients such as salicylic acid and zinc gluconate helps to clog pores. This non-abrasive scrub also contains Avène Spring Water to soothe the skin. 

Gentle Cleansing Foam
This soap-free and fragrance-free formula is rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water. This gentle foaming cleanser comes with a pump dispenser.

Cleanance Mask Scrub
This Cleanance Mask Scrub is suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin. It exfoliates and absorbs excess sebum. The AHA-BHA complex combines with exfoliating particles to unblock pores and prevent blemishes