Hello dearies!
One of the concerns that I share with my sister is skincare. We both have acne-prone and oily skin and we've been battling breakouts and pimple scars since we hit puberty.
One of the concerns that I share with my sister is skincare. We both have acne-prone and oily skin and we've been battling breakouts and pimple scars since we hit puberty.
My sister takes skincare more seriously though and she has tried and experimented on many products and her recommendations almost always works on me. Her current skin is waaaaaay better compared to the time she was here in the country (she left for Australia last 2012 and visits us once a year for a few weeks). I know because I just visited her last April!
During my two weeks stay, my sis scheduled a makeup session at Mecca Cosmetica, where I met Pamela who helped me pick out good brands for skincare and makeup that works great on my skin. You'll see the products that I bought on my haul post.
During my two weeks stay, my sis scheduled a makeup session at Mecca Cosmetica, where I met Pamela who helped me pick out good brands for skincare and makeup that works great on my skin. You'll see the products that I bought on my haul post.
I was able to learn about how to use some skincare products better with my session with Pamela, like applying the eye cream not directly below the eyes to avoid appearances of milia. Just softly dab it at around half an inch below your eyes (my reminder is the boney area or the top of the cheekbones). Also, don't put sunscreen around the eyes unless it's mentioned that it is safe to apply on that area. She also reminded me to not use too much product and let them sink in. Don't pile them all up, which I usually forget because I'm trying to save time to do other things. Now I just try to apply a product then find something else to do like check my email before I apply my next product or makeup!
Although I already learned and discovered more products that are good for me from that Mecca Cosmetica session, I learned more on my skin consultation session I had at Clear Complexions Clinic. This is where my sister goes to get her skin treatments. My sis convinced me to book a session so I can see the current status of my skin and what should be done to improve it.
And so I met with Georgie, I think she also handles my sister's skin (I assumed because they seem familiar already). She cleansed my skin to prepare for a skin analysis. According to their website, it involves "state-of-the-art imaging software that shows the damage that sits up to 2mm below the surface of your skin." We then proceeded to discussing my skin concerns and the products and treatments that I'll be needing.
What I was really excited about was the skin analysis. I'm very curious as to what my skin condition was, what damages it has, and what I should do about them. There was a machine where I just rest my chin and the doctor gets a picture of my face (front, left, and ride side). I was able to get a copy of the result. Check this out:
As seen at the caption, the first photo is my standard photo, the middle is showing the skin's redness (acne, inflammation, spider veins), while the third shows the sun damages.
According to the Georgie, I need to improve my use of sun protection (no alarming damages though). We talked about my issue with breakouts and what I could do with acne scars as well as my enlarged pores. We discussed also my hormonal problems (mostly due to my weight) and my breakouts around the jaw area, as well as the environmental factors in the Philippines that also cause the acne and the enlarged pores (pollution and the warm temperature and high humidity).
See the photo below containing her recommended products and treatments.
The treatments are for my acne problem (see what these treatments can do here) and she listed products that help peel the scars and prevent future breakouts. She also recommended a moisturizer a sunscreen that I bought!
Rationale Sebocyte Soothing Hydragel
Info from the website:
is a super lightweight hydrator that uses a combination of Niacinamide, Lauric Acid and Salicylic Acid to regulate sebum production, limit bacterial growth and encourage shedding of skin cells to unclog pores
Rationale Sebocyte Superlight Lotion (SPF50+)
Info from the website:
A world first in anti-acne sunscreen! Innovative, multi-tasking SPF50+ UV defence. An anti-acne SPF50+ daily sunscreen, fortified with blemish controlling actives in a superlight, anti-inflammatory formula.
I didn't get any treatment done nor was I able to buy all the recommended products. I would if I had the extra money, but unfortunately, I already spent more money than I initially planned. I would love to try at least one of the treatments recommended if I get to visit my sis again. :)
Even though I didn't get any of the products that would help refine my skin and peel off the scars, I did, however, bought some products from my earlier visit at Mecca Cosmetica that help peel and brighten skin...
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula
Info from the website:
Dr. Dennis Gross’ iconic original formula, a daily peel formulated to treat three common signs of aging: uneven tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and enlarged pores, with five acids – without causing irritation.
Resurrect radiance for skin that appears to have reduced wrinkles and minimized pores with Dr. Dennis Gross’ iconic renewing peel, an easy and safe for at-home use version of peels he uses for patients at his NYC practice - without requiring recovery time. Step 1 is packed with rejuvenating, powerful yet gentle exfoliating acids. Step 2 controls the alpha hydroxy acid activity and delivers anti-aging actives, nourishing skin, keeping it balanced, smooth, and radiant – perfectly prepped for a more effective skincare routine. Skin immediately looks refreshed and glowing. This universal formula contains a combination of five acids, ideal for first-time peel users and those of all skin types.
Sunday Riley Good Genes and Luna (The Power Couple Kit)
Info from Mecca's website:
This daily transforming face treatment and mask is formulated with 5% purified grade, anti-ageing lactic acid, lemongrass and licorice to exfoliate and plump the look of fine lines, to reveal a brighter, smoother and more refined complexion. Long term use can help to restore the appearance of damaged and uneven skin tone, reduce the visible depth of line and wrinkles and increase skin's firmness and elasticity.
Formulated with a trans-retinonl ester, the visible signs of ageing are minimised as cold pressed avocado, chia and concord grape seed oils give the look of glowing skin. Essential oils calm and soothe and keep redness and irritation at bay. The complexion is left looking smoother, firmer and clear.
It was great that I was able to get to know my skin better and that I am equipped with more potent products to improve the condition of my skin. All of the products have been tried-and-tested by my sister and I completely trust her reviews on products so I can't wait to see what my skin will look like after I use all these up! :)
Would you like to get your skin analyzed? Have you tried any of the products mentioned above? :)
Cheers,
DAWN
