How long has it been?

Answer: its been a year since I blogged *shock*

I know, I know I owe a huge update but my skin is not my main concern right now...I kind of stopped obsessing on how bad it is and decided to go on with my life. Part of the reason is, I found someone who accepts me completely *enter a mushy song* and part of it is accepting that even the most pretty girls that I see here in my office in SG - they have bad skin as well! and they walk with confidence!

But actually, I still buy beauty stuffs. I still splurge once in a while and my toiletries are still a lot compared to normal lol but I never make cosmetic swatches and test anymore.

I also keep receiving emails from girls who have been using Isotretinoin and experienced a lot of purging...I feel for them. After quite some time I realized that, I regret using this drug. I think the side effects are not worth it..I missed the peak period of my life which is when I was 23 - I am 28 now (?) Gosh how I completely forgot (see, I purposely tried to forget that phase of my life cause I missed a lot of things!) But anyway...I was desperate at that time and my comedones are really bad..and situation is not getting better because of stress in work, quarter life crisis etc...
Well things happen for a reason, right?

Got to go. Maybe I should do a comprehensive update about my skin soon - or more? haha.

♥ Cecily

Skin and Hair Update - Quick Post

Hello Dahlings! Quick post. Public holiday today btw :)

Skin Care

For acne prevention and cure, I am now taking Skin B5 (S$39). Its a multivitamins with B5 and Zinc. So far the effect not yet established. It says it will prevent oiliness so I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am not planning to take antibiotics or isotretinoin in the future because these really messed up my gut.

Other than that, I am also using Argan Oil (S$29) as my night moisturizer. I am quite getting worried with my skin lately not only because of zits but because it lacked luster - sign of aging lol (not getting younger at 26!) Fractional Laser did well but I need to maintain it so I thought using organic product will help thus I bought this on a whim. After putting this on, I noticed two zits! I really dont know if its the oil or the Skin B5 but anyway, I am still giving this oil a chance. Sounds promising below:

Made from the nuts of the argan tree, which grows almost exclusively in Morocco, the oil is said to have restorative and age-defying effects. It is high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it is believed to help all sorts of skin conditions: dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/is-argan-oil-miraculous.html#ixzz1kKtVCL5k

Skin Regimen now

Cleanser: Avene Cleanance Cleanser   -- Love this!!

Toner: Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner

Morning:

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Serum 

Simple Facial Hydrolotion Sunscreen mixed with Biore UV Milk in Pink

Topped with Maybelline powder and blush.

Night

MWFSun: Avalon Organics Vitamin C Serum  + Argan Oil

TThSat: Epiduo + Argan Oil

Hair Care

Not really hair care but  today I am going to color my hair with Revlon Color Silk Strawberry Blonde in 72 Bought two boxes already. And I am deep conditioning my hair everyday with Essential Ultra Honey & Shea Butter Hair Mask Rich Premiere (couldnt find a link sorry)

Going to use this ^ from Daiso :)

Anyway, tadah before I ruin my roommates sleep lol. She did a graveyard shifting. Poor her, poor skin and poor health lol.

Have a stress free Tuesday!! 

♥, Cecily

The Fractional C02 Laser experience

Hello Dahlings! Its been a while.


Short recap: Working since June this year, never stopped working, never really hauled because I am saving for the future. Saving for the Laser Resurfacing and went home in the PH to do it and have my holiday vacation as well. So, here it goes.

Read my first Laser Resurfacing (Fraxel Re:fine) here: http://cecilywishes.blogspot.com/2011/01/fraxel-refine-today.html

One month preparation before the Laser resurfacing, 2 Blue Light peels in Neuglow, Singapore. Two weeks interval each. (SGD 175 each)

Since I didnt go to the derm for almost 6 months, I have to do a one month preparation to remove the comedones in my face (blackheads, whiteheads) Some are still there though and were not completely removed but its generally ok for laser.

Now I had to choose between getting the Laser in SG or in PH. In SG, I can get the package in installment basis using credit card. Cost would be 1K++ with GST for 3 sessions. Thats already discounted accdg to the Pinay assistant there. Btw, they use Fractional C02 Laser. Still a bit pricey, yeah? So I moved on...In the PH, I can choose between Fraxel Re:Store by Dr Yu in Glorietta or Fractional C02 Laser by Dr. Rhesa Martinez. Both costs PHP 15K.

I scheduled the Fraxel with Dr Yu but for some personal reasons, I backed out on the last min. Something tells me I am not comfortable to do the laser in his small clinic in Glorietta. Also, his landline number is not responding last Dec 26 and I took that as a sign already. When I called Dr Rhesa's line, it was also busy but after an hour or so, her assistant immediately answered my phone call. I felt relieved also while discussing my concerns with her. So I scheduled the procedure on Dec 27. Price is 15K but includes the maintenance kit. Plus, she is open to a package in the future. So, I definitely like this clinic!

Day of the procedure
I had to leave our province by 10am to do the laser by 2:30pm. Travel time takes about 2 hrs or 4 hrs if the jam is bad. I met my longtime friend during my free time and went to the Beverly Hills Medical Clinic in Paseo de Roxas at 2:30pm. (where the procedure will take place)

It was my first meeting with Dra Rhesa and seriously she is such a pleasure to talk to. She reminds me of my derm here in the province. Dra Rhesa really assured me of the procedure and she is very accommodating and really knows her craft.

Here are the things that happened after:


1. 2:30 acne extraction (some bumps and blackheads)
2. 2:45 start putting numb cream
3. 4:45 Drank a pain killer
4. 5:00 start the fractional C02 Laser.

Waiting period is long because the numb cream has to be set for 45 mins and Dra had another patient doing Thermage so had to wait for that to finish. I dont really mind waiting because my Mom and I (yes I brought her lol) we were inside the private room with sofa and ate our Jollibee meal that was delivered to us. You can ask the clinic assistants to call any nearby fastfood or restos if you are hungry.


First hand experience: Difference between Fraxel Re:Fine and Fractional C02 Laser.
Aside from the fact that the former is non ablative and the latter is ablative, there are quite obvious differences between the two laser resurfacing. As far as I remembered, when I did Re:fine, I really didnt feel any sensation. The pain is very tolerable. While in C02, I really had to talk to Dra and tell her that there is a slight pain, stinging sensation especially during the "second pass" Dra did two passes of laser in my face and three until four passes of laser for the really pitied ones. The second pass is where the stinging began. The third and the fourth is more stinging.

Im quite sensitive to sound and smell so the first thing I noticed with C02 is the burnt smell. I asked Dra what is it and she said, it might be my facial hair. To my horror I didnt even know that I had a facial hair in my chin. Yikes (I am a she man lol) We discussed of probability of PCOS (a hormonal imbalance disorder) but I told her my history of oral contraceptives and how it messed up my period and after going to a gyne, my period became regular and well regulated. Plus I dont have cystic acne as often as possible now, its only the blackheads that becomes pustules or papules---on  which I am still concerned with. So she said, if I dont have cystic acne quite often then it might not be a PCOS and if we do the hormonal testing, it will be very costly like PHP 13K+ or about SGD 400+. I am not very keen with that at the moment sorry :(

So in reality, even though I took isotretinoin last 2008-2009, the acne never completely went away 100%.

Btw, the sound of the C02 is like a sound of electricity ground. That really made me irk most of the time. Dra Rhesa thinks I am hurting but honestly I am only sensitive to the noise. The pain is quite tolerable for me.

The procedure is quite fast compared to Fraxel Re:fine. It took about 15-30 mins or so. And yeah its true, the face became swollen and reddish like how you feel when you have sun burn but its not really bad compared to what I have experienced during the time I had tretinoin cream in my face (this one is really burning and painful!)

After procedure photos:

The face is reddish. This is under dim lights. Looks bad but since I experienced much worst in my life, I dont think this is really bad lol. And again sorry for the mustache. I had to put that to break the seriousness of the face lol.

After the procedure, I had a small chitchat with Dra Rhesa about life, career and other stuffs lol. I even asked her to follow me on twitter which I really find it so cool hahah. :)

Some more photos:

I was prescribed with Tetralysal for 7 days only so that my blackheads will not erupt during my recovery period.

Day 2:
The lasered part of the face is quite dark now not red. About to heal. I put the copper peptide serum and the growth serum for fast recovery. No sunblock yet and I just stayed at home to rest.

I'll update you next time. :)

♥,Cecily

Radio Frequency for Acne Scarring

Yesterday, I had my 50% Diamond Peeling + 10% Glycolic Peeling + Radio Frequency in 5 grade.

What is that again? Radio Frequency? Honestly, I don’t know either. Actually, I just tried it and since we have a very good Dr and Patient relationship, I followed and trusted my Derm.

My Derm says, RF will make my face firmer, makes more collagen formation which helps the youthfulness of the skin. But compared to Laser Resurfacing, RF is more only in the surface level only. But it can lasts for weeks until the collagen formation is done/completed (help with the terminologies please? lol)

Anyway here is the procedure:.

1. Removed make up.

2. Diamond Peeling (A bit fast) Don’t know the grade..

3. Glycolic Peeling (Very fast so it wont sting) My face stings a bit but its still tolerable (my face is so experienced already lol)

4. Pricking. Especially the blackheads in the forehead and some bumps in the chin.

5. RF! Now this is the procedure of the RF:

• Put some cream (this cream is a bit warm when put on the skin) again tolerable.
• RF massage. Yes its like a massage roller. After quite a few minutes like 1 or 2, the massage roller becomes warm. Again tolerable and relaxing somehow. Derm started first in the forehead, then in left cheek then the right and the chin.

CONCLUSION:

My face is definitely tighter and lifted. I like it!

If we compare it to Laser Resurfacing, this one is a bit milder, immediate effect, less downtime (laser resurfacing has some shedding of the skin), and this one is cheaper.

My conclusion is, if you are in a tighter budget, this is okay to try! It will still give you the glow and youthfulness that you wanted.

Btw, I still havent continued my Fraxel Re:Fine (Laser Resurfacing). Im thinking of Fraxel Re: Store next time but Im still saving for that one first.

Note: the technology used in the machine is Ultrasound RF Bipolar Technology in One System. Its originally used in Fat Reduction, Body Contouring, Skin Tightening, Facial Sculpting and Reducing Acne Breakouts. So hurrah for less active zits. :)

Price is PHP 2,800 for the face only but for the whole body, its different and much expensive. I had it for discount together with the Diamond Peeling and Glycolic. All in 3,400. Its nice to have a wonderful Derm :)

Maintenance: DCL Peptide Serum (around PHP 2,400) Roadtesting this one first…

Fraxel Re:Fine Today!

Hellew girls! I finally had my Fraxel Re:fine today YEY!!!

SO last time, I was really undecided on what procedure to take between Fraxel or Pixel. And in Fraxel, between Re:Fine or Re:store. Well today, I guess you know it based from the title lol. I did Fraxel Re:Fine. My derm convinced me that as an Asian with Filipina Skin and brown tones, we have quite a high risk in pigmentation during laser resurfacing. Re:Fine is the mildest as it will lessen the risks of pigmentation. Most laser treatment centers have patients with not so good reactions when it comes to the Re:Store and Pixel. This is the reason why a lot of laser treatment centers in the Philippines today have only Fraxel Re:Fine. (If you are a derm reading this, please confirm?) This is also the reason why Caucasians can take the Laser Ablative ones because their white skin doesn’t have the risk of pigmentation. Pixel on the other hand has same technology except that it is not as famous as Fraxel and its Ablative. For a first timer, I decided to do the Fraxel Re:Fine in order to be on the safe side: Not much pain, lesser downtime. Definitely suit my needs. Anyway, if I wanted to try the other Fraxel or Pixel, I can still do so in the future. But I have to be careful of the risk of pigmentation especially if its done by different types of Derms. By right, having different laser resurfacing procedures on your face with different derms is not recommended.

Here are the procedures: (First six are done by the attendant but the real Fraxel thing is done by the certified Dermatologist

1. Cleansing. The attendant removed traces of my make up. Except for my eyeliner. I would have wanted her to remove it too but she looks a bit unresponsive and lacks customer service.

2. Diamond Peeling. I am not sure how this will help but I think its also beneficial for the Fraxel. Apparently, the attendant again has a heavy hand and used my face like carpeted floor that she needed to vacuum. My gosh I was already squinting of pain and yet she does not seem to respond yet. Good thing the Derm entered the room and asked if I am okay. I asked if Diamond Peeling is supposed to hurt? And ITS NOT. So she just said, don’t put too much pressure.

3. Steam. Lol the attendant again once again is in the scene. I cant seem to breathe at this point because the steam is too close to my face and nose. I had to turn to my side and act in so much discomfort before she even ask me if its hot. Of course its hot darn. Don’t worry I still politely told her that yes the steam is too close.

4. Extraction. I didn’t really have a lot of active acne but the attendant just digged and digged into my pores. Sounds like she’s looking for a treasure lol.

5. Applying Mesonumb. As the name suggest, this numbs the face. Its an anesthetic. I need to wait for 45 mins for the Mesonumb to take into effect. While on this procedure, I just read magazine and let the time flies by. Attendant is not on the scene lol. After 45 mins, she cleaned my face with the tissue. THE FACE FEELS SO THICK. A feeling like I do not own my skin hah.

6. Applying Tracking Gel. Which is beneficial so that the derm can track down which parts of my face have been lasered or not. Tracking gel is clear and transparent. I didn’t know about this unless I asked the attendant because she is too quiet to let me know what’s going on. Me, being the paranoid, always get a shocker everytime she touches my face because I do not know what the hell she is going to do again with my face lol.

7. Fraxel itself. This is it. I think my setting is 20 joules, 5% and 4 passes. This is so technical and dunno how to explain clearly the numbers but just for everyone's reference, this is my setting lol. The Derm did the procedure. Dunno how to explain well but I will try. The Derm first measured something in my face using the Fraxel machine. Probably the area of my face? The machine is intelligent, it can set the intensity or what of the face…something like that lol. Then the Derm just let the tool pass my face. There is a sound after the tool passes my face its like a shooting laser. Then again here comes the lovely attendant, suddenly holding a vacuum type of cooling air which she obediently puts in the areas of the lasered skin. I was so shocked again because damn I didn’t expect, I was in goggles cmon. And that cooling air is so darn cold, I had goosebumps! Oh well, Derm said, the air can help also with the pain so I just tried to be still during this procedure. There is definitely a pain but its tolerable. And the numbness is a bit uncomfortable but its tolerable once again. The only thing I am a bit paranoid is, the Attendant. Really….because just do things without my knowledge. lol enough of her!

8. Removing of tracking gel. This was done by the attendant.

We started the procedure at 5:30pm and ended at 8pm (almost like that) An advise to those planning to experience Fraxel is to eat first before the procedure on which I gladly did. When I am nervous, I get hungry easily. When I left the clinic, I was hungry but not that much. Really a good thing that I ate somehow. Anyway, I talked further to the Derm and oriented me on what to do tomorrow and in the next consecutive days. Derm gave me a lightening cream to use on Friday evening. Its Kojic Acid based not Hydroquinone – Good thing because don’t want to use this! Costs about PHP 550.

What my face felt after: My face is definitely numb. I cannot even smile without looking plastic hahah. After about an hour, the Mesonumb started to subside and I experience the sunburnt feeling already. When I looked at the face in the mirror under the fluorescent lighting, its definitely looked red and burned. But when I took photo in my camera, it looked tanned and bronzed. It definitely does not look like that time when I was in Tretinoin. Tretinoin really made my face looked sunburnt like I was slapped 100X. Sunburnt and pale with zits. Horrible, I like this one better, it looks like I went to the beach hehe. Day 1 pain is 6/10.

It was suggested not to wash my face tonight so I will obey. Tomorrow: Sunblock Sunblock Sunblock!

So lets see the results in the next 45 days. The derm said, collagen formation is still present until the 45th day. That’s why she suggests that to do the Fraxel second session after a month.

Total Costs:

Diamond Peeling with Fraxel Re:Fine: PHP 12,000.00

Radant KC Fairness Cream: PHP 550.00

Will do it again!!!! Recommended!

Day by day update:

1/7/2010: Friday. First Day After the Procedure:

Woke up at 9:30am. Being paranoid that the sun is up, and it might burn my face even though I am still inside the house, I immediately washed my face with a gentle cleanser such as my La Roche Posay Physiological Gel. It didn’t sting. Then I applied Loreal UV Perfect in SPF 50. I noticed that my face still looks normal but a bit different. Different meaning, I definitely see an improvement and I definitely like it! :) Traces of the ‘bronzed look’ is eveident but its not horrible looking and I believe it can be hidden by powder. Day 2 Pain is 5/10 - Not really noticeable at all!

10PM: I noticed two medium cystic acne on my left chin!! urgh. I was quite devastated but I thought that because I was too lazy, I havent washed my face since 10AM lol I know I know…when you stay at home and see no one, you tend to be a couch potato and do nothing at all even brush your teeth lol. Anyway, I took a bath and then put Retinoic Acid that my derm gave me  in.025% Cream. I just did a spot treatment. Afterwhich, I put the Radant KC and slept the worries away….Oh by the way, one reason why I am devastated with the formation of the zits is because, I cannot take the Tetralysal anymore because I am taking them already for too long! My Fraxel derma advised me to stop it or else the acne bacteria might develop resistance…which will not respond later on if I want to use it. My gosh, so I guess the zits is caused by stressing too much on worrying about my Tetralysal withdrawal. geee….

1/8/2010 | Saturday:

I woke up and noticed that the zits have quite subsided. YEY! Also from yesterday, while looking at my face on natural light, I finally got a chance to notice the tiny holes in my skin. It’s smaller than my pores. Its barely noticeable but since I am very observant with my skin, its not hard for me to spot them. I quite cringe at the sight of it cause its holes – reminds me of a disease lol. But then I researched and every Fraxel patients recognize it. Its actually the laser that passed to my skin. Imagine how a printer does it in dpi (dots per inches). I noticed that the dots are now flaking as I can see it after wiping a toner using a cotton pad. (see the gross pic heh)

- Skin’s texture is dying as apparent in the flaking of the Dots caused by Fraxel.

- Normal skin color. No more redness or any sting at all.

- Skin is much glowing than the usual.

 

Will continue to update of the progress in the next few days so check back this entry as I will edit it here! :)

 

June 1, 2011 Update:

Sorry for less update. Been very busy with RL >.< Anyway, I still havent continued this yet, because of my budget but I plan to do it next time with Fraxel Re: Store. I have tried another procedure for my Acne Scars which is Radio Frequency. You may try to read of my experience here: http://cecilywishes.blogspot.com/2011/06/radio-frequency-for-acne-scarring.html

Me and my skin conditions – Again.

Well guess what? I am going to blog again about my skin. I really wish there will come a time wherein I wont have to complain about my acne’s and eczema anymore. But I am afraid that only death can separate me from that…lol pardon me for being so morbid. I was reminded of the caricature about accutane I saw wayback wherein it has a drawing of the dead person underneath a blanket with embalmers talking and somebody says, “We’ll at least he died so beautiful without acne” if you found that funny then I believe you empathize with acne sufferers like me hehe.

Just to give you a quick recap of my regime also a quick review. Very quick you wont miss a minute. Nothing in this picture ever worked dramatically on me except Biore UV. Physiogel cream for my eczema, nah. Avene Diacneal for the pimples? NAH! Acne Clear? NAHHH!!!!! Now for the main entry…

Today, I went to my first ever Singaporean dermatologist. Tonight actually cause I basically came after work which is 7pm. I almost missed my appointment. But the Dr is still welcoming although she had to cut me with my stories hahaha. I kept on saying how frustrated I am with my fes!

So she greeted me and offered a hand shake but I was so hesitant to touch her delicate hands as I am afraid I will surprise her with my cracking fingertips! Yez dear, other than acne….its the fingertips. And they are so worse at this moment. I can barely type on my right hand.

 

 

If I set my camera on the default one, the picture will look so horrible. This one is set on ISO. High lighting. So as to prevent shocks! Im still embarrassed you know? lol

Anyway she keeps on saying, no no its okay. She understands. So I started blabbering about my eczema for at least 15 mins. She seems so empathic. But I told her, I didnt see her for my eczema, I was here for my acne! Then I started telling her my loooooooong tale about acne. That I went to pills to accutane to tetralysal. Basically I’ve gone through a lot. I also told her that back in the Phils, I am undergoing glycolic peeling every 2 weeks if I have acne and if I am acne free, I do diamond peeling every 2 weeks. After agreeing on what to do on my face, I first asked her about the prices. GULPS, if you convert it to our money, I can already have 4 diamond peelings already in the PH!

I still agreed though. I am so desperate and I am glad I did it cause my face according to my derm is “too much for a woman” LOL come on, she told me that usually people who has an acne problem like me are MEN. mmmk. that made me really sad but what can I do? it is the structure of my body. Plus Singaporean girls are basically blessed with beautiful skin! Singaporean Chinese particularly. I have a Chinese blood (like 1/4? lols) but why I didnt acquire any good skin genes?? ahuhu. Moving on…

The procedure. So the assistant removed my make up on. After that, doctor came to apply the 20% glycolic acid on me. I am not a newbie with this acid so yeah it stings. After few mins, the assistant cleaned my face and we are done. I know what you are thinking, where is the cortizone injection? The doctor didnt even inject my cystic acne’s :( I want her really bad to flatten them but she said, she can make more money out of it but believes that I dont need it cause we are putting chances of spreading the bacteria underneath the skin… so that means, cortizone injection = more MONEY!! HUHU. enough to keep me stressed.

Ok total wallet damage….

Dr gave me something to read  about Oratane (isotretinoin) and Estelle (Contraceptive Pill) She said I should think about it because she thinks my skin problems are hormonal…I dont know I really have to think hard about this! I am so terrified to take another Isotretinoin again and worst, contraceptives!-----had bad experience with this if you follow my skin history! It bled me profusely. So right now, I am a bit torn.

Anyway FOR My pitied scarring, she also suggested some Fraxional chorva. I asked if its called Fraxel and she said, its like that but for 1 session only. Lots of major downtime only like redness and peeling after. So I need to keep myself OFF from public by that time. I said, I can do it while vacationing in the PH. “But arent you going to meet your old friends?” NAHHH Its okay, they can understand. LOLSS I choose to have a clear skin!

The price? 4X the one that I paid today! S***T! but I am willing to save for that. All for the sake of clear skin…sigh.

Anyway, I have to go. Catch up again real soon! My next visit would be two weeks after this treatment. Will let you know the results.

 

xoxo

All about SKIN and Isotretinoin Update (Version 2)

I’ll probably name this entry, Healthy Options Haul or What I bought today but anyway I am keeping my blog organized and decided to name it under my Isotretinoin journey. (LINK 1) (LINK 2) I hope you can follow thru.

Last week or so, I went to my derm with my usual “every two weeks Diamond Peeling” but unfortunately my skin was not doing well cause I was really breaking out and my face is so oiler than before. My Derm cannot perform the DP cause she needs to fix my zits first so she gave me a glycolic peel which really made me sad. :( Cause that means I am back again treating those red dots again. Major zits in the forehead. I can only pin point the following reasons of my breakout:

#1. I have been going in and out of the SUN lately – AT THE most dangerous time: 2PM-4PM. That’s almost everyday.

#2. Since I am going out, I put MAKE UP. (Maybelline Mineral Foundation and VMV Illuminants for the face, CS Palette for the eyes, VMV and Revlon blushes on the cheeks) Pretty sounds like they are NOT harmful, am I right? But my face enjoys a no make up life since last year cause I stay at home all the time and do some freelancing thing.

#3. I use Shine Moist Shampoo and Conditioner for Color Treated hair. And I let my hair be treated with Shine Moist Henna Wax (Clear. The one w/no color) once in every three days. This is to protect my beautiful blonde highlights. I add this as another factor cause I also have zits in my scalp particularly in the hairline and just below the neck. I think my skin really dislikes Shine Moist products.

#4 I have allowed myself to eat junk food and red meat ever since I started going out almost everyday.

#5 Sleeping late = stress. >.<

  Fortunately, my back is clear and I can still wear those summer clothing's. BUT yeah the face. ugh its a mess.

It gets really frustrating when you can’t do anything with your zits. Its not as severe as before but damn, they are noticeable and my Mom and my Grandmom ---SHE even noticeeed my red dots! who is by the way just had a cataract surgery. Ugh major esteem failure. My hormones been acting up again as well as my oil glands. They’re producing much greater oil than before. I am in my 10th month off Acnetrex so I am rethinking of taking it again. Sp I honestly asked my derm:

Me: Do you think, in my case, I need to take Accutane.

Derm: Honestly, No.

I was quite surprised that she hesitated. This Derm is not the one who prescribed my Acnetrex before. Unfortunately due to location constraints, I decided to change derm. Back to the conversation, my Derm said that its probably psychological – my frustration towards my face. LOL its the first time I heard that but well anyway she thinks that we need to wait at least a year to retake the drug again. After all, Acnetrex does not promises a zit free life. It really depends on my oil glands should they have decided to give me a peace of mind – forever.

We both decided to fix the problem by changing my regimen. She gave me Isotrex Gel (Isotretinion in tropical form) I ditched the Retinoic Acid and replaced this instead at night. She also asked me to replace my Cetaphil cleanser to Cetaphil for Oily Skin (which I didn’t buy cause I don't think Cetaphil in any form works lol) She also asked me  to buy Avene Anti Shine Toner (costs PHP 1,8++K) applied every morning BUT again, I didn't buy cause I dont think its practical plus it has Salicylic Acid (I’ve had history of allergic reaction to SA)

Let me say that my Anti Paraben Self has been shut down for quite some time now. Maybe because I had finally enjoyed a little acne free life – in a very short time. Thus the reason why I became lenient with my products again. I am bringing that meticulous self back again in order to save this $$$$ face. (LOL literally if I can only count my treatments since 18 y/o)

PS: NOT LISTING THE PRICES at the moment. Cause it makes me so stressful heheh~

Main Cleanser: Avalon Organics CoQ10

Morning:

• Phytoextract Lightening Serum (I got from Derm)
• Armada in SPF 60 as Sunblock
• Drinking 1 tab of Glutathione and Alpha Lipoic Acid

Evening:

• Isotrex Gel (Apply thinly all over face)
• Phytoextract Lightening Serum (after 10 mins)

Body Soap: Ysa Papaya

Shampoo: Citreshine in Color Prism (Been using this before for years and my skin and hair liked it so I am switching back)

Conditioner: Shine Moist (in the hair tips in very small amount and rinsing it well)

Toothpaste: Sensodyne in Gentle Whitening

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIDENOTES:

• I used Avalon Organics CoQ10 gel foaming cleanser tonight and surely I loved it. My skin instantly becomes matte and no oiliness! Hurrah! Lets see during the daytime if its really good.
• I bought L - Glutathione and Alpha Lipoic Acid  only for its Anti Oxidant properties. Actually I am quite new with herbal supplements so I am just road testing the effectivity of taking Anti Oxidants in my face.
• I bought Alba SPF +30 Sunblock for outdoor uses. Just for the Body
• I upped my Daytime Face Sunblock from SPF 15 to 60 because its El – Nino. Plus, I dont think my skin likes my Spring Oil Free Moisturizer anymore.

 

 

• Its my first time to use YSA Papaya Soap. I really don't know why I bought this again cause I’ve had bad reactions to papaya soaps before AND i feel a bit itchy on my legs right now after using. I don't know if I should continue? *itch*
• Sensodyne Gentle Whitening? Hmm just like the reason why I bought Papaya soap. Well, we all want to brighten up our teeth right? Road testing this now and we will see if it really works. I took a photo of my teeth already which I will not really post here haha.

Hopefully, all these efforts will really help clear my face. Together with Pilates, I am really looking forward to this new regimen. I should buy another powder foundation though. BUT I decided to buy Clinique and switching away from VMV Illuminants from now on. I’ll just finish the remaining.

 

I will update you once my skin improves.

 

xoxo

All about SKIN and Isotretinoin Update

First, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

This would be for my personal records but on January 26, 2010, it would be my 9th month OFF Isotretinoin (Acnetrex) - A potent drug that I took for my nasty zitz last June 2008 till April 26, 2009.

Link to my Isotretinoin History

Consumed 22 boxes and 8 more tabs.

Around late August, I felt my skin was breaking out one by one and I noticed that it only occurs when I am stressed and with no sleep. Its also probably due to the fact that I also stopped putting Adapalene (cause I was stubborn and lazy)

I had another dermatologist by this time because I relocated to the province (But I had no intentions of leaving my previous derm in Makati) so this 2nd derm told me that I have to take more of this drug cause I am complaining for occasional zits. Still haven't decided until now if I will take another course (in lesser quantity)

Then I had my first diamond peel around September. Then another diamond peel before October. Results are satisfactory! Now I can put make up flawlessly. But I need to do more to remove the scars completely. I stopped the diamond peel because I want to visit my 1st derm about my diamond peel procedure. Which until now I havent done yet due to uhh delayed scheduling heehee.

PS. I think it will take me until January 19 to visit Makati again so I will just go and have another diamond peel by Tuesday.

Before the diamond peel I’ve tried several cleansers like Dessert Essence and VMV Superskin 3. But I still stick to Cetaphil until this time.

My regimen during the diamond peel is:

Morning: Clindamycin (spot treatment), Olay White Radiance Old Formula SPF 19

Evening: Adapalene, Whitening Cream (from 1st derm)

When I continued Adapalene and Clindamycin, my zits have improved.

And my regimen at the moment is:

Cleanser: Cetaphil

Morning: *Clindamycin + VMV Sunblock from Superskin 3

Evening: *VMV Superskin 3 Toner (every other day) + Whitening Cream

I dont use the Adapalene anymore cause I want to finish the VMV Toner.

For the (*) asterisk, I dont put them everyday. I have to check my face if it feels sensitive and burning, I stop at least a day until I feel like I can continue putting them again to my face.

Sometimes, I use Apple Cider Vinegar when I feel like I want to rest off chemical products and needed some natural remedies.

Definitely Sunblock is my #1 protection and I cannot bear to remove it to my regimen. Avoiding the sun is a must!

I still get zits like 1 or 2 once in a while but they are controllable. And I notice that I only breakout after putting make up for 8 hrs with no washing of face OR a day/week/month of NO QUALITY SLEEP and POOR DIET.

Oh by the way, I am a semi vegetarian since November of 2008. I rarely have red meat in my diet. I eat brown rice and I drink water a lot. Although I love eating sweets, they are only in small amounts.

And I am also particular with the products I use to my face, hair and skin. If I use a certain hair product, I avoid those with strong fragrances. I also test at least a day to two weeks if its compatible to my face. My hair currently likes the products of Shine Moist (Shampoo and Hair Wax Treatment-NOT the color treated one) and Citre Shine (Conditioner). For my skin, seems like AVEENO loves me because it keeps my skin moisturized and it doesn't give me any zits at all. And as much as possible with cosmetic products particularly with the foundation and face powder, I use hypoallergenic ones like VMV/ Clinique/ Laura Mercier. But with the eye shadow, ELF is ok. Its better to be safe for the foundations and face powders because you put a lot of these on your face as compared to the eye shadows.

Link to the history of my Skin Allergy and Eczema is below which is already cured now (they really crack like el nino).

I don't like to complicate much my skin regimen. If do, then I will be stressed out and as I have said, stress gives me ZITS. :)

xoxo

Isotretinoin short update

I promise its only short lol but I doubt it.

Anyway before the Isotretinoin post, I just want to say this, David Cook and David Archuleta: I LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!! omg, been following their radio and tv guestings here in the Philippines and I am so thrilled everytime I see them lol. Im such a fangirl. I will not go to the concert later but I am quite satisfied with their media guestings. LOL sorry about Archie’s pic. I can’t resist. That picture is tooo cute! :P

Now back to the real update. Its been 3 weeks since I finished my Isotretinoin course. I was really glad that I am finally done because I am really afraid of that drug. Please ask me about the status of my skin now....
I can't believe it. Oiliness is back!!!!! UGH. I saw some whiteheads and blackheads. they're quite invisible due to past scars. BUT omg I feel some small bumps again. I havent made any appointments with my derma yet after my last capsule. I think I really need to schedule some date with him. Which unfortunately I cannot afford right now because I am so far from him (I live in the province, he is in Makati) and I have these homebased jobs. Omg but I need to focus this skin. I have invested a lot with my skin and I cant afford to break out again. No. I went to a very difficult isotretinoin course and I hate to go back again. :(

Right now I am thinking of trying the Egg White Mask which I will imitate from this blog: Beauty Reviews. Or I will try the oatmeal mask as well. I am so desperate to counteract this oiliness! Its not the same as I had before Acnetrex but still its oil!

Maybe I got used with the dryness EH? I like the feeling that my face is really intact. The hot and humid weather of the Philippines is not helping my skin either. It’s making my pores larger plus I notice that I perspire a lot! I have like small droplets of sweat in my eyebrows. Its weird, I am thinking of consulting an endocrinologist. LOL am I going too far? Well its making my face like a oil and water mine.

The current cosmetics that I use are: Maxi Peel’s Concealing Cream. It serves as my everyday at home moisturizer. It’s tinted so the scars are barely visible. I dont know if its causing my little breakout though cause I have been using this since I am on Acnetrex. I also use Avon Matte cream in Nude color. This covered my acne scars but since its quite heavy, I dont plan to use it that often. I also have Cover Girls mineral make up which I was raving before not until I realized that this MMU is making my skin darker (A sign that my skin is acidic and therefore oily) I dont like the coverage at all as it only reflects the lines that I have. I feel like I have wasted my money. I want to try Everyday Minerals as I read a fellow Filipina who has the same skin type as I am. Here is her review: thiamere.wordpress.com. The only problem that I have is buying it online. I am quite skeptical with online transactions lol. I never bought anything from the web eversince but I think this will be the first if ever.

Anyway, I’ll try the Egg White Mask later with lime and honey. Hope it works like a miracle!!!

edit: 7:56pm. Tried the Egg White Mask with a little calamansi extract. whisked it, cleanse my face then applied it with a cotton ball. Let it dry for 15 mins then rinsed my face. the result: wow i just had a botox! my skin is smooth. I hope its really great. I plan to use it once a week.

♥,
Cecily

✎ Skin Problems? Hear My History

If there's a Guinness Book record award for the most sensitive skin category, I think I will be a finalist.

I don't have a flawless skin. That's it. Ever since I was a child, I am always prone to insect bites, cuts, scars, prickly heat, name it. I think I have them all lol. It's not that I was not fully taken cared of by my Mother but because my skin is so sensitive that I can't even wash the dishes with a liquid dish washing soap. Why? Because my fingertips will surely crack. Yes, I have this fingertip eczema that worsens every time the weather changes and of course with stress. Anyway, I have battled every skin problems in my lifetime and so far the worst kind of them all is (drum roll please?)

Acne.

Yep. I am an acne ridden lass. Used to be, take note. Haha. It all started when puberty kicks in. I have a very active hormones. As early as kindergarten, I already have a crush with my schoolmate lol. When I was in 6th grade, I am in love already lol. Blackheads came popping up in my face. Big pores, oily face, mestruation at 13. I have three older brothers and imagine the horror they have to tell me everytime they look at my face. So as early as 12-13, I am already conscious with my face. I self medicated it. I tried popping out one blackhead and it disappeared. Another blackhead emerges and again I pushed it out onto my nails. BUT like infatuation, it just came rushing without warning. I just woke up that I cant stop them from reappearing anymore.

Mall Dermatologists
I had my first facial treatment when I was 18 at a one stop dermatological shop in a mall. Yes it took that long. They picked my blackheads professionally. Had me lasered, masked and all those things they do in a facial shop. I was given topical creams. and after few days, VOILA. It was magic, they're gone. I was flawless.

But I was 20 and my face was starting to form red dots again. This time, my face got worst! Aside from blackheads, I have whiteheads, and tiny tiny red spots. Since I study in a very reputable school where kids are pretty flawless and zit free, I asked my mom to help me with the celebrity dermatologist. Yes you are right, I was caught up with the frenzy of the media. The lady doctor gave me oral prescriptions and some topical creams. I followed immediately my fairy godmother even though I am quite skeptical with drinking medicines. She told me to take this drug at the onset of my menstruation. She called it Oil Control tablet. Repackaged---Placed in a ziplock plastic. I obeyed like a blind patient.

Real Deal with this Celeb Derma.
Three days after, I notice a very beautiful me. Although I am not yet acne free, I feel like a woman. I feel....should I say....sexy. LOL. I even flirted out with a guy friend during these period. Just clean flirting girls, take note. Two weeks after, I am still in my period, bleeding profusely. I started to feel dizzy and so irritable. I went to the celebrity doctor and all she said is, "Iha, that's okay." How can she say that its okay? I am losing blood here. So I decided to go to a gynecologist. There is always a first time hah. My gyne checked ME. and asked some questions. I said, I am taking this drug and she looked at it. She said, its an oral contraceptive. I said, WHAT. Hey even though I look like that kind of girl but really, I am not sexually active! I am so into my studies. So I felt really deceived by that celebrity doctor. To cut the long story short, my gyne recommended her derma to me. She treated my irregular mestruation and I went to her derm.

Welcome Stieva-A
Alright, my second dermatologist is a sugeon. Yep. Turns out that old ladies are his expertise but I was desperate. The dermatologist is a believer of "no knife" theory. But he believes in the miracle of Tretinoin. I was desparate and took a chance. The Tretinoin stings. The pea size is a size of a 1 peso coin as said by my dermatologist. Now that's really a new thing but I obeyed. And so I developed rosacea (red face, much worst than the pic). My new dermatologists said its okay but deep inside I know that its not. Great. My college graduation is getting nearer and I have this red face. Taxi drivers think its cool and thought that I am a balikbayan but I am not and its not really cool. The redness stings like hell when I perspire and my acne---The're taking a lot of time to go out. Thank God, my derm suggested me to take a low dosage while my grad is nearing. Lesser redness but massive oiliness. Tretinoin is really painful on my part. It removed my zits for a certain point but it came attacking like a plague after few months. The drug is not acting on my skin anymore so I have to change. It was unfortunate for me to attend my brother's wedding FULL of zits in my face. The make up artists did his best to hide it and he succeeded but the embarrasment that I felt was incomparable. Imagine the faces of the people around. sigh. memories.

Welcome, Isotretinoin.
January 2008, I am 22, I decided to change derma for the third time. I am really breaking out. My derma did some facials to me and glycolic peels. I was prescribed to use clindamycin and erythromycin gel at night. He assured me that it will go away and I shouldnt worry. Its effective because it dramatically improved after few weeks. I was able to attend different parties by February and I had short stint flings lol. Boys kept coming now and then and I am confident with my clear skin. Good things must come to an end says, Nelly Furtado in her song. I started getting zits again after April of last year. The zits are small but they are overpowering my face.

We have no choice, you need to take Roaccutane, says the doctor.
What is that?, I asked.
It is a strongest of all acne treatment. It shrinks the oil glands which causes your uncontrollable pimples, he emphasized.
I gulped and decided.

Yeah. Around July 08, I decided to take the capsule. I was prescribed 20mg at the onset. By August, the zits are purging. By September. they are really big and cystic. My derm upped the dosage to 30mg. I quit my work because I cant perform well anymore. I am literally a moon crater. By October, they are starting to shrink. By November, they flatten and the scars are becoming visible. By December, the redness were gone, I can go out confidently with the use of make up. The scars are visible around my jawline.

I am in my last 8 pcs. And I am proud to say that I am acne free! At last. I can go out now and people look at me not with pity but in awe. haha. I can write more about it but I will continue nextime. This is too long already.

Watch out for my next detailed entry regarding my rollercoaster ride with Isotretinoin. :)

UPDATE #1
UPDATE # 2 - LATEST

♥,
Cecily