Skin Update April 2012

Quite inspired to blog about my skincare routine (even if its about 3AM and my eyes are quite dropping lol) 

Updates:

Skin B5 Acne Control Capsules: 

I stopped taking them for now. I hate their customer service actually scatch that, they dont have a customer service line. I emailed them about my side effects and they didnt reply at all. Here's what happened to me:

Jan 21, I took it twice a day as directed. Morning and evening. First three days, I had episodes of waking up in the middle of the night and around Jan 25, it was the worst, I barely slept --- only had 2 hours of sleep. I checked out the ingredents and the formulation has all the bcomplex in it - in HIGH dosage!

I had history of insomnia while taking b complex before (Ring: Berrocca)  Back in college, I took berroca to make me sharper (as what the tv commercial says) hell yeah it did! until the wee hours and I was totally paranoid because I didnt sleep for weeks!

So basically, that's the end of my SkinB5 journey. I still take them though if I know I need more energy at work. Not for my skin but more for boosing my strength. As for the manufacturer, I dont trust them anymore since they never bothered to reply. Fail.

Morrocan Argan Oil:

Nothing really significant. It didnt break me out, it also didnt help me significantly (?) I sometimes use it as my eye moisturizer. I try to keep it natural when it comes to my eyes.

Proactiv:

So last Feb 18, I finally road tested the Proactiv line. Yeah right! My skin was quite breaking out at that time: forehead, chin area. I feel like my skin is "dirty" or should I say, my glands are very active. Epiduo is not working anymore with me so I thought, I needed a new regimen, thus I bought Proactiv.

I am quite a heavy user. I bought the sample kit and finished it in less than two weeks. Nope I dont eat it lol but I think I put too much or my face needs that much haha. 

After finishing the sample kit, I bought the whole line. I was totally in love with it. Within few weeks, my acne cleared (Now I sound like in a proactiv cm now) But yeah, I totally love the cleanser which is like a scrub and the toner (which has glycolic on it) I personally feel that these two are the one that helped me clear up. I didnt rave the treatment cream that much because I dont like the smell but kudos for blending well into my Missha BB cream! (Also love but should be a seperate review)

Proactiv actually stings. Yeah it helped but it is quite stinging.After using it for about a month and a half, I decided to quit on it. WHY?

1. My face is clear and has no active pimples right now except for my chin. I dont know what the hell is happening over there but over my right chin, I have these quite cystic acne over there. Its very irritating. I feel the proactiv didnt help at all in clearing this.

2. I also have some tiny bumps (I think they are whiteheads) that are also not clearning. Along the eyebrow section.

3. Its stinging and the smell is aweful for me.

4. I feel it just stopped working for me.

So goodbye Proactiv, until then. I still have some few drops left though so might be using it next time..

Mario Badescu:

Well as of today, I'd like to welcome Mario Badescu in my life! Im really expecting a lot with this line so hopefully it will be my HG.

Went to Sephora to buy Buffering Lotion but turns out that if I buy the Drying Lotion, I will get free 30ml Cleanser and Toner! So I was quite torn. Luckily, the sales attendant is a Filipina so she said if I really want to try the Buffering Lotion, she will give me a sample in a pot! WOW. and so I gave in...lol

I feel its worth it. She gave me more samples as I pay. YAY! Really happy with my loot today :)

Thank you Instagram for the effect. Hah. So in the end, I bought the Drying Lotion (S$68) with all these freebies. Quite expensive though but Im giving it a shot.

Tried it this evening and the Acne Cleanser is not really foamy (I dont know if thats a good thing, we'll see), Cucumber Toner is A-OK! not stinging and removed my dead skin cells, and finally the Drying Lotion, there is a slight sting while dotting it on my acne but overall its not that bad. We'll see again tomorrow morning...

Havent tried yet the rest: Drying Mask, Vit C Serum (EXCITED TO TRY!), Buffering lotion, Glycolic Lotion, Herbal Hydrating Serum and Healing Mask. -- whew thats a lot :)

What else:

I'll be going home to PH this April 27 to have my second Fraxel Co2. That's why Im preparing my skin to be clear. And also, I am starting to take Probiotics to clear my gut and hopefully, my face as well. As what they say, if your gut it clear, then other problems will heal. (I hope so...)

So, until then! I shall sleep now :)

♥, 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

[Haul] Maybelline Foundation + Blush + Color changing lip balm

My eyes caught the attention of these products. :) Was not intended to buy the foundation but heck, my Shiseido powder is already running out plus I think its time for me to change it. I was not opting for an expensive product that day because Im in a tighter budget recently but was thinking of a powder foundation in at least a reputable brand. Oh btw, the only product that really caught my attention is the Blush! The other products followed after lol.

Powder Foundation in Nude Beige – Perfect for my color!

Fresh Coral – Just the right blush for my cheeks! I LOVE IT!

The color really changed in an instant. Gives a faint hue of red in my lips. I LOVE IT!

Tried everything yesterday and the result? I feel like a sweet girl. haha. Because the colors matches my skin tone. I really recommend this to a typical Filipina with a kayumanggi tone. It really compliments the skin. This whole set is good for high school students or those who are still practicing make up. It will not make your face overdone. It actually enhances your skin tone. :)

And to add the sweetness of my make up, I bought a nailpolish that compliments my Make up of the day:

with flash, natural indoor lighting, natural outdoor lighting. I SUPER LOVE IT! its so pale but still pinkish! Btw, the last one has almost with 3 coats of Cutex:

I used the left side which is Apricot. I bought the two just in case Im in the mood for another color – next time.

 

Very satisfied with my loot this week! :)

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…

[Odesk] Very wonderful Buyer!

Im officially back in oDesk and also got myself verified recently. I didn’t now that even as a contractor, you also need to verify your identity. A bit worrisome at first but oDesk will always be special in my heart because it saved me a lot of money and time as well so the heck with the worry, I sent a scanned copy of my passport, utility bill and photo. After a few hours, I received a news that Im verified. So prompt! Anyway, good news afterwards, I became more hirable. I received invitations after applying to several job openings. Two at the same time. I guess becoming verified will show how serious I am in my freelancing career. Very good move for me!

First Buyer: Asking me to create a Powerpoint presentation of him (Hourly rate)

Second Buyer: Asking me to research several websites, list their twitter followers, tweets, and all other social media requirements. To be sent via spreadsheet. (Fixed Price)

Two of these I got last May 24. And now I am done with the tasks especially with the second buyer.

I just want to tell a story regarding my very wonderful second buyer, she is really famous in Youtube. She hid her name but I know that its her based from the sample spreadsheet that she gave. I'm so thrilled to work with her because I found out that I recently subscribed to her Youtube. Her videos are inspirational by the way. So excited to work with her. Even though the work is a bit tiring and repetitive, I still tried to do my best and today I finished the work.

By the way, she is also very understanding that I only work during PH time. She even says have a good rest during the night. How sweet of her!

So glad I found her! Just look at how very satisfied we are at each other. I really believe in destiny, yes even if its not in the romantic sense. I believe in work destiny! This employer an I are meant to be workmates lol!

Anyway she told me she loved the job and even if she doesn’t have any work to give me right now, she would love to contact me again in the future. She even asked for my permission to recommend me to her folks! (Of course, ATE! LOL)

That’s actually a 100% boost of morale over there because of this buyer.

Anyway, the second buyer has yet to respond to my work but even with this one, he liked my work saying these:

Totally loving working at home.

xoxo,

C

[Odesk] Buyer asking a lot of work with a bid of $5 only!

Well its been a while! Hello Odesk for me. And my come back title doesn’t sound like Im a happy kid lol.

History: Its been a year since I started working again with oDesk. I have sent some cover letters before but I wasn’t too serious at all thus ended up not replying to interested buyers. Everything has changed today!

So a few hours ago, I decided to do some ‘raket’ because I want some chachings again lol. I am totally unemployed again right now as SG has been quite hard with me this past few months….(cries about the long story)

Anyway, I was very lucky that three buyers responded immediately with my application. I was totally ecstatic when one hired me right on the spot. Ecstatic and afraid at the same time.

You see I only bid for $5 for fixed price but upon constant messaging, this buyer is asking a lot of things which is not totally acceptable for the agreed price of $5.

Imagine: Buyer is asking for number of specific tweets/ per day and per month. I need to categorize it as well if the tweets are RTs, @replies and original post! Imagine how grueling that is. Then I found out that there is no free app for me to generate that. Major bummer. And I need that within an hour?? KMN?! 5 dollars and an hour only?!

The ad is a bit vague but I still decided to apply cause I am into the challenge. I mean after all, we will still exchange messages before he can totally hire me right? Wrong. He hired me immediately!

Cause of that I am once again reunited with oDesk help ticket. (READ: Major suki ako niyan noon lol) Cause whenever I don’t feel right about the assignment, I just click the help ticket and ask for advise. Here’s what I found out:

I would suggest that you get in touch with your employer to get all details possible and then decide if you will continue or not….Whoever ends the contract is required to leave a feedback. If nothing is paid though feedback is given its not visible in public…Your feedback score wont be affected. (Hay salamat.)

By that, I decided not to continue anymore with the Buyer. I do not trust the conversation already (because he gives little instructions as well. He also doesn’t seem to be happy that I am hesitant. The contract hasn’t ended yet though. Im still thinking whether Ill give him the right to end it or I would just rather do it myself.

This buyer is a good catch, (has good feedback, and paid a lot already. Unfortunately we didn’t click) Nice. Sounds like we are in a relationship lol.

 

Now, Im off to the next buyer..

 

Hair Rebond

Also see this post: (Hair Rebond last 2009)
Okay this will be my fifth hair rebond since 2006. I forgot to post my fourth rebond last year due to major busy-ness of my life at that time heeh~

History of my hair:

Dec 2009: Had medium blonde highlights (I remember I was depressed thus I visited the salon and needed a ‘’change’’)
March 2010: Decided to make the highlights more prominent. Actually my hair was in lowlights. (More blonde than black hair)
May 2010: Had hair rebond (Tony and Jackey), Two weeks after, I went again to the same salon and asked them to color my whole hair to blonde (result disastrous looking for an Asian!) On the same day I had blonde hair, I begged another salon (Vivere Salon) to color my hair back to natural color) Yess…that day was really too much for my hair.
August 2010: Colored my hair with Liese Platinum Blonde
December 2010: Colored my hair with Revlon Medium Blonde
March 2011: Colored again my hair with Revlon Medium Blonde
And now May 2011: Loreal Matrix Hair Rebond (Jesi Mendez Salon)

Result Pictures:

Decided to keep a long, less layered hair. Wanting to have a hair until pass bra length. Like that of Jinkee Paquiao? hahaha.
The whole rebonding process lasted for two hours only (Hairstylist told me that since my hair is previously colored already, the length of time will lessened)
I also had cellophane (Loreal Diacolor Richesse after and this took another two hours plus with Matrix Biolage (Hair Treatment)
Overall, I am very satisfied with my hair. :) Btw, the hairstylist commended my hair prior to rebond. He told me that my hair strands are still thick despite hair coloring? Wanna know why? I never fail to use hair treatments in my weekly shower. Sometimes, I even use it daily (as needed)

Maintenance Products:

I bought Citre Shine Colour Prism and Ah Glow Keratin Conditioner (as seen in the second pic (middle product in the photo)

When to shampoo hair? Normally after two days or a day (esp if the scalp becomes really oily)
Till then, xoxo

Products I am currently using (May 2011)

For reference, please check out my first post about this: (Updated last January 2011)

Beauty Statistics:

• Skintype (Face): Combination skin. Currently
• Hair: Colored medium blonde hair by Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Haircolor, Medium Blonde 175. Semi – Long Thick hair.

Face & Body:

Cleanse: Avalon Organics Refreshing Cleansing Gel (Love this and the smell )

Tone: Avalon Organics Balancing Facial Toner (Bought it only today so its too early to tell…)

Treat: Epiduo Topical Gel (Been using this for three weeks now, so far so good!)

Moisturize: Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil (Putting it back in my regimen)

Body Wash: Cyleina Organic Tomato Soap (Had some minor bacne so I want to see if this works)

 

Hair:

Shampoo: Dove Colour Care (My hair likes it though its an SLS based shampoo)

Conditioner: Dove Colour Care Conditioner and Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint Conditioner (Smells like a Stork candy lol but it claims that its Organic and has teatree as antibacterial thus Im using it)

Treatment: VO5 Shower Works (I used this today and I like it! 60% less hair fall in my shower)

Leave On: Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil (This is a good natural alternative to tame your hair)

Some of the products I have tried.

(Either Ive finished using them already and decided to move on OR are currently being shelved)

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Toner: Skin stings, didn’t like it. Gave it about two weeks then I stopped it already. It has Salicylic Acid probably why it stings cause I am also using a Retinoid at night)

Olay Regenerist Serum: The serum is not runny. Its thick. (didn’t really rave about the thickness) Broke out and it gave me a weird texture in my face. I could give it another chance because I wanted to see if the peptides inside is really effective in collagen build up. Unfortunately, it has a big amount of silicone, thus  mimicking the tighter looking face after using it but in reality its just the silicone acting (I think?)

Organic Aid Vitamin E Cleansing Foam: I was in Malaysia when I bought this, I ran out of facial cleanser at that time. I saw this in the shelve…almost missed it because it is located in unnoticeable location (Its not probably saleable) It claims to be organic so I gave it a try. I must say it’s a so-so product. Didn’t break me out neither it gave me a very clean feeling. One thing I noticed, after finishing it for almost 80%, foam started to subside. And by the way, the product is expired as I have seen in the date but I still used it lol.

 

Ok till then, hopefully I can post another review next time.