Skincare regime – the neverending quest for clear skin

This year alone, I have had at least 2 or 3 significant episodes of horrible mask acne. I thought the problem is solved once I re-embraced my SKII essences. Turns out the acnes are not giving up. Furthermore, they are happily fueled by the fact that I was having stress on top of lacking the proper nutrition and sleep. I realized that the trend of acne eruptions tend to happen near my assignment deadlines.

Encroaching 2022, I feel that I need to elevate my skincare regime. I will after all be turning 40 in a few years time. As of now, I have two different regimes for AM and PM. Skincare goal? To look great like Shakira or Jennifer Lopez for their age. Ahahaha.

The AM Regime

Cleanser

I decided to stick with SKII facial cleanser. If I had to use an alternative, it’ll probably be Natural’s aloe vera cleanser. I don’t get frequent breakouts with these two. Bought this as a combo with the Pitera essence on Lazada at its official store.

Toner

Goodall Vit C toner. It is so refreshing to use this in the morning as I prepare to go to work because of its strong citrus scent. The toner comes in this plastic tub with cotton pads inside. Even the last one is adequately soaked with the ingredient. You can get this between RM50 – RM60 at Shopee mall. The full price is about RM70 for at least 70 pieces.

Essence

This is then followed by a gentle tap on the face with SKII Pitera Essence. It has a fermented smell as you first applied it to the face but it doesn’t linger. I don’t use cotton pads to apply the essence.

Moisturise

I super-love this new product I discovered on Shopee. I like the cooling gel-like texture of the formula. It is supposed to help calm down the active spots and blemishes on the face. Indeed, I feel that my skin’s temperature is a lot cooler after application. In fact, I love this so much that I began to moisturise more frequently than before. It has a cooling effect even though you don’t keep it in the fridge.

Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is also a new habit I am taking with me to the year 2022. Although I have seen lots of Reels and Youtube videos emphasizing this part of skincare before, the action never sticks. Until I discover this Apieu product. I bought 2 types from this brand. Daily and Pink Tone. I like the daily formula better as it is not sticky. The pink one has a more matte finish to it. I thought I wouldn’t be bothered by that but since I don’t wear much makeup at work, the matte finish does make my face appear a bit white-casted after using it. Hence, I’d only use it when I intend to use makeup afterwards. Or on the weekend t home where it is ok to look weird. Otherwise, I prefer using the ‘daily variant’ sunscreen on my bare face. The scent is nice too – smells trusted but not medicated. Almost similar to Natural’s sunscreen product.

The PM Regime

I tweaked certain steps in the routine using a different product. In the evening/night, I still use the same cleanser and moisturiser.

Toner

I use Wardah Lightening Toner. Wardah is an Indonesian product with good reviews so far. I trust that his brand would know what will work best for South-East Asian skin. I chose this product because it has Niacinamide in it. Niacinamide works synergistically with other skincare ingredients that I incorporated into my routine. I apply the product with a cotton pad and gently wipe it on my face. It is so refreshing to do this PM. After that, I would apply the same moisturiser I use in the morning.

Retinol

This is another new routine to my skincare regime. I am using The Originals 0.5% Retinol in the squalane product. I keep the product in the fridge and the holy advice has always been to apply it at night as it is photosensitive. Retinol helps with skin turnover thus improving acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. When I first started, I only use it twice a week as I fear that my skin would peel terribly or experience purging. My skin responded well and I was able to use it every other day. I am happy to say that my skin texture improved after consistent application for 2 months.

Skin experts recommended that we start using retinol in the late 20s. Not to be mistaken with its stronger cousin, retinoid – retinol are easily available over the counter as any other skincare product. There are concerns about using retinol-based products in pregnancy. I feel this is something that one should discuss with their physician. Those with really sensitive skin are advised to a retinol sandwich where you apply moisturiser-retinol-moisturiser in that fashion.

Extra TLC

Eye mask

I decided to give the eye mask a try and bought this Gold Collagen Eye Patch online. When I first used it, I could feel my under-eyes burning. Weird though because it was cooling (even though I did not put it in the fridge) and yet it stings like hell. I use these masks rarely – once a week.

Eye heat patch

This is a wow product and very easy to use. They practically heat up once you remove them from their packages. You put it on the eyes like a pair of sleep goggles and soon you’d feel this warm, steamy sensation on your eyelids which is so relaxing especially after a tiring day using your electronics. If only they could consider making them recyclable items instead of disposables. I use this every Sunday night as I prepare for work in the new week.

Foot Mask

I saw a few adverts which show how the skin of the foot would peel off after a few days using the masks. Mine however does not have the same effect. But it does moisturise and brighten the foot instantly. My foot was a few shades lighter when I removed the mask – it’s like I am wearing socks!. Callus was easier to remove as I run my foot under the running water. I have yet to have smooth baby feet but with a few more weekly foot mask sessions, it would get better.

Face Sheet Mask

I am currently trying a few brands and there are at least 2 brands that I super-love at the moment. Will elaborate on that much later. Maybe next year? I am also taking a particular supplement to help with my skin. If it works, I will give my review in another blog post. That too will have to wait.

Mask Acne. A Hermo Haul

It started with a mild blemish at the chin area. Soon, acnes were erupting not only there but also above my lip. It made me hormonal. I haven’t felt so insecure with my face since teenage years. I had to fix this. This time I went back to the website I used before Althea which is Hermo Online. I didn’t like the courier who sent my previous Althea goods. Rude nak mampus. It is not Althea’s fault though but the choice of courier macam mehhh.. . Therefore, crossing my fingers for a charming courier service. Here is what I did to combat my acne. (in progress)

1. BUY MORE MASK

I decided to buy more 3 ply mask of my own to be changed daily. Sometimes I tend to use it over 2 days. In a way, I hope that the skin could breath better and not be exposed to the same dirt all over again. I discovered a hijabi friendly mask on Shopee that comes as a headloop instead of an ear loop. It’s a 3ply mask that I could use in my workplace setting as well.

2. EAT BETTER. DRINK MORE WATER

It is back to the healthy eating days. More salad. Stocking up on my butterhead and romaine. More plain water. In fact, I cleaned out my freezer and fridge. Whatever we did not touch for the past 6 months goes inside the bin. I also rearranged the tupperwares and dry goods in my little pantry. Bought some 3 tier shelves from Mr D.I.Y. and now I love my food storage area. I figured if we chuck out the nasty stuff – it wouldn’t be an option for our meals. Even so, I still have some crisps and biscuits at hand. For the kids.

3. HERMO HAUL

Its time to take skin care seriously. Again. It has been neglected for quite some time. A lot of experts say that you shouldn’t mix the product. I agree. But for now, I am desperate. If this mask acne is still not taken care off, I might have to step into a medispa or aesthetic clinic to sort it out. Thankfully, I have 2 friends who had just obtained their license to carry out aesthetic related services. I have a phobia with skin treatment especially on the face because I tend to up like a lobster after the session. It ain’t good if it is a work day the next day.

In my haul, Nature Republic is topping the list. Simply because it is one of the cheapest brand on the site. I bought a lot of masks for the face and 2 pieces for the feet. My foot calluses needs some TLC. I am loading quite a few new brands in my shopping cart. First, I have this 14 day miracle cream by Some By Mi. The brand is supposed to be natural, mild yet effective to the skin. I am sold by its AHA-BHA-PHA jargon. Undeniably, any red popping acne will tone down on application within 24-48 hours but it doesn’t make the old acne scars go away. I think I need a different product for that. I have been using this product for 2 weeks and I wonder if it is supposed to be a miracle once the skin purging phase is over. This is because I still have that on off acne making very brief stops on my chin.

This striking yellow goodal green tangerine vit c pad is surprisingly pleasant to use. It does feel a bit acidic though when you apply it on a daily basis. The skin stings. Hence, I am spacing out its application to every 2 -3 days. The price is quite steep so I will definitely keep an eye out out for discounts or sales. A tub of goodal has 70 nice citrus smelling pads selling at RM 84.00. For this purchase, I bought mine at just above RM50.

I am also very consistent with this Aromatica hair essence. It boasts being free from silicone sulfate, an ingredient in hair products that makes it frizzy and all. I have yet to see the results with this essence. My hair still looks like I came out of The Croods movie. Maybe I need to concurrently switch shampoo or something. Anyhow, I have begun to pick up the habit of combing my hair everyday (again). I have stopped doing so since housemanship.

I doubt I’d be aesthetically pleasing for my 10th year wedding anniversary. Coming soon end of December. Nevertheless, I am have planned for a mini staycation to commemorate the day. I even made an effort to get my husband a gift this time. Prior to this, anniversary is just dinner with the kids at a restaurant. We haven’t been going out as a couple ever since I gave birth to the kids. I guess this is the sacrifice we make as a duo in the medical line. I am thinking of snapping good photos as well despite looking fat. It’ll be a great addition to the album.