Lately, I've been having the worst acne for the longest time in my adolescent life. It has made me uncomfortable in my own skin, get depressed in a seemingly downward spiral, anxious to go outside without any makeup on, and has damaged my self confidence indefinitely. I have been visiting a spa for almost two months, but all the weekly facial pricking has caused more wounds and redness on my face than the acne actually does. I'm not blaming this on the spa or the specialist. Nor do I have any grounds to prove that the sessions made it worse. I just feel that it would be far better off for my skin if I stopped visiting the spa and started revisiting other options.
So to do this, I researched for options I can do for less money and effort. I came upon different serums, toners, soaps, and even natural remedies due to my desperation. I narrowed down my choices to 3 options based on cost, availability, and ease in use (I wouldn't want to buy something I can't use on my own). My top 3 choices are the following:
NOTE: This isn't a sponsored post. If it were, I'd probably quit my job and do this full-time instead :)
1. Derma Rolling
At first, I wasn't sure about derma rolling at all. If anything, it terrifies me to think of using it. But my old facial specialist recommended this to me while we were having sessions. She told me that the micro needles on the derma roller can help activate collagen production on my problem areas once I start using it. I bought one to use for our sessions (0.75 mm), but since I had active pimples that time, we weren't able to use it. I actually started using my derma roller yesterday after watching a few Youtubers use it. Since it's a slightly invasive procedure, I have to disinfect the derma roller from 10-15 minutes before and after using it.This is what my derma roller looks like:
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| Photo from dermarollershop.com |
I purchased my 0.75 mm derma roller from LAZADA for about Php 366.70. Here's the exact listing. If you're interested in purchasing a derma roller, make sure to consult with a professional first. There's a good chance you might be allergic to the titanium material of the needles or the derma roller itself might make you break out worse.
To give you an idea of how derma rolling works, here's an infographic I found:
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| Photo from Vani Beauty Co., Ltd. |
I haven't seen any results yet from my derma rolling session, but in the coming weeks, I might update this post or create another one just to show you that. For now, here's how people's skins have changed after derma rolling:
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| Photo from Beauty by Gita |
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| Photo from ElimiScar |
My 0.75 mm derma roller doesn't hurt too much as the needles are shorter compared to its 1.00 mm to 3.00 mm variants. For now, I'm not thinking about replacing mine for longer needles, but once I purchase the right serum, I might step up to either 1.5 mm or 2 mm just so I can really get the product deeper into my acne scars that needs collagen production faster. There is a guarantee that it will hurt more though. The 0.75 mm variant gives me a slight pricking sensation which doesn't hurt that bad and I'm guessing the shorter variants won't hurt as well. I found the inforgraphic below that warns about using longer needle rollers depending on the severity of your skin problems and without the help of a professional.
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| Photo from Alibaba |
Let's just hope that my decision to start derma rolling turns out good. I'll update you more on this once I've seen results. For now, I won't be posting photos.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (plus extractions with acne removal tools)
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| Photo from HowHunter |
I thought about replacing my toner with Apple Cider Vinegar as it's more natural and has acne drying properties and antiseptic properties as well. I didn't push through with this plan because I haven't gone through the toner I'm using now. But when I do run out of toner, I'll probably use this for a 1 week trial test.
3. The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask
Coined as the "World's Most Powerful Facial", the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask does not disappoint one bit. The first time I tried this clay mask, it dried the majority of my active pimples immediately overnight. I'm not even kidding! It shocked me at first, too! I didn't know it was possible for 1 product to resolve my cystic acne issues from Day One! I was even more surprised at the amount 1 pound of this product can provide! I've used this for more than 3 times already and I'm not even halfway through the container yet! How great of a deal is that? If you're wondering, I purchased mine through LAZADA. Here's the link to the exact listing I purchased it from.I can't transfer the pictures of me wearing this mask because everyone knows my phone sucks (and I have yet to replace it due to financial stuff I need to deal with). So for now, here are a few photos of other people using my new favorite clay mask:
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| Photo from Queen Christine |
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| Photo from Every Little Polish |
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| Photo from Every Little Polish |
As you can see, when this clay mask dries off, it makes a sort of reptile-like complexion. But not to worry! Your skin will look nowhere like that after you've used it :)
Here's how I use this mask:
1 tbsp. clay mask powder
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tbsp. water
Procedure (taken from the Aztec Secrets website):
1. Mix AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY with equal parts of apple cider vinegar* or water. It is best to use a glass, pottery, or wooden bowl.
2. Stir the mixture until it is a smooth paste - add more clay or liquid as needed.
3. Apply 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick layer of clay to the face or other areas and let it dry. Drying times vary, but times are generally 5 minutes for delicate skin and 15- 20 minutes for normal skin. You will feel a pulling and tightening sensation.
4. Remove clay by washing with warm water. A slight redness may appear after removing the clay. This is normal and will disappear in approximately 30 minutes.
Another thing you must remember is to be careful taking off the mask especially on your sink. This could potentially clog your sink and cost you more for repairs if the tubes need replacement.
What does my facial care routine look like now?
For anyone wondering how in the world I manage to keep up with my skincare regimen, here are the steps I do on a daily basis or every other day (indicated):On days when I don't need to use the facial mask or the derma roller:
- Take a shower
- Wash my face with anti-pimple facial wash or soap recommended by dermatologist
- Clean my face with micellar water using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply anti-acne toner using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply the acne drying lotion recommended by my dermatologist using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply the ERY (erythromycin) cream before I hit the hay.
On days when I don't need to use the derma roller:
- Take a shower
- Wash my face with anti-pimple facial wash or soap recommended by dermatologist
- Clean my face with micellar water using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Create the clay mask mixture and apply it on my face
- leave it on for an hour or an hour and a half (This isn't risky at all especially since I have problematic skin that needs more of this wonderful mask)
- Rinse off the clay mask with warm water.
- Clean my face with micellar water AGAIN using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply anti-acne toner using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply the acne drying lotion recommended by my dermatologist using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply the ERY (erythromycin) cream before I hit the hay.
On days when I don't need to use the facial mask:
- Take a shower
- Wash my face with anti-pimple facial wash or soap recommended by dermatologist
- Clean my face with micellar water using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Use the derma roller for about 15-20 minutes on all my problem areas.
- Clean my face with micellar water AGAIN using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply anti-acne toner using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply the acne drying lotion recommended by my dermatologist using a round cotton pad. Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Apply the ERY (erythromycin) cream before I hit the hay.
NOTE: I haven't had the time to blog much because of the holidays and the amount of work I had to get done for my online jobs. But rest assured, I'm doing my best to come up with more stuff to use and review, so keep checking for any updates.
Until the next blog! Thank you for reading!
