Treating Adult/ Hormonal Acne

It's funny that I'm dealing with acne, pimple, zit, whatevever you want to call it in my 30s.  I had few pimples here and there during my teens, but it seems like my acne has gotten worse in the last couple of years.  I tried using different products, and it seemed like it would go away then come back about a month later, leave some scars, and go away.  So I've come to terms with the fact that it was hormonal/ menstrual related acne, since it was coming and going on a monthly basis.  I started taking mental notes about when the acne got worse and when it went away.  I've noticed that the acne, whiteheads started emerging about two weeks before my anticipated period.  And after that it'd clear up but still leaving scars.

I always thought there's no way to control or prevent this unless I took drugs- either birth control pills (which I can't take due to a scare awhile back) or antibiotics (which I refuse to take). 
So below are some products I've been using for the last two months in a strategic manner and it's been much more controllable.  I also did some research on hormonal acne, and things made much morse sense.  So if you are suffering from hormonal acne like me, hope this information helps.
And also, this is something that's been working for me.  You may have to try out some different products to find what works for you.  I think the number one thing for you to try is try to find what your patterns are and what you think may be causing the acne- oil, make-up, hygiene, allergies, etc...

My post will address hormonal/pre-menstral acne... Just a FYI: I have Combination Dry Skin with cystic type acne when it flairs on my cheeks. (bleh~)

Some information about hormonal acne....

Phase 1:  14 days Prior to your Menstral Cycle

PREVENTION IS THE KEY!
I thought I start with the time when your hormones start to fluctuate and when you start to see the pimples appearing.  14 days prior to your menstral cycle, this is when you ovulate and your estrogen levels peak.  The hormonal fluctuations causes your skin to become more oily than usual.  This is what's causing the acne.
I think this is the most important stage to treat because you may have a chance to pre-treat and keep those acne at bay.

Products I use during this time: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control and/or Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Scrub, Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense Serum, Philosophy Microdelivery Peel.

When I wash my face at night, I remove my makeup with my Shiseido Perfect Oil, then use my clarisonic with Philosophy Facewash to gently remove any other traces of makeup. Then I use the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control or Power-Scrub.  This doesn't remove makeup, so I use it as a quick mask like after I wash my face.  It's creamy and leaves a slightly minty feel to your face.  This product is great because eventhough it has salicylic acid, it has other ingredients to counter that and not dry out your face.  Then I put few drops of Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense Serum and pat it into my face and finish off with a moisturizing cream for sensitive skin. 

In the morning, I wash my face with the Neutrogena Acne Stress Control and apply First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Also during the week, I will use the Philosophy Microdelivery Peel to give myself a light chemical peel to renew my skin and make sure oil won't get trapped underneath my dead skin cells.  When I do the peel, I skip the Skinceutical Blemish and Age Defense Serum as my face can be sensitive.

(You might think this is a lot of products or overwashing your face, but I made sure that this didn't dry out my face or irritated it.)


Phase 2: 7 days Prior to your Menstral Cycle

MAINTAIN YOUR OIL LEVEL!
This is when when your estrogen level plummets and progesterone surge.  When your progesterone goes up, it also tends to close up your pores, giving no room for your skin to breathe. Your skin is at it's oiliest and you are more prone to acne flaring up.  Also due to the progesterone levels, the oil can build up beneath the surface, which can cause your acne to appear more cystic (the kind you can't squeeze!).

Products I use during this time: Tanda Zap, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control and/or Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Scrub, Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense Serum.

My skincare regimen remains the same as Phase 1 except for the peel.  Instead, I may use a mud mask to dry up the extra oil during the week, but I do the same thing as Phase 1.   I also always carry around a Tanda Zap, which is a blue light acne treatment.  It is battery operated and the blue light destroys acne-causing bacteria and also opens the pores to expose the bacteria and kills the bacteria trapped underneath.  This works best when you feel the pimple emerging.  I use this right away, which is why I carry it with me in my purse.  This is quite tiny.  But you do need to replace the battery quite often.  This way you don't have pimple scars, and you are ensuring to kill the bacteria underneath. Ever since I got this, I don't ever use pimple creams or feel the need to pop any pimples which can cause long-term scarring.

Phase 3: Week of your Menstral Cycle

NOURISH AND HYDRATE!
Your hormonal levels are at their lowest.  Your skin may appear dull and your acne is disappearing.  Your skin may need extra TLC (Tender Lovin' and Care) during this time.  You won't have to worry too much about the acne, but the aftermath of it. So perhaps something that can lighten your scars or dark spots.

Products I use during this time: Philosophy Microdelivery Peel, Hydrating Masks, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
During this phase I return to my regular skin regimen, and will do the microdelivery peel once a week, and concentrate on really nourishing my skin.  I'll also try to hydrate my skin with hydrating masks such as Dr. Jaart Hydrogel mask, or masks from The Face Shop.  Then I'll follow up with a serum and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream to really help hydrate.  This should help your skin look less dull.

Phase 4: Week after your Menstral Cycle

BACK TO PREVENTION! 
Your body is getting ready to ovulate again and your estrogen levels are beginning to rise.  Your skin is less dull and your acnes are starting to clear up.  You need to maintain and get your skin to prevent the break outs again.  This is probably the best time for your skin.  You look more radiant, your skin is looking acne free and may have few spots still healing.  But you must prep your skin for that week ahead.

Products I use during this time: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control and/or Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Scrub, Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense Serum, Philosophy Microdelivery Peel.

I'm back to using the same products used during Phase 1.  Because you are getting back to preventing your skin from break out.  Gotta keep those pores clean!!!

As I mentioned before this is what I found to work for me.  Of course there are a lot of trial and errors but I think it's worth it once you find that correct formula that works for you.  And these are products I've used.  You don't have to use the exact ones I have used, or you may even find other brands that do the same thing.  Hope the explanation of your menstral cycle helps.  After I understood what my body was going through each week and what the hormones were doing to my face acne, I was able to control it a lot better.  I'm on the second month of this regimen and I had no cystic type acne on my cheeks.  Only 2 pimples this month. Yay!

If your acne isn't from hormonal, you may want to start investigating if any other factors may be causing it.  Here are some common problems:

-Not changing your towels often enough or your towels may not be drying fast enough in the atmosphere and may have a lot of bacterias. (also I always use separate facial towels from hands and body)
-Not changing your pillow cases.  You are putting your head on this thing and rubbing it with your face everyday.  I try to keep my hair product free and change pillow cases every week.
-Touching your face a lot.  Your hands are full of germs.  Keep anti-bacterial near your desk and use it frequently and don't touch your face!

I hope this was helpful and feel free to ask any questions!  Also it's easier for me to respond on my facebook page, so please feel free to ask or message me here.  Miloberry Blog Facebook

Review: Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 30 Moisturizer

After I've used up all of my First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Facecream with SPF 30 (for the third time) I decided to give another product a try.  I picked up Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer.  I wear sunscreen everyday, so I try to pick a product that incorporates high SPF with it.  I also find that the moisturizer sunscreen is less harsh on my face.  I opted for the Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 30 Moisturizer because it had more contents than the First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 at a same price. 

It comes in a tube of 2 oz. for $39.00.  The moisturizer is a bit thick and I usually add Philosophy Turbo C boost powder to add in the extra benefits and protection of Vitamin C.  This usually makes the moisturizer a bit more liquidy.  I've been wearing this for last couple of weeks, and I have to say, I will not be repurchasing this product.  I'm actually debating whether I should return this or not.

My major complaint about this product is that after I apply this thin, pat it in and wait for it to dry to do my next step (make-up), it leaves this strange filmy residue on top.  When I feel it, or rub it, it comes off like an eraser residue.  First I thought it was because I may have had dry patches or skin, but I quickly learned that it's the product itself.  I tried rubbing it on my arm and neck and it did the samething.  I also tried exfoliating.  It was not my skin.  It was this moisturizer!  Then I remembered, this happens with some of the other body sunscreen too.  It's quite disappointing because I love Philosophy products.  But I guess not everything from Philosophy is for me.  Also this product is quite thick.  It isn't oily, but really thick product.  Regardless, it should not be leaving residue on your skin, especially your face.  That's just a No No... I would not recommend this product.  I'm going back to First Aid Beauty 5 in 1.

Makeup Of The Day & Outfit Of The Day

I didn't do anything special makeup wise, but I kinda liked how it turned out. :)  Maybe cuz it's Friday! lol.

So here's my makeup of the day (MOTD) and my outfit of the day (OOTD). You can't see my entire outfit, but I'll put a picture of the entire dress on a model. Obviously, I'm not having a good hair day, but rest makes up for it.  Have a good weekend everyone!!!

Makeup (click on product names for links)

Foundation: I mixed Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation (SPF 20) & Faceshop Pureblossom Shimmering BB Cream  (I've been mixing stuff a lot lately, it's great!)

Powder: Faceshop Face & it Radiance Loose Powder

Eyebrows: Shu Uemura H9 Hard Formula Pencil

Eye Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer

Eyeshadow: Philosophy the Color of Grace Palette & Urban Decay Naked Palette in Sin (inner corners), Darkhorse and Hustle (outer corner and over eyeline)

Eyeliner: Sephora Retractable Waterproof Liner & Mac Fluidline Gel Liner

Mascara: Too Faced Size Queen Mascara

Blush: Mac Well Dressed Powder Blush

Lips: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

Outfit:

Dress from Lulus.com Tiki Isle Print Red Dress

  

Review: Philosophy Just Release Me Eye Makeup Remover

I’ve been an avid user of Clinique’s Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover for over 10 years now.  None of the Eye Makeup Removers I’ve tried have done a better job than my Clinique Purple Bottle.  I wear Waterproof everything on my eyes, so it’s very important that I get everything off my eyes in the most gentle way possible.

While surfing the Philosophy’s website (with my 40% off Coupon), I’ve decided to try the Philosophy Just Release Me Eye Make Up Remover.  I love Philosophy Products, so I was not hesitant to try this out.

First of all, I love their packaging and their simple names for their products.  “Just Release Me”… doesn’t that sound like it’ll release all the junk off your eyes? hahahah

The front of the bottle reads: Philosophy: from caked on to baked on, from lid locks to grid lock, from dressed up to stressed out, from high shoes to win-lose, from run fast to slow down, it’s time to release your eye makeup and set your sights free.

 

The back of the bottle reads: dual phase, oil-free eye makeup remover.  Removes the toughest eye makeup, including waterproof; extremely gentle on the eyes; opthamologist tested; safe for contact lens wearers; natural extracts calm and soothe the skin.

 

The liquid inside was very similar to Clinique’s Take the Day Off.  It had two layers of liquid and mixed when shaken.

Put to the Test:

I tried it for the first time last night.  I took off my right eye makeup with Philosophy Just Release Me, and the left eye with my Clinique Take the Day Off.  I wanted to do side by side comparison.

Clinique’s Take the Day Off was definitely a lot more greasier than the Philosophy Just Release Me.  Philosophy Just Relase was very clean and did not leave any oily residue.  But Clinique’s Take the Day Off dissolved the waterproof makeup faster than the Philosophy Just Release me.

Review:

I’d give it a 4 stars out of 5.  I’d recommend this to someone who doesn’t like greasy eye makeup remover, who are acne proned and staying away from oily makeup removers.  It also is only $18 for 6 fl. oz. which is bigger than the Clinique’s Take the Day Off.  Clinique’s 4.2 fl. oz costing the same at $18.  The formula is extremely gentle and very clean.  And it removed every trace of my waterproof eye makeup!  I’d probably buy it again, but not sure yet if I'd replace my Clinique Purple Bottle.  : P

Eye Makeup Removing Tip:

Don't scrub or rub your eyes with your cotton pad.  Put plenty of (but not soaking) the solution on the pad and place it on your eyes and massage it in to slowly, gently release the makeup.  Then gently hold the pad and remove the pad in a downward motion.  And gently go over wherever you still have residue.  For even gentle application, use cotton swab.

Philosophy Coupon 15-40% off FOR GRABS!

I had an extra philosophy coupon code to share. I think it only works once, so grab it if you want it!
The one I got was 40% off entire purchase.  Remember Philosophy never goes on sale, so grab whatever you need while you can! It expires today midnight!

Code: hope6081013

Oseque Oxygen Mask's Alter Ego Philosophy The Oxygen Peel

Hello Errbody! Happy Friday (for those of you reading it on a Friday).  I wanted to write this post, cuz I really think the Oseque Oxygen Mask is really working! I got a compliment about my skin today.  My co-worker said my skin looks really good and glowy and she wanted to know if I’m doing anything different! ^__^  Yipee~~~ I love it when other people notice the difference!  Whatever the case, the most important thing is, how you feel about yourself! And I feel great!

So, I wanted to give you guys an alternative to Oseque Oxygen Mask Cleanser that I talked about yesterday.  Since Oseque is not easily attainable in the US or online.

The alternative to the Oseque Oxygen Mask Cleanser is the Philosophy Oxygen Peel.  I actually have this at home, but since it’s a two step system, I keep forgetting to use it.  Philosophy’s Oxygen Peel works with same concept as Oseque Oxygen Mask but probably a bit stronger and with extra steps.  I find myself using the Oseque Oxygen Mask on a daily basis just because I only need to put it on my face and rub it. But when I was using the Philosophy Oxygen Peel, I loved it!

Philosophy Oxygen Peel comes with catalyst enzyme capsules, and a container to mix it in and oxygen foam and a mini spatula. 

1. First you must mix warm water and  the enzyme powder in the capsule. 

TIP: You do not need the whole capsule.  I usually use about 1/4 of it and little less water than what they recommend.  Then I screw the capsule back tightly. It’s plenty even if you use 1/4 of it.  Mix the water and capsule by shaking the closed container.

 

(fyi- these pictures were taken from google.... I did not take these two pictures!)

2. Apply mixed enzyme to your face.

3. Add oxygen foam cream to your face and massage. It’ll start to interact and start foaming up. 
TIP: You should use the spatula to scoop up the oxygen foam to the back of your hand before you start mixing the enzyme and foam together.  You don’t want to ruin the rest of your oxygen foam cream.  Also this oxygen foam is also known as hydrogen peroxide.  So it warns you not to put it near hairline and eyebrows.  It might lighten the hair color. 

4. You can take the spatula and scrape the foam off your face or just wash it off with warm water.

Recommended usage is once a week or 3 days in a row when experiencing breakouts.

Catalyst Enzyme mixed with the Hydrogen Peroxide will help you brighten and clear your skin and Hydrogen Peroxide is supposed to help kill the bacteria on the skin.  It also contains Vitamin E to provide powerful antioxidant protection.

You can get this at Ulta, Sephora, or wherever Philosophy is sold.  But you get a much better deal at QVC.  It normally sells for $50 for 10 capsules and 2 oz oxygen foam.  But if you use the Philosophy Purity Cleanser (I highly recommend this Cleanser), it comes in 32 oz supersize with a pump, and  Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (I highly recommend this as well) in 32 oz supersize with a pump, and Oxygen Peel with 20 capsules and 4 oz foam--- ALL FOR $102!!!

Sephora sells the Purity Wash 24 oz for $40, and the Microdelivery Exfoliator in 16 oz for $37, and the Oxygen Peel for 10 capsules and 2 oz foam for $50.  So if you happen to use all of this, it’s a much better deal at QVC.   You get more and for cheaper. 

I’ll probably do another post about my regular skin regimen later.  But I use the Purity Cleanser in the mornings and the Microdelivery Exfoliator in the shower at night.  I’ve been using these two for about two years now, and I have never looked the other way to look for another cleanser/exfoliator.  I have recommended this to other people and they have loved it and thanked me for introducing these items to them.  If you are unsure about it, go to Sephora and get some samples before committing to it. 

Here is a Youtube Videos about the Oxygen Peel: How to use and the benefits...




And I really didn't want to upload pictures of my nasty bumpy face while I was breaking out like crazy, but I figure I should show you guys the before and after pictures.
This picture of me with bumpy, acne scarred side of my face... this is even with make up on.  There was no hope with all these scars.



And this is now.  All the acne is gone, the bumps are much even now and my skin is on its way to recovery! Yipee!!

My happy skin!!!! ^_^

My Turbo Booster C Powder is here!!!

 I'm so excited to try this out!!!  My skin looks horrible on the left side of my face, but I'll take some before and after pictures and decide later if I want to put them up here. kekeke 

Check out what happened to the apple after the vitamin C powder was applied!!! Imagine what it can do to our skin!!!

Benefits of Turbo Booster C Powder...

Directions to use the powder....