Most often than not, I am asked about my skincare routine and what kind of foundation I use for my face. I am always in search for the best moisturiser for my face and it never ends though I have finally found a great foundation which I am so pleased with. It is a mineral foundation which I will discuss about in my next blog.
Here, I am going to be discussing about skin and acne and share my experience of how I went through acne and how I got over it. The lessons that I learnt from it.
Before my chicken pox and bout of acne, I never use to give a hoot about using moisturisers or the right foundation for my face. The fact that I had a good and clear skin, I thought I didnt really needed one.
However that was set to change when I had chicken pox in my adulthood followed by acne. Though my acne was not severe, but it was enough to damage my confidence and I felt so self conscious whenever I went into a public place. Each time I met a friend, she will exclaim, "My god! What happened to your face? You had such beautiful skin!" or whenever I entered a pharmacy, the first thing the salesgirl will tell me, " Do you want something for your pimples?" and fish out a product off their rack. I tried several home made remedies and when I felt that it was getting better, another one or two will pop out. It was severely devastating and frustrating.
To all those who are dealing with acne, I do know how you feel and it's never easy because each time you are trying to figure out what miracle should you bring about to stop this completely.
Luckily for my case,someone recommended an elderly but retired dermatologist based in Parklane Shopping Centre(Singapore) to my husband who brought me there. On a note here, it's very important to have the support of your loved ones as it will help you transit this period with more ease than you would think you would do. My husband was really supportive and he was always positive that I will get over it which I did eventually. He would conscientiously remind me of the doctor's instructions and made sure that there wasn't any lapse in my medication. If one was scheduled to finished, he made sure that he would stock up two of it.
When I met my dermatologist, after reviewing the condition of my face, he told me very bluntly that he will only see me twice. Afterwhich if I do follow his instructions religiously, I will not need to see him again. Honestly I was abit taken back slightly because I remembered my brother having the same acne issue and to date as of I write now, he still is visiting the doctor at the national skincare for his oral medication. I was abit sceptical but I admired his confidence. The rest is history and my acne improved in over four to six months and now I have nothing to worry about. He never put me on any oral medication, just topical like benzoyl peroxide, skinoren & differerin and his instructions are really simple to follow. I am so thankful for coming across him.
There is something I learnt from this 'acne ordeal' here - firstly do not use any oil based moisturisers or sunscreens/sunblocks as they aggravate your pimples. Go for water based moisturisers i.e Simple Light Hydrating Moisturiser(for sensitive skin), Avene Emulsion, Cetaphil, Olay complete OIl free etc. There are many in the market but do stress to the salesgirl that you want a oil free or water based moisturiser. For girls who can't live without makeup, do not use the liquid foundation as they tend to be oil based. Go for a mineral water based liquid foundation or stick to a mineral powder foundation. By right, if you are having acne, you should be avoiding these. Just apply your moisturiser and stick to your eye and lip makeup.It will look wierd to you initially but as you progress, you will even notice that the quality of your skin improving and restoring back. However, this is an individual's choice so therefore choose wisely.
Secondly go for a 'soap free and non comodegenic' face wash i.e Physiogel ( I used this brand and am still using it till date) as it is really mild for the face. I am sure you can get your dermatologist to give you one. It is also available in drugstores.
If you are already beginning to have acne, do not delay that trip to the dermatologist and early treatment will prevent that scarring which otherwise might take a long time to heal or perhaps never.
Do feel free to ask any questions here and I'll be happy to share whatever I know with you.