Beauté Universe

[REVIEW] CLIO - Mad Matte Liquid Lips #01 Berry Boost, #05 Orange Tease

October 01, 2017

The Acne Struggles Journey -- Part 1 [Updated]

September 05, 2017

Notes: Be aware of this blog post, as I’ll be sharing the raw images of my serious acne skin. I want to share my painful past and how the acne worsens to you guys who have met the same issue with me. I hope that my experience would let the fellow acne sufferers know that you’re not alone and we shouldn’t give up in searching cure for it. There might have some point where you would find the images really disgusting and just leave this post but I still want to thank you guys for being here to read about my struggles and my journey to get out of this torturous acne.

I always have oily and acne prone skin, but it wasn't that bad.

When I broke out occasionally,my sensitive skin always leave the scars behind. I can’t accept my skin having such scarring and some acne. Thus, I decided to try on a skincare.

I’ve tried a skincare line that contain BHA & AHA as you all know these ingredients are chemical peeling. They’re supposed to help to reduce acne, yeah they do help in the first few 2 weeks but afterwards it broke me out A LOT. I’ve broke out 5-8 acne in a week, isn’t it crazy!? Despite me stopping these products, I continue to break out at least 4 acne a week. I mean… seriously look at how bad it have cause my skin to become 😓

Well, that was the time when I was encouraged to look for clinic where I could consult doctor and get my treatment done. I googled and did lots of reviews and I’ve eventually landed at The Clifford Clinic. This clinic seems to be specializing in treating acne skin, after reading a blogger review on this clinic, I’ve gained confidence in them and I can’t wait to go for consultation and receive my treatment. I ring them up and set my first consultation date somewhere in early march with my aesthetic doctor Dr Gerard Ee

I sat in the consultation room with Dr Gerard having him understanding more on my acne history and my ranting on these acne housing on my skin over the past few years, and how bad these acne got back recently. I’m thankful to Dr Gerard patience and his professional advice. J He advised me to get my treatment using Agnes to reduce the breakout and then a series of Q-Switch Laser treatment, and to get the best result I could also get HydraFacial to maintain my skin cleanliness.

In this post, I’ll be sharing my process with Agnes treatment, Q-Switch laser and Hydra-facial over the past few months with Clifford Clinic.

Before we go into the details of the processes after each treatment, here are the sum up of my treatment with Clifford clinic over the past 10 months (April 2017 - Feb 2018)

What is Agnes treatment?

“One of the latest advancements in acne treatment is AGNES, which selectively ablates sebaceous glands to cure recalcitrant acne.

AGNES is commonly used in Korea and Dr Gerard Ee is the pioneer doctor to introduce AGNES to Singapore.”

As our skin have millions of sebum glands, AGNES will selectively destroy those individual ‘problematic’ glands, thus preventing new breakout and provide the long term cure for acne. For my acne case, Dr Gerard recommend me in getting 1 to 2 treatment for Agnes, in addition to that, I’ve been using the pimple cream prescribed by him (Clindamycin, TRetinon cream and several others to keep my acne under control). Now that I’ve learn what Agnes do and the way to target my acne, my biggest concern is the cost.

Agnes Treatment’s Cost

This treatment cost range from $800 for partial face to $1500 for full face treatment. Being a student it’s kind of expensive to me but I decided to invest all I could for my skin thus I took 1 treatment of Agnes for full face.

The therapist applied numbing cream to my face and set it to do it’s job for about 30 mins before I get my extraction done by my therapist.

The extraction took quite a while as my face are infested with acne and blackheads. L

Note: I have low tolerance of pain level.

The next step is where I’m ready to get my Agnes treatment where I have Dr Gerard doing the treatment for me. He was very caring where he kept checking if I’m able to tolerate the little needle poking into my facial sebum glands, well of course I couldn’t. I have really low tolerance for pain and Dr Gerard injected anaesthetic into both side of my cheeks before I continue with the treatment.

Here are the image of Dr Gerard focusing on killing hundreds of my destroyed sebum glands with the needle like looking equipment, it took him about an hour to finish this process for me. Thank you Dr Gerard :’)

Agnes Day 2

I went back to Clifford clinic the very next day to get my follow up treatment for Agnes. There’s no more needle poking treatment hahaha (Thankfully). On this day, I got to received treatment that help to sooth my skin prior to the treatment the last day.

My therapist use a radio frequency machine (massaging looking like device) with gel and antiseptic solution to cleanse my skin.

Other than the slight pain from the serious acne area, this process was pretty comfortable.

I took some images after the Agnes treatment to keep a record of my journey throughout this process. Of course, I could see that my skin got even redder compare to how it was before the treatment, it’s too scary and disgusted to even look at. At this point of time, I’m really worry about having more scars or if the acne will re-enact and my main concern is knowing that I’m going to avoid putting make up for months. Although I am told not to put make up for ~3 days but I’m just worry that during the process, foundation might trigger the acne. I picked up my courage and step out of my door without covering the acne and scars. There’s people who are judging me, and to be very honest I still suffer from low self-esteem from these acne now. L

Right after the Agnes treatment. (Agnes Day 1)

I’m happy to see the improvement on my skin 2 days after Agnes treatment, the cheeks were not as red and swollen and the existing acne flatten down quickly.

This was the 5^th day after Agnes treatment, so happy to see that it got a lot better, aside from the red dots from the acne itself, there’s no red patches surrounding the acne.

Q-Switch

What is Q-Switch laser?

“Q-switch laser is the ideal lunchtime laser for common pigmentation and aging problems. Melasma, freckles and acne scars are common types of hyperpigmentation that can occur even with good lifestyle and skincare habits.

Q-switch laser has been proven to erase hyperpigmentation with low downtime.”

How does Q-switched laser treatment work?

“Q-Switch Laser treatment works by generating a high-energy laser on the affected area. The laser energy pulse breaks down the pigments into mini-pigments, which is absorbed by the skin, and then destroyed by the body’s lymphatic system.”

Dr Gerard advise me to go for a series of 10 Q-Switch lasers package, with me having to do this treatment every 2 weeks to heal my acne scars. Of course, I took up this package, I’ve wanted to go for laser for such a long time. I really hate the scars on my face and wish that I could get rid of these ugly red patches as quickly as possible. I couldn’t wait to try out my Q-switch session with Clifford and see how much my scars lighten up each time!

1 week later, 30^th March, I did my 1^st Q-Switch laser. Like I might have mention above, I am going to rate about the pain tolerance, I’ve low pain tolerance and initially I’m not use to how it felt like rubber-band snapping on my skin but subsequently after a few more session I could get use to it and I don’t felt the pain as much. I would say that the pain level about 3/10.

Aside from that, I really like how Q-switch laser are fast and effective treatment. I could see the effect after a few sessions of treatment. As much as I hope to get baby smooth skin, and that I’m thankful to how fast I could see the result from this treatment, this treatment doesn’t help to achieve 100% clear skin. I would expect about 80%++ recovery after these processes.

How much does Q-switch cost?

I’ll be sharing the cost of Q-Switch together with Hydra-Facial at the bottom! J

Blue Light Treatment

I’ve also received blue light treatment after my 1^st Q-switch session.

What is Blue Light treatment?

Use of high-intensity, narrow-band blue light to treat mild to moderate acne. It’s use to treat the acne-causing bacteria that can form within the sebaceous glands and cause break outs. This treatment is quick and comfortable.

Upon applying a soothing mask (Omega/Centella extract), my therapist brought the blue-light generating device over my head and allow it target the bacteria that causes acne for around 10-15 minutes. Then she place a mask over my face and continue with the treatment.

The process was really comfortable, totally no pain and I could felt the warm heat. My skin was totally enjoying this treatment ^^

Breakout during recovery??

Though I notice some breakout during the recovery process, Dr Gerard assure me that the journey throughout my healing process wouldn’t be that smooth and I should be patience with it. I also notice that the re-enact acne wasn’t as serious as my pre-acne treatment, and this definitely prove that the Agnes treatment is successful.

Hydra-Facial

What is Hydra-Facial?

HydraFacial uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate our skin. While getting rid of impurities it also uses super serums that are made with nourishing ingredients to quench skin and creating an instantly gratifying glow.

How It Works?

CLEANSE + PEEL

Uncover a new layer of skin with gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing.

EXTRACT + HYDRATE

Remove debris from pores with painless suction. Nourish with intense moisturizers that quench skin.

FUSE + PROTECT

Saturate the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximize your glow

How much does it cost?

I sign up a package of Hydra Facial($1000) and Q-Switch($2000), so in total of these 2 treatments cost me $3000. However, different people skin condition varies, while Dr Gerard recommend me to get these treatment and sessions, yours may be different J

What I like the most about hydra-facial is how it’s able to address almost all the skin concerns we have,

Fine lines + Wrinkles
Elasticity + Firmness
Even Tone + Vibrancy
Skin Texture
Brown Spots
Oily + Congested Skin
Enlarged Pores

I’ve received my first treatment for hydra-facial on 15 April 2017, along with my second session of Q-Switch.

Uncover a new

Step 1: Cleansing

Step 2: Extraction

Step 3: Hydrates

Step 4: The last step where I have the cold mask to relax and cool down my skin.

Throughout each session of Hydra-Facial, I got it cleanse my congested oily skin, while providing anti-oxidant hydration.

15 April 2017 (2^nd Q-Switch + 1^st Hydra-Facial)

I could see the significant improve on my acne, lesser bumps, but again, the annoying reddish scars. As my skin is sensitive, it took me a few days to 1 week to see the effect of Q-Switch.

25 April 2017. (2^nd Q-Switch + 1^st Hydra-Facial)

Again, I took pictures to monitor my skin condition and the recovery from my facial and lasers. It can be seen clearly that the amount of redness have decrease a lot and there’s even lesser small bumps on my skin. Yay!

29 April 2017

I went for my 3^rd Q-Switch session, this time without Hydra-Facial as I’m bound to do the facial every month while having my laser done every 2 weeks.

27 May 2017

I continue with my Q-Switch treatment 3 weeks after the 3^rd Q-Switch laser session as I’m not feeling well the week before, so I had my laser done together with my 2^nd Hydra-Facial session

So excited to see the drastic improvement on my skin! *.*

5June 2017

5^th session of Q-Switch laser and I’m really so glad the see the improvement each time I’ve done with the treatment!

1 July 2017

6^th Q-Switch and 3^rd Hydra-Facial, I’ve slight breakout but again, the journey towards healing of this acne curse wouldn’t be smooth and all I need are patience.

15 July 2017

Had my 7^th Q-Switch laser treatment. The scarring from the previous breakout has definitely got lighten and I’m always so happy to see the magic changes Q-Switch did to my skin!

5 August 2017^th

8^th Q-Switch and 4^th Hydra-Facial

Alright, I’ll end my part 1 of this acne recovery journey with you guys, I know it’s a super lengthy post and I really hope what I share could manage to help you guys in some way and again to the acne sufferer friends, don’t feel dishearten, don’t lose hope and find a way to cure this nightmare. Thank you for reading, stay tune for the updates to see better recovery!

UPDATES

Hi guys, I'm continuing my post for my acne treatment with The Clifford Clinic. I went back to Clifford every 2 weeks for laser treatment and every month for Hydrafacial.

In this update of the post, I will be sharing about my experience with Clifford clinic for VBeam laser. I've tried 3 sessions of VBeam laser recommended by Dr Gerard Ee and then continue maintaining my skin with Q-Switch lasers treatment.

What is VBeam Laser?

The VBeam is a pulsed dye laser, which means that the laser energy is delivered in pulses and a dye is used to generate laser beams of different colors. Since the VBeam is used to treat dilated blood vessels, as in rosacea, it is also called a vascular laser. The target of the vascular laser is hemoglobin, the red protein in blood cells in the blood vessels. Skin cells that surround the dilated blood vessels are not damaged. (Safely treat Rosacea, Spider veins, birthmarks, acne scars, stretch marks, broken capillaries).

The pain level?

During the VBeam treatment, i could feel the device spraying cool liquid onto my skin on each laser pulse, hence rating the treatment 2/10 (it felt like cool zap on the skin)

Below are some images of the after treatments and recovery process :)

I'm so thankful to receive caring treatment from clifford clinic, seeing how much my skin recovered throughout the time from the beginning really amaze me and i'm glad i didn't give up on finding cure to this torturous and toxic acne prone skin 😌

The Clifford Clinic

24 Raffles Place

#01-03 Clifford Centre

Singapore 048621

(Exit A from Raffles MRT)

Mon to Fri: 10am to 8pm

Sat: 10 am to 5pm

Sun: Closed

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Call Us: (65) 6532 2400

Whatsapp: (65) 8318 6332

Cosrx

[REVIEW] COSRX - One Step Pimple Clear Pad & Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol & Emulsion

September 05, 2017

I've saw many people raving about these Cosrx One Step Pimple Clear Pad and other product from this brand. As a acne sufferer, I thought i must try these items out, i want to get rid of the acne so badly from my skin.

Alright, so a little history about me, I've been suffering from non perfect skin (Acne + Scarring) for about 6 - 7 years, it's just like a roller coaster journey for me, the acne was okay, till 4 years back it erupted badly, and 2 years back, it got all better again. I have 2-3 break out once a month and my the scarring never leave my skin.

I hope by using these products, i could get smooth flawless skin, with lesser break out. I grabbed the pimple pad, the A-Sol toner, emulsion and used them diligently everyday for the whole 3 months.

Today, I'll be sharing my experience with you guys, to let you know if they work for me or not 😉

Note: Everyone skin are different, depending on our skin type, climate and environment, I'm sharing today post on these set of skin care base on my own experiences and skin condition. Images of my skin are raw, except mosaic and watermarks.

11 November 2016 (Before i start using one step pimple pad, toner and emulsion)

One Step Pimple Clear Pad

Description

"Betain Salicylate cares dead skin cells without irritation and makes clear skin tone. It’s a trouble & sebum care pad that accomplishes matte skin by clearing skin trouble, sebum, and oil. One-step pimple clear pads reduces acne breakouts and promotes clearer skin. Promotes exfoliation of dead surface cells resulting in enhanced cellular renewal with Betaine salicylate. Leaves skin cleaner, clearer and blemish free."

The description totally caught me up! Look, just blemish free and clearer skin are things that i am looking for. I pick this product hoping i could clear up my skin and promote a blemish free skin. 😍

Packaging:

The packaging are in white background, red highlights and black fonts. They have the description and information about this product on the box and circular tub.

Every new tub of the pimple pad are enclosed with a thin lid to prevent drying on the products.

Direction:

"After face wash, sweep lightly according to skin texture with 1 pad. Then apply basic skin care products. After use, make sure you close the cover."

Active Ingredients

"Salix Alba(Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Arginine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate,Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil,Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil , Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide"

Applicators:

1. Embossed side: Exfoliates & Regulates sebum production , Removes impurities

2. Smooth side: Hydrates & Promotes smoother skin , Improves facial skin texture

We have to use our fingers to take the cotton pad applicator, which might be kinda unhygienic if our fingers nail always contact with the rest of the cotton pad 😟 But i do like how the cotton have 2 sides, its a strategic way to create the cotton pad like this 😊

Effect:

After using 2 tub of this pimple pad, i don't see a great effect of it calming down my existing acne, and acne will still occur. However, i could see the obvious differences on how much brighter my skin look after i use it each time 😊 The skin got smoother and brighter, but not a lot of effect on my acne.

Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

Descriptions:

"BHA (Betain Salicylate1%) component and black bee propolis (Black Bee Propolis 60%) melts skin wastes and dead cells in skin and soothes skin trouble. “Used Good Ingredients and self-assurance, for flawless skin” Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol is a skin-type solution product that solves the daunting problem of complex skin trouble with a combination of Propolis, AHA, natural BHA, and natural moisture-retention ingredients, as well as helping with control of sebum and clearing of dead skin cell. Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol contains little oil, helping with managing sebum and pores, to give the skin cleanliness with no shine or trouble. BHA（Betain Salicylate1%)"

Directions:

"Correct application method

1. In mornings/evenings after facial wash spread thinly on the troubled areas, areas with much dead skin cell, and areas with much sebum.

2. Tap gently with fingertips to absorb."

Active Ingredients

"Propolis Extract, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, water, Glycolic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil"

Applicator:

Housed in a white bottle with black pump dispenser, hmm... I don't really like how the dispenser has no good control on the A-Sol toner, but on the other hand, to be fair this is a liquid so probably that explain why it tend to spray everywhere whenever i dispense the product. I would usually pump it in a close distance with my skin.

Effect:

The A-Sol toner is a runny solution that spread onto your skin without feel stickiness. I like how light and refreshing this toner is. 😊 Aside from that, I don't see it reducing my acne but able to control the facial sebum.

Natural BHA Skin Returning Emulsion

Description:

"Natural BHA and centella asiatica moisturizes and vitalizes dry/sensitive skin by soothing skin trouble and controlling oil/moist balance of skin. More clear and pure complexion can be accomplished with improved skin texture. Emulsion recommended for people with oily or troublesome skin type."

Direction:

1. Every day after cleansing and toning, massage evenly over face neck and chest.

2. For optimal results, first apply recommended BHA Skin Returning A-Sol and follow with Sunblock during the day.

Active Ingredients:

"Centella Asiatica Leaf Water , Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Betaine Salicylate, Betaine,1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Zinc PCA, Panthenol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethyl Hexanediol"

Applicator:

Just like the A-Sol toner, it have a pump dispenser

Effect:

It's like a thicken lotion but a little runny, the emulsion set into subtle glow after spreading. I could feel my skin felt soft after the application, but there's a little sticky feeling on my skin, i don't really like it though, i hope it would settle into matte smooth finish. While on the other hand, it's quite hydrating, :) It smells kinda herbally 😅

Overall Verdicts:

I like how these product create a brighter skin for me and my skin definitely felt smoother with the great exfoliation. I monitored the acne process from using these products over the 3 months, though the acne doesn't get flatter overnight, i could see that the amount of acne reduced in 2 weeks.

The issues are that, i notice the progression stopped just right here. It's just like this is the maximum it could do to reduce the acne. There's still a few acne at my cheek area (Image below)

9 Jan 2017

5 March 2017

I continue to use the products for the next 2 months, more breakout appear during the period when I'm using it. It could be exam stress, so i continue to stick with these 3 skincare regime day and night. But it never stop, could you imagine the acne actually spread and become worse all over my skin. I thought, just how bad is my body copping with the stress, it's never been like that. 😓

24 March 2017

This is only when i realise my skin are sensitive to chemical peeling, I didn't know i'm sensitive to AHA and BHA at all and i have been using chemical peel daily for months :( My skin are generally alright with any skin care products I've tried, so i didn't know that chemical peels are just not my friend. It's a waste because i really enjoy using the cotton pad and the rest of the skin care line, they're really gentle, they smell good and they create brighter skin for me. 😯

I would still recommend my readers (without sensitive skin that's allergic to chemical peeling) these products because i could see that it works for others and it does works for me initially. However, if you are not sure whether you are allergic to chemical peel, i would advise you to test on the bottom of your jawline first, before using them diligently for a few months. 😅

Hahaha I'm not sure how many of you actually get to this point but anyway thank you for reading (this lengthy post🙈)

[REVIEW] CLIO - Mad Matte Liquid Lips #01 Berry Boost, #05 Orange Tease

The Acne Struggles Journey -- Part 1 [Updated]

[REVIEW] COSRX - One Step Pimple Clear Pad & Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol & Emulsion

BeautéUniverse

Follow Me

Brands

Blog Archive

recent posts