Exfoliate exfoliate exfoliate....

It's been a few weeks since I last posted anything. Well... until now, I haven't heard from the customer service for beautypedia.... Too busy I guess. So I went to Watsons to get myself a BHA exfoliate and found VICHY.

This is the one I bought- Unclogging exfoliating gel. It contains salicylic acid and micro beads. So I thought I would try it since it has what I want (not just a scrub) and micro beads are supposed to be small so it shouldn't be too rough. The first and second time I used it, I really felt my face becoming clearer and smoother. But then the second day after I used it for the third time, it was brought to my notice that my pores got significantly larger! It's effective in terms of cleaning but the beads is a huge problem. I only used it once very week but my pores are already visible from an arm's length. Gosh. 

Then I got to know H2O+. They have this scrub that has beads that are really small, it really felt much better with their scrub. Unfortunately, it does not not have BHA in it. But this will do until I find one with BHA that suits me. It's really important to at least cleanse the face with a scrub once a week especially for acne-prone people. Because it can at least allow the face to be less congested. I've got a list of BHA products from various brands that I want to try, hopefully I would get it right on my first try. HAHA. 

Oh by the way, H2O+ recommends the purple series for oily/acne prone skin.

(This is just a photo I found online, I don't think in Singapore they have this many products from this series. They only brought in a few.)

And the scrub I use is from this purple series. They have specific names for each series that they have but they also colour code it, makes it easier to remember, haha! I use their toner too, I could feel that my skin is visibly less oily. Because really, 4 or 6 hours later, my face really SHINES. When taking photos, omg, my cheeks and chin stand out the most. I always have to edit the photo in a way that my face shine less but the other people in the photo will have their complexion altered... usually in a weird way....

Why exfoliate?

To those with acne problems, exfoliation of facial skin can unclog pores by keeping dead skin cells from blocking the pore opening so sebum can flow more normally, which helps reduce blemishes and blackheads; exfoliation also allows anti-bacterial agents to penetrate to where the bacteria causing acne are hiding.

AHAs are water-soluble, while BHA is lipid-soluble. This unique property of BHA allows it to penetrate the oil in the pores and exfoliate accumulated skin cells inside the pores' follicle lining that can clog them. BHA is best used where blackheads and blemishes are the issue, and AHAs are best for sun-damaged, thickened, dry skin where breakouts are not a problem.

 

Using a well-formulated AHA or BHA product is preferred to routine use of a typical scrub. Because AHAs and BHA can perpetrate the superficial layers of skin and produce better results than cosmetic scrubs, which work only on the very outermost exposed surface of the skin.

 

I have had tingling and slight stinging sensation when using such products but my dermatologist at that time assured me that it's normal, considering I have sensitive skin too. I developed redness on my face as well, but it toned down after a day or two. Because of my sensitivity, I only use it twice a week when I stayed with that dermatologist. When I switched doctors, I stopped using AHA or BHA products since the new doctors never prescribed me with one. I didn't think much about it at first, and since I have already decided the change, just accept the new procedures by the new doctor. But now that I'm not going to any doctor, and realising that BHA products are good for acne-prone skin, I'm tempted to give it another try. Such products have to be used regularly for it to be effective in the long run. Though lots of experimenting would be required of me now (due to my sensitive skin), but that's to better looking skin! Rather start early:)

 

P.S I'm interested in the BHA gel from Paula's choice but I couldn't find Singapore on their list of shipping countries. I hope they reply my email soon...