Product Review: Shiseido White Lucent Emulsion

The Shiseido White Lucent Emulsion has a milky liquid  consistency and is packed with major hydration properties. The smell is amazing! When I first tried it I loved it however, it broke me out. My cheeks were covered in acne and my forehead and chin were loving the extra hydration. I had to use the Naruko Tea Tree Acne Clay Cleanser both morning and night to get rid of the acne. I will not be purchasing this again and I plan to use the rest for my neck until it's finished. I would recommend this product for those who have extremely dry skin and have a desire to lighten their skin because of hyperpigmentation or acne scars, or individuals living in very cold climates. I would not recommend this product for those who have acne or acne prone skin. Instead, the Shiseido Senka Facial Lotion would be an excellent alternative.

Product Review: Shiseido Senka Facial Lotion

The Shiseido Sena Facial Lotion (from Essence) is amazing!!!! I've been using this product for about three months and it has become a staple in my skin routine. It gives me extra hydration while lightening my acne scars. It is a clear gel like consistency resembling a watered down serum and it's both fragrance free and color free. As I've mentioned in previous posts, skin suffering from acne is already irritated so it's vital to keep any additional irritation at bay like products containing fragrance and artificial color. This lotion is great for those who are suffering from acne scars or any kind of hyperpigmentation in addition to dryness. It took me about a week and a half to see the results. My skin was and is significantly brighter and more hydrated. Check out my skin routine in order to see which products I use in conjunction with this product! Also: check out my post on skin brightening and lightening for more info on fading acne scars! .-_-

Book Review: The Japanese Skincare Revolution

Photo by sippakorn

I am so happy I found this book, The Japanese Skincare Revolution . This book changed my life and philosophy on skincare. I've always been fascinated by the Asian philosophy of skincare and ever since I've adopted this method, my skin has never looked or been healthier.

Chizu Saeki teaches the reader the basics from must-have tools, essential products, facial massages, how to cleanse the lymph nodes through massage, and how to approach problem skin types like acne. Below are two important methods I learned that have been so beneficial.

• Layering products. Before reading this book I would wash my face and then moisturize it with a cream and that's it. I learned that layering products like lotions, toners, serums, and creams provide the skin with essential nutrients, hydration, and protection. According to Saeki, in the morning you should use a cleanser, lotion, serum, emulsion, primer, and then foundation. However, in the evening you should use a cleanser, an additional cleanser, scrub, lotion, serum, and finally and emulsion/cream. If you look at my skin routine post, you will see that I pretty much follow this method especially her advice that the morning should be dedicated to protection and the night should be dedicated to repairing.

• Facial massages. Saeki discusses how to do certain massages in order to improve wrinkles and clean out the lymph nodes. She even suggests that cleaning the lymph nodes is essential in curing acne. This makes perfect sense because a lot of the times acne is formed because there is a back up of waste in the body so it has no choice but to exit through the pores. By cleaning out the waste in the lymph nodes you decrease the chances of the waste exiting through your pores.

The only downside to this book is that she definitely pushes her own products which is perfectly understandable but aside from that, this book is excellent. After following this method I look younger now than I did 5 years ago!! If you're interested in exploring non-western methods in treating your skin, this is the book for you! .-_-

Skin Whitening, Lightening, and Brightening

The concept of skin whitening and brightening can be controversial especially within communities where the complexion is predominantly dark. However, the face is different than the rest of the body. For a woman, there is a lot of damage throughout a lifetime of applying make up, removing makeup, tugging, pulling, excessive wiping, acne, and sun damage. If you look at the inside of your wrist all the way up to the inside of your elbow, this is the complexion your face should be.

So...what's the difference between whitening, lightening, and brightening? Whitening is the process to actually lighten the skin in order to change the actual shade. Lightening is synonymous with whitening. Brightening is the process of not changing the shade of your complexion but making the skin glow through proper hydration, exfoliation, and treatment. What am I trying to do? I am trying to repair the damage which has been done during my careless grade-school years through natural products.

After years of going to the beach with NO sun protection during my childhood, my face is about two shades darker than my neck, decolletage, and the inside of my wrist. Also: I suffered from acne during my teen years and currently suffer from minor breakouts from time to time. I tend to scar very deeply so I still have some scars left. After about a year of using natural products, my face is slowly being restored to what it should be. When the skin is protected from the sun, harsh chemicals, acne, and irritation, it will be naturally bright, supple, firm, and hydrated. I am on a quest to restore my skin and I refuse to accept the damage and just cover it up with make up. Some of the lightening and brightening products I use are listed in my post about clearing up my adult acne. Check it out and let me know what you think.


Photo by Africa

Product Review: Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum

The Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum has helped to fade my acne scars without harsh chemicals. I have been using this for about a year and a half and I can honestly say this product works. It worked within two weeks which is why I continue using it. The Komenuka Bijin line is Japanese based and contains all natural ingredients. It is a clear hydrating serum containing mulberry extract, protein, rice bran, vitamins A, B1, and B2. Mulberry extract is anti-inflammatory and is the main ingredient that fades discoloration due to acne, sun damage, or age. The Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum is one of the main reasons why my complexion has improved because it didn't just fade my scars--it hydrated my skin as well. Instead of using a product which is more expensive containing highly toxic chemicals, this is an excellent option! Out of all the natural lightening products I've tried, this is by far the best in my opinion but I'm open to other products which could prove similar/faster results! Check out my skin routine for details on the products I use in conjunction with this serum.

Makeup for My Acne Prone Skin

 Photo by artemisphoto

I am genetically predisposed to acne. I just have wonky pores and I will always have sensitive acne prone skin. I had to find a good makeup foundation and adopt a makeup application that produces minimal irritation, great coverage, sun protection, with preferably anti-aging properties.

Before I apply makeup to my face I thoroughly wash my hands including under my finger nails. I use my fingers to apply makeup because I find it's easier and I get more product this way. Using a sponge never worked for me and I didn't like the fact that it soaked up so much product leaving very little to be applied on my face. When I apply makeup I mix it on the back of my hand. I use two foundations: a BB cream and a another foundation. Mixing it has helped me to make the perfect blend for my complexion. I apply it to my face very gently with my fingers.  Acne prone skin is already irritated and sensitive. An aggressive application that involves pulling, tugging, harsh rubbing, and patting will only irritate the skin more. Being as gentle as possible has helped me to keep the acne at bay. Below are the two foundations I use which I love love love. However, I'm open to using other BB creams if I find another one that catches my eye.

SKIN79 Super+ BB Cream VIP Gold Collection

For those who are not familiar with BB (Blemish Balm) creams they are miracles in a bottle!!! This particular BB cream is 1.33oz and it's a foundation, concealer, SPF protectant, smooths fine lines, evens out skin tone, oxidizes to match skin complexion, moisturizer, and doesn't clog pores. It is so creamy and thick and a little goes a long way. The bottle will last a very long time. There is only one downside to BB creams: they are only available in a few shades and they are all for very fair skin. However, I've turned this downside into an advantage! I'm able to use this product for contouring, highlighting, and as a concealer. I use this BB cream for under my eyes and highlighting certain areas of my face!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Radiant Firming Makeup

Because BB creams are only available in fair shades, I have to mix it with another foundation to create the perfect color for me. Mixing it with this particular foundation has given me the perfect coverage at an affordable price especially if purchased on amazon. I use a foundation that's about three shades too dark in order to make the mixing process easy. It might sound ridiculous but this is the only process that has given me the perfect shade and coverage. I'm able to use this darker shade for contouring purposes as well! This particular product contains caffeine and other properties that aid in lifting the skin. It also has SPF protection which is a great added bonus!

Product Review: Oatmeal Face Wash

Oatmeal is usually something eaten for breakfast or used in baking recipes like oatmeal raisin cookies. However, this amazing grain is also wonderful for your skin. This is what I use as a face wash in the morning as it's gentle, exfoliating, moisturizing, and soothing. It will also make your skin GLOW! The daily gentle exfoliation along with the healing properties it possesses, encourages new skin to form revealing skin that is healthier and brighter!

 

Some Fun Facts!

• It removes and absorbs oil
• The soft paste-like consistency is great for exfoliation
• Contains antioxidants helping to reduce redness and protecting the skin from sun damage. Antioxidants also help reduce the signs of aging and smooths wrinkles.
• Contains 18 amino acids helping the skin to heal blemishes (acne scarring) and rebuild tissue
• It's hypoallergenic so it's safe for sensitive skin
• As a humectant, it helps to retain water meaning it will moisturize your skin without clogging your pores.
• Anti-inflammatory and remedies itching which is great for those who have eczema.
• It's CHEAP!!!

Directions
1. Place 2 tablespoons of oatmeal in a bowl followed by about 1/4 cup of warm water
2. Mix until the oats are soft and a milky liquid is visible.

3. As pictured to the right, apply the milky liquid to the face to soften the skin.
4. Apply the oatmeal all over the face and neck while gently rubbing in a circular motion for about one minute.
5. Thoroughly rinse and be careful to not let any oats drop in your ear. You don't want an ear infection because a piece of oat got stuck in your inner ear.
6. Use a soft towel and blot your face until dry and remove any oats that were left behind.
7. Proceed with your usual skin care. Check out my skin routine for a list of products I use following the oatmeal wash.

Your skin will be significantly brighter, calmer, and softer! Go grab yourself a box of oatmeal -_-

Clearing Up My H-Zone Acne

I went to Florida in August for a conference and when I returned I had the worst acne of my life. Not even in my adolescent years had I endured such a break out. My previous skin care routine was literally doing NOTHING which made my acne worse. My skin has always been acne prone with deep scarring issues; I couldn't stop the outbreak and once the acne finished it's course, it left a scar which was pointless to treat since new pimples were forming.

After a month of panic and jumping from product to product, I have found a regimen that has FINALLY worked and it has to do with the Asian technique of layering products. (Asian products are designed to layer and absorb quickly. Sometimes using Asian products with other products may result in products conflicting with one another and caking up but this isn't always the case. It is important to make sure a product has absorbed before moving on to the next product.) My acne is down by 80%. As you can see in the picture, I still have acne but it's minimal compared to just a month ago. Most of you have heard of the T-zone but I have an H-zone. Acne and extreme oil production occurs on my cheeks and nose. Surprisingly, my forehead and chin are quite dry. I can't imagine that I am the only person in the world who has this kind of skin so maybe my experience will help someone.


My morning and night routines differ slightly and they are listed briefly below. There have been product reviews of a few of these items and there will be more product reviews added periodically. I will also include other products I've used that were okay but no Kubasian cigar! .-_-

In the morning I need something that is gentle while controlling oil production and treats the acne and scarring. Sun protection is also important as is hydration without clogging my pores or fighting against my makeup. (A makeup post is coming up soon!)

Morning Routine

Oatmeal Wash or Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser

Korres Wild Rose Smoothing Eye Serum

Naruko Tea Tree Lotion
Unt Acne Serum

Shiseido Senka Facial Lotion (fade acne scars)

Roc Deep Wrinkle Cream (forehead and future laugh lines)

Unt 50spf Cream

Eos Mint lip balm
Makeup

At night I like to deeply cleanse to remove the makeup and build up during the day while still treating the acne and scaring. The skin repairs the most at night, so it's important to incorporate products that aid this process. I also want to focus on firming as I want to preserve my skin so it appears youthful for as long as possible. Nighttime is also the time I do any specific treatments like masks.

 

Nightly Routine

Grapeseed oil (eye makeup removal)
Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser (remove remainder makeup)

Naruko Tea Tree Acne Clay Cleanser

(Mask if necessary)

Komenuka Bijin Eye Moist Jell

Naruko Tea Tree Lotion
Unt Acne Serum

Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum (fade acne scars)

Roc Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (forehead and future laugh lines)

Naruko Tea Tree Night Jelly or Naruko Magnolia Night Jelly

Eos Mint lip balm

Treatment is an important step in clearing up acne and general skin care. Periodically your skin needs extra exfoliation, hydration, firming, brightening, and/or pampering.

Treatment

Naruko Tea Tree Blackhead mask (removes and/or loosens blackheads)

Homemade Pore Strips (unclogs pores)

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (tightens pores and dries up acne)
Aztec Secret-Indian Healing Clay (tightens and purifies pores)

My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt Mask (hydrating and brightening)

Silk Whitia Whitening Mask (hydrating and brightening)
Honey Scrub (exfoliating)

Hope you enjoyed this post. More posts on acne prone skin to come.

***Please note that this is only my experience. Every one is different and every skin has needs that are unique. This regimen worked for ME.