SKIN UPDATE #4: Switching From Adapalene (Differin) to Tretinoin (Retin-A), Taking Spironolactone, Acne Scar Revision?

Sun’s out, lockdown is sort-not-really lifted here in Ontario, and I saw my dermatologist for the 2nd time. My 1st visit was back in October 2018 so I was definitely overdue for a follow-up. It was quite a productive appointment, so I thought I’d share what’s new in my pursuit to clearer skin!

Previous Skin Updates:

Recap of what I’ve been doing since January 2020:

  • Using 5% Dapsone (Aczone) day and night
  • 2 at-home microneedling sessions with the Banisher 2.0
  • Eating High Fat Low Carb (Keto) and working out consistently
  • Visited dermatologist – prescribed 0.04% Tretinoin (Retin-A Micro) and Spironolactone

ACNE

Staying consistent with Aczone for the past 4 months has really helped to control my acne. Reflecting more, this is the first topical prescription I have tried that had a minimal adjusting period. It reduces inflammation quickly, prevents painful large breakouts (my last update I had that huge AF cyst -_-). It also plays really well with other actives – Adapalene, Tretinoin, L-Ascorbic Acid, AHA, BHA. Despite my concerns and initial redness in the first couple of months using it, Dapsone has been fairly easy to use. It is also a topical that I had minimal to no side effects from *knocks on wood*.

Alongside my nightly use of 0.3% Adapalene (Differin), eating Keto and working out consistently has also contributed to my skin’s clarity. I found most of the time my skin stays pretty clear, I don’t get a painful cyst during my period, and any inflammatory breakout subsides quickly. My guess on this is that my hormones are becoming more balanced.

A major issue I have with my acne though is when I just want to indulge in something sweet and/or carby. On the off days when I do eat carbs (say once every 2 weeks), my skin is NOT having any of it. I break out no matter what and turn red. Why not just eliminate sweet/carby foods completely? Cause I’d like to enjoy foods like gelato once in a blue moon. I also do not be picky at a family gathering when someone has spent an entire morning and afternoon cooking.

5% Dapsone, Spironolactone and 0.04% Tretinoin

At the appointment, I discussed with my dermatologist what my eating habits are, digestive history, oral medication history, and my future plans. She prescribed me Spironolactone and bumped my Vitamin A prescription to 0.04% Tretinoin (Retin-A Micro (RAM)). I have read many positive experiences about Spironolactone and I’m excited to see how it contributes to my skin’s health. For tretinoin, I asked the derm if it was “lowering” the dose. I asked this because most studies compare 0.3% Adapalene to 0.05% Tretinoin and find similar effects with acne control. She said 0.04% Tretinon is still stronger than Adapalene. It should have a better effect for acne prevention and of course, preventative aging benefits!

Here’s hoping that 5% Dapsone, 0.04% Tretinoin and Spironolactone together helps. That it will show greater improvement in my skin clarity and health, especially on my cheat days :3


ATROPHIC SCARS

The original reason for my appointment was for a consultation on Acne Scar Revision. In short, the 2 options presented to me were Microneedling (3 sessions to start) or Fraxel laser (also 3 sessions, not sure if she meant Halo – Hybrid Fractional Laser or ProFractional). However because I am still breaking out, I must wait to clear my face again (maybe a month or 2) until I can book a treatment. In the meantime, I’ll continue the at-home microneedling. Once my face is more consistently clear, I can book an appointment. I’m leaning more towards microneedling because 1) the down time is only a day 2) 3 sessions would cost me $1350, whereas Fraxel is $1000 PER SESSION, and I would need to do around 3! So given that, I’d rather pay for 6 microneedling sessions.


PLAN OF ACTION

I only just started my new prescriptions, so my plan of action is just to follow what my derm told me to do:

  • 100mg of Spiro daily to start; Decrease the amount by 25mg once acne looks more controlled until I only take 25mg daily.
  • 0.04% Tret twice a week; Increase the usage as tolerability goes up
  • 5% Dapsone day and night
  • If in a month my skin has cleared up, I can book an appointment for an Acne Scar Revision treatment

I am definitely still continuing Keto (and working out) – I have never seen such a drastic change in my gut health and I feel a lot better and healthier. My derm is aware of my lifestyle choices so I trust she wouldn’t have prescribed Spiro otherwise.


And that’s it for this skin update! Not as complicated, but still a work in progress.

If you’ve ever been on Spiro or currently taking it, let me know how it’s been going for you in the comment section down below!

xo, M

Skin Update [#2]: August 2019: My Skin’s Progress so Far!

I forgot to schedule this because my mind drifted during the Long Labour Day weekend 🙂

It has been around 9 months since starting 0.3% Adapalene, so it’s about time I do a skin update and show you my skin’s progress!

Be sure to read my first one so you’re up to date: Skin Update [#1] December 2018: Acne + Scars


Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve been doing since my last update in December 2018:

  • Still have not used a microneedling device since November when I reviewed the Banisher 2.0.
  • No professional facials done, just stuck with topical products I purchased.
  • Using Differin almost every night since I got it end of November 2018.
  • Aczone was good up until the 4 month mark, then I switched to Finacea (AA). I noticed Aczone would dry out my skin and make it look darker and red.
  • Upped my chemical exfoliators to 2 times a week – still using Krave Beauty’s Kale-lalu-yAHA and Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid.
  • Have been attempting to apply minimum SPF50 PA++++/PPD 16 up to 2mg/cm2 of sunscreen on exposed areas.

BEFORE / AFTERS

NOTE:

  • It’s really hard to match exact lighting and angle!
  • I also added the same photos with increased the shadows and highlights to emphasize the texture – even then it’s hard to truly depict what’s happening on my face
  • Ignore that cut on the bottom part of my face – I shaved and cut myself (yes I’ve been shaving my face! it’s quite magical)
  • TIMEFRAME: November 27, 2018 – July 13, 2019

michxmash-before-afters
Top: Befores, Bottom: Afters

michxmash-before-afters-2
Emphasized shadow and contrast. Top: befores, Bottom: Afters

ATROPHIC SCARS

In general, they look like the got smaller, and my face generally looks smoother. At first I thought I really wasn’t getting a good angle for the photos; but maybe, just maybe… they actually look that much better! My mom said my skin looks smoother every time she sees me, that has to count for something lol.

PIGMENTATION

I find a lot of the pigmentation I had lingering lightened up ever since I introduced AA and applied proper amounts of higher UVA protecting sunscreens to my routine, and a general boost in my skin’s health.

ACNE

I definitely don’t get as many breakouts since last year, and they are well under control. When I do experience a bad breakout, the connection is from eating too much processed food and drinking very sugary drinks. I find the actives I use in my routine however really help rid any active breakouts quickly, and I don’t find myself stressing over cystic spots as much as I used to.

OVERALL SKIN CONDITION

  • Clearer – acne is under control, pigmentation does not last for months
  • She is slow, but there have been some improvements with my atrophic scars
  • Feels fairly normal since we’re in summer, but still prone to dryness
  • I find my skin gets sensitive to products that I used prior without issue

And that’s it for my 2nd Skin Update! It’s by no means perfect, but I’m happy it’s getting better. Healing old scars as mine with topicals can only do so much, and I’ve accepted that, but at least there’s SOME improvement!

IMG_20190830_133143.jpg

ACTION PLAN

  • Continue with what I’m using, sticking with Differin
  • Use micro-needle again to boost the process
  • May look into the vampire facial, or other professional treatments to help speed the process for my atrophic scars. It’s so expensive doe ;_;
  • I like my skincare routine at the moment ko, so I’ll be sticking with what I’m currently doing and share it in good time!

It’s always nerve-wracking sharing my skin like this, but I really hope these updates help you out, especially if you’re going through the same skin struggles as I am!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnjfTFowhlo]

xo, M

Skin Update [#1] December 2018: Acne + Scars

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMHmySW_PwE]

It has been ~6 months since I stopped dermarolling and started using OTC Differin 0.1% Adapalene. I have done quite a few things for my skin since then, and I thought I’d do a Skin Update if you were curious about my progress and my current approach to achieving healthy skin! As seen in the title and main image, these will be the main focus of this update.

Before we continue, please be sure you’re caught up with the following, that way you have a better understanding about my skin and my approach to this post!
I’m Finally Sharing my Current Skincare Routines 2018
My Morning (AM) Skincare Routine 2018
My Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine 2018
REVIEW: Banish Acne Scars Banish Starter Kit

RECAP:
– Did 4 at-home dermarolling sessions with the Banish Kit. Stopped microneedling in general because I had no control over my acne breakouts. (March – April 2018)
– After microneedling, used OTC Differin for ~6 months. (May 2018)
– Sun not as strong, reintroduced chemical exfoliators back into my routine. BHA in the AM only on days when I workout, and AHA every other night. (September 2018)
– Tried Banisher 2.0 and did another 2 microneedling sessions. (Novermber 2018)
– Saw a dermatologist after 10 years of not seeing any skin professional; Got prescribed Aczone Gel 5% Dapsone + Differin 0.3% Adapalene to heal acne lesions and prevent breakouts. She was okay with my at-home microneedling. (November 2018)
– Created a more focused skincare routine in consideration of the new prescriptions. (Decmber 2018)
– Spoke with a Medical Esthetician about a PRP (Vampire) Facial. (December 2018)


Acne

IMG_20181209_144157-1.jpg

Differin 0.1% Adapalene for 6 months
After using OTC Differin 0.1% Adapalene for 6 months, here’s what I have noticed:
– Skin is subtly smoother, but not by a lot
– Quickly reduced pain caused by active acne
– Helped acne to quickly heal
– Red acne marks fade faster

Overall, OTC Differin was a great introduction into my skincare routine. Any skin professional will tell you Vitamin A is the most superior ingredient for improving acne and anti-aging, and this one is easily available for Americans (*shakes fists of jealousy*). However, after half a year of use, my skin plateaued. By that I mean it was working okay, but not great – not significant. Quite frankly, I really disliked how I was still breaking out into large, painful cysts. Definitely a sign to me that 0.1% was only doing so much.

Dermatologist Visit
My family doctor booked me an appointment to see a dermatologist about a few spots I noticed on my body (FYI: no skin cancer, yay!), so when I went in for the visit I also expressed concern about my persisting acne breakouts after YEARS of trying to get it under control (antibiotics, birth control, previous prescriptions, cleaned up diet).

00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20181128115502296_COVER.jpg

The derm prescribed me Aczone Gel 5% Dapsone to help heal current inflamed acne lesions (painful AF cysts) and non-inflamed acne lesions (blackheads and whiteheads), and upped the Differin to 0.3% Adapalene to better prevent blocked pores as well as treat inflamed skin. I’ve currently been using Aczone in the day and Differin at night (since Nov. 27th), and I, as well as family members and BF, have already seen a difference. Current inflamed acne lesions subsided a lot, and I find my skin way more even tone and smoother than usual *no placebo effect, plz*.


Scarring

I’ve hoped for years topicals could help me with my acne. I’ve been trying this for 5 years. Half a decade. And only recently I decided to incorporate Vitamin A into my routine and speak to a professional. I feel like a dummy, but at least I’m still in my 20s and I got over my fear of prescriptions (due to my poor routines years prior) and understand my skin concerns enough to address them with a professional.

As I previously mentioned, Differin 0.1% Adapalene made my skin appear subtly smoother, but frankly, there was no significant change. In attempts to take a Before/After photo (the Before photo being my last picture in my dermarolling post) I found it not only difficult to remember the exact lighting angle I used, but also my atrophic scarring didn’t look THAT different. On top of that, I am still breaking out so you can see red marks despite previous ones healing fast, as well as active acne *le sigh*.

I’ve seen Chemist @kindofstephen post a study on 0.3% Adapalene helping with acne scarring just before I got prescribed Differin 0.3% Adapalene; After reading the study, I am more enthusiastic about my higher prescription and the potential results.

IMG_20181209_143756.jpg

Reintroduced Acids
Before I saw the derm, I began using chemical exfoliants in my routine once the sun became less strong and we started moving into the fall. I’m currently using Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid in the morning only on days I workout. In the PM I was using Krave Beauty’s Kale-lalu-yAHA, a 5.25% Glycolic Acid toner *, but now rotate it 1-3x a week due to prescription use. PC’s BHA Liquid makes my face lovely and smooth every time I use it, but AHAs seem to always be my bestie when it comes to scarring. I’ve been using KB’S toner for just under 2 months now and I already notice my face looking smoother. I think I’ll keep using the AHA all year round just because it’s probably the only topicals easily available that I notice makes a difference in my skin. Also I don’t think I’ve ever talked about this, but I got 2 free BHA Peels done by George Brown College Students in downtown Toronto last year (2017) because it was free.

At-Home Microneedling
If you read and watched my brand review on Dear, Klairs, I did mention that I started microneedling again. I had the opportunity to review Banish’s new Banisher 2.0 * and have done 2 microneedling sessions since receiving it. These were done before my derm visit, so now that I have new prescriptions to get used to I won’t be using the Banisher 2.0 for another month or so until I get a better understanding on what’s happening with my skin.

original vs. 2.0

Considering a Professional for Microneedling
I told the derm I’ve done 6 microneedling sessions total with 0.5mm titanium needles and she was okay with that. Actually, she said microneedling or Fraxal laser were my best options for getting rid of my scars completely since topicals can’t do it themselves *le sigh*. My boyfriend’s mom (Medical Esthetician) discussed the Vampire Facial (PRP) with me and suggested to have the facial done through her friend who is an RN. I’m planning to meet her soon for a consultation. I also asked my sister (who’s now in Seoul working) to scope out the prices for PRP. In the meantime, at least the at-home 0.5mm dermastamp will assist in the appearance!


My Current Skin Goals & Routine

After all I have just said and done, my skin goals have not changed much. Acne Control, Hydration, and Barrier Protection are still my top priorities for maintaining and achieving healthier skin! Instead of using so many products like my previous routines, I want to achieve these goals by attempting a more minimal approach *key word: attempting*.

I’ve also been watching way more skin professionals online, including dermatologists, so I have a better idea (and patience in general) on how to incorporate the prescriptions in a routine with products I like to use. I’m going to try my hardest to keep an efficient daily routine, and leave the fun stuff for bath time or lazy times. I’d say my approach is inspired Dr. Davin Lim’s Vitamin ABC’s, but it seems like my routines always had them!
Vitamin A – Differin 0.1% Adapalene to 0.3%.
Vitamin B – Niacinamide (B3) is da besttttt.
Vitamin C – Using a derivative at the moment, but will try to focus more on L-Ascorbic Acid with future products.

TBH, I’m having a hard time with the C. I currently am using Dermalogica’s Biolumin-C Serum * and in November I received the Banish Oil * when testing out the Banisher 2.0 *. I just find the effects I usually get from Vitamin C (even skin tone, brightening, glowing, reduced hyperpigmentation), are also coming from/being assisted by the other Vitamins, and I don’t know if there’s really a purpose for the C. Or maybe, they all just work best together, which is why I haven’t noticed anything individual! I’ve heard great things about Melano CC Essence and have ordered it from DokoDemo along with a couple of other items. I’ve also been curious about Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma, but we all know that shiz is esspenssive. Skincare peeps, what do you think?

Now that topical prescriptions have been introduced to my routine, I want to make sure what I use with it has effective ingredients and helps offset any dryness or irritation I may expect.  I will share my updated skincare routine once I have comfortable used all the products.


And that’s that for my skin update! I hope you found it informative, especially if we’re on the same healthy skin journey! Stay tuned for an updated skincare routine with Aczone and Differin!

xo, M

REVIEW: Foreo Espada

My mother was gifted the Foreo Espada Acne-Clearing Blue Light Pen from a friend. In return, she was kind enough to let me use it, since I am the most (acne) problem child out of the bunch. I am familiar with Colour Light Therapy and have tried Red light myself. Blue light however is supposed to be more up the alley of acne-related issues!

While writing this post, I took the time to really understand how Colour Light Therapy works. I try to sum it up my findings to share with you. So please read the disclaimer before reading the full post.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy0zysaU8Ys&w=560&h=315]

DISCLAIMER: This information I am about to provide is based on my own research. I am not an esthetician, and I’m not formally disciplined in the arts of ancient medicine or anything like that. I’m just a person extremely passionate about skincare and am always willing to learn more.

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Boo Bamboo Bamboo Fiber Charcoal Sheet Mask (Hydrating)

Sunday was a day of much tiredness. I spent all of Saturday outside in the sun, and ended up pretty dehydrated. I decided to have a TLC day to bring back hydration into my skin and feel like a brand new woman.

Sheet masks are the bomb(dot)com for instant rehydration, so I was very excited to try the Boo Bamboo Bamboo Fiber Charcoal Sheet Mask (Hydrating) that was sent to me to review. It is the first Western sheet mask I’ve tried, but I expected great things because this sheet mask was made in Korea.
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REVIEW: Chosungah 22 Bounce Up Pact Ultra SPF 50 PA+++ 02 Sand Beige

Based on a friend’s recommendation and increasing curiosity exploring Sephora’s K-Beauty section filled with brands I never heard of, I picked up the Chosungah 22 Bounce Up Pact Ultra SPF 50 PA+++(colour 02 Sand Beige). While I didn’t find this on the Sephora US or CA website, I was lucky enough to get it in person while browsing Lotte El Cube in the Ewha Women’s University area while on vacation in Seoul.

Now what’s intriguing about this product is that it is a puddy-like complexion product that is a cream to powder formula. Yep, like puddy!

While reading up some reviews, it’s surprising that there are quite the number of people who do not like it! Some due to the colour, the finish, and even the packaging. When it comes to base products, I am super analytical, so hopefully my review is thorough and well thought out for you readers!

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Reviewing Some of the Ordinary Skincare

Since my last post, [The Ordinary Haul] Focus: Dry & Dehydrated, Acne-Prone, Texture, Prevent & Prolong, I have used day and night, non-stop, the following Ordinary products for one month:

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

I know many people have already reviewed this brand, but in my previous post I mentioned my concerns are:

  • Dry & Dehydrated
  • Acne-Prone
  • Texture
  • Prevent & Prolong
With that in mind, I hope this post is more catered to you and helps you better understand the thoughts I have on these products.

I have used all of them day and night for just over a month. The lactic acid however had to be put aside when I went on vacation to Cuba for the week, but I used it a couple of times after.

MORNING:
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

NIGHT:
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
HA, Azelaic, & Lactic in rotation (2/3 always used)


20170205123324_img_2136-2Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Use 1-2x a day
Feels like any other hyaluronic acid serum I’ve ever used. Momentary relief and then goes away. I actually purchased the Hyalimide a few days ago and notice it leaves my skin slightly softer and my skin feels a tad more rich with hydration. Truthfully I think I have been using this serum wrong. The air in my apartment and outside have been so dry, the HA has nowhere to draw moisture from except from within my skin, thus making my face feel drier. I gave the Ordinary HA to my boyfriend and will be continuing with the Hylamide.

20170205123310_img_2135-2Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Use 1-2x a day
PORES: The effect it has on the pores are noticeable once applied, and it made me feel like it was only an “in the moment” effect that wouldn’t last. I still used it everyday the whole month to see if I was wrong.  Nick actually changed my thoughts when commented that my pores are a lot smaller compared to their size when we started dating.
FINE LINES: The dehyrated line on my forehead is almost non-existent! WOOHOO. And  the ones that *I* felt were developing around my nose and mouth have stopped in its tracks.
BLEMISHES: I thought it was working on my breakouts in a sense that it gets them poppable without any marks after. However, after  couple of weeks of using it day and night, it wore off. My breakouts were not controlled, and even some small cystic spots appeared. I went on vacation and didn’t change my routine. It still did nothing to control breakouts. I don’t think this causes breakouts at all, but it hasn’t really been doing anything for them. Maybe it’s something that will come in time, since niacinimide is all about helping the immunity of your skin.

Use 2-3x a week
All I know about this product is that it’s supposed to help with brightness and texture. I don’t like the mattifying effect because it makes my skin feel more dry. It also pills up like a MOFO even if you apply minimal amount or wait for a few minutes. I do not recommend this at all if you are going to follow up with a facial oil after, and be very mindful when applying moisturizer. My face however does appear to be smoother after using this consistently, althought I don’t think it had that big of an effect on my indented scars like the lactic acid serum.


20170205123256_img_2134-2Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
Used 3-5x a week at first, then 1-2x a week
The tazmanian pepperberry definitely helps with lowering irritation, although I have built a high tolerance for acids. My skin actually feels very smooth and soft after using this product a few times. I was using it almost every night before my vacation down south and decided to put it on hold since the equator sun is quite strong. The monkeys at the abnormal beauty company  recommended I use this 1-2 times a week and up the amount of product to use as a face mask so I’m not using it every night, and so my face doesn’t become significantly pale compared to my body. So far I have used a quarter-sized amount all over my face, left it on for 10 minutes and rinsed off. My face is left feeling and looking incredibly smooth! It’s also a bonus that it never dries out my skin when I leave it on. It’s definitely a method of application I’ll continue using. Even though the first 3 weeks I used it almost every night, my skin does not look thinner nor has the product ever dried me out while using it.


RESULTS

wp-1490546942696.jpg
LEFT: FEB 6, 2017 RIGHT: MAR 26, 2017

– Texture is improved; indented scars are less prominent, skin does not feel congested
– Skin is more even tone, have been using minimal makeup since using the serums consistently
– Doesn’t feel hydrated because the air is perpetually dry, but skin still feels very soft and not as chapped as it used to be, some slight relief of dehydration
– Skin does not look thinned out and weak
– Breakouts have not stopped; still get the occasional cystic spot
– Pores considerably smaller. (Without asking) Nick commented that my pores look smaller and I look younger because of how smooth my face looks (yayyyyy)
– I saw my friend who I bought this with over a month ago and she said she also noticed my face looked a lot smoother

Favourites from most to least:
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%- improves texture and quality of my skin
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% –
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% – pills like a mofo and truthfully I don’t know if this does anything for the longterm.
Hyaluronic acid 2% + B5 – Meh.

I like this brand and how it’s about potent, stabilized and safe ingredients, and the overall simplicity of the line. With the price point and and ability to layer 3 at a time, this is definitely a low-risk buy if you’re looking for something new.
I will continue using them all to the end, and still buy from the brand, and will definitely update on a post about “Ordinary Empties” to give my final thoughts.

I recently bought Hylamide Booster Low-Molecular HA ($20.00 CAD) to see if it’s more potent and powerful than the Ordinary HA 2% + B5; I also picked up the Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA ($8.90 CAD) to help fade my hyper-pigmentation marks and prevent age spots!


And that’s that! Hope you enjoyed the review, definitely let me know if there’s something I must try from Deciem, and I’l blog for you soon.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DEMO:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDf5syFRmT8]

xo, M


www.ordinaries.com

Not sponsored. Not affiliated. I took it upon myself to review this day and nigh for a month because GOSH DARN I couldn’t believe!

Minimal Makeup ft. RMS Beauty

Hey Beautypuffs

With summer in full force, some of you might question the best way to do your makeup. It’s hot and can be humid at times. If you’re like me, your skin colour ranges a lot based on how much sun you may get on your days off. And a bonus to us acne-prone, our breakouts may be more inflamed.

This has been a personal feat of mine to try to find a way to get the most natural coverage in full light, while not having to buy multiple different shades to match my skin tone of the day. That’s when I finally discovered RMS Beauty.

RMS Beauty is a raw, natural, organic makeup line created by Rose Mary Swift – someone who’s been in the beauty industry for years and has had enough of the toxic, harmful ingredients in products. You can read about her personal experience with beauty products and the toll it took on her health here.

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Skincare Series 1.2: Masks and Spot Treatments

Hey peoples, welcome to part 1.2 of my skincare routine! Here I’m going to list the products that have helped me tackle those pesky spots, as well as the masks I’ve been consistently using that have given me positive results, while keeping my skin plump and healthy. I know some products I mentioned are hard to come by, but I do list alternatives I have found for each item. By this point you probably think I use a lot of stuff when really, I only use these items when needed.


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Review: I’M FROM Honey Mask

Hey beauties,

During WishTrend’s Black Friday sale back in November 2015, I ordered the I’M FROM Honey Mask. It was honestly just because it’s been hyped up so much on their YouTube, and I wanted to see for myself that a honey mask could be that amazing. It was also on sale 🙂

From what I was able to gather on their website, this mask contains 38.7% real honey, not extract, from Jiri Mountain, Korea. The brand “Honey & Persimmon World” is the name of the small farm in Wolpyeong Town that provides the brand I’m From the honey for its mask. They get the honey from the bees living in Jiri Mountain. By using their own technology, they safely store it in a glass jar.

I honestly didn’t think much about this mask once I first used it, because I thought it would be like any regular honey mask I tried. Boy, was I wrong. This mask surprised me with the end result I got, and I don’t know if I can not have this in my skincare collection once it runs out.

Read on!

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