Friday, 05 December 2008

• The Pill Saved My Skin

  Guest blog by Fashionista
  

  

  Like every other teenager growing up, I was ignorant about skin care and all beauty regiments. As a result I had a very bad case of acne between the ages of 13 and 18 which shattered my self-confidence for a long period of time.

  It didn’t matter so much in the early teens. But as I got into my late teens, I began to realize the importance of good, clean healthy skin. By then it was too late as my skin condition had become worse. I began to feel conscious of my face and on especially “bad days”, I even refused to leave the house. I could only envy my friends who were blessed with naturally clear skin and wondered why my skin was the way it was.

  Everyone assured me that it was only the teenage hormones; that the acne would clear up when I get out of my teenage years and into my early 20's. Before I knew it, I turned 20 and my skin had not improved. I had taken extra care of my skin all the while but nothing changed. Then I was introduced to contraceptive pills. I visited my gynecologist for a general check up and, like everyone else, she advised me to take better care of my skin. I told her my woes and she recommended that I try "the pill."  I decided to take her advice and give it a go.

  The Pill changed my life and more importantly, my skin. 
  

  It contains the hormone estrogen which is responsible for feminine traits such as the shape of the body, breast development and the softness and firmness of skin. The estrogen in the Pill reduces the occurrence of acne, excessive hair growth and male-hormone related disorders. After 3 months of taking the pill I saw my skin  improving tremendously. I stopped having big reddish zits popping up on my skin, even on expected days just before my period.  Naturally there are side effects of taking the pill and especially for me, the weight gain was very noticeable. However I have since switched to a newer, better brand of pills which have no such side effects.

  5 years on, I still have visible scars left over from my acne days. Although pimples are a rare occurrence, I still maintain my regular facial cleansing habits. I cleanse my face with facial wash twice a day (before bed and in the morning when I shower), moisturize after every wash and dutifully scrub and mask once a week. I never leave my make-up on when I go to bed, no matter how tired I may be.
  

  I would like to share with you some of the products I use as well as a new favorite item I've recently discovered:

  Kao Biore Facial Scrub

  
  

  
  

  Since  I don’t make it a habit to use make-up remover, I have discovered that the Kao Biore Facial Scrub effectively removes all make-up (even the waterproof ones) and is still gentle enough on my skin. I have since replaced my facial cleanser with the scrub and I use this daily without worry that my skin will dry.

   

  Oil Of Olay Active Hydrating Lotion
  

  
  

  Oil Of Olay is a brand that has been in the market since my mom was only 16-years-old! This old but very trusted brand has since re-invented itself. Upon recommendation from my  mom I decided to try it and have yet to regret my decision. It is great for oily to combination skin and I have taken to using it as my make-up base as well.

  Nivea Facial Cleansing Wipes

   
  

  This, I am proud to say, is my own recent discovery. It was a random purchase from the drugstore and it proved to be the best random thing I've ever done. Like the scrub, the wipes thoroughly remove all traces of make-up and purifies and tones the skin in one single step. It is enriched with Sea Minerals and Vitamin B5 and the soft fleece wipes invigorate and refresh the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. Needless to say, the wipes are absolutely perfect for my “lazy days."
  
  

  What facial washes do you swear by? Do you think you'll try any of these? How do you treat blemishes, acne, etc.?
  

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