Skincare Review Part 1

This is a brief -hopefully- review of products I've been using since I had my worst breakout (I had a lot of breakouts, yes). I had been slowly adding more products my routine in hopes of getting better results.

Skin type  : Oily skin

Skin condition/concerns : Acne prone (clogged pores, cystic, pustules, whitehead), acne scars, large pores

Products I'm using :

• Hada Labo Oil Cleanser
• Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
• Aiken Toner and Moisturizer
• Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel
• St Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub
• Freeman Mint & Lemon Clay Mask
• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
• Tidact Gel
• Hiruscar Post Acne
• NuTeen Anti Acne & Pimple Sleeping Mask

 

1) OIL CLEANSER

Some people probably wondering why someone with an oily skin is using an oil based cleanser. Shouldn't you avoid products containing oil? Well the working principle is, oil dissolves oil. Oil cleanser gently removes excessive oil, dirt, even make up on your face so that your regular water based cleanser can work efficiently. Some people mix their own oil cleanser but I'd rather buy one, less hassle. 

Pros : I can feel the dirt coming out and my face definitely felt lighter after washing it off. Not drying, and less clogged pores. Since I'm not using make up, I cannot comment on the subject. I expect this one bottle to last 4-5 months, maybe more.

Cons : I cannot think of any as of this moment. Price, maybe?

Repurchase : Yes, during sales /roll eyes/. The normal price is RM 50+ but I bought this one at RM 49. Watsons' price during sale/discount is around RM 48 and Guardian's price can reach RM 44 only -if you're lucky 😂

2) WATER BASED CLEANSER

This is my current cleanser -for 2/3 weeks- however, previously I was using Cetaphil Gentle for almost 3 months. Cetaphil Gentle is a whitish, creamy, non-foaming cleanser and was claimed to be suitable for all skin types. It's non drying, and while it reduces appearance of large cystic acne, my face keeps on popping tiny little pustules. Not to mention my face appeared so greasy and shiny. So, if you have dry, sensitive skin, which is the opposite of me, you might want to try Cetaphil Gentle. Nonetheless, I finished one bottle before moving on to Cetaphil Oily. Beggars cannot be choosers.

   In contrast to its counterpart, Cetaphil Oily is a clear, runny liquid and lightly foaming cleanser. What probably surprise me the most is the presence of parfum in the ingredients. The smell reminds me of baby shampoo lol.

Pros : Non-drying, less appearance of acne, and less oily. I didn't expect huge difference considering it's only been few weeks.

Cons : Definitely the price. This small bottle of 125ml costs Rm 60 -but of course I bought this one with sale price.

Repurchase : Yes, until my skin gets better or until it doesn't work anymore on my skin 😶

3) TONER

If you think cheap products didn't deliver promising effects, Aiken begs to differ. With overly affordable price, they actually work for my skin. Promising tea tree oil goodness, they mainly target oily and acne prone skin, however, you would want to stay away from this product if you're sensitive to tea tree oil. In my personal experience, it would work better with a cleanser that also work to manage oily skin. I stressed on manage, not drying. Previously when I was using Nuteen cleanser, combined with these two, it stung my face whenever I'm applying these because Nuteen over-dried my skin. I'm blaming Nuteen because I didn't experience similar problem with Cetaphil.

Pros : Cheap - it costs only RM 5-6- probably the cheapest toner I ever encounter. Helps reducing acne and oily appearance.

Cons : Ethanol is the second in the ingredients list. Based on my reading and understanding from here, ethanol definitely has some drying effect.

Repurchase : Yes, unless/until I have more money to splurge on other products.

4) MOISTURIZER

Refer above picture. Aiken products again. Definitely one my favourites among my skincare products.

Pros : Affordable price, RM 11-12. Lightweight, water-based, oil free moisturizer. Helps minimizing acne, redness and oily appearance. 

Cons : Not enough to moisturize my face at night. Still have oily skin after waking up.

Repurchase : Definitely, enough said.

Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel is my attempt of looking for a replacement of Aiken as my night moisturizer. Jeng jeng jeng. It's a failed attempt on my part. As the name suggest, it comes in gel form, which is the most suggested -from my limited reading, no solid prove, maybe wrong- form of moisturizer for oily skin. If you want to try it for the first time, buy this smaller tub of 10g, minimizing the loss in case it's not suitable.

Pros : Non greasy or sticky, quick absorption.

Cons : Not enough hydration in contrast to hydrating in its name. My face is even more oily compared to when I'm using Aiken. And even though it doesn't feel sticky, my face looks sticky and reddish after 20-30 minutes of application. I totally have no idea why. Probably the same way for everyone else but I dislike it.

Repurchase : Nope 🙅

5) SCRUB 

I must admit buying this is a mistake. I bought this when I was a total novice in regards to skincare and desperate to get rid of my blemishes. I only used this for few times before abandoning it and switching to Nuteen Anti Blackhead Gel (blue tube). The only reason I'm using this again is because I lost my Nuteen -no idea how I lost it, betting in possibility of my sister taking it- and buying new exfoliant is not in my current list and budget. The scrub is harsh, irregular, increasing the possibility of nicking your skin leading to acne. The only plus point in my opinion is it contains salicylic acid, which is good for acne. So it's like a double edge sword for me.

Pros : Smells really good, yummy. My skin complexion actually do look better after using it.

Cons : Harsh, harsh beads. I do not see the blemish control effect on my skin.

Repurchase : Never again.

7) MASK

Many claimed clay mask is oily skin best friend. If you're looking for affordable mask, then you would want to try this. Widely available in drugstores. I actually noticed few clogged pores during my early days trying this product. Hence, I stopped for a while (because I'm totally lazy actually) and recently picked it up again in my routine. I tried to apply it thinner, and wash it off earlier before it dries and the results are better. You don't want to wait until it totally dry and turns cakey because it turns it will excessively dry your skin.

Pros : Good for oily control, helps shrinking pimples.

Cons : Sting eyes. I always, always get teary eyes when applying this mask 😭

Repurchase : This tube last for monthsss (I'm using it maximally 2 times per week) hence I actually hope of trying other products after this.

  

Others will be reviewed in second part

Disclaimer : I am not an expert. I can be plenty wrong. Products may have different reactions on different skin.