Melasma/Hyperpigmentation

I have been dealing with and have been blogging about my eternal struggle with my "problem skin", and the search for products that will give me that soft flawless skin that I dream about.

I know it probably sounds a lot worse than it is. My skin is not that bad and the "problem skin" that I am referring to is more a "breakout problem" and not a real "acne problem".

As mentioned in previous posts I have managed to control my break-outs with Pro-Active as well as two of my latest product finds: Seba Med and Sariayu, which I will blog about in the posts to follow.

My biggest problem is my uneven skin tone due to blemishes/marks from acne scaring. I have been using Este Lauder Advance night repair and as per the post on it, it definitely has improved my skins over all appearance over the past couple of months.

Or so I thought. Just when thought my skin is actually starting to look better I started noticing more marks on my face. It started with a brown mark on my nose when we returned form our holiday in December. And though I always where sunscreen, I still got "some colour" and I thought it must just be from the sun.

I hoped that it will lighten and it did, a bit.

We returned from a trip this week and I was concerned about the very noticeable dark marks that have appeared on my upper cheekbone areas.

I was beginning to wonder "perhaps the breakouts and the sun are not the only contributing factors"...

It almost looks as if, I've been in the sun with my sunglasses and have tanned circles around my eyes. But, this is not the case.

I now have light patches all over my cheeks and the area around my chin.

Being over 30, a couple of people told me that I should get used to it "it comes with age". And though age probably does contribute to your skins appearance I have reason to believe that there is more to it and I sure do not want to GET USE TO IT. I want to GET RID OF IT!!

I have heard of woman that have had problems with pigmentation marks, caused by the sun damage as well as pigmentation problems during pregnancy.

After research, it appears that this type of pigmentation is called Melasma/Hyperpigmentation, also referred to as the "pregnancy mask". A big culprit is of course the sun, but it can also be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, as well as contraceptives.

I realised that, I started noticing the pigmentation problem after I went back on the pill in November. Though I haven't consulted with a dermatologist yet, I have come to the conclusion that it has to be due to hormonal changes.

So what can I do about it?

I came up with the following:

Contraceptives
Consult a dermatologist about changing to a different contraceptive with less estrogen or possibly going off the pill if that doesn't help.

Sunscreen
Though I always wear sunscreen I should:

• Increase my SPF factor to 30 or 50


• Use zinc oxide based sunscreens with at least 10% of zinc Oxide.


• Don't leave the house without sunscreen.


• Where a hat/cap when outdoors.


• Not be fooled by the the sun's harming rays, whether direct or reflecting. I need to protect my skin from the sun even when I'm in the shade or when it's a cloudy day.

Whitening products
Look for a product with the following ingredients:

• Hydroquinone


• Salicylic acid ingredients

Note: Don't expect it to change over night. Improvements in the skin tone and overall appearance is not noticeable immediately, however products should lighten the pigmentation marks over time.

Treatments
Consult a dermatologists about available treatments like IPL (Intense Pulse Light).

Click here to read more on Melasma/Hypergigmentation.

I hope to write a blog entry and post a photo in the near future, on how I have managed to reduce my Melasma.

Please comment on the post if you have any advise or tips for me or other ladies with the same problem?

Este Lauder Advance Night Repair

As I've said before, I dream about soft, flawless skin and I have tried so many products...always looking for that one product that's going to give it to me.

One such product that has been around for many years is the Advance Night Repair formula by Este Lauder. And though this product is probably not going to get rid of my breakouts (that I'm still struggling with), I figured it's definitely worth a try.

If I could improve the overall appearance of my skin, the breakouts wouldn't look half as bad as it does on uneven, blotchy skin, right? Well, that's my theory anyway...

I bought a bottle of this so called miracle serum about 3 months ago. It was a little (ok, a lot) more expensive than what I usually spend on skin products but I figured being over 30 it is time I start investing in the good stuff.

I paid $90 for a 50ml of Este Lauder Advance Night Repair, that has lasted me just over 3 months. I have been using 3 drops as recommended at night and in the morning and in combination with a good cleansing routine, wearing sunblock daily and regular facials I am hopeful that I will one day have that soft, flawless skin that I've been dreaming of.

Though my skin is still along way from being flawless, I have to say this stuff works: My skin tone is more even and the pigmentation marks I had on my upper lip has definitely lightened and so has some of the other marks on my skin. I have also noticed that my skin looks more hydrated and it does appear smoother.

Though I still have enough serum for probably another week or so I have already stocked up on this product, that I have sworn never to go without.

I saved quite a bit when I bought 2x 75ml bottles (a promotional pack) at the airport in Abu Dhabi for $160, which I'm sure you'll still be able to find at most airport duty free stores. In my opinion it is money well spent. TRY IT!

About Este Lauder, Advance Night Repair:

Based on solid, scientific findings and 24 years of proven success, this is the one formula your skin shouldn't live without. It helps visibly repair the appearance of past damage and protect your skin's future.

It heightens your skin's natural repair response critical for its well being. Soothes daily irritation and builds a rich reserve of anti oxidants and lipids to help replenish skin's natural protectants.

It protects the future by neutralizing up to 90% of environmentally generated free radicals before they can cause your skin to look prematurely aged.

Because it is this environmental damage not time that can cause 80% of the visible signs of aging. It delivers high levels of long proven hyaluronic acid, nature's moisture magnet. Locks in moisture to create the ideal environment for healthy skin.

Think of it as your insurance for younger, healthier looking skin, today and tomorrow.

Biodroga facial - a mi Casa on Jl. Benda, Jakarta

As I've mentioned in a previous post, Entra a mi Casa (now, a mi Casa) is my favourite place to go to for pedicures and a manicures in Jakarta.

a mi Casa
Jl. Benda Raya no. 17,
Kemang, Jakarta Seletan
Phone: +62 21 7806 222

Now it is also my favourite place for facials.

As per previous posts about facials, I am always after a salon that uses good international skin care products as well as facial equipment. Oh, and don't forget the massage part ;-)

I am very happy to write about my fantastic experience at a mi Casa salon & spa and I highly recommend trying them for your next facial.

The Spa has private therapy rooms where you can really relax and unwind while the therapist works her magic.

The Balinese style spa has a terrific atmosphere with Balinese music playing and true sense of serenity. You change into a batik sarong and have your feet washed before you lie down for the most heavenly facial, including a 15min massage and later a hand and foot massage while you relax with the mask on your face.

Or is the real magic really the products they use?

They have a choice of 3 products, French, German or a local product. I opted for the German product called Biodroga.




I am not usually keen on whitening products but the therapist (Ibu Sumi) recommended I try the Biodroga Whitening facial at Rp. 300,000. This would apparently help with the breakouts and to lighten the dark spots/acne scaring on my face (Yes, I pick).

She suggested I go for a facial every two weeks if I want to really notice a difference in my skins appearance.

So after my second facial today, I can report that I do think my skin looks smoother, especially on my cheeks where I've been struggling with breakouts. And the couple of dark marks I had are definitely lighter than 2 weeks ago.

I look forward to my next facial, in 2 weeks and really hope that the Therapist is right and that I will soon have that soft, flawless skin that I've been dreaming of.

Proactive Solution - "It really does work"!

I was complaining about my breakouts, to a friend of mine here in Jakarta. Though I've tried a lot of different products and yes, some of the products mentioned on this blog did help but it really never made a huge visible difference in my skins appearance.

My friend told me that she used to have the same problem and that she would recommend I try Proactive Solution. She had some of her cleanser, toner and the mask left over, which she stopped using when her skin completely cleared up.

After 2 weeks I could see a difference. Though I had some dryness around my jaw line and neck I decided to keep trying it... I arranged with her to let her sister buy me the system, which she brought over in November.

I have seen this product advertised in magazines and I remember it being sold by Verimark back home, but like a lot of the infomercial type products, I just really didn't think it would work.
Well, I was wrong....


















I have now been using Proactive Solution for about 3 months now and I am happy to report that after trying many different skin care products as you would have seen on this blog, I finally found a system that actually work. The celebrities endorsements by Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Serina Williams to name a few are really not just Proactive's way of marketing their product. This product really does work!

I can't say that my skin is completely clear, yet. I unfortunately still have the occasional breakouts, which I believe is hormonal, but over all my skins appearance is a lot better and I will continue to use this product.

This product is not too expensive and definitely worth a try!

Home remedies for the treatment of acne and blackheads

As part of my "fight" for a clear skin, I research home remedies for the treatment of acne and blackheads. I have tried some of these remedies that I found online, and have been happy with the results. But ,it's just a lot easier squeezing a solution out of a tube, isn't it. (Thank's Paula)

Might be worth trying though and it's fun...

1. Put toothpaste on your pimple before you go to bed, should help reduce swelling overnight. Make sure it is the paste not the gel. One of the most popular acne home remedies.

2. Wash your face twice a day in warm salty water. This should leave your face oil free without aggravating the acne.

3. Extract juice of one lemon and mix with equal quantity of rose water. Apply this mixture on the face and let it stay for about half an hour. Wash the face with fresh water. About 15 days application helps cure acne, pimples and reduces blemishes and scars.

4. Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.

5. A couple of garlic cloves, crushed and dabbed on the face 1-2 times a day. One of the smellier acne home remedies!

6. Home face wash for acne: Mix together 1 or 2mls each of the following: witch hazel, tea-tree and sweet fennel essential oils, adding essential oil of geranium for women and essential oil of rosewood for men. Mix with 300mls of water. Shake before use, as the oils will float on top of the water during storage. Dab affected areas with cotton wool two or three times a day. The oils will clean and unclog giving antibiotic-like protection to the skin.

7. Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash off with warm water next morning.

8. Use 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Cool, and apply with cotton ball. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and rinse it off.

9. Grind orange peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts. One of the best acne home remedies.

10. Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day.

11. Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently.

12. Ice down the acne before bed, by morning it should be noticeably less swollen. Works best on larger pimples that have not yet formed a head.

13. Take vitamin B5 and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin's resistance to acne.

14. Mix mint juice with turmeric powder and apply on affected area. Leave for 15-30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

15. Mix some vinegar and salt in a bowl. Pour a little bit in your hand and rub it on the pimples. Soak a face towel in it and dab it on the bumps. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off.

16. Blend cucumber and make a paste. Apply this as a mask on your face and leave it for 1/2 hour and then rinse. This refreshes your skin and prevents acne.

17. Mix corn flour with egg white and apply on your face. Let is dry completely for 1/2 hour. Dip your hands in warm water and massage your face and wash off. This when repeated regularly gives you a smooth skin.

18. Grind some nutmeg with milk and apply on affected area. Pimples disappear like magic without leaving a mark.

19. Make a mixture of lime juice and rose water. Apply on face and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

20. Make a paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples at bed time and wash it off the next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.

21. Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.

22. Mix 1 tsps groundnut oil with 1 tspn fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .

23. First wash face and then dab acne with cotton balls soaked in vinegar.

24. Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling acne, pimples.

25. Apply ripe Tomatoes pulp on acne, pimples for up to 1 hour, then wash.

Very important: Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet. All acne home remedies should include a healthy diet.

A Blemish Solution, that works!

As per my previous posts, I am happy with the results of my Paula's Choice products that I've been using for the past couple of months and I've decided to stick with it.

I unfortunately still struggle with breakouts and I decided to try another Paula's Choice product, which had really good reviews online:

Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution has a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, considered to be the best over-the-counter ingredient for combating and killing acne-causing bacteria in the pores. It is a lightweight lotion texture contains no irritating inactive ingredients (such as alcohol and menthol) found in many acne-products.

I've been using the solution for about 6 days and "it works". I find it to be really effective on blemishes and I quickly saw great results.

Like with most acne creams and lotions, slight dryness and peeling occurs. I choose dry skin over pimples, any day though. I usually only use it ones a day, at night, and I apply a good night cream once the solution is dry, which solves that problem.

NOTE: You should always wear sunscreen anyway ;-) but if you do apply the solution during the day, remember to always wear sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater.

If you are still looking for something to treat your breakouts; look no further!

Paula's Choice - Skin Care

I picked up a Paula's Choice brochure and sample cleanser and moisturiser at one of the woman's club bazaars in May. I have never heard of Paula's Choice before and to be honest, the name Paula's Choice reminded me of the pick 'n pay "choice/no name" brand.

I tried the samples and I really liked the products. I did research on Paula's Choice and found the products to be very reasonably priced and the reviews looked good so I decided to try it. I bought a cleanser, toner and exfoliant, which cost approx. $60.

Paula's Choice Indonesia: (Call for delivery)
PT. Mitra Kurnia LarasatiJl. Raya Wolter Monginsidi No. 12B - Lt. 2Jakarta Selatan 12160Ph. (021) 720 8543 / (021) 722 0986Fax. (021) 722 3982

The skin balancing cleanser for normal to Oily/Combination skin is a 100% fragrance and colorant-free, mild foaming, water soluble cleanser that leaves my skin refreshed and removes all makeup, incl. eye make-up.





















Skin Balancing Toner for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It soothes my skin and leaves it feeling revitalized, smooth and soft. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients which is great for controlling breakouts; reducing redness.























Exfoliating 2% beta hydroxy acid lotion for all skin types is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It exfoliates the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6.

It has definitely helped smooth out my skin's texture and seem to have minimized my blemishes and blackheads.
























I have always been very impatient, and usually change to a different product if I don't see results within a couple of weeks. The problem is that it actually takes a couple of months before you will start noticing a difference in your skin.

After nearly two months of using Paula's Choice I am very satisfied with the products and will definitely keep using it and hopefully I will notice an even bigger improvement in my skin, the longer I use it.

About Paula's Choice

Paula Begoun is the creator and innovative force behind Paula's Choice skin care and cosmetics. Paula Begoun is the author and publisher of several best-selling books on the beauty industry, including several editions of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible, and Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me. She has sold more than 2.5 million copies of her books and is also a syndicated columnist, with her “Dear Paula” column appearing in papers throughout North America. Her work as a nationally-recognized consumer expert for the cosmetics industry has led to repeat appearances on CNN, as well as programs such as Oprah, The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline NBC, The View, and Primetime.

L'Occotane - Immortelle Very Precious Cream

I started my search for skin care products in May, and tried many different samples and did a lot of research; looking at reviews trying to decide on a product.

I wanted something that will help with my occasional breakouts but I also figured being 30 something, calls for a really good anti-aging cream. And though it is believed that products work better when you use the same range of products I decided to mix them anyway. I decided on the L'Occotane Immortelle products but when I saw the prices of the products I decided to only get the very precious cream and very precious eye serum, which set me back approx. $160 and to go for a less expensive Paula's Choice cleanser, toner and exfoliator for approx. $60

And the verdict is; I love the L'Occotane very precious cream and eye serum. Definitely money well spent.

The very precious eye serum seems to make the skin around my eyes more even-toned, smooth and firmer.

The very precious cream appears to eliminate my crow's feet and fine lines and leaves my skin soft and supple. This anti aging formula uses organic Immortelle oil which help stimulate cell metabolism, improve wrinkle reduction and skin firmness. It feels like the cream really nourishes and repairs and it gives my skin a healthy appearance.

It's a fact of life; we get older and our wrinkles prove it. We have to accept it but it doesn't mean we have to like it. Not that there is a rule as to how many laugh lines, crow's feet a 32 year old should have but I noticed mine after 30. I believe prevention is better than cure. I probably started using eye cream when I was 25 and whether or not it actually works, I don't know but I will always use an eye cream and very importantly apply sunblock, every day to try and fight those signs of aging. Aiming to grow old, gracefully.