The last time I purchased skin care products was in late December, and the items were delivered on the last day of 2023. Since then, I had all the skin care products I needed and I pretty much stuck to my routine, except for the week when I had awful migraine headaches that I could not even bathe, let alone do my skincare regime. I paid for the dearly with a huge zit near my nose and a persistent post-inflammatory erythema.
But then I decided to be gentle on myself – move on and pick up where I left off and hope for better things regarding the health of my skin. Somehow being more patient with myself made me feel lighter. Accepting whatever progress I made, however small, should be considered a win. Not being too hard on myself yielded good results for my mental health as well.
That aside, I bought several items last Saturday in anticipation of some of my skincare products running out. I didn’t want to be forced to skip using my Adapalene gel and Benzoyl Peroxide wash because I did not want a repeat of last month. I swear, my skin hates it when I skip a routine. It breaks out like crazy as if in retaliation for being forgotten. What a drama queen.
So anyway, here’s what I got:
La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro-peeling Gel Cleanser
Since I started my skincare journey, I have used the Cerave Acne Control Cleanser because it contains 2% Salicylic Acid that has worked so well on my comedones. I have not used it all up, but it will run out soon because my son also uses it. Anyway, to replace it, I bought the Micro-peeling Gel Cleanser from La Roche Posay because it has the same concentration of Salicylic Acid. I will always love the Cerava Acne Control Cleanser. I may even repurchase it in the future. However, having a very good experience with LRP products made me want to try their cleanser for now.
Price: Php 1,988 from SkinCaring18 at Shopee
Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash (10% Benzoyl Peroxide)
I will never again skip using the Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash. I learned my lesson quite well last month when I had to skip washing my face with it. No matter the situation, I promise I will never, never, never skip this. This product is a Holy Grail to many who have suffered from acne.
Price: Php 791 (on sale) from Acne.org Alternatives at Shopee
Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm
This will be the third cleansing balm product that I will use for double cleansing. I swear by double cleansing. It sure helped unclog the pores on my nose. It has been a long time since I saw an open comedone on my nose. I haven’t had the need to squeeze a blackhead out of my pores and I want it to stay that way.
That said, I decided to try Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm to replace the Banila Co Clean It Zero cleansing balm. It’s formulation differs because it has Ceramide NP, Panthenol, and Hyaluronic Acid – ingredients that I love that the Banila Co balm does not have. I just want to try it and see how it’ll work.
Price: Php 473 from Pyunkang Yul at Shopee
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel
There’s not a lot to say but Differin has made a difference in how my skin looks and feels. It was not love at first sight but with perseverance and the good result it brought after a long game, Adapalene has a special place in my heart.
Price: Php 950 from Acne.org Alternatives at Shopee
Shiseido Pressed Medicated Baby Powder
Having battled with oily skin for my entire life since puberty, I have had a love-hate relationship with face powders. I tried many only to realize that they made my skin worse and made me feel icky putting pressed powder on my skin knowing it would once again be flooded with oil. Imagine the gunk. Ugh. But, I have Tiktok to blame for this. After all, I saw that it promises a lot but without a high price tag. Also, it is baby powder, so I thought – how damaging can it be to my already damaged skin? So, try, I must.
Price: 288 from SkinCaring18 at Shopee
I have come a long way since the start of my acne treatment journey. I have learned to love myself more. However, in contrast to what Jennifer Lopez said, love certainly costs something. Loving my skin costs me a pretty penny, but I will continue to willingly spend on my skincare products, not only because I want to look pretty, but more for my mental health. I do like what I see in the mirror these days.