Month: October 2020

ENJOYING 20 SECONDS OF HAND-WASHING WITH THESE

To tell you the truth, even before pandemic I guess I’m already a hygiene freak. But since the pandemic, and 20 seconds of hand-washing is a way to go, I took it even more seriously. 
Used to just purchased whatever hand soaps I found in the supermarket, but now (I guess many people are doing it, too) I kind of experimenting with different brands. First, because they finished so quickly now than ever (FYI, I share the house with my husband and two boys). Second, just to avoid boredom of constant use. Third, because the packaging looks good on the sink. Now that we visited the sink more often, I guess it’s also important. 
So, here are some of my most loved hand soaps (based on alphabetical order). 

CAREX NATURAL ANTIBACTERIAL HAND WASH SENSITIVE
Let’s start with the most affordable one. Easily found in local supermarkets, apparently Cussons Carex is number one hand wash brand in UK. It contains a gentle fragrance and great for sensitive skin as it claim. I tested this on my son’s dry & cracked hands (because he didn’t use hand cream like his mom, obviously). He never had dry & cracked hands again after he used this. 
Perfect for: those who are too lazy to slap on hand cream after washing their hands. And it won’t break the bank. 


SENSATIA BOTANICALS VIOLET & GERANIUM HAND WASH
Our local version of AESOP and yes it is the most expensive from this list. Filled with Geranium essential oil and Violet Leaf extract which has antibacterial properties and acts as natural antiseptic. 
Perfect for: those who love natural products and miss their spa’s treatment during this crazy pandemic (its’ scent will remind you of walking inside an expensive spa). 


SLEEP BY BATH & BODY WORKS 
I practically went nuts when our local Bath & Body Works had a sale for hand soaps on Global Hand Washing Day. This is one out of many that I purchased, and quickly become a favorite. It’s infused with natural essential oils, Black Chamomile & Bergamot, combines with vitamin E, Shea Extract and Aloe. 
Perfect for: aromatherapy fans. Well it is an aromatherapy range, after all. 

YURI HAND SOAP FOAMING PREMIUM ANTIBACTERIAL LAVENDER
Lavender scent always reminds me of my beloved dad, so I really love this lavender hand soap. It has this clean, powdery and a bit musky scent of lavender. You can get this easily at local supermarket with an affordable price. It also contains vitamin E (not drying) and biodegradable surfactant (good for the environment). 
Perfect for: those who love quality with affordable price. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

FINALLY GETTING RID OF MY OIL BUMPS

Yeay, it has been 12 weeks since my Adapalene journey. And I guess pictures will speak a thousand words, so here’s my before-after pics.

BYE BYE OIL BUMPS


Please note that I do use Retinoic Acid on top of Adapalene for 12 weeks.

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT THESE

I just want to say that I’m glad that these prescription strength creams really worked on my hormonal acnes and closed comedones. Yes, the first 5 weeks was a nightmare and I almost gave up. But this pandemic really helped me, because all of the bad purging were hidden underneath mask. And FYI, based on everything that I read or watch in YT, Adapalene needs max 12 weeks to show its’ result.
Mine already got better on week 8, fortunately. No more bumps and no more big zits. Big improvement shows on the chin area, while these creams won’t work on milia and sebaceous filaments that I have on my left cheek (might need another Cauter session after the pandemic is over-God knows when). 

DESPERATELY NEED CAUTER


Am I still going to use both creams? Yes, to maintain my skin condition, but I’ll make sure I minimized their doses or use both every other day. 
Should you try it? Please check to your dermatologist first, because both are prescription-strength products and not everybody will have the same reactions and results. GOOD LUCK!

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

QUARANTINE BODY CARE ROUTINE

First thing first, I have to admit that I’m not as committed and consistent on body care as much as I am with skin care. But during this #stayathome period, which took longer that everyone in this world expected, I began to explore on body care products. Since my fungal acne (thankfully) only happened on face area, I can go free on body care products. Scroll down for my simple list. 


Body Cleanser: & OTHER STORIES ARABESQUE WOOD SHOWER FOAM

I bought this when I was in London on January 2020 before the pandemic. It’s a luscious gel that turned into a fluffy foam. I love the subtle woody scent and the luxurious feel of the foam. Too bad I think &Other Stories discontinued their beauty line, so there’ll be no way to repurchase this (sad).


Body Scrub: PURBASARI LULUR MANDI

Yes, exfoliating is also important for our body skin. I do scrub once a week if I remember (LOL). It’s super affordable, yet the scrub isn’t harsh on skin and easy to rinse in the shower. And the most important thing for me, the scent is not annoying even though it’s just a wash-off product. 


Body Lotion: CETAPHIL MOISTURIZING LOTION

This can be used on face too, but for my oily skin it can be to heavy (and it left a bit of white cast like sunscreen). So I use this as body lotion instead. It absorbed really well on damp skin (never ever use moisturizer on dry skin), and contains no fragrance (perfect for me since I hate fragranced body lotion.


Deodorant: HADA LABO TAMAGOHADA MILD PEELING LOTION

Another skin care products that I use for my body care. Thanks to labmuffin, who uses chemical exfoliant as deodorant. Because I stay at home most of the time, I currently skip on my regular anti-perspirant deodorant and switch to just using exfoliant for my armpits. I use this PHA exfo toner with cotton pads just like for my face. 


Shampoo: AMOS PROFESSIONAL TRUE REPAIR SHAMPOO

Since my hair was fully bleached earlier this year before the pandemic, it was damaged and tangled as hell. This is a hair brand from Amore Pacific Korea, recommended for those whose hair gets extremely tangled while shampoo-ing. I do enjoy the fragrance but I don’t see any improvement on my dry and damaged hair. 


Conditioner: PANTENE GOLD SERIES SMOOTH & SLEEK CONDITIONER

Frankly speaking it didn’t do much for my coarse and tangled hair. I’m just that committed to finish things that I bought. Maybe after posting this, I’ll change into better conditioner (eyeing at Kerastase, but oh the price!). Meanwhile, I cut my own hair during this pandemic, just to get rid of those super tangled ones. And since I hate the feeling of silicone in conditioner, I apply it first on dry hair before shampoo, leave it on for about 3 minutes then wash it off with shampoo. 

Well folks, watch out for this body care routine post, as I’m more way daring to experiment with them.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

MY ADAPALENE JOURNEY (MONTH 2 OUT OF 3)

Great, it’s October. It has been two months since I was on adapalene & retinoic acid treatment. Scroll down for the updates. 

I almost gave up on week 5. But somehow I kept going (just like my life during this darn pandemic). 

Well, week 8 was great.

No more big angry red zits, no more pustules. My skin texture are way better, no more small bumps. Another homework for me is to get rid of all the leftover red scars. Wish me luck, folks. 

One more month to go. I’m more than halfway to go, so I can do this! Will surely update on the final month of my Adapalene journey. Meanwhile you can check my IG stories highlight for weekly updates.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA