Tag: fungalacne

REVIEW: LINDSAY MODELING MASK CUP PACK COOL TEA TREE

I know lots of people love sheet mask, but personally I’m not sure if I like any mask. But, I’m curious about this so-called best selling Modeling Mask, so I decided to give it a go.

Modeling Mask (or Rubber Mask to some) is one of the peel-off mask type that we need to mix ourselves. Sort of like a DIY mask, start out in powder form, mixed with water and the texture is thicker and more gooey like rubber.  Usually it was done professionally at beauty clinics, but with this brand, LINDSAY from South Korea, now we can do this conveniently and safely at home. They have many varieties for different skin types, but this time I chose the COOL ones, which is recommended for oily skin type. And yes, this is safe for Fungal Acne.

Why use Modeling Mask? Well, it supposedly help our skin to absorb other products better without stripping them from our own natural moisture. Yes, this type of mask will create a tight layer on our skin and allow deeper penetration of active ingredients (that’s why it’s recommended to use after serum). 

PRICE: IDR 15K (I bought it on 50% off!)

WHERE TO BUY: I purchased it online from one of the market place. 

PACKAGING: It reminds me of ice cream cup, honestly. It was filled halfway and came with a petite spatula to mix and apply. One cup is more than enough for one usage, so don’t be stingy with yourself. 

WHAT’S IN IT: Tea Tree Leaf to hydrate and nourish skin while providing protection and prevention from roughness & dryness. It contains real leaves, so you might find shreds of leaves inside. 

INGREDIENTS LIST: Diatomaceous Earth, Glucose, Algin, Calcium Sulfate, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate, Magnesium Carbonate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Powder(1,500ppm), Allantoin, Potassium Alginate, Adenosine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ultramarines, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

CLAIM: Restores softness & elasticity while cooling & hydrating to relieve stress and maintain healthy & refreshed skin. 

HOW DOES IT FIT INTO ONE’S SKINCARE ROUTINE: 
Double Cleanse (Oil Cleanse & Foam Cleanse)
Toner (Exfoliating with cotton pad)
Serum
Hydrating Toner (pat/spray)
MODELING MASK
Hydrating Toner
Moisturizer

MY THOUGHTS:
– I guess I failed on mixing the right amount of water, so it was kind of liquidy rather than rubbery
– Waiting time to dry is 20 minutes more, and I’m not the type to sit and wait for mask to dry, so this is not for me
– Seriously, just leave it for the professional to apply this type of mask
– On me, it was dripping heavily and the peeling part was not a walk in the park
– Don’t get it near hairline, or else it’s going to get messier and hard to clean

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

LOVE AT FIRST USE

If you love to try bunch of skincare products, there’d be times when you fell in love with it from the first use.

Here are (some of) mine:

VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER
So far, it’s my go-to cleanser, especially on those days when maskne attack and you just need a gentle cleanser to cleanse. Fragrance-free, easily rinse and didn’t leave any after-feel, it’s easy to fall in love with this cleanser. 

KRAVE BEAUTY OAT SO SIMPLE WATER CREAM
Minimal ingredients always get me and having oatmeal extract as the main ones is awesome. Natural oatmeal always safe my skin whenever they’re angry or over exfoliated. And finding a light and simple moisturiser for fungal-acne prone skin like mine is no joke, people!

FOREO LUNA 3 FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
I guess it’s my best skinvestment so far. I use this every morning for deeper yet gentler cleanse after all the retinol that I applied on my skin at night. 

SULWHASOO GENTLE CLEANSING OIL
It had me at the first whiff. It smells so good for a cleansing oil, which is kind of rare. It glides so luxuriously on skin, emulsified perfectly and it didn’t leave any weird after-feel. Yes, it is expensive but worth every pump. 

KANEBO SUISAI BEAUTY CLEAR POWDER WASH
Similar result of physical exfoliation without the harshness. If you have everlasting clogged pores like mine, you’d want to try this. It has no fragrance and it’ll foam up to cleanse perfectly. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

FIRST SKINCARE HAUL IN 2021

Not feeling like trying lots of new products this year (but that might change). I just want to stick to what worked for me in 2020, but some stuffs looked too interesting to pass. 

But I do have my own personal rule for this year: I will not purchase anything over IDR600K. Why, if you might ask. Well, nowadays as a freelancer, I wouldn’t risk my life over skincare. I hope that answered your question, LOL. 

I only purchased two things on the first month of January 2021, what an achievement for me personally!

ABSOLUTE NIACINAMIDE 
If you’ve been following me, you’d know that I love Glossier Super Pure Serum. But it is super expensive, considering that I repeatedly purchase from online sis on market place. So I’ve been looking for Niacinamide serum with similar ingredients. And I found this serum made in Malaysia. I looked it up on incidecoder.com and both have 5 of the same ingredients! With the same amount (30ml) this costs IDR159K while Glossier costs IDR475K. 

LA ROCHE POSAY TOLERIANE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER
Learnings from last year, even though I stayed at home most of the days, but I still wash my face twice a day (don’t be lazy to clean your face guys, really). So, yes I ran out of face cleanser as quick as pre-pandemic. This costs a lot more here in Indonesia (priced at IDR525K for 400ml), because we don’t have this brand in local drugstores. It does remind me of Vanicream Gentle Cleanser, for its’ texture and after-feel, but with added Niacinamide in it. It’s also safe for Fungal Acne, but still contains PEG.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: YVES ROCHER SENSITIVE CAMOMILLE

If you’re familiar with their previous Chamomile line, Pure Calmille, this is the new version. A range of skincare for sensitive skin, with wild chamomile cultivated in their own La Gacilly organic fields. Even though it’s dedicated for sensitive skin, actually all skin types can use this range, especially when our skin reacted to certain stuffs. 

You see, our skin condition might change due to climate, pollution, harsh products and hormonal. These things might also affect the skin’s barrier, thus make our skin reactive. Some might experienced itchiness, redness or tightness, basically all the feeling of discomfort. It’s great to know that this range will not only soothe skin when shitty things happened, but they will also strengthen our skin. 

Being Yves Rocher, the packaging in this range is 100% recyclable plastic, and there are no artificial scent and colouring used. Yes, the cardboard is also recyclable. They didn’t waste anything from the chamomile, the flowers, leaves and stems are used to create these products. They use 98% natural ingredients, with 0% mineral oil, silicone, alcohol and fragrance. 

OK, let’s start with the review!

THE CLEANSING OIL

Y’all know how I love to double cleanse, even though I’m not using makeup on daily basis, but I’m still using sunscreen. Somehow, I just feel cleaner when I use cleansing oil before moving on to second cleanser. The first ingredient on the list is Sunflower Seed Oil, a non-comedogenic carrier oil and known to be less irritating. There’s a hint of relaxing Chamomile scent, it glides easily and emulsified like most cleansing oils that I’ve tried. No slippery after-feel which I like, and it rinses easily.

THE MICELLAR WATER

Usually I use Micellar Water in the morning to wipe off all the night time skincare products on my face. However this is my personal preference. For fungal acne warrior, you’d be glad to know that based on the ingredients list on the packaging, it’s safe for fungal acne. 

THE CLEANSING CREAM

Now, this is interesting. It’s not a foamy cleanser, mind you. But I believe this is great for dry cleansing technique. Apply on dry skin (I prefer to use this in the morning after Micellar Water), and massage for one minute, then rinse off with warm water. I always recommend to rinse cleanser with warm water to minimise the slippery after-feel.

THE SOOTHING LIGHT CREAM 

It’s a moisturizer in a light texture with a hint of natural chamomile flowers’ fragrance. I thought it’s going to be more like a light lotion, but once I spread it, it’s more like a water-cream (disappear without a trace). Great for normal to oily skin due to its’ texture and absorb power. However, it’s not giving you that dead matte finish (if you’re expecting one). 

THE NOURISHING COMFORT BALM

If you have normal to dry skin, you’ll love this moisturizer. They named this as a balm, but I did find the texture more like a thicker lotion. And I’m surprised how easy it absorbed on dry skin. It feels comfortable on dry skin and also gives a dewy effect. 

THE CORRECTIVE GREEN CREAM

Another interesting product from this range. It is green in color, but they don’t use artificial color. Instead they used chlorophyll from Chamomile’s stems. This cream is like a tone-up cream, but instead of brightening the whole face, this will reduce and correct redness. I apply this on red spots only (usually around my nose and chin) in the morning on top of moisturizer and before sunscreen. I believe from all the products in this range, this one is more scented than the others. 

You can buy the whole range here.

PHOTOS: PINKY MIRROR & SHINTA ROSVITA

BEST OF 2020: FUNGAL-ACNE SAFE SKINCARE

Tough year for all, and lots of us wish for 2020 to end soon. But, does the end of 2020 means the end of the pandemic? Oh well ….

You will see a new list (different from 2018 and 2019 ones). However, there are some categories being left out (like makeup remover, essence, mask and spot treatment), just because I didn’t use them this year to cut cost and skincare steps. I also include some new local favourites, to support local Indonesian brands and economy as well. 

Other cool website to check out and analyse your skincare ingredients is cosmily.com. Please note that some of the products below might still have triggers for comedones and not entirely allergen-free. So please check the ingredients that will suit your skin best.

For detailed review of some products mentioned below, please refer to my Instagram @skinetijen.

Let’s start! (Based on Alphabetical Order, * means local product from Indonesia)

FACIAL WASH

  • BIYU OIL CONTROL CLEANSER *
  • DERMA365 GENTLE CLEANSER
  • ERHA2 FACIAL WASH FOR OILY SKIN *
  • PETER THOMAS ROTH IRISH MOOR MUD PURIFYING CLEANSER
  • SEBAMED CLEAR FACE ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANSING FOAM
  • VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

TONER

  • ABILL FIRST STARTING TONER
  • DEAR KLAIRS DAILY SKIN SOFTENING WATER
  • HERBIVORE JASMINE WATER BALANCING TONER
  • MAMONDE CHAMOMILE PURE TONER
  • TRILOGY HYDRATING MIST TONER

SERUM/AMPOULE

  • ALPHA-H VITAMIN B WITH COPPER TRIPEPTIDE
  • COS DE BAHA SALICYLIC ACID 2% LIQUID
  • DUVADERM CLARIFYING SERUM *
  • ME+ NIACINAMIDE BOOSTER
  • PAPA RECIPE EGGPLANT CLEARING AMPOULE
  • ROVECTIN CLEAN LHA BLEMISH AMPOULE
  • YVES ROCHER CONCENTRATED LIFT SERUM

MOISTURIZER

  • JOYLAB SKIN’O’TIC MOISTURE GEL *
  • KRAVE BEAUTY OAT SO SIMPLE WATER CREAM
  • SEBAMED CLEAR FACE CARE GEL
  • TATCHA THE WATER CREAM 

SUNSCREEN

  • ERTO’S SUNSCREEN GEL *
  • NIVEA SUN PROTECT & WHITE INSTANT AURA SERUM SPF 50+ PA+++

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

MORNING AFTER ADAPALENE & RETINOIC ACID

Apologies for such long hiatus. Writer’s block, LOL.

In this post, I’ll share you what I currently use for morning skincare routine after using Adapalene & Retinoic Acid at night.

FYI, Adapalene & Retinoic Acid are two prescription-strength creams that will definitely open our pores, but they won’t exfoliate them. We still need help from exfoliating actives like AHA or BHA, in the morning. You can choose only one active in one product (like toner only or serum only), but if your skin can stand it, go all the way from toner to serum.

  • CLEANSER/MORNING MASK: SEBAMED CLEAR FACE ANTI BACTERIAL CLEANSING FOAM
    Contains Montaline C40 that will zap acne bacterias and Panthenol. 
  • TONER: HADA LABO TAMAGOHADA MILD PEELING LOTION
    This contains Gluconic Acid 
  • SERUM: DUVADERM CLARIFYING SERUM
    This contains 0,5% Molecular BHA
  • MOISTURIZER: SEBAMED CLEAR FACE CARE GEL & KRAVE OAT SO SIMPLE WATER CREAM 
    As you know I’m on my 3 Step Moisture Method, that’s why I’m using double moisturizer after natural moisturizer which is water. Steer clear of any actives in the moisturizers’ ingredients lists.  
  • SUNSCREEN: SKIN AQUA UV SUPER MOISTURE GEL SPF 50+ PA++++
    It has been my HG because it didn’t trigger my Fungal Acne & Comedo. 

PHOTO: SHINTA ROSVITA

FUNGAL-ACNE SAFE GENTLE CLEANSER

Since using Adapalene & Retinoic Acid as a daily nighttime routine, I have been using gentle cleanser as my second cleanser for my PM routine.

Why gentle cleanser? I just don’t want to over-do my skin. I want to balance between the prescription-strength treatment and the actual skincare. Cleansers that are too harsh, might disrupt the skin’s barrier function. And I personally believe there’s no need to use second cleanser with actives, especially if we’re going to use actives in steps after cleansing, like toner and serum.

Scroll down for my favorites with each of its’ pros and cons ingredients.

DERMA365 GENTLE CLEANSER

PROS: Panthenol, Glycerin & Oat Kernel Flour
CONS: Triethanolamine (comedogenic)

VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

PROS: Water & Glycerin
CONS: None, seriously!

SIMPLE REFRESHING FACIAL WASH

PROS: Triple Purified Water & Panthenol
CONS: Tocopheryl Acetate (poorly absorbed by skin)

ST IVES SOOTHING DAILY FACIAL CLEANSER

PROS: Panthenol & Chamomile Flower Extract
CONS: Tocopheryl Acetate (poorly absorbed by skin)

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

MY ADAPALENE JOURNEY (MONTH 1 OUT OF 3)

Time to update on my Adapalene journey.

It’s almost a month (if you want to see my weekly update, please go to my IG stories highlight) and to think of it, I’m not even halfway there yet (sigh).

So, I can definitely tell you that Adapalene really helped my problem with oil plugs a lot. I had severe bumps on my left cheek and chin only, so I only apply the cream there instead of the whole face. First, it really help to push the existing oil plugs out, either they became blackheads or pustules. Then, it helps to stop the new oil plugs from forming. Of course when there are no more new oil plugs, my skin felt smoother. If I rubbed it now, I can feel lesser bumps.

On week 2, I decided to add Retinoic Acid as spot treatment. Under the name Vitacid (another local brand), it’s another prescription-strength topical skin treatment. From my point of view, it speeds up the progress (gunks up to surface, I mean). But I warn you, this is really potent, so please consult with your derm if you want to try.

I can’t wait until month 3! Anyway, here are my current skin condition.

LEFT CHEEK IS GETTING BETTER WITH LESS PURGING & IRRITATION
NO MORE SMALL BUMPS REAPPEARED, BUT THE EXISTING ONES TURNED EITHER INTO BLACKHEADS OR BIG PUSTULES

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

VITAMIN C: LOVE OR LOATHE?

If you’ve been reading my blog posts and follow me on IG, you’ll notice one thing missing from my skincare regime. It’s Vitamin C.

First, I don’t enjoy Vitamin C serums turn brown due to oxidation. To think about my hard-earned money, and it turned bad easily, I don’t think so. And that oxidation process is obviously a destructive process, so if you put that on your skin, it will cause further skin damage. Ouch!

Second, Vitamin C is a great anti-oxidant, but it’s possible to become a pro-oxidant when in contact with metal/iron. Unfortunately nowadays, iron is a significant pollutant in the air and water (according to the FDA), and that means our skin comes in contact with iron every day. So, if we apply Vitamin C and our skin comes in contact with the air, it was like inviting problems to occur.

Last but not least, Vitamin C is one tough cookie to be mixed with others in the skincare ingredients list. It should never mix with AHA, BHA, Retinol, and Benzoyl Peroxide. If you’re a fan of layering skincare like me, better watch out and read ingredients list very carefully.

Moral of this post, my skin can’t take a topical Vitamin C, especially in concentrated serum format. It broke me out, caused redness and it tingled badly. So I did some research online, and I did find some interesting facts. Apparently, antioxidants in skincare are BAD when they are in concentrated form and disrupt the body’s natural ability to fight off bacteria.

TIPS & TRICKS:

  • Use Vitamin C in other format than serum for lighter percentage. Personally I use GOOD MOLECULES NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING TONER. It contains 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (number 6 on the ingredients’ list), a quite stable form of Vitamin C
  • Try the serum as a dark spot treatment only. Resist the temptation to apply it all over the face. I had great success with GOODAL GREEN TANGERINE VITA C DARK SPOT SERUM, that helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA