Frankly
speaking, I am not an all-out green and natural skincare products seeker. I
mean, I still believe in hard-core acids and stuffs. But, lately there are new
and interesting natural ingredients on the skincare market. Thought I’d give it
a shot.
HIBISCUS
Hibiscus is
a beautiful flower and surprisingly has skincare benefits. It is one of the
most powerful anti-aging plant actives, so it’s known as nature’s botox for
its’ firming and lifting ability. This flower is also rich in antioxidants to
help skin fight free radicals from pollution and UV. But please aware that
hibiscus is a fragrant plant, therefore it might affect those who are sensitive
to scents on your skincare product.
NONI
In Indonesia
where I live, it’s not rare to drink the juice. But what do we know? Noni fruit
extract is great for healing and rejuvenating skin due to its abundance of vitamins
(A & C) plus antioxidants to protect against free radicals. One thing that
interest me the most about one of the benefits is: Noni has antibacterial and
anti-fungal properties! Whoa! It might be good for fungal-acne, no?
EGGPLANT
Again, where I live, people will eat cooked eggplants (though I don’t like it). I know it’s a healthy food, but little that I know it’s full of vitamin C. And when I did research for eggplant on the net, it contains ‘lupeol’ (some kind of substance that’s highly effective on problematic skin). It’s also antibacterial and anti-ageing. Pretty potent veggie, right?
Known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, you’ll easily find this ingredient in the treatment for acne and such. If you can stand its’ distinct scent, that’s great, because it does work to get rid of fungal acne.
PROPOLIS
I read in simpleskincarescience.com that there are studies that showed that propolis extract exhibits antimicrobial activity. And I love how propolis does give a glowing effect on skin.
KETOCONAZOLE
Unfortunately, this ingredient mostly came in a shampoo form. But no worries, you can use this shampoo as a 5 minutes wash-off face mask. Compared to other antifungals, like Zinc Pyrithione, Ketoconazole is the champ.
TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil
has strong antimicrobial properties against Malassezia aka fungal acne. Personally,
I tried to stay away from the oil per se, just because I found it too thick and
might irritate my sensitive skin. So I chose product that actually contains one
(it’s diluted with other ingredients).
Is it just
me? Or lots of you experienced the same thing as me? My skin easily got immune,
usually after finishing two of the same skincare product. Weird but true.
That’s why I
found a way to alternate between products, just to make sure their
effectiveness on my fungal-acne prone skin. So, after finishing one product, I
usually move to another brand with similar ingredients and purposes. Then, I’d
move back to the old one.
EXFOLIATING TONER
HADA LABO MILD PEELING LOTION & SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 DAYS MIRACLE TONER
The
similarities: both are fungal acne safe and contain water plus butylene glycol.
The
difference: Hada Labo only has 7 ingredients, while Somebymi has 22.
Thoughts:
they are both mild enough to use everyday as exfoliating toner, but I try to
use it every other day to avoid over exfoliating. And usually I just use
exfoliating toner at night time.
The
similarities: both are fungal acne safe and contain niacinamide, panthenol,
sodium hyaluronate and allantoin.
The
difference: 2Sol only has 19 ingredients, while Paula’s Choice has 24.
Thoughts: They
both will be better if mixed with ampoule or moisturizer, as they might be
sticky if stand alone. Both have same clear watery texture.
ESSENCE
COSRX ADVANCED SNAIL 96 MUCIN POWER ESSENCE & BENTON SNAIL BEE HIGH CONTENT ESSENCE
The
similarities: both contain snail secretion filtrate, panthenol, betaine,
arginine, butylene glycol and allantoin
The
differences: Cosrx only has 12 ingredients, while Benton has 25. Corsx is safe
for fungal acne, while Benton (unfortunately) has polysorbate 20 (known as one
of fungal acne trigger) in their ingredients list.
Thoughts: Cosrx is more gloopy (literally like snail mucin), while Benton is less gloopy. Unfortunately Benton reformulated this and added Polysorbate 20 in their new formula, so it might not be safe for fungal acne.
I’m sure a
lot of you already familiar with the term of “Clean Beauty”.
Lately I’ve become more aware of this, especially after my first strike of fungal-acne back in April 2018. After that 1st attack, I read the ingredients label on the back like I’ve never been before. And luckily, now we’re blessed with skincare ingredients search engine that can identify the safety of most products that we use every day for our skin.
Now it’s
harder for companies to market and brainwash us with their products, because
(thanks to the awesome technologies) we can find out by ourselves. For certain,
I can’t be fooled by the word “natural” or “organic” or “pure” anymore.
After some
research online, the terms “Clean Beauty” refers to lots of definition, but I
guess I can simplify it to non-toxic. Non-toxic products that are made without
ingredients linked to harmful health effects (from simple and short term ones
like skin irritation, to scary and long term ones like cancer). If you search
online, you will find a lot of harmful ingredients with familiar names like
Propylene Glycol which actually is an antifreeze, or Sodium Hydroxide which is
used as a drain cleaner. Yes, nasty chemicals indeed. So, it’s not about
eco-conscious anymore, but more to health-conscious.
I’m trying
my best to join this “Clean Beauty” route. Having fungal-acne prone skin, I do
have to check every single time I want to purchase skincare product. Thanks to
simpleskincarescience.com, I know I have to stay away from Ester (alcohol and
fatty acid) and its’ friends like Polysorbate. So, initially I looked for
harmful fungal-acne trigger ingredients, but turned out those ingredients are
also harmful in any other ways. Lucky us, the industry (especially
personal-care ones) are slowly but surely cleaning up, for more aware
consumers. After the US, K-Beauty is also trying to clean up to serve the new
generation of more aware consumers.
My favorite
Clean Beauty products for Fungal Acne are:
I’M FROM MUGWORT ESSENCE
It consists
only one ingredient: 100% of Artemisia Princeps Extract (aka Mugwort). It’s
known for its’ soothing and cleansing effect. Great for sensitive skin!
Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar and T.L.C Framboos
Glycolic Night Serum
There won’t
be any Essential Oils, Drying Alcohols, Silicones, Chemical Screens,
Fragrance/Dyes and SLS in Drunk Elephant’s products. So yes, I love Drunk
Elephant, especially these two.
UNBOUND LAB HIBISCUS SMOOTHER PAD
Instead of
using AHA, this pad is using 88% Hibiscus (known as Nature’s Botox for its’
firming ability and natural source of AHA). So, it delivers the same benefits
as chemical AHA without being harsh. I just love this new Clean Beauty brand
from Korea. Even the packaging looks so clean!
PYUNKANG YUL ESSENCE TONER
Most of
their products contain less than 10 ingredients. Very minimalistic, just like
their packaging. This is one of their star product, which contains 91.3% of milk
vetch root, a super ingredient in Korean and traditional Chinese medicine, full
of skin-beneficial betaine and minerals. It’s fragrance free, dye free and
irritant free.
SKIN1004 MADAGASCAR CENTELLA ASIATICA 100 AMPOULE
Main and only ingredient: Centella Asiatica Extract. It’s really soothing for sensitive skin and very affordable for a big bottle of ampoule.
Do I have
other products than K-Beauty skincare? Of course, dearest. I do have a few of
European drugstore brands in my collection. Disclaimer: unfortunately, most of
them were purchased when I travelled abroad, because they don’t carry them
where I live (Jakarta, Indonesia). Boohoo!!
EAU THERMALE AVÈNE or simply called Avène.
Thermal Spring Water
I guess
every girl in this world must have this in their vanity. I use this before
first toner, right after cleansing. Why? Because I have hard water in my home,
so I need to neutralize my skin before everything else. It has ideal
calcium/magnesium ratio to help improve skin texture. And I love the cooling
& calming sensation on every spray it made. Super love!
3 in 1 Make-Up Remover
This is like
a cleansing milk, non-rinse ones. Its’ milky texture will turn into fluid when
rubbed. Please note that this has fragrance (but claimed to be tolerated by
sensitive skin). It removed base makeup well, but not recommended to use to
remove eye makeup.
Vichy Laboratories Mineral 89
I am sold by
one of their claim that it acts as a protective shield against pollution. And
after more research, I found out that this only has 11 ingredients (which is
great for sensitive skin), with the highest concentration of their Thermal
Mineralizing Water plus Hyaluronic Acid. Currently, I use this as daily
moisturizer, by the way.
URIAGE EAU THERMALE or simply called Uriage
Creme Lavante
Another
Thermal Water based product in my collection, this is a fragranced cleansing
cream. Even though it’s fragranced, it’s safe for sensitive skin (proven by
yours truly). Usually I use this in the morning after my acid night (which is
only twice a week now). Mind you, this is soap-free and contains 1/3 nourishing
milk. It won’t dry out skin but in the same time it didn’t leave any filmy
residue after cleansing.
Hyseac SPF50+ Fluid
It’s
specifically tailored for combination to oily skin, so yes on this point. It
contains licorice extract which known for its’ ability to reduce excess sebum
and prevent new blemishes. Another yes. It didn’t leave my skin look shiny or
white or greyish or patchy.
Eucerin Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care
This is
actually a day and night moisturizer, but I use this as a daily moisturizer for
AM only. It’s preservative-free, paraben-free, paraffin-free, fragrance-free,
alcohol-free, colorant-free and emulsifier-free. Since I’ve experienced redness
here and there, especially after that over-exfoliating period, this really help
to calm them down. It’s very light and contains SymSitive, their patented
ingredient specially developed for hypersensitive skin. I do recommend this to
strengthen skin barrier.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50T
This
specific type (they do have lots of type) of acid toner has been developed to
suit all skin types from sensitive to dehydrated skin. I was too excited to try
this hype acid toner, I applied this every night. Yes, I ended up having
over-exfoliated skin. So, I do recommend to use this only once or twice a week
(diluted on a cotton pad moistened with water). I don’t mind the vinegar-like
smell, it reminds me of Apple Cider Vinegar.
LA ROCHE-POSAY
Thermal Spring Water
What is it
with me and Thermal Water? Well, this is another favorite Thermal Water of
mine. Naturally rich in selenium, well known as a powerful antioxidant, this
face mist not only refreshes but also tones and rebalance skin. That’s why on
my bad skin days, I will use this as a face toner to replace my regular toner.
Serozinc Face Mist
To beat the
shine with only mist? Yup, this will do. This is actually a mattifying face
mist, specially made for oily skin people. As the name applied, it does contain
zinc sulfate to target signs of oily skin. No worries, it’s also clear like
ordinary water mist, and I believe this is also a great toner if you’re
sensitive to anything.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Need I say more? Tried many of cleansing water for makeup, from another brands, another countries, but keep on coming back to this. Even though this doesn’t dissolve eye makeup, but a great base makeup remover.
Many of my
followers on Instagram asked me this question, so might as well, I write a post
about it based on my own experience and research.
FIRST THING FIRST, ARE THEY REAL FUNGAL ACNE?
Fungal acne does itch! A lot! Actually, the itchiness is the main thing on how to detect if they’re really fungal acne, or just closed comedones. And they don’t have puss in it, so no matter how you try to pick, pinch or drill it (kidding), they can’t be flatten. So, never pick on fungal acne. Usually fungal acne will come in groups, so close to each other. But, if you are still not sure, I do recommend you to go the dermatologist.
IS FUNGAL ACNE CONTAGIOUS?
Well, some
said yes. Anyway, they’re fungus, so they usually easy to spread. Better be
safe than sorry, don’t share personal care stuff with anyone, including your
own family. That’s why they called it “PERSONAL” care, got it? Especially: facial
bar soap, towel, facial cleansing device or sponges. Just don’t.
YES, I BELIEVE THEY’RE FUNGAL ACNE, NOW WHAT?
Put away all
your skincare that contains fermented ingredients. Stat! If you want to know
which products are safe for fungal acne, you can check skincarisma.com. And
never treat your skin like enemy, treat it like a wounded friend. So, start
taking care of your skin more.
FUNGAL ACNE SKINCARE ROUTINE
GAME CHANGER
FYou still
need to do all the basic skincare, cleanse, tone and moisturize (just pick the
ones that are safe for fungal acne). Last but not least, apply NIZORAL Cream.
You see, Nizoral cream is a topical anti-fungal with Ketoconazole in it (this
is da’ bomb for fungal acne, seriously!). Apply thinly and religiously on the
last step of your skincare routine. You might see and feel the difference
sooner than you know.
ARE THERE MORE NATURAL REMEDIES FOR FUNGAL ACNE?
Yup. Fortunately, you can apply Organic Raw Honey as facial mask. Yes, just the honey, don’t mix with anything else. Apply thinly but religiously on clean skin and leave them as long as you can handle the stickiness. Of course, don’t leave home with it on, OK? It might take some time to heal if you’re only using raw honey as treatment (just saying). Make sure you buy RAW Honey (better if organic). BTW, I read some people are allergic to bees, so forget this step if you are.
SHOULD I SKIP SHEET MASK WHEN I HAVE FUNGAL ACNE?
Fortunately, I’ve found some sheet masks that are safe for fungal acne according to skincarisma.com. Please pick and choose your skincare products carefully, as they will affect your skin condition.
Well, they didn’t say too much of everything will kill you for nothing.
I had angry skin issue before (click here for the post), so this one is another round of angry skin (read: over exfoliated skin).
So, what the
heck happen? Obviously, I was too excited with my recent haul: new acid
products, and konjac sponge. Too excited, I use them every morning. To added to
the worsen condition, I still apply my exfoliating toner, Biologique Recherche
Lotion P50T every night. So yeah, my skin is super angry and over exfoliated
for sure!
These are lethal combination, when use all together, everyday. Angry red spots, white heads, cystic acnes. Oh well!
First sign
of over exfoliated skin: redness, dryness, and it stings whenever you apply
something on it.
What I’ve
learned:
Stick to one acid and do it every other day,
NOT EVERYDAY!
Add skin calming and healing products to my
regime.
Doing toner masking with oat will help a lot!
So, what
would I do to save my over exfoliated skin? One, stay away from any exfoliating
products for two weeks or at least until healed completely. Two, using gentle
products that will restore skin’s natural epidermal barrier. Here’s all the
products that I use currently for my over exfoliated skin.
URIAGE EAU THERMALE CLEANSING CREAM: it’s a soap-free cleanser, with 1/3
nourishing milk and Thermal Water. This protects skin against the drying
effects of hard water.
LA ROCHE POSAY SEROZINC: I’m skipping exfoliating toner and
hydrating toner for now. Instead, I use this face mist as a toner. It does help
to soothe irritation and inflamed skin, and as a bonus it keeps my oily skin
balanced.
COSRX ADVANCED SNAIL 96 MUCIN POWER ESSENCE: it contains 96% of snail secretion
filtrate, known for super intense repair and hydration. And snail mucin has
that repair ability purpose, so I’m loving this.
VELY VELY PINK CALMING GEL: this is actually a face & body moisturizer. It contains pink microbeads from Calamine powder, known for its’ ability to soothe tired and damage skin.
As I’ve experienced this before, I’m positive that it’ll be back to a tip top condition in about two weeks. So, I’m going to update you on this matter. Meanwhile, I’m going to take care of my skin the way it should be. Cheers!
Personally, I prefer to use ampoule and skip moisturizer when my fungal acne attacks. But, why ampoule? You might ask.
My current Ampoules Collection
Well, did
you notice that most of ampoule comes in smaller bottle (except the Skin 1004
ones)? It’s because they are mostly very concentrated, and we only need up to 3
drops each time. Ampoule is like an extra booster of help, when your skin needs
it the most. That’s why you can skip ampoule step if your skin doesn’t need any
help and already in its’ tip top condition.
So, if you
want to jump to this ampoule wagon, please note that the general rule is to
apply essence, serum then ampoule. But, that depends on what kind of texture it
has. Just remember to use the thin texture first, than move on the thickest.
Let me tell you why I love these ampoules for my fungal acne prone skin.
The biggest bottle of Ampoule
I’m going to
start with Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100. It comes with a huge 100
ml pipet glass bottle (which I never brought to travel with me, for sure!). As
Centella Asiatica is a plant that is rich in saponins and is an
anti-inflammatory, I believe this ampoule calm my redness and help reducing
rashes, including fungal acne which mostly attacked my temple area. I use this
every morning, because it’s not sticky and good for layering under makeup.
My PM Ampoule
Moving on to
Leegeehaam Grow Vita Propolis Ampoule. I used raw honey mask to help tone down
my fungal acne. So no surprised when I tried propolis, it did good as well. It
contains a whipping 50% propolis extract, which is basically a combination of
beeswax, enzymes and tree sap used by bees to seal, disinfect and waterproof
their hive. You see, propolis has powerful antibacterial, antiviral and
antifungal properties. However, this might feel sticky when used alone. So I
like to mix it with Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster and apply at night. This
will give instant glow when applied (yes, even at night I want my skin to glow,
LOL).
Last but not least, the latest find of mine: CNP Laboratory Mugener Ampoule. My first encounter with the brand and snail mucus. And thankfully, it did just fine for my fungal-acne and the rest of my face. This works to relieve redness, calms blemished skin and soothes sensitive skin. This has the thickest texture out of two ampoules above and the most hydrating, too. First applied, it will be sticky but soon disappeared after few pats. The only con, it’s a bit hard to pull the pipet out of the glass bottle. Can’t do it with one hand if I’m in a hurry.
Thank you to
my IG followers who always inspired me to create my blog content based on their
questions. And one of the most asked is: “I want to develop a skincare routine
for my fungal-acne prone skin but everything is expensive, how can I create one
that’s easy to my pocket?”
Well, it is quite a challenge to find skincare products below IDR200K each that’s safe for fungal-acne. But, after all the soul-searching (on skincarisma & cosdna of course), and I included some of local brands (because they’re easier to find), here’s what I found!
MAKE UP REMOVER: NAMEERA PURELY BRIGHT MICELLAR WATER (IDR67K for 100ML) CLEANSER: ELSHESKIN DEEP CLEANSING SENSITIVE (IDR90K for 60ML) TONER: PYUNKANG YUL ACNE TONER (IDR130K for 150ML) ESSENCE : NAMEERA HYDRATING GLOW ESSENCE WATER (IDR140K for 110ML) SERUM: THE ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE 10% + ZINC 1% (IDR125K for 30ML) AMPOULE: LEEGEEHAAM GROW VITA PROPOLIS AMPOULE (IDR185K for 15ML) MOISTURIZER: INNISFREE ALOE REVITAL SOOTHING GEL (IDR101K FOR 300ML) SUNSCREEN: SKIN AQUA UV SUPER MOISTURE MILK SPF50+ PA++++ (IDR45K for 40GR) SPOT TREATMENT: SARI AYU INTENSIVE ACNE CARE (IDR24K for 12ML)
Still under the budget? Well, you can skip some steps like essence. So go straight to serum after toner. And you can skip ampoule too. Basically, all you need is: cleanser, toner, moisturizer and SPF (in the morning) or spot treatment (at night). So feel free to adjust according to your budget.
PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA & FROM VARIOUS BRAND’S WEBSITES
Happy New
Year, folks! This will be my first short blog post in 2019, so here we go…
If you follow my IG, you’ll know that I just got back from year-end family holiday in Hong Kong. Other than lots of culinary adventures, trip to drugstores are a must for me, too. Mind me, this is not a review post, just want to share what my haul are from the trip, including some transit haul (I just love Changi Airport-especially Watsons in T3 for fast shopping). Enjoy!
shintarosvita 
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