Tag: jerawat

THE JOURNEY OF ‘TRETINOIN NEWBIE’

Disclaimer: I’m not a dermatologist. I’m just happy to share my experiences and if I can help others achieving clearer and healthier skin, I might get a good skin karma in return.

In this post I’ll share the progress pics and the concoction of my so called ‘first client’. Just a glimpse of the client’s data: early 20’s, oily skin, cystic acne and blackheads (mostly on forehead and cheeks), definitely a Tretinoin Newbie. 

WARNING: disturbing skin pictures ahead.

  • WEEK 1
  • WEEK 2
  • WEEK 1
  • WEEK 2

It was not easy to assure the client to use Retinol, because of the ‘Retinol Uglies’ that might happened in the first 4-8 weeks. Mine took 8 weeks to fully recovered, while my client already showed improvements (no more cystic acne) on 4 weeks time. Yes, it might vary to each person.

FYI, as an amateur skin coach, I worked on the my first clients’ skincare routine, and adding new products to be used based on my experiences with my own acne’s issues.

The Retinol Myth is true: YOUR SKIN WILL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER.

  • WEEK 3
  • WEEK 4
  • WEEK 3
  • WEEK 4

Some important notes:

  • You need to be more patient and understanding when it comes to using Retinol (Tretinoin or Adapalene) for the first time. 
  • Start with the smallest concentration of Retinol in cream form to reduce irritation and minimize ‘Retinol Uglies’. Using a pea-sized amount, any other day at night time.
  • Progress won’t happen overnight, but trust me, you will feel incredible when you see and feel the results.
  • Stick to the same routine and products for the ‘Retinol Uglies’ period. 
  • Whenever the skin feel sore and uncomfortable, I recommend to use Thermal Water Spray generously and wait to dry by itself (do not pat).

I was thinking to do this skin coach thing professionally, if I succeeded with my ‘first client’. I’ll update you next month when my first client hits 8 weeks.

  • BEFORE (4 WEEKS AGO)
  • AFTER

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RETINOL

Got a few DM on my Instagram about Retinol, so I guess I’ll answer them here while also giving you update on my skin condition.

Disclaimer: I’m not a dermatologist, so these are totally based on my own personal experience. 

WHEN I STARTED IN AUGUST 2020, AND CLEARED UP IN OCTOBER 2020

Q: If I successfully cleared up acne after using Retinol, shall I continue using it or stop?
A: Based on my own experience, I tried to reduce the usage to once every night. So on non-Retinol night, I’ll use other actives serums like AHA or BHA (depends on my skin’s condition).

MY SKIN CONDITION (FEBRUARY 2021)

Q: Will the acne be back even after you manage to clear them out using Retinol?
A: As long as I’m alive, I guess I’d still have acne hanging around. My mom used to tell me that after I passed my teenage years, my acne would clear up by themselves. Well, they didn’t. Hormonal acne on chin area are the worst for me, so they’d pop out uninvited, no matter how clean I cleansed or how diligent I am with my routine.

Q: What’s the correct order to apply Retinol on one’s skincare routine?
A: First thing first, use it at your night time skincare routine. Mine would be: double cleanse, hydrating toner, Niacinamide serum (just because it works well with Retinol), moisturiser then Retinol. If you’ve been following me, you’d probably know that I use two types of Retinol, Adapalene as base and Retinoic Acid as spot treatment. Please don’t apply them on their own, at least you can do is to mix with your moisturiser after cleansing. 

Q: How about the skincare routine for morning, after using Retinol?
A: Best that you can do is to treat your skin gently in the morning. Cleanse with gentle cleanser, use hydrating toner, moisturiser and never forget your sunscreen (even if you are not out and about like me). 

Q: What type of Retinol are you using now?
A: Evalen Adapalene Cream 0.1% and Vitacid 0.05% Retinoic Acid Cream. Adapalene went first for the whole face, then Retinoic Acid as spot treatment (on acne and acne marks). Both are local products, so they’re affordable. 

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