Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide: Targeted Treatments Part 1 (Anti-Acne, Oil Control & Whitening)

In this installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide, I will be diving into targeted treatments from acne to oil control to whitening.

Using a specific product for your specific skin type and problem will help solve the skin issues you face quicker and more effectively.


Anti-Acne:

I used to have problematic skin in high school and all throughout junior and senior year, I was plagued with horrible teenage acne. I still have to deal with regular zits constantly and I have somehow accepted it as just one of the few bumps in my existence. Keeping your skin clean and balanced is all the more important if you're dealing with acne.

I especially like University Medical AcneFree Clear Skin System (US$19.49) - I first came across this at Costco 3 years ago and it just so happened I ran out of products and so I just threw it in the cart and didn't think much of it. After 2 weeks of daily use, I was hooked.

My skin was clearer and looked healthier and breakouts were reduced visibly. I especially love the University Medical AcneFree Sensitive Acne & Blackhead Terminator Medicated Spot Control Gel (1oz/28g) (US$5.99) [a combination of Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide] - it dries up zits and peels the top layer of the inflamed skin off to quickly combat persistent zits. I brought a few kits back with me when I left the US and gave them to my brother and my brother-in-law who both now swear by it.

I also like Avene Cleanance K Oil-Control Lotion (1.35oz/41g) (US$18). This AHA & BHA (Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids) formula works to gently exfoliate skin daily while clearing up blemishes and blackheads. I love how the high concentration of Avene Spring Water as it helps soothe and hydrate my skin as it clears it up. I passed this product on to my sister and a few of my friends who now use this religiously.

I like Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel Acne Treatment(1.4oz/40g) (US$13.99). Acne and persistent zits leave behind physical reminders that they were once on our faces by means of dark post-inflammatory spots. This masks works to exfoliate dead skin cells while treating acne; removing signs that they were once there. My marks faded with regular use of this and breakouts appeared less frequent. And at such a great price, it's worth a shot.

 


Oil Control:

Oily skin individuals, like myself, are less prone to wrinkles and fine lines but enlarged pores, shiny skin and regular breakouts are just some of the main issues that we have to deal with. There is no physical way to alter the size of your pores; they are pretty much determined by genetics but you can improve the appearance of your pores by regulating oil production and regular exfoliation.

I like Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector #01 Invisible Light 15ml/0.5oz US$25 from Strawberrynet.com. This perfector works to deshines and mattify your skin while reducing the look of your pores. My complexion looked smoother with less visible pores, so much so that people actually think I use makeup. And this isn't makeup. What I like is how it helps resist humidity and sweat making this perfect for tropical climates.

I like Shiseido Men Anti Shine Refresher 30ml/1oz US$37 from Strawberrynet.com. This is one of my current skin staples and I have been using this for a long, long time. This cool gel works to refresh your skin while instantly mattifying it. This keeps my skin looking less shiny for hours. My pores looked smaller and my skin smoother and fresh. So much so that my brother's girlfriend demanded to know what I was using and then went to the store the next day to look for this.

I like Dr. Brandt Pores No More (1oz/30ml) (US$45). This oil absorber works to minimize the look of pores while keeping my skin less shiny for hours. Look forward to a matte, refined complexion.

Whitening:

Besides zits, dark spots are the other bane of my skin existence; especially the dark spots left behind by said inconvenient zits. Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are caused by various factors. The dark spots left behind by acne and pimples are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that result from trauma to the skin - eg. acne.

UV light is a major cause of dark spots. The naturally occuring pigment in your skin is combination of sun damage and a decline in the hormones that regulate the production of melanin. When your skin is exposured to sun, the UV rays can easily break down the collagen and elastin and as a result the skin may become rougher and cause formation of brown, reddish spots due to the excess melanin.

Prolonged sun exposure causes the skin cells to produce more melanin and cause surface pigment changes. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. It helps protect the skin from the harmful sun's rays but increased amount of melanin pigment often result in formation of dark, brown spots.

I like Shiseido Bio Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer (Cream) Whitening Formula 50ml/1.7oz US$98 from Strawberrynet.com. This rich, luxourious cream reverses the signs of past damage done by the sun. My uneven and dull skin looked brighter and more radiant after only a few days of usage. The extra smooth slate that my skin attainted was a wonderful bonus. Sure, it's a tad costly but it's worth the price tag.

I like Lancome Blanc Expert NeuroWhite X3 Ultimate Whitening Hydrating Emulsion 75ml/2.5oz US$73.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This oil-free moisturizer works to intensively hydrate your skin while reducing dark spots and combating melanin production. My skin had a uniformed glow and a healthier appearance. Spots caused by sun exposure were faded and my skin texture refined by the gentle exfoliants.

I like Biotherm White Detox Biotanic[a] Lyzer Stubborn Spots Intense Shooter 15ml/0.5oz US$50 from Strawberrynet.com. This effective spot treatment targets dark spots at the source, eliminating melanin formation and dark particles that settle on surface cells. My dark spots from acne and sun exposure looked lighter after 2 weeks of use. This eraser also contains natural exfoliants that work to shed dead skin cells while promoting the growth of even, healthier looking skin.


I like Clarins White Plus HP Protective Whitening Day Lotion SPF20 50ml/1.7oz US$57 from Strawberrynet.com. This oil free moisturizer works to inhibit melanin production while protecting your skin against the sun and external aggressions. My skin is instantly hydrated after every use with a visible improvement in the apperance of my skin tone. Age spots and post inflammatory spots look lighter.

I like Shiseido White Lucent Concentrated Brightening Serum N 30ml/1oz for US$114.50 at Strawberrynet.com. This concentrated serum works to effectively target dark spots and banish them. While enhancing the moisture level of skin leaving you with a radiant, glowing complexion. I had a bunch of post-inflammatory dark spots left by zits and this helped visibly lighten them while improving the tone of my skin.

I also like Lancome Blanc Expert GN-White Generating New Whiteness Spot Eraser 30ml/1oz US$90 from Strawberrynet.com. This spot treatment targets melanin production at its source while promoting the renewal of dull skin. My sun spots and past breakout marks were visibly lightened while my skin tone received a glowing boost.


Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide, where I will be diving into self-tanners and products for sensitive skin.