In Grade 4; as if my short height wasn't humiliating enough, my face started to break out in pimples.
Luckily, I was never the child who had severe acne all around my face. Instead I would usually be the host to one HUGE red and disgusting spot on my face. I hated it - it'd peel, bleed, scar and hurt. Although it was only one spot, it was one too many. I started washing my face more vigorously, praying that water alone would make it disappear. I'd also avoid touching it with my fingers and made sure I'd always wipe away my mouth after eating to prevent oil or food collecting around the area.
Fortunately through my transition to high school, my face started to clear up. I hadn't used any products besides water and soap up until Year 8. My first choice was Clearasil Blackheads scrub, toner and moisturizer. Along with daily hygiene skills, over time the blackheads lessened yet my skin became drier and even began to break out again. Go back to mornings when you'd wake up in horror to find new dot to dot constellations on your face.
The most prone areas to pimples on my face is the infamous T zone (across the forehead, down to from the top of the nose to the bottom of the chin). Having a fringe (especially straight fringes) would cause even faster build up of oil on my forehead, so I 'll usually have it clipped up and out of my eyes. Sleep deprivation, stress and menstruation were also the main factors leading to pimples.
I stopped using the Clearasil brand and religiously became involved in Shiseido for nearly four years now, as well as a few other skin care products found in the cupboard. Oh Shiseido, you are a life saver. *Inserts romantic music and long walks on the beach*
Current products used:
Here is my weekly routine after a shower:
I strongly believe in three stages of skin care - Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize.
Cleanse:
Apply to wet face and gently scrub Garnier Clean Detox Detoxifying Exfoliation Wash (1)
or
Shiseido The Skincare Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam (2)
Tone:
Using one cotton wool, squirt a small amount of Shiseido Pureness Balancing Softener (4)
or
Neutrogena Alcohol - Free Toner (6)
(NB: As you can see in (4) there is nearly no more left, so I've been using (6) for the past couple of months.)
Moisturize:
Apply a small rice grain sized on cheeks, forehead, nose and chin Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer (5)
or
Shiseido The Skincare Hydro - nourishing softener (3) (Usually used when I'm heading out of the house)
Skin care for eyes:
Dab Dove Energy Glow Eye Brightening Cream (7) beneath the eyes.
Other natural skin care treatments:
- Cutting slices of fresh cold cucumbers and applying them around the face for 30 minutes.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wearing sunscreen and avoid harsh UV rays.
- Have a normal sleeping pattern!
MY FACE (plus damp hair!)
My mother says that at this age, we're roses that have just bloomed. Soon we won't be as youthful and radiant as before. Pinch the back of your hand and your skin bounces back to shape - one day it won't. Our skin will age and change, so we'd best treasure this moment and treat it right before the inevitable ends ey?