Clear Skin Is Three Steps Away: My Experience with Proactiv

We all are troubled by acne at some point of our lives - For most of the people it's when they were at their early teens. However, I was not troubled by acne during my teen years - I basked in the glory of having clear skin while the rest of friends were troubled with acne. It was later, recently, past one or two years that acne was troubled me and have been frequent visitors to teach me the lesson on how my friends felt.

My dermatologist suggested me for glycolic peels but I shuddered at the thought of having glycolic acid on my face and to top it all - I am to refrain myself from roaming anywhere outside for two - three days - JUST STAY HOME - keep washing my face and apply sunscreen every two hours - To see myself shedding my skin Like a SNAKE !!  ewww !!!!

I decided to stick to creams and ointments instead. All the creams and ointments which were prescribed were slow and steady process. Just when I got rid of one acne that kept bothering me for week - BAM!! He left behind a new fella for me to tackle by the time he was gone... BACK TO SQUARE ONE !!

FIRST LOOK AT THE KIT -
Just when I was loosing hope I was offered to a product review on Proactiv Products and I can't stop thanking my stars for the day I started using Proactiv.

Proactiv offered me a starter kit which consisted of basic three products in the Solutions kit.
These are -- Renewing Cleanser
                    Revitalizing Toner
                    Repairing Treatment Lotion.

In addition to the above products - I also got a Refining Mask. I will be reviewing the mask later on.

When I first got the kit, I was worried about TWO THINGS -
Firstly, My face is not fully covered with acne. I do suffer from acne every now and then but I usually get 2- 3 acne or comedones in a particular area on my face.  I had always seen Proactiv ads on Tv  showing people who are majorly troubled with severe acne cases. I had doubt on the products because they seemed to be strong in action and whether it will ruin my skin.

Secondly, I had heard a lot of people saying that once you stop using Proactiv your skin will be prone to severe acne. I had also heard that people who dont have too much acne will be experiencing new breakouts !!

In short, I was petrified as HELL to let these products touch my face...

THE BEGINNING -- 

Nevertheless, After reading and re- reading and going through all the instructions thoroughly I started using the basic three products. I stuck to using the products ONCE DAILY.

Below are the instructions on how to use these products---

My Take On RENEWING CLEANSER--

The Renewing Cleanser is a white colored cleanser which has medicated smell to it. The cleanser has a beady rough texture to it. This is because of micro crystals of medicinal ingredient in the product  - 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide. The Benzoyl Peroxide functions as a aid in acne relief.
The formulated Cleanser with tiny round beads helps in exfoliating the skin, removing dead skin cells and cleansing the skin of acne causing bacteria.
I use to apply the Cleanser on wet face and let it sit for a minute for the medicine to properly reach into my pores and cleanse them.
The first time I used it - The product causes a tingling sensation on your skin. That is because of the volume of benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser which trigger sensitive responses.

Caution - After you are done with the cleanser, Be sure to rinse the face thoroughly with water so excess product doesn't remain on your skin.



My Take On REVITALIZING TONER--

The Revitalizing Toner is the next step of the regimen. It comes as a light green colored solution in a transparent flip cap top bottle.
The first time I used the toner I experienced tingling sensations again on my face. Looking at the ingredients of the toner - I noticed it had glycolic acid as its component in the product. Glycolic acid is also known in management of acne - As in, It prevents buildup of acne scars. Also the toner helped in drying out the skin and glycolic acid decreased the capability of dead cell skin to mix with skin lipids. This weakens their bond and smooth skin layer is gained by stripping away dead cells.
  
Caution-- Allow the skin to breathe for sometime after applying cleanser. Then after sometime, Use cotton ball to apply toner on your face. Let it sit for 2 mins and allow it to dry. Do not rinse your face after applying toner.


 My Take On REPAIRING LOTION--

Lastly, Repairing Lotion is to be applied on the affected areas. This lotion comes in a smaller bottle with a flip cap. It is a white colored lotion in which the main ingredient is benzoyl peroxide.
The moment you apply this lotion - It STINGS you like hell !! The texture of the lotion is very light and it is easily absorbed into your skin. The lotion wont leave your skin greasy but yes ! You will feel tingling sensation for a while after applying the lotion. The sensation subsides after few minutes of application. Do not rinse your face after application of the lotion.
  
The JOURNAL --
Along with the kit, I was provided with a journal to keep a track on changes of the skin in the coming weeks. The journal requires you to record the changes you notice thru the period of 4-6 weeks of continuously using Proactiv Products.

Below are the changes that I observed on my skin ---

FIRST DAY USING PROACTIV -- I have oily skin, with acne on my chin area, around the nose and 3-4 acne on both of my cheeks. I have just started using proactive ONCE DAILY on my entire face.

WEEK TWO -- After using Proactiv for one week over the entire face, my skin around the nose had become very very dry. The toner and the cleanser caused my skin to become flaky and dry. The skin on my cheek area was less drier than that around the nose. This was resolved by applying moisturizer after using Repairing Lotion.
Since the products were causing skin drying to large extent, I decided to use all the three products ONLY ON THE AFFECTED AREAS OF MY SKIN.

WEEK FIVE-- After using Proactiv for five weeks now, I saw new comedones emerging on my forehead area. Also I saw a large pimple around my nose which did not seem to go away. It was then I stuck to my three step process ONCE daily and in addition to that , I started applying the repairing lotion TWICE. Once during the day time and then before going to bed. 

WEEK EIGHT TO THE PRESENT DAY--
After using Proactiv products for 8 weeks now, My skin has cleared out a lot !! I was not affected by severe acne hence I will recommend people like me to apply the three products ONLY ON AFFECTED AREAS AND NOT TO THE ENTIRE FACE. I also got rid of my stubborn acne around the nose just recently. My blemishes are also started disappearing which is quite a surprise. 

Proactiv is very convenient to use. Plenty of people might be captivated by the concept that Proactiv can make your skin worst. Some might say once you stop using the products - Acne will come back on your skin lot worst. Personally I have not yet experienced this. All in all, I am quite satisfied with the results Proactiv has shown on my face.

My friend also suggested me to use A MILDER VERSION OF PROACTIV PRODUCTS which are suited for people like me who do not have severe acne problem.

You can check out Proactiv Products HERE. The Indian website also allows you to place an order and they also offer Cash On Delivery Option.



Please Note: The product was provided by the company for consideration purposes. 

Himalaya Herbals Neem Face pack : ZAP 'EM ACNE AWAY !

Women have always tried to enhance their beauty. Cosmetics and skincare were an integral part of women's life since Prehistoric times.

Face Packs are used not only to cleanse your skin but also to maintain its firmness.Roman women also used face packs using ingredients like crocodile dung ( Eww! -- Anyway-- who has guts to collect croc dung!!)


Enough of history !! Let's come to my current favourite face pack of the month - Himalaya Herbals Neem Face Pack !!  Don't doubt me but I have been loyal to my Fuller's earth for ages now - Its the only thing that works on my oily/combination, acne prone skin.

Apart from Fuller's Earth - This product is one of best things that has happened to me ... hehehehe... Here's the review of face pack --

Product: Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack.

Price and Quantity: 115 INR for 100 gms.

Action:

Clears skin and prevents outbreak and recurrence of pimples.Rejuvenates and firms up the skin. Imparts natural glow. Antibacterialpurifying Neem Face Pack regulates excess oil secretion, cleans clogged poresand prevents recurrence of pimples. Improves skin texture. Neem, well known forits antibacterial properties, helps in controlling acne and pimples, and theirrecurrence. When combined with Turmeric, it effectively eliminates acne-causingbacteria. Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti) cools and soothes the skin.


Indications:

Oily and Pimple-prone skin.


Ingredients Include:

•               Azadirachta indica (Neem, Nimba)

•               Panka (Fuller's earth, Multani Mitti)

•               Curcuma longa (Turmeric, Haridra)



Use Directions:

Apply evenly over cleansed face and neck, avoiding the areaaround eyes. Allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes. Remove with wet sponge and washthe skin with cool water. Use once or twice a week.

My Take on the Product: 

My dermatologist had advised me to use "Sandalwood powder" as a face pack everyday to dry up my sebum producing glands. 

So apart from using Sandalwood powder, I apply this Face Pack twice a week. 

This face pack comes in a handy tube like packaging with a green flip cap. The tube is to be squeezed to dispense the product. 

The mask is thick and dark green in colour, with a strong herbal scent. While I'm okay with it, I suggest everyone to smell the product before you buy it. 

I apply the face pack with a help of my face pack brush, spreading it on evenly. It makes me look like a green Alien Monster !!!. 

I leave it on for about 20 minutes, and after it dries just wet it a little bit again to exfoliate before washing it thoroughly off. 

The texture of the face pack is thick and rough with neem leaves in it hence it becomes easy to exfoliate your skin before completely removing the pack from your face. 

So far the product has done excellent job of keeping my skin pimple free. It soothes the skin and helps to reduce the blemishes. It has a decent job of clearing your pores and help in oil control. 

The best thing about this product is that it is cheap and easily available in local drugstores or hypermarkets. I also suggest using this product along with neem face wash and neem scrub. It works the best. 

Please note: Product sent by the company's PR for consideration. 

How many of you beauty's have tried this one ??? Did it work for you ?? Let me know !! 

luv,

Rids

xoxo

Himalaya Refreshing Fruit Pack

I was going through a very bad bouts of break-outs sometime ago and that was when my dermatologist suggested me to use face packs to soak up all the sebum from the oil glands of the skin. Since then I have been a regular user of face packs. Face packs have definitely improved my overall skin tone and also have helped me to control my oil glands of the skin.

I believe that if you are not a regular visitor of beauty parlors for regular clean ups and facial, you must definitely use face packs regularly at home which will cleanse your skin and also help in maintaining the firmness of skin. It also helps in maintaining your skin balance.

I have had oily skin for quite sometime now and I swear by the miracles of mud packs and Fuller earth. I am having an affair with them. I keep coming back to it no matter whatever new product I try. So when I was given the opportunity to use Himalaya Refreshing Fruit Pack - I was curious to see how it will work on my skin.


Product: Himalaya Refreshing Fruit Pack.
Quantity: 50 gms
Price: 60 INR

Action:
A unique formulation of natural ingredients that rejuvenates the facial skin. Enriched with Apple, a rich source of natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) that nourish and improve the skin glow. Fig and Cucumber, provide cooling effect to your skin. Papaya removes freckles and smoothens the skin. Fuller’s Earth soothes the skin and removes blackheads and deeply embedded impurities.

Usage:
Clean face and neck with Himalaya Herbals Deep Cleansing Milk. Apply Refreshing Fruit Pack evenly over face and neck, avoiding area around eyes and mouth. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes and remove with wet sponge/towel. Rinse with cool water. For best results, use once a week

 My Experience with the Product:
The face pack comes in a sturdy tube like packaging with a green flip cap. It is very travel friendly.
This product worked well on my skin. It did not do any wonders but I guess it will work better for normal to dry skin toned people.
The first time I applied it, I felt a tingling sensation on my face which was weird.Anyway - the pack was successful in firming my facial skin tone. It did not brighten up my skin or anything.
With regular use, this face pack is successful in smoothing your skin tone.
I could not test its claim of whether the face pack is successful in removing blackheads because I don't have any.
The texture of the pack is very creamy which effortlessly spreads onto your skin and has a nice cooling effect on your skin.
I love the smell of the face pack which is chiefly of apples and papaya.

Love it or chuck it ?
Its a good face pack for normal to dry skinned people. Regular usage will certainly show results.


 Please note: The product was sent by the company's PR for consideration.

SkinCeuticals Blemish+ Age Defense

Managing oily skin and acne prone skin along with using anti-aging products isn't always easy. It's hard to find products that won't break you out or make you more of an oil slick but will also work on fine lines,  brightness etc.

Earlier this summer I  tried  out a product I'd been eyeing for awhile, Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense.  I also went 3 step, using their LHA Cleanser & LHA Solution( toner).

Because this makes you photosensitive I stopped using the serum after a week since I am in the pool a lot and therefore  in the sun. I use the best sunscreen  I can get but even with  re-applying  you still battle keeping it on in the water all day.

However , I can still say that it works .  In that one week I noticed a difference quickly.  Actually, I noticed a big difference  in how smooth/brighter my skin was in one application.

Overall skin was smoother, less oily and looked brighter. I can only imagine what a months long routine can do.  It's  very strong ( I'll get to the ingredients shortly)  which is one reason  I imagine it works. Nothing has fazed my skin before but this did irritate  a little, but only a little and very  briefly.  I didn't have any drying of my skin either .

Blemish +Age Defense  has 2 % Dioic acid to reduce sebum production and  acne causing bacteria as well as prevent hyperpigmentation, 0.3 % LHA which decongests pores and reduces signs of aging, 1.5 % Salicyclic acid, 3.5 % Glycolic acid and 0.5 % Citric acid.

Derms often say that high doses of Glycolic acid is one of the few ways to truly reduce lines and darker spots .With that,  I plan on starting back on the serum once fall sets in to whip my skin into after summer sun shape.

I've continued using the  LHA cleanser and toner ( both of which have smaller amounts of glycolic and salicyclic acid)  and  my skin has stayed  fairly blemish free , more than usual I think considering how hot it is . Most happily I think it's kept the pores far less clogged and that's a big plus.

Bottom Line- Skinceuticals in general makes great skincare and if you want anti-aging but are afraid to break out your skin, then this is one for you to look at.  It won't add any excess moisture but will blast oils and spots as well as exfoliate the skin to a smoother look.

Blemish+Age Defense is $ 78.00
LHA Cleansing Gel $ 36.00
LHA Solution Toner $ 36.00

http://www.skinceuticals.com/

Oriflame Blackhead Astringent

Oriflame has a great range of products which can be used by everyone including the men. The different products are specifically designed for all the different skin types making Oriflame a popular choice among everyone.

I had got Oriflame's Blackhead astringent some time back when my skin was troubled with lots of acne and comedones. Although I don't suffer from blackheads - I thought of giving this product a try to see if works on my comedones or  not.

Hence after using this astringent for quite sometime ...Here's my take on the product.


Product: Oriflame Pure Skin Blackhead Astringent.
Price & Quantity: 398 INR Rupees for 150ml

Claims: A powerful wipe-on astringent, effective in tackling blackheads. With salicylic acid to cleanse pores. Sweep over face to remove excess oil and get rid of dead skin cells.

My views on the product:
This product comes in a big blue bottle with screw cap top.
I use to apply a bit of the astringent after washing my face and it instantly calms your skin and helps in controlling the redness of skin due to acne.
The product effectively removes away the dirt that the cleanser was not able to wash away from your skin.
I can't really comment on the blackhead removal but yeah it was successful in preventing formation of new comedones on my skin.
It did nothing to the existing comedones on my skin.
All in All - It is a very effective product for us oilies out there. 

Mario Badescu Home & Away Kit for Nordstrom Beauty Sale

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale ends Aug 1st .  There were many great items and I haven't highlighted nearly enough. But in the last minute(s) I had to tell you about this Mario Badescu kit in case you haven't noticed it.

Called the Home and Away Kit, it's big claim to fame as far as I'm concerned is that it  has a Drying Lotion in a plastic bottle. And it's full size  not a mini. PERFECTION. Badescu Drying Lotion is one of the greatest acne zapping products ever ( 1st post on it from 2007 here) and when I have to take a trip I always wrestle with taking my glass bottle or taking some other product and hoping a huge zit doesn't happen. This kit takes that problem right out of your hands. A large and small Acne Cleanser rounds out the kit. All you need to take it on the road and blast acne at home.

 The 'Home' set includes a full-size Acne Facial Cleanser (6 oz.) and full size glass bottle of the Drying Lotion (1 oz.). The 'Away' set contains a carry-on approved, travel-size Acne Facial Cleanser (2 oz.) and a full-size Drying Lotion (1 oz.) in a travel-friendly plastic bottle.


Exclusive to Nordstrom Sale: $35.00

Makari Clear Acnyl Cream

I have combination -oily skin and have been plagued by pimples and acne for past few months. Some of you must be aware that I was also undergoing a treatment for these pimples and acne. Its been two months now since I started treatment and now my skin has really improved.

I got to use this cream just when I was having bouts of pimples again on my left cheek. So I used this cream along with other medications for a few days and later I used this cream alone to test its claims. So here is the review. . .

Product: Makari De Suisse Creme Clear - Acnyl Cream

Price: 3000 Rupees

Quantity: 100ml

 About Makari De Suisse Creme Clear - Acnyl Cream 

Specially formulated to help diminish the appearance of pimples while clarifying the skin. Fights against the excess production of sebum. Acts as an antiseptic cream. Contains active soothing and clearing agents. Apply twice daily on the face or on any other affected by blemishes with a gentle massage.

Direction of usage

This product has been specially formulated for Acne prone and Oily Skin. While using this product, do not use any other products that are greasy or oily. When necessary, only use make up suited to your skin.

Apply Twice daily on face or any other parts affected by pimples. Please Cleanse face thoroughly before using Anti-Acne Clarifying Cream.

Ingredients:

Product has Parabens in it !!!

My Take On this Product: 

The first time I used this product I had applied it right after stepping out of shower but then I realized it made my skin oily. So later on, I use to spot apply the cream on my pimples and blemishes twice a day. 
I quite liked the fragrance of this cream. The cream is very nicely scented which lingers on for a while and instantly calms you.
The next thing I noticed about this cream was its TEXTURE - It was oily and rich which scared the day lights out of me ! I was skeptical that the cream ll cause more breakouts to erupt on my face. The cream,however, instantly was absorbed into my skin. 
I used this cream along with my other medications - and it sped up the process of vanishing my pimple away.
I used this cream "alone" without my other medications & it didnt do much to my pimple.
This cream never cause any allergic reactions - Other "Plus Point" !!
Lastly, the price for this cream is HUGEEEEEEEEEE ....... Its so costly.. .!!

Love it or chuck it ?
Its too early to give my opinion on this cream... The  quantity provided in the sachet can't help to decide whether this cream works or not. I will definitely recommend using this cream along with other medication as it worked wonderfully on my skin to get rid of pimples.

Please note: This product was sent by the company's PR for consideration. 

Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare - Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

A few weeks back I got a package from Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare . I was given lots of material to read up and know more about the company. I had got their multi - award winner product which is Cleanse & Hot Cloth Cleanser. After using this product for a few weeks - Here's my review on it . . .

The product was so cutely packed in a tracing paper. 

 

 

Lots of Reading material provided - Newsletter booklet, Price List and Product Catalogue

About the company:

Liz Earle Naturally Active skincare was founded in 1995 and has 16 years of botanical beauty expertise. We are passionate about all we do and create products that work on every skin type by harnessing the potent powers of the finest quality naturally active ingredients. Our products offer a simple, no-fuss and dependable routine for everyone.
For more information, Visit their website HERE.

About the Product:

We only make one cleanser because this formulation is the ultimate in concentrated yet gentle cleansing power and works on every age and skin type.
Our plant-based cleanser has a 2-phase action, phase 1 is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make-up, even stubborn mascara.
Phase 2 is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to help gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.
Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, clearer skin.

Suitable for all skin types

How to Use:

Cleanse daily morning and night using this two-step process:

Step 1: Massage 1 or 2 pumps gently onto dry skin over face and neck. Free from mineral oil, its rich and creamy texture swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make-up, including stubborn mascara.

Step 2: Rinse the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wring out before gently polishing off the cream to gently remove dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.


Splash face with cool clean water and follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic and your choice of moisturiser.

Ingredients:

Aqua (water), Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl esters, Sorbitan stearate, Polysorbate 60, Glycerin, Cera alba (beeswax), Propylene glycol, Humulus lupulus (hops) extract, Panthenol, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, Anthemis nobilis (chamomile) extract, Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) oil, Limonene, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic acid, Polyaminopropyl biguanide.

My Take on the Product:

I have been using this product, since the time I got it and I am all GAGA over it.
The cleanser comes in a sleek green bottle with a pump dispenser. A single pump is all that it required to cleanse my entire face.
This cleanser effectively removes all traces of dirt and makeup from your skin.
For reference, I have oily - combination skin tone which is sensitive and very prone to acne and pimples, But this cleanser suits my skin and didnt give me any allergic reaction.
The muslin cloth provided does a very good job of removing dirt and makeup and gently exfoliates your skin.
The results are best when you use a warm muslin cloth on your face - It massages your skin and improves circulation.
The warm muslin cloth opens up your pores thus cleansing you skin thoroughly. Splash cold water to close up all the pores when you use warm muslin cloth. 
The cleanser has rich and creamy texture and smells of eucalyptus and cocoa butter. The good thing about this cleanser is that it doesnt sting your eyes at all.
Regular use of this cleanser definitely improves your skin tone - making it soft and radiant.
I would also recommend washing your muslin cloth after a 10 uses to avoid any infection to your skin - thanks to the microbes which might harbor on your muslin cloth.

Love it or Chuck it ? 
Definitely love it - suitable to all skin types and You wont regret investing your money in this product. No wonder this product is a multi- award winner.

Please note: The product was sent by the company's PR for consideration.

Dermadew - Acne Soap Review

Hi everyone ... its time for another review .. this time it is a acne soap which is prescribed to me by my dermatologist. Yes I am suffering from acne since past two months now, it is really bothering me and I am frankly very sick and tired mentally of it. As soon as i am successful in getting rid of one... another two of my  "best friends" pop out to say hello . . . . .

It was then I lost hope and decided to visit dermatologist who first suggested me to go in for glycolic peeling . . .which I am sure we all are aware of what that is. . . I declined to go in for that treatment because I don't suffer from that many acne . . .

So she had started on series of medicines and ointments. She also prescribed me this soap and suggested me to use this for my face everyday.

So let's have a look at this soap - -

This soap comes in a packaged box and it shaped very similar as to Dove's soap. The soap does have a faint medicated smell which does not bother much and its very faintly bluish whitish in color.

  What the product says ?

Price: It is expensively priced at 115 Rupees.

Ingredients: 
Oleo Base Surfactant
Triclosan
Ethyl lactate
Zinc PCA
Salicylic acid
Manuka concentrate
Willow Extract
Tea Tree Oil
Olive oil
Aloe vera
Glycerine


My Take on the Product: 





I absolutely love this soap. It is very gentle on the skin and does not dry out my skin.
It is successful in removing all the dirt and grime. Also it keeps my face matte and oil free for 2- 3 hours.
I noticed that ever since i started using this soap -there has been no new breakouts.
This soap is not successful in getting rid of your existing acne and pimples. It certainly prevents from new ones to occur.
The medicated smell does not linger at all which is a plus point for me.
This soap is successful in getting rid of tiny comedones i had on my face.
You cannot however expect overnight results with this soap. It takes time and slowly shows its effects.

Love it or Chuck it ? 
Love it ! My dermatologist has prescribed me to use this soap thrice daily. 

Himalaya Neem Foaming Face Wash - A review

Today I will be reviewing –Himalaya Neem Foaming face wash. I had used Himalaya neem face wash before. This foaming face wash is something new for me. 

What the product claims:

Unlike soap, neem foaming face wash does not leave your face feeling dry and stretched. Its gentle blend of herbs cleanses your skin deeply by removing impurities and excess oil. Neem, well known for its antibacterial properties, kills problem causing bacteria. Combined with turmeric, it effectively controls acne and pimples. As a result, u feel refreshed, your skin looks clear soft and supple.

Price and Quantity:  195 rupees for 150 ml

Directions:

Moisten face. Apply and massage gently. Wash off and pat dry.

Ingredients:

Each ml contains: exts, nimba 50 mg. haridra 5mg , ushira 5 mg.
Natural herbal ingredients may tend to change color over time. However the product efficacy remains unchanged.

Let’s look at the benefits each ingredients have: ( got it from wikipedia n other sites)

Neem has traditionally been used to maintain a healthy skin, flawless complexion and also to keep skin related diseases and problems at bay. The blood purifying properties found in active neem compounds help to maintain youthful and healthy skin. Skin Disorders treated by Neem Products include Rashes, Eczema, Ringworm, Scabies, Acne , Pimples and Blemishes.

Turmeric paste is traditionally used by Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair and as an antimicrobial. Turmeric paste, as part of both home remedies and Ayurveda, is also said to improve the skin and is touted as an anti-aging agent. Some may use turmeric in skin creams as an antiseptic agent for cuts, burns and bruises.

Ushira is one of the best refrigerant herbs that cools and calms the entire body and mind. The paste of ushira and sandal wood is applied on skin, in burning sensation. In prickly heat, the paste of ushira, coriander fruit and musta is applied with benefit. The paste of ushira roots is applied by itself to alleviate the burning sensation, excessive sweating and foul body smell. It is also beneficial in various skin ailments to improve the complexion of the skin.

Look at the product:

This product comes in a sturdy plastic cylindrical transparent bottle with green colored liquid in it. It has a transparent cap which comes off to reveal a white pump which dispenses the product. The product has new innovative pump which pumps liquid and air simultaneously through a tiny nozzle. This causes the liquid product to turn into foam. Enough of rocket science!

My view on the product: 

The product lives upto the claim of controlling acne and pimples.  I particularly like Himalaya Brand face washes because they are mild and do not contain harsh chemicals. This face wash is soap- free which is another plus point.

The foam it dispenses is enough for entire face and is very light. It effectively deep cleanses the face and doesn’t dry out your skin. It is also successful at keeping your face oil- free for 2 hours max.

A foamy light face wash ready to use is a boon for us lazy people out there.

Another thing I love about this face wash is the fragrance. It is very herbal- like and pleasant. The smell won’t over power your senses.

This product is travel- friendly since the cap stays tightly secured during your holiday trips. It is not suitable to carry it out handbags – will be too bulky for that.

The product, however, did not get rid of the whiteheads I have. It is also a bit pricey. 

  

Love it or chuck it ?

Love it - yes !  I will definitely pick up this product again ...  :) 

Have you tried this product?? what do you think about it ? ? 

Please note : Product sent by the company for consideration. 

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

It's summer and it's hot. When you have oily skin like I do, that means it going to be even oilier, greasy and well ,you get the idea.

A foundation with some acne helping ingredients seemed like a great idea. I have used Rimmel's Stay Matte and like it well enough but it's really sheer . I prefer more coverage. For some reason acne helping makeup =light coverage . Doesn't anyone get that spots and pores need more coverage? Well it seems Clinique did.

Their new Acne Solutions makeup is fabulous. I expected I would like it but not like this. I get medium/full but light feeling coverage that lasts all day. That almost never happens. The foundation goes on smoothly , evenly and looks great on. It isn't matte but manages to block the oil in my T Zone incredibly well. I needed to blot down only once . Most days it's at least twice and that's with a matte foundation/primer.

I have used this both with and without my CoverFx Clear Prep primer. It's better with the primer certainly, but does well both ways.

Acne solutions has .5 % salicyclic acid in the formula , so you get a low dose of acne banishing meds with your foundation.

With more adults having acne, this is a great choice for women who have oil/acne but don't want barely there formulas.

Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup is on counter now and is $ 24.50

Sampar Prodigal Pen for Acne

The Sampar Pen for acne is another of those products I've been interested in for a long time. It's an all essential oil, natural product from France.

Housed in a small rollerball cylinder, the Sampar pen has done a nice job on the acne spots I have had . It takes a little longer to heal them that something super drying and strong, but the benefit here is that it is more gentle using all essential oils. It still works within 2-3 days. The pen utilises 8 essential oils incl. lavender, sage, and oregano, with 100 % natural ingredients.

Another great benefit is the portability and ease of use. It's smaller than a lipstick, and can easily be carried in a pocket, bag, etc. It's colorless, so you can use it during the day for touch ups if needed as well. It will go easily over your makeup. You can use it up to 4-5 times day as needed.

Size is 6ml (.21oz) and retail is $ 21.00

Online at http://www.skinstore.com/ , http://www.apothica.com/ (currently on backorder)

http://www.samparusa.com/

Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer

Clinique has a new concealer just for acne/acne prone skin. This is good news. If you've looked , you'll see there aren't too many concealers for the really oily or acne prone. We needed more.

When I heard back in Spring that Fresh was coming out with a clay based concealer, I was so excited. Clay is so good for oil absorbing. But, it turns out the product has jojoba seed oil in it. So it's not really for me. I hear great things about it from many, but there is no way I can put that on my Texas oil well of a nose.

Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer has Salicyclic acid to help treat acne and break up oil, 10-Hydroxydecanoic acid to help control the spread of acne causing agents on the skin, Laminaria Saccharina extract, a seaweed that helps reduce sebum production as well as Caffeine to reduce redness.

What all that means is that your concealer won't add to your oil problem.

This holds up well throughout the day. I 've used it under my makeup and it has helped keep the shine down. You only need very little to cover a good size area.

There are 3 shades and a green tint for extra redness.

$ 13.50 at all counters in July

Miracle product- Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Warm weather is upon us, and it's time for me to start posting about Summer must haves, and a couple Miracle Products, as I call them. With oily skin in a humid , hot summer, I have looked high and low for many years for the products that won't melt, sweat off,or run. Ones that will clear up acne , and keep oil at bay. Happliy there are more now. Back in my teen years, how I could have used all these, but I am glad they are here now. So off and on for the next week I will be posting these must haves.

First up- Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. This is the miracle. It truly dries up the dreaded pimples in one night, or if they are tougher, deeper ones, maybe 2-3 nights. It's seriously strong , kick butt pimple fighter.

It's also pink, so you really need to apply at night. You dip a Q-tip into the jar of solution( without shaking or stirring), and dab onto the inflamed area. It dries very quickly. Go do your evening stuff or head to bed. By morining pimples be gone, or almost .


I can't say enough about how wonderful this is. My last bottle, I bought an unused tester, as thats all the store had. They were out and I was not leaving with out my drying lotion. I was out and it's an hour drive to get it. Do not get between the Alchemist and a miracle product.


It sells for 17.00 and lasts really long. Mario Badescu is avalible at Nordstrom, Blue Mercury Stores, www. mariobadescu.com


For you acne sufferers, another hint that involves no products. Swim in a chlorinated pool. Yes, the fashion mags go on and on about how chlorine is drying, well if you're really oily, be it skin or hair, thats a good thing. Even a small amount of time spent in the pool each week, will make a huge difference in any acne you have, and will keep much of it from coming on. It also keeps oily hair clean much longer. As soon as pool season ends, my skin goes retrograde, my hair gets oily quicker. I lament the chlorine loss. So swim, heal up your skin and have fun at the same time.

Pool photo by The Alchemist