acne dermatology

How I dealt with Acne


My Skin, Circa 2007

When I saw this picture on my photobucket, I sincerely was surprised how I was able to survive that skin state. And I know that many girls are currently experiencing the same state and I have a few things to tell you on how you can achieve an acne-free skin as according to my experience.

1. Stop whatever you are using on your skin. The moment multiple acne comes out, it is better to stop anything you are currently using. Just use a mild soap like Dove unscented bar or Cetaphil. These two have been known to be recommended by dermatologists and proven to be safe for very sentive skin.

One product you can use is a sunblock. Use a sunblock made to be applied on the face and oil-free or something that is good for sensitive or acneic skin like VMV Armada for the face because sun protection is one thing we can never give up even if our skin is full of acne. Our face gets exposed to UV rays even indoors through lights and computer screens, so please don't sacrifice this.

2. Consult a Dermatologist. As I've repeatedly said in so many posts I've made with regard to skin care. Seeing a certified doctor of the skin is the most important thing to do, not only in trying out products but of course, to give solutions for our skin problems. I've had a lot of hits and misses in my years of going to different dermatologist but seeing one is the best decision I've ever made in fighting my acne.
Those that I can vouch for:
1. Dermclinic - When my mom brought to this popular skin clinic, it was the first derma I've ever tried and despite the hefty price tag attached to their services and products, I achieved an acne-free skin with their acne treatments and products.
2. Renu Skin Clinic (Megamall) - Again, despite the prestige of this clinic, they have maintained my skin really well and the products used are meant to cure acne.
3. House of Obagi (Greenbelt 5) - Their acne treatment for me is truly 5 stars given that they use Obagi products through the whole procedure and the Clenziderm set has helped in keeping acne at bay.
4. M.D. Eastwood - Dra. Adao was the only derma who recommended that I finally use Acnetrex for faster results and she laid down all the side effects and she made sure my body was ready for it. She was very diligent and supportive which I love.
5. Skinnovation (C. Raymundo, Pasig) - the no-fuss beautiful doctors of this clinic has reasonable rates and seeing them has always lead to positive results. Not to mention that it's very convenient for me to go to their clinic since it's a stone's throw away from my place.

3. Never self-medicate. I know internet now has a lot of information that'll make you think you don't need to see a doctor but I highly don't advise doing this. Acne are caused by many different things and there may be some medication that you are allergic to. For example, you might be allergic to ethrytromycin and may not be aware for it. Just don't do this especially if your acne is way more than you can handle.

4. Never use whitening products or treatments while dealing with acne. I'm sure many of you would want to get rid of those dark blemishes, but only you are fully cured of your acne, refrain from this as it may aggravate your situation. I know aestheticians refuse skin-peeling and microdermabrasion when acne is still ripe and untreated.
5. Avoid foods that can cause acne such as oily foods. I recently found out I'm allergic to eggs so now I cannot eat anything as it results to skin redness and acne. I know a time when my derma asked not to eat chicken as well just to eliminate that as a suspect. LOL.

6. Change you shampoo and toothpaste. If you get isolated acne products like the side of your face or chin, you might be using a shampoo that must be too strong for your skin. I once used Johnson's and Johnson's baby shampoo for a time and just a regular Colgate toothpaste. One time I even had to buy the one from VMV which has no taste at all. LOL. Some compounds or ingredients in these products can also cause acne.

7. Change your bedding at least every 3 weeks. Dirty sheets and pillowcases can also cause germs to seep into your skin and could cause acne.

8. Sanitize your cellphone everyday. When you get acne on the side of the face you favor using your cellphone on, the dirt your phone might be the cause of your acne.

9. Wash your makeup brushes frequently. Dirty brushes can inhabits harmful bacterias. Make sure you sanitize or wash them every after use or avoid exposing them in dirty environments.

10. Change your detergent. For bacnes or body pimples, your detergent might be the culprit. Make sure you rinse your clothes real well, too.

11. Cleanse your face real well. Remove makeup before you go to bed. Even if it's mineral makeup! Use makeup remover then still wash it with your favorite facial wash.

12. Use makeup that are hypoallergenic. Mineral makeup's been known to be safer for the skin and to those who easily acquires acne. Switch to this type of cosmetic for the mean time.

13. Don't easily fall for marketing ploys. Not all products that are shown on TV commercials, newspaper and magazine ads are the best choices. Do your research before buying these products.

14. Be patient. Patience is a virtue and when dealing with acne, I feel as if I'm a saint already. LOL. But never rush. Do what your derma tells you, follow your regimen religiously and make it a habit to always do what's best for your skin. And who knows, you might be enjoying a clearer skin sooner than you think.

My Skin, 2011

It's not that I don't get pimples anymore. I still do. I have one right now (because of those stupid eggs I ate for breakfast the past two days) but it's not as bad as the first picture above. It's a long journey for me, not to mention the thousands of pesos I've paid for the treatments, consultations and products. But I don't regret any of those. I'm just very happy that my pimples aren't as bad a before.

I don't claim to be expert but I hope my experience and the things I learned help you in fighting that battle against acne. :)

Good luck and remember that with a good dose of confidence, no acne can ruin your day!

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12 fab comments

  1. Hi Ms. Shen :) Thanks for this very helpful post. I will try out Dermclinic first though. Have you been to Flawless before? I am currently having my facial done there. Thanks!

  2. Whoa! Thank goodness your skin has improved. Yup, cellphones do cause acne, so they really must be sanitized all the time. :D

  3. Woah. I was shocked to see the first photo!!

    But you look gorge now! :)

  4. thanks for the tips shen! i have back acne and i never thought detergents cud be the culprit. your skin is nice nga when i last saw you

  5. wow! sana maging ganyan na din kakinis ang face ko..ehe! thanks sa info ha..dun sa eggs, ainaku lagi pa naman un ang niluluto ni nanay sa morning, may effect nga din siguro un mani and chocolates.. pag nakaipon ng pera, next year, ppuntahan ko lahat ng sinabi mong clinic.. currently, i'm using Proactiv.

  6. I admire your patience! Hahaha! Galing ng transformation! :)

  7. pde ba makita ung first photo? Hndi kc sya ngload skin ehh...

  8. Secretb5stops13/6/11 5:39 PM

    I read your post. It really
    seems a great contribution by you related to acne care. Your research on acne care
    is excellent. And the all mentioned points are very systematic as well. All the
    tricks are very helpful in a very efficient way to care of skin.
    Body Acne

  9. Good job, galing! Im taking din. Kaso bat parang may white ako sa noo? Anung Shampoo ginagamit mo?

  10. SecretB5StopsAcne13/2/12 3:45 PM

    I myself suffer from rather severe acne and blackheads and I
    already applied various treatments and home remedies without having great
    results. I am going to test these recommendations, makes sense to me. I hope I
    will get some results.
    Acne Cure

  11. Kringdavid0818/2/12 3:17 PM

    this blog is very informative.. thanks to you shen.. :D

  12. Tantesimone1330/3/12 9:44 PM

    Shen, thanks for this post. I am battling breakouts now because of trying out too many products that lure me. It's really hard being a product whore. The worse part is that it gets worse once the breakout happens. I really, really have to practice sticking to a simpler skincare routine and say goodbye to whitening ANYTHING.  Thanks again. :)


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