Girl talk time! Soon after we tied the knot, I thought it was about time to get off the pill. And so I did. As expected, after coming off birth control, the changes in estrogen levels also caused some visible changes for me. Firstly, I experienced a repeat episode of Alopecia (look that up, if you’re unfamiliar) and I also noticed an outbreak of acne on my face, generally around the time of ovulation. Finally, after a few months of observation, I decided it was time to introduce some new skincare products to fight these changes or at least until my body stabilizes.
Read further to see how three products from SkinCeuticals targeted to treat acne and discoloration helped me through these changing times!
SkinCeuticals Advanced Discoloration Corrector
The Advanced Discoloration Corrector helps correct and prevent unwanted pigmentation, aka those dark spots left from acne, other scars, etc. This powerful multi-layer treatment is a highly effective, safe, full-facial approach to reducing stubborn discolorations and preventing reoccurrence. In addition this product is also known to boost skin tone evenness and radiance. I’ve been using this product daily after cleansing on my entire face though you can use it as a spot treatment on affected areas only. I’ve noticed visible improvements in discoloration, luminosity, and actually also some moisturization effects. This product is ideal for all skin types and paraben-free.
As you can see below, the texture is quite light, I’d describe it as semi-opaque/translucent. After application in the morning, I follow with the Phloretin CF Serum (below) and layer on tinted moisturizer as a base for my make-up coverage.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum
I absolutely love this product. If you’re experiencing the same issues as I am with an imbalance level of hormones, causing minor acne outbreak, I highly recommend the use of SkinCeutical Blemish + Age Defense Serum. This an oil-free face serum that reduces the formation of adult acne and improves visible signs of aging.
For those of you interested in the science behind this product, it is the first-to-market acid blend combining 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation which is formulated to reduce the formation of acne and clogged pores, while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
It is suitable for use once or twice daily, about four to five drops to clean and dry skin. I’ve typically use this at night time, on my t-zone area that where my acne outbreak resides. When you first apply this serum, you will get a slight ‘tingling’ sensation and about a couple of seconds later, it will subside. This serum has really been a great help and I’ve experiences reduction of excess sebum production, improvement in the appearance of blotchiness, blemishes, and uneven skin tone and decongestion of clogged pores.
I’ve also used it as an acne spot treatment and I find that my blemishes diminishes significantly overnight! It is clear in colour and exhibits the texture of water but a bit less runny. I typically place a few drops into my palms and apply accordingly.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum
Slightly different than the Blemish + Age Defense Serum, the Phloretin CF Serum is a daytime antioxidant serum that delivers advanced environmental protection and diminishes the appearance of discoloration. It is more of a preventive product than a corrector.
This serum is dark orange in colour (reminds me of iodine) and has a slightly ‘burnt’ smell. It is super action packed and is known for the following benefits:
- Provides advanced environmental protection by neutralizing damaging free radicals
- Helps reduce the appearance of discoloration to improve overall skin tone
- Once absorbed, this vitamin C serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours
- Paraben-free and ideal for normal, oily, combination, and aging skin types
- Excellent complement to sunscreen for enhanced protection
This serum is best suited for application in the morning after cleansing and toning, applying four to five drops to a dry face, neck, and chest before other anti-aging skincare products. I use this product in the morning before the application of the Advanced Discoloration Serum product mentioned above.
This was my first introduction to the SkinCeutical line of products and I’m excited to try a few others in the future. I’m also hoping that my hormonal levels will balance itself soon enough and my minor acne outbreaks will subside.
1 comment
Going off the pill seemed easy and painless at first. I was 31 and had also recently gotten married. Months went by before I noticed any changes. Then around 6 months later I started breaking out and losing my hair. As someone who had always only the occasional pimple, this was devastating. I honestly think the stress that ensued from the acne and hair loss caused even more acne and hair loss. I tried everything from prescription topical treatments (nightmare!), to all natural products, diy and even washed my face and hair with bottled water for a while. The first real improvement came from professional chemical peels. Eventually I got pregnant which sent my hormones on a roller coaster, leading to more acne and breakouts. Finally it subsided in my third trimester and the acne cleared up completely after I had the baby and was breastfeeding. Now I still break out a bit around ovulation, but my skin is always a bit congested. I just started using the blemish + aging treatment from skinceuticals so hopefully I notice an improvement.