Dropping Acid: Making Chemical Exfoliation Work for Me

01 Dropping Acid

Acids and I have a long turbulent history together.

Most recently, I flirted with Biologique Recherche’s P50 Lotion (see my beginner’s guide to buying P50), Sunday Riley Good Genes (40% lactic acid), and Pixi Glow Tonic (5% glycolic acid).

Before that, I had regular rendezvous with Neova Reveal Exfoliator gel (20% glycolic acid) and Peter Thomas Roth 10% glycolic acid toner (link to my review).

The appeal of uncovering new baby skin after sloughing off the top layer–with acne marks, sunspots, large pores, forehead lines, and slight textural imperfections–was undeniable.  And when you regularly follow Caroline Hirons–a big proponent of acid toners as a regular part of a routine–it’s hard not to feel as if you’re handicapping your skin’s full potential when you omit acids. It’s like writing blog posts instead of the brief that’s due tomorrow and still expecting to get that promotion.  ::quickly looks away::

Continue reading “Dropping Acid: Making Chemical Exfoliation Work for Me”

Eastern Promises Part 2: Angela’s Skincare Routines–August 2015

Read Part 1–Translating Between the Asian and Western Skincare Routine–here.

Broken down into components of CLEANSE, TONE, TREAT, MOISTURIZE, the routines in this post list what I’m currently using the majority of the time and why (and also link to my reviews if there is one).

I do occasionally use something else in my stash just because I feel like it or am bored. There are two exceptions: (1) When I review skincare provided for free by a company, I test that item continuously so that you can be sure my opinion isn’t compromised by lax testing. (2) I want/need to use Shark Sauce and my PocketDerm prescription (referral link) consistently–2x/day and 1x/day respectively.

05 Shark Sauce Continue reading “Eastern Promises Part 2: Angela’s Skincare Routines–August 2015”

Flip-Flopper: Why I Switched from PocketDerm Anti-Aging to Acne

Previous PocketDerm posts: Getting Started and Weeks 1 through 4 Update

NOTE: PocketDerm has rebranded itself as Curology and eliminated the distinction between “Anti-Aging” and “Acne” goals.  All ingredients are now fair game for inclusion in your Curology prescription–regardless of whether they’re anti-aging or acne.

When I signed up for PocketDerm Anti-Aging last November, my main concerns were fine lines, brown sunspots, and red marks left over from long-gone blemishes.

Fast forward to March: I developed a giant honker on my right cheek that didn’t go away and in the subsequent weeks, I increasingly developed more blemishes on my cheeks and jawline, minor at first but recently of the festering, tender-to-the-touch variety.

04 PocketDerm Progress
WTF, face?

Continue reading “Flip-Flopper: Why I Switched from PocketDerm Anti-Aging to Acne”

Flake It Off: PocketDerm Anti-Aging Review–Weeks 1 to 4

01 PocketDerm Anti-Aging Review

NOTE: PocketDerm has rebranded itself as Curology and eliminated the distinction between “Anti-Aging” and “Acne” goals.  All ingredients are now fair game for inclusion in your Curology prescription–regardless of whether they’re anti-aging or acne.

I just finished my fourth week of PocketDerm Anti-Aging.  To recap, my personalized formula is 0.08% tretinoin, 4% niacinamide, and 5% vitamin C.  I’m currently applying about 2 pumps’ worth almost every night (at least 5 nights a week).  My skin is generally smooth and has remained clear, and, after I clear off the flakes, I really like the way my skin looks.  Occasionally, skin texture feels rougher in spots due to peeling skin.  So far, I haven’t noticed any improvement in hyperpigmentation or fine lines, but I’m not expecting to see results this soon anyway.

The most obvious evidence that the tretinoin is working: the peeling! 

Continue reading “Flake It Off: PocketDerm Anti-Aging Review–Weeks 1 to 4”

d-URL-matology: PocketDerm Anti-Aging Review–Getting Started

06 First PocketDerm Antiaging Prescription ReviewPocketDerm sounds like something out of The Jetsons.

  1. Answer some questions and upload pics of your bare face
  2. Consult with dermatologist online, who then prescribes a customized formula
  3. Receive prescription cream in the mail
  4. Have perfect skin

Okay, that last step isn’t guaranteed by PocketDerm, but the concept is that your skin will at least improve with access to prescription-strength active ingredients.

NOTE: PocketDerm has rebranded itself as Curology and eliminated the distinction between “Anti-Aging” and “Acne” goals.  All ingredients are now fair game for inclusion in your Curology prescription–regardless of whether they’re anti-aging or acne.

Continue reading “d-URL-matology: PocketDerm Anti-Aging Review–Getting Started”