The Skin I'm In

I myself have undergone aesthetic treatments: chemical peels and microdermabrasion. This was done to help with my problematic skin – oily and acne prone and dry in some areas. I would go and have a chemical peel followed by microdermabrasion two weeks later. Then two weeks after the microdermabrasion, I would go for the next peel. And so it went until we finally got the results with which I was satisfied.

The types of chemical peels I received

By use of a chemical solution, a chemical peel causes the dead skin on the surface of your face (or the area that you wish to treat) to slough off and then peel. The skin that is revealed underneath is smoother and has a better quality texture, is clearer and has a much healthier and bright glow.

Chemical peels are used for:
•Skin resurfacing
•Skin rejuvenation
•Sun spots
•Pigmentation problems, acne and scarring
•Sun damage

I underwent a TCA (Trichloracetic Acid) Chemical Peel which is a superficial peel since, according to the physician, the damage to my skin was not as great or deep as I had though it was. My acne was mild and the only real concern was the hyperpigmentation. So there was no need for a deep chemical peel.

A TCA peel “…renews the skin by lifting dead cells off the surface of your skin and stimulating metabolism of the cells underneath. With a series of TCA Peels you can quickly achieve substantial improvement in the appearance of superficial lines and uneven pigmentation, while making your skin look and feel softer, smoother, and more radiant. Acne scars and enlarged pores may become less noticeable, and acne breakouts may be reduced.”

- Skin Renewal

I had a total of six TCA Peels.

Alternated at two week intervals, I also underwent microdermabrasion. This is a very quick procedure. It also helps in removing dead skin cells on the face “with a gentle polishing with crystals“. Again, like the peel, it manages to help with superficial lines and uneven pigmentation and “acne scars and enlarged pores may become less noticeable, and acne breakouts may be reduced.”

I also changed my skin care products and had to add a few more to help maintain my ‘new’ skin. Today, my breakouts are far and few between. I know how to deal with the odd one or two that pop up occasionally. But overall, my skin is so much better than it was a few years ago.

Here are some of the tips, advices and lessons I learnt when dealing with this acne thing *sigh*

1.Keep my face clean. Cleanse twice a day (morning and evening) with a gentle antibacterial facial cleanser. NEVER more than twice or else we strip our skin of its essential oils that it produces naturally.
2.Don’t scrub or rub your face when cleansing (eek! Guilty!). Gentle circular movements with the finger tips for about 30-40 seconds will suffice.
3.Moisturise. But moreover, choose the right moisturiser for your skin type and for the time of day (day cream and a night cream). Terms such as “non-comedogenic”; “paraben-free”; “fragrance or parfume-free”; “free of colourants”; “oil-free” were particularly important in my case.
4.Exfoliate. Twice a week, at night. Don’t scrub hard on the skin. Gentle circular movements with the fingertips or palms – whichever works best for you.
5.Sunscreen. Everyday. SPF of at least 30.
6.KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF YOUR FACE!! This was a BIG one for me because I was such a picker.
7.Keep your hair off your face too!
8.Remember that you need to understand your skin. Well. It’s a trial and error scenario. But you learn as you go and the more you get know what your skin does and doesn’t like, the better. You can then start to build your skin care routine around that.

9.You may undergo all kinds of treatments, surgeries and procedures, but nothing can beat the tried and tested: healthy living – exercise and eat clean and well. Yes, I know we need a little extra help (I needed it). But the best and biggest change I made was to eat right and be active. This can only serve to further enhance the results of your aesthetic treatments. You are healthy on the inside, you will be on the outside.

My skin isn’t perfectly flawless, but I am satisfied and happy with how far it’s come. I am okay with the few slight imperfections and don’t go to great lengths to try and hide or cover them up (you may remember that heavy full coverage makeup is not my kind of thing).

I prefer to get my skin right through healthy eating, exercise and great skin care products that work for my skin (I’m always on the look out for skin care products – the more natural and organic, the better).

On many days, if I don’t wear makeup at all, I usually will just apply a primer and my favourite BB Cream. I will set with a powder in my oiliest area (forehead) and one or two sweeps over the entire face and I am good to go.

It’s been a long journey…and its probably not over. But we’re in a good place now, my skin and I.

That’s just how it is.