Review: Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser

Product Information: (from http://www.dermalogica.com/):
An extremely gentle cleansing gel/cream that can either be rinsed off or gently removed with tissue or The Sponge Cloth. Helps combat skin sensitivity caused by exposure to pollution, harsh climate, irritating cosmetic products and other environmental influences. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Review:
This cleanser is very calming on my skin. When I am having eczema or other skin sensitivity, this cleanser does not sting and actually helps lower the discomfort caused by the eczema.

I particularly like Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser because Cetaphil Cleanser started to sting my skin and cause redness whenever I cleanse my face. I usually double cleanse as I have sunscreen on my face.  On my first wash with Cetaphil, my skin would feel a slight sting and would usually not feel clean. But the second wash would cause a lot more stinging and redness. This would worsen when I am having eczema. There is no such stinging or redness with Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, which is why I think this is a better cleanser for sensitive skin. (Please note that all skin types are different, so even if you have sensitive and eczema-prone skin like mine, you might have a different experience from mine.)

The Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser does not foam and I was not used to non-foaming cleansers initially. I felt as though my skin was not clean after cleansing. But I got used to it and my skin did not feel dried out after cleansing. In fact, it felt comfortably moist, which is a feeling that will not happen when cleansers are too harsh for your skin (your skin will usually feel very tight and dry).  So it is good that my skin feels moist after cleansing as keeping moisture in the skin helps keep skin sensitivity low and prevents eczema as well. The cleanser is good for those with dry skin as well. 

It is a plus that this cleanser has no harsh ingredients, like fragrances or alcohol, which lowers the risk for sensitivity. The gel/cream texture is also easy to use and does not have any drag when making cleansing motions around the face.

In general, I am enjoying the Dermalogica UltraCalming range of products (except the UltraCalming Relief Masque, which stings badly!) I will continue reviewing the other products in the UltraCalming range soon :)

Review: Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair

Product Information: (credit: dermalogica.com)

Help fortify sensitized skin and a damaged barrier with this velvety, anhydrous (waterless) moisturizer. Use after toning to help shield against environmental and internal triggers that cause skin stress. Contains our exclusive UltraCalmingTM Complex to interrupt inflammatory triggers that lead to sensitization, while helping to minimize discomfort, burning and itching. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

Review:

I was previously using Avene Skin Recovery Cream but noticed that my eczema problems returned and so I decided to try out the Dermalogica UltraCalming range of products after it was recommended to me by my beautician. I started with the Dermalogica UltraCalming trial kit then purchased the full sized products and have been using the Dermalogica Ultracalming range since. I am finishing my second tube of Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair now and intend to purchase another tube of this soon.

I really like the Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair because I noticed that my eczema breakouts are less frequent and when applied over sensitized spots, the Barrier Repair does not cause any stinging or redness. In fact I find that Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair is quite soothing, helps calm the skin and because it is a silicone-based moisturiser, it helps seal moisture in my skin and forms a barrier over my eczema spots so they heal faster and do not occur as frequently as before. 

I have not experienced any breakouts from this moisturiser. I find it moisturises better than the water-based Avene Skin Recovery Cream. I also like the silicone texture as it glides on very smoothly and my sunblock adheres well to my skin in the mornings. 

I would recommend this moisturiser for those with highly sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin types. I am currently using the UltraCalming Mist and Serum Concentrate with the Barrier Repair and I think these three products have been working well for my skin. I will definitely repurchase!

Review: Avene Skin Recovery Cream

credit: avene.co.uk

Product Info (credit: avene.co.uk):

Calming cream specifically designed for naturally sensitive skin (fair, thin, prone to redness), or skin which has become sensitised due to climatic conditions, excessive cleansing, drying cosmetic or dermatological treatments. It quickly calms irritation, helps restore the hydrolipidic film and provides long-lasting protection. Its formula has been specially developed with a minimum of ingredients, all selected for their gentleness. Free from paraben, fragrance and colouring agents.

Review:

I have used about 3 or 4 tubes of Avene Skin Recovery Cream now, also known as Cream for Intolerant Skin in the US. There is another Rich version of the cream that I have also used and will review later. 

 I started using Avene Skin Recovery Cream when I got a very bad eczema outbreak. I still have my eczema and I like Avene Skin Recovery Cream because it doesn't irritate my skin further. There is no stinging sensation or redness even when applied at the eczema areas. It does help to soothe my eczema but I need something oilier on top as the areas are usually very dry. I usually layer with either Avene Instant Smoothing Moisture Mask or Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream, both are oilier creams which I do not use daily. Avene Skin Recovery Cream can be used daily as it is a moisturizer. 


The Skin Recovery Cream spreads very easily and absorbs fast. There is no sticky sensation when applied and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated.  The cream is not oily, it feels more water based and soothes my skin well. Avene Skin Recovery Cream is good if you have eczema skin/sensitive or irritated skin like mine.


All in all, I am satisfied with this cream as it is a simple, basic hydrating cream which does not irritate my eczema and is suitable for my skin type. I have been re-purchasing many times and I even have spares of this tube so that I never run out. 


The cream does not come cheap, it is S$40+ for one 30ml tube, so it is best to stock up during a sale or buy them from hospital pharmacies where they are sold at a cheaper price. 

My Eczema Skin Triggers

I have noticed that there are a few things that trigger my eczema and I thought I'd share it with all of you. For those with eczema, or any kind of skin sensitivity, it is important to identify triggers that set off the skin irritation so as to reduce the likelihood of eczema. Ultimately, I would like to be able to stop topical steroid creams.

1. Alcohol
A very common ingredient found in so many skincare products/cosmetics. It is difficult to avoid it but it is do-able. Alcohol stings my skin and makes my skin turn red. After a few hours or by the next day, my skin will start to itch. It is a common skin irritant but cosmetic companies still include alcohol as it has it's uses - helps product absorb faster, leaves a refreshing feel for those with oily skin, etc. My advice is always look through the ingredients list and avoid products with alcohol featuring prominently on the top of the list.

Problem is, so many skincare products have alcohol within their first 10 ingredients. In most products, alcohol is the second ingredient after water, which means there is a lot of alcohol to potentially irritate your skin. I can't avoid alcohol a lot of the time. The 2 serums I use - Shiseido Whitening serum and Kose moisture serum - both contain alcohol. What I do is a mix it into my Avene Skin Recovery Cream. Yes, I know serums should go first before cream so work at it's best. But given my skin condition, the only way for me to get whitening benefits is to mix the serum into the cream to make it a whitening cream. I mix by rubbing the cream and serum (sometimes both serums) together in circular motion between my palms. After doing this, I feel that a lot of the alcohol evaporates with the heat generated by the rubbing. I then gently spread then pat the cream into my skin. So far, this works for me.

2. Exfoliants
Manual scrubs and chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs irritate my skin but I do have blackhead and clogged pore problems to deal with. What I do now is I only use AHA cream (Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel) only at my t-zone area where I don't get eczema flare-ups. To deal with my cheeks, I use a very mild AHA face wash but only once a week or once in 2 weeks.

3. Harsh chemicals
Chemicals like retinoids and sometimes even Vitamin C makes my skin red and itchy.

4. Some natural skincare products
Since I'm working on this list I thought it would be good to debunk the myth that natural skincare products is safe on sensitive skin precisely because it is natural. Not.True. Don't fall for these irresponsible sales tactics the sales staff use. I've gotten burnt many times by natural skincare products that turn my face red and burns my face like mad. When you buy natural skincare, it is very important to know what goes into it. If you read websites like environmental working group's you'll know how much harsh non-natural and natural ingredients are used. In general, I am wary about natural skincare products, especially if you cannot by sure the ingredients are truly natural or just chemical derivatives of it. I prefer to use skincare brands specifically developed for sensitive skin instead.

5. Dry skin
The moment I don't have sufficient moisture/oil on my skin, it will start to itch. I have to layer on my moisturiser immediately after cleansing before allowing the skin's moisture any chance to evaporate. Immediately after cleansing, I pat dry my skin, use toner and follow with my moisturiser mix (as described above). The Avene Skin Recovery Cream works for me as it is oily enough to counter my dry skin. Creme de La Mer also works but it is also very expensive. Although strictly speaking, I do not have dry skin, but more combination skin. However it is important for me to use products for dry skin as products for normal to combination skin do not provide enough oil/moisture balance for my skin.

It is important to know your skin well. If you have eczema-prone skin like mine, try to identify your skin triggers. It is likely that your skin triggers are different from mine as sensitive skins tend to be a mystery. Just observe how your skin reacts to certain products and if the same reaction occurs repeatedly and results in skin irritation, that might very well be your eczema/sensitive skin trigger.

Share your skin triggers with us so we can all get to know our skin better!

Review: Avene Instant Smoothing Moisture Mask

Product information (source: avene.co.uk): Specific care for dehydrated and weakened sensitive skin which has become reactive (redness, tightness and stinging) due to various aggressions. The Soothing Moisture Mask is a genuine pampering care for your skin: Very rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water, this mask intensely releases all of the water’s soothing and anti-irritating properties. Its nourishing and moisturising elements restore the skin's barrier and thus increase skin hydration. This original formula has been designed for maximum skin absorption: fully replenished, the skin looks healthy and is once again soft, supple, and radiant

Review:
I bought this mask when my eczema was at its worst. Full red, slightly swollen, itching and stinging, dry patches all around my cheeks, forehead, jaw area and near my chin area. Basically everywhere except my nose and central chin area, i suspect because the t-zone is slightly oilier so it acted as a barrier against my eczema.

I was using Avene Skin Balancing Cream but I felt it was not rich enough and my skin was still very very dry. I read the instructions of the Avene Instant Soothing Moisture Mask and it said that if skin is highly irritated, the mask can be used as a daily treatment for a week before reducing usage to once a week. So what I did was a used a thick layer of Avene Instant Smoothing Moisture Mask, didn't wipe any of it off after 10-15 minutes and layered the Avene Skin Balancing Cream on top (yes, that was how dry and irritated my skin was). After doing that for a few days and applying topical medication, my eczema improved.

Thereafter, with less severe eczema or any sign of skin redness. I noticed this mask did help to calm my skin down. And it did help alleviate skin dryness, which is a good thing as my skin gets really dry when it is sensitive/irritated.

When my skin is at a normal condition, I noticed that not much effects is observed. So I would only use this mask when I have eczema/sensitivity/irritation/dryness. If your skin is normal or combination with no sensitivity. I think you would not notice much effects with this mask. But if you have any of the above mentioned skin signs, then this mask is helpful.

One word of caution, this mask does contain potential pore clogging ingredients, like mineral oil and other really rich and emollient ingredients. So I would use it with caution if you have oily skin or are prone to clogged pores. I have read that some people wash off the mask completely with water to prevent getting clogged pores. I don't do this and only dab any excess off with tissue if it feels oily as I need the oiliness to combat my dry skin.

All in all, great mask to have on hand for any emergencies, to calm skin sensitivities, dryness and eczema.

My Experience: Dry Skin, Use Sleeping Mask as a Serum

My skin type is normally combination, slightly oily at the t-zone and dehydrated at the cheeks.

Recently, my skin has been very dry and even flaky at the nose area. So I have been trying all means and ways to rehydrate my skin. Dry skin is a pain as it hurts at times when using certain skin products and causes my skin to be more sensitive than usual and my eczema sometimes flares up as well.

The routine I have been sticking with has been working well:

Cleansing: Shu Uemura cleansing oil. Avene gel cleanser
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2
Serum: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack
Moisturiser: La Mer Creme de La Mer

Yes, I have been using Laneige Water Sleeping Pack as a serum, before moisturiser every night and I find it works nicely as a hydrating serum and a wonderful water boost for my skin. It takes a while to absorb and sink in, but it's like I am using a hydrating mask and then using the Creme de la Mer to seal the moisture in. I find that this works better than the other way round: Creme de la Mer then Laneige Water Sleeping Pack. I can't explain why but the effect is just different. In the mornings, I wake up with everything absorbed. My skin is not oily in the mornings but nicely moisturised. Unfortunately, by mid day my skin gets dry again (might be the office air con).

I would only recommend this routine if your skin is really dry or dehydrated like mine as it is this routine is not only rich in moisture but also in oil content. Dry skin means lacking in both oil and moisture, dehydrated skin lacks moisture but not oil. The Creme is really rich in the sense that it is very emollient and acts as a good barrier to prevent moisture loss. This is why I always have a tub of creme de la mer with me cos its the best to use in such skin changes and emergency situations like sensitive reactions.

So, if you have dry skin, you can try using your sleeping mask as a serum before an emollient (rich, oily) moisturiser. It might work better than using it as the last step.

Review: Therapeutic Dermatologic Formula Age Defense System PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF50+ Sunscreen

credit: ocean health sg website

Product Information (from Ocean Health sg website):

TDF Age Defense System PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF50+ Sunscreen

A high performance sunscreen that blocks out the maximum amount of harmful UVA and UVB rays to protect the skin from sunburns and skin-darkening. The PA+++ rating means it is clinically proven to protect against age-inducing UVA rays and photo-damage. Ultra microfine zinc oxide provides the high SPF protection. Enriched with a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10,  this silky and lightweight cream protects the skin from within and improves the overall skin texture for a natural-looking and radiant complexion. Suitable for all skin types

Review:

I really like this sunscreen. I used up one tube and bought another 2 more as there as a 20% discount at the pharmacy. This Therapeutic Dermatologic Formula Age Defense System PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF50+ Sunscreen has high UVA and UVB protection, which is good and is also good to use after chemical peel as it does not irritate the skin, and it did not cause any irritation or sensitivity when I used this when I had patches of eczema on my face. 

A lot of sunscreens tend to leave a white cast, an oily sheen or make my face oil up after a few hours. I find that I have to powder my face to keep it oil-free. But I don't have any problems with TDF Age Defense System PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF50+ Sunscreen. It has a creamy texture and easy to blend into my skin. There is no white cast and no oily sheen. It also does not dry out my skin. I am sensitive to avobenzones/Parsol, so it is good that the TDF sunscreen does not contain this ingredient. 

Another good thing is that it absorbs really quick. I spread it out evenly and after a minute or so, the sunscreen is absorbed. Because I use the required 1ml on my face, fast absorption is important as I don't like the feeling of a sunscreen sitting on top of my skin and waiting before I can powder my face to reduce the oily sheen. With Therapeutic Dermatologic Formula Age Defense System PA+++ UVA/UVB SPF50+ Sunscreen, I don't have to wait long for it to absorb and I usually don't powder anymore. 

A down side is, the sunscreen rubs off into white rubbings (like eraser dust). Especially after half a day and I swipe my face or rub my eye I find white rubbings on my face so I have to clean it off and I think I am also removing my sun protection. I think this is due to the silicone, but I may be wrong. 

As a comparison, La Roche Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 sunscreens provide good protection but leave an oily sheen on my skin. L'oreal UV Perfect SPF 50, which I was using previously left a bit of white cast and some oiliness. Both takes a while for it to settle into my skin/absorb properly. 

Review: Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel

This Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel is an improved formula of the previous Cleanance K.

Product Information (credit: Eau Thermale Avene website):

Cleanance K is formulated as a daily treatment for oily skin with imperfections. Through its exfoliating, mattifying and hydrating properties, it will help eliminate pimples and blackheads.

For its 10th anniversary in 2009, with constant improvements in mind, the Cleanance K formula was optimized for even better effectiveness:

-More effective in removing imperfections and controlling oil production. Complexion becomes smoother and more even. 

-A new and innovative cream-gel texture: This light and comfortable texture offers a non shiny, non oily finish. Its lamellar structure made of liquid crystals plays a storage role for key ingredients which are released in a slow and continuous manner.

Hypoallergenic and non comedogenic.

Properties

1. Strengthened exfoliating action through the unique synergy of AHA and BHA*. The BHA concentration has been increased in this new formula in order to maximize its effectiveness. The advantage of this synergistic action is to work at several levels, resulting in a true peeling effect which unclogs pores.

2. Lasting mattifying action using mattifying powders combined with Cucurbita pepo and, in this new formula, Vitamin B6.

3. Optimal skin hydration: Botanical-based emulsifier for a slow release of Cleanance K key ingredients. Each component of the oil phase was specifically selected to bring additional hydration while guaranteeing a non oily and non shiny finish.

4. Long-lasting soothing and anti-irritating effect: Naturally active Avène Thermal Spring Water provides true soothing properties that can be felt immediately. The combination of alpha-bisabolol and zinc gluconate strengthens this anti-irritating effect and helps in long-lasting soothing.

My Review:

I used Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel as a starter to AHAs. There is a lot of information about the product on the website but they did not tell me the most important thing I want to know - the percentage of AHA/BHAs. I bought the product anyway since the sales assistant said this is gentler than Avene Diacneal, which I was hoping to use eventually, but was worried it might be too strong for my skin.

I eased slowly into this product, by which I mean once every 3 days for a week. I didn't feel much on my skin so I increased to alternate days. I stopped using the product if I felt any redness or dryness or discomfort. Only when my skin was back to normal then I continued using it. I did not experience any purging or peeling (I experienced both with Diacneal).

As mentioned, I do not like that fact that the % of AHAs and BHAs are not reported as it makes it difficult to compare across products. The reason why I say this is because I experience some stinging every time I use this Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel but I don't experience any stinging with Therapeutic Dermatologic Formula's AHA Revitalizing Gel 15, which is supposedly stronger at 15% Glycolic Acid. The sales assistant at the Avene counter was sure Cleanance K has less than 10% AHAs.

I read that there is higher Salicylic Acid (BHA) with this new formula, which is a good thing as BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate the pores to clean them out. I did have the old Cleanance K ingredients list to compare and indeed the Salicylic Acid was higher up on the list, but then again still no % indicated.

I feel that Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel did help with my skin. My skin was smoother but there was not that great an improvement. I think that Avene Diacneal gave me more results. So I would recommend Diacneal as a treatment if you have acne problems, and Cleanance K for milder skin imperfections like blackheads, or as a maintenance after stopping Diacneal or if Diacneal is too harsh for your skin.

I think it is also great that Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel contains some hydrating properties. The old Cleanace K formula made me oil up after a couple of hours due to dehydration of my skin. So I think the new formula is indeed an improved version.

All in all, it is a good product that gave some results but I probably would not repurchase as results were not significant. Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel does seem like it would be good for those with sensitive skin, but do ask for a sample before buying as it does sting a bit.

Ingredients of Avene Cleanance K Cream-gel (credit: Avene.co.uk):

AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER (AVENE AQUA). GLYCOLIC ACID. CYCLOMETHICONE. WATER (AQUA). PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER. PROPYLENE GLYCOL. GLYCERIN. LACTIC ACID. POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE. PROPYLENE GLYCOL CETETH-3 ACETATE. SODIUM HYDROXIDE. CETYL ALCOHOL ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL. POLYCRYLATE-13. GLYCERIN STEARATE. PEG-100 STEARATE. SALICYLIC ACID. ARACHIDYL GLUCOSIDE. BEHENYL ALCOHOL. BISABOLOL. CUCURBITA PEPO (PUMPKIN) SEED OIL (CUCURBITA PEPO). DIMETHICONE. DISODIUM EDTA. FRAGRANCE (PARFUM). POLYISOBUTENE. POLYSORBATE 20. PYRIDOXINE HCL. ZINC GLUCONA TE. 

Review: Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub

I bought Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub to replace my previous scrub when it ran out. I had no particular preference at the moment and since I was at the Avene counter buying Cleanance K, I asked the SA about the Gentle Purifying scrub. She told me it is one of their best sellers (I wonder how true).

This Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub is definitely good for those with sensitive skin as it is so gentle, it didn't feel like I was exfoliating my skin. The scrub has a gel-base and small beads. The gel seems to act as a cushion to buffer the roughness of the beads so it makes it very gentle. There was no irritation or redness when I used this scrub.

I would prefer something less gentle but this is a good scrub to have if you are on AHA/BHA treatments as it is gentle enough not to irritate my skin when I use Cleanance K. Note that I usually stop applying AHA/BHA products one day before and after exfoliating with Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub.

If you are not using any chemical exfoliators (AHA/BHA), then this scrub might be a little too gentle. The tube is quite small (50ml) for the price of around S$29.90. I might not repurchase after I'm done.

Review: Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser

I bought this Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser when it came in a promotion pack together with the new formulation Cleanance K. I originally wanted to get the Avene foaming gel cleanser as it would suit my combination skin better but the SA assured me that this Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser would suit my skin as well. This cleanser does not suit my skin that well. It strips my skin of more moisture than a cleanser should and is more suitable for oily skin as stated on the packaging. My skin condition is now dehydrated and I can feel the tightness in my skin. I only use this cleanser at night as it would be too strong for day time use.

Despite it being too strong for my skin, I like this cleanser as it cleans well. If this is any indication of how well Avene cleansers work, it gave me the confidence to buy the Avene Moussant Soapless Foaming Gel to try out as well (a separate review later).

There is no yellowish stains on my cotton pad when I follow up with my toner, which tells me this cleanser performs well. However, my skin feels tight and dehydrated if I do not follow immediately with my skincare. And there is usually this squeaky clean feeling when I am rinsing off the foam.

This Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser does not irritate my skin nor leave my skin red. I also like that there is no strong fragrance. If I am not wrong, there is no perfume added. So this is good for those who are sensitive to perfume/fragrances in skincare products.

The foam is not dense and thick like that of Fancl's Washing Powder or Hada Labo AHA/BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Foam, but is acceptable for me.

Conclusion
This Avene deep pore cleanser is suitable for oily and sensitive skin, those with combination skin like mine should choose the Avene Moussant Soapless Foaming Gel instead as it might be too drying. This cleanser has good cleansing power.

Tip: Avene products are cheaper in Malaysia compared to here in Singapore.

Review: La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream

The Finish
The one I bought was the La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream, there is another one that is white and untinted but I was looking for something that functions both as a sunscreen and have some properties to even out my skin tone. I didn't want to use another layer of foundation on my skin as I sometimes do not have time to wait 20 mins for the sunscreen to settle in before applying foundation. I like that the tint suits my NC20 skin and blended in really well. It does not have the foundation look but just helps make my skin look more even toned and slightly dewy/glow to the skin.

The Application
The application was a breeze. It does not feel oily like the Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme SPF50+. It has PPD 18 compared to Anthelios' PPD 38. But PPD of 18 is supposedly enough for office/indoor use, as long as you are not doing outdoor sports. The sunscreen when applied on is easy to blend into the skin and absorbs readily.

The Downside
This La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream would be a winner if it remained the way it is when it is applied. Unfortunately, it makes my skin get oilier as the day gets by. By late afternoon, there would be a visible shine on my skin and when I try to touch up with powder, my skin would get oily again.

The ingredients
This sunscreen would be good for those with normal to dry (and sensitive) skin as it contains emollient ingredients like shea butter, which would moisturise skin. As my skin is combination-type, it might be the reason why my skin got oilier by the end of the day. I would normally skip moisturiser or apply a very light moisturiser as this is moisturising enough for my skin.

Conclusion
All in all, I would have loved this La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream if it did not make my skin oily as application was a breeze and the finish was nice and made my skin glow. However, as it gave me a very visible shine (which makes me a little self-conscious), I probably will not re-purchase this. My mom, however, likes this as it is rich enough for her (she has dry skin type).

Review: Dr. Wu Anti-Oxidant Whitening Serum With Fullerene RS™

Product Information:  DR.WU’s Triple Whitening Formula contains patented fullerene technology, Radical Sponge(RS™), which is 125 times more effective than Vitamin C.  Anti-oxidant Whitening Serum With Fullerene RS™ not only lightens the skin but also exhibits continuous moisturizing property and proves to be effective in reducing signs of aging such as loss of elasticity, spots, dull and uneven skin tone.

Fullerene RS™– A patented fullerene technology, Radical Sponge (R.S.), which is 125 times more effective than Vitamin C.  R.S. is a superior radical scavenger with unparallel anti-oxidation effect that eliminates free radicals and inhibits UVA-Induced melanin formation. (from www.drwu.com) I bought this serum as part of a set, with the Anti-Oxidant Whitening Lotion With Fullerene RS™ and a one piece MicroInject Whitening Mask with Fullerene. The price of the set was around S$89.90, so I thought it was quite a good deal. I have read good things about Dr. Wu products especially from urcosme, which is a taiwan-based website. Dr. Wu is a dermatologist from Taiwan and this brand of products seems quite popular there, based on the reviews I have read.  I like this serum and I definitely think this works better than the Fancl White Essence, which too a long time to work. When I first started using this product, I had a few pimple scars (the dark red/brownish kind, not the pot hole type) to lighten. So I observed them while using this Dr. Wu Anti-Oxidant Whitening Serum With Fullerene RS™ to see if it can speed up the lightening process. And surprisingly it did heal faster than usual. I observed little change in my freckle that I have, but I do know that freckles/pigmentation takes longer or may be impossible to remove with serums alone (the fastest way is laser or IPL). This serum is supposed to be suitable for dull and sensitive skin. I felt no irritation on my skin when I used it.  How I use: I usually use one pump for the whole face, sometimes an additional half pump if I have scars to lighten. What I do is to first massage in the first pump then use the additional serum as a spot treatment an concentrate it where I need some whitening.  The Dr. Wu Anti-Oxidant Whitening Serum With Fullerene RS™ absorbs easily, although it is a bit viscous. I think it is on the expensive side for a drugstore brand, so I think it is much cheaper to buy it when they have promotions in sets. I bought mine at a Guardian sale. All in all, I like this serum and I think it works well. But I would only buy it when there is a promotion available.

*Update: Not all Guardian stores carry this whitening serum. It is available at the Holland Village Guardian.

Review: DrGeorgiaLee Cleanser - Sensitive

Product Information (&pic: from drgeorgialee website):

Formulated to suit even the most sensitive skins, this cleanser effectively removes makeup and cleanses skin, leaving it smooth and silky soft.

 This product was prescribed to me when I went to have a consultation with Dr Georgia Lee. She said my skin is on the sensitive side and recommended her drgeorgialee cleanser - sensitive to me, she recommended stopping my oil cleanser, then use this a a makeup remover.

I was initially not used to this drgeorgialee cleanser as it does not foam, so basically I use about 3 pumps and massage it in circles around my face then I wipe it off with cotton wool, repeat then wash off instead of wiping with cotton wool. The lady at the clinic said I can wipe off with cotton then wash off later.

I was told that this cleanser can be used to remove make up, as Dr Georgia Lee had recommended me to use this in place of my oil cleanser. But honestly, I have since reverted to using my Shu Uemura Oil Cleanser. Reason being, the oil cleanser removes my makeup and sunblock much faster. I have to repeatedly use 3 pumps worth of the drgeorgialee cleanser about 4 times before my cotton wool is totally clean, which is a total waste of the product (which is not cheap at all). What I do now is I remove my makeup using my Shu Uemura Oil Cleanser then wash my face again once with the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive. (My makeup involves a layer of sunblock then a light layer of 2 way foundation cake and light blusher)

I find that after washing with the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive, my face is less red and feels a bit soothed. My skin does not feel any dryness or tightness, which is a good sign that the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive is not overly harsh.

If I follow the routine of oil cleanser then Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive, I find that my cotton wool is clean even after using my Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, which is a mild exfoliant and usually makes any left over sebum/dirt show on the cotton wool as yellowish dirt. So the oil cleanser in combination with the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive is able to wash my skin thoroughly enough. But I will not use the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive on its own as I feel it does not remove my sunblock and makeup as thoroughly as my oil cleanser.

All in all, this is an expensive cleanser. It is good if your skin is really sensitive but to use this as a makeup remover as was Dr Georgia Lee's intention is quite a waste of money for me as the amount I use in one day to cleanse is really too much.

Price: $98 for 240ml