KB DermAfirm Vitamin C Peeling Gel

There's a misconception about peeling gels or peeling creams that even I hesitated to try them.  Because of the word "peeling", I thought that in due time the gel or cream will literally peel my skin.  But because of curiosity, I finally tried one last 2012 and learned that these products are gommage.

Gommage; usually in a form of gel or cream, is another effective way to exfoliate the skin other than using scrubs.  You put the product on the skin and let it set for a few seconds or until it slightly dries then rub the product around and the gommage will roll up into flakes or tiny soft balls, picking up the dirt and dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin.

I became fond of peeling gels/creams, in fact I already tried 4 for the past one and a half year.  The latest is from KB and it's the KB DERMAFIRM Vitamin C Peeling Gel.

KB DermAfirm Vitamin C Peeling Gel
Skin Whitening
100ml
Regular price P1500/ around $35
Website/Links:  www.ilovekb.com/KB Skin Whitening facebook page

made in Korea

According to the packaging (I edited some parts, I'm not that good in english but when I see some errors I try to correct it) KB DERMAFIRM Vitamin C Peeling Gel is a gentle, medicated gel with proven keratin fighting ingredients and a unique combination of skin peeling gel and healers help soothe and protect tender skin.  Contains a Vitamin C derivative, citric seed extract, morus alba extract, persimmon leaf extract complex to provide softness to the skin.  Also contains Betain and natural cellulose complex help your skin adjust your skin through massage.

Okay I didn't understand the last sentence so I just grabbed this additional information from KB Facebook page:

source

Twice a day?  And I thought 3 times a week exfoliation is already too much for the skin.  I have sensitive skin but since this peeling gel is so mild, I decided to just use the product once a day on my legs (because of my scars), elbows, knees and armpits then once a week only for my face since I'm having skin asthma (I don't want to risk).

I use just half pump of the peeling gel on on my face, on my elbows and on my armpits and 2 pumps for each of my legs.  I spread it on my dry skin then after around 10 seconds I start to massage the gel in a circular motion and voila! flakes of dead skin cells is lifted from my skin.  I usually shower after to wash away the dirty gommage/peeling gel.

the simple process of removing dead skin cells

Instantly, KB DERMAFIRM Vitamin C Peeling Gel makes my skin smooth and it does remove dead skin cells, I mean there are times that I forget to use it and on the very next day that apply it on my skin I noticed that the gommage is much darker.  After around a week or two of using it, I started to feel that my elbows and legs are much softer and less dry (take note that I also use the Egyptian Magic Cream).
I will try to increase the usage of this peeling gel on my face since the skin asthma is starting to go away and will update this post if it can really remove under eye circles, wrinkles and dark spots/melasma.

For the whitening part, I don't think a month is enough to totally eradicate scars or will make the skin much whiter but it is slowly; but surely, lightening the scars on my legs.

Below is the photo of my left leg (which will make you understand further why I used KB DERMAFIRM Vitamin C Peeling Gel on my legs on a daily basis rather than on my face).  The before photo was taken a month ago (the weather is gloomy back then that's why the photo is a bit dark but I didn't edit it) and the lightening of my scars is evident in the after photo.

the before and after

If you wanted a mild daily exfoliator that will lighten scars, that has the same technology used in diamond peeling and whiten, smoothen and soften the skin, then you might want to try KB DERMAFIRM Vitamin C Peeling Gel.

*The Egyptian Magic Cream was sent to me by KB for review.  My views stated here was based on the results after a month of using the product.  Even if I got the product for free, I still review like before.  The only difference is that I always mention the name of the product and link it to the sender's website :) a simple gesture of my thanks

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Something Moistfull and Nutrifull

Nutrifull Shea Butter Sleeping Pack and Mistfull White First Essence

These two products was introduced last year by Etude House.  Both the Nutrifull Shea Butter Sleeping Pack and the Moistfull White First Essence have been in my "mini department store" since February of this year but it's only around summer that I started to use them.  As you can see, I already emptied the first essence while the sleeping pack is now half empty after using for like forever!

got this piece of info from http://www.etudehouse.ph/pages/plist.aspx?m=F&str=moistfull#TOP
15000 won
around $25
100ml

Since hit  pan this around summer, I do not have a photo of the actual product so I'll do my best to describe it for you based on my rusty memory (yikes!).  It's translucent milky white in color with little white beads that burst once applied to the face.  It's a little sticky so a lot of patting motion is needed but it's lighter than the first essence from the collagen line (if ever you tried it).  The smell is okay:  it's something clean and will makes you think if you're smelling alcohol or not.

eureka!  I found an old photo!

I got this when my interest for having bright skin is on top of my skincare priority and based on the description "...a facial moisturizer that fosters smooth, bright complexion with dewey texture and brightening beads..." smooth? bright? dewy? I'm sold! (although I think there's a need for a spell check in there).  These three words combined in one sentence just makes me happy for one:  I have dry skin so I wanted something to moisturize my skin and two:  I have dull skin so a little brightening is always welcome.

First essence are usually applied after cleansing the face because if I understood and remembered all the things that I read about skincare, the skin loses it's moisture when cleanse and in 5 seconds (well that's I remember) you have to moisturize it and so first essences are born.  Well I don't apply this essence by this manner though, in fact most of the time I apply this essence like most essences which is after the toner though half of the time I skip putting toners which is more economic I guess because I do not have to buy a toner and it extinguishes the time that I spend on putting a toner on a cotton pad and applying it on my face (talking about saving money and time!)

While I'm happy that's in a 2 in 1 product on my part, sadly it didn't do much in brightening my face although I'm taking note that it somehow helped in fading my freckles.  It's also makes my skin dewy and moisturize (during summertime I just put this on my face and skip everything else) and it also makes me wonder how the beads pop :)

photo and info from http://www.etudehouse.ph/pages/plist.aspx?m=F&str=nutrifull#TOP
15000 won
around $25
100ml

Another item from Etude House is something that el niño-skinned (just kidding) like me will love because it's just simply thirst quenching and nourishing (well for the skin), it's the Nutrifull Shea butter Sleeping Pack.

the product itself

I've been abusing this since May and look I still have a lot.  I even used this on my body twice but I don't know why I can't finished this product in just a couple of months so value for money people.  Aside from its 100 ml, the thick consistency is mainly the reason why this product can last on your vanity cabinet for a year because seriously you don't need much to cover your face yet the results is amazing:  I just wake up with a well moisturize face and my face looks as if it ate some something nutritious (kaya pala nutrifull).  One note that is worth mentioning though is that when I look at my face in the morning (when apply this at night) without rinsing the pack, my pores are quite enlarge.  Thankfully after washing my face, my pores are back to normal (so need need to worry), anyway it is a required step to wash the face in the morning if you use this sleeping pack at night.

Complete instruction on how to use:  After toning, smooth evenly on face before sleeping.  Do not rinse off-the product will absorb.  Cleanse in morning with warm water.  For an extra nourishment, use after Nutrifull Butter Cream.

Nope, I do not have the Nutrifull Butter Cream and I think I only need one product from the line because if I use all the product from the Nutrifull line I will end up with an oily,sticky face even if I have dry skin.  My guess is that the line is formulated and designed for those with dry skin under a very cold weather.

Oh for the smell, I love it.  Shea is something nutty deep and this one has it too but more on the lighter side so I love to sniff it, the scent somehow makes me relaxed.  The consistency is; well, thick but more like a whipped one with a glossy finish although it looks matted on the skin.  Overall, I love this product especially now that the weather is getting colder.


Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

follow me on bloglovin at http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3907488
ike my page on fb at https://www.facebook.com/TheCertifiedLatebloomer

Snoe White No.5 Calamansi

Childhood oh childhood!  I remember crawling in the fields just so my older siblings would not caught us younger ones to go to grandpa's house to play when patentero, dodgeball was so in and when learning how to ride a bike is a must and having wounds or cuts or bruises from it is an award that turned into nasty scars that I want to get rid these days.  But what can i do, as a kid playing is what matters (and food too!).

I am a cheapskate at heart so I'm crossing derma's as one of the solutions to my dilemma, erasing cebo de macho because it doesn't work on my skin and ditching medical creams because they stick to the beddings.  Last resort would be whitening soaps.  Tried some; a 2 or 3 kinds, but this one is better than the last.

Be the fairest of them all
Snoe White No.5 Vitamin C rich Calamansi beauty bar
P139 (last year)

Hooray for calamansi!!!  I used calamansi in most of my DIYs because it can whiten, brighten and smoothen skin and Snoe used it in this bar to be it's main ingredient.  I'll tell it to you straight that it did not immediately lighten my scars.  I'm using it for a month now and still have the marks but it slowly and surely lightening them.  In 2 weeks I see good results, don't have the photos of the progress but just think of gray turned powder pink.  This soap changed my mind of totally ditching Snoe (I had a problem with one of their products before) and would love to again try other products like the hair heroes (catchy name by the way).

the signature seal of Snoe, a snowflake

Like most whitening soaps,  it's also natutunaw agad (melting quickly) so I cut the huge soap into 5 and each slice is good for a week for me since I only use it once a day.  I also only leave it on my skin for around a minute  because I'm not comfortable with the prickly sensation.  I'm born with a sensitive skin (I don't why) but if you have normal skin then you can use it as directed.

a little but still readable, right?  sorry for the shaky hands

I mainly bought the No.5 for my scars in my legs but Snoe said...

description

Here's a short excerpt from livestrong.com about Alpha_Hydroxy Acid:

"...alpha hydroxy acid, lightens brown spots, age spots or so-called liver spots that appear as the result of excessive sun exposure as well as aging. Products containing alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, have proven to be effective, with continued use, in lightening dark spots on the skin."

It's been a month now since I started to use Snoe White No.5 and with the help of a lightening serum, my scars lighten and just needs a little time for them to completely blend with the natural skintone of my legs.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Nivea Body UV Whitening Serum

Lately, I've been addicted to products that has Vitamin C ingredient as it promises to brighten a dull skin.  I have dull skin so that explains my addiction.  I know many people would think it shallow.  I also thought it shallow for the longest time of my life but I realized that it's more of taking care of myself (I have less scratches now, yehey!) but of course being beautiful inside is more beautiful (I'm working on it =P)

Nivea UV Whitening Serum SPF 25 PA++
Vitamin C 95% Purity
Noticeably more radiant and fairer skin within 14 days
For accumulated dull and damaged skin
P219

I'm not into whitening and I doubted this product when I read a post about the difference between whitening and lightening but looking into the list of what this body serum can do I think it was mislabeled for marketing purposes maybe because whitening products are in demand to many Filipinos???  It's just my guess, but I do believe that this product is more for lightening than whitening that my dull skin needed and  my scratches and different kinds of marks from me, scratching my skin due to allergy and skin asthma.  I can't indicate here though watch the difference between whitening and lightening because I can't find a concrete definition in the net.

what it does plus ingredients

I like how light and quick absorbent this serum is that I can used it it even on hot days and it also has SPF.  I hate the smell though: it makes me dizzy for the first week that I'm using it, It took me two weeks to get used to the scent.  It's liquidy and white (but will not cast any white trace in the skin)

I noticed small white particles on the first and second day of road-testing this body serum and I only have 2 conclusion on this case: one is that the serum is removing the dead skin and two the serum is too strong for me.  Hoping it's the former, I continued to use this for 3 or 4 weeks now and I'm loving how it slowly brightens and evens out my skin tone.  It's a slow process but I'm willing to wait, besides the effort and cost is at a minimum level.

Love this body serum, now I just hope that it's always available in the nearby mall.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Shiseido White Lucent Sample Room Challenge

If you're a member of Sample Room then I assumed you also read the Sample Room blog.  If not then you are missing a lot my friend.  The February 21, 2013 entry got my attention not just because I got the Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+ and Power Brightening Mask but also because of the fact about the formation of melanin in a concentrated area (link can be found here).  I thought; and maybe others too, think of what most would call "freckles" are just a result of me being meztiza.  Well, after reading the blog entry it makes me realize that the spots on my face are actually melanin  concentrated in one area that signals that my skin is inflamed (I blame myself for not using sunscreen while under the heat of the sun and not taking care of my skin in my younger days).

From Sample Room:  My own samples of Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+  and Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask

Now back to the Shiseido products.  Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+ is a superior anti-spot serum with an intensified power formulation exclusively created to diminish stubborn dark spots. Shiseido-exclusive Melano Sensor System++ now targets troubling spots by crushing melanin at its core and stopping the vicious cycle of dark-spot formation. Persistent spots are reduced and future pigmentation is prevented, to even out skin tone for perfectly radiant skin.  Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask on the other hand is An original whitening mask inspired by iontophoresis, a beauty treatment that saturates skin with a generous amount of whitening ingredients. Through the power of Ion Force Technology, the whitening ingredients are absorbed deep within the skin for highly effective results (read more about the product here).

Very promising products, right?  And so I accepted Sample Room's Shiseido White Lucent Skin Challenge! (Challenged Accepted!)

So for seven days, I religiously use Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+ day and night and on the seventh day I use the Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask.  Did the products help me battle the "freckles" and brighten my face.  Let me first tell you my seven days journey.

First day was the curious stage which means that I'm doing everything to use my 5, I mean 3 senses (tasting and hearing are not applicable of course).  The serum is milky white in color, has a liquidy consistency and smell almost nothing.  I have no problem with the color and smell and really glad about the consistency of the serum because my skin absorbs it quickly and doesn't leave a sticky feeling.  Moisturization is good that I skipped using a moisturizer.  I also noticed white particles sloughing of my face the first night that I use it.  I'm wondering (and hoping) if it's the dead skin cells.

Second day doesn't have much progress, I mean no product would give an instant result  but I noticed a little glow on my upper cheekbone ( a good sign).  Amazing how my face feels softer and smoother on the third day but found two new zits on my cheeks.  Hoping that it's just my skin adopting to the new product, I continued using the serum.

Glowing face, that's what I see in the mirror on the fourth day that it seemed like I just use a brightening mask.  So far so good except for a new zit anyway every zit on my face are gone on the fifth day and I'm beginning to see the lightening effect of the serum on my dark spots.

It's not mention that Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+ can make pores smaller but I just noticed that my pores are a little smaller.  Yes, it just a little effect but considering that I only used the product for six days, well that something amazing I guess.

Now the seventh day, the final and the "The Day" has finally come.  The day that I can finally use Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask which is so silky and so far has the best fit among the face mask that I tried and has abundant of milky essence that even 10 minutes has passed, the sheet mask didn't dry-up.  Also seventh day is the day to show some pictures because there is no better way to describe the final day than showing the proofs.

part of my face where most of my freckles are, what do you think?

It lighten, right.  Plus my pores are smaller than before.  I tried my best to pose in front of the camera the exact same way as before but I can't but don't worry, aside from resizing and collaging I didn't edit anything.

pores visibly smaller and a little brighter

In the picture my face looks a little brighter but in person my face is glowing.  The effect stays even when I already sleep or wash my face and more softer and smoother too.

What you think?

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Snoe White Oatmeal Scrub

It's been a long time since I posted a Snoe product probably because the remnants of magic Apple is still fresh in my memory and there's still some evidences left in my body.  But I have to exfoliate my skin and this cute bottle is just lying steadily on my closet and thought that maybe it's time to put it in the bathroom.

Snoe White Exfoliating Oatmeal Milk Whitening Scrub

The two main ingredients are Oatmeal and Milk

label at the back

from Snoe's official website

So it's a salt scrub with real oats and walnut shells.  I just hope that Snoe infused the oatmeal extract in the salt but I'm not seeing it in the list of ingredients.  The oatmeals are kind of useless because it just fall off my skin unless I put some water first in the scrub before applying it on my skin.  Anyway, I love the smell of this scrub as the combination  of ingredients reminds me of a vanilla cake, yummy!

small scoop inside

Yes, there's a small scoop which is not really a useful thing to me.  I'm not aware of the scoop because it's buried inside.  Almost 1/4 cup of scrub fall off the ground (wasted) when I pulled the scoop so be careful.  I think since this is already in a plastic bottle, it's better to just pour it in the hands.

salt scrub+oatmeal+wallnut shells

All the salt scrubs that I used leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft and this one also has the same effect.  Not sure with the whitening part since I already have fair skin but I think it helps in whitening some darker areas of my body like my elbows and knees.  Caution: do not use this if you have open and newly healed wounds, it will surely sting and if signs of irritation occur, please discontinue using it (I learned this the hard way).
Thinking that salt scrub is too harsh for the skin?  Then why not mix 1 part of this scrub to 1 part of lotion.

I love the handy bottle and smell of this scrub but if I compare it's price to other salt scrubs that has the same effect, then this I think is a bit expensive at P349 for 300ml and the only reason why I got this is the oatmeal part (which disappoints me) which has been really good to my face.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

My love hate relationship with Magic Apple Whitening s-rub

Here's another scrub that I'm using to remove the dirt and grime off my skin.

"Our Special Apple Whitening S-rub works like magic!"

Ingredients: De-ionized water, Dimethicone (CetearlyDimethicone), Cethyl alcohol, Prophyl alcohol, PPG, Crosspolymer, Titanium dioxide, Glycerin, Vitamin B3, Olive oil, Phenoxyethanol, Bearberry extract, Fragrance

Here's how I use it:

1.  Spread the product to the skin paying attention to darken spots that needs some whitening.  The product by the way is white with some micro beads that will help in scrubbing off the dirt.  The consistency is more liquidy than I expected (more liquidy than emulsion).

2.  Let it stay for 5 minutes.  During the 5 minutes time, it seems that the skin slowly absorbs the product except of course for the beads that serves as a scrub.

 3.   Rub to my heart's content ( ala hilod style).   Dirt clumps like in the below picture.

I'm not comfortable of just leaving the scrub in my body (because of the residue) so I rinse every after use.

Irk or quizzed with the title of this post?  Let's start with the smell:  I love that it has minty and apple like smell but I hate the chemical smell into it probably because of the alcohol ingredients.

Next,  I love that it's a bit liquidy and because of this it's easier to spread it on skin but at the same time hate it because I'm having a hard time rubbing the product off my skin. I'm desperate to see white/gray particles that I exert too much effort in rubbing (I hope you can see some redness in my skin in the last picture).

Ans lastly, I love that it whitens my skin and really feel that the dirt is completely removed but hate that I also feel like the first layer of my skin (sorry if you think I'm a bit exaggerated but this is how I really feel) has also been removed probably because of my rubbing effort.

So there's my love and hate relationship with Snoe's Magic Apple Whitening s-rub.  I guess I have to use the remaining product as a regular scrub and stick with their Milk Whitening Scrub (unless they will further developed or make a lot of improvement with it).

A lot of bloggers love Magic Apple, I don't know why but if you do know please let me know.  I'm probably using it the wrong way?  I'll wait! :D

Update as of October 16, 2012: Will never use this again.  If signs of irritation occurs, please stop using it and don't be as stubborn as me (or you'll suffer the consequences like me).

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Snoe Exfoliating Oatmeal Beauty Bar

A single swipe can make your skin healthy white!  I guess this is my best way to describe Snoe's Exfoliating Oatmeal Beauty Bar.

Snoe White Beauty Bar No.9

I'm a little skeptic to get any Snoe White Beauty Bar because first I thought it was a kojic soap which I have a very bad experience with it (it made my skin in my legs very sensitive), second is because I'm not into whitening (I already have fair skin) and third is the price (I'm okay with liquid soaps or family soaps that can be bought in grocery stores but beauty bar???...pffftt) but since this is with the Milk Scrub in Oatmeal then why not give it a try.

just look at the cute snowflake at the center, love this detail

Just one swipe on wet skin can make lots of bubbles, it's like I'm having bubble bath everytime I use this soap.  I don't time how many minutes I let the bubbles stay but according to the packaging 2 minutes is enough and expect a slight tingling sensation especially if you have cuts or scratches (I always have scratches) If you can't tolerate the sensation then just rinse your skin thoroughly with water and everything will be just fine.  As for the smell, well it's something that I love and at the same time hate.  Love because it smells like vanilla, hate because sometimes I smell something unnatural like a bubblegum.

discontinue use if signs of irritation occurs.  do not use near eyes, for external use only

I like that it helps in drying out the small pimples on my shoulders (I don't know how to exactly call them) but at the same time moisturizes my skin (weird right but awesome!).  It has mild exfoliation because of the real oats on it which save me time from scrubbing myself using sea salt, milk scrubs and the like (I still at least use these kinds once a week) though I only use this soap every other day because one it's not healthy to scrub the skin daily (talking about removing the natural oils of the skin) and two is it's still a whitening soap so I'm afraid that it will irritate my sensitive skin.  It helps in whitening some dark spots specially on my legs and because of this effect I'm convinced to try the Vitamin C - Enriched Calamansi Beauty Bar.  Wondering why I'm obsessed with whitening dark spots?  Because I have loads of them especially on my legs because of allergy so thank goodness for these effective whitening soaps from Snoe.

Here are the complete benefits and active ingredients of Snoe White Exfoliating Oatmeal Beauty Bar from their website.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Snoe White Body Softener

I like collagen as my face loves it.  So when I saw a body softener with collagen from Snoe's website:  Perfect! now my body can enjoy the goodness too.

Anti-Aging, Whitening, Collagen

"Collagen- Rejuvenates aging skin. It is great for toning and moisturizing the skin and delays the effects of aging. Improves skin pigmentation and elasticity

Indulge yourself in moisturizing softness with Snoe White Anti-aging Whitening Collagen Body Softener. Our Silk Softness formula features hydrating moisturizers, state of the art whitening and anti-aging ingredients that replenish your skin and enhance all over smoothness. Contains, vitamins C, E, B3, Arbutin, Grapeseed oil and Glutathione, Collagen, AHA and Acai Berry. The result is irresistible, touchable soft translucent skin."

product description, ingredients, warnings + instructions

Instructions: Apply after bath or shower or anytime, as often as necessary. Gently massage body softener into dry body areas. Allow to remain and soak in several minutes before dressing. Our thick but non-greasy formulation will be absorbed by the dry skin tissues, leaving skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized (check Snoe's Facebook here for the complete info.).

equivalent to 3 pea size

Can you believe that the amount in the above picture can already cover my whole arm?  But if you want the moisturizing effect to last long then; as instructed, apply the softener as often as necessary.  It's powder blue in color.  In fact it seems to me like it has powder on it so it gives my body a matted finish whenever I use it. For the scent, hmmm...it smells clean and refreshing and a little minty like toothpaste which I like.

forgive the hairy~ness

Don't worry about the whiteness, it will subside when the softener is massage evenly on skin (approximately 30 seconds).  True it is non-greasy and is quickly absorbed by my skin.

I usually use this softener before I go to work because unlike other lotions, it doesn't make me sweat a lot so I still look clean and dry even after walking for around 30 minutes (brisk walking most of the time).  It does make my skin soft and smooth but since I apply this once only for the whole day, I still haven't achieved the silkiness part.

I have fair skin so I am not after the whitening effect, but I think Snoe White Body Softener helped in lightening the dark pigmentations around my legs and it doesn't irritates my sensitive skin which is a big plus.

Have you tried the Moringa from these softener range?  Share your thoughts, I want to try it too!