Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot (20ml) [Re-updated]

Description(from the box): Formulated with Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, AC Clinic delivers trouble care. Pink Powder alleviates trouble swelling on contact to minimize damage. Comes with cotton swabs for application.

Directions(from the box): Do not shake bottle. After facial care, allows the powder to settle at the bottom. Perpendicularly dip cotton swab into bottle to draw powder from bottle. Use swab, coated with powder, to dab onto trouble spots and acne.

The set comes with a bottle of AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot (20ml), a bottle of AC Clinic Daily Spot (15ml) and a packet of cotton swabs .aka. q-tips.

The Pink Powder Spot comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a plastic screw-off cap.

How to use?:

Do not shake the bottle! Allows the powder to settle at the bottom. 

Then use a cotton swab .aka. q-tip and dip it perpendicularly into the powder in the bottle. Pull out the cotton swab/q-tip and apply it to the pimples.

It leaves a pink powder layer upon application. Therefore, I don't recommend you to use it in the day unless you plan to stay at home the whole day. Also, I don't recommend you to wear this under make-up. If you are looking for a spot treatment that can be use under make-up, you can try the day version spot treatment which is also from the Etude House AC Clinic line, called the Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot. (Review: link)

Consistency and Color:
It has a pink powdery texture.

Scent:
It has a medicated herby scent to me.

Likes:
- contains salicylic acid
- dry up and heal pimples effectively
- no breakout or irritation; suits sensitive skin
- easy to use
- easy to wash it off

Dislikes:
- the powder may stains pillow/pillow case easily (can be washed off)
- the liquid in the bottle finish faster than the powder

Neutral:
- does not treat acne marks/scars
but I'm fine with this since I can treat the marks/scars with Hiruscar Post Acne Gel (Review: link)

Here's my 5 days of 'experiment':

PS: All the photos were taken on different day/time so the lighting may vary. NO makeup or editing... errr... actually..., I did edit... — cropped, combined all photos into one and added in watermarks and dates. That's it. NO major editing though.

During the day, I will use Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot (Review: link) and at night, I will use Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot.

Day 1: A nasty, inflamed zit decided to come out to play... 

Day 1 (night): Dab some pink powder spot on the zit. I use the pink powder spot every night until the zit is completely healed.

Day 2: You can notice that the zit got dried up.

Day 3: The layer of dried acne scab has peeled off and there is an open wound.

Day 4: The zit/pimple has gone away but the open wound is not fully healed yet. The wound is barely noticeable though.

Day 5: The wound has healed and it leaves a flat pinkish-red acne mark/scar. It's time to treat the acne mark/scar~

Once the zit has fully healed, I will proceed on to treat the acne mark/scar with Hiruscar Post Acne Gel. (Review: link)

Verdict: This night spot treatment does not treat acne marks/scars but it is very effective in healing zits. It dries and heals zit within a week without causing any irritation or overly drying problem. I absolutely love it sooooo muuuuuuuchh~! Like the AC Clinic cleanser, this has always been in my holy grail skincare product list too! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne. Though back then halfway through the progress there were some drying problem, I don't find the line drying for my skin now. It works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it!

People who have trouble with acne, you might want to give this spot treatment and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)

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Review: Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Having trouble with pimple marks/scars? Try this! :

Hiruscar Post Acne Gel (10g)

Description: Gel for pimple scars and dark marks. In collaboration with Medinova AG — Switzerland, Hiruscar Post Acne, a scar clear gel, is proven to improve depressed scars arising from pimple and help lighten dark spots and/or red marks. Hiruscar Post Acne contains MPS, Allium Cepa, Pionin (Quaternium-73) and other natural ingredients to improve pimple scars and may help the formation of new pimple scars. It provides fast, easy skin absorption with a pleasant and non-greasy texture. It can be used as a part of treatment regime and also can be used under make-up.

Claims to do:
A Unique Formulation with 3-in-1 Scar Clear Benefits:
1. Lightens dark marks in 12 weeks
2. Improves/smoothens depressed pimple scars
3. May prevent pimple occurrence
* Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Alcohol Free.

Directions: Apply 2-3 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Use regularly after skin treatment and before make-up for continuous and better outcome for scars management. Always wash hands before and after use.

Composition (Ingredients):
Aqua, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Niacinamide, Sorbeth-30, PPG-26-Buteth-26 and PEG-40hydrogenated caster oil, Quaternium-73, Carbomer, Fragrance, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and DMDM hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin and Mucopolysaccharide (MPS).

Below pictures(Source: link) further elaborate... (please take some time to read them~)

• What is a Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

• What can Hiruscar Post Acne do and when to use?

• How to use Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

• The effectiveness:

It comes in a squeeze-able tube with a twist-off plastic cap.

It's easy to squeeze out the gel from the tube.

Consistency and Color:
Light clear gel texture and it's not greasy at all.

Once applied on the skin, it gets absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky residue/layer.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... The scent is kind of "unique" though. I personally find it a little pungent. To be honest, I couldn't accept the scent when I first tried it but after a few use, I'm used to it. It's bearable and will not linger after application.

Likes:
- 100% anti-bacterial
- lighten and improve pimple scars and dark marks
- gets absorbed into the skin
- can be used under makeup
- light gel consistency and not heavy
- non-comedogenic
- alcohol-free
- suits sensitive skin
- doesn't cause breakouts

Dislikes:
- takes time to fully lighten pimple scars/marks

This is not my first time using this product. I first used it back in Year 2010.

This is the one I used last time.(2-in-1 formulation)

*The one I reviewing is Hiruscar Post Acne Gel. I think it's their new product. An upgraded version(3-in-1 formulation) specially for pimple scars/marks.

After some time, I stopped using this product and switched to other lightening/whitening products, such as the Skinfood Tomato Whitening Spot Serum & Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm. It's been quite a few years since I last used this and I decided to use it again because of my allergies and sensitive skin. Well, I got a skin allergic reaction to tea tree oil back in August 2013. Yes, I am allergic to tea tree oil and I know it yet I still used it. Am I stupid or what!? LOL.

Back then, I had an event coming up and I just wanna get rid of about 6 to 8 zits(ranging from small to big) that were on my chin before the event. Despite knowing that I am allergic to tea tree oil, I still took the risk and used it. I actually had a plan in mind... I planned...if an allergic reaction occurs, then I will just don't attend the event. As simple as that. It's not really important anyway. So yeah..., allergic reaction really occurred and I left with even more zits and scars. 

During and After the allergic period, my skin on the chin belonged to the VERY sensitive skin type. Therefore, I decided to get back to this Hiruscar Gel because I know it's sensitive skin friendly~ It's clinically proven, safe to use, non skin irritant, even safe to use on sensitive skin.

By the way, it takes time to notice the results so don't expect an instant miracle from this product. The recommended treatment must be at least 2 weeks to 2 months. But I will recommend to use this for at least 3 months. With continuous usage, you will probably see visible results in 2 weeks on fresh pimple scars/marks. Do take note that the treatment period and results may vary depending on individual's condition, such as the condition of the acne wound and also how fast your skin repairs itself.

Here's my 8 weeks and 3 days of 'experiment'~ 
PS: All the photos were taken on different time so the lighting may vary. NO makeup or editing... errr... actually..., I did edit... — cropped, combined all photos into one and added in watermarks and dates. That's it. NO major editing though.

(Before): I had these patches of redness, bumpy/pimplish skin after using tea tree oil. It was a skin allergic reaction as I've said. Actually, it was much redder than in the photo and it was hell itchy! >< The itchiness and redness took about a week and a half to heal.

PS: I started using the Hiruscar Post Acne Gel on 6th September 2013. So...

Day 1: As you can see, I have a lot of scars/marks left by the allergic reaction...

6 weeks & 2 days: Oops, sorry. Wrong angle. lol. Anyway, you probably still be able to notice the difference huh?

(After) 8 weeks & 3 days: There are still some very faint pimple scars/marks, I don't know if you guys can see... However, the marks are greatly faded! On a side note, please excuse that Nexcare Patch~ lololol. I have a nasty zit there. It popped itself this morning and I just pasted the patch over it to help suck out all the pus. :x

By the way, I apply the gel 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, after my toner and before my moisturizer.

Okay, enough said. Whether the product works in fading scars/marks, you will be the judge~ :)

People who have trouble with pimple scars/marks, you might want to give this a try.

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Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot (25ml)

Description: Containing Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, this is a convenient liquid type trouble care spot product with excellent absorbing properties into any part of the body that needs special care.
Directions: Lightly dab to absorb into area that needs special care. Can be use repeatedly. *Recommended to use on clean skin to maintain sanitary container.*

 It comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a plastic twist-off cap.

It has this easy-to-use sponge applicator that allows you to just dab it onto your skin. However, I find it unhygienic to use it frequently in a day. So normally I will just use it once in the day, while at night I will use AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot right after I cleanse my face. 

Consistency & Color:
Liquid-y and watery. Colorless.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... Like a herby? medicated? fragrance~ It smells similar to other AC Clinic products which I really love~

Likes:
- non-comedogenic
- 4 free formula — free of mineral oil, artificial color, artificial fragrance,...(forgot what's the last one...)
- it's colorless~ it's great to use it in the day.
- can be use under makeup
- soothe blemishes
- does helps to dry up zits
- get absorbed into the skin
- the cooling sensation after application
- the scent

Dislikes:
- unhygienic
- sponge applicator spoils easily

Verdict?: It soothe blemishes and dry them up within a few days. But for those huge painful ones, it might requires a longer time to get them dry up. I personally find the AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot works better for those huge painful zits as compared to this liquid spot. However, AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot will leave a pink residue after application so it's not suitable to use it in the day unless you plan to stay at home the whole day or unless you want to look like a clown. :P While this liquid spot is colorless so it's great to use it in the day.

On the other hand, I like this liquid spot because it can be use under makeup. Unlike other gel-type spot treatments, this is in liquid form so it will get absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky layer that will interfere with makeup.

People who are looking for a spot treatment that can be use both day & night and under makeup, this is a good choice. :)

Update on 20 October 2013:
A quick update for this product... Basically, the whole sponge applicator detached itself from the bottle and literally become useless... I did not take any shots when it happened because I thought I used it too roughly which caused the sponge to spoil. lol. After I saw some reviewers reviewing about it then I know it was not my fault. Anyway, here are some pictures I 'steal'(HAHA) from them:

(Source of photo: link)

(Source of photo: link)

What I did was to remove the sponge and remove the springy-like part/component and use a q-tip as applicator. Here's how the springy-like part/component(?) looks like... 

It supposed to be fixed at the hole of the bottle(refer to below photo) and it works like a stopper. 

When you dab the product on your skin, the springy-like part/component(?) will get pressed and releases the liquid/fluid onto the sponge applicator. 

So as I've said, I removed the springy-like part/component, which works like a stopper, and the sponge and there's a hole that allows me to dip my q-tip in and retrieve the liquid/fluid.

Actually, I prefer the q-tip method than the sponge applicator it originally comes with. I find it more hygienic using a q-tip. :x And so, even without the sponge applicator, it doesn't bothers me. :)

That's that.

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Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet (20ml)

Description: Formulated with Salicylic acid, mask sheet made from 100% Bamboo fibers supplies moisture.
Directions: Apply mask sheet to cleansed face and leave on for 15-20minutes. Remove mask and massage remaining solution into skin with hands.

I use this mask during "that time of the month". Y'know, girls get breakouts during that period of time. lol...

Mask sheet soaking wet "sitting" inside the pack~~

Apparently, one hand isn't enough to hold and stretch the mask perfectly so apologize for not able to fully show the shape of the mask. :x

Likes:
- nice scent (i like~)
- contains salicylic acid
- reduce pimples redness
- calm pimples
- prevent breakout
- lots of essence? serum? solution?, whatever you called it...
- does not leave a super sticky residue after application
- not greasy
- lighten acne scars/pigmentation
- essence? serum? solution? gets absorbed totally and it get absorbed really quick (quicker than My Beauty Diary mask)

Dislikes:
- for me, it causes irritation(redness, bumpy and itchy patches) on my sensitive cheeks and jawlines :(
- a little expensive

The next day after using the mask, both of my jawlines turn red(refer to picture below) and later on... my cheeks develop patches of redness too! Looks like rashes fyi. Tsk!

Close-up shot of my left jawline

PS: Spot the zit yeah~ please don't mind that lonely zit. LOL.

Perhaps I'm allergic to one of the ingredients in the mask or maybe... it's the side effects of salicylic acid...? :O

There's a higher possibility that the side effects of salicylic acid being the cause of the irritations on my skin because salicylic acid can cause side effects such as redness, peeling, flakiness, stinging, burning etc. I'm thinking this way because the irritations did not develop right after using. It happened overnight.

And fyi..., the redness ONLY LASTS for an hour and would only flare up again right after I cleansed my face. Other than that, my skin just looks perfectly fine without any signs of irritation.

- How many days does it takes for the redness to stop developing?

Well, I'm on my second day of observing so I will update you guys later.

By the way, I don't know whether it's an allergic reaction or because of the side effects of salicylic acid. Above details are based on my opinion. :)

On the positive side, despite the irritations, it does helps to reduce the pimples redness, calm and dry up the pimples. Besides that, it also helps to lighten acne scars/pigmentation and prevent future breakouts~ (I saw immediate result after one use. XD) Having said that, I kind of have a love-hate relationship with this mask. Sigh... -.-

For those who have occasionally breakouts, try this mask! They do work however, please be ready for the irritations yo! I don't know if it would affect everyone... maybe yes?, maybe not? I don't know... Anyway, it's just a warning, especially to those with super sensitive skin. XOXO :)

x---x

Update on 9th Feb 2013:

- How many days does it takes for the redness to stop developing?

For me, it lasts for 3 days. :)

So far, I'm loving the results it gave to my skin. All the nasty whiteheads/small bumps/inflamed zits on my skin are gone! woooohoooooo~ XD 

x---x

Update on 6th March 2013:

I used it again yesterday and this time, I didn't get any irritation. By the way, I recommended it to my friend and she did not experience any irritation on her first use. So I concluded that the irritation only happens to some people, depending on the skin condition and it's sensitivity. People with sensitive skin, just be warned... It's best to do a patch test prior to use. :)

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Review: SKIN & LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble

SKIN & LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble (15ml)

SKIN&LAB is not just another cosmetic brand but realization of true science based on plenty of dermatologist experiences. All products of SKIN&LAB are designed to provide dermatological solutions.

Description: Don't Touch Trouble with sophora extract works quickly to help calm the skin and restore skin comfort.

Directions: Apply to the affected area 2-3 times daily.

(Click on the picture to enlarge...)

(Source from SKIN&LAB)

It comes in a soft squeeze-able tube with a twist-off cap.

Consistency & Color:
Gel-like serum texture and opaque. After a few minutes of applying the product, it will get absorbed and become translucent.

Scent:
Errr... not too strong? pretty much odorless? ps, I don't know how to describe for this... :/

Likes:
- the ingredients & the formula
- easy to use
- works effectively on mild acne (whiteheads, flesh color zits etc)
- heals acne zits at the same time, reduce the redness of post acne marks/scarring
- not drying nor harsh; suits sensitive skin
- no side effect; no irritation
- not very sticky
- translucent :)
- can be used both day and night use

Dislikes:
- takes a long period of time to dry and heal the pimples
- for me, it does not work on large painful hormonal pimples

Previously I was using the Etude House AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot which doesn't suit to use it in the day, especially if I'm going out, because it will leave an obvious layer/spot/mark after applying the product. So I got this SKIN&LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble to use it in the day. Right after I used up the AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot, I use the Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble in the day and night. So far, I used up one and a half tube already.

Overall conclusion, I kinda like and hate this. lol.

I like it because it heals and dry up the pimples while minimize the redness of the acne scars/marks. That means when a pimple gets healed, the mark left on the skin will be less red and can be faded easily and much faster using a scar/spot treatment product(eg: whitening spot treatment). For me, using a scar/spot treatment, normally it takes 3-6 months(depends on how severe the acne is) to heal post acne mark. But after using this product, it takes 1-2 months to get rid of the mark. (PS: This only works on new zits, new acne marks.)

I hate it because it takes a long time to get rid of a pimple. Unlike other acne spot treatments which on average takes 3-5days or a week to heal a pimple, the period of time this product takes to heal my pimples various from 1-3 weeks. Another downside, it does not heal my large painful hormonal acne. :(

Even though I do have reasons to hate this product, I would still consider buying it because of the "speed up process" of healing acne mark/scar left after drying up a new pimple. Nowadays I seldom get large inflamed acne unless I'm having a bad life routine or it's "the time of the month"(life being a girl -.-) so since it works effectively for my whiteheads/flesh color zits, I don't mind making a repurchase. In fact, I already gotten another 3 boxes(as seen from first picture). :P I tend to use up a tube pretty fast because I apply a lot of the product on a pimple. LOL! XD As for "How I treat my hormonal acne?", well, Nexcare Acne Patch will do the job~! :D
(Read the review on Nexcare Acne Patch: link)

That's it for the product review. :)

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Review: Skinfood Tomato Whitening Spot Serum

Mood: 

Skinfood Tomato Whitening Spot Serum 30g 

Description: This spot serum is packed with fresh tomato extracts which contains a variety of natural organic acids, vitamins and minerals to clear and clarify dark skins.
Direction for use: Gently apply to dark spots and skin discolorations after using toner.


Since the direction printed at the back of the tube says apply this 'after using toner', I assume it's only for facial use...(?) But who cares, I used it on my arm too. Lol. Actually, I bought this for my post acne hyperpigmentation...but after I bought the AC Clinic Red Spot Balm, I stopped applying this on my face. FYI, this does not cause any breakout on me. I replaced it with Red Spot Balm because I am using other AC Clinic products and I want to stick to the same skincare line.

If you read my blog consistently(and I thank you for being interested in my 'craps'), you probably know that I had a gross infection[link] on my left arm in last November which leaves patches of f.ugly pigmentation scars on my arm after healing. :(

(Before) Taken back in 3rd week of December 2011.

So after my infection was completely healed, I apply the Skinfood Tomato Serum to the scars. Hoping that it would helps speed up the lightening process... Having marks on arm aren't cool okay especially when I'm wearing sleeveless or short sleeve outfit! :(

I have been applying this every single night before bed. I don't apply this in the morning due to laziness. In addition, I believe our skin heals better at night while our body is at rest. Do take note that this serum takes months to notice a major improvement. You can actually see a little improvement after about 2 weeks to a month of application.

So, it has been about 3½ months I applied this serum and currently, I am still using this serum every night without fail. And yes!, my effort on applying this every night and waiting for miracle(to see result) has paid off.

The same scars that were left from previous infection have lightened a lot!

(AFTER)
.
.
.

(FYI, I only used Photoshop to resize the photo and create that "watermark"(laughs). No further editing of picture. The only difference is the time taken which affects the lighting. Previous picture taken in the day without flash while this was taken last night without flash too. Both pictures were taken with Iphone's camera.) In real life, the scars actually looks slightly lighter than what's shown in the picture... :/

Okay so, I believe you can spot the difference in the color of my pigmentation scars. The color of scars were dramatically reduced. As you can see, it's not completely gone though...but I believe with continue application, the scars will soon be gone forever. :)

By the way, this serum has a mild and nice fragrance(smells like a cream~) which I really like it. After applying it on the skin, it will get absorbed and leaves a really light-tacky feeling to the touch. The serum itself is in white liquid(?) form but after massaging it into the skin, it will become colorless. Apply a little works wonder~ I always apply a lot and it does not cause any side effect. Overall, yes I like it and I already got a second tube the other day. :D

The only downside is the duration it takes to see improvement but well...whatever scars, no matter whether it is exterior or interior, take time to heal.

Are you having pigmentation scars/marks on your skin? Probably you might want to try this and see if it works for you. :)

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