On my way to vanity

More than a month ago, my pimple problem started thanks to my careless trying of well-known brand of men's moisturizing cream. Everything was well during the first two days of me dabbing the product on my face. But then came my nightmare. One by one, large red pimples started to plague my face and before I can do anything, they looked as if they were there to stay forever. 

I'm probably the least among guys who would consider himself vain. Before, there were times when I don't even wash my face before going to sleep because I'm already too tired. And I don't use any cream or cleanser to go for a better skin. Its just that I'm too busy to worry about stuff like that. 

And then this happened. 

I immediately went to a drugstore and bought some benzoyl peroxide. I've had this pimple problem before when I was in college. And in addition to going to a dermatologist, benzoyl peroxide helped in drying up my pimples within just few days of use. But this time it failed me. 

I was already panicking and thinking of shelling out some cash and go to a derm clinic. I was thinking of Belo Medical Clinic, but when I checked the prices, it was all too much for a medium grade employee like me. So I decided to go back to my previous derm clinic that checked me when I was in college. 

First I'd like to say that they're not paying me for writing this. I just want to share this because when I was so desperate finding a legitimate blog tackling this, I saw nothing but articles obviously written in favor of some facial brands and clinics. Anyway, to continue. 

So I set up an appointment at Dermclinic SM North Edsa branch to finally get it over with. Actually, the branch that took care of me when I was in college was the one at SM Manila, but the SM North branch is nearer since I work at Quezon City. I love the talk with the dermatologist. Here are the key points she told me:

1. She was clear to point out that I have an OILY and a very SENSITIVE skin. Because of this, she advised me against using non-prescription facial products. Or if I couldn't help it, she said I should always check if the product has mild ingredients and most importantly, they should be organic. 

2. Don't use oil-based facial products. This how I realised that the moisturizer I've used was the culprit. It was oil-based and oil-based products used on oily face means disaster. Now, this happened during election season and as a journalist, it was the busiest and most stressful days meaning it add up to the injury: OIL-BASED PRODUCT + OILY SKIN + STRESS + HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT = acne. 

3. Lessen the intake of dairy products. My ultimate stress busters are chocolates, cakes and ice cream. I don't remember it explicitly but she cited some study which suggests that high intake of these dairy products contributes to acquiring pimples. Moderation is the key to be safe, she said. 

Afterwards she gave me her prescriptions. And she also explained this procedure which got me interested and promised to undergo with as soon as I can. To be honest I was surprised at the prices of the products. But then again I brought this to myself (plus my genes) so I didn't have the right to complain. Here they are:

1. Mild wash (liquid soap)

2. Dermisol lotion

3. Toner

4. Tretinoin

5. Another facial cream to alternate with Tretinoin

6. Sunblock

A month later, the pimples finally stopped popping out on my face. But during the whole month that I'm using the products, there were minor breakouts where a pimple or two would appear but a friend told me it was part of the whole "healing process."

With this whole dilemma, I promised myself I'll be more caring of my skin and will try to be a bit vain. Being metrosexual definitely will not suit me, but a little vanity, I guess, never hurt anyone, right?