This blog post chronicles my personal battle with acne, a journey that began in 2019 amidst a period of intense stress and irregular sleep. The experience led me to experiment with a range of acne spot treatments available in the Philippines, each with varying degrees of success. This first part of my acne journey focuses on my reviews of several popular products, highlighting their effectiveness, cost, and any side effects I experienced. My goal is to share my honest feedback to help others navigate their own acne struggles and find products that work for them. I’ll be transparent about both the successes and failures, because understanding what *doesn't* work is just as important as finding what does.While spot treatments played a significant role, this series will emphasize the crucial importance of a holistic approach to acne management. Simply relying on spot treatments is not a long-term solution; consistent cleansing, moisturizing, and a healthy lifestyle are integral parts of the equation. This review covers a spectrum of products, from readily available and affordable options to more premium choices. I'll discuss everything from the drying power of specific lotions to the soothing benefits of pimple patches, providing a detailed overview of my experiences to help you find the best strategy for your individual skin type and needs.
Pros And Cons
- Helps dry acne
- Affordable (120-150 pesos)
- Super effective
- Highly recommended
- Expensive (1280 pesos)
- Affordable (190 pesos)
- Calms inflammation
- Promotes healing
- Antibacterial
- Slow-acting
- Works wonders
- Affordable (349 pesos)
- Effective
Read more: Top 3 Acne Patches That Banish Blackheads
The Start of My Acne Journey
My acne journey began in 2019. I was incredibly stressed from work, waking up early and working late. Despite my busy schedule, I still had social events and gatherings, leading to an irregular sleep pattern and a compromised skincare routine.
My usual skincare routine was minimal; I would just wash my face and sometimes use acne spot treatments – a temporary fix at best. This lack of consistent care significantly contributed to my acne breakout.
Acne Spot Treatments: Hits and Misses
I tried several acne spot treatments, some worked better than others. I'll detail my experiences with each product, but remember, these are my personal experiences. Your mileage may vary.
It's crucial to understand that relying solely on spot treatments isn't a sustainable solution. A holistic approach, including consistent cleansing and moisturizing, is key to long-term acne management.
Product Review: Benzac AC
Benzac AC was my first attempt. It's a common treatment in the Philippines, known for its effectiveness. However, consistent use is vital; I experienced significant dryness and irritation initially. While effective, it's essential to proceed with caution and follow instructions carefully.
I recommend doing a patch test before applying it to your whole face. Use it sparingly to avoid excessive dryness and potential skin irritation.
Product Review: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil was another product I tried, encouraged by a friend. It's a well-known acne treatment, priced at 495 pesos. While it smelled pleasant and had some effect, it wasn't as impactful as other options in my routine.
It did provide some relief, but it wasn't a standout product in terms of effectiveness compared to other treatments. The scent, while pleasant to some, might be bothersome to others.
Product Review: Sensatia Botanicals
I discovered Sensatia Botanicals during a trip to Bali. This product is more expensive at over 600 pesos, but the scent was incredibly appealing. Its effectiveness was moderate, not a dramatic game-changer.
While the scent and texture were pleasant, it didn't stand out for its efficacy in treating acne compared to other options. The price point is higher than others I reviewed.
Product Review: Bello Acne Pro Pimple Gel
Bello Acne Pro Pimple Gel, priced at 190 pesos, offered mild inflammation reduction and some healing properties. However, it was significantly slower-acting than other products I tried.
Affordable but slow-acting; ideal for those with patience and minor acne breakouts. Consider it a gentler option if you're sensitive to stronger treatments.
Product Review: Celeteque DermaScience Acne Solutions Spot Corrector
Celeteque DermaScience Acne Solutions Spot Corrector gel, priced at 169 pesos, also showed limited effectiveness. Similar to Bello, it worked eventually, but at a much slower pace.
Like Bello, it's another affordable but slow-acting option. It’s good for those seeking budget-friendly solutions, but patience is a must.
Product Review: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (1280 pesos) proved to be a highly effective treatment. The pink, slightly gritty lotion dried out pimples remarkably quickly. It’s a favorite!
Despite the higher price point, its quick results justify the cost for many. It is very effective for drying out pimples and is worth the price
Product Review: Oxycure Drying Acne Clear Potion
Oxycure Drying Acne Clear Potion (349 pesos) is another highly effective drying lotion, similar to the Mario Badescu product. It provides excellent results at a more affordable price.
A strong contender, offering comparable drying power to Mario Badescu but at a significantly lower cost. A very good budget-friendly alternative.
Additional Product: Cosrx Pimple Patches
Cosrx Pimple Patches are a great addition to any acne treatment routine. These patches absorb excess sebum and help protect pimples from further irritation, while promoting faster healing.
They're particularly useful for concealing blemishes before going out. I highly recommend incorporating pimple patches into your acne-fighting arsenal.
Conclusion
My acne journey highlights the importance of finding a skincare routine that works for you. While spot treatments are helpful, consistency and a holistic approach are essential.
The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and Oxycure Drying Acne Clear Potion stood out for their quick drying results. However, more affordable but slower-acting options like Bello and Celeteque are also viable if you have patience and prefer budget-friendly choices. Remember to incorporate pimple patches to protect and conceal blemishes.