Thursday, July 31, 2014

How To Treat Acne: Benzoyl Peroxide

Lots and lots of anti-acne products are available in the market. Some come in the usual topical form, in a complete skin range and some one should take orally. But what is the best way to treat acne?

Let me tell you how benzoyl peroxide is superior to any medications for acne treatment.

Nowadays, a lot of medications are sprouting out claiming that they can treat acne. But can they really treat acne? For years now, the gold standard of treating mild to moderate acne is the benzoyl peroxide. This is because it is a topical antimicrobial medicine, an oxidizing agent that specifically kills P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne breakouts. To a lesser extent, it also helps to unblock pores and has an anti-inflammatory effect. BPO is not an antibiotic, and in 50 years of use, there has never been a documented case of BPO bacterial resistance; it is the cornerstone of prescription and over-the-counter acne therapy.

And Proactiv Solution knows that. 



That’s why Proactiv Solution has Micro-crystals (micro-crystal medicine) benzoyl peroxide!
The exclusive form of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) found in the Proactiv 3-Step System’s Renewing Cleanser (Step 1) and Repairing Treatment (Step 3). A crystalline BPO that is finely milled in order to achieve the pore penetration required to control the acne cycle. The Proactiv micro-crystal BPO features exceptionally small and uniform particles—designed specifically to penetrate pores faster and to be gentler on the skin.

OTHER WAYS TO TREAT ACNE

PROACTIV SOLUTION VS SOAP 
While it may seem counter-intuitive, harsh scrubbing does not unclog your pores any better than gentle cleansing, and may actually worsen your acne. Cleansing and scrubbing only reduce surface oils and dead skin cells. Many people use harsh products, laden with alcohol and foamy surfactants (detergents) somehow wash the acne off their skin. However, these actions often produce irritation and worsen acne. It is possible to gently unplug pores with fine polyethylene beads that gently relieve impacted pores without irritation. 

Proactiv Solution does not contain any surfactants that can harsh the skin. 

Proactiv® Renewing Cleanser is formulated without the harsh detergents, known as surfactants, found in many other cleansers. I personally use their Deep Cleansing Wash. Surfactants, which are responsible for a sudsy foam and lather, strip skin of its essential oils. As a result, the skin’s barrier becomes damaged and vulnerable to irritation and infection.

PROACTIV SOLUTION VS SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid in a cleanser breaks through the plug but does not kill the P. acnes bacteria, the bacteria that cause acne breakouts.

Acne is caused by a variety of factors that take place below the surface of the skin. That’s why it’s best to gently wash with a medicated cleanser with proven ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur, that can penetrate the skin to help unclog pores, kill bacteria and/or reduce inflammation.

PROACTIV SOLUTION VS. ORAL DRUGS
When acne is severe, dermatologists sometimes prescribe oral drugs like isotretinoin or hormonal pills. There are studies that support that these methods are extremely effective for severe cases, but because of the nature of these drugs there are side effects that make it questionable if the benefits truly outweigh the cost. For example, there were reports in 2010 linking suicidal tendencies and psychotic behaviors among acne patients on isotretinoin. Hormonal pills, which are mainly indicated as a contraceptive sometimes causes water retention, weight gain, mood swings, and in the long run, even breast cancer.

What's the good news? Proactiv Solution does not have these side effects! 

Proactiv Solution is safe and effective in treating and preventing acne. It's more effective than salicylic acid because Proactiv has benzoyl peroxide. It's also much safer than those oral drugs. So if you're still in the market for a solution for your acne problems, give Proactiv Solution a try. 

For more info about Proactiv Solution, visit http://my.proactiv.com.ph.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Great Northern Sale 2014 - Fashion Finds and Filling Food

It's been a while since I posted about fashion, and I couldn't be more excited that this post is about my 
Great Northern Sale experience at SM City North EDSA.



What do I love about going the Great Northern Sale? In case you don't frequent SM City North EDSA (what?! Why?!), it's a mecca for fashionistas; those who are in a reasonable budget up to the ones who can go all out shop 'til their heart's content. They're currently housing some of the newest and trendiest brands that Filipinos, including myself, are going gaga about.

(photo from SM North EDSA's Instagram)

For this year's GNS, I got to go around the mall on a rainy Saturday with Carizza, Rhea and Arnie. When we stopped by Forever 21, we scattered and scouted for stuff that will catch our fancy. I believe I was the one who took so long to decide what to buy that I had to ask the lovely cashier to reserve the items for me for the rest of the day (that's why I don't have anything with me in the photo).






I went back before heading home and bought 3 skirts. They have this promo that if you buy regular-priced items and your total reached at least 2500, you'll get a 500 discount. So instead of paying Php2545, I only paid for 2045. Sweet deal, right?



Uniqlo, being it's only located across Forever 21, was also a stopover. Honestly, I wasn't really a fan.
I think the price is quite steep. But because it's the Great Northern Sale, most of their items are on sale. I also love their collab shirts with Pharell and other music icons. Too bad they no longer have the design I want. :(



This is the design that I want! :(






I bought 2 awesome tops. Their original price was 790 each, but I got them for 490 each. I love these tops because they can really go a long way with my current wardrobe. 



As a beauty blogger, I can get lost in Watson's for hours. My favorite brand is Maybelline, but I've been eyeing on L'Oreal as well. The latter has a new mascara and they've expanded their True Match shades, so that's definitely on my must-try list.











Levi's is such a classic brand, not only because it has been around for a very long time, but also because their jeans never goes out of style. It also boasts of top quality, insuring you'll be wearing them until it doesn't fit you anymore (which only means you should get a new pair. Haha!). 







And what's the perfect way to cap off a fun day of shopping? A REALLY GOOD CHEESY PIZZA. Hooray for Brooklyn Pizza! And check out their wall! <3



Shopping with my fellow fashionistas during the Great Northen Sale at SM City North EDSA really inspired me to create more OOTD and fashion-related posts. Surprisingly, my favorite stop would be Uniqlo. The discounts they offered were pretty good (almost Php300 off!). I really love their shirts especially the ones by Pharell. I love how it promotes individuality and embracing your own uniqueness. SAME is LAME; I couldn't agree more. ;)

Please visit my blog regularly for the OOTD posts featuring the items I got from the Great Northern Sale!


Like and Follow SM City North EDSA for updates about their upcoming events:


Friday, July 18, 2014

Start the Trend at The Great Northern Sale 2014



Northern fashionistas unite! Rush to the retail madness as SM City North EDSA with the annual Great Northern Sale happening today, July 18 to July 20. A three-day shopping extravaganza offering up to 70% off on exclusive fashion, dining and even tech treats! Enjoy a blowout of lifestyle experience with great value easy on the pocket! Expect countless fashion discounts all over the mall, which surely will satisfy your fashionista cravings. Discover dining selections at affordable prizes after all the shopping!
The Great Northern Sale from July 18 to 20 offers everything you want at big discounts! This is definitely an event you shouldn’t miss! So better get ready and see you at SM City North EDSA!
For more details on The Great Northern Sale, check out the following sites:

Instagram - www.instagram.com/smnorthedsa