Dermalogica - years of experience...longest ever used (Part 1)

Started off my first facial at Lee Nai Dermalogica near Megamall Prai (thanks to my parents!) since I was 17. I had acne problems and oily skin. So my parents thought they should send their daughters (my sis n I ) to try out DERMALOGICA. I remembered the first time Cally (the owner) scanned my face (I think using UV...10 years ago huhu) Her first question was : "U ada pakai bedak sejuk ka?" and I was like...."uh-uh yeah...what's wrong with that?" Apparently, that is a no-no as the particles will eventually embed in the skin and causes acne problems. I could see the bedak sejuk particles glow like stars on my face underneath the UV light huhu....poor me! The good thing about going to certified beauticians is that they have explanation and rationale behind the treatments they do and they give good advices (and they do work!)

Things I have learnt from all the years (7 years in fact) spent with 2 personal beauticians and own readings:

1. Never use 'bedak sejuk' on your face.

2. Avoid using conditioner or shampoos with conditioner if you have an oily face. If you want to, ensure that you wash your face with facial wash especially where the conditioner usually drips on your face. The oil content in the conditioner will aggravate or causes acne problems.

3. Try using separate towel for your face. If unable to do so, try keeping a constant spot on the towel dedicated to wipe your face.

4. Ensure that you keep your pillow cases clean and change your 'anak tudung' (for muslims) every day to prevent dirt or clogging of the pores which will promote pimples.

5. Always use moisturizer to hydrate. Fairly hydrated skin looks supple and prevents wrinkles.

6. Drink plenty of water (everyone should know this!)

7. Never use your nails to pinch your pimples or try to remove the white/blackheads. You will only introduce bacteria from underneath your fingernails. 

and plenty more to share with further explanations in my future posts.....

Sure enough, my skin has evolved from oily to combination skin.....I don't have much problems with pimples as compared to 10 years ago...I have now stopped using Dermalogica (not because they are not good...it is still my ultimate choice to date) just that I want to try other products for a change.

The Beauty and The Ugly Truth.....Part 1

Have you ever realized how the cosmetic industry evolved tremendously? We used to hear about simple and affordable beauty products like Nivea, L'oreal up to the expensive ones like SKII, Estee Lauder etc..
However nowadays, anybody can be an expert in skin care...and I really mean ANYBODY! Every Tom,Dick and Harry can be a cosmetic entrepreneur. Do they have the skills? Do they have the knowledge? Did they do their research? Only God knows and they are earning millions just by selling cosmetic products.


Let me illustrate the cosmetic business thru my eyes and humble knowledge.....


As far as I know, the knowledge to formulate cosmetic products can be learnt easily (as long as you know the basic ingredients, colors, binding agents, anti-caking substance, perfume and preservatives you are good to go) however, the not so easy part would be how it would turn out to be when applied or used by the end-user.


The small capital cosmetic business:
These type of  business can be a genuine product formulated by someone who specializes in formulating and knows the science behind it. An example of it would be the AG2000 formulated by a Pharmacist. I have personally tried and love the moisturizer + toner One touch.

There are however other products that I will not mention that are obtained from countries like Thailand, China etc and repacked here in Malaysia with fancy packagings.....Do they even test the safety of the product? I doubt! They don't even need big capital to start off...20K will do them just fine and in 3 months, they've covered their investment. (Notice that they come in standard formulation and then eventually the formulation evolves into "GOLD" formulation etc...?)


The high-end cosmetic products
These kind of cosmetic products has been around for ages and they have people to do research and improve the formulation as time goes by. Thus, the products are more expensive because of the research activities and the need to do surveys among users to ensure the formulation suits well and no major side effects.


So...do we go for price or quality??? People need to know what they are actually using and investing for their beauty....Just a simple and humble opinion from me....