Week 29: Banish Acne Scars

Welcome back wonderful people!
I'd like to welcome you to another blog post regarding the transformation of my skin.  The reason I say transformation is because my skin has come a very long way.  Over the course of about 7 months I have been using the M size dermaroller purchased from the Banish Acne Scars website.  Basically what dermarolling is, is a device that has teeny-tiny needles on it and you use it by rolling it over your skin in every which way (up and down, side to side, diagonal, etc.).  What this does is creates little holes in your skin which triggers your skin to "think" that it has been damaged resulting in your skin to work extra hard to "fix" the problem (gosh, how many more times can I say skin in that sentence?).  
Dermarolling can be used for a variety of reasons (i.e.: hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, etc.) however, I use it strictly for my acne scars.

Now, you may be wondering, "Jess, if you started using the Banish Acne Scars system back in January, how are you only on Week 29? Shouldn't you be in the 40's?  And the answer to this question is yes, I should be at Week 44 actually.  HOWEVER, I have not been using the roller every single week. I know..... shoot me!  Kidding, don't do that.  But yes, just like you, I am human too.  There are some weeks where I don't use the roller, and there are other weeks when I use it twice.  If we are focusing on the actual pictures that have been taken, then I am on my 29th Week.  With all of that being said, let's get into some before and after pictures (my personal favourite part of these posts).

 The first set of before & after pictures are from Week 7, the second are from Week 9, and the last set (the ones right above this text) are obviously this weeks!  I have said this before and I will say it again, I never retouch or edit my pictures.  I simply take the shot and crop them on my computer.  Nothing else.  How lame would that be anyway if I were to edit out some of my acne scars?  Heck no!  I want you all to see the difference the Banish Acne Scars system is making on my skin.  It really is a great line of products which I would recommend to anyone looking to fade their acne scars and/or hyperpigmentation (the proof is right there in front of you).  Speaking of other products in their line, expect to see some reviews on other products that Banish Acne Scars offers and sells on their website!  I'm super excited to share them with you all!

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Click here to purchase products from Banish Acne Scars!

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,

Glynn  

"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me."

Carol Burnett

Week 28: Banish Acne Scars

Welcome back beautiful people!
I would like to send a warm welcome to those who are just tuning in (and I do mean warm) considering I'm in bed, under the covers, wearing and over-sized sweater dreading the weather outside.  I do love cold weather and the change of seasons but I'd much rather prefer cold weather while I'm inside a warm house.  Winter is coming my friends... stay warm out there.  With that being said, I think it is time I stop rambling and get onto this week's Banish Acne Scars post!

In regards to my actual active acne, I have noticed such a difference in my skin whilst I've been using Proactiv+ (which i have a separate blog post about here).  I finished my 30-Day Trial size and have now moved over to the 90-Day Supply size.  I almost smell a change in my skincare routine post happening very soon... because this stuff is working wonderfully on my face!

As for my actual acne scars, it's still the same old, same old which I am not complaining about!  Personally, dermarolling is something I see myself doing for a long time, even once majority of my acne scars are gone.  It is a great way to plump the skin all while building collagen.  Yes, I may take breaks in between rolls or not do it so often, but it is definitely something I see being in my regimen for a long time.

 Pictures on the left were taken from Week 25 and those to the right are obviously this week's!  So what you're looking at there is a 3 week difference that Banish has made.  Nothing astronomical or out of this world, but it's something, you know?  I've said it before and I will say it again over and over, "banishing" acne scars takes time.  The change will not happen overnight but don't let that discourage you! Your self worth is worth waaay more than some stupid scars on your face.  Keep your chin up and keep moving forward :)   

Click here for my Week 27: Banish Acne Scars blog post!

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Click here to purchase products from Banish Acne Scars!

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,

Glynn  

"Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work."

H. L. Hunt

Week 27: Banish Acne Scars

Welcome back wonderful people!

 I hope all my Canadian babies out there had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with lots of food and great company!  Being obsessed with Instagram, you know I have a bunch of pictures to show you of my Thanksgiving outfit this weekend!  

Outfit Details

Dress: Old Navy

Over-sized Cardigan: Aerie

Tights: Dollarama

Knee-high socks: Ardene

Necklace: Stole it from Mama Glynn (sorry I don't know where she got it)

Shoes: Target 

I hope you are all enjoying the lovely atmosphere that autumn brings.  Whether it's the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves, the different holiday scents/flavours, etc., autumn is such a lovely time of year (at least for me it is).  With the changing of the weather comes a need for more hydration on my skin.  I try my best to apply a really rich moisturizer at nighttime before bed and the one I have been using lately is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.  It has a very thick consistency and is formulated for normal to dry skin.  Especially now that I am using the Proactiv+ skincare line (full review here), my skin is a lot more on the normal-dry side so this moisturizer is perfect at nighttime.  

As for my skin and my post-acne scars in particular, I feel like my skin is at a stand still as of late.  It's not really getting any better, nor is it getting any worse.  This is completely normal for those of you who are going through this and can't figure out how or why it's happening.  With Halloween coming right around the corner, I've been trying my best to eat healthy and work-out as much as possible.  This includes 60 minutes of physical activity a day (walking, jogging, running, cardio, elliptical, etc.) as well as incorporating more vegetables in my diet, specifically dark, leafy greens.  I'm the type though that finds it super hard to stay on a strict schedule and/or diet.  It just sucks that fast food is so convenient and quick and healthy food takes time to prepare/cook.  However, I try to stop myself when passing by fast food restaurants and have been buying a lot more health-conscious groceries.  Enough blabbing, onto the before and after photos (which by the way are never edited, photoshopped, etc. just raw and real).  

 The pictures on the left hand side were taken from Week 4/5 of my Banish Acne Scars Journey!  I really hope you can see the drastic difference that 20 weeks has made.  I think it's also a great way of showing you how the system works.  For some, you may see results within 5 or even 10 weeks, for others, it may take longer.  As you can see, I'm still using the roller 27 weeks later and I don't plan on stopping until I am satisfied with the way my skin looks.  Don't get me wrong, I love the skin I am in, but I can't wait until my scars are teeny-tiny to where they almost look like freckles! Hey, a girl can dream ;)

Click here for my Week 26: Banish Acne Scars blog post!

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Click here to purchase products from Banish Acne Scars!

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,
Glynn  

"Go big or go home. Because it's true. What do you have to lose?"

Eliza Dushku

Rodan & Fields PROACTIV+ Review

Proactiv+ ... the good, the bad, AND the ugly.

Everything you want to know about Proactiv+ is going to be right here.  Unedited, 100% transparency, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Before I start, I want to preface by saying, Proactiv+ was not my idea, it was my mothers'.  The reason my mom suggested using Proactiv was because my older brother had used it in high school and it cleared up his skin right away. 

I also want to say that I am very aware of the damage that Benzol Peroxide has on the skin.  It is seen as a "quick fix" ingredient but causes a bunch of damage in the long run etc. etc. etc.  However, the actual Proactiv brand has been around for such a long time and with so many new products being created, they must be doing something right, right? 

I decided to buy the Proactiv+ 3-Step Set: the core Proactiv+ 3-Step Set features more medicine; a smarter way to target acne blemishes; plus an extraordinary range of added skincare benefits. (Taken from the Proactiv website).  This set includes 3 steps (obviously) which are the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, the Pore Targeting Solution, and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.  The price of the system is $29.95 CAD and can be bought online or in kiosks that sell the brand.  There is also an option for a 30-day supply size or a 90-day supply size.  I bought the 30-day supply because I was simply testing out the products.  You also get to choose a free gift with your purchase and the gift I chose was the Skin Purifying Mask.

Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Directions

Prior to use, wash hands with non-medicated soap.  Apply twice daily or as directed by a doctor.  For best results, use twice daily, morning and night.  Treat the whole face.  Apply a small amount to dampened skin and gently massage with fingertips for 1 to 2 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.  Follow with Step 2, Pore Targeting Solution and Step 3, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.  If going outside, use broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher.  Fair-skinned individuals should begin with one application. For more severe cases, and/or if substantial improvement is not apparent within 3-4 weeks, consult a doctor.  

Claims

Mild cleanser thoroughly washes away pore-clogging impurities. Benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) kills the bacteria that cause acne. Gentle exfoliating beads plus glycolic acid renew skin’s surface, leave it feeling soft and supple. Handy flip-cap tube is ideal for sink or shower.

Ingredients

Active: Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%. Inactive: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Polyethylene, Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Step 2: Pore Targeting Solution 

Directions

Prior to use, wash hands with non-medicated soap.  Apply twice daily or as directed by a doctor.  Cleanse skin thoroughly with Step 1, Skin Smoothing Exfoliator before applying the product.  Use 1-2 pumps and apply to entire face.  Do not rinse off.  When fully absorbed, follow with Step 3, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.  Fair-skinned individuals should begin with one application. For more severe cases, and/or if substantial improvement is not apparent within 3-4 weeks, consult a doctor.  

Claims

This new, smarter way to fight acne features our exclusive encapsulated benzoyl peroxide with patented Smart Target™ technology designed to protect the skin’s surface as it delivers the medicine precisely into pores to kill acne-causing bacteria.

Ingredients

Active: Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%. Inactive Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

Step 3: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

Directions

Apply to freshly cleansed skin morning and night.  Apply after Step 2, Pore Targeting Solution.  Using fingertips, apply generously to entire face.  Do not rinse off.

Claims

This luxurious, nutrient-rich finishing touch is designed to leave your skin smooth, supple, even-toned, bright and radiant. It delivers solutions to the most common problems of an acne-prone complexion. Salicylic acid (0.5%) acne medicine helps keep pores clear and looking smaller.

Ingredients

Active: Salicylic Acid 0.5%. Inactive: Water, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia (Licorice) Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Kojic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisobolol, Allantoin, Squalane, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, C 12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Ethyhexyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, PPG-5-Laureth-5, Polyquaternium-11, Ceteareth-20, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polysorbate 60, Hexylene Glycol, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Additional Product: Skin Purifying Mask 

Directions

Cleanse skin thoroughly before applying product.  Apply product to affected areas for ten minutes one to three times weekly or as directed by a doctor.  Rinse off with warm water.

Claims

This medicated clay mask is like a Step-4 boost to the Proactiv+ 3-Step System. It contains maximum-strength (6%) sulfur acne medicine to clear pores, heal blemishes and help prevent breakouts. A 10-minute facial reduces excess oil, deep-cleans pores and calms irritation. Great for spot-treating pimples, too.

Ingredients

Active: Sulfur 6%. Inactive Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Glycereth-26, Linoleic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Synthetic Wax, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Ceteareth-20, Linolenic Acid, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrated Silica, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Titanium Dioxide.

 Now, onto the nitty gritty and the question that I'm sure you all want to know.  Does the damn thing work, yes or no?!  

I present to you... "Proactiv+ ... the good, the bad, AND the ugly."

The good:

• There are only 3 steps to worry about for both day and night.  No crazy 7 step routine with different morning and night products. Three products. That's it. 
• A positive difference is seen in my skin.  It is a lot smoother now, very few active acne blemishes (the only ones I get now are the lovely PMS breakouts), I do not produce as much oil as I did before, face is a lot more evened out.
• Depending on your specific price points, this system isn't as expensive as Sephora or Department Store brands, which is a plus in my eyes. 
• A little goes a long way.

The bad:

• This stuff is powerful.  And when I say powerful, I don't mean that in a good way necessarily.  The main ingredient in the 3-Step system is Benzol Peroxide (2.5%) as well as Sulfer (6%) in the Skin Purifying Mask.  There is also Salicylic Acid in the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator (0.5%).  
• The smell is very chemically, so if you are sensitive to that, stay clear.
• This stuff will completely dry out your skin, so I would not recommend these products to dry folks out there.
• The products inside actually bleach your face so avoid getting it on your hair, eyebrows, and coloured towels (I use specific towels when using Proactiv+)

The ugly:

• This stuff is so harsh that if not used gently you will wreck your skin.  I repeat, use this product as gently as you can.  Pretend like you're washing a baby's face, that's how gentle you have to be.  That is a warning I wish these products came with.  When I first used the products, I wasn't particularly gentle because I had been so used to using my old products that are not harsh.  The next morning, I woke up with a beat red face with tiny little bumps all over my skin.  Skin was flaking off, it was so dry, it literally looked like alligator skin (no lie). And my neck and eyelid area.... this will lead me to my next point.
• Do not, I repeat, do not use these products on your neck and/or eyelid area.  These areas are waaaay too sensitive and thin for such harsh products.  I know from experience, my neck and eyelids were bloodshot red and burn basically.  My neck had terrible hives, etc. etc., you get the idea.

Now, with all of that being said, I am about to sound like a complete hypocrite but.... the products actually work believe it or not.  I must say though, you NEED to take your time when using the products and be very, very, VERY gentle.  If you find yourself waking up super late and need to rush out the door, skip on these products for that morning because trust me, I've been there and it is not cute.  Again, I hate to say it but they do work.  My skin is so soft now and virtually no pimples on my face minus the ones I get from eating too much garbage or if I sleep in my make-up).  My oil production is next to nothing with these products which has made me switch up my moisturizers and foundations because my skin is more dry but that doesn't bother me.

 I will say though that no matter what you're putting on your face, there are so many other factors that go into having and maintaining clear skin.  Such factors include: your sleeping pattern, eating habits, water intake, daily physical activity, etc.  All of these things go hand-in-hand with the products that you are using on your face.  

Again, these are just my thoughts and my honest review on the Proactiv+ 3-Step Set.  I'd love to know if any of you have tried any of the Proactiv+ products and how they're working out for you.  As always, it's just acne.  Try not to let it get the better of you and try your best to just keep a smile on your face.    

Click here to look at and/or purchase Proactiv+ Products!

 

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,
Glynn   

"When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor."

Elon Musk