Week 34: Banish Acne Scars

Welcome back beautiful people!
Side note from the actual blog post.  I challenge each and everyone of you reading this to go look in a mirror and find 5 things you love about yourself and actually t e l l  y o u r s e l f.  If you find 6, or 7 things, then that's even better!  And if you can only find 1 thing that's fine too!  I hear so many girls comparing themselves to other girls out there when they are already beautiful (and boys too).  Self-confidence and self-love is such a beautiful thing and definitely something I think we should all start having a lot more of.  

Now that that little ramble is over, onto this week's acne scars progress!  So I think I've mentioned this before, but whenever I'm having a really good skin day or week, I always end up getting some sort of issue either the next day or the next couple of days.  But I don't even care anymore, I'm not afraid to say that my skin has been doing amazingly this past week!  Aside from the pimple I got underneath my lip and on my cheek, everything else has been super smooth and super clear (which makes me very happy).  I don't know, something about a good skin day/week for an acne sufferer can really just change their whole mood. 

I've gone back to my old routine of using the Dove Beauty Bar as well as using my Proactiv+ and I think the two combined are the perfect pair for my skin.  Again, it may be different for your skin, but I'm hoping either one or the other will help you in your journey!  If you do use either method, just be sure to moisturize afterwards as both products tend to dry out the skin.  I will usually use my Cetaphil and/or Equate Moisturizing Lotion (dupe comparison blog post here) or my CeraVe  Moisturizing Cream.  Now onto the before & after pictures...

We are looking at a 14 week difference here between these before & after photos (before photos taken from Week 20's blog post).  If this is the first blog post that you've stumbled on then I will inform you that I do not edit or re-touch any of my photos.  The most I do is crop them and zoom them in.  For those of you who have been following me for a while, that probably sounds like such a broken record and I'M SORRY (please forgive me), just informing the new folks that have stopped by.

I love looking at drastic differences like the one today because you are able to see the huge difference that the Banish Acne Scars products are making for my skin in the long-run.  If I were to post before and after pictures from week-to-week you probably wouldn't notice that much of a difference.  Nonetheless, the products are working wonderfully on my skin and I know I say this in every post, but I can't wait to see how much better my skin gets.  To all my acne and acne scar sufferers out there, know this... you are not alone!  There are so many of us out there, including me!  Hopefully my journey through this blog is showing you not to give up and to keep fighting this battle!  See you all in Week 35!

Click here for my Week 33: 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  

"What you do today can improve all your tomorrows."

Ralph Marston

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil DUPE!?

I'm sure you are all familiar with the brand Equate, which is sold exclusively at Walmart?  If not, it is basically like the "no-name" name brand at Walmart that sells tons of different items ranging from skincare to hair products.  What's unique about this brand is that they are somehow able to create almost the exact same products as many other popular/well-known brands sold in Walmart (i.e.: Pantene, Olay, Neutrogena, etc.).  I had popped into my local Walmart a couple of weeks ago and was looking in the make-up/beauty isles.  I stopped near the body/facial oils because I am absolutely obsessed with oils.  One skincare oil that caught my attention was the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil which I am sure you have all seen and/or heard of.  It's known to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tones.  Interestingly enough, right beside the Bio-Oil was, what looked to be, the exact same product only a different brand name... the Equate Skin Treatment Oil!  After examining both packages of oils, there are many similarities between the two oils (i.e.: same packaging, same bottle size, almost the exact same ingredients).  The only huge difference I could find was the price!!  Now I don't know about you, but if I can save a couple bucks here and there by buying the inexpensive dupe, you know I will! 

I created a chart below which compares the claims, directions, ingredients, and prices of both skin oils so that you can see how similar they really are!

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil	Equate Skin Treatment Oil
Claims: Boi-Oil is a specialist skincare product formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. It's unique formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil, is also highly effective for ageing and dehydrated skin.	Claims: Skin Treatment Oil helps to improve the appearance of scarring, dry skin, uneven skin tone, and stretch marks.  It contains Vitamin A and E, Rosemary, Calendula, Lavender, and Chamomile oils to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.  It is hypoallergenic, contains no preservatives and is suitable for all skin types and can be used on face and body.
Directions: For the best results use twice daily on affected areas such as, scarring, stretch marks or uneven skin tone for a minimum of 3 months.	Directions: For the best results use twice daily on affected areas such as, scarring, stretch marks or uneven skin tone.  Individual results may vary.
Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Triisononanoin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, BHT, Bisabolol, Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol. Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, CI 26100 (Red 17).	Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Triisononanoin, Isopropyl Myristate, Anthemis Nobilis Oil (Chamomile Oil), Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender Oil), Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil (Rosemary Oil), Calendula Officinalis Extract (Calendula Oil), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), BHT, Bisabolol, CI 26100 (Red 17).
Price: $11.97  for 60 mL (at most drugstores)	Price: $7.99 for 60 mL (anywhere Equate is sold, i.e. Walmart)

I have been looking for a facial oil that can replace my Banish Acne Scars Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Acid Serum on the days when I do not use it.  The Banish Acne Scars serum is quite expensive ($39.00 for about 15 mL) but is definitely worth every penny.  However, I only like using it after I use my Banish Acne Scars O.5MM roller.  I figured the Bio-Oil/Equate Skin Treatment Oil would be great to use every day/night in place of my Banish Acne Scars serum because it is so inexpensive.  So far I have noticed nothing but great results using the Equate Skin Treatment Oil both day and night when I have not used the roller on my face.  Of course with fading acne scars comes patience so in no way are either oils miracle products.  However, if you did want to save some money while still seeing the same results as the Bio-Oil, I would definitely recommend the Equate Skin Treatment Oil!  As always, I am not a dermatologist nor a skincare specialist, these are just my opinions and what works for me.  

The pictures above are exactly 4 months apart (Left side: April 7, 2015; Right side: August 7, 2015).  Obviously these are not the results of the Equate Skin Treatment Oil alone because I have only been using it for a couple of weeks but you can see the difference that both the Equate Oil and the Banish Acne Scars System has made.  I will be going into more detail on my actual Banish Acne Scars updates in future blogs to come this month but just thought I'd include a quick before & after reference for you loveys.

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

"Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts.  This is the secret of success."

Swami Sivananda

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser DUPE!?

Yes, you read the title of this blog post correctly...
Welcome back loves!

You've heard me rave about how the Cetaphil Skincare line has done wonders to my skin and has failed to disappoint me.  In fact, it actually helped clear up and cure my acne (aside from those pesky PMS break-outs that you can't really avoid).  All the little bumps on the sides of my cheeks, the huge whiteheads, GONE! It really is a wonderful skincare line that works for all skin types and was able to clear my skin up, maybe it can do the same for yours?  

PS: If you're sitting back in your chair thinking "Uh Jess, what are you talking about 'cleared your acne,' you still have all those red pimples on your face in that Instagram post..." 

Well, those are actually acne scars! The overall texture of my skin is pretty smooth and my whole thing right now is trying to get rid of the scars! (Future blog posts will discuss all of that though).  Anyways, back to what I was saying....

"Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers provide gentle and effective skin care that soothes and softens for healthy looking skin. Clinically proven and doctor recommended."

If you're a guy or girl on a budget though, the Cetaphil Cleansers and Moisturizers can cost you upwards to $20 depending on where you shop!  BUT, I got you covered!

I was at my local Walmart the other day and stumbled upon what looked to be an exact replica to the Cetaphil Cleanser!?  I'm sure you are all aware of the "Equate" brand that Walmart sells... well, they just so happen to have an identical cleanser and moisturizer to the Cetaphil ones. And when I say identical, I mean identical! 

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser	Equate Gentle Skin Cleanser
Claims: This gentle, soap-free cleanser was originally formulated for dermatologists, specifically for everyday cleansing of even the most sensitive skin.  Soothing, non-irritating cleanser ideal for face, hands, and body. Helps skin retain needed moisture.  Rinses easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.  Mild enough to cleanse a baby’s delicate skin.	Claims: Gentle Skin Cleanser is non-irritating so it’s mild enough for all types of skin.  It soothes and softens the skin with emollients, while it cleans to leave skin feeling soft and smooth.  Mild enough to cleanse a baby’s delicate skin.
Directions: Directions for Use Without Water: Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to the skin and rub gently.  Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film on the skin. Directions for Use With Water:  Apply cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Rinse.	Directions:  This product is easy to use without or with water. Without Water: Apply a liberal amount to the skin and rub gently. The unique, low lathering formula allows gentle, yet thorough cleansing.  Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film of this product on the skin. The emollient quality will leave the skin soft and moist. With Water: Apply to skin and rub gently. Rinse.
Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben	Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben
Price: $9.27  for 16 FL OZ (473 mL) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cetaphil-Gentle-Skin-Cleanser-16-fl-oz/888211	Price: $6.47 for 16 FL OZ (473 mL) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Beauty-Gentle-Skin-Cleanser-16-fl-oz/36916881

AND! The best part, Cetaphil's Moisturizing Lotion and Equate's Moisturizing Lotion are identical to each other! Same ingredients, same directions, same exact product for less!  All four have the same name for Christs Sakes!! (Sorry, I get a little passionate when I discuss dupes hehe).  Anywho, the final decision is ultimately up to you. Many people prefer the real deal and spend the extra money, others love finding exact replicas for less money!

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

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

 Marilyn Monroe