Took my first photo on 27th December 2015 but back then I had yet to start taking action even though it was bad. This was considered one of my good skin day so I took a photo just to 'remember' it. My main concerns and problems were lots of closed comedones, my cheeks flushing/constantly red, acnes and cyst comes whenever my period is near. It's a horror to see the 'juice' coming out from my pimples when I accidentally cleanse my face too hard sometimes, it hurts. It was much redder irl but the image turns out better.

On 28th December 2015, it was just the next day, I saw a couple of cyst acnes forming happily on my forehead overnight. I was in despair, like what the fcuk is wrong? I cleanse my face and I kept my fringe away. Couldn't figured out why seriously, I begin googling googling googling non stop for hours. Then scrolling on Instagram and saw some koreans on it. Hesitating, doubting but still curious on why most of the Korean have such flawless skin, I started reading up on their skincare regime, tips and I had to admit I gained a lot of insights and knowledge from it.

The nearest Innisfree store back then was in Orchard, which was pretty far, I procrastinated for a few days on whether or not should I invest 'again' to fix my skin.
#Throwback: To add on, I visited skincare specialist at NUH (National University Hospital) for a few years when I was 13/14? I stopped at 15/16. Couldn't remember very clearly. I was prescribed creams and medications orally. Those pills were nasty as sometimes it made me puke. Even doctors can't save me, I don't expect Asianbeauty to honestly. I had no faith.
I went to innisfree and grabbed a few basic items. Bought the Bija Trouble Cleansing Gel, Green Tea Fresh Skin, Green Tea Fresh Gel, Green Tea Seed Serum, Green Tea Fresh Essence, Wine Peeling Jelly Softener. At that time, I did considered that it's best not to overuse since my skin was really sensitive and I wouldn't know if any of the products would give me any adversed reactions.

That's how my AB journey started. Thinking back, I was really fedup and irritated by my own skin.


Shortly after nearly 3 months, on 6th March 2016 I saw improvements. The photo just doesn't do justice! It looks bad still but better, the photo looks like my pimples were gone lol. It didn't capture redness cause of the low camera quality. About 6 days later (almost a week) I saw more improvements again. I was thanking god so much at that point.

But a few days later on 16th March 2016, cysts still came to visit. I guess it was hormonal and I was so stressed out as it was red, painful and swollen. After continuous self treating, I realized my close comedones lessen, and what I am more concern at that time was that my skin still flushes red easily. Looking like an apple.


On 3rd April 2016, I realised that I might had slight hives developing on one side of my cheek. My skin was really red. Redder than the photo, the bad lightings made it looked less serious. Kinda panicked badly since it might spread. Eventually, I notice if I were to stay under the sun to long, hives will always develop. There's a even worse photo below later because of hives. It didn't calmed down for that month.

Then on 6th May 2016, I can feel like two very big acnes that's still waiting to be formed. The area was patchy red like some kind of sun allergy. It's painful physically and mentally. It got worse and when it finally healed a little, more skin problems arise.

On 19th May 2016, *see the scar there*. Even up till today, there still a slight mark there. It looks like my skin barrier had been compromised? That area is dry and has a lot of black spots on it. Please let me know if you are facing similar problems like mine! It improved slightly on 24th May 2016 but grew a few more pimples still. Those pesky spots are hold to keep in control, sighs. But still am thankful no reoccurring cyst acnes at the moment.



On 1st July, the line I had started to improved, looking less obvious but I realised that it keeps coming back and going away. All was good until 18th July 2016 my skin started to show signs of problem and on 29th July 2016 it worsen and outburst. The area was patchy, red, some acnes, hives, it was horrible to look at in real life. I had experience it many times before I started AB. It came back and I was so worried of it spreading or scarring. Thankfully with the help of AB, it subsided in a few days omg. I remember I was spamming the Leaders Insolution AC Dressing Mask every day without fail as it soothed my skin very well. On 2nd September 2016, it shows signs of calming down. It's still patchy red, sensitive but less serious. The photo lighting was bad, but you can see the uneven surface on my skin.

Then I continued to care for it and on 12th September 2016 my skin improved tremendously.
The redness sunsided, my skin texture was more even, even my complexion looks clearer. There were redness here and there but not a major issue.

On 29th September 2016 I took a photo of my skin again as I can feel my skin barrier growing stronger.

What I would like to say is..
Kbeauty, Asian Beauty is fascinating. If you haven't gave it a try, maybe you should! Back then, I had many doubts. Like, You kidding me? Toner hydrates skin? Spot treatments helps acne? I don't believe in magic!! haha, I sound like a kid but that's what exactly went through my brain at the point of time!

True enough to a certain extent, there wasn't any magic. It was really hell loads of hardwork! Never try to commit for a few days and slacking off for a few days and still expect great results. You need to maintain the regime in order for things to work out. Even though it may had gotten better, there are other factors which can bring your skin down again. You will need to pick yourself up again and fight the war.
So, Prevention is always better than cure.

Tips I would give?

1. Water!
I always aim to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. Water not only hydrates your body, it flushes impurities and toxins out of your system, which aid in reducing the breakouts and acne. Of course, water is not the key to clear out skin, but you really cannot not have it.

2. Sleep!
Sleep is crucial! When my acne was bad, especially during my polytechnic period, I slept at like 4, 5am. This also meant that my skin cells doesn't get it's chance to regenerate 😔 While resting, your body's hydration rebalances. This is when your skin starts to recover moisture, where the excess water in the body is processed for removal. I really regretted not sleeping, why didn't anyone warned me back then!

3. Stress!
Easier said than done, I know! I can control the time I sleep, the amount of water I intake but how do I take control of stress. I feel that too. Stress releases cortisol(stress hormones), which throw off the other hormones in your body which in turn causing breakouts. Remember, high levels of cortisol leads to increased stress and inflammation in the body - don't stress out! If you feel stress, do something you enjoy doing. For me, I try to do some shopping, watch comedies etc. Do what makes you feel relax. Even if it's going for an impromtu trip if it can make you feel better :)

4. Double Cleansing!
If you had not been practising double cleansing in the evening, maybe you should start doing so. Sunscreen needs to be throughly remove too not just make up.

5. Hygiene!
Always wash your puffs weekly if you are using a BB cushion for touch ups. Brushes should always be cleaned every 2 weeks too. I tend to sanitise my make up on top of cleaning my tools. Inflamed skin requires more care. Just like a roof with holes, dirt drops into your house when you don't try to mend and clean up.

I sincerely would like to thank each and every one of you guys that's been supporting me and helping me throughout this journey. I gained a lot of useful knowledge here and there, through various AB beauty bloggers. It wasn't easy to fight alone at the start, but it got better the moment when I got to know more people.
Since I had bad skin since Primary 4 (10 years old), I found it difficult to talk to people as I had a low self esteem. When I just hit puberty it was very much worse, hence I have a lot of big visible permanent pores/scars which stayed with me till today.

Most importantly, don't get over stressed about your skin, enjoy your routine and love yourself. Be good to your body, always!

Questions do feel free to comment below instead of email as I might miss your important mails(which means a lot to me)! ^O^