Date: Sun, October 3, 2010
Name: Connie
Skin Type: Sensitive
Skin Concern:

Question: i am an asian at age of 23 and i am still looking for products that are good for my skin. i tried many but only to find myself breaking out in pimples but yet i have flaky dry skin around the nose and the T-zone while many said i have oily skin for such clog pores. please do recommend if SK 2 is suitable for me.

i easily get clog pores even with exfoiliation and daily wash, i use toner after use with a light exfoiliating scrub wash everyday, and proceed to applying anti aging cream.

i used nivea, Loreal, Olay, Skintelligence, Dior and sadly most of them fail to prevent my pimples. and occasional flaky skin. i even got massive pimple outbreak with Dior and Skintelligence around my neck while i was using them.

please please please do recommend something for me.

Answer: It seems that you have dehydrated and sensitive skin. I am not sure if your skin is oily as the breakout may be caused by wrong products that you use.

Try to avoid products contain alcohol and fragrance which may dry out your skin and trigger sensitive problem. At the same time, use facial scrub 2-3 times a week and apply face mask afterward to moisturize and replenish your skin.

If you are using foundation or makeup base that contain silicone as major ingredient, it may clog your pores even though the product creates a smooth layer on your skin. You may want to skip them for a few days to see if your skin is improved.

Meanwhile, you may have blemishes if you use product with high dosage of Vitamin C. I have the same problem too so I choose Shiseido HAKU for whitening to prevent any blemish. That being said, a lot of people do see the whitening and anti-aging results of Vitamin C.

I will suggest Kao Curel or Rohto Hadalabo for your consideration. These products are mild enough and designed for dehydrated skin for dewy and healthy complexion. Once your skin is getting better, you can use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence to boost up skin's cells turnover for clearer and smoother results. At the same time, you may want to use Kose Medicated Junkisui Acne Spot Serum for your acne problem.

Here are skin care regimens:

Kao Curel (designed for dehydrated and sensitive skin):
1) Kao Curel Foaming Wash (daily face wash - all skin types)
2) Kao Curel Moisturizing Lotion II (face toner) (normal & combination skin)
3) Kose Medicated Junkisui Acne Spot Serum (for acnes but you can also apply to t-zone area for refining pores)
4) Kao Curel Moisture Face Milk (oily & combination skin)
5) Kao Curel UV Protection Face Milk SPF25 PA++ (oily & combination skin)

Rohto Hadalabo (designed for dehydrated skin):
1) Rohto Hadalabo Tamagohada AHA+BHA Daily Face Wash (contains mild AHA and BHA for clogged pores)
2) Rohto Hadalabo Japan Goku Jyun Hyaluronic Lotion (Light - for oily skin). You may want to use regular Rohto Hadalabo Japan Goku Jyun Hyaluronic Lotion if your skin is getting drier in this season or your flaky skin problem becomes unbearable.
3) Kose Medicated Junkisui Acne Spot Serum (for acnes but you can also apply to t-zone area for refining pores)
4) Rohto Hadalabo Japan Goku Jyun Hyaluronic Emulsion

For facial mask, you can try Rohto Hadalabo Japan Goku Jyun Hyaluronic Mask (4 Sheets) or Hisamitsu Japan Lifecella Gel Mask European Spa (3 sheets) for rejuvenating, smoothing and calming.