Review: Adapalene vs. Tretinoin Cream

Following my previous blog on how to have a pimple free skin, I mentioned that Tretinoin Cream helps in clearing your face from pimples.  But I also mentioned that too much application of it makes your skin dry.  This what happened to me.  When I return back to my derma (well I don't frequently visit my derma :)), I told her that I noticed that my skin seems to be drying from the regimen she prescribes: Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser, Acne Toner and Tretinoin Cream.  So she replaced the acne toner with clarifying lotion and tretinoin cream with Adapelene Cream.  (I soon changed the clarifying lotion to Human Heart Nature's Balancing Toner.  You may read about it here.)

Now here's my comparison on Adapalene vs. Tretinoin Cream

Tretinoin Cream

Advantages:

• Dries up pimples fast (as early as the following day)
• Pus can easily come out (can be the following day of after a few days) for those who are experiencing almost cystic pimples
• Less appearance and occurrence of pimples
• Can make your skin smooth when applied all over the face
• Effective even on blackheads, whiteheads and "butlig-butligs"
• A bit cheaper than Adapelene
• 1 jar/container can last for months to a year, depending on your application

Disadvantages:

• Nightly application all over face can make your skin dry the next day even after applying moisturizer
• May not be suitable to sensitive skin for all over face application (but spot application on the pimple are may be ok)
• Micro-peeling can be a bit visible especially when you apply face powder during the day
• The peeling on the pimple can be an annoying sight
• Sting sensation may be felt on those sensitive parts like near the eye area due to the peeling effect
• May be a bit greasy on the face, depending on your application
• For this type of tretinoin cream, I can only buy this from the derma

Adapelene Cream

Advantages:

• More gentle and not drying when applied all over the face
• The micro-peeling effect will make your skin smoother, less visible pores (better than the peeling in tretinoin cream) 
• No visible peeling effect
• Non-sting
• Less appearance and occurrence of pimples
• Non-greasy feel
• Available in most drugstores
• Somehow makes your skin fairer

Disadvantages:

• I develop small whiteheads a few times on my first few days of application 
• Drying effect on pimple is not as early as next day
• Small tube can last for about 3 months depending on application
• More expensive

Personally, I prefer Adapelene as it makes my skin looks fairer and smoother with less visible pores.  However, since I have an acne prone skin, I wanted something that can eliminate my pimples "fast" (with "" as there is no really a very fast treatment in combating pimples) which I find it in tretinoin cream.  This is just too drying that I'm afraid I'll develop wrinkles quickly.  Also, I don't look as "radiant" as with using Adapelene maybe due to tretinoin's drying effect on my skin.

Right now, I'm maintaining my tretinoin cream but I just use it in moderation as it is really drying.  I use it every other night all over my face or I just spot apply on those pimples.

I find these creams really helpful in combating pimples.  But of course, everyone has different skin conditions so what maybe effective on me may not be effective on you.  I also read in some forums that some experience purging effect on the first few days of using Adapelene.

I also use this cream in combination with my other beauty regimen such as using oil control facial wash/toner and tea tree oil application on pimples.

I hope this helps to those who are continuously searching for products that will help them eliminate pimples.

Review: The Face Shop Color Control (CC) Cream

This is a long overdue post.  I acquire this product (directly from Korea) since August and its just now that I'm writing a review on it.  Well, here goes.

I really don't have any idea about CC cream or Color Control Cream before.  I previously tried BB cream and I liked it as it serves as a foundation, moisturizer, concealer and sunblock cream in one.  When CC cream came out, I initially don't get interested on it.  I was happy with my BB cream.  Through research, I learned that it will only make your skin looks flawless.  It also gives moisture to skin but it does not have any SPF.  Even with its moisturizing effect, some say that CC cream is also ideal for oily skin.  But unlike BB cream, it seems like it doesn't have much benefits.

Knowing the effects of CC cream, I somehow just wanted to try The Face Shop Color Control (CC) Cream, replacing my BB cream.  Well, I really stopped using BB cream months ago since it somehow makes my skin oily.  And besides, I already have separate moisturizers and sunblock ideal for my skin (you may refer to my blog about the products I use, here).  I chose The Face Shop's CC cream from other CC creams in the market as it is cheaper.  Although its price difference from Etude's CC cream is not that huge.

                                

The Face Shop Color Color Cream has a unique opening.  Well, that's comparing to other creams, not necessarily the CC cream.  You need to lightly press down the sides of the jar as this will enable the liquid to pour out in the middle.  Hard pressing will instantly release more liquid.  The liquid is whitish in color but it sometimes have traces of natural or beige color. 

                               

Upon first application of CC cream, my face seems to be all white because of its color.  But I read that it will gradually blend to your skin color, thus the name Color Control Cream.  Instantly, my face seems flawless, although it does not provide coverage on my pimple marks.  It just makes my pores look smaller.  The flawless look lasted the whole day, during office hours, based from my experience.  What's best, I didn't get any breakout after application.

I read that CC cream can be used as a base before applying make up.  Some even use CC cream first then BB cream then their usual make up like powder or foundation.  As for me, after CC cream, I just add cream blush and lipstick.  Sometimes I apply face powder too just to set the blush.

Overall, I like The Face Shop Color Control Cream.  If you're on a budget and would like to try CC cream, then you may want to try this.    

Products for Oily Skin

Having an oily skin could be a struggle.  You should watch out every products you put on your face, from facial wash, moisturizer and even up to make up.  Oily face can attribute to having acne breakouts which are common problems to most women.  Me, I have acne prone skin.  In my previous blog, I have enumerated some tips to have a pimple free skin.  This time, I will recommend products that will somehow help keep pimples at bay through minimize the oiliness of your face.  Of course there are a lot of factors affecting acne but having an oily (and unclean) skin initiates the appearance of it.  Through the years (and even until now), I still couldn't completely eliminate the appearance of acne on my face.  But gradually, I have discovered effective products for oily skin which somehow makes my skin behave and pimple free.  Read the products for oily skin I have used below which I personally use and find them effective in being oily free throughout the day.


Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

When I first consulted a dermatologist, she recommends Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as part of my regimen in cleaning my face.  I was happy to use this eversince.  The consistency is very light, almost like water yet a small amount can already thoroughly cleanse your face.  It's not bubbly or foamy so it comes in its purest form.  What's best, it does not dry your skin after every use.  Through months of use, I can say that this is really effective in minimizing oiliness of the face all throughout the day.  I have tried using this in combination with an acne toner and oil controlling toner which may also help in keeping my face shine free.  I use this twice daily.


Cetaphil Derma Control Oil Control Foam Wash

It seems that wherever I go, I no longer see Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser in the market.  Even in the USA and in Cetaphil's website, there's no longer oily skin cleanser but they have replaced it with Cetaphil Derma Control Oil Control Foam Wash.  So when I asked my relatives to buy Cetaphil moisturizer (to be discussed later) for me abroad, it comes with free Cetaphil Derma Control Oil Control Foam Wash which is very timely as my oily skin cleanser is already about to be empty.  This cleanser is different from the oily skin cleanser in terms of consistency.  As what the name implies, it is more foamy yet still light.  The foam is not like the foam you get from facial wash or soaps.  It is still like watery foam.  When applied to skin, you wouldn't see the foamy effect.  Again, I use this in combination with other products for oily skin which makes it more effective.  This product was also labeled to be specifically formulated for acne prone skin.  But for me, it does not seem to be effective in eliminating acne but it sure does help minimize oiliness on the face.


Human Heart Nature Balancing Face Toner

It is a struggle for me to find a toner that is not drying yet effective in minimizing oiliness on my face.  My derma initially prescribed an acne toner from them.  Though it does help in minimizing oiliness and appearance of acne on my face, it eventually seems drying.  Maybe the Tretinoin cream I use somehow affects the dryness of my face.  And so, my derma replaced it with a clarifying toner.  I find this just a cleanser, not really helping in keeping me shine free and pimple free.  So I tried Human Heart Nature Balancing Face Toner.  I have tried it before but I really didn't use it that long.  But now, after weeks of using it, I can see that my oiliness lessen.  I now seldom use my oil control sheet in keeping the shine away from my face.


Cetaphil Derma Control Oil Control Moisturizer

It is also a struggle for me to find the perfect moisturizer for acne and oily skin.  Before, I tried not to use a moisturizer as I don't want to make my face look shiny.  But then again, I know that moisturizer is essential in keeping my skin healthy.  Besides, I read that having a dry skin will just make your skin produce more oils to moisturize it.  I tried using water-based moisturizer such as Celeteque Dermo Science Facial Moisturizer.  It was ok but since I also experience drying out in some parts of my skin due to the Tretinoin cream I use, this moisturizer is not enough to give "moisture" on those dry areas.  My derma already prescribed me to use Cetaphil moisturizer but it was too expensive that's why I resorted to Celeteque as an alternative.  Because I wasn't too happy with Celeteque, I tried to use Cetaphil moisturizer.  From their website, they offer a lot of moisturizer but I chose the Cetaphil Derma Control Oil Control Moisturizer which is also formulated to be specifically for acne prone skin.  Since I still use Tretinoin cream at night from time to time, I needed a moisturizer that also serves as a sunblock or with SPF content.  This product is just perfect for it.  Initially, I thought this moisturizer is heavy due to its consistency similar to sunblock lotions.  But I was surprised that it was light and absorbs quickly by the skin.  I love how it does not make my face look oily or look liked I really applied a moisturizer immediately after using it.  Similar to the foam wash, I still can't seem to see its effect in minimizing or eliminating acne but it sure does help keep my face shine free.


Human Heart Nature Mineral Powder

I seldom apply make up.  I just put powder and lipstick then I'm good to go.  I find Human Heart Nature Mineral Powder helpful in keeping me shine free all day.  I already mentioned this in my previous blog.  And since I have acne prone skin, this powder does not give me breakouts even if I wasn't able to wash it off at night.  I've been a user of this products for almost 2 years already although I don't consistently use this but I always go back to this product.  And because of the different products I use to combat oiliness on my face, I need not to reapply Human Heart Nature Mineral Powder throughout the day.

So there, from cleanser to make up, I suggested these products for you to try if you have oily skin.  I'm just not sure if all of these products are available here in the Philippines especially those Cetaphil ones.  But if your budget permits, I highly recommend these products.  I don't have perfect skin now as pimples still appears on my face from time to time and I still have pimple marks but using these products have somehow keep my pimples at bay and lessen oiliness on my face.  Let me know if these are effective to you or maybe you can also share the products you use to help minimize oiliness of your face.

NOTE: PICTURES GRABBED FROM THE BRAND'S WEBSITE AND FROM THE INTERNET

Viber, Line, WeChat, Kakao Talk

Admit it. I'm sure you have at least one of these instant messaging or chat applications on your smartphone.  Me, I have at least 3 but I frequently use only 1.

Before, text messaging was your only way to reach your loved ones in the cheapest way using your mobile phone.  But because of technological advancement, there are now so many ways to reach them, not just by texting but through sending instant messages.  No, not through email nor through online chat such as Yahoo Messanger and Skype.  And no, you don't even need to be connected to the internet.  Instant messaging applications (or a.k.a Chat applications) such as Viber, Line, WeChat, Kakao Tallk are available in application stores on your smartphones which you can download for free.  Once you have these applications, you can use them also for free!  Well not really, you still need to have either WiFi connection, Unli Data or Unli Chat service offered by your service provider.

All of these instant messaging applications offers free calls and text messaging.  So what's the difference between Viber, Line, WeChat, Kakao Talk and other instant messaging applications available for smartphone?  Well, I'm really not sure.  But I think they only differ to add-on features it offers.

I first learned about Viber and I knew it offers free calls worldwide as long as you have WiFi.  My siblings encourages each one of us to have Viber because some of them are working abroad.  Aside from Skype to help us connect to each other, we also had Viber which allows us to be connected instantly.  This has become very useful for us, most especially our homes have wireless connections and our mobile phones are capable of using Viber.  The free call offered by Viber was the most useful feature I love from Viber.  And now, the group chat feature is the secondary feature my siblings and I
enjoy.  Its like our billboard where we can post anything in case we're offline.  And when we're online, we can easily converse to each other, anywhere in the world!

Viber logo

I knew about Line when I downloaded Line Camera.  I enjoyed the features of Line Camera as it adds beauty to your pictures with its various effects, stamps/stickers and text features.  The stickers available in the camera are also in the instant messaging.  I've been reading in some fashion bloggers about Line chat and they find the stickers adorable as it can be added to your message.  Some of its stickers are also "moving" which can also express what you're feeling.  Although I have recently downloaded Line chat, I still don't use them as I don't have friends who uses the same app.   

Line logo

WeChat has became famous because of its advertisement on TV.  One of its famous feature is the voice chat wherein instead of sending text message, you can just send a voice message instantly.  This feature differentiates this app from other instant messaging app which got me interested.  So I let my boyfriend download this app so we can "talk" endlessly and for free.  WeChat also features voice group chat.  I haven't tried that though.  They also have cute stickers that is "moving".  So just like Line, aside from your message, you can just send stickers as an addition to what you wanted to say.

WeChat logo

Kakao Talk was the most recent instant messaging app available in the market.  Just like WeChat, this become famous because of its advertisement on TV.  The most advertised feature of Kakao Talk was their "moving" sticker.  With just exchanging stickers, you can already relay your message or your feelings to your friends clearly.  I'm not so familiar with Kakao Talk since I no longer downloaded this.  I feel I have enough instant messaging app on my smartphone.

Kakao Talk logo

 
There are other apps available for chat such as FB instant messaging, Yahoo Messenger, Skype and many others which I may not be familiar of.  Whatever applications you are using, the most important is that you can now connect to anyone at an instant.  I wonder what will be the next innovation available to your smartphone?  

Sky Fun Amusement Park at Sky Ranch in Tagaytay

During our impromptu trip in Tagaytay last May, we got the chance to visit Tagaytay's newest tourist attraction, the Sky Fun Amusement Park at Sky Ranch.  It has become the talk of the town because of the Sky Eye, the country's tallest and biggest ferris wheel.

The Sky Eye, Super Viking, and Gazebo in the background

When we got there, certain portions of the park were still under construction.  I read that they will also construct a Science Discovery Museum.  The entrance at that time was only Php 50.  I read before that the Php 50 entrance fee was only valid until May 31.  But upon checking Sky Ranch's Facebook page, current entrance is still at Php 50.

Still under construction

We were 4 adults and 1 kid when we visited Sky Fun Amusement Park.  Most of the rides were applicable for the kids.  I think the only attractions that adults can enjoy are the Sky Eye, Super Viking and Horseback Riding.

Below are some pictures of the rides (apologies as I did not intend to really take a picture of each rides thus it wasn't really appealing in my pictures) and its corresponding fee.

Sky Eye (Php 150)

Super Viking (Php 100)

Express Train (Php 50) and Wonder Flight (Php 50)

Nessi Coaster (Php 50) and Mini Viking (Php 50)

Zorb ball (Php 50)

Carousel (Php 50)

There are also food kiosk and gazebos in the area.  The Taal Volcano can also be viewed here.  Function rooms are also provided for big events.  As of this writing, I am just not sure if more rides were added and if the construction side were done.  For me, children will be the one to enjoy most of this Sky Fun Amusement Park.  For adults, well speaking for myself, it is a nice experience riding the tallest and biggest ferris wheel in the country. 

Sky Fun Amusement Park at Sky Ranch Tagaytay is located along Aguinaldo Highway, just beside the Taal Vista Hotel.  If you're coming from Rotonda (Olivarez), turn right and straight ahead.  It will be on your left side, just before reaching Taal Vista Hotel.

For more details on how to go to Tagaytay, you may read my previous post about it here and here.

BDO and BPI Mobile Banking: Let's Find Ways to Make Things Easy

At this 21st century, we are seeing a lot of technological advancement.  Smartphones, tablets, cloud computing, wireless connections are just few innovations that revolutionize the way we live.  Everything is within reach, whether you need to communicate to your love ones, find the nearest gas station, know the latest events in your community, pay your bills or mobile banking, all of these can be done at your fingertips.  I find it really convenient to do these things with my smartphone, especially paying bills online.

The past years, BPI has already come up with application on smartphone for mobile banking.  This is ultra convenient for me since I am a heavy BPI user, especially when paying bills.  This is how BPI's mobile app looks like.  It has evolved in time to make it more user friendly.

BPI Mobile App

BDO, on the other hand, did not succumb to this innovation.  They too created an application on smartphone for mobile banking.  Although, it took them quite a while to have this convenient application.  Before, the BDO app in app store is not that really helpful.  One cannot perform similar transactions as BPI app.  You can only check your balance and nothing more.  Well, lately, they have updated their app so one can have the convenience of performing several banking transactions at their fingertips.  Here is what BDO app looks like.

BDO Mobile App

I like both applications as I have savings account with them.  I can check balances, pay bills and even transfer money (of same bank).  I haven't tried inter-bank money transfer and I'm not sure if both banks are capable of it.  Although, I read that BPI is already capable of this kind of transaction.

Other banks already have mobile applications such as RCBC, China Bank, UCPB, Citibank and Union Bank.  Well, I'm speaking of applications available in App Store but I'm sure these are also available to Android users.

Thank you BPI and BDO!  You truly make things easy by finding ways :)

Surigao Adventure: Day 2c - Bolitas Cave, Bucas Grande Island

Bolitas Cave was our next destination.  This is just perpendicular to Crystal Cave, which is said to be its twin.  Actually they have the same cave entrance, its just that in Bolitas Cave, you need to walk a little further to enter the small opening down to the cave.

This is the entrance to the twin caves

Closer shot of the Bolitas Cave entrance

Another shot of the entrance to Bolitas Cave

Another entrance shot of Bolitas Cave with people going down

Seeing the small entrance of Bolitas Cave, I passed on this one.  Even the couples who joined us with the tour no longer visited this cave.  So we just waited for my boyfriend as he wants to explore everything.

Based on the pictures he gathered, it seems that this cave is very small.  He also has difficulty in going down and climbing up the cave.  It was also hot and with very little ventilation down there.

Inside the Bolitas Cave

Creepy looking rock formations even on the ceiling

My boyfriend coming out of the Bolitas Cave

Bolitas Cave is very unique.  Its rock formations really resembles a bolitas or pellets.  The ceiling seems like droplets.  Not much head room under this cave.  But still worth seeing because of its uniqueness.

This visit to Crystal Cave is part of the Bucas Grande Island tour which was explored during our Day 2 Surigao Adventure.