Photo from Flawless Website
I have always been that kid whose skin can be considered as "normally good". In high school, when my peers had to suffer hormonal volcanic eruption-like breakouts, I'll occasionally get a zit or two in my forehead. In college, it's the same- one or two zits whenever the time of the month arrives. This streak of good skin continued until last year, on my 1st year anniversary to the workforce. Imagine my horror when I had a MASSIVE breakout on my right cheek. And they were not small normal puss-filled pimples that I usually get, they're painful, red huge bumps underneath the skin. I later learned they're called cystic acne.
I did everything by the book to treat these beasts- exfoliate, peel, anti-acne treatment. Some were effective, most not. Now, I have acne all over my face- mainly concentrated on my cheeks and forehead. I later realized that topical treatments can only lead you somewhere, that they were not miracle workers- i need a facial, STAT! Still, I feel grateful that though my skin is not as good as before, they are still not as severe as what others had/ have.
Fast forward 2 months, here I am at home after a grueling but refreshing facial session at Forever Flawless SM Makati Branch. Yep, it took me two whole months to convince myself to schedule a facial treatment- two months of weighing the pros and cons, determining which facial center to go to, establishing my battle plan with my acne.
I think one of the hardest part was to determine where I'll put my hopes on- I mean I'm going to spend my hard earned mullah, it has to be able to provide me with the results that I'm looking for. There are a lot of facial centers here in the Philippines- from small salons who offer just basic facial treatments, manipedi, hair treatments, basically a one-stop-shop beautification mecca, to high-end ones which specializes only in skin and cosmetic procedures. My top 3 choices were: Dermstrata, Forever Flawless, and Belo Medical. This was based on the reviews I found in the blogosphere.
I decided on Flawless because a) it has rave reviews, and b) it's cheap. I mean, one glycopeel facial at Belo costs 1000 ++ pesos, while a normal anti-acne facial at Dermstata and Flawless only costs around 500 pesos. Anyway, between Dermstrata and Flawless, I find that Flawless has what I'm looking for. So I decided I am going to have the Acne-Control Facial at Flawless.
I went to Flawless SM Makati Branch yesterday, but because I came in late and did not have an appointment, it was already past their cut-off. I didn't let that deter me though so I scheduled a 6 PM appointment today. I decided to avail the Advanced Acne-Control Facial since I was curious with the mask included in the treatment.
I arrived around 5:50 PM, and was immediately seated. Since this is my first time in Flawless, I had to fill up the usual forms. The receptionist (Sorry, forgot her name but she has great skin! Haha! my insecurity is showing) also informed me that today was the last day of their 2+1 Promo. At first, I was hesitant to avail it but after thinking it through (for about 10 seconds), I decided that if I want to get my money's worth and continue with my battle plan- I should at least have facial treatment several times. I mean, I don't think my face will clear up miraculously after 1 session, so I decided to get the Advanced Acne-Control Facial 2+1 Promo for P1,960, that's like approx. P650 per session! Just a quick Fact check, Advanced Acne-Control Facial is a deep cleanse facial. It is is suitable for people with severe blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and inflammation. Based on Flawless website, it "shrinks open pores, cures infections and dries pimples. Treatment combines high concentration of chlorophyll and brown algae with polysaccharides for a strong oxygenating, soothing and revitalizing effect."
So on to the treatment.
Based on what I can remember:
1. The session started with my facialist (Sorry deary, also forgot her name!) having me smell an aromatic peppermint oil. I guess this is to help me relax during the whole session.
2. Since I was wearing makeup, she cleansed my face with a foam cleanser. I like how her hands were so light in washing my face and that the cleanser did not feel drying afterwards. I also like that I do not have to wash my own face in a common area- like I've done in all my facial sessions in other clinics before.
3. After cleansing my face, a sort of cream was applied on my face, an eye cream and a pair of cotton pads soaked in water was applied on my lids. I think this is to ready my face for steaming and extraction.
4. My face was steamed for approximately 10 mins. My hands were also wrapped in warm bead packs, and mitts. This must be to help me relax and for my hands to not get cold.
5. After steaming, she used some kind of suction tip all over my face. This is for easier extraction I assume.
6. A toner was applied afterwards. This has a cooling effect on the skin. I like it!
7. Then finally,
8. After extraction, she wiped some sort of cold cream/lotion/solution (not sure what it was) in a cotton pad all over my face. This must be to cleanse/disinfect the open pores since she pricked a lot of them.
9. A gauze was then place over my face for the laser treatment. I always feel like that laser looked like a light saber, but maybe that's just me. Haha! Anyway, this is to close the pores to prevent infection. It is painless, but I sometimes felt a needle-like sensation especially in the areas with the most pricking and extraction- must be the laser working. Also, I sometimes smell a bit of a burnt scent. Reminder: It is important to close your eyes during this step since laser can damage them!
10. After the laser, and a moisturizer, a powder-gel masked was applied using a spatula. She asked If I want it applied on my lids and lips as well, I thought "Why not?". I later realized that it induced a mild claustrophobia for me- applying all over the lids and lips is NOT for the faint hearted. It's nothing bad really, since I quickly got used to not being able to move my lips and open my eyes. But still, do at your own risk. I think the hardest part was keeping my hands off of my face. I really REALLY want to know what the gel feels like to my hand, but alas, that is not advisable since it might introduce some bacteria to the gel mask. So KEEP YO HANDS OFFA YO FACE! I really like the mask since it has a cooling effect that did not fade as long as the mask was on. It is really different from the face masks we buy in department stores, which initially has a cooling effect but would fade after a minute. I want to leave it longer if possible haha!
11. After 10 or so minutes, the mask turned in to a jelly. At first I though removing the mask would feel similar to waxing my whole face- meaning my eyelashes, brows and facial hair would be removed as well. Stupid me, it was not so. It was removed easily and it was really non-messy.
12. My facial treatment ended with an anti-inflammatory cream of some sort and a back and shoulder massage. I like that they are really going a long way with their service. I was very satisfied! Hopefully several facial sessions would be enough to cute my breakout. I'm crossing my fingers!
Anyway, after the facial, I ask if I could use the bathroom
Also, I purchased several products to further treat my acne:
1. SAS Soap, 130 pesos
2. Skin White Therapy Cream, 340 pesos
3. Pimple Clear Astringent, 330 pesos
Hopefully, my remaining 2 facial sessions and the products above would be able to help me in my Acne Battle. (I will post a separate review after a month or so)
I'm thinking that after treating my acne, I might undergo one of their Facial Peels to address the scars. Hmm Let see how it goes..
I was really satisfied with the service and treatment at flawless, I am thinking of being a regular costumer now Hahaha! but I still have a long way to go. Wish me luck!!
---
How about you? Do you have any sort of "secret" to treating acne and keeping a good and healthy skin?
Let me know!
Xoxo,
Chi
