As usual, my skin went bonkers again in the summer. I spent 33% of the season working, 33% studying and 33% fighting acne. And it hasn't let up since. For detailed background on my battle with acne, see here.
I felt experimental and decided to try the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask after reading some rave reviews. It costs about CAD$45 at Sephora.
The three claims on the box gave me hope: absorbs oil, helps keep pores clear and clears blemishes. I was down.
I hadn't tried an anti-acne product with sulfur before, so I was excited. (Yes... the beauty world can be quite odd at times. Woohoo, sulfur!) You can see the rest of the ingredients in the pic below.
Between the box and the SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION seal, this sulfur mask seemed all business. I could feel my acne cowering in fear.
The product itself looks like a regular clay mask and has the same texture and feel of one. It's cool and smooth to the touch and spreads well. Kind of like Nutella on toast.
However, as you may have guessed, the Sulfur Mask did nothing for me. There are two ways of using this: as a mask and as an overnight spot treatment. I tried it as a mask, as an overnight spot treatment and as an overnight mask. There was no shrinking or fading or anything. I used about a third of the tub, diligently once a week -- or even twice a week -- and while I didn't experience any irritation or negative reaction to the product, none of the claims and rave reviews proved to be true. So, back it went to Sephora, and I continue my search.
But do you know what really burned me, more than the failure of this product? I gave up eating cheese for 4-5 months because apparently certain type of dairy can cause breakouts. It was a monumental sacrifice for this butter/cream/cheese-loving gal. And it came to naught. I was pissed and broke the cheese fast with the stinkiest block of blue cheese the other week. It was delicious.
(Speaking of stinky, if you know anything about sulfur, you must know it smells like rotten eggs and fart. Yup, that's what the mask smells like and that's what goes on your face. The things we do for beauty!)
My skin is still complaining but my appetite isn't. We can't all be happy, can we? I'm trying a bunch of other anti-acne products but so far no luck. I'll review some of those in the weeks/months to come. Historically, my skin calms down by September but this year is different. So, here's the thing: I'm debating whether I need a major lifestyle change. I know it has to happen at some point... but the thought of cutting back junk, eating healthier, exercising regularly and sleeping earlier and all that stuff makes my heart shrink a little bit (a lot). I don't even take vitamins. But I am forced to admit at this point that it's not the beauty products or my skincare routine that's the problem. There's something internal manifesting itself as ugly spots that leave fresh scars on top of old scars and I am sooooo sick of it.
Have you struggled with terrible acne and conquered it, whether it was via skincare or improved lifestyle? I'd love to hear your stories.
I felt experimental and decided to try the DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask after reading some rave reviews. It costs about CAD$45 at Sephora.
The three claims on the box gave me hope: absorbs oil, helps keep pores clear and clears blemishes. I was down.
I hadn't tried an anti-acne product with sulfur before, so I was excited. (Yes... the beauty world can be quite odd at times. Woohoo, sulfur!) You can see the rest of the ingredients in the pic below.
Between the box and the SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION seal, this sulfur mask seemed all business. I could feel my acne cowering in fear.
The product itself looks like a regular clay mask and has the same texture and feel of one. It's cool and smooth to the touch and spreads well. Kind of like Nutella on toast.
However, as you may have guessed, the Sulfur Mask did nothing for me. There are two ways of using this: as a mask and as an overnight spot treatment. I tried it as a mask, as an overnight spot treatment and as an overnight mask. There was no shrinking or fading or anything. I used about a third of the tub, diligently once a week -- or even twice a week -- and while I didn't experience any irritation or negative reaction to the product, none of the claims and rave reviews proved to be true. So, back it went to Sephora, and I continue my search.
But do you know what really burned me, more than the failure of this product? I gave up eating cheese for 4-5 months because apparently certain type of dairy can cause breakouts. It was a monumental sacrifice for this butter/cream/cheese-loving gal. And it came to naught. I was pissed and broke the cheese fast with the stinkiest block of blue cheese the other week. It was delicious.
 |
| I am stinky but your taste buds will love me. |
(Speaking of stinky, if you know anything about sulfur, you must know it smells like rotten eggs and fart. Yup, that's what the mask smells like and that's what goes on your face. The things we do for beauty!)
My skin is still complaining but my appetite isn't. We can't all be happy, can we? I'm trying a bunch of other anti-acne products but so far no luck. I'll review some of those in the weeks/months to come. Historically, my skin calms down by September but this year is different. So, here's the thing: I'm debating whether I need a major lifestyle change. I know it has to happen at some point... but the thought of cutting back junk, eating healthier, exercising regularly and sleeping earlier and all that stuff makes my heart shrink a little bit (a lot). I don't even take vitamins. But I am forced to admit at this point that it's not the beauty products or my skincare routine that's the problem. There's something internal manifesting itself as ugly spots that leave fresh scars on top of old scars and I am sooooo sick of it.
Have you struggled with terrible acne and conquered it, whether it was via skincare or improved lifestyle? I'd love to hear your stories.
I've been pretty bummed about acne myself too. I think it's stress related for me because every time I start a new semester my skin goes crazy. In the summer I almost have no problems. I'm also not as diligent in a morning and evening routine, so that doesn't help haha.
ReplyDeleteIn times like these I just try to stick to a routine and use a salicylic acid exfoliator every other day. Plus for body acne I've been trying the super expensive Murad salicylic spray. They both kinda help but slowly!
It makes me feel a little better to know someone else is going through it too :)
I know what you mean by spending time fighting acne. I think about it a lot which is probably not good for keeping stress away.
ReplyDeleteI tried a product with sulfur and it did zilch for me too. I am really trying to make an effort in terms of eating more healthier, exercising and taking supplements to help my body in hopes of it helping my acne. It's still pretty early days so I don't really know if it's having any effect yet. Also I read some interesting things about acne on the Marie Veronique skincare blog and one thing that has sparked my interest is Pantothenic acid (Vit B5) and how it may help acne as it is supposed to help support the adrenal glands so making the body respond better to stress. It also aids the body in metabolizing the fats that produce sebum. I don't know personally how effective this is as I've not tried it but I am going to look into maybe supplementation.
Oh sweetie I'm so sorry...I was reading happily and thought your post would have a happy ending =( Have you tried aspirin? I mean...have you tried to crush 2 or 3 aspirins with a tiny bit of water (enough to turn it into a paste) and then using it on your acne? I've heard that it actually helps a lot!! You could always try it, right? And then tell us how it went!!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!
xo Rose
teacupsanddresses.blogspot.com
I feel for you girl. My daughter has been struggling with acne again these past few months. We saw this video last week by Goss on YT, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAv8-6hkYko and it's how he got rid of his acne. It's helping! Maybe try it out?
ReplyDelete@Bex - It's weird b/c you don't want others to go through the same issues but it makes you feel so much better that you're not suffering alone! I've taken summer school for the past 5 years, so maybe that's also a part of my stress thing? Luckily I don't have body acne but sometimes the really inflamed red spots move down the jawline to the neck. :/
ReplyDelete@Meeta - Props to you! For me, it's a matter of drawing up the will power to make the lifestyle change. It's great not only for skin and surface appearances for general health overall, which has also been a minor concern lately. I haven't heard anything about pantothenic acid, but now I can keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the tip!
@Rose - Thanks so much! I have heard of the aspirin trick but didn't get around to trying that yet. But like all anti-acne solutions, I feel that its effect will be temporary. I will try it nonetheless and report back. :)
@Tracy - I saw that too and did try the method even before he posted the video. It was good for a while... but when my face wants to break out, it just goes nuts overnight and there seems to be nothing I can do. My face will be fine with no breakouts for a few weeks, then BAM! even though I did nothing different. Frustrating!
Aw, Liz :( I don't have any recs - I usually just do spot treatments and stop using products that break me out. I drink a lot of coffee and caffeine, but I try to exercise a lot and drink a lot of water. My Korean mother also emphasizes over and over again the importance of fruit and veggies...and she's probably right, since they all have gorgeous skin, even as they get old :P I 've been trying to cut down on sugar and sweets, which is tough as I love to bake, but I think that probably makes a difference, as well.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried La Roche-Posay's Effaclar line? Or Dermalogica?
ReplyDeleteAnd sulfur totally smells like fart. It's bad news bears, for sure.
First of all, my dearest Liz, I'm glad that you at least tried this product out (here's to being a guinea pig for the rest of us...hooray! Lol!) but let's face it: you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned lifestyle change. Continuing something we discussed fairly recently, you actually don't need to effect drastic changes; dietary habits need not become restrictive, nor do you need to work out like a fiend 24/7. As to sleeping more, it has been documented that more sleep actually has major therapeutic and beneficial effects on one's system, but then again, if you can function well with less sleep, then go with the flow of your system. What you should do, is perhaps seek a more natural method, one that won't tax your system or send your hormones in a tailspin. Do yourself a favour: go to a reputable health food store and ask for borage oil capsules - which you will apply topically to your skin. Then, ask for top grade fish oil capsules that you will be ingesting REGULARLY. Give it 2 weeks, then see what results you get. Something tells me that you'll be liking what you see! :)
ReplyDeleteMy younger cousin is battling acne and height issues (too short, go figure) but she won't give up the milk! She'd rather be taller than have a clear face but actually, if dairy & all cow by products are the cause of acne, I would stop living!
ReplyDeleteThe Murad Clarifying mask also contains sulfur as the weapon of choice. It doesn't reek of rotten eggs though so it probably isn't as strong as the DDF mask, you'll probably want to skip that one. I just realized this was a rec of what NOT to try.
How about 10% BP gel? It's more of a preventative method than a spot treatment but I notice I get less clogged pores/blemishes on my forehead and nose!
"But I am forced to admit at this point that it's not the beauty products or my skincare routine that's the problem. There's something internal manifesting itself as ugly spots that leave fresh scars on top of old scars and I am sooooo sick of it." I. TOTALLY. AGREE. so i am booked with my dad's acupuncturist at the end of the month. here's hoping! *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with acne so I totally feel your pain. What helped my acne a little were clearing wipes; my choices would be MD Formulation Daily Peel Pads or Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Skin Purifying Wipes. Though ultimately what made the biggest difference was not staying up so late!
ReplyDeleteI've been pretty lucky on the acne front, only one little hormonal pimple a month. It's almost like it's heralding something evil coming. I sometimes get blackheads, but it's not a really bad problem. I usually like those Biore strips, even though they aren't the best for your skin, I know it's weird but I like to peel it off, I figure it's got to be doing something. I'm trying some new astringent to see if I can make them go away forever. But it's not so bad that I would wear a mask. I do have allergy issues which sometimes aggravate my skin, but it just means I have to avoid MSG, and it's not so good for you anyway. That's what I tell myself
ReplyDelete@Larie - My mom too but she rarely eats fresh veggies and yet her skin still glows! And I swear that they were all malnourished while growing up lower middle class post-war. Doesn't make any sense! I don't eat a lot of sugar actually and try to pick raw/brown sugar if I must. But I can feel it: the universe wants me to give up cheese. I won't!
ReplyDelete@Denise - Hey! I haven't tried those brands yet but I was close to picking up some Dermalogica stuff in the spring. I'll give it a go if this doesn't clear up by Nov. :/
@Eugenia - I don't mind being a guinea pig because it's not like things can get worse! lol You know, I don't eat all that unhealthy. I give into compulsions but believe when our body crave something, it's because we need it. I get salty cravings more than sweets and even then I only indulge once a month around THAT TIME. But as for sleep, I don't get more than 5-6 hours max and I know that's a very bad thing. I'm thinking of trying a tip from Michelle @ Beauty Editor that involves fermented cod liver oil which is supposed to be amazing. I'll try your borage oil solution as well. Here's to hoping!
@Ashley - How old is your cousin? I never believed the adults who would say that acne goes away with age. Good luck to her! I like the Murad stuff but like with all the products I've tried, they don't stave off a major outbreak. I've tried the B. Kamins 5% BP gel with no luck whatsoever. Thanks for the tip though!
@sel - I grew up with people who sought acupuncture as therapy and have a real aversion to it. *shudders* Good luck to you, though!
@Stacey - I've tried a few medicated pads and thought they were okay. I think it's the exfoliation that's probably good at clearing out the junk. But I think you're right about sleep. I don't get as much as I should when about 9 hours is optimum. But I love being a night owl!
@D - YES, THEY ARE THE USHERS OF EEEEEVIL! And must be vanquished! You're so lucky. And I like those Biore strips too. It's gross but it's fascinating to stare at what comes out of your skin. I can't look away.
I was considering picking this up once I used up my Queen Helene clay masque, but now I'm thinkin' mayyybe not? I don't have much issue with acne thankfully but I am pretty oily which was what I wanted the masque for. Thanks for the review, it definitely gives me something to think about! As for changing your lifestyle, I think being the beauty guru you are, you'd have found something that works by now, so it does seem like it might be something more. Like my eczema, at the end of the day I think its got more to do with my lifestyle than my skincare routine - when you're doing everything 'right' then it's time to look at other things that could be contributing to the problem. Good luck and I truly hope you're successful!!
ReplyDeletei totally and completely feel you with the acne battle :( seriously the bane of all existence! or mine at least >_< this was actually one of the things i wanted to try. that and the cod liver oil. actually theres a ton of stuff i wanna try but im trying to not introduce a ton of stuff into my skincare regime cuz i think my skin gets angry and the acne gets worse :( but the aspirin mask does help the redness a little i think, but it mite be the honey that does it too xD im trying the acne.org rite now but its been :/ and now im trying the effaclar K but its so-so too altho im tempted to try the efflaclar duo and/or dermalogica clean start line. so many options and so little results T_T
ReplyDeleteDarn, sorry to hear this didn't work out for you! Have you tried Mario Badescu? I haven't used it personally, but I know it's worked for a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteI had acne about 5 years ago, and I used Retin-A to clear it up. Took about a year to get my skin to fully calm down, but now I only get the occasional spot. I also think that lifestyle has something to do with it, and my skin seems happiest when I drink a lot of water, get a decent amount of sleep, take my vitamins and supplements, and keep it hydrated (this is going to sound weird, but I found that I had more breakouts when my skin got overly dried out).
Also, I know that my friend takes antibiotics for her acne, and it really helped her. So maybe that's something you could look into.
I'm raising my hand, yes, yes, it is gross but fascinating. It's one of things I hesitate to say but think it in my head. I can't stop staring at it. Oh thank goodness I am not alone in this bizarre fascination.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Cod Liver Oil? I did a post about it and I know it's made a huge difference for many people suffering with acne. You have to use a highly fermented one for the best effect, if you go thru my older posts you'll find it. Otherwise I had no issues with acne until my late 20s, I ended up going to the doctor & got a prescription anti-biotic that I could take if I felt anything coming on. That really helped me. Good luck Liz, that's a frustrating struggle for sure.
ReplyDelete@Toya - Ooooh, thanks for reminding me about the Queen Helene mask! That's been on my list of to-buy/try. But a lot of people have had good results with this DDF mask, so it's impossible to know whether it will work for you or not. Try a sample and see? It smells pretty bad, so personally I'd just go with a regular mud mask instead of this if it's just to reduce oiliness. And thanks! I'm sure we can both find solutions to our respective issues if we really put our minds to the task!
ReplyDelete@Isabella - I hear you. And it's weird but sometimes what didn't work in the past will end up working years later and vice versa! It gets quite difficult trying to keep up with all the products to try and re-try. I find it's difficult to stick to a regular routine for longer than two weeks and soon I'm itching to try another one if the first one doesn't produce immediate results. Let me know if you discover anything good!
@Makeup Morsels - Thanks for the tip re: antibiotics! I did try Mario Badescu years ago. Some of my friends love it but it didn't do anything for me and my youngest sister who had some severe outbreaks at the time. I do agree with the rest of your comment... the few years I had good skin was also when I drank a lot of water and was generally more active and healthier.
@Tracy D - I recall reading the post! CLO + the Clarisonic are the next items on my list to try. I'm hesitant to shell out the bucks for both of them. The good, highly fermented CLO aren't exactly cheap. And I hate the idea of someday having to stop the CLO intakes and having bad skin return. Also, apparently some people who overdose or have been taking it for a long time are now experiencing hair loss. I feel like the issue needs some further monitoring before I start any kind of regimen... but thank you for the tips and concern! I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually. ;)
@D - If we do the meet-up in NYC some day, we can split a box of Biore strips! ;D
ReplyDelete