SK II and I

As far as I could remember I've always had a problematic skin. Teenage years to adolescence, and headlong into my adulthood; oily and shiny skin, acne eruption and horendous moon facies have visited me continuously without fail. 

Each visit to a Dermatologist (skin speacialist) would see me with expensive prescription of acne facial soap, Doxycyclin and/or another type of antibiotics. I was put on the regime countless times to remember because the problem just keep coming back.

Early adulthood did not see me any happier with the state of my skin condition. I was again on another anti acne regime; Sebamed antiseptic facial wash, Retinoic Acid cream, Doxycyclin and more acne tablets with longer duration - 6 months regime or sometimes MORE!.

Paris in 2006. Terrible acne eruption and facial scarring

I tried several times to change my skincare from low range to mid to high end stuff. From Mustika Ratu to Johnson to Avon to Nutri Metics, my skin's greasy surface just couldn't be managed completely. Even Estee Lauder's Regenerist and other expensive stuff were not seeing the last of the "oil rig" problem. The most frustrating condition was the post- acne facial scarring. because of my fair complexion, the scar was very prominent and obvious to the most casual on lookers.

I was thorughly frustrated also with all the skincare products. by year 2004-5 I had been on De Wajah and Nouvelle Visage. Although claimed to be super skin care by some because of the whitening effects, i found it not suitable for me.


de Wajah products somehow made my complexion unbalanced frequently appearing with white spots at exposed area and I was beginning to be weary about the hydroquinone stuff that could be the whitening agent.

I tried to wean off the anti acne regime because by the age of 28 to 36, i had been on the regime for 2-3 years stretch of Doxycyclin and I was getting worried of the drug's side effects.

Amsterdam February 2006

Gion corner, Kyoto 2009

The moment I stopped the drug, my face started showing the signs of excess sebum secretions - greasy and shiny. I was so frustrated that I shove all the expensive skincare away (at the time I was using Estee Lauder's) and started to use the cheapest line "Clean & Clear" facial wash and toner by Johnson and Johnson! no difference there... cheap or expensive.

However, a turning point for me came in the year 2009 during my visit to Japan. I was drawn to SK II because it was one of the highest selling skin care line and widely used by the "never aging, ever slim and energetic" Japanese ladies.

Winter time was very harsh on face making it very dry and my skin started to peel, especially around the cheeks and forehead. It also became itchy most of the time and I must admit I do have itchy hands which usually caused further harm to my sensitive skin. SK II moisturiser seems to do the trick and the trial pack of SK II Skin Signature really impressed me.

So that was the historical day that I make SK II a firend I could not go without....

I'm far from over in fighting the problem of my skin. I try to eat right; more fruit and vegetable, less fried stuff and drink a lot of water. exercise is also the main ingredient to have good and clear complexion. not the least also, you need to relax more and less intense, that would take care of the wrinkles!