Skincare Haul: Alba Botanica Natural ACNEdote and Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Hello guys! I am back with a new post, and this is about my very recent skincare haul.

As you all may know, I have oily skin, large pores and I have been struggling with acne for a long time now. I have tried lots and lots of products just to kind of lessen my acne, but nothing worked. I have tried Eskinol, MaxiPeel, etc. Even Hortaleza's Acnesol and Let's Face It's Medicated line, as well as Krave's Organic Skincare line but nothing seems to work and its so frustrating. And now, here I am, trying something again and crossing my fingers that this time, it works.

I have been researching for weeks now on products for my needs. I have read about Proactiv, and I honestly don't want to try it since it has lots and lots of negative reviews. I also heard about AcneFree but I haven't researched in-depth about it. And there is Acne.org's The Regimen, but should I order from their website, they cannot guarantee shipping here in the Philippines and when I searched online, its for ₱4,800! So I decided to try something that is readily available, which is the Alba Botanica Natural ACNEdote system. I have read about this through Say Artillero and Makeup by Shebby.

We went to Healthy Options Trinoma and I got 4 of the products in the ACNEdote line: the Deep Pore Wash, Deep Clean Astringent, Invisible Treatment Gel and Oil-Control Lotion. I didn't get the Face and Body Scrub, since I have active blemishes I don't want to irritate them. Each product costs ₱359, for a total of ₱1436.

Each product contains 2% Salicylic Acid and naturally derived Willow Bark Extract. When it comes to acne, there are only 2 medications known to really work: Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. I have not heard about the effects of the Willow Bark Extract, maybe I need to research about it. This line claims to be:

- Dermatologist Tested
- Non-comodegenic (will not block pores)
- 100% Vegetarian Ingredients
- No Animal Testing
- No Artificial Fragrances
- No Artificial Colors
- No Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- No Parabens
- No Phthalates or Petrochemicals

Whew! That's a lot! Now let's take a look at each product.

Deep Pore Wash

"This lathering cleanser digs deep into pores to unclog the gunk, helping banish existing zits and prevent new ones."

This smells kinda citrus-y, it has a slight yellow tint to it, and it does not lather a lot, which is not a downside to me. It also has a very refreshing feeling after you wash, and the skin feels a little tight but smooth. This claims that 70% tested saw clearer skin in just 7 days, and that it fights breakout even after you rinse.

Deep Clean Astringent

"This oil dissolver unclogs pores for a visibly clearer complexion without over-irritation. Instantly, skin is super clean, without a trace of oil. In just 8 hours, breakouts are reduced, Over time, scars and acne marks fade."

Just like the deep pore wash, it claims that 70% tested saw clearer skin in just 7 days. It has a strong medicinal/alcohol scent to it. Unlike other people who experienced a burning sensation upon application, I did not feel that. It does stung my eye a little bit, but its not as strong as I expected it to be.

Invisible Treatment Gel

"This powerfully natural, botanically effective, non-sticky gel delivers reduced inflammation on contact and clearer skin in just 4 hours so you can wake up to clearer skin."

This claims that 65% tested saw clearer skin in the morning when used overnight. Instead of applying this directly to my blemishes, I applied this all over my face. Although I did not wake up to a clear skin, it might helped in reducing the inflammation on some of them. Also, I did not feel a burning or stingy sensation, but, it is drying. You will need to use a moisturizer for this.

Oil-Control Lotion

"This powerfully natural, botanically effective, oil-free formula keeps shine at bay while it weightlessly hydrates skin. Never tight, never oily, skin is smooth, fresh and prepped for your day (or night.)"

This claims to provide all-day matte finish and is non-comodogenic. Summer is here, and the weather is really, really humid, but I noticed that I do not oil a lot and it feels smooth and lightweight. I cannot point out how it smells like.

I also got the most talked about Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. I have tried this before through my friend, and I LOVE IT! This costs ₱329.

This claims to help dry up pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. Check, check and check! This mask really does what it claims!

So I started my acne routine/regimen today, and I wanted to provide you with a weekly update regarding this products. So, here is my face for Day 1.

Forehead

Left side

Right side

There you go! It may not be obvious, but some of pimples have dried up or have been reduced in size. I will continue with this routine and will provide you an update. I will see you in 7 days!

-- Maica :)