I got rid of my hormonal acne and you can too!

The first is the Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner (Originally: Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Calendula Tincture Toner). I’ve raved about this toner in my previous post on the method of Toner Wash, which is an extremely effective way to get rid of acne fast. I’ve since finished 3 bottles of this toner and can conclude that it’s the magic cure for my hormonal acne. I don’t know exactly what is the power of Calendula Flower Water. I mean there are so many ingredients out there that are in the name of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, with bigger hypes but not much results. This is the only product that I can see results within 3 days of use. It has quickly stopped inflammation of my active breakouts and removed my pimples altogether. With continuous use, I haven’t been breaking out for 2 months.

If you think the Toner Wash method is a bit high maintenance (costly), I totally agree. So I’ve came up with a new way of using the Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner. That is, in the morning, I wash my face with a washcloth (you can use your hand only if not into wash clothes). Without drying the face, I apply a small amount of the toner to my wet skin, and wipe it off with the Pyunkang Yul 1/3 Cotton Pad. I found this method works as good as the Toner Wash method and uses much less product. Using the cotton pad to dry my face is more hygienic than using a washcloth or face towel. The Pyunkang Yul 1/3 Cotton Pad is perfect for this task. It’s very thin so gets wet very quickly and doesn’t tug the skin. It also doesn’t leave any lint because it’s made of sponge rather than cotton.

You may ask why don’t I use it as a regular toner? I’ve had an allergic reaction when using this as a regular toner. But it’s not an issue when I use it in the ways mentioned above.

I’ve never had any good results with either AHA or BHA on my acne. I understand the logic behind chemical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, which is in effect removing one of the conditions for acne to form. But it never had any effects on my acne. It only made my skin irritated, red and painful. But this toner is a little different.

Normally BHA treatments are at concentrations of 2% or 4%, this toner only contains 0.5%. I think this low percentage works very well for my skin that it doesn’t irritate or stress it, but works very gently in the background. When your skin is irritated, the skin barrier is compromised and it’s more vulnerable to bacterial developments. That is why “soothing” and “anti-inflammatory” has been the main approach to acne skincare nowadays.

I’m talking about the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner. I’ve used this product a couple years back when I had cystic acne all over the face. This toner had a more lightweight formula back then but with the same 0.5% BHA, which has helped in clearing my acne greatly. I remember purchasing stacks of it and finished at least 10 bottles. The current formula has Aloe Vera and Snail Mucin Extract to further help with soothing, hydrating and healing of damaged skin. I found the texture is just right for winter use and helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump.

The acne healing property of this toner is not as good as the Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner, but since I couldn’t use the Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner as a regular toner, this toner fills the gap of the much-needed hydration in acne skincare.