Clear Skin

Hey guys! I was actually a little apprehensive on talking about this, simply because I was worried my method might be frowned upon, which is completely understandable. However, I feel like if you have troubled skin, it'd be good to know all of your options. So! Let's get on with the story!

When I was in 8th and 9th grade, I was troubled by acne, and it made me sooo freaking self-conscious that I always had bangs to cover up my problem areas. I wouldn't even run for too long because I'd stop if my bangs blew back. At the same time, I guess I was having an identity crisis, and I wanted really pretty pale skin like all the Asians on the Filipino channel (like WoWoWee, haha). Anyways. It wasn't until the very end of 9th grade when I started using whitening soap (Likas Papaya soap) and my acne coincidentally started going away. From then on, my face really cleared up and I became a lot more confident about myself.

HOWEVER, looking back on it now, I was really stupid for even wanting to be different. It's a freaking skin tone, for goodness sake. You've got to try and own what you were born with. That applies to my nose, too. Even though I hate it!

Also, let me tell you something: IT DOESN'T WORK. You will not turn white, or yellow, or whatever the fuck have you, so if you're looking into it for that matter, then just stop right now and move on with your life. It's only going to get rid of the tan you've accumulated throughout the summer, and even that will take a long time. If you were born pale (like my cousins in the Philippines) and you're dark brown right now, then go ahead. After about 6 years, you'll get there. But generally, whitening products will not defy nature and take you from Black to Caucasian.

Okay, so now that we've got all that (Product reliability and my stance on skin whitening) established, now I will explain why I still use it. For those people that have known me for a long time, you know that I have not gotten any lighter than I was when we first met (unless I was tan from sports). The only reason I could possibly be lighter is because I freaking hate the sunlight. I know people that love tanning. You wouldn't even be able to guess their age. Premature aging is just not on my to-do list. Sorry. Also, skin poisoning sucks, so I avoid it at all costs. ANYWAYS. So why do I still use it? Well, it keeps my skin soft and my face clear. Think about it; the main function of the soap is to exfoliate your skin, getting rid of dead cells. So of course you're going to get less acne, lighter scars, and baby soft skin, because you don't have all that crud lying there on the surface.

This is me. Obviously. I didn't retouch any blemishes or anything, just a bit of noise reduction and contrast. And a stray chunk of hair if you can find it. My editing skills suck, so it's really obvious. No makeup except the highlights I used on my cheeks and nose.

So yeah. Because of the soap, I don't really get acne anymore. And if I do, it's only a small one. I have to sleep in my makeup for like a week for me to spur one on, though. It even says on the box that it takes care of your skin and makes it smoother:

I used to use Likas Papaya (the original whitening soap), but I freaking hated it. So stinky. And it dries up your skin a lot more than all the other ones (even though they all dry up your skin to a degree). I also used to use Belo soap, but it left soap scum and it grossed me out. And yes, I do stand under a black light just to check it. I really like the Silka brand because they smell nice and right after I take a shower, I can feel the difference. I just make sure I use moisturizer as soon as I get out. I've used SkinWhite, too, but I don't really remember if I liked it. I just use whatever my mom hauls back from her trips:

Well. That's my clear skin story. This is how I get a face that is baby-butt smooth. Of course, you can judge me and say I'm not happy with who I am, yada yada yada, even though I'm generally quite pleased with who I am/what I look like now. Or you can just take this as a possible solution to your problem, or even information for later use. And to all my friends: NO. I WILL NOT SELL OR GIVE YOU A BAR. Love you, but it's my stash. Just go ebay some.

I hope this helped!!! What works for me may not work for you, though. And if you have sensitive skin, please be wary, because Likas Papaya is known to cause skin irritation for some. I'm not, however, very sure on other brands. Ciao!