Friday, July 1, 2016

Curology

Overview

Curology is a monthly subscription that sends a bottle of medication tailored towards your skin from a survey and pictures you upload to Curology. I actually heard about this from two Youtubers: Michelle Phan and Saaammage. After thinking about it, why not give it a go? My first tube of medication was free from the link I obtained from Sam to sign up with. The next bottle of medication will arrive 3 months after the first order for $20 shipped.

So why did I choose to try it?

I have acne caused by my diet and hormones. My diet can be regulated, but my hormones are out of my control. During the time of the month (TOM), I get at least seven volcanoes on my face. So being me, I pop them myself once I see the white head forming which results in acne scars. 

My Curology



I crossed out my name on the bottle :)



I ordered my first Curology medication on June 7th. In the survey, for skin conditions I am concerned with, I chose everything except aging. My medication consists of 0.25% zinc pyrithione, 1% clindamycin, and 4% niacinamide.

The Chemicals

Zinc pyrithione relieves excess sebum, and has both antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. It is known to relieve dandruff and eczema and is FDA approved for prescribed amounts and how it's used. This may cause skin irritation if you are allergic to this chemical; it would be best to test it out on a patch of skin on your arm before putting it directly on your face. Clindamycin has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps fight against bacteria that causes acne on your skin. On the other hand, if you stop using this product after a week, your acne may worsen. It is like taking prescribed antibiotics where if you do not finish the medication, you will have a harder time getting rid of the bad bacteria in the future because not all of the bacteria was killed the first time and now it is even stronger. Also, in my opinion, I do not like that fact that they do not tell you when to stop using the medication. No one is suppose to be on antibiotics forever. Niacinamide is vitamin B3 that is commonly prescribed in creams to reduce wrinkles, fight against hyperpigmentation, and tighten the skin making it tougher for acne to develop. Do not ingest topical creams with niacinamide; it may cause diarrhea.

How to Use

It's really simple. Apply 1 to 2 pumps of the medication after you washed and towel dried your face at night. Rub it in until it absorbs; it absorbs really fast and does not feel sticky at all. Continue with your regular skincare regime. In the morning just use sunscreen and moisturizer. 

Results

Before

After

From the before picture you can see I have a lot of acne scars, texture, and acne. And in the after picture, I have less acne and less acne scars. Overall, I am concerned with what would happen if I stop using it after this bottle. But right now, I am seeing some positive results after six weeks of usage. Like I said, I have hormonal acne so a magical cream isn't going to cut it. I will continue to use up this bottle and decide whether or not to continue with the subscription. 


UPDATE #1:
I have purchased another bottle. I feel that my breakouts have diminished. AND remember to use sunscreen for the best results.


UPDATE #2: 

Today is June 24, 2017 and I can say my skin has been better than last year. I have been slowly weening off of this stuff and I did not have a bad reaction. I get breakouts during the TOM but still that is something I can not control. The main difference is that the pimples are smaller and less painful than they usually are during the TOM. Most of my scars are gone but that may be due to another product that I will be reviewing. Here is my last picture update.

6/24/2017 Clean face with no makeup. I do have some scarring around my nose and a tiny pimple right above my eyebrow.