VMV ID Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Face Chest Back Body Exfoliating Lotion

In reviewing VMV ID Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-bacterial Monolaurin gel, I did say I'll try VMV ID lotion next. VMV ID gel turns out to be an ineffective skin mattifier, but it greatly makes up for this shortcoming as an excellent anti-acne treatment. Therefore, I've decided to still try another product from VMV's ID line which boasts the same anti-acne treatment and more.

Product
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VMV ID lotion claims to "provide an active anti-bump, ultra-softening, light nourishment" on the skin. It claims to treat "acne, ingrown hair, chicken skin, shaving/waxing/plucking bumps and other folliculitis" through its main ingredients of salicylic acid and monolaurin. It also promotes skin exfoliation, minimizing wrinkles and softening rough skin. Hydrating the skin, the lotion moisturizes without clogging pores or adding shine.

Unlike the VMV ID gel, This product requires the same slow introduction to skin as the VMV re-everything cream. It may be applied onto face, neck, chest, arms, back, thighs and/or derriere except on mucosal areas of eyes, nose and genitals.

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This product was put to the real test when I severely broke out after trying out this new face wash that didn't suit my skin. Once again, another VMV ID product did not disappoint in the ant-acne department; this one worked immediately and effectively. It even works better than benzoyl peroxide or my tretinoin-glycolic acid combo. Applying it on my inflammed and acne-populated face one night, by the next day, my skin became less swollen and painful, and the zits significantly reduced!

As regards its fight against chicken skin, bumps and other folliculitis, it helps reduce but not completely get rid of them. Anyway, I think it's also because I don't apply the lotion religiously on these sensitive areas since VMV does admit of its potent formulation; it requires regulated use after all.

Even if it's packaged as VMV ID gel at 120ml bottle, for PHP790 (or $30 at amazon), I think one can save up more with this product because less than 1 pump of this product (pea-sized dot) can already do wonders. More than a month has passed but the bottle is still practically full. Furthermore, it's easier to spread onto the skin, and it doesn't dry up fast.

Initially, I wasn't sure how to squeeze this product into my face care regimen; it seemed like it adds redundancy to the entire routine. Now, I know what's it for - it's my quick fix for acne! I may also use this on my back and newly waxed/epilated parts of my body to prevent other skin problems. This may also replace my VMV ID gel step in the morning.

I hope you find this product review informative! You might also like my reviews on other VMV products.

My Anti-Acne Face Regimen

In keeping with My 2012 New Year's Resolutions, I have spent days wandering the internet and malls in search for acne-fighting products to try on my face. Around this time, my face was a portrait of sleepless nights, physical inactivity and paramount stress, and no amount of make-up could hide the bumps and marks any longer. Although my dermatologist remains to be just a 15-minute drive away, I have been stubbornly insisting that I don't need to pay at the very least PHP1500 for new scars on my face. I know I can address my skin problems through less invasive ways, and no doubt about it, this i was able to do with a new skin care regimen I've been trying on for just 3 weeks!

1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser;
2. Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner;
3. VMV ID Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-bacterial Monolaurin Gel;
4. Stieva-A Forte 1mg/g (0.01%) Tretinoin Cream and
5. VMV Re-Everything Cream Anti-Age Primary Treatment

In the morning, I use the first 3 products on my skin. In the evening, I use all of them except for the VMV Re-Everything Cream which I am currently using only every other day in accordance with the bottle's instructions.

The process and result might take longer than the usual, but I'm equally as happy with my skin as I'd normally be after visiting my derma sans the pain from pricking and the consequent scars. I've practically lost the big bumps on my forehead, cheeks and jawline with the redness and dark spots on my face and back gradually returning to my natural skin tone! My skin's texture has also improved and the oiliness has definitely lessened.

These five have got to be my favorite face care products to date! Unlike the medicines mixed by my doctor herself, these 5 are easier to apply. I no longer despise or feel lazy putting medicines on my face since these five products are neither harsh, irritating nor stingy on the skin.

I hope to continue seeing positive results! Will make my next skin report after another week or so!

Dermplus Triple Action Whitening Soap

Dermplus Triple Action Whitening Soap

Another item which i believe deserves a decent review is Dermplus Triple Action Whitening Action Soap. There's very limited information as regards this product, and I just felt it would be such a shame not to share how awesome it is.

The soap has 3 active ingredients - alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) and Arbutin which inhibits production of melanin. Arbutin is also said to stop free radical as well as sun damage.

This white soap has a mild, clean scent, and at PHP60, it's big enough to last me at least 2 months. As far as I know, its only available in Watson's stores.

I only use it for my body, leaving the soap on for at least 1 minute before rinsing it off. On most days, I use a loofah; the loofah helps get rid of the dead skin cells easily. However, I am confident to say that this is one of those few soaps that leave your body squeaky clean and oil-free whether you use a loofah.

I've been using the soap for 2 months now and I have noticed improvements on my skin. For one thing, I feel squeaky clean every after bath. Despite being a mere beauty soap, I don't experience any body odor whether I'm wearing a deodorant. I also rarely get pimples now, and the dark marks on my body have lightened. The tiny bumps at the back of my arms and thighs due to a skin condition (kerastosis pilaris) I have are barely there anymore, and although certain areas on my skin flake sometimes, it's nothing which a lotion can't fix.

D.I.Y. Remove Linkwithin Widget, Change Post's URL and Automatically Redirect to Another Blog

I swore to write about this topic after months of sleepless nights over issues with the Linkwithin widget. I hope this entry will help others who wish to get rid of this pesky application once and for all.

Linkwithin is "a blog widget that appears under each post, linking to related stories from your blog archive." Normally, it shows a list with 3-5 related blog titles linked to their respective addresses. If your blog post has pictures, the widget shows the thumbnail of the first picture and blog title of the said post.

It was a good working relationship with LinkWithin at the start. I installed the widget months ago, and it looked pretty on my old website. I liked the fact that as Linkwithin listed related topics from my blog archive, readers could just conveniently click away. Plus, it was free and ad-free; there was just a Linkwithin text at the bottom-right of the widget.

Ignorance is bliss.

One day, I published this blog post with pictures, and my Linkwithin widget picked it up right away. However, noticing how unattractive the photo which served as my post's thumbnail on Linkwithin, I decided to delete the original image from the actual post. Unfortunately, the unattractive photo was stuck on the widget. I tried to reinstall Linkwithin to no avail. I even sought help online and found this as a popular concern among Linkwithin users. I just ended up contacting Linkwithin team. In the meantime, I had no choice but live with this slight defacement of my site.

Several months passed, but I still didn't get any response from Linkwithin. By this time, I was also intending to change my blog's URL, keeping the site's template, layout and other contents unchanged. Unfortunately, I couldn't go through the entire process because of another issue with Linkwithin; it wouldn't update my old links with the new blog URL. Thus, all the Linkwithin links directed to inexistent posts. I tried to reinstall and later on remove it under the layout and template sections, but the widget still showed up on my site. Linkwithin's code was still embedded in the page source despite the fact that I already removed it from the layout and template sections. I have actually read over the internet a lot of complaints as regards this matter, and most of them could not fix it. Those few who found a solution for it received support from Linkwithin, but obviously, this was no longer an option for me.

Apparently, you can't edit your Blogger site's entire code under the layout and template sections. Therefore, when it's time to remove third-party applications like Linkwithin that secretly attach themselves to the uneditable part of your site's code, you just can't use the layout and template sections. You have to start your site from scratch, unless you have backed up your template prior to installing the Linkwithin widget.

Fortunately, I realized one way to go around this problem. Here are the steps to removing Linkwithin from your Blogger Site:

1. Back up template. Blog Page > Template > Back up / Restore > Download Full Template
2. Back up posts. Blog Page > Settings > Others > Export Blog > Download Blog
3. Take note of site's current layout, template and settings. This step will come in handy for Step 6.
4. Delete site. Blog Page > Settings > Others > Delete blog
5. Make a new blog. You may use the same Blog URL. Home > New Blog
6. Edit the new blog's current layout, template and settings.
7. Import posts. Blog Page > Settings > Others > Import Blog
8. Edit titles of posts in accordance with their old URLs. Fix symbols, eg. change (&apos) to (').
9. Publish all posts. Blog Page > Select all > Publish
10. Don't install Linkwithin ever again!

One word of caution is in relation to the information from your old site's stats section which cannot be backed up. Thus, information from your new site's stats section will start with zeroes. Personally, this is not a big issue as Blogger's stats section is not very informative and reliable. I actually use third-party applications of Topblogs, Sitemeter, and Statcounter where making a new site doesn't affect their previously recorded stats at all. However, this stat's section becomes important if you're using gadgets like "Popular Posts" that work based on the stats measured by Blogger.

Normally, Blogger will forever adopt the originally published post's title as the post's URL; subsequently changing a post's title will not affect the post's URL. Unfortunately, this D.I.Y. may result to broken links as some republished posts adopt new URLs. Therefore, if you're concerned about visitors finding broken URLs of your posts in search engines, here are some steps on how to change your posts' URLs:

1. Use your search engine to determine the problematic posts. Take note of their URLs. Remember the originally published titles become the URLs of your posts. Their URLs just don't use symbols except hyphen which represents space between words.

eg. Post title: L'Oréal Paris Hydrafresh Anti-Shine Icy Gel
Post URL:

2. If not yet published, change the post's title in accordance with its old URL and publish.

3. If published or step 2 does not work:
3.a. Open a text editor (such as a Notepad or Microsoft Word) and make one file containing all contents of problematic posts.
3.b. Delete all problematic posts.
3.c. Clear all browsing data and close your web browser.
3.d. Refer to saved file to make new blog posts. Change each of post's title in accordance with its old URL.
3.e. Change the date's day; leave the month and year the same. Publish.
3.f. Edit date's day to correct day. Publish.

Another small price to pay for deleting Linkwithin the unconventional way is dealing with your site's followers. This concern arises when you use a different blog address as I have done. To somehow alleviate the problem, you can automatically redirect your readers to your new blog address. Just follow these steps:

1.  Make a new blog. Use your old Blog URL. Home > New Blog
2. Edit site's code. Blog Page > Template > Edit HTML > Proceed
3. Find this code: <b:include data='blog' name='all-head-content'/>
4. Add this code after: <meta content="0;url=http://NEW URL" http-equiv="refresh"/>

Being a neat freak, I now enjoy peace of mind after removing Linkwithin from my site. Now, I am very careful of the gadgets I add to my site; I make sure first that they can be easily removed before daring to install them. Also, I've realized the importance of backing up my template! Of course, I could have avoided all these inconveniences had I just backed up my site prior to making any changes.

I hope this post has helped you one way or another!

VMV Re-everything Cream Anti-Age Primary Treatment

At 24, I still feel like an adolescent not only because I'm young at heart but also because I continue to suffer one of the most (de)pressing concerns of puberty. I'm not getting any younger, and I literally see the need to save my skin before it's too late. Therefore this year, I've made a promise to my skin that I will be more attentive and caring to it.

My last dermatologist prescribed me her own concoction of 5% glycolic acid cream which I found to be harsh but must admit to be effective. I've also read the benefits of glycolic acid; therefore, in my search for a new skin care product to try on, I specifically required the ingredient glycolic acid. Luckily, I came across this.

The VMV Re-everything Cream Anti-Age Primary Treatment replaced the old VMV's Glykeros line. Another interesting fact about this product is that it is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic thus gentle and safe for all skin types. These two characteristics help prevent acne, skin distress, rashes, itching, post-inflammations and hyperpigmentations.

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One of the active ingredients of this product is glycolic acid which works as an exfoliating agent. It essentially breaks down dead skin, resulting to smoother and youthful skin. It also enables the skin to absorb moisture better.

This product claims to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of (photo) aging, promote cell rejuvenation and maintain skin's moisture and revitalization through its active ingredients of 5% glycolic acid, kinetin growth factor, green tea, rice phytic and virgin coconut oil. The product also advises for its slow introduction into the skin to achieve satisfactory results.

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I have been using this product  with 4 others on my face and back for almost a month now, and I must say that my skin has definitely improved. What I particularly like about it is that it's very easy to apply. It's light-weight and not too greasy, making it suitable for oily skin. It has the right viscosity, and 1 pump is enough amount to apply on the face, neck and chest. Sometimes I use another 1 pump for my back. The smell is also not that bad; you can faintly yet distinctly smell the virgin coconut oil.

Furthermore, it is neither harsh, irritating nor stingy on the skin. I love how I can still put my make up on without worrying about any visible dry patches on my face. Unlike my old glycolic acid cream, this VMV product results to minimal flaking of the skin (sometimes none at all). I think it helps to slowly introduce the product into the skin. Right now, I use it only 3 times a day - every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

It costs PHP1790 ($80 at amazon.com). Nevertheless, I've practically used up only 1/3 of the bottle in 1 month so its still cheaper than a PHP1500+ monthly visit to the dermatologist (which doesn't include yet the doctor's medicines). I must say, this is one of those products that definitely gives you your money's worth. I am so amazed with this product that I can't wait to try the next step, the Advanced Treatment.

VMV ID Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-bacterial Monolaurin Gel

A month ago, my face was an unsightly landscape, but thanks to my anti-acne face regimen, my skin has somehow cleared up. Now, I say "somehow" because there'd still be days when I'd get too lazy or busy to complete my skin routine (sorry, 2012!). Nevertheless, despite these lapses, I'd still say my skin is happier than ever and totally loving VMV ID Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-bacterial Monolaurin Gel.

VMV ID Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-bacterial Monolaurin Gel
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Two active ingredients of this product are 2% of glyceryl laurate (monolaurin) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Monolaurin is responsible for the product's anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral treatment while BHA specially fights acne problems; its oil-soluble characteristic is ideal for oily skin.

The gel formula feels cool and pleasantly stingy on the skin. It dries quite fast upon application so in putting the ID gel on your face, you might want to skip on the cotton and keep your distance from the electric fan or air-conditioner. You may also apply only a little amount on one small area at a time, but if you're in a hurry or a bit impatient like me, put a good amount on 2 fingers, leave dots on different areas of the face or back, then evenly spread all over.

I usually put this on my face right after washing it with my face wash and toner, but sometimes, I also apply it on my back and newly waxed areas of my body for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-protozoal properties.

I was actually choosing between this and the VMV ID lotion, but I chose the former since it claims to also mattify the skin for make-up. Unfortunately, this product has failed to keep my face shine-free, and it could probably be because I have really oily skin. This is a major product flaw for me because I primarily chose this product for its supposed mattifying properties.  Nevertheless, I still put this on to protect and prepare my skin against my make-up.

I use this product 2x a day, and have consumed 3/4 of the 120 ml bottle within a month's time. Failing as an oil-control gel and make-up primer, at PHP 670 (or $24 at amazon.com)  good for at least 1 month, it does seem a bit pricey to me for being a mere anti-acne gel. I love how it has cleared my skin, but next time though, I might get myself the ID lotion or some other product instead.

Cyleina Organic's Papaya & Goat's Milk Soap

Cyleina Organic's Papaya & Goat's Milk Soap and Rice Bran Soap
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I've read positive reviews about Cyleina Organic soaps long ago, but I never had the incentive to check it out myself as I've already found satisfaction in my trusted Dermplus soap. Luckily, Cyleina Organic had a buy-1-take-1 sale at Watsons months ago. At PHP 65 for 2 soaps, it sounded like a good bargain. I therefore bought these 2 soaps and immediately tested what all the raves were really about.

Cyleina Organic Papaya & Goat's Milk Soap Packaging and the Actual Soap
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Cyleina Organic Papaya & Goat's Milk Soap Product Description and Ingredients

The product lists papaya extract as one of its ingredients. Papaya has papain extract that breaks down proteins in dead skin, making it good for exfoliation. Moreover, Papaya is said to contain nutrients that prevent skin from becoming dry and brittle. It opens and cleans pores, reducing chances of breakouts.Papaya is also know for its whitening properties as papain "counters, but does not stop, the production of melanin."

Another main ingredient of this soap is Goat's milk which has "natural proteins that can kill acne-causing bacteria without removing the essential oils." These essential oils protect the skin and prevent pore blockage.
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Cyleina Organic Rice Bran Soap Packaging and the Actual Soap
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Cyleina Organic Rice Bran Soap Product Description and Ingredients

Rice bran is believed to "contain over 100 known vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including gamma oryzanol, which is believed to impact pigment development." Rich in phytosterols, rice bran reduces skin inflammation; its enzymes also exfoliates skin, reducing blemishes but retaining moisture. It also has Vitamin E that fights free radicals and skin aging.

On the other hand, cocoa butter that is found in both soaps, "promote elasticity in the skin and will aid in the healing of chapped skin if it is used regularly. Some users might consider it beneficial for reducing or preventing stretch marks, scars or other skin blemishes."
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I used these soaps alternately - one in the morning the other at night; sometimes, I used one soap for one day and the other for the next day. Nevertheless, I noticed that they easily dissolve in water so these 2 bars practically lasted for 1.5 months. I guess its because they are organic; therefore, I suggest cutting the soap in half.

Talk about organic, both soaps have strong scents. Surprisingly, the papaya soap smelled like caramel and not the usual papaya scent of most papaya soaps. The rice bran soap on the other hand, smelled like cocoa butter. Nevertheless, the scents don't stick to your skin; they can be easily washed away with water.

I used both soaps on my body only, letting each sit on my skin for 1 minute before rinsing. Most of the time, I used these with loofah since they don't make my skin squeaky clean and oil-free without the scrubbing (unlike my favorite soap). Sometimes, these soaps caused my skin to flake which proves that the soaps are really for exfoliation. They prevent body odor and blemishes most of the time, but as regards the papaya soap's whitening claim, I can't completely attest to it as I have not noticed any improvements to my skin after finishing both bars.

I haven't bought these 2 soaps ever since, and I was glad to switch back to my old soap, Dermplus Triple Action Whitening Soap. I felt that they were quite pricey for a 120 g soap that's quickly consumable. I also think Dermplus do better in cleaning, exfoliating and whitening my skin within the same period of time. Nevertheless, I don't mind trying out Cyleina Organics' other soaps. I have actually just bought its Tomato soap so read about it here soon!