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January 2021 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary

January 2021 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary

January 2021

 

This month I continued to heal from surgery and

reviewed Facetheory's Acne Range and attended World Pulse Thrive Thursday webinars.

 

Surgery (March 2020)

My surgery March 2020 - Blog about my endometriosis and PCOS by Sabeena Ahmed

For those that don't know I was admitted to hospital after a few weeks of excruciating pain in my left ovary and required urgent surgery.

My cyst was removed 17th March 2020.

My consultant informed me that the cyst had ruptured and had welded itself to my colon and left ovary. He removed the white ruptured cyst cleaned me up. but could not see any signs of Endometriosis or PCOS due to inflammation.

I was in two minds about attaching photographs of my ruptured cyst and decided against it.

Thank you to all my friends and family who sent get well messages.

 

 

An honest review of the Facetheory Acne Range

Purchased November 2020

About Facetheory

Facetheory are a successful skin care company based in Sheffield, United Kingdom

Facetheory is a brand on a mission to make products affordable.

The company prides itself on promoting their vegan and cruelty free ethos and specialise in treating sensitive, reactive acne prone skin.

After 30 years of cystic, hormonal acne and reactive and sensitive skin.

I have endured 3 years of upsetting and painful cystic and hormonal acne.

Below is my honest account of trying the Facetheory Acne Range. 

DISCLAIMER: I have not been paid to review these products and have purchased the Facetheory Acne range with my own money.

I purchased the range mid November 2020 and have been using it alongside the Odylique 3 in 1 Maca Mask and Balancing Super Citrus Tonic.

 

Living with Cystic/Hormonal Acne, Facetheory products reviewed by Sabeena Ahmed

Facetheory products, love the sustainable recyclable box

 

Living with Cystic and Hormonal Acne, a review of Facetheory Products by Sabeena Ahmed

Facetheory Acne Range

 Products I tested November 2020 include the following:

Clarifying Cleanser C2 with Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid

Porebright Serum N10 with 10% Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid and

Supergel Oil Free Moisturiser M3 for Oily and Acne prone skin

 

Facetheory Acne Range

Clarifying Cleanser

Living with Cystic and Hormonal Acne, Facetheory Clarifying Cleanser review by Sabeena Ahmed

Product: Clarifying Cleanser C2 with Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and

Lactic Acid

Verdict: 

I was worried and sceptical about using a new skin care range. I have acne prone sensitive reactive skin. I was only convinced to purchase when I read positive reviews by other cystic acne sufferers.

My skin produces excess sebum which blocks my pores creating black heads which often become inflamed painful blind cystic acne.

I've been using this cleanser for the past 6 weeks. The cleanser is fast acting I can actually feel it working deep into my pores. It does have a tingling sensation if you are using it for the first time, but don't worry it will gradually reduce once you include this as part of your daily skin routine.

Super effective it has helped to reduce my inflammation on new hormonal acne and has helped to smooth my skin especially those unsightly white bumps the dermatologists said would never reduce in size.

My hormonal cystic acne has reduced 75%, my acne hasn't disappeared but it has helped to reduce the cysts in size.

I don't like the smell and I can only use it once a day, I hope to build resistance slowly so that I can use the cleanser twice daily.

Love the sustainable packaging and the fact that there no parabens, phthalates,  other sulphates used to produce this cleanser.  

DIRECTIONS: Apply it on wet skin and let it absorb in the skin for a minute.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

AVOCADO Easily absorbed and high in antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids.

GLYCOLIC ACID 4%An alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin cells by breaking down their bonds.

LACTIC ACID 1%An alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin by breaking down the material that binds together skin cells.

SALICYLIC ACID 2%A beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid helps regenerate skin cells and resurfaces your skin to leave it soft and bright.

SWEET ALMOND OIL This non-volatile, non-fragrant, non-irritating oil is extracted from almond seeds. A rich source of triglycerides and oleic, linoleic, and myristic fatty acids.

Clarifying Cleanser C2 is specially formulated for oily and congested skin and doubles as a glycolic face peel. A powerful triple blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids purifies pores and minimises redness while gently resurfacing your skin. Available scented or unscented. The scented option contains cold-pressed mandarin essential oil.

Source Face Theory website

 

Facetheory Acne Range

Porebright N10 Serum

Living with Cystic and Hormonal Acne, Facetheory Porebright N10 Serum review by Sabeena Ahmed

Product: Porebright Serum N10 with 10% Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid 

Verdict:

I've been using the Porebright Serum N10 sparingly and only on acne breakouts, scars and blind cysts. The serum has a sticky consistency and reduces inflammation especially during your menstrual cycle. Its like MAGIC!

I was worried about using the serum on my very sensitive reactive skin, I used a tiny amount on my cystic acne, acne scars and large pores. It did sting on the first few occasions, I feel the active ingredients were working on my skin. It was slightly unpleasant but the sensation disappeared over the following days.

The only slight drawback was I could not use the serum on a daily basis and had to leave a gap of a day or two before reapplying.

6 weeks into the regime I feel my skin is clearer and I love to use this serum on problematic areas before I go to sleep.

Highly recommended for acne/cystic acne sufferers.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

ALOE VERA Nature’s astringent clarifies excess sebum while soothing and hydrating skin.

CHAMOMILE EXTRACT A potent antioxidant that soothes tired skin. Contains an amazing range of flavenoids including quercetin and apegenin.

GREEN TEA EXTRACT Green tea contains a range of polyphenols, which have proven anti-oxidant effects in protecting skin. The extract we use is a super-pure grade, giving a high percentage of epigallocatechin.

HYALURONIC ACID Protects skin’s water balance and maintains its moisture level, which aids absorption of active ingredients and keeps skin soft, supple and hydrated.

LACTIC ACID An alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin by breaking down the material that binds together skin cells.

SALICYLIC ACIDA beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid helps regenerate skin cells and resurfaces your skin to leave it soft and bright.

VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE) Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps defend skin from free radicals and reduces environmental damage. This product contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable salt of l-ascorbic acid associated with less sensitivity than its counterparts.

 

Facetheory Acne Range

Supergel Moisturiser

Living with Cystic and Hormonal Acne, Facetheory Supergel Moisturiser review by Sabeena Ahmed

Product: Supergel Oil Free Moisturiser M3 for Oily and Acne prone skin

Verdict:

Once again I was apprehensive to use the moisturiser. I needn't have worried.

The gel is gentle, absorbent and leaves a healthy fresh dewy glow.

I've been using the gel for 6 weeks at night. I haven't built up the resistance to use it twice a day

My skin has felt clean, nourished, soft and has been glowing in the morning.

I would highly recommend all three products to those who suffer from adult cystic acne, sensitive and reactive skin.

 

Photo Diary 2020 and 2021

The photographs below are an honest reflection of my cysts and acne.

I started to use the Face Theory range mid November 2020.

October 2020

My cystic hormonal acne journey 2020

A cyst healing on my right cheek and lots of white bumps on my lopsided chin

 

November 2020

Living with Cystic Acne with Sabeena Ahmed

Awful embarrassing angry cysts caused by a combination of stress and viatex

 

December 2020

Living with Cystic and Hormonal Acne, a review of Facetheory products November/December 2020 by Sabeena Ahmed

 

Living with Cystic and Hormonal Acne, a honest review of Facetheory acne range with Sabeena Ahmed

Six Weeks of Using Face Theory - the cysts on my right cheek have decreased somewhat but not completely

I will upload photographs over the next few months to show any further  improvement in my skin especially the cysts.

 

Photo Gallery 2021 (TBA)

Mid February 2021 - 12 Weeks of Using Face Theory (TBA)
Late March 2021 - 18 Weeks of Using Face Theory  (TBA)
Mid May 2021 - 24 Weeks of Using Face Theory  (TBA)

 

Conclusion

I'm really pleased that I ordered the Odylique Maca 3 in 1 Mask and the Facetheory range. The reduction in breakouts has been noticeable and I feel my skin has improved in texture and my pores have decreased around 50%.

My blind cysts have reduced in size but the hyperpigmentation is frustrating stubborn.

Its been a rough three years struggling with cystic and hormonal acne.

Due to my sensitive skin it has only been possible to use the Facetheory range once a day.

I'm incredibly impressed with the Odylique 3 in 1 Mask which has helped to clear and clean my clogged pores. 

I am relieved to find two skincare product ranges that help prevent cystic and hormonal acne and have not caused major contraindications.

I hope to continue with my new skin care regime, dairy and gluten free diet and start exercising to improve my circulation and stamina.

A few trips to the dermatologist may help with my stubborn cystic acne.

I hope to write an update next year.

 

Concealers and Make Up for Acne Prone Skin

As a lady in her mid 40's I've never used makeup due to my acne prone skin.

I truly admire all the ladies on social media who show their acne with pride and are gifted to use make up like magic. I truly wish I was that talented.

Over the next few months I will be researching the best vegan, organic, cruelty free and fairtrade ranges for my skin and hope to write a blog next year.

Wishing all my fairtrade friends and producers a very happy New Year!

Love, peace and blessings

Sabeena

 

World Pulse Thrive Thursday webinars

This year I have decided to make a conscious effort to attend as many World Pulse webinars as I can.

This webinar took place January 28 2021

World Pulse Thrive Thursday webinar with Sabeena Ahmed and World Pulse sisters

 

 





Also in The Little Fair Trade Blog

February 2024 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary
February 2024 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary

My right shoulder is still very painful and inflamed again and I have struggled to type this blog.

Despite my pain I managed to attend a webinar and record videos about PIE Community members expressing an interest to join.

I celebrated World Cancer Day 2024 by creating a poster in Urdu and English.

I participated in a School for Social Entrepreneur webinar with Chris Hines MBE.

Translation in Urdu

اردو میں ترجمہ

میرا دایاں کندھا اب بھی بہت تکلیف دہ ہے اور دوبارہ سوجن ہے اور میں نے اس بلاگ کو ٹائپ کرنے کے لیے جدوجہد کی ہے۔

اپنی تکلیف کے باوجود میں ایک ویبینار میں شرکت کرنے اور PIE کمیونٹی کے ممبران کے بارے میں ویڈیوز ریکارڈ کرنے میں کامیاب ہو گیا جو اس میں شامل ہونے میں دلچسپی کا اظہار کرتے ہیں۔

میں نے کینسر کا عالمی دن 2024 منایا

میں نے Chris Hines MBE کے ساتھ ایک سکول فار سوشل انٹرپرینیور ویبینار میں حصہ لیا۔

اردو میں ترجمہ

Continue Reading →

THRIVE LDN - Great Mental Health Day Webinars January 2024 (English and Urdu)
THRIVE LDN - Great Mental Health Day Webinars January 2024 (English and Urdu)

My sister sent me links to webinars about Great Mental Health Day which took place 26th January 2024.

I am grateful to all the guest speakers and trainers who took time out of their busy schedules to talk about Suicide Prevention, Bereavement and Write to Speak Your Poetry.

Translation in Urdu

میری بہن نے مجھے عظیم دماغی صحت کے دن کے بارے میں ویبینرز کے لنکس بھیجے جو 26 جنوری 2024 کو ہوا تھا۔

میں ان تمام مہمان مقررین اور ٹرینرز کا مشکور ہوں جنہوں نے اپنے مصروف شیڈول میں سے وقت نکال کر خودکشی کی روک تھام، سوگ اور اپنی شاعری لکھنے کے بارے میں بات کی۔


Continue Reading →

January 2024 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary
January 2024 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my fair trade friends and family around the world.

My right shoulder is still very painful and inflamed again and I have struggled to type this blog.

Despite my pain I managed to attend a webinar and record videos about PIE Community members expressing an interest to join.

I joined a couple of sessions about Mental Health and Suicide Training.

These sessions were organised by THRIVE LDN.

Translation in Urdu

نیا سال مبارک ہو!

دنیا بھر میں میرے تمام منصفانہ تجارتی دوستوں اور اہل خانہ کو نیا سال مبارک ہو۔

میرا دایاں کندھا اب بھی بہت تکلیف دہ ہے اور دوبارہ سوجن ہے اور میں نے اس بلاگ کو ٹائپ کرنے کے لیے جدوجہد کی ہے۔

اپنی تکلیف کے باوجود میں ایک ویبنار میں شرکت کرنے اور کمیونٹی کے ممبران کے بارے میں ویڈیوز ریکارڈ کرنے میں کامیاب ہو گی جو اس میں شامل ہونے میں دلچسپی کا اظہار کرتے ہیں۔

میں دماغی صحت اور خودکشی کی تربیت کے بارے میں کچھ سیشنز میں شامل ہوے۔

ان سیشنز کا اہتمام THRIVE LDN نے کیا تھا۔

Continue Reading →

 

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