It’s about 3 months since my worst massive outbreak, ever, due to DF’s product. For those who are new here, you can read about it at Ruined Complexion I [Niks Maple Clinic 1st Consultation].
My face now is more or less under control. At the very least, I could get back to work now and what’s “left” could be covered by makeup. Hope I don’t jinx it by saying this. ? *fingers crossed*
For the past 3 months, I learnt different ways to attempt to portray a “clean” image/face. It’s hard to “look clean” when your face is filled with big, fat, angry acnes, pimples with pus and scars.
Yes, I know. The best way to aid in healing is not to put on any makeup, but some assignments and events are booked way before my unexpected outbreak happened – I couldn’t push them away…
It’s not all about hiding your flaws, but to look at least presentable (or rather, pleasant) for the occasion (Basic respect, get it?) like wedding, etc.
When you thought getting rid of acne and pimples is all that you wanted, you forgot about the aftermath – scars.
It’s like a double “punishment”? First, you fight to recover from the acne outbreak, and now you have scars and marks left behind by acne to remind you what you had been through. ?
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES AHEAD
From the extreme right photo, my face is more or less left with scars and some pitted holes (if you zoom in up-close) which can be covered with makeup. (FML, seriously!) There’s still pimples popping out at the edges of my face (sometimes my brows, too) but mostly it’s all under-control. (Please don’t jinx it. ? *Touch wood! Touch wood! ?*)
I’ve been through 4 sessions of Isolaz and 2 sessions of chemical peel under Niks Maple during this period. I didn’t see much results for my last session of Isolaz, unlike the previous 3 sessions where I could see tremendous improvement 1-2 days after the redness subsides.
Whereas for my 2nd session of chemical peel where the highest strength of 70% Glycolic acid was used, I saw a big improvement – brighter and clearer skin. I was told that I need an average of 6-9 sessions of chemical peel to lighten as much scars as possible before doing CO2 laser to remove my pitted scars caused by DF products. ?
All these treatments and medications unavoidably made my skin super duper dry and prone to flaking, causing my makeup to last for half a day or less? So, I was prescribed the ultimate hydration combo…
Ultrafine smoothing cleansing lotion and Intensive barrier repair cream are added on top of my current routine (Golden lipid complex and Skin repair cream).
The Ultrafine cleanser is to replace my current Vitamin A cleanser. It has a super smooth milky texture that helps to calm and soothe the skin (kinda reminds me of baby products?). Intensive barrier repair cream also contains essential lipids which replenishes the skin’s protective barrier. It kinda has a thick, creamy texture and turns into a slightly more oil-based once you start massaging it into your skin.
I was told by the doctor that it might be quite oily because of amount of different moisturisers on my face. I was kinda worried when I heard that especially when my skin now is oily but dry and flaky then peeling. Little did I expect…
It’s a miracle combination for my skin! Even when I had serious flu where I kept blowing my nose with tissue paper, my skin around it didn’t start peeling. At most, there was a bit flaking due to tissue abrasion. It also helps to hold my makeup better even without a primer. ?
Read my related posts;
Ruined Complexion I [Niks Maple Clinic 1st Consultation]
Ruined Complexion II [Niks Maple West Clinic 2nd Consultation]
Ruined Complexion III [Niks Maple Chemical Peel]
Ruined Complexion IV [Niks Maple Isolaz]
Niks Maple West Clinic
Block 134 Jurong Gateway Road #01-311
Opening Hours
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, 6pm-9pm
Wed 9am-1pm, 6pm-9pm
Sat & Sun 9am-1pm
Public holidays Closed
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![Ruined Complexion Final [Acne Scars and Skin Damage]](https://yingvannie.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_0901-1-110x90.jpg)
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![Taipei, Taiwan Beauty Trip [Vol.2 – Beauty Clinic]](https://yingvannie.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/IMG_6200-560x720.jpg)
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![Ruined Complexion Final [Acne Scars and Skin Damage]](https://yingvannie.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_1730-140x180.jpg)
Sally
March 19, 2016Hi (: just chanced upon your blog while searching reviews on Niks clinic. May I know how’s chemical peel because I intended to give it a try? However not much reviews on chemical peels in Singapore online. I read that there are a lot of things not to do while on peels, no washing face, apply sunblock and moisturizer frequently? is it painful? Hope you can share more about this treatment? Thanks a lots !!!! Btw your complexion improved so much! Let’s march towards a better complexion! Cheers!
YingVannie
March 19, 2016Thanks dear!
For the 1st time at Niks, my doctor insisted using the lowest strength (30% Glycolic acid) even though I have done chemical peel at other clinics before. Maybe that’s why I don’t really see much results [http://yingvannie.com/ruined-complexion-iii-niks-maple-chemical-peel/]. Where else my 2nd visit, 70% Glycolic acid was used for my chemical peel at Niks and I see a big improvement.
It’s not really painful. more like an “itchy” sensation to me. You can resume normal face wash but do remember to apply sunblock and moisturiser to your skin after washing! If you have dry/flaky skin, you might like to consider waiting first. After all, it’s acidic. ?
Sally
March 20, 2016Thanks for your speedy reply and sharing your thoughts about this treatment with me.
I’ll be doing mine soon and really nervous. After all, this is might first non invasive treatment. Heehee.
Did you encounter any peels on face? Because I’ll have to work the next day, so might consider taking leave? (:
Thanks!
YingVannie
March 21, 2016There’s no downtime for it actually. I do experience redness that can be easily covered by makeup and a tiny bit of dryness which can be easily solved by using mask and moisturiser (avoid using drying/”acidic” products like scar creams, whitening products, etc) on that night and the next morning. ?
Jas
April 7, 2016Thanks for this post I’m encouraged . I just started on Doxycycline for 3 weeks, but no miracle yet 🙁 My cream from Niks is almost the same as you but I skip Gly 12 as it hurts very much every time I apply it . Hope this nightmare ends soon.
YingVannie
April 21, 2016What I did was I apply Glycol after Golden Lipid (by right should be before) to reduce the stingy feeling! I don’t feel/see much improvement after taking a few course of Doxycycline that’s why I stopped. You really got to diligently apply the creams to see improvement. I know how you feel because I went through the period where makeup can’t even cover the acnes. ?
Xuan
April 27, 2016Hi babe may I know how long did it take to recover? I have been using the products for 2 weeks but still no improvement.. Instead it’s worsening now 🙁
YingVannie
May 2, 2016For me, it takes 1mth+ for it to calm down and be able to covered by makeup. Recovery-wise, about 3-4mths but I still have some scars left. Is yours caused by products or hormones?
sin
April 28, 2016hi Vanessa , are you still continue using Niks product or stop using ?
YingVannie
May 2, 2016Hi!
I’m still using Niks products for now because I’m in the process of removing the scars left behind. 🙂
sin
June 16, 2016Hi pretty ,
thanks for your reply . i also start using Niks Product 🙂 May i know for the removing the scars left behind they give you use the cream is skin repair cream ?
YingVannie
June 20, 2016Hi!
I use golden lipid, intensive barrier repair and skin repair as moisturiser. For scars-wise, it will be Glycol. 🙂
Elynn
April 29, 2016Hi,
Were u able to get rid of acne scars from the terrible outbreaks?
YingVannie
May 2, 2016Hi Elynn!
I’m currently doing chemical peel to remove the scars left behind.
MK
May 9, 2016Hi, Would like to ask if the Orchard Clinic allows consultation? And if they do, can I make an appointment? Thank you very much for your time! 🙂
YingVannie
May 9, 2016Yeap! They do but consultation charges will be different. 🙂
Lizzie
May 25, 2016Came across your blog while looking for Taiwan beauty products. I live in California, going to Taipei and Tokyo in 2 days.
Found your series on your outbreak, just want to say that is terrible!!!!!! Wish you could share what company!!!! How unprofessional!!! Hope your skin becomes clear and acne scars go away soon! ? take care!
YingVannie
June 14, 2016I was advised not to disclosure the company *yet* but thanks dear for your kind words! My face is definitely much better now after I stopped using their products and seek for medical help. ?
Ain Yusope
June 10, 2016Hi dear.. May I know the total cost that you have spent this far?
YingVannie
June 14, 2016Currently 3k going 4k in SGD on NIKs Maple.
Janessa
July 11, 2016Keep it coming, wrriste, this is good stuff.
Melody
June 26, 2016Hi,
May I know if it’s better to visit Dr Ong with bare face so she can analyse the skin condition better or it doesn’t matter?
Thanks. (:
YingVannie
August 24, 2016It’s definitely much better if you can visit Dr Ong without makeup so she can analyse your skin condition better. As you know, makeup nowadays does wonders. ?
Laurel
June 30, 2016How much is ur chemical peel and those treatment costs? Like co2 laser and etc. I been to maple clinic, they prescribed me doxycycline and it didn’t work as well and worsen my breakout and is very similar to ur acne and some is cystic.
Pei qi
August 3, 2016Hi. May I know how do you get rid the pih or acne scars? I’m desperate for help to get rid mine… Now I’m always self conscious whenever I look into the mirror, especially those hideous marks. Hope you can share some good tips. Thank you. ?
YingVannie
August 24, 2016If your scars are not that deep, you can consider chemical peel. For deeper scars, you might like to consider Co2 lasers, etc. I’m also exploring more ways to get rid of my scars. One of them is Skinboosters done by Dr Daniel from Dr Cindy’s Medical Aesthetics. For that, it’s best to be done when you don’t have anymore outbreaks. 🙂
TK
August 4, 2016hello! thank you for your sharing 🙂 your complexion has really improved alot! from the posts, it seems that you have visited Dr Ong before during your schooling days, and so do you have to keep using the products for a long period of time to prevent your skin condition from reverting back to the original condition?
could i also check with you if the doc’s schedule is updated regularly on : http://nikspro.com/blog-headlines/roster-all-clinics ? or would it be safer to call the clinic to check?
thank you!!
YingVannie
August 24, 2016Hi! It’s best that you give Niks a call to check their doctors’ schedule. 🙂
Claire
August 6, 2016Hi dear, I’m contemplating to try out Isolaz due to the high cost and I’m not sure if there will be results. My outbreak is similar to yours and facial shop has been doing extraction which is extremely painful.
Could you let me know if Isolaz actually calms down your pimples and does it come back again often? Do you know if Isolaz lighten scars too?
As a first timer I’m really nervous!
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
YingVannie
August 24, 2016From what I rmb, isolaz doesn’t helps in scars. It helps in pimples/acnes with pus inside by sucking it out and also killing the bacteria. 🙂
Stacy
August 7, 2016How do i scheduled a session for chemical peeling? it helps to remove scar? what else u do to remove scars? possible u can upload a picture of your current complexiion without any makeup?
YingVannie
August 24, 2016Hi, you can give a call to Niks clinic to make an appointment. Chemical peel helps to remove scars but it also depends on how deep your scar(s). Some ppl might need more sessions than others. I’m in a midst of writing a new blog post regarding my complexion. Will be uploading photos there instead. Stay tuned!
Liling
December 27, 2016I’m keen to check out Niks scar session! Let me know also! I’ll be waiting (;
YingVannie
January 10, 2017I’ve stopped chemical peel for now as my skin is getting a bit too thin. I’m currently trying out some supplements to see if it helps!
tata
August 24, 2016hi I’ve been using glycol 12 for like 1+ week plus. I realised that I’ve been putting in the wrong order as in I put moisturizer first then the glycol 12. found that it was wrong and now that I put glycol 12 and my acne came back :/( I just ended accutane in May btw) I have a big one without any pus. i think it’s called nodular acne. I’m also using differin gel for my acne as I feel that glycol 12 only prevent acne. not sure if any of my skincared products irritates and caused any of acne. I’m quite scared my acne will worsen & btw i didn’t get glycol 12 from the doctor
YingVannie
August 24, 2016Sometimes when my skin is feeling dry, I will use Golden lipid from Niks first before glycol so it wouldn’t be too stingy. Glycol 12 is pretty strong. Usually if Niks will start from Glycol 10 (if I didn’t rmb wrongly). You might want to give a call to Niks Salon or better still, check with your doctor?
Claire
November 30, 2016Hi, I am truly thankful for your kind sharing as I follow your advise. I am in the midst of recovering (left with some small pimples on and off and bad scarring). Would you mind sharing the sunblock brand and basic make up (BB cream or foundation) brand you use?
Now I am quite afraid to try any other recommended brand ever since the wrong brand go wrong (same as your experience)! And I think your skin is rather similar to mine.
Thank you so much!
YingVannie
January 10, 2017Hi dear, so far I yet to found the perfect one for my skin. Currently I’m using April skin bb cushion (very high coverage) and set with Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder. Sunblock wise, Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen or spray-on sunblock (which I prefer more).
Haney
January 10, 2017Hi ms ying.
im wondering isolaz treatment did really helps to clear your acne right? As ive been goggling aload & mostly says its not good n better not to go for it. Ive already made an appointment with Dr Ong in feb but I’m still feeling fickle minded. maybe an advice from you so I can feel abit better.. 🙂
YingVannie
January 10, 2017Yeap! Do note my acne was severe that time. I’ve friends with moderate to little acne tried Isolaz and it doesn’t have any obvious results on them.
Alyna
April 26, 2017Hi,
The chemical peel is it laser treatment?
How much does it cost for cheek area?
I having acne marks and acne for few years after consulted the wrong doctor and give me the medicine which is too strong for me and cause me swipes out break:(
YingVannie
May 20, 2017Hi Alyna! I’m not sure if they do just the cheeks area but you can call the clinic directly to check as I’ve stop doing chemical peels and switched to microneedles/derma roller instead at a trusted beauty salon as it not only helps in scar but also stimulate collagen production.
Claire
May 28, 2017Oh my! Do you mind sharing the contact / details pls?? After I heal from acne due to wrong product used, I’m now left with bad scarring. Chemical peel is not suitable for me too. Thank you so much!
C.Ong
April 28, 2017Hi Vanessa,
I have acne prone, combination skin. May I ask what concealer did you use to cover the red marks left by the acne?
YingVannie
May 20, 2017Hi Cher! I alternate between Amazing concealer and Naturactor concealer.
Haney
May 28, 2017Hie. can i know which beauty spa u went for ur scars. As my skin is clear from acne. Left with abit of scars n blemishes.
YingVannie
June 4, 2017Hi Haney! There are different beauty saloons out there depending on the treatment you wish to go for. Some light scars can be removed by just products like glycol or scar cream but others like pitted scars you might need to consider treatments such as derma roller treatment or laser which can be found at both medical clinics and beauty saloons.
Jane
June 4, 2017Hello! I chanced upon your blog. I have been going to Niks Maple clinic and using the products for about 1 year + and have gone through chemical peeling for like 6 times alr. After the first 2 rounds of chemical peeling, my skin was better so continued the peeling process, but it didn’t get any better. My doctor advised me to do chemical peeling every 3 weeks and I followed and the number of products that my doctor gave me was like like 9 products including the one that u have. Now my skin is dry, rough and pitted scars. The Acne is not too bad just a few breakouts here and there. What should I do? Should i still go to the clinic? I am so conflicted by this. And the amount of money I spend each time I go is insurmountable. Pls advise me!
YingVannie
June 4, 2017Hi Jane! Me too, have also spent really enormous amount of money within a short period of time to get my outbreak controlled (I totally understand your pain). As my Niks products finish, I only replenish certain Niks products such as their Glycol 15 as it helps in my scars. Occasionally, I go for microneedles/derma roller facial treatment at trusted beauty saloon. Recently, I have decided to go with another doctor that I trusted with my complexion. For my case, I personally feel that Niks works for me when there’s a major outbreak but not so much of maintenance.
Sherly
September 24, 2017Hi, for derma rolling ir microneedling, does it helps in minimising pores? Thanks 😊 which facual saloon is gd for that?
YingVannie
October 19, 2017There are quite a lot of places offer it in Singapore. It works quite well for me in minimising pores. 🙂
Claire
November 21, 2017Hi, may I know if you are still using Niks product now? Or you might sharing the products you are using? Thank you 🙂
YingVannie
November 24, 2017Hi Claire! I’m currently using Niks Glycol 15 and some products from the facial place I frequently visit. It’s much more expensive than Niks but works well for my skin. Cleanser and toner wise, I using off-shelves products that can be bought easily in shopping center and Watsons. 🙂
Clare
December 13, 2017Hi! I just had my 5th session of chemical peel. All clear except for the dark spots from acne and small pits ;( What did you do to clear the dark spots and smoothen your face again? Did you undergo COs Laser or just apply certain cream? Help! Thanks in advance!
YingVannie
January 24, 2018For scars, I went for chemical peel and been using Niks Glycol 15. And also oral sunblock and whitening pills to help in recovery. 🙂
Stephy
January 10, 2018Hi May I know which doctor helped you to do chemical peel?
YingVannie
January 24, 2018Dr Handry
Sue
May 21, 2018Hi Vannie,
May I know if you peeled massively during your second chemical peel when a stronger acid was used on your face? Also how long later after the chemical peel procedure did you start applying make up again? Thank you in advance!
YingVannie
May 25, 2018Hi Sue, I didn’t apply makeup on the day itself after the treatment. I can’t exactly remember how long but most likely I didn’t wait long before applying makeup due to my job nature back then.
Rachel
May 25, 2018Hi! I was also doing chemical peels for half a year which works perfect for me. However, once I stopped, the acnes outbreaks came back to me! Are you experiencing the same?
YingVannie
May 25, 2018Hi Rachel! You might like to look into your skincare routine especially cleansing part as the Chemical peel usually does surface the clogged pores underneath by removing the dead skin so it’s very important to keep your skin clean to maintain the effect. It can be also due to hormonal that acne keeps coming back. For that, you might need to consult your doctor if there’s any alternative as Chemical peel does cause your skin to become thinner so it’s not highly recommended to do it too often.
Jennifer
June 23, 2018Hi Vannie,
I had used Niks products last year for 2 months however because the products were making my skin really itchy and I stopped. Now my acnes came back and I’m thinking of going back to Dr Ong.
Do you experience itchiness (like in the midday) in your cheeks or where pimples were while using Niks products back then when you were treating the pimples?
YingVannie
June 25, 2018Hi Jennifer, I do sometimes experience itchiness when I introduce new harsh products or changing to a higher concentration of Glycol acid but most of the time, the itchiness sensation will fade off after a while. If it’s a little too unbearable, I will spray a cooling mist to smoothen the itchiness.
Candyce
July 19, 2018Hi Vannie!
Saw photos of your acne and they looked similar to mine, but mine is most likely due to hormones (even though I’m turning 30 in a few years time). Thank you for documenting your recovery journey but I would like to ask, since your acne problem is cause by products and the whole journey with maple helped you, it might not helped for my case? Since its hormonal?
YingVannie
July 26, 2018Hi Candy! From what I understand for acne caused by hormones change, you might like to look into balancing your diet and having some supplements rather than just having applying products as it likely to be a recurring problem if the cause isn’t “solve”.
Jaz
September 8, 2018Hi babe! Thank you for your sharing. I am in a similar acne situation as you and would like to ask if you are still having pitted scars and recurring acne at this point after 1 year plus from your post?
Ive been with Niks Maple for about 2 months and done only 1 chemical peel so far. I’m thinking if I should go for the Isolaz cos the acne scars doesn’t seem to go away and I have some scars….. but not sure if signing the Isolaz package will help? 😭
YingVannie
September 10, 2018Hi Jaz! Isolaz is more towards helping to fight the root causes of acne, and also help clear existing acne while preventing future breakouts for a healthier looking complexion. Scars wise, you might consider going for treatments like Fractional Acne Scar Laser.
Nino
February 3, 2019Hi Vannie,
My face has acne that is similar if not slightly worse than yours before you went for your treatment.
I would like to know whether you have gone back for isolaz or peels ever since you completed the four treatments as it would be expensive if I had to go back regularly for maintenance.
In your opinion, was the peel or isolaz more effective in removing the acne?
YingVannie
February 26, 2019Hi Nino! The chemical peel was way cheaper compared to Isolaz. Once the acne started clearing up, I didn’t renew the Isolaz package but instead I went for Chemical peel because the focus was more of the leftover scars.