When it comes to acne treatment, there’s a controversial drug that everyone either loves or hates: isotretinoin. It’s no exaggeration: ask anyone who has undergone treatment, and their reactions are going to be wildly different. Some people swear by it, others say the process — which typically includes severe dryness, peeling fatigue, and depression — isn’t worth it.

But there’s a reason isotretinoin is so popular. Apart from clearing severe acne in just 4-6 months, it can apparently change one’s skin type to resemble the microbiome of a person who isn’t acne-prone. Keep reading to find out how.

What is Isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin is a class of retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives that help with a long list of common skin problems, most notably wrinkles, fine lines, and acne. Retinoids can be topical or oral, and isotretinoin is one of the more widely-prescribed oral classes of medications.

With this success rate also comes a long line of side effects and a negative online reputation. We’ll talk more about that later, but at the end of the day, the numbers don’t lie: 85% of acne-prone patients who use isotretinoin to treat their acne report clear skin by the 16-week mark. So how exactly does it work?

Does Isotretinoin (Accutane) Get Rid of Acne?

There are plenty of ways to manage acne-prone skin. A consistent anti-acne regimen is one of them; this typically includes popular acne spot treatments like benzoyl peroxide. For mild cases, a good routine is often enough to see significant improvements.

Dermatologists often prescribe isotretinoin for those who aren’t seeing any progress after the first line of defense. Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, Yale School of Medicine associate clinical professor, tells Cosmopolitan:

“Accutane, aka isotretinoin, shrinks the glands in your skin that produce oils. When you shrink those glands, your organs — including your eyes — will be drier, but this side effect usually goes away after you finish your dose.”

But because it shrinks your glands, your skin is also forced to produce less oil, thereby stopping acne-forming bacteria in its tracks.

How is Isotretinoin Different from Other Anti-Acne Drugs?

Doctors will typically prescribe antibiotics first. These meds target acne-causing bacteria, which is the main culprit of many severe acne cases.

Isotretinoin is not an antibiotic. It doesn’t target or kill or fight off bacteria in your skin. Instead, it shrinks the skin’s oil glands and creates an environment that isn’t hospitable to the sneaky pimple-causing bacteria.

Benefits

The main benefit of isotretinoin is almost permanent freedom from acne. Because the drug reduces the size of your oil glands, it actually stops acne from recurring on a massive, severe scale. As many as 70% of isotretinoin users have been permanently acne-free after taking the medication.

How Long Does Isotretinoin Take Effect?

Isotretinoin typically works over the course of 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer. However, people will see results as soon as three days to one week of use.

This will largely depend on the dosage prescribed, and there’s no one-size-fits-all route, so don’t compare your progress with others.

Isotretinoin and its Side Effects

Isotretinoin has a long list of side effects that go beyond physical symptoms. They include:

• Severe dryness around lips, nose, and/or eyes
• Peeling
• Redness
• Irritation
• Scabbing
• Headaches
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Back pains and muscle or joint aches
• Birth defects

While challenging, these side effects can be alleviated with the help of a gentle, bare-bones skincare routine.

For those with existing medical conditions, such as a blood disorder, depression, or gastrointestinal problems, the side effects may be even more severe. According to the NHS, people with blood disorders who take isotretinoin may feel extra dizzy, become more prone to infections, or get unexplained bruising. Those suffering from depression may feel exaggerated mood swings, aggression, and irritability.

Additionally, doctors will not prescribe the drug to pregnant and breastfeeding women due to potential birth defects.

While rare, it’s super important to talk to your doctor if any of these sounds like what you’re going through on isotretinoin.

How Isotretinoin Changes Your Skin

We’ve mentioned earlier that isotretinoin works a little differently than your regular over-the-counter acne medication. This is because it mainly affects your skin’s microbiome, shrinking your oil glands in order to put a stop to excessive oil production. This is how the drug transforms people’s skin over time from acne-prone and oily to normal.

Another wonderful benefit of isotretinoin is that it makes it hard for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. The presence of Cutibacterium acnes is common in greasy areas of the skin and the effects of isotretinoin on the skin’s geography make it harder for them to wreak havoc.

Does Isotretinoin Work Forever?

The best part about isotretinoin is it’s supposed to be a permanent cure for acne. Of course, even those who had a successful run with it will still get the occasional pimple because we’re all human and there are days when we can’t be 100% on top of our skin.

“Accutane permanently shrinks your oil glands so they can’t be stimulated as easily anymore,” Dr. Mona Gohara adds.

Final Note

For those who have never dealt with chronic acne, the condition may not seem like a big deal. But the thing is when you have it, and you have it bad, even the smallest social interactions can seem debilitating. There’s still a stigma surrounding chronic acne, whether we like it or not, and complicated treatment doesn’t make it any better.

Of course, no other person can make the choice for you. But if you’re at your wit’s end with acne treatment, and you’re not quite sure about isotretinoin, it’s at least worth talking to your doctor about. Because while there are dozens of horror stories that people post online, there are many more success stories that we never hear about.

So, keep in mind that the choice is yours, but don’t let fear stop you from taking medically proven steps to take care of your skin.

Got any isotretinoin-related experiences of your own? Are you currently in treatment? Share your stories with us below!

Fractional CO2 laser is one of the most effective and scientifically-proven treatments for severe acne scars. For this blog, we review Aesthetic Science Clinic’s Fraxel treatment to see if it’s worth a try. Let’s get into it.

What is Fractional CO2 Laser? Should I try it?

Fractional CO2 laser is a laser skin resurfacing cosmetic procedure that removes the outer layer of the skin using short-pulsed light beams which create a microthermal layer in the dermis, thus triggering collagen production.

It treats multiple severe skincare problems, including:

• Age spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Crow’s feet
• Enlarged oil glands (especially around the nose)
• Hyperpigmentation
• Warts
• Sagging skin
• Uneven/ darker skin tone

If you’re unfamiliar with the treatment itself, we talk about it in great detail in a previous blog, so make sure to read that first.

For this article, we’ll be focusing on the Fraxel treatment offered by Aesthetic Science Clinic. Keep reading to find out our experience, review, and more.

About Aesthetic Science Clinic

Aesthetic Science Clinic is a Manila-based dermatological clinic known for its affordable and effective services for healthy skin. Founded in 2005, the clinic was established as part of a mission to provide accessible and medical skin treatments to the public.

One of their most popular services is the Fractional CO2 laser. They offer the treatment under the name Fire-xel Skin Rejuvenation, which is an advanced carbon dioxide laser treatment said to help with “acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, superficial pigmentation, and sagging skin,” according to their website.

ultra fractional treatment price Philippines: How Much does fractional CO2 laser cost?

At AS, the cost of the Fire-Xel Skin Rejuvenation treatment depends on the type of procedure. Customers can choose to get it done on their face, neck, both the face and neck, upper arms, or whole arms.

• Face: P5,800
• Neck: P4000
• Face and Neck: P7,500
• Upper Arms: P4,000
• Whole Arms: P5,000

Multi-session packages are also available at a discounted price:

• Face Package: P21,000 for 5 Sessions
• Face & Neck Package: P28,000 for 5 Sessions

How many sessions of fractional CO2 laser do I need to remove acne scars?

The Aesthetic Science Clinic recommends getting 6 sessions done every 3 to 4 weeks for optimal results.

Prepping for the Procedure

For lasers, dermatologists will advise you to stop using retinoids 7-10 days before your schedule to avoid sensitivity. You might also need to stop taking blood-thinning medication prior to the session.

The Full Experience

Sessions usually start with a consult. The doctor or trained aesthetician will make sure that you’ve been following pre-procedure prep before starting. In our case, the consult took less than five minutes and we were ushered into our rooms right away.

Around 30 to 45 minutes before the actual treatment, we were given a numbing cream on the area of concern. For me, this was where my post-acne PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) was. For others, this is the area where you may have visible severe acne scarring. Fire-Xel can treat all kinds of acne scars, whether they’re box scars or rolling scars.

Once the operation starts, you’ll feel a light zapping sensation similar to laser hair removal treatments. At first, it won’t feel painful, only mildly uncomfortable. Don’t be surprised if the room starts to smell slightly burnt! This is completely normal once the laser starts to work its magic. The procedure may last 30 minutes to an hour depending on the severity of your acne scars.

Is Fractional CO2 Laser painful?

One concern many people have with skin resurfacing treatments is the pain level. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this because it depends on so many factors. Pain tolerance is one of them; the severity of the scarring is also another.

In my case, removing the PIH on my chin and cheeks area was not painful, only uncomfortable. (Your mileage may vary though because I tend to have a higher tolerance for painful procedures.)

Removing acne scars may be a different story. I had a small problem area on the left side of my face where small indents had formed due to a bad breakout. I noticed that the aesthetician had lingered longer on this area compared to my dark spots. It also felt more painful.

The Results

After the first session, my skin felt very raw. About two hours after I left the clinic, my face became visibly red in the spots where the laser hit, and it felt like I had a bad sunburn. The day after was much worse in terms of sensitivity, itching, and scabbing, so I made sure to apply sunscreen and avoid exposure to sun as much as I could.

The following days were much better. A lot of the swelling/raw feeling subsides after that first day, and the redness then turned into brownish spots on the 3rd day. Overall, I’d say the recovery isn’t so bad as long as you follow proper post-procedure care. More on that below.

Post-Procedure Care

The following are the guidelines and precautions after your session:

• No exercise for one week
• Avoid sun exposure
• Avoid active ingredients in skincare like retinoids and AHAs
• Apply an antibacterial cream if prescribed
• Use only mild skincare products for the duration of your recovery
• Keep skin moisturized

How many days of downtime does Fractional CO2 Laser require?

Generally, downtime takes 5-14 days depending on how quickly your skin recovers. For me, it took 8 days before the peeling and scabbing stopped. By that time, I noticed my dark spots became much lighter and the texture was almost invisible.

Can I apply moisturizer and other skincare after my laser treatment?

You should be using a mild cleanser while your skin heals.

Also, the doctor may or may not prescribe you a post-treatment cream with specific instructions for use. Once it’s done, you can return to your regular skincare regimen, but make sure you’re using mild and non-irritating products and patch testing them beforehand.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Try the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?

Those with severe acne scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines are the perfect candidates for the treatment. However, it’s not recommended for those who have deep or dark skin as the laser might cause hyperpigmentation.

Where Can I Find the Aesthetic Science Clinic?

Aesthetic Science Clinic has branches in Alabang and Makati. For more information on how to book your own session, you may visit their website.

Final Note: Was It Worth It?

Overall, the Aesthetic Science Clinic’s Fire-Xel Skin Rejuvenating Treatment is worth a try. The downtime may be challenging, but the results are worth it. There are visible improvements in my PIH after just one session, so I’m eager to do more. The pricing is also very reasonable and even cheaper than other popular clinics, especially when you get the 5-session package.

Got any laser experiences of your own? Share them below!

Anyone with acne-prone skin knows how troublesome it is to not only treat active breakouts but the resulting acne scars too. While they aren’t a safety concern, these scars can pose a cosmetic issue. Luckily, there are plenty of treatments available that can help get rid of acne scars. Let’s talk about them one by one.

What causes acne scars?

The appearance of acne scars happens when inflammation of the skin causes it to break, resulting in lesions. The scars can be deep or shallow in nature; the shallow ones heal quickly on their own or with treatment, but a deep break in the pore’s wall can cause bacteria to spread into surrounding skin tissue, which causes deeper lesions.

You’ll also notice hyperpigmentation or erythema after the fact. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is when the affected area of skin produces excess melanin within the scar tissue as part of the healing process, resulting in red or brown spots. People with darker skin tones may be more at risk for PIH since their skin naturally has more melanin. 

On the other hand, post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) can be seen as pink or purple-hued spots and is more common among those with lighter skin.

Can you tell me the difference between acne scars and marks?

Acne scars are much harder to treat than simple acne marks. So, how can you tell if your pimple has left a simple mark or a damaging scar? Texture.

Feel for a bump or raised skin. Acne scars usually damage the skin on a deeper level, which results in raised lesions. If you notice a red or brown discolored spot that remains smooth, you have an acne mark.

Can you show the different types of acne scars?

The severity of the scar usually depends on the acne breakouts, and not all scars are the same. It’s important to identify the type of scar before proceeding with treatment.

Atrophic/Depressed Acne Scarring

Atrophic or depressed acne scars occur when the scar occurs below the surface, resulting in an indentation. There are many classifications of atrophic acne scars depending on their shape and appearance:

• Boxcar. These kinds of acne scars are wider than they are deep, and they often have sharp edges.
• Icepick Scar. On the other hand, icepick acne scars are deeper than they are wide and resemble pinpricks.
• Rolling Scar. These acne scars are characterized by an undulating and sloping appearance with wide scars.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic acne scars occur in people whose body tends to produce an excess of collagen as the acne spot heals. Instead of leaving indents like in atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars form bumps often accompanied by hyperpigmentation within the scar tissue.

Keloid Scars

In some cases, acne breakouts can produce keloids or excess skin tissue that can grow larger over time. According to Healthline, the symptoms of keloids include a flesh-colored, pink, or red localized area, a raised patch of skin with ridge-like texture, and itchiness. If you’re a keloid former, you’ve probably developed these types of scars in other areas of the body.

Best Ingredients for Acne Scarring: Salicylic Acid, AHAs, and more

Before you start hunting down anti-acne products, let’s do a quick skincare lesson. Acne treatments often contain ingredients that have similar functions: prevent excess oil production and remove dead skin cells, as in alpha-hydroxy acids; fade dark marks as in vitamin C and vitamin B3, or speed up the healing process by promoting faster skin cell turnover.

They can also be ingredients that soothe inflammation. The most common ingredients that help get rid of acne scars are:

• Azelaic Acid — Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound often used to treat acne and rosacea, but it’s also effective in prompting cell regeneration and inhibiting the production of excess melanin.  

• Vitamin C — Like AA, the dark spots left behind by acne lesions can be remedied through vitamin C. While it’s not something that treats acne directly, it can get rid of acne scars and acne marks by inhibiting tyrosinase. It’s also well-tolerated by sensitive skin and can prevent sun damage and early signs of aging.

• AHAs like Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, etc. You’ll find these ingredients in serums, chemical peels, and toners. AHAs help get rid of acne scars by removing dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin’s surface. Apart from fading acne scars, they also help improve skin texture and fix dullness. Most AHAs are well-tolerated, but many recommend lactic acid for those who have sensitive complexions.

• Salicylic Acid. We all know salicylic acid can treat active acne, but they can also reduce scars by exfoliating the skin, lightening dark spots, and preventing future breakouts.

• Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a powerful skin bleacher commonly used to fade dark spots, acne scars included. However, it doesn’t contain properties that help in fighting acne.

• Tretinoin. One of the most widely used topical retinoids, tretinoin remains a gold standard prescription treatment for acne and acne spots. 

Do note that while these ingredients are proven to be effective on hyperpigmented skin, a raised scar or even an indented one may require dermatological procedures.

List the different dermatological treatments you can undergo for acne scars

If a person develops severe acne scarring, it is recommended to see a doctor who might provide a prescription treatment and diagnosis based on the amount of scarring. A licensed esthetician can also provide facial procedures, like a chemical peel, laser resurfacing, or micro needling, which are helpful not only to fade dark spots but also remove the “bumps” left behind.

We’ve also made a guide to our favorite Belo facial treatments that can address acne scars as well as early signs of aging.

Best Overall Products for Acne Scars: Removing Dead Skin Cells, Lifting Dark Marks, and More

Want to know how to really get rid of those pesky scars once and for all? Surprise: there’s no magic bullet or overnight fix. Each step of your skincare routine needs to work together to help keep your complexion at its healthiest and happiest. From spot treatment serums to sunscreens, here are our quick picks for the best products to reduce acne scars.

Best Hydroquinone-free Products for Acne Scars

Hydroquinone may be an effective skin lightener, but it’s not the most well-tolerated. Good thing there are plenty of other ingredients you can look for! For example, azelaic acid inhibits the formation of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for pushing mechanisms that produce dark skin pigment. Vitamin C helps protect your body from free-radical damage and aids in repairing uneven skin tone. 

If you’re looking for a hydroquinone-free spot treatment, try The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or their AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peelvvinvg Solution.

Best hydroquinone products for acne scars

While many governing bodies consider hydroquinone safe, it was notably banned in Europe and it could potentially cause irritations or worse pigmentation by sensitizing the skin. In the Philippines, the FDA warns against the use of hydroquinone in over-the-counter cosmetic products as their contents may be unregulated. 

This is why we recommend getting a derma prescription so they can recommend a treatment plan and guide you along the way. If you do know that your skin can tolerate at least small amounts of the product, Byrdie recommends the Ambi Skincare Fade Cream which contains 2% hydroquinone.

Best Retinoid for Acne Scars

Another great prescription drug for acne treatment is Differin Gel, a retinoid that contains adapalene. It actually improves the texture of scars by boosting collagen production.

Best Cleanser for Acne Scars

Having a good cleanser can help build a solid foundation for preventing acne as well as reducing scarring. Look for products with salicylic acid or lactic acid to reduce future breakouts. Also, look for hydrating ingredients to keep your skin barrier naturally moisturized.

For acne-prone skin, we recommend Paula’s Choice Acne Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser and the Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser.

Best Sunscreen for Acne Scars

Dermatologists agree that sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even if you have the best lightening products in your arsenal, excessive exposure to the sun without some form of protection can undo all their hard work. 

That’s why we recommend looking for sunscreen with at least SPF 50 to add to your routine. If you don’t have one yet, the QuickFX Sunblock is a good place to start. Just be wary of the mild white cast on dark skin tones. The Canmake Mermaid Skin UV Gel is another mild sunscreen ideal for any skin type.

Final Note

In case you needed to hear it: acne scars don’t make you any less beautiful! Textured skin is completely normal, and scarring is your body’s way of healing from trauma.

That said, we totally understand if you want to get rid of them. We’ve all been there, and it’s not an easy task. So we hope this guide has shed some light on your journey to clear skin, and just remember that it’s normal to encounter bumps along the way (pun intended).

Have any experiences of your own? Share your acne hacks and beauty tips in the comments below!

Acne-prone skin requires a good, baseline skin care routine, especially if you want to prevent scarring. Often, what we call acne scars are leftovers from swollen pimples that damage the skin’s collagen. Add sun exposure and these dark spots turn into hyperpigmented marks, known as acne scarring. 

That’s because inflammation actually signals pigment-producing cells to work overtime, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Another kind of acne scars you can get are the reddish-pink spots called post-inflammatory erythema (PIE).

Most acne scarring fades away on its own over time, but the process can be sped up with the right acne treatments. So, do you want to know exactly how you can get rid of acne marks while keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and fresh? Why, we’ve got the perfect skincare routine for improving acne blemishing right here. Read on!

Here’s A Morning Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

No matter your skin type, having a foundational AM routine prevents dark marks, ice pick scars, uneven texture, and sun damage that can happen after exposure to harmful UV rays. Your skin requires the utmost care during the day, especially if you already have sensitive skin to begin with, or if you’re just recovering from previous acne scars.

Here are the skincare products we recommend for day use:

Gentle Cleanser

Mild is the way to go. Even for normal skin or oily ones, we find that a gentle cleanser works better in the long run than one that might damage skin texture. You know, those cleansers with little beads that claim to scrub away acne marks in the process? Or ones that have too-high concentrations of active exfoliants, alcohol, and other irritants that may not protect skin enough — these are all bad news. 

On the other hand, a mild cleanser simply strips away the impurities while still keeping your pH balance at a healthy number. This is important as having too-dry skin after washing might trigger your skin cells to produce more oil, which might result in more breakouts.

Acne Treatment (AHAs, Salicylic Acid, etc.)

Prevention is better than cure, and one way to reduce acne scars is by treating your acne while it is still fresh. An acne treatment, such as an exfoliating toner or a spot treatment cream, allows you to zap those zits right from the source so they don’t turn into marks or scarring.

The best skin treatment products usually contain active ingredients like salicylic acid (a super potent beta hydroxy acid), glycolic acid, azelaic acid, lactic acid, and so on. These chemical exfoliants help aid what’s known as skin cell turnover, which is the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin. 

Salicylic acid is super effective in removing whiteheads and blackheads, while glycolic acid makes sure gunk won’t clog up your pores and cause active acne, thus reducing your chances of accumulating acne scars.

However, if you’re already in the midst of a terrible breakout, a product that treats acne would be best. This can vary, but it’s best to consult a professional for a prescription.

Brightening Serum

Another important step in treating acne scars is a brightening serum. Serums are great because aside from their wonderful exfoliating properties, they also tend to be super hydrating and great even for sensitive skin. 

Our favorite brightening ingredients are alpha arbutin, niacinamide, and vitamin C. These are often accompanied by actives like lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and so on, which help remove dead skin cells and keep the skin looking young and fresh.

Alpha arbutin is a well-known and super effective skin lightener, and you’ll often find it in the ingredients list of rejuvenating sets. Another fave of ours is vitamin C, which is not only an antioxidant but a prohibitor of melanin production — basically, a skin lightener. Vitamin C helps get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots which makes it great for lightening acne scars.

To add a pinch of hydration, look for a serum with hyaluronic acid in the ingredients list. HA helps your skin hold on to moisture throughout the day while also repairing your skin barrier.

Sunscreen

Finally, apply a generous amount of skin-loving sunscreen to guard against unwanted UV rays. Not only is it one of the most important skincare steps for any skin type, but it is super helpful for oily and acne-prone skin. Acne scars are often worsened by prolonged exposure to UV rays, outdoors or otherwise. That means even if you’re sitting at home, or if it’s cloudy, you still need to wear sunscreen.

Of course, sunscreen has a ton of benefits for the skin, such as evening the skin tone and keeping it youthful, so don’t be surprised if you notice a different glow after a few weeks of consistent use. Sun damage is also one cause of early aging signs, uneven skin tone, dryer-looking skin, and more — making sun protection all the more important.

Now, Here’s A Nighttime Routine

You didn’t think we’d forget your PM routine, did you? You need to recharge your skin overnight, which is why we’re going to pack on a ton of ultra-nourishing skincare products in this part of the regimen. Take a look.

Double Cleansing

If you find yourself wearing makeup constantly, then you can also opt for the double-cleansing method. This K-beauty staple is all about using two types of cleansers, one oil-based to remove makeup and another foam or water-based. Makeup residue can clog your pores and impede skin cell turnover, so make sure to do this if you’re packing those powders and creams during the day. 

Brightening Night Cream

These brightening creams are exceptional at gently fading away acne scars over time, and it’s also a good idea to apply them at night where you won’t have to face excruciating heat. You can choose an exfoliating serum for the perfect balance of moisturization.

Our favorites are pretty much the same: glycolic acid and other AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol for stimulating collagen production. The chemical exfoliants speed up skin cell turnover without being too harsh on your skin, while the vitamin C inhibits the production of melanin.

Tip: if you don’t like the greasy feeling of an overnight cream, look for one that’s effective enough with just a thin layer. 

Bonus: Acid Treatment for Dead Skin Cells

This extra step is one you can do once or twice a week, depending on how tough your skin is. An acid treatment is usually a cocktail of chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, ferulic acid, and so on. Definitely start once a week for sensitive skin types then slowly build tolerance by upping the frequency every two weeks.

Final Note

Remember that no matter where you are in your skincare journey, loving yourself first is what brings out that attractive glow. That means taking care of your skin by taking it slow, even if the journey is frustrating. 

If you’re unsure as to what products will work for you, don’t rush to pile on different things at once! It’s always best to talk to a professional if you can, or do your own extensive research. Patience is the key.

We hope this guide was helpful for you! Make sure to read more of our posts on beauty, lifestyle, and health right here at Pretty Me.