Avene Cleanance Gel

Since I first visited Dr. Loke (from years ago), he prescribed this Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser and I have used it religiously ever since, twice a day, day and night.

This cleanser is formulated for oily and acne-prone sensitive skin, or those on acne medication. A good fit for my skin condition. As I’ve mentioned, I take prescribed oral med for acne – Roaccutane (Oratane), which has it’s side effects such as sensitivity to the sun, dryness on  skin, lips, eyes and the list goes on. 

I think I’m into my 6th/7th bottle. 1 bottle of 200ml last me a year. Cost about SGD$25+. Reasonable price.

Product claims:

“The ultra mild gel helps to regulate oil secretion and prevent blemishes, while working to purify the skin. The soap-free gel removes all traces of make-up and oil without irritation, and the pH adjusted formula respects skin’s natural balance. Apply to a damp face, lather up, and then rinse away thoroughly. Non-comodogenic, hypoallergenic, paraben-free.”

Texture: lightweight semi-thick liquid, blue-green in color.

Smell: faint pleasant refreshing scent.

Verdict: Works well in cleaning my face = removes oil and dirt. You only need a little amount each time. Aside from my face, I used this to clean the skin around my ears and my neck in the shower.

After cleansing, my skin felt gently-cleansed, not squeaky-clean but comfortable, soft and supple, no irritation. Does not reduce blackheads formation though.

It does not lather up too much – greatly explained by ksuan here – thanks to it’s hypo-allergenic formulation and anti-inflammatory ingredients that is suitable for sensitive oily, acne prone skin. Other review by Qoqo who also went to my dermatologist – Dr. Loke 🙂

Repurchase? Definitely something I’ll go back to if I can’t find anything better. It performs a decent job, value-for-money and effectively lives up to its claims.

As of  now (Nov 2012) that my acne have completely subsided (no newly-formed pimples, still consuming Oratane once a week), my inner cheeks could feel a little dry/tight after washing. This is because I have combination-oily skin – dry cheeks, oily T-zone.

I’m looking to try something else after I’m finished with this bottle. I don’t really have sensitive skin, hence I’m looking for a cleanser that is more effective in reducing blackheads. Most probably a cleanser from the same whitening range I’ll be using at the time 🙂

My Dermatologist

As a marketing executive in the aesthetics industry, I believe that I should look presentable  but with added pressure for great skin: as a living proof that aesthetic treatments and skin care products do work!

With that in mind, I simply cannot continue ignoring my oily, acne-ridden complexion. I have to do something about it. I’m going back to my trusty derm: Dr. Loke at Novena Medical Centre.

I was first introduced to Dr. Loke back when I developed a horrible allergic reaction when my family was on a cruise trip to Thailand in the early 2000 and the last stop was Singapore before heading back to Jakarta, Indonesia.

The tour guide recommended us to visit this dermatologist Dr. Loke at Peace Centre, Selegie Rd (back when he was still practicing there).

Within 2 days of oral meds intake and applying his prescribed topical, my allergy subsided and within 5 days- 1 week, it was all gone – it truly was a miracle, my allergy was cured! That’s how I first got acquainted to the amazing dermatologist Dr. Loke.

Back when I was in junior/high school I started to develop mild acne on my face, tiny zits here and there, but nothing too serious. It was only when I came to Singapore to study for university that I decided to take care of my acne and visited trusty Dr. Loke again. Fortunately, SMU City Campus location and Peace Centre was really convenient (5 minutes walking distance from the School of Economics & Social Sciences) so I visited Dr. Loke regularly once every 3 or 4 months, taking oral meds and his prescribed “minimal skincare” products.

My acne was cleared throughout my study in SMU; it was only until my final semester before I graduate that I just did not take care of my skin at all. It might be attributed to the fact that Dr. Loke moved his practice to Novena Medical Centre which was less convenient for me so I kept putting off visiting him (not to mention his notorious queue since he does not take appointments).

My skin, back at the time, I felt was still OK (graduation in July 2010 followed by one year plus of stressful and depressing job-hunting period) where skin care was just not in my mind at all, I was obviously much more concerned in finding a job. That is until end of November 2011 when I finally land my first full time real job (ever!) as a marketing executive in the aesthetics industry.

I did not realize that my skin was sooo bad until my colleagues and my friends commented how my face was constantly oily, how my pores were clogged (blackheads on my nose) and how I have lots of acne. Previously, I did notice that I have zits here and there, but they come and go so I did nothing about it.

“No one’s UGLY, just LAZY.”  How very true. I have put off visiting my trusty Dr. Loke for a year plus and I just couldn’t take it anymore. So I went ahead and visited him on January 14, 2012. On a Saturday – since it’s I’m working weekdays. I came at 9am, waited for 1 and 1/2 hours before finally meeting Dr. Loke at about 10.30am.

Let’s treat this as a “virgin” visit. Dr. Loke’s consultation fee was S$75.

Dr. Loke prescribed me:

Oral Medication + Topical

• ALPRIM 300 mg (antibiotics: twice a day) = S$15
• ORATANE  20 mg (Isotretinoin/ Roaccutane: After the first 10 capsules once a day, take 1 capsule twice a week) =S$88
• Dr. Loke’s Spot Treatment (Neohydro: day & night on “pimples”)  =S$8

Inclusive of GST 7%, Total was S$186

“Minimal” Skin Care Products:

• Eau Thermale AVENE  Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser (day & night) =S$25
• 2 X Dr. Loke’s Acne Lotion Forte (for night time, before sleeping) =S$8 /each
• Dr. Loke’s Lip Ointment (excessive drying on the lips due to oral meds: Roaccutane) =S$7

(L-R) Topical: NeoHydro Acne Spot, Acne Lotion, Avene Cleanance, Dr. Loke Lip Balm

That’s IT! Can you believe that? Dr. Loke never pushed any skin care products to his patients. He only said to me “if you want, maybe you can apply sunblock in the morning, but up to you.” (I did not purchase at the time)

The total consultation fee + oral medications + topical + “minimal skincare products” amount to SGD$234 on 14 Jan 2012.

The oral meds lasted me until my second visit on 10 March 2012…

(to be continued)