skin food
In the midst of sweating out to live HIIT workouts, dancing off to yet another Tiktok challenge and all the while coming up with another recipe in attempt to get through another week of saving my own sanity, I present you with a skincare routine update.
For the past year and 8 months, I’ve struggled with cystic, hormonal acne. And having been social distancing for the past 2 months, spending most if not all of my time indoors at home, I can assure you that there is no universal fix.
Previous suggestions include, but are not limited to: washing pillowcases more often (I don’t sleep with pillows), cleaning makeup brushes, opt for non-comedogenic products, meditate, exercise, stop drinking protein, cut some slack (not an option), cut dairy, drink more water (I’d be taking the trophy home if there ever was a competition). Use this. Don’t use that.
I don’t have sensitive or dry skin. I have combination skin which naturally means I have the privilege of trying products without irritation. Naturally inheriting an interest in skincare since my teenage years, I have also physically exfoliated my face to a point where it peeled, convinced that it was still dead skin. Still, I have only managed to sunburn once from a failed 15-minute-iPhone-timer-a-side trial and error which roasted my shoulders to a colour comparable to the red sweats I currently don as I type.
On a current note, I find that skincare brands are blurring the lines between cosmetic and pharmaceutical. For every anti-inflammatory product, there is always mention of niacinamide, azelaic acid and retinol. So here is a list of products that form my current skincare routine, as of May 2020. (order from bottom left, anticlockwise)
What is it? An exfoliating mask.
How to use? Apply after cleansing for up to 15 minutes. Avoid eye area. Once a week.
What does it contain? Titanium, copper, zinc manganese, active plant ingredients derived from Chaulmoogra, Black Cumin, Manuka and Magnolia Bark
Why does it work? A mix of nourishing ingredients that help reduce pimples and rebalance sebum production. Messy to wash off but gets rid of all the gunk.
2. Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, paula’s choice
What is it? A chemical exfoliant toner.
How to use? Apply few drops to cotton pad and wipe all over face. Every night.
What does it contain? BHA (salicylic acid), green tea extract, methylpropanediol
Why does it work? Removes built-up dead skin cells and fights blackheads. Liquid is most popular for combination skin, but Lotion and Gel options are available for dry and normal skin types.
3. CICAPLAST BAUME B5 SOOTHING REPAIRING BALM, la roche posay
What is it? A multi-purpose repairing balm.
How to use? All over face, focusing on extra-dry spots when required.
What does it contain? 5% panthenol, Cicaplast
Why does it work? Cicaplast soothes irritated skin and accelerate the skin's natural repair process.
4. effaclar duo(+), la roche posay
What is it? An anti-blemish moisturiser that corrects and hydrates.
How to use? All over face, or on T-zone. Every morning.
What does it contain? Niacinamide, Lipo Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Procerad, Flycerin
Why does it work? Niacinamide reduces redness. Lipo Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA, Procerad unclog blocked pores, controls sebum and reduce the appearance of coloured marks. Glycerin keeps skin hydrated.
5. uv protection milk spf 50, curél
What is it? Sunscreen.
How to use? Morning, regardless of rain or sun, indoors or outdoors.
What does it contain? Ceramide and eucalyptus extract.
Why does it work? Curél is Japan’s equivalent to Avène. It’s made for sensitive, dry skin. Hypoallergenic, fragrance- and alcohol-free.
6. Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, The Ordinary
What is it? A medium level retinoid of The Ordinary portfolio.
How to use? Only in evening after water-based serums. Slowly introduce into routine as can cause irritation.
What does it contain? Squalane, Retinol, Jojoba Oil
Why does it work? Squalene hydrates whilst Retinol exfoliates. A miracle for hyperpigmentation and penetrates pores.
7. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed
Rose Hip Seed Oil, the ordinary
What is it? A cold-pressed and organic oil that locks in moisture. Suitable for all skin types.
How to use? All over face prior to moisture. Every evening.
What does it contain? Rosa Canina Seed Oil.
Why does it work? Rich in linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A. Plant-based omega-3 fatty acid and vitamins. Skin food.
8. PINES AND purity deep clarifying serum, ten.twelve
What is it? A soothing serum for acne-prone skin.
How to use? 2 to 4 pumps, morning and night.
What does it contain? Azeloyldiglycinate (new generation of Azelaic Acid), Zinc PCA, Turmeric and Juniper Extract, Babassu Oil
Why does it work? Contains deeply anti-inflammatory active ingredients which regulate sebum production. Unclogs pores, reduces redness and balances cell growth. Prevents hyperkeratinization (excessive cell growth which forms thicker skin layer and clogged pores).
9. eye repair cream, cerave
What is it? A lightweight, non-comedogenic, moisturizing eye cream.
How to use? Dot around eye and above eye brow. Morning and night.
What does it contain? 3 naturally occurring ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid.
Why does it work? MVE delivery technology to deliver 24 hour hydration, retain skin natural moisture, gentle, fragrance free.
p.s. I should have rotated no. 9 by 180 degrees in the flatlay. Forgive me. It’s 11pm on a Sunday night.
