Recently I made a lot of changes to my skincare routine. I started incorporating Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and retinoids as they are clinically proven to improve skin conditions like acne and wrinkles, resulting in clearer skin. I simplified my skincare routine as a result.
Day:
Cleanser: Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser/ Vichy Essentielles Foaming Facial Cleanser/ La Mer The Cleansing Lotion
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2/ La Mer The Tonic
Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream
Comments: My day routine is much simpler now than before. I stopped using a moisturiser before my sunscreen as the LRP Uvidea Cream is moisturising enough and adding a moisturiser would make my skin oily. I also read some articles saying that sunscreen should be applied to bare skin to allow the chemical sunscreen to react with the skin in order for it to work well. Also, sunscreen - when tested in the lab - is used on bare skin, so to get maximum protection, sunscreen should be the first thing applied. (I got this information from dermtv.com, there are many useful videos there).
At times, especially when I have any pimple scars, I will use a whitening serum with Vit C before my sunscreen. Now, this is another source of debate. Some people say that antioxidants and whitening products should only be used at night as whitening ingredients make the skin more sensitive to the sun and might make the skin darker. Some also advocate that antioxidants be used at night as the sun deactivates the antioxidants.
Then there are those (for example Skinceuticals), who manufacture serums like Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, which consists of antioxidants like Vit C, E and Ferulic to enhance sunscreen protection.
In my opinion, as long as adequate sunscreen is applied, I think it is okay to use whitening products like Vit C. By adequate, I mean 1.25ml on the face alone. I often feel that when I try to apply this amount, the LRP Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream becomes shiny and makes my skin look oily. So I am again on a lookout for a better sunscreen product.
I will follow with my Night routine in a separate post.
What is your day skincare routine like? =)
hello there!
ReplyDeletei remember you had a post about chemical peel that you underwent with SAC. how was it? i am looking forward to hearing from your experiences! :p
vicky
Hi Vicky, I will probably have to go one or two more times before I write about it. Do email me if you would like to ask about anything. =)
ReplyDeleteHi Mykimbui, Thanks for sharing! I see you're using Triacneal! How is it compared to Diacneal? I can only get Diacneal here and the SA doesn't seem to know when Triacneal will be available here.
hi, may i ask abt the fancl facial? the exact location of it? and if there is any packages available?
ReplyDeleteHi ssherlyn, Fancl facial is at Wisma Isetan Orchard. No packages available.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps!
Hi again!
ReplyDeleteWell Diacnéal worked way better for reducing my pimples. Triacnéal is not bad, but i wish they didn't discontinued Diacnéal here in Belgium :'(
(i'm kinda new, so can you hide my first comment please? cause it's on my real name...)
Hi Mike, I can't hide your comment, so I deleted it.
ReplyDeleteI see, I thought Triacneal was an upgraded version.
Thanks for sharing! =)
Yeah that's pretty weird, I thought so aswell, but pretty disappointed in the end. I was recommended to use Benzac Gel 5, do you happen to know a bit about it?
ReplyDeleteBenzac Gel 5 is benzoyl peroxide 5%. Basically an over-the-counter pimple gel. I find that benzoyl peroxide works fast but leaves a dark mark on the skin as the pimple dries up. I have no idea how the medical system works in Belgium, but if you can get a prescription, I would say go for Differin. It's a retinoid and should work better than Diacneal. Alternatively, use benzac in the morning and differin at night. Don't use benzoyl peroxide with retinoids.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps! =)
Thanks for this fast answer! Yes I heard about Differin too, but I have to get prescriptions for this one. I wish to get rid of this acne so badly, I've used so many products on my face already.
ReplyDeleteOh forgot to mention that, I'm using Cicaplast from La Roche-Posay, great for scars and dried skins area.
ReplyDeleteAlso, wanted to share another great skincare blog, it's called http://www.scform.com/, check it out! Both of your blogs helped me a lot in picking the right skincare.
Yea, I guessed it's not as easy getting a prescription in Europe. Give Benzac Gel 5 a try then, it's manufactured by the same drug company as Differin. I think its Galderma. It works fast in drying up pimples. Benzac comes in different strengths: 2.5, 5 and 10%. So 5% is a good concentration to start with. If you have cystic acne with very oily skin then try 10%, but I think it's better to start lower since 10% is very strong. BP tends to be drying on the skin so be careful not to over-use it.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to have most of these articles around to maintain the regular flow of information. Help people that no one could do it later, good work!
ReplyDeleteCosmetic Surgery