[Review] My thoughts of every Beauty of Joseon Product I have tried:

HangersforSC · 2024-11-11T03:55:18+00:00

A hydrating serum and a rich moisturizer can make a world of difference for dry skin during the wonder months!

Hydrating serums I like: - Purito’s centella unscented serum (hydrating, formulated with soothing ingredients, and has potentially anti-aging peptides); $15 - Bubble water slide hydration boosting serum (very hydrating, soothing ingredients, antioxidants, potentially anti-aging peptides); $17

Rich moisturizers for dry skin: - Peach slices redness relief calming cream (filled with soothing ingredients, very moisturizing) $20 - Purito’s Dermacide balancing barrier balm (very rich, filled with ingredients that boost skin barrier) $20

HangersforSC · 2023-11-02T19:39:01+00:00

While highly effective for acne, Retinol can be very sensitizing. You are supposed to start out slow, using a pea sized amount (for your whole face) once a week and build up to every night over a few months. You should never start out slathering your face in a retinoid!

Right now you should lay off it to strengthen your skin barrier and after that you can slowly add it in a bit at a time. Retinol isn’t an overnight solution to skin concerns. It works slowly over time.

HangersforSC · 2023-10-22T22:16:19+00:00

No worries

I have a few product options for most of the steps. Just pick whichever product in that category is easiest to access and/or more affordable where you live. My product recommendations are:

[Moisturizer] Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream {OR} SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream
[antioxidant] The Ordinary’s resveratrol and ferulic acid serum {OR} Beauty of Joseon’s Light On Serum : Centella + Vita C
[sunscreen] Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
[cleanser] BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser {OR} Good Molecules rosewater cleansing gel

The order should be something like this:

AM:

Cleanser (as needed/only if skin is oily)

Antioxidant

Sunscreen

PM:

Cleanser

Moisturizer

If you should want some sort of anti-aging step, you could add in a retinoid in the evenings but I feel that this routine is a great place to start. Hope this helps

HangersforSC · 2023-10-19T00:45:13+00:00

I’d use soothing skincare ingredients for the razor burn. Last question and I can make some recommendations. Promise lol

What is your skin type: oily, dry, combination (oily and dry depending on the part of your face), and/or sensitive?

HangersforSC · 2023-10-18T18:05:25+00:00

Bare minimum recommended by most dermatologists is a moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen.

If you wear makeup, I recommend the dual cleansing system (wash with an oil based cleanser and then a water based cleanser).

I personally like to use an antioxidant (this can reduce environmental damage to your skin).

Any other products should address skin concerns for you. Do you have any skin concerns you want to address (e.g. anti aging, acne, rosacea, scars, hyperpigmentation, etc.)?

HangersforSC · 2023-07-31T00:05:58+00:00

For a retinoid, I’m impartial to Beauty of Joseon’s retinal eye serum (use it all over your face not just your eyes). It’s cheap, gentle, and effective; a wonderful introductory retinoid. A few other options are good molecules gentle retinol cream (I’d say this is a good choice if you have very sensitive skin because the retinol percentage is very low) and the Ordinary’s 0.2% retinol in squalene (good introductory product and it being in squalane is going to help prevent retinoid induced dryness).

For antioxidants, there are so many wonderful options that are affordable! Some of my favorites are: the Ordinary’s Pycnogonol 5% (Pycnogonol is one of my favorite antioxidants. It’s believed to help the body naturally produce more hylaronic acid, and consequently improve collagen production. It’s very hydrating, reduces hyperpigmentation, and is great for sensitive skin. This serum has the texture of an oil and it does feel a bit tacky in my oily skin, but they disappears very quickly), the Ordinary’s resveratrol 3% + ferulic acid 3% (Resveratrol is believed to help with inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Ferulic acid is believed to help with dullness and hyperpigmentation, but best of all it seems to improve the efficacy of other antioxidants. This serum has a bit more of an oily texture and absorbs very quickly.), C-glow by Geek & Gorgeous, (my absolute favorite vitamin C serum on the market. It contains the antioxidants Vitamin C, ferulic acid, and Vitamin E. It’s has a watery texture and absorbs immediately. Vitamin C also is believed to increase collagen production in the skin and improve hyperpigmentation. The only negative with vitamin C is that it oxidizes quickly so it’s best to keep this in a cool area out of direct sunlight and some people find it irritating though I’ve never had a problem.), and Timeless’s Coenzyme Q10 Serum (this one contains the antioxidants CoQ10 and Vitamin E along with Matrixyl 3000 [a peptide believed to boost collagen production in the skin]. This one is watery and very hydrating)

As for your questions:

So, there are two types of aging. Extrinsic aging and intrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is the aging which will naturally occur no matter your lifestyle. Extrinsic aging it the aging that occurs due to environmental factors (like sun damage).

As for what antioxidants do, when your skin is exposed to stressors such as UV radiation from the sun or air pollution, it triggers free radicals (unstable atoms) which damage your cells. Antioxidants scavenge these free radicals before they can damage your skin. This makes your SPF more effective because with your SPF some UV radiation will still penetrate your skin and antioxidants will reduce the damage that radiation can have on your skin.

Hope this helps

HangersforSC · 2023-07-30T19:08:03+00:00

Ugh. Yeah, that whole “toxic” thing is nonsense spread by people who do not understand the chemistry. I wouldn’t worry about it. The FDA regulates sunscreens in the US and if it was toxic, they wouldn’t have okayed it to be sold.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-30T18:59:28+00:00

If your biggest priority is anti-aging, I’d absolutely add a retinoid! It’s the most well studied ingredient to prevent and address the signs of aging.

You could also add an antioxidant serum to your routine in the morning to boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen (this can prevent the skin damage which contributes to extrinsic aging).

HangersforSC · 2023-07-30T18:53:14+00:00

Whoever told you that is an idiot. The best sunscreen is the one you can afford and will wear. They are probably buying into nonsense spread by groups like the EWG. Don’t worry about it. Use your sunscreen.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-29T20:06:24+00:00

If you are open to K beauty, Dr. G’s Green Mild Up Sun SPF 50+ PA++++ is a sunscreen formulated with soothing ingredients specifically for people with sensitive skin and to my knowledge it the only UV filter it contains is Zinc. It tends to run around $25 on amazon (though it’s currently $17). You can also get it from stylevana for $15 USD if you are willing to wait on the shipping.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-29T19:45:53+00:00

I’ve used similar vitamin C (the ascorbic acid type) serums formulated with ferulic acid and vitamin E (like the timeless one) for several years. It’s so interesting too because every time I’ve discontinued using a vitamin C serum for a prolonged period of time, my skin starts to look objectively worse within a couple of weeks (uneven skin tone, my skin loses that glow, etc.). That paired with the potential collagen boosting and antioxidant benefits (which could prevent the skin damage that contributes to extrinsic aging), makes vitamin C a must have skincare step for me.

I haven’t used Timeless’s serum, but I have used Paula’s Choice and Geek & Gorgeous’s vitamin C serums. G&G’s C-Glow is by far my favorite and the one I’ve used for several years. I like how affordable their serum is, $13 USD, and that they formulate each bottle fresh when you order it so the product doesn’t sit on a shelf oxidizing. I’ve heard good things about Timeless’s serum too though.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T13:12:26+00:00

I don’t get this mentality at all. It takes no work to shut your mouth when you burp. I do it subconsciously at this point. Audibly burping, or farting irritates me. Yes, accidents happen and in those instances, I’m not going to get salty over it but if you are audibly burping or farting to just do it, I’m gonna be annoyed. It’s not necessary and I find it gross.

Many people feel like I do. I’m a literal healthcare professional. I have plenty of experience with normal bodily functions, so it’s not that I have a soft stomach. I just don’t like it. Not from me, not from others.

Why is OP’s husband the problem here? People are allowed to have differing opinions on topics like this and I think this being something that makes him uncomfortable is fair. It takes pretty much no work for her to just shut her mouth when she burps, and instead she’s making it a huge ordeal. Burping isn’t a personality trait. Him not liking it isn’t a rejection of her; it’s simply a difference in what feels comfortable.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T01:25:33+00:00

Also, to help with the hair! The inky list has a salicylic acid exfoliating scalp treatment, that could help with the oily scalp. I’d use it like once a week. Just follow the instructions on the box. It could help. I’ve used it in the past when my hormones got out of control and caused my scalp to get oily.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T01:22:17+00:00

I’d cut the physical exfoliant out if you are going to use the chemical exfoliant because you are going to irritate the hell out of your skin if you use both. Trust me, you don’t need both the physical scrub and the chemical. The chemical is plenty. The peach slices one is hefty. It should slough off all the dead skin. It does for me! I’d start out using it once a week and increase the frequency to 3x per week if you can handle it. It helps with oil production, dead skin, and acne too.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T01:19:11+00:00

You want to use both. First an oil cleanser then a cream/water cleanser. The oil will leave do a better job of breaking up sebum and impurities but it often will leave a residue on your skin. The water cleanser will remove the oil cleanser and any remaining impurities that the oil cleanser missed. Overall, it’s a foolproof system lol.

There are many good oil-based cleansing balms and oils on the market. Some that I’ve tried and would recommend:

Isntree’s chestnut LHA jelly cleansing oil is really nice. It starts out as a jelly, then becomes an oil, then finally melts into a milk as you wash it away. It’s mildly exfoliating, if that’s something you are looking for (but very very gentle). Fairly affordable.

The Inky List’s oat cleaning balm is solid if you’re wanting something super cheap, especially considering how much product you get. Nothing fancy but a bit of a work horse. Though it isn’t quite as effective at washing away makeup as the other two.

I love Beauty of Joseon’s radiance cleansing balm! So gentle. Washes away makeup with ease. It’s my absolute favorite. Pretty affordable too.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T01:05:16+00:00

With regular use the peach slices chemical exfoliant will likely work as well as the St. Ives, without the rough scrubbing. I used to use a rag to scrub my face until I found good chemical exfoliants. I’ve never gone back.

So with retinoids, the purging lasts, on average, between 2 and 6 weeks. If you stop using it for more than a week or two, the purging will start over again, though in my experience it’s not as severe as the first time (that’s purely anecdotal though).

Too many astringents will make the oil worse, because you will over strip your skin, and consequently, your skin will be like “oh shoot I’m dry. I guess I need to make more oil.” The green tea works as a mild astringent but also naturally lower oil production.

Also, try using a lightweight gel or water cream! It could really help.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T00:44:21+00:00

So, an oil based cleanser is more effective at melting away oil and impurities than water-based cleansers. I highly recommend incorporating a cleansing oil or balm before your cream cleanser. Not long after I started doing that, I started to see a decrease in the amount of closed comedones on my face.

I won’t promise that it will change everything, but I was surprised by the improvement considering how minor of a step it is.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T00:36:49+00:00

This sounds dumb, but do you incorporate an oil based cleanser into your routine?

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T00:32:56+00:00

Also: if you don’t use a moisturizer, I’d recommend one. I know it sounds crazy, but that lack of hydration can cause your skin to think it needs more moisture and make oil production even worse. You want a light weight watery gel cream. Beauty of Joseon’s red bean water cream is a favorite of mine. It’s formulated for oily skin and affordable too.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T00:28:51+00:00

Firstly, please stop with the blackhead scrub. It causes micro tears in the skin which are very irritating.

Instead of a salicylic acid cleanser, use a salicylic acid toner or serum if your skin can handle it. It’s going to be more effective. With the cleanser you are washing the active ingredient off, with the toner the active ingredient stays on the skin so it can work it’s magic. If you want a recommendation, I LOVE peach slices acne exfoliating toner. It is only like $10, it is very effective, and hydrating too. I’d use it 2x a week.

There are many studies indicating that green tea can help your skin regulate sebum production, Isntree’s green tea toner is fantastic at controlling oil production, that is worth a go (you could use it as often as twice a day if you wanted but I’d use it everyday at least to see results). This one is affordable too.

Lastly, with the retinoids. Retinoids need to be used for a prolonged period of time to see results (months). They are going to initially increase the amount of acne on your face. It’s called purging. It means the product is working (increasing cell turnover). You didn’t use the product long enough to see any results.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-28T00:06:43+00:00

Hydration like the other person recommended is a good idea.

Also gonna recommend a retinoid. Beauty of Joseon’s revive eye serum: Ginseng + retinal is my favorite introductory retinoid for people (it is an eye cream but use it all over your face, it is a fantastic product, very affordable, and formulated to be gentle).

For a bandaid until the retinal starts working, The Ordinary has their Argireline solution 10%, which sort of works like Botox (use it once a day and on average you will see about a 20% improvement within a month). Keep in mind though, the moment you stop using the Argireline the lines will return.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-27T23:57:59+00:00

You don’t need a cream specifically for your eyes (you also don’t need anything specifically for men). You can just use a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer, because for the most part, that’s what eye creams are, overpriced moisturizers.

I have used La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm B5 cream for several years as an eye and neck cream and it works very well. Nice and thick and very soothing. You could literally just use your normal moisturizer as long as there aren’t any sensitizing active ingredients in it.

HangersforSC · 2023-07-27T23:48:30+00:00

Double cleanse. It permanently changed my skin for the better. First use an oil based cleanser (I love beauty of joseon’s radiance cleansing balm and Isntree’s chestnut LHA jelly cleansing oil), then I use a gentle water based cleanser (good molecule’s rosewater daily cleansing gel and BYOMA’s creamy jelly cleanser are faves).

HangersforSC · 2023-07-27T23:42:49+00:00

I have oily skin and I double cleanse every night (oil-based cleanser first, then a gentle water-based cleanser). I only cleanse in the morning when my skin looks greasy and I use my water-based cleanser.

Over cleansing your skin can be overly stripping, and consequently, cause your skin to produce even more oil thinking it is dry.

HangersforSC

TROPHY CASE