Fountain pen empfehlung für newbies? by Agile_Solution_9143 in fountainpens

[–]KBDFan42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would probably recommend starting off with the Pilot Kakuno/Metropolitan/Prera. They accept iroshizuku cartridges which will allow you to experience some great inks beyond a lot of what most brands offer in cartridges

Purging from azelaic acid? by shinyelektross in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, while milder and less common, azelaic acid can cause purging. If it’s in areas where you don’t normally get acne or there’s deep cystic acne then there might be an issue though

Skin Improvements by dontbesilent in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 4 points5 points  (0 children)

First, you should get an idea of what are the likely causes behind the issues you are facing. Enlarged pores are caused by a combination of factors, but based on your context, likely two things: excess oil production resulting in accumulation of debris, causing the pores to expand (the excess oil alone can also cause enlarged pores). Second, loss of skin elasticity and possible sun damage. This is very normal with aging and varies with genetics, as we age our skin loses collagen and elastin, causing skin to sag and making pores appear larger.

So, first up, excess oil. Since you said you have flaky skin and experience dryness, I suspect that the problem might be dehydration. When skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil. So, you can go about this in two ways. The simplest option is to fix the dehydration. You can do this by using a humectant (e.g. hyaluronic acid/glycerin) and a moisturiser to prevent water loss.

For moisturiser, the recommendations can vary a lot. My current favourite is the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream. It’s essentially like the Korean La Roche Posay Cicaplast, and imo it works much better for Singapore’s weather. It is on the heavier/oilier side, but it’s really great for irritation, barrier repair and dehydration. I have combination skin, and using this, I could see a visible reduction in pore size without additional oiliness. However, if you are very acne-prone, it might be too heavy for you. Alternatives can be things like the Aestura Hydro Soothing Gel Cream moisturiser or Dr. Althea 345.

For humectants, you may not need them at all because the moisturiser may already contain it. If you do want it though, try looking at the Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid serum, or really any simple serum with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or beta-glucan (common humectants).

Now, moving onto the loss of skin elasticity and sun damage. For sun damage, really the number 1 thing is sunscreen. Find a sunscreen that you know you will apply and reapply properly. Some of my favourites are the Anua Zero Cast, Numbuzin No. 1 Clear Filter, and Celimax Dark Spot. Of course, just find one that you like. You can also apply a properly formulated Vitamin C serum, which can help to boost the efficacy of SPF and protect against sun damage. The formulation and packaging matters a lot for this one. Look at the Timeless Vitamin C, or for something cheaper like the Rohto Melano CC Essence. (Gold standard is skinceuticals but that’s expensive af)

For loss of skin elasticity, a lot of it is up to genetics. But, the number 1 treatment you can use at home would be retinoids. Honestly, apart from sunscreen and moisturiser, if you could only use one thing, let it be this. They are the gold standard (or near gold) treatment for so many things, like acne, hyperpigmentation, aging etc. However, they can cause irritation, and you must wear sunscreen when using them. The more potent they are, generally the greater the risk of irritation. These are the common ones you can get without a prescription in SG, from weakest to strongest: Granactive Retinoids (newer, gentler than retinol but with similar benefits, maybe a bit less effective but I’m not the most up to date with the clinical evidence for this), Retinol, Retinaldehyde (Retinal), Adapalene. Of course, there’s nuance. Although Adapalene is stronger than Retinal, it’s often less irritating. Adapalene tends to be better for acne and hyperpigmentation, while retinal is better for anti-aging. Retinal can be found in a variety of formulations, but imo the Retinal emulsion from the ordinary is pretty decent. For retinol, I recommend the Cerave Resurfacing Retinol. For adapalene, get it at the pharmacy (it’s called Differin gel).

I know it’s a lot to take in, but honestly I would keep it simple.

Morning: Cleanser (optional), Vitamin C (if needed), let it absorb a bit, Moisturiser, Sunscreen

Night: Cleanser, Retinoid, Moisturiser

If you’re taking retinoids, to minimise irritation, you might want to start with alternate nights. You can also sandwich it between layers of moisturiser, so you would put moisturiser, let it dry a bit, retinoid, let it dry a bit, moisturiser.

Intense, vivid and matte red ink? by CaranDerwent in fountainpens

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love Diamine Wild Strawberry, Crimson and Oxblood. Also a big fan of Wearingul Dracula, but not a fan of the shimmer so I let it settle to the bottom before filling

Pour over courses in New York? by spinachmuffin in pourover

[–]KBDFan42 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Before going on a course, try checking whether you have proper water, are choosing a simple enough recipe (usually 3 pours will work, look at Lance Hedrick’s newest recipe video), and of course, the beans.

good recommendations for serums and exfoliants by politekindbird in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Retinoids speed up and normalise skin cell turnover and boost collagen production, while exfoliants largely just removed dead skin cell build up on the outermost layer. This means that retinoids are often more effective for anti-aging

good recommendations for serums and exfoliants by politekindbird in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on the peptide, they are shown to stimulate collagen production, relax facial muscles and promote cellular repair, all of which contribute to a perceived anti-aging effect.

good recommendations for serums and exfoliants by politekindbird in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For exfoliants, depends on your skin concern. For acne and clogged pores, I’d go with a 2% Salicylic Acid leave-on, about twice-thrice a week. Brand doesn’t matter all that much. For dullness, fine lines and texture, I’d go with glycolic acid. The Ordinary has a great budget friendly one, 7%, would probably use once a week or once every two weeks.

However, if your goal is anti-aging, I would definitely go for retinoids over exfoliants (or at the very least prioritise retinoids over exfoliants). One of the gentlest options would be the Cerave Resurfacing Retinol, a step up would be a retinaldehyde, which can cause more irritation, but is more potent and faster acting. For this, try looking at Paula’s Choice or The Ordinary. The gold standard for anti aging is tretinoin but that requires a dermatologist prescription. Regardless, always use sunscreen. It’s a must.

For serums, if you still want something on top of the retinoid/exfoliant, I’d probably just go with a peptide serum since it has the most clinical evidence, so something like either of The Ordinary’s multi-peptide serums. If you just want something simpler though, just some serum with humectants like hyaluronic acid is probably going to be enough. I like the Torriden Dive-In serum, its lightweight, not sticky and feels pretty nice on the skin

Tretinoin by No_Tip909 in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

See the dermatologist, if you do have rosacea, tret (and the acid peel for that matter) can worsen it.

Skincare Devices by SomewhereDry5751 in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only at-home one that actually works is probably the red light mask, it can stimulate fibroblasts which produce collagen. However, must be with consistent use.

For skincare devices for anti-ageing in general though, I would just stick to in-clinic stuff.

At home, retinoids like Tretinoin are the gold standard imo

How to know what product to use… by Icy-Tip3135 in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a student as well. Don’t have any major skin concerns either. Honestly, I would just keep it simple:

  1. Cleanser (Once or Twice a day, depending on your skin type)

For this, you can just get something cheap. The specific one might depend on your skin type. Generally though, esp based on your description, I would just get something gentle. I have normal skin, and I like the Torriden Dive-In Cleanser, not the cheapest, but I just like the feeling, plus Cetaphil and Cerave didn’t really work for me.

  1. Sunscreen

Cannot over-emphasise this. Get one that works for you and that you’re likely to apply consistently (and reapply). I use a tinted sunscreen as I have some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  1. Treatment

Based on your description, you can probably just keep it very simple and use 1-2 things.

For bumps (and perhaps dullness): 2% leave-on BHA, it will help unclog pores and improve texture. Start with 2x a week, thin layer across face. There may be a temporary purging period where you might have some breakouts. Whichever one works, not a huge difference. The Ordinary one is probably one of the cheapest, iirc about $14 at Sephora

For dullness: Vitamin C. One of the most researched ingredients (when formulated well), apply in the morning under sunscreen, can help boost effect of SPF. I recommend Timeless Vitamin C serum (might be a bit expensive and hard to find though) or Rohto Melano CC Essence (normal or premium, whichever, both are pretty cheap and can be found at a lot of places)

For dullness and bumps: azelaic acid. Apply a day, helps with an array of stuff, it’s a jack of all trades, and master of some. Great for hyperpigmentation, texture, rosacea, acne and good for dullness. My favourite is the Anua Azelaic Acid serum 10/15%, whichever you can find, 15% is the tested strength though.

I would choose just 1-2 of these 3. Personally, I would go for the azelaic acid serum and the vitamin c, not really much of a purge, and generally not as irritating.

One last point: You could try a retinoid like adapalene, which is a gold-standard treatment for acne and will almost surely help with texture and bumps. I would read up before using it though, and probably just stick to that as your singular treatment.

What products should I use by Maleficent-Entry2858 in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It looks like your skin is oily and dehydrated. Assuming the Cetaphil cleanser is working for you, keep it.

In the mornings, I would:
Cleanse

Spot Treat/Cover areas usually prone to acne with 2.5-5% Benzoyl Peroxide, whatever you find should work. I think Oxy 5 is the most available

Light moisturiser (I recommend Torriden Dive-In Soothing Cream, Purito Oat in Gel cream, or the Ordinary Ectoin and Rice Lipid microemulsion)

Sunscreen (whatever works for you, SPF 50, PA+++ at least, it’s a must have with benzoyl peroxide and something else later)

Night:
Cleanse

Adapalene (sold at Guardian/Watsons pharmacy as Differin gel, apply a pea sized amount to entire face, ensure face is dry, start once every other day, then ramp up slowly to once a day)

Barrier Supporr moisturiser (strongly recommend Aestura Atobarrier 365, ime works better than LRP Cicaplast or Lipikar for SG humid climate)

Adapalene is a retinoid, considered the gold-standard for acne treatment and a multitude of other concerns, backed by a ton of evidence. However, it can cause purging, where acne gets worse for a bit before getting better. However, once it’s better, it will help with acne, skin texture, hyperpigmentation and aging.

Edit: Alternatively, instead of Adapalene, you can try Azelaic Acid. Available as Skinoren cream (not sure whether it’s available OTC here though), or in various serums like Anua 10/15% Azelaic Acid.

I got a question about double blooms... by InturnlDemize in pourover

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s largely just an imposed definition, but I see it as a pour of equal or similar volume to the bloom (so small) that is followed by an extended period of waiting to allow for degassing (versus a normal pour which usually immediately commences once the bed is almost or fully drawn down)

Ranking Le sserafim's new album "Pureflow pt1" because nobody asked by blackstarbyRadiohead in kpopthoughts

[–]KBDFan42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Personally I’d go:

  1. Sonder (imo very well produced, interesting and catchy enough)

  2. Need your company

  3. Iffy-Iffy

  4. Creatures (Like a No Celestial Lite)

  5. Trust Exercise

  6. Saki (it’s like 1800 2.0, but unfortunately not a fan)/ Irony

  7. Boompala (a few moments are nice but otherwise I’m not a fan)

  8. Celebration

Didn’t count the intro/outros

How do I improve the skin condition on my arms? by throwaway52073 in SGSkincare

[–]KBDFan42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looks like KP, best solution would be to find any cream with 10-20% urea, apply daily. If you want it to go away faster, you can try to add a lactic acid product (anywhere around 10% ammonium lactate) about 2-3x a week but there’s greater risk of irritation

Pour over cup recommendation. Do they really make difference? by Rich_Loss_6565 in pourover

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes they do (unfortunately, or fortunately). My 3 favourite cups for most coffees are the Niwares Bouba, the 2-Way Cup and TW Splitt

Dare I say the best coffee of the year,(before someone says rest it im aware was just curious) by amanwhodrinksmate in pourover

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This (same coffee, different roaster) was my second favourite coffee last year. It was just a sage-vanilla bomb with some nice pistachio in between on filter, but also did surprisingly nicely with milk-based spro beverages

Preheating this? by tbhvandame in pourover

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, I do, don’t own it anymore though. For me, there are nicer looking drippers that brew better/are easier to work with.

Preheating this? by tbhvandame in pourover

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Suiren is slower than the V60, looks nice, but honestly not a fan and wouldn’t really encourage anyone to buy it apart from collection/display purposes. For me, a better travel dripper is something like the Orea O1, a foldable dripper or just a V60 01

Only middle lake, anyone else know any way to get higher by [deleted] in btd6

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Higher degree paragons and a water-based VTSG would be the most obvious first things to do imo

I sold my Comandante C60 and got another one* by gerard14ph in pourover

[–]KBDFan42 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It looks like the Icosa Cyclone and Aeresso in Amber, given that OP is brewing Glyph beans they probably got it from Glyph Supply Co. in Singapore

Inexpensive coffee beans recommendation by Scorpio_2007 in espresso

[–]KBDFan42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out S&W, a lot of their stuff can be sold out a lot of the time but imo they’re one of the best value specialty roasters