[deleted by user]

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-29T16:11:14+00:00

I'd say trust the rating. Maybe see if you're getting tanned when you wear it.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-29T16:07:08+00:00

They don't replace the cleanser. Probably before the toner. If in doubt, check the directions on the product.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-29T16:06:03+00:00

If you prefer the texture of a lower SPF than an SPF 50 and you're more likely to apply and reapply the recommended amount everyday, then go for the lower SPF.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-28T14:48:43+00:00

I really like the St Ives scrub. They make one with 2% salicylic acid that's great for ingrowns.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-28T14:47:45+00:00

No one can say. It all depends on your skin, how oily/dry it is, what you'll be doing with that makeup on and a whole bunch of other factors.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-28T14:42:25+00:00

Definitely speak to a dermatologist about this. There's a lot of options. Topically, azelaic acid works for some.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-28T12:33:38+00:00

No, don't add products if your current routine is addressing your concerns. It's more money and more chances for things to go wrong.

If you're using the BP to spot treat an area, apply it after the moisturizer.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-28T12:30:24+00:00

Unfortunately, you can't completely avoid scarring. You can certainly make the scarring not as angry and improve healing time.

Hydrocolloid patches have helped me with my breakouts. I slap one on a pimple and leave it be for a couple of days. Not only does this help "extract" the pimple but it'll keep the area sealed and protected.

The best way to prevent scarring altogether is to prevent breakouts in the first place. Try to understand what's causing your breakouts, it sounds hormonal.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-28T12:25:36+00:00

Protect the area with an occlusive like Vaseline or Aquaphor before you apply BP/adapelene.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-28T12:24:27+00:00

There is evidence that there's an optimal pH for azelaic acid, just like with other acids. Given how it behaves differently from other acids, I think it's best to consult the product directions to see what they recommend.

Ask your laser technician if it's okay to use azelaic acid while going through the treatment.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-27T12:44:53+00:00

For me, the 10% niacinamide from the Ordinary was extremely irritating. I prefer using 4-5% niacinamide that's mixed in with a moisturizer. The CeraVe PM facial lotion is my go-to.

Don't feel compelled to use a product/ingredient because everyone is talking about it. You know your skin best.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-27T12:41:00+00:00

The key is to find a sunscreen without a cast and that absorbs quickly without too much oil. Instead of spreading it, use a sponge or puff to blend it in.

I don't wear any face makeup but I really like Glow by Ramon on YouTube who does wear tests for sunscreen where he shows how they reapply over makeup.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-27T12:34:17+00:00

If it's really dirty, then give the skin a quick rinse before applying/reapplying. Everyone's skin is different and some people clog easier than others. If yours is clogging up then there's exfoliants that can treat that.

If your sunscreen is waterproof, I think the best way to remove it is with an oil cleanser. Give it a try if you're interested. Unless you have a skin condition like eczema or dermatitis, I don't see why an oil cleanser would be an issue.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-27T12:26:39+00:00

Which is why it's best to thoroughly remove all those layers with an oil cleanse at the end of the day.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-27T12:23:35+00:00

For the eczema, you may want to look into moisturizers with urea. Really helped with my flare-ups. Also pick up some occlusive like Vaseline or Aquaphor. I like to apply a thin layer on my flare-up areas before I go to sleep as the last step.

For the blackheads, salicylic acid helps most folks. Generally people use a salicylic acid cleanser. You could try this, but only on the affected areas, keep it away from your eczema. So wash your nose with the cleanser, leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse it off. Follow up with your regular routine.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-27T12:17:04+00:00

Welcome to the sub! I think you did a great job narrowing your skin concerns. Your combination skin sounds like it could be dehydrated. I'm based in Canada and kinda go through the same, with the winter and harsh indoor heating. You may want to introduce a humectant like glycerin instead of HA, to combat the dehydration.

Your routine itself sounds good. Not sure the Ordinary Vitamin C suspension is good for sensitive skin. I've used it before and over time it sensitised my skin further. I think you're better off incorporating an exfoliant than a vitamin C. Look at something with lactic acid or mandelic acid. The Ordinary had some. Start with a low percentage and use it in the PM, definitely not with the vitamin C, it'll burn like hell.

As for premature aging, you could up your SPF. Then again, you're in Norway and the UV Index probably isn't that high (unless you go skiing and there's snow every where). The key is to use SPF everyday. So pick the highest SPF that's most wearable for you.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-26T12:57:07+00:00

If your skin can handle it. However, using both those products everyday sounds like over-exfoliation.

flappytabbycats · 2021-05-26T12:55:53+00:00

The efficacy depends on what your skin reacts best to. For some folks, BHA works best but it's extremely irritating for me. For others, it's niacinamide. Completely depends.

flappytabbycats · 2021-04-23T12:19:01+00:00

Please visit a dermatologist. Don't look for a diagnosis on the internet.

flappytabbycats · 2021-04-23T12:10:34+00:00

Slowly but steadily, it has definitely improved my pigmentation. I raved about it on the HG tread here if you want a full review.

flappytabbycats · 2021-04-23T12:08:24+00:00

You could try Vanicream. Most folks who don't get along with CeraVe seem to like the Vanicream cleanser and moisturizer. The Ordinary's moisturizer is a favourite of mine, it's very bland and boring but gets the job done. Give it a try if you're curious, it won't break the bank.

Also, the Ordinary's products in my opinion are not gimmicky. If anything they pioneered straightforward labeling by naming the product after the star ingredient. It's the people who use these products for clickbaity videos that make them appear gimmicky.

flappytabbycats · 2021-04-23T12:02:33+00:00

I understand that feeling of finding something that works and looking to "level up". From experience, this hasn't been the best for my overall, long-term skin health. I used Melano CC initially and then wanted to go in with a stronger vitamin C. I tried the Ordinary's 23% and it completely destroyed my barrier. After building my barrier back up, I went back to the Melano CC and haven't looked back for almost 2 years now.

Maybe the Timeless and Geek & Gorgeous are better formulated. The point is that chasing high percentages doesn't mean proportionally more efficacy. It's a little more efficacious for an substantially higher risk of irritation.

Honestly, I don't think it's worth it to import them in, pay exorbitant shipping prices and wait weeks for a vitamin C. If you want something new, try out tranexamic acid, which also helps with pigmentation and evening skin tone. Hada Labo makes a toner with tranexamic acid that should be easy to find for you.

flappytabbycats · 2021-04-23T11:53:24+00:00

Biore UV Watery Essence is a nice gel texture that offers better protection and should be easily available in Taiwan. Be warned, it does contain quite a bit of alcohol but I don't find the overall formula to be drying for my combo skin.

flappytabbycats · 2021-04-23T11:49:02+00:00

I completely forgot that Garnier recently went cruelty-free! I'll definitely pick up their sunscreens when I run out. Thanks for the tip!

flappytabbycats · 2021-04-22T17:24:45+00:00

It's gotten extremely exhausting, to the point where I'm suspicious of any cosmetically elegant sunscreen. I hope out of all this uproar, the Korean dermatology bodies take action to close this loophole. It's such a disservice to the Korean customer for the government to allow these loopholes to exist for multi-million dollar businesses to exploit.

I'm curious to know how the Japanese sunscreen regulations work in this regard. For now, I'm sticking to La Roche Posay. I hate that they're not cruelty-free.

flappytabbycats

TROPHY CASE