Asian Beauty/Skincare

[Taitai]

And in the interest of sharing what has been working for me, here’s my current routine. Note that I have combination skin and live in a hot, humid, tropical climate year round.

AM:
-wash with Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
-Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
-Klairs Supple Prep FacialToner
-1/2 pump Cosrx 96 snail mucin essence on nose, cheekbones, chin, and forehead
*let everything dry down while I brush my teeth or pick out clothes for the day
-Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF
-Makeup

PM:
-wash with Senka All Clear Oil Cleanser
-wash again with CeraVe
-Mizon AHA/BHA prep toner
-T’iam C Source 20 (20% L-AA, Vit C serum)
-Paula’s Choice BHA liquid - only on nose, chin, and jawline
-Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
-Klairs Supple Prep Facial Toner
- Cosrx 96 snail mucin
-History of Whoo Bichup Ja Saeng Essence (sadly, this is almost all gone 😭)
-sheet mask (if I have time)
-Cosrx 92 snail AIO cream, which I use on my face AND as an eye cream.
-Innisfree orchid eye cream (if I don’t use the Cosrx 92 cream on my eyes)
-baby aquaphor on lips

Wow that looks like a lot...but it really doesn’t take long and it’s very easy for me now. I don’t wait very long between products - I do wait about 5-10 min for actives, but other than that, I just pat stuff in for 15-30 seconds, and then move on to the next thing.

I also rarely use sleeping masks/packs now. I think it’s too humid where I live, and they tend to clog my pores if I’m not careful about putting on a really thin layer.

Okay - skincare diary done for the day 🤣😂

[asunasword]

Nov 6, 2019 12:00:21 GMT -6 clementine said:

I have read pretty much this whole thread through once and lots of parts several times and I am more confused than when I started. If anyone had any suggestions, I’d appreciate it!

I’m 31 and have always had acne. It was pretty well controlled with oral and topical rx, which I had to stop when I was pregnant/nursing. It wasn’t bad while pg/nursing, but weaning has made it so so bad. Primarily on my cheeks/jawline/chin, painful deep bumps. Still planning to have more babies, so not going to be able to back on those meds for the next few years. My derm recommended The Ordinary azelaic acid for pg/nursing and pretty much said there’s not much more she can recommend until I’m done having babies.
I’m currently consistently using Murad clarifying cleanser for acne, Thayer’s toner, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid spot treatments, cerave mousturizer. 

***Snip****

Good lord, that was a lot. I apologize for this novel. I’ve just had it with my skin and I’m hoping you all might have some suggestions!

Hi me about a year ago! I could have written something very similar to you. It took awhile but my skin is much calmer now.

You are using a lot of drying ingredients which is what we are told to use. You right though that maybe part of what is causing the extra oil production. 
I would try to get your moisture barrier back to full health as it is likely very damaged with the stripping happening.

The three things I found that made the biggest difference for my skin and my acne:

- Double cleanse: find an oil o balm to help with makeup removal.  I use Banila brand but there are others that are cheaper recommended. I follow this with Corxs Low Ph Good Morning as it has a little salicylic acid in it but CeraVu is a good alternate.
- Snail: it is crazy how good this stuff works. Worth every penny.
- Moisturize! If you are like I was, this was the opposite of what you were taught or felt you should do. @karenwalker, listed some good ones above.

It will likely get a bit worse as your skin needs to settle back to healthy/normal. Try to find sample sizes too. Part of my process was discovering my skin hates parabens and sulfates so I was double irritating it with an allergy reaction that looked and acted like acne.

Hope that helps.

[vvvvvfee]

Nov 6, 2019 18:22:30 GMT -6 clementine said:

vvvvvfee thanks for clarifying and for the links! Just wanted to make sure I’m getting the right products. I totally get what you’re saying about different skin types and recommendations though. There’s just this whole world of skincare that I had no idea existed and it’s overwhelming. I hope the differin works out well for you. I was on that rx as a teen, but just saw that they’re selling it over the counter at the grocery.

I have the Ordinary azelaic acid, but I’ll hold off on that for now. I may try some of their other products in the next few weeks after my skin is more hydrated. Are there any you mentioned that are gentler than others or good to try first?

I tried the cerave hydrating cleanser tonight, but had a hard time getting my makeup off. It could just be that I’m used to that squeaky clean feeling of my other cleansers, which I’ve learned isn’t really a good thing for your skin. I definitely want to try the oil cleanser you recommended for makeup removal though.

I also have some Honest Beauty hydration mist with HA and aloe that I got from a subscription box that I might try until I get some of the hada labo HA solution.

the 5% lactic acid is supposed to be pretty mild (i just ordered some but haven't tried it yet). that might be a good way to ease back into using actives. i'd start just a couple times a week and see how your skin is tolerating it. niacinamide can help with acne, too, and isn't drying. the sulfur mask that i mentioned is fairly gentle, too (it's about $4 at walmart). i can't remember if anyone else mentioned acne patches- those might help if you have pimples that come to a head and they're non-medicated. 

cerave makes a foaming cleanser, too, which is a little more effective than the hydrating cleanser but still gentle. as others have mentioned, if you're wearing makeup you do need some type of oil cleanse or use micellar water on a cotton pad to remove that first. and yeah, that squeaky clean, tight feeling means the cleanser is stripping your skin!

the hydration mist would be great- apply to damp skin, and pat it in to absorb. you can do several layers. the HA helps hold the moisture in your skin. then make sure you seal it in with a heavier cream. the hada labo solution is pretty thick, so you might not need to do multiple layers- but you could actually do the mist and then follow with the hada labo and a moisturizer.

[clementine]

Taitai I’ve been trying to switch out my pillowcase weekly, and I know I need to stop touching and picking my face. It’s my worst habit and it’s so so hard to break. I’ve done much better with not touching it throughout the day lately.

If I don’t end up oil cleansing, would I just use the gentle cleanser for makeup removal? Double cleanse with that? Or use something else for makeup?

Tell me more about vitamin C? Is that considered an active? Any recs?

What’s the difference between the 92 snail and the 96 power essence I have? Is snail primarily for hydration?

[clementine]

Just saw your recs about oil cleansing/makeup removal @karenwalker. Thanks! I do not know the pH of my cleanser. A quick google search didn’t bring up anything but I’ll keep looking. But the idea is that you want a low pH/acidic cleanser? Are the cerave cleansers considered low ph? There are just sooo many products that I’m losing my mind a little.

vvvvvfee thank you for your help with the night routine! do you think the cerave moisturizer is heavy enough? Like just cerave for day and then add the rice sleeping pack after the cerave for night. Will that be enough to hold in the moisture?

I might try that sulfur mask. Murad used to make a sulfur spot treatment that I really liked but they discontinued it. I was trying to decide between the cerave hydrating and foaming cleanser. I’ll check out the foaming one.

asunasword thanks for your input! It really is such a huge shift in thinking and product choice. It’s definitely tough to wrap your head around, but also makes perfect sense as you all have explained it to me. I’m glad you’ve seen good results! You give me hope!

Thank you all so much. I truly appreciate your time and suggestions.

[vvvvvfee]

clementine, you might want to try swapping your pillowcase daily (or every other day, but flip the pillow to a new side each night). also make sure that you are cleaning your phone daily with a disinfecting wipe. try not to rest your hand on your cheek, either. putting on a heavy sleeping pack at the end of the day will help with avoiding the urge to pick.

vitamin C is supposed to stimulate collagen production and brighten, and is also an antioxidant, so it can help protect against sun damage. that is why it is generally used in the morning. i have tried the melano CC essence but didn't feel it did anything for me. i have one from purito that i'm going to try next. the ordinary has like 8 billion types of vitamin C with various pros and cons. a well-liked one on reddit is the timeless vitamin C serum, but apparently it's fresher to buy from them directly (it oxidizes very easily). it is considered an active and can be irritating to your skin depending on the formulation. so you might want to add that in gradually.

the snail 96 is basically just the stabilized snail goo, while the snail 92 is more of a moisturizing lotion with a very mucus-y consistency. it's a nice cream but it's pretty light. another thing of note about snail mucin is that if you have dust mite allergies you may also react to snail- it makes some people break out.

here's a long list of cleanser pH levels: www.skincaredupes.com/master-list-of-cleansers-ph/

[Cheshie6]

So much good information, thanks everyone!

Taitai, you mentioned sleep packs... I’ve been wearing one most nights. But I’ve switched to a night cream... should I use both? It’s getting cold her in New England! So far damp-cold. But snow is expected next Tuesday for us! 🥶

Also, how often do you cold climate ladies moisturize throughout the day? I feel by 3pm my cheeks are dry. Nowhere near as bad as before but I’m also more aware now! I’ve just switched to a day cream to combat this as I was using a gel before. Do some of you mist throughout the day?

[Taitai]

Nov 7, 2019 21:42:24 GMT -6 Cheshie6 said:

So much good information, thanks everyone!

Taitai, you mentioned sleep packs... I’ve been wearing one most nights. But I’ve switched to a night cream... should I use both? It’s getting cold her in New England! So far damp-cold. But snow is expected next Tuesday for us! 🥶

Also, how often do you cold climate ladies moisturize throughout the day? I feel by 3pm my cheeks are dry. Nowhere near as bad as before but I’m also more aware now! I’ve just switched to a day cream to combat this as I was using a gel before. Do some of you mist throughout the day?

You can absolutely use both a night cream and a sleeping pack/mask! A sleeping mask/pack is an occlusive, which will sit on top of your skin/prior moisturizing layers to seal everything in. A sleeping pack doesn’t really moisturize and and of itself, not like a night cream would. So yep - if you need more moisturizing, definitely you can use both 👍

[Taitai]

Nov 7, 2019 10:16:07 GMT -6 clementine said:

Taitai I’ve been trying to switch out my pillowcase weekly, and I know I need to stop touching and picking my face. It’s my worst habit and it’s so so hard to break. I’ve done much better with not touching it throughout the day lately.

If I don’t end up oil cleansing, would I just use the gentle cleanser for makeup removal? Double cleanse with that? Or use something else for makeup?

Tell me more about vitamin C? Is that considered an active? Any recs?

What’s the difference between the 92 snail and the 96 power essence I have? Is snail primarily for hydration?

@karenwalker and vvvvvfee covered your questions, but if you need something to take off the makeup - micellar water or a jelly cleanser are alternatives to oil cleansers. I think emma uses micellar water on the regular - I forget which brand she uses, but I think Garnier makes a popular one that you can get at the drugstore.

Snail is for hydration, moisturizing, and general repair! If I ever have problem spots or even feel something coming on, I pop Cosrx snail 96 on it, and by the next day it’s often gone or so much improved. I looooove snail 🐌 🐌 🐌

[Cheshie6]

Nov 8, 2019 6:54:19 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Cheshie6, I would add more hydrating layers under your moisturizer as well if you’re still feeling dry. Multiple layers of toner or put your cream on top of your gel moisturizer. You kind of have to play around to find what combo works best and still sits nicely under make up!

I can try that! I was hoping someone would mention an awake pack lol!

[Taitai]

Nov 8, 2019 6:27:07 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Nov 7, 2019 21:42:24 GMT -6 Cheshie6 said:

So much good information, thanks everyone!

Taitai, you mentioned sleep packs... I’ve been wearing one most nights. But I’ve switched to a night cream... should I use both? It’s getting cold her in New England! So far damp-cold. But snow is expected next Tuesday for us! 🥶

Also, how often do you cold climate ladies moisturize throughout the day? I feel by 3pm my cheeks are dry. Nowhere near as bad as before but I’m also more aware now! I’ve just switched to a day cream to combat this as I was using a gel before. Do some of you mist throughout the day?

I keep a mist at my office and spritz myself periodically throughout the day. 😂

I love hydrating toner mists! I keep a bottle of the Pyunkang yul at my desk and mist it on my face throughout the day as well.

[ArielMermaid]

Nov 7, 2019 7:54:37 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Nov 7, 2019 5:15:32 GMT -6 clementine said:

Taitai thanks for your suggestions! I actually just switched to a new derm. My previous one prescribed topical clindamycin while pregnant/nursing, but I really didn’t feel like it did a whole lot. I didn’t love her in general, so I just went to a new one a couple months ago. I like her better personality-wise, but it still seems like if she can’t prescribe rx because pregnant/nursing, then she’s just like welp come back after babies. Neither had many recommendations about anything not rx. I may call around and see if I can find one that’s willing to take the time and help me find a routine and products that work for me and are pregnancy safe.

I may try lactic acid. I have some from the ordinary that I got in my flurry of “try all the products”. I’m planning to try and just stick to no actives for a couple weeks and see how my skin reacts to that.

Thanks again for your help!

I think giving the actives a break - or at the very least, just use a thin layer of one active on your problem areas only - is a good idea. Hydrating A LOT will help. Snail is also amazing for my skin, but I know it’s not for everyone.

For what it’s worth, my sister had really, really awful skin problems while she was pregnant and right after she had her baby. I had her switch to a low ph cleanser, Vit C serum, very light moisturizer, and the Cosrx snail 92 AIO cream, and her skin is soooooooo much better now. Like, leaps and bounds better. She doesn’t oil cleanse or anything.

I also told her to switch her pillow case out for a new one once or twice a week, and to avoid touching her face AT ALL COSTS. Who knows what worked, but her skin is now so, so much better.

Just saying this to give you hope - it won’t be forever. And maybe the pillow case and no face touching things can also help??

Anyways - hope you stick around - you’ll be an AB expert in no time! 😊

Quoting to emphasize the bolded. This is really all I’ve done and my skin is noticeably better.

[Cheshie6]

Nov 8, 2019 7:09:15 GMT -6 @karenwalker said:

Nov 8, 2019 7:04:02 GMT -6 Cheshie6 said:

I can try that! I was hoping someone would mention an awake pack lol!

Oh man, I need that!

Growing up with a black mom, we’d moisturize and then put Vaseline on our faces when it was cold outside lol

[ArielMermaid]

Any preference on scented or unscented Klairs supple prep toner?

[Cheshie6]

Anyone heard of “The Collagen Glow” by Sally Olivia Kim. Basically she believes that collagen is the real secret behind the 10-step Korean beauty routine and believes Bone broth (essentially collagen broth) can help. I’m borrowing this from the library, will give you more as a read, if you’d like?

[Taitai]

Nov 8, 2019 22:33:01 GMT -6 Cheshie6 said:

Anyone heard of “The Collagen Glow” by Sally Olivia Kim. Basically she believes that collagen is the real secret behind the 10-step Korean beauty routine and believes Bone broth (essentially collagen broth) can help. I’m borrowing this from the library, will give you more as a read, if you’d like?

I haven’t read or heard about this book, but I do agree that collagen is very important to keeping they plump, vibrant, “chok chok” look to one’s skin. That’s why I think using a Vit C serum every day is so important, because topical Vit C application is one of the only things shown by research to improve collagen growth. Even collagen injections are hit or miss on effectiveness (if you look at the research). Sounds interesting - I’m going to see if my digital library has a copy - thanks for the recommendation!

[Cheshie6]

Taitai, et al,

So far it goes into the types of collagen in our body and how they are made and where they can be found. The reason Korean skin is so youthful is that 50 years ago they were a 3rd world country and nobody got rid of anything (much like my depression aged grandparents) and used every part of the animal. She credits the collagen to fish skin, chicken feet, and bone broth. Mentions that after 25 years old collagen production in our bodies goes down 1.5% every year, and the quality produced after 25 is on the decline as well. With this staple as well as natural Hyaluronic acid in their vegetables helps with their youthful appearance to an old age. I will say it reads so far that she setting me up to want to buy her collagen products and use it with the recipes in this book. I'm mostly interested in Asian/Korean eating habits.

Since joining this thread, I've read through Feed Your Face by Jessica Wu, and The Perricone Method and all three of them believe the same thing. Great Skin (and hair and nails according to Jessica Wu) start with what you put into your body and not just what you put on your face. Sally Kim seems to be taking the same route. Even my Dermatologist "prescribed" Dr. Gundry products for healthy skin when he saw me for my staph infected pimples.

[Taitai]

Cheshie6 I wouldn’t be surprised if she pushed her products at the end of the book too, but I think a lot of what she is saying makes sense. Another thing that I have personally observed about Koreans (and generally many other Asians where I live), is that they are really serious about sun protection - both SPF and large hats/umbrellas/SPF blocking clothing. I think their tendencies to avoid the sun is another huge factor in avoiding wrinkles and keeping youthful-looking skin. There’s also definitely a colorism aspect to the extreme sun avoidance practices that I see here in Asia - which I hate - but I won’t get into that here.

I’d say sun protection is hands down more important than collagen, but collagen treatments and products probably are easier for skincare people to sell than UV blocking umbrellas 🤣

I think I’m going to use one of my Naruko collagen sheet masks tonight. 😁

[ArielMermaid]

Alright ladies, more questions!

What is your current favorite moisturizer?

(Extra credit for your all time favorite moisturizer too.)

I’ve been using the neutrogena hydro boost water gel and I’m about 3/4 through it so I’m on the hunt for a replacement.

[asunasword]

Nov 10, 2019 19:36:12 GMT -6 ArielMermaid said:

Alright ladies, more questions!

What is your current favorite moisturizer?

(Extra credit for your all time favorite moisturizer too.)

I’ve been using the neutrogena hydro boost water gel and I’m about 3/4 through it so I’m on the hunt for a replacement.

I am currently using Iniuk Centella and Thank You Farmer gel. Both are just okay. They are on the higher end for price point so I likely won't repurchase. 

I live in a cold, dry, WINDY! area. I hate the price but I keep a sample size of History of Whoo intensive revitalizing cream on hand for winter. Nothing I have found works as fast for dry chapped skin as this with a dose of snail. My skin can be chapped, peeling the night before and thin layer puts it back to normal in the morning.  I buy from Amazon in sample sizes or kits depending on the price points. This is holy grail for me. 

[Taitai]

Nov 10, 2019 19:36:12 GMT -6 ArielMermaid said:

Alright ladies, more questions!

What is your current favorite moisturizer?

(Extra credit for your all time favorite moisturizer too.)

I’ve been using the neutrogena hydro boost water gel and I’m about 3/4 through it so I’m on the hunt for a replacement.

I don’t use heavy moisturizers, due to where I live (tropical climate). I rely on lots of hydrating layers/serums/snail instead of emulsions, creams, etc. However, I do have some moisturizers that I like a lot, here they are:

-Cosrx AIO snail 92 cream
-Cosrx snail 96 serum
-Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
www.amazon.com/Joseon-Beauty-Dynasty-Wrinkles-Dryness/dp/B01M4GQO8W
-Mizon AIO black snail cream...man I love this one
www.amazon.com/MIZON-Black-Snail-Repair-Cream/dp/B00B4PWEJU
-Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion (get when Murad has a flash sale or on Black Friday...I won’t pay more than $20 a tube for it)
www.murad.com/product/skin-perfecting-lotion/

[ArielMermaid]

Nov 11, 2019 8:32:56 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Nov 10, 2019 19:36:12 GMT -6 ArielMermaid said:

Alright ladies, more questions!

What is your current favorite moisturizer?

(Extra credit for your all time favorite moisturizer too.)

I’ve been using the neutrogena hydro boost water gel and I’m about 3/4 through it so I’m on the hunt for a replacement.

I don’t use heavy moisturizers, due to where I live (tropical climate). I rely on lots of hydrating layers/serums/snail instead of emulsions, creams, etc. However, I do have some moisturizers that I like a lot, here they are:

-Cosrx AIO snail 92 cream
-Cosrx snail 96 serum
-Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
www.amazon.com/Joseon-Beauty-Dynasty-Wrinkles-Dryness/dp/B01M4GQO8W
-Mizon AIO black snail cream...man I love this one
www.amazon.com/MIZON-Black-Snail-Repair-Cream/dp/B00B4PWEJU
-Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion (get when Murad has a flash sale or on Black Friday...I won’t pay more than $20 a tube for it)
www.murad.com/product/skin-perfecting-lotion/

I’ve been eyeing the Black Snail cream. I love my Cosrx snail 96 serum so I was thinking of going with the snail 92 just because I 💗 🐌

[Taitai]

Nov 11, 2019 18:54:26 GMT -6 ArielMermaid said:

Nov 11, 2019 8:32:56 GMT -6 Taitai said:

I don’t use heavy moisturizers, due to where I live (tropical climate). I rely on lots of hydrating layers/serums/snail instead of emulsions, creams, etc. However, I do have some moisturizers that I like a lot, here they are:

-Cosrx AIO snail 92 cream
-Cosrx snail 96 serum
-Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
www.amazon.com/Joseon-Beauty-Dynasty-Wrinkles-Dryness/dp/B01M4GQO8W
-Mizon AIO black snail cream...man I love this one
www.amazon.com/MIZON-Black-Snail-Repair-Cream/dp/B00B4PWEJU
-Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion (get when Murad has a flash sale or on Black Friday...I won’t pay more than $20 a tube for it)
www.murad.com/product/skin-perfecting-lotion/

I’ve been eyeing the Black Snail cream. I love my Cosrx snail 96 serum so I was thinking of going with the snail 92 just because I 💗 🐌

You can’t go wrong with anything snail! I really love the snail 92 as well. In fact, I currently have 2 jars of it open and in use - one I keep with my vanity in the bathroom, and then I have another one by my bedside, so I can put a second layer on right before I go to bed if I feel like it. I also sent some to my sister and mom - they live in a dry/cold climate. I’m all in on the 92 🐌🐌🐌

[vvvvvfee]

i loooooove meishoku ceracolla perfect gel. it is a clear, unscented gel with ceramides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. it feels light going on but is very hydrating. sometimes i do a 2nd layer mixed with a dab of aquaphor healing ointment as a sleeping pack. it's too heavy for me to use as a day cream, though, so i'm still searching for a great light daytime moisturizer.

i liked the cosrx advanced snail 92 cream pretty well-- i guess that actually would make a good day cream since i didn't find it heavy enough for nighttime.

i also liked mizon water volume ex cream, which is very much like neutrogena hydroboost (but cheaper!). it made a nice daytime moisturizer, but i would prefer to use something unscented (it has a light "ocean" scent similar to hydroboost).

[Ls2012]

Hello! I am newly interested in the Asian skincare discussion because I, too, would like lovely dewy skin.

Question, I keep running across comments on various skincare products having phenoxyethanol and it being bad and an ingredient to avoid. Is it truly? Is the amount in the creams/ serums/ etc enough to be problematic? If so, can you recommend products that don't contain it?

[vvvvvfee]

Nov 13, 2019 9:27:06 GMT -6 Ls2012 said:

Hello! I am newly interested in the Asian skincare discussion because I, too, would like lovely dewy skin.

Question, I keep running across comments on various skincare products having phenoxyethanol and it being bad and an ingredient to avoid. Is it truly? Is the amount in the creams/ serums/ etc enough to be problematic? If so, can you recommend products that don't contain it?

it's a commonly-used preservative, but it's used in very, very tiny amounts. ingredient lists go in descending order of concentration, and the first 5 ingredients usually make up the bulk of the product. the last few ingredients are almost certainly less than 1% of the product. preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. more info: www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/preservatives/phenoxyethanol.html

i personally wouldn't be concerned... but it's up you to decide what you're comfortable with.

[Taitai]

Nov 13, 2019 14:27:08 GMT -6 vvvvvfee said:

Nov 13, 2019 9:27:06 GMT -6 Ls2012 said:

Hello! I am newly interested in the Asian skincare discussion because I, too, would like lovely dewy skin.

Question, I keep running across comments on various skincare products having phenoxyethanol and it being bad and an ingredient to avoid. Is it truly? Is the amount in the creams/ serums/ etc enough to be problematic? If so, can you recommend products that don't contain it?

it's a commonly-used preservative, but it's used in very, very tiny amounts. ingredient lists go in descending order of concentration, and the first 5 ingredients usually make up the bulk of the product. the last few ingredients are almost certainly less than 1% of the product. preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. more info: www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/preservatives/phenoxyethanol.html

i personally wouldn't be concerned... but it's up you to decide what you're comfortable with.

+1 I’m okay with preservatives in skincare/cosmetics, because I appreciate being able to use my products for 6-12 month, and having unopened products with a shelf life of 1-3 years. If your skin ends up being sensitive to any particular chemical, obviously avoid, but I wouldn’t automatically write it off.

Beauty tap had a good article on this, written by Fifty Shades of Snail Jude Chao.

beautytap.com/2019/09/preservatives-in-skincare/

[Taitai]

clementine How is your skin doing? I’ve been thinking about you - any changes to your routine yet? Hope things are getting better!

[Taitai]

I just read this article from Fifty Shades of Snail, regarding her skincare anti-aging journey, as well as her thoughts about what we should reasonably expect of our skin. I loved it - it was just so, reasonable. She continues to be one of my favorites.

beautytap.com/2019/11/4-anti-aging-lessons/

Also, summary of her article, she says the best 3 things for anti-aging are:

1) Tretinoin/Retinoids (Tretinoin is most effective)

2) Vit C (10-20% L-AA is most effective)

3) Regular and proper sunscreen use.

[ArielMermaid]

All right, loving the Klairs supple prep toner. You guys are always nailing it.