Skincare Routine

I’ve learnt a lot about products, formulations and what’s good and bad in the last two years in regards to skincare, and this is my current routine. Past the initial dryness that comes with Tretinoin I have now started to incorporate more actives back into my routine. 

I’ve listed a couple options under each category with the exception of Retinoids that are all 5 star products and I’m always trying to find cheaper options. Money don’t grow on trees gurl.

AM


Cleanse

P̶C̶4̶M̶e̶n̶ ̶F̶a̶c̶e̶ ̶W̶a̶s̶h̶

🪒 Shave


Tone

Hado Labo Gokujyun Premium

Exfoliate

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA

Serum

NIOD LAA 30%

Moisturizer

Cerave PM Moisturizer
NIOD Hydration Vaccine
P̶a̶u̶l̶a̶’̶s̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶i̶c̶e̶ ̶E̶l̶e̶c̶t̶r̶o̶l̶y̶t̶e̶ ̶M̶o̶i̶s̶t̶u̶r̶i̶z̶e̶r̶


Environmental Shield

Paula’s Choice Triple Algae Pollution Shield

SPF

Paula’s Choice Hydralight SPF 30

PM

Cleanse

Murad Prebiotic Cleanser
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

Tone

Hado Labo Gyokujyn Premium

Exfoliate

PC4Men Smoothe+Soothe

Serum

NIOD LAA 30%

Copper Peptides

NIOD Copper Lipid 1%
I’m currently looking for a sub for this as honestly the price point is way too high. I’d get shocked at the small product size of Paula’s Choice moisturizers, so paying 100 dollars for a product that is only 15mls is crazy to me. Especially if your a dude and you’ve got to apply this all over your face with facial hair.

Retinoid

Retin-A Microsphere .1% (Tretinoin)

Pro Tip:  I’ll apply Tretinoin either one or two pumps (Max) to the skin when it still retaining some slip from the Copper Peptide Lipid. If you’re just starting out with Tret, you can “Buffer” or mix your Tretinoin In with the next step.


Buffering does not reduce efficiency of the Tret. Think of it as taking a pill. Regardless  how much water or food you down after taking a pill, the medicine amount remains the same.

Moisturizer

Cerave PM Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice Electrolyte Moisturizer
NIOD Hydration Vaccine

For Dryness

I’ll usually mix in some organic Rosehip oil from the Ordinary or the B oil. I don’t mind my face looking greasy in the night time so sometimes I’ll really put a lot- up to 10 drops. This will eliminate any dryness or flakiness in the morning resulting from Tretinoin use.

Slug

Aquaphor

Extras

In addition to the regular AM/PM routines, I also have some steps I’ll throw in if needed, depending on the state of my skin, and usually the season.

Paula’s Choice Balm

Yasss. I love this actually especially for wintertime in Canada. Think Aquaphor but a little less basic and definitely one of my favourite more occlusives from PC.

Paula’s Choice BHA/AHA Body Lotion

I actually alternate back and forth between the two each night. 4/7 nights I’ll also add in Tretinoin, Alpha Arburtin and sometimes Vitamin C on my behind, can’t afford to use that on my body lol.

Shelfie

Shelfie

shelfiesquad.com

Process of Elimination


Limitations

Let’s be real about what topical products can achieve. You’re not going to achieve the same results from something in a bottle as you would with Botox, Microneedling or other cosmetic procedures.

KESEN+

Canadian born , Asia grown. Kesen is a personal blog with a focus on Asia Pacific, SEO, Wordpress & self-composed music. KPU Asian Studies.