Okay, so I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted about this, but I’ve been having some serious trial-and-error and it’s been messing me up a little. Here’s what I’ve been using (morning and night) that’s been working for me:
- DHC Oil Cleanser
- Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser
- Proactiv Toner (5.5% AHA Glycolic Acid)
- Mizon Snail Recovery Gel
- Proactiv Repairing Lotion (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide)
- Etude House Moistfull Eye Cream
- Etude House Moistfull Cream
For a couple of weeks, I tried using the MISSHA First Treatment Essence and the Etude House Freshner before the Snail Gel and that was a mistake. I broke out all over my chin and it was a horrible disaster, and because I was bad and didn’t do one thing at a time I can’t be sure what caused it (though I’m 99% sure it was the MISSHA, which is a real shame because I’ve heard such good things about it).
SO, what next? I’d really like to start adding sunscreen to my morning routine (essential), as well as a sleeping pack at night (I’ve been having some dryness in the Toronto winter). I also have yet to start using any essences, face masks, ampoules, or serums. But I think my first and most important priority (boring as it is) still has to be getting myself off of Proactiv. Womp womp.
To replace my Proactiv Toner, I have the CosRX AHA Whitehead Power Liquid (7% Glycolic Acid), and I still need something to replace the Proactiv Repairing Lotion. The thing is, everyone says that your acids should only be applied once a day MAX (once every three days, ideally), and I’ve been using motherfucking Proactiv Toner on my face twice a day, every day WITHOUT SUNSCREEN EVEN THOUGH IT’S PHOTOSENSITIVE since I was 15 years old NO WONDER MY SKIN IS LIKE A RAGGED PIECE OF BURNT BACON, GOD. So what I really want to do, before starting any other products, is just lower my acid use to once a day. I’m sure that’ll be fine. Right?
Right?
Okay, so here’s my plan for the next like… several months, I suppose, which each step taking two weeks:
- Reduce Proactiv Toner to evenings only
- Reduce Proactiv Repairing Lotion to evenings only
- Add sunscreen to morning routine
- Transition to CosRX AHA evenings only
- Transition to new Benzoyl Peroxide evenings only
I know I’ll still be using the same chemicals on my face, but using them less frequently and with better formulas, I’ll feel better about it overall. Once I’ve done all that, then I can finally start adding all the fun stuff to my routine.
ALL I WANT TO DO IS FIND MORE FUN THINGS TO PUT ON MY FACE, WHY IS THIS AN AWFUL, MONTHS-LONG PROCESS DURING WHICH I HAVE NO IDEA HOW HIDEOUS I’M GOING TO BE ????????
Oh well, at least I’m basically never on camera anymore. SMALL MIRACLES.