Invisalign journey update - refinement phase

After what seems to be an endless hiatus, I am now in the second phase of this journey; refinement.  I received the refinement set today after about 6 weeks with the worn out last aligners from the previous set.  The refinement set comprises 15 pairs, which is to my great relief.  If everything is fine, this journey would end in about four months.  Actually at this juncture, I am already happy with how my teeth look like.  

My latest smile :)

Nevertheless, let’s get to the finish line.

Spotting a spotless face

These are going to be the last two addition in my quest for a spotless face.  The spots that I have on my face are just as stubborn as I am.  I think I’ve tried everything safe that I can get hold of, but none seems to be giving the visible result that I’d like to see.  Nevertheless, there’s no new age spot appearing on my face until today either.  That is also to me, an achievement.

I’m intrigued to try Cyspera’s Cysteamine despite the ridiculously high price tag after reading the instruction.  Slathering thinly over the spots on dry, uncleansed face for *15 minutes* before washing it off.  Wow.  I hope there is something potent in it unlike others that will eventually work for my face.  As for tranexamic, I’m just going to give it a try and use it alternately with niacinamide.  Let’s see if there is anything visible after 16 weeks.

Counterfeit The Ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1%?

This is the last thing that I hope to happen when buying items online from Shopee and I’m afraid it has just happened.  Counterfeit products.

I have a hunch that The Ordinary niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% that I bought might not be authentic when I noticed spelling error in the direction.  Not acceptable to me for such a well known brand.  Seller, when contacted, did not give the answer I wanted and kept repeating “We only sell original product bla bla …”.

Spelling error

I stopped applying immediately.  I bought the product again, but this time from the authorised retailer and of course at a higher price.  Once arrived, I started to make the comparison and the findings are shocking.

The authentic one (left) has no spelling error

The authentic one (left) is clearer and has lighter texture

Also, the smell of the counterfeit product is horrible.  If not counterfeit, the product may have expired or damaged.  Either one can cause undersirable effect on your skin.  Becareful.

Four months into the invisalign journey

How time flies.  I’m now into the last week of the fourth month of this journey i.e. wearing tray #16.  How far has it gone?  Picture speaks thousand words.

Tray #1 (top) vs. tray #16 (bottom)

The most notable improvement so far is, I think, on the lower teeth.  I have this one stubborn bottom tooth that could not be corrected last time by braces because it was too slanted.  The metal bracket accidentally popped off while the wire was being placed.  It is pretty much straight now.  Below are the before and now pictures.

Before                               Now

First month                     Fourth month

The teeth are certainly better aligned now.  Today, I received the last 9 sets until the 25th pair.  I really am looking forward to complete this journey that I’ve started four months ago.  For now, I have gradually, yet surely, gained confidence to smile with the mouth open.  Till the next progress … 

30-day SOME BY ME Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner Challenge

This challenge is just for fun 😆.  After so many tries before, 30 days actually don’t mean much for a visible change, in my opinion.  But well, why not?

So, I’ve just got this that I bought from Shopee.  Where else?   

Reason for buying is because I’ve to look for an alternative to the Bodyshop Drops of Light essence lotion that has been discontinued.  I start applying today, 1st March 2022.  So my skincare routine changes slightly as below.

1. Morning face wash with kojic acid soap
2. Toning using SOME BY ME Yuja Niacin brightening toner
3. Eucerin booster serum (all over the face)
4. Eucerin ultrawhite spotless spot corrector (on the spots only)
5. Mosturise with existing Bodyshop Drops of Light day cream
6. Banana Boat 80+ SPF sunscreen (reapply twice during the day every about 4 hours)
7. Evening face wash with kojic acid soap
8. Toning using my existing Bodyshop Drops of Light essence lotion
9. The Ordinary apha arbutin 2% + HA serum (on the spots only)
10. The Raw arbutin 2% + niacinamide + glutathione serum (all over the face)

I start by applying in the morning only since this new toner contains niacinamide and I’m already applying The Raw niacinamide at night.  I will apply both morning and night when I run out of the Drops of Light essence lotion, which is expected to be soon.  On top of these, I also exfoliate my skin twice or thrice a week using existing Bodyshop Drops of Youth liquid peel that has already expired actually.  Let’s see if it gives me anything by 31st March.

Having gone this far with no really noticeable, consistent improvement, I have to admit that I’m dealing with super stubborn dark spots.  They like my face so much and just refuse to leave.

My spotless skincare routine

It has been almost four months since I started the journey to spotless.  I’ve been trying a number of different products and haven’t seen much improvement.  I am not that patient actually to wait for months before seeing the result of a product.  I would eagerly start to try another one when the one I’m using is not showing any improvement.  Because there are just too many in the market to choose from.  My bad.

However, I think I can now begin to have a skincare routine routine that I can stay with for a few months until I see the results or give up.

1. Morning face wash with kojic acid soap
2. Toning using my existing Bodyshop Drops of Light essence lotion
3. Eucerin booster serum (all over the face)
4. Eucerin ultrawhite spotless spot corrector (on the spots only)
5. Mosturise with existing Bodyshop Drops of Light day cream
6. Banana Boat 80+ SPF sunscreen (reapply twice during the day every about 4 hours)
7. Evening face wash with kojic acid soap
8. Toning using my existing Bodyshop Drops of Light essence lotion
9. The Ordinary apha arbutin 2% + HA serum (on the spots only)
10. The Raw arbutin 2% + niacinamide + glutathione serum (all over the face)

Plus a good night sleep.  I am not using any night cream for the moment to allow some time for the skin to breathe.  I usually sleep with aircond off, so it doesn’t cause any dryness.

Hope to see some positive results in a few months.  Although I am okay to wait for a year or two, the cost that comes along with it is something, especially for Bodyshop and Eucerin product lines.  Thanks to Shopee for making it more bearable.  Hope to be able to share good results soon!