Road to Makkah

Alhamdulillah, it's our turn to perform Hajj this year, 1444H/2023M.  Our turn was supposed to be last year, which was delayed due to COVID-19.  Didn't expect it to come so soon actually, considering no Hajj in 2020 and 2021, and half the quota in 2022.  Nevertheless, Alhamdulillah.  We are ready, Insya-Allah.  I've been making the necessary preparations, including walking for about 8 km a day to get me physically used to walking back and fro the Jamrahes for four days in Mina.  May Allah ease.

Today’s 8 km

I am also testing the performance of the mineral sunscreen that I'm planning to use there.  It's the Supergoop Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40.  So far so good.  Looking fine after 2 hours of walking and sweating under the morning sun.  It is a tinted sunscreen but leaves neither lines nor cast.

Passed the challenge

L’OREAL Glycolic Bright two-week challenge

It has been some time since I last share about my skincare journey.  It has been a mixture of feelings and achievements actually.  Confused and wonder why none of the many products that I have tried and finished is giving significant results.  There were even breakouts, resulting in more darkspots.  Sigh.  Overall, I’d say that my skin is in better condition now, although the spots that I want to get rid off are still there.  They fade very slowly and are very stubborn like me.

I’m leaving for Ho Chi Minh City in two-week time for a work trip and I think it would be a good idea to start a new challege that will end by then.  So, I found this two-week L’Oreal Glycolic Bright challenge, a new set of products from L’Oreal to combat dark spots.  It comprises cleanser, serum, day cream and night cream.  I’m going to get myself the trial set, which is already pricey for me.

The trial set.

Looking forward to a brighter me in Ho Chi Minh City :). If not, hopefully it doesn’t get any worse than now.

Sunscreen and sunblock

Eversince becoming conscious with hyperpigmentation, sunscreen has become my best company.  It is important to prevent new pigments from forming while treating the existing ones, though I’m fully aware that sun is not its only cause.  Searching for one that really suits my requirements is challenging though.  Some sting the eyes and skin, some leave white cast and pill.  

The sunscreen below is one of my favourites that I’ve used up completely, twice.  It’s Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++.  It is always satisfying to be able to use up everything till the very last bit of it.  Worth every penny.  But I’ve changed to another brand as this one gives me glossy finish.  

Finished!

From this journey, I also learn about the differences between suncreen and sunblock.  In short, sunscreen is chemical and should be put on 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure.  The protection is via the reaction between the chemical ingredients and the skin.  Sunblock is physical and adds another layer of protection upon application.  Thus, you can apply it right before sun exposure.

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.