Spotless journey update 1

I started this journey to spotless face some time in November 2021.  I don’t consistently update about the progress as I didn’t really see much of it.  I didn’t have the time to really care about the spots during Hajj and then busy adapting to the middle eastern weather at the new place.  After some time, I resumed the spotless skincase routines, adding new dark spot serum and mosturiser that I’ve never tried before because they’re not available in Malaysia.

After more than two years, I think the improvement is becoming visible.  Photo on the left is the condition at the start of the journey and the one on the right is the condition now.  I’ve tried almost everything.  Products that contain Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid, Vitamin C, Salicylic and Glycolic acids.  So, I don’t really have a regime that I can recommend.

Then (left) and now (right)

Hopefully it will be gone completely soon.  I don’t mind waiting for another two years for that :)

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.

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.

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.