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.

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 …