Captains’ Log January 8
I’ve been breaking out a lot, and it’s most likely hormonal with a combination of overdoing it with skin care. I have a record number of pimples. So I started using this salicylic acid slow-release retinol oil by Dermaologica. I used it all over my face last night and the next morning I felt so dry. Unfortunately I had a bad night’s rest, so I wasn’t able to address my skin until tonight.
So here is my skin routine on the 8th day of 2024 Anno Domini:
1. Pre-tone with Avene toner
2. Pre-mask with Esfolio Aloe Vera gel
3. Sulhwasoo oil cleanse
4. Avene Cleanance gel cleanse
5. Post tone with rice toner
6. Essence 1 with Time Revolution
7. Essence 2 with Hanskin
8. Serum 1 Beauty of Joseon green tea
9. Serum 2 Beauty if Joseon propolis and niacinamide.
10. Post Mask with The Saem Shea Butter mask
11. Soon Jung Emulsion
12. Mixsoon bean essence
13. Beauty of Jeoson Dynasty cream
14. Cerave eye cream
15. Spot treat with Dermalogica retinol oil
16. Spot treat with Avene calming mask
It’s still an extensive facial. I went product heavy on the moisturizers. I hope I don’t clog my pores. I took the risk because I really felt the need to emphasize moisture tonight. I hope I wake up Dewey. Anyhow, I still spot treated the pimples and pimple marks. Go me!
Captains Log Jan 28
January 26 I began my journey with Medicube. So now my skin care routine is all over the place, because I have brand new products to introduce to my skin. That complicates my skin care steps because I am still trying to get a feel for what products absorbs better/sooner or later.
I’m still trying to stay true to my old routine (which my skin care had started responding too), and because I have a lot of those products left over.
However, my new Medicube routine is all over the place, save the cardinal four steps (aloe gel mask, double rinse, time revolution essence, and beauty of Joeson green tea, glow, or deep glow serums). Everything else is up in the air!
The above is all the products I have so far.
Day one: I introduced the Zero Pore pads, Triple Collagen serum, Triple Collagen Cream, and the red centella balm.
Day 2: I introduced the triple collagen toner. I did a twice a day skin care with 2x booster, with the morning routine incorporating my Saem face packs. I kept on with the other products from day one.
Future: I plan on boosting with my mixsoon bean essence. Once I get a permanent routine step schedule I will update you!
(Also, I went ahead and splurged on a second device; which I truly need)
The jelly I gave in to because of tik tok. The other two, I need especially for my nasolabial folds.
Captains log 2/6
This is post Niacinamide jelly day 1. I honestly believe the Medicube Boost device is made specifically for the jelly. That, or the jelly is a high quality product. I tried it last night (copious amounts) and this morning my skin woke up feeling slightly dry but not looking greasy at all (which is what it looks like when I try the triple collagen line).
I think I’m going to primarily use the jelly on days before I am going to a social event. It’ll give me the slightly tight and shiny but not oily look.
Update: I bought myself a LED therapy mask. I’ve known about red light therapy for years and years. Now we’ve been given a chance to experience this tech in an actual mask! Let me tell you that I’ve looked at a lot of them. This one is the one that matches my budget and it also has a few great things (rainbow selection) and it looks lightweight.
I originally wanted something with 1000 bulbs, but in retrospect maybe 280 is enough and also a good trial run for my skin. Why over-expose to light, when you can achieve your goals for less? This is my trial introduction red+ light mask and I think the number of bulbs, variety of lights, and budget are all up to my speed!
Journey started: 2/4 red light therapy
Notice how the light reaches my neck 👍🏻. The device is easy to set up. It’s really flush against my skin so I have to wonder the efficacy of that concentrated light spreading all over my face. It has a timer and the eye guards require me to mindfully pay attention to how my head tilts.
I am going to try to do this once every day. It does make my facial considerably longer. If I do red light in the morning, I will do another light at night (if I have the time). But for now I am sticking to red light!
Important dates
This section is dedicated to when I begin to use a new product (so that I can review it), and also when I begin to use refill products (so that I can keep track of how long it takes to run out)
1.
This is a cheaper replacement to my Esfolio Aloe mask. It’s 100 percent concentration and so much better. It’s lightweight, cooling, and it feels anti-inflammatory! It absorbs well too because my skin looks happy after an application.
Aloe Vera as a pre-mask sets my skin up for success. The Aloe Vera gives my skin a chance to calm down before I wash it off and begin my actual double cleanse routine. (Which is drying)
It is the second step to my skin care routine.
These are a beautiful way to hide scars. They only work best if it’s a newly formed pimple or about-to-form pimple. Not so great on full blown break out. But I like to use it as a spot treatment for earlier pimples at night, and as a concealer during the day! Super cute and pretty. Kpop feel too!!
This is the last step of my night routine.
Avene has been my heavyweight champion for years because of their optimized products for sensitive skin and truly healing properties. I originally started using this toner just as a toner.
Then I realized that it’s strong enough to wipe off makeup and the surface layer dirt of the day. So I now use this as my first step makeup remover/pre-toner. Its gentle and strong! Perfect for removing eye makeup too.
Bougie note: it’s water component hails from the springs in France
This is my official toner. It immediately absorbs into my skin that’s been bare and sensitive after it’s deep cleaning. I love it because it’s light weight and absorbs lightly. I am confident that it does what it’s supposed to do: which is prep the skin for the products to come!
Bougie note: it’s water/rice component hails from Yeoju, Korea.
Beauty of Joseon Green Tea serum
Restart date: 2/5
I will not be renewing this or any of the other Joseon serums, because I don’t see that they do much.
Captains Log: 2/5
I have to find a way to curb the inflammation and purging that’s happening to my skin because of the Medicare Pore Pad and Dermalogica salicylic acid retinol clearing oil. Research says to stick with it, and so I will.
I am decreasing how often I resurface (although I still switch up between the two). The pimple patches aren’t as effective on a motivated pimple.
Avene has always been a champion for my skin and so I don’t hesitate in trying new products, because I’m confident they’ll treat me right. The two above are marketed toward specifically calming down inflamed skin due to acne treatment. They moisturize intensively as well.
So now I have a set post-acne treatment hangover morning routine. I’m going to use both products, incorporate my light therapy mask, basic facial, and finish off using the cream with my Age-R device! Since this is an extensive morning routine, I’ve decided to do it on my days off, and pre-treat with acne products the night before. Yay!
Captains log 2/8
My skin is not liking the overdosed saturated products that I keep hitting it with. I have a record number of pimples and this is a hard stop.
1. Stop using zero pore pads (except for nose)
2. Minimal amount of products
3. Simplify my steps
Tonight: aloe no water, avene green wash, avene cleanance, rice toner only, mask, avene green lotion. Device tapping only (green lotion for redness)
I went heavy on the rich cream and toner, zero pore hard on my nares, and overall retinol oil. Let’s see what happens tomorrow
Captains log 2/20
So my face is finally looking well. Today I exposed myself to a thirty minute light therapy session (red, yellow, light blue). Then I exfoliated with mixsoon, did my usual rice toner, Time essence, green serum and rich toner, and ended with a hefty dollop of the niacinamide jelly. I didn’t mask today. My face feels okay. Only slightly heavy. Tomorrow I’m going to to red/blue and red/purple light therapy. It’s crossed my mind to eventually do a full 60 mins of light therapy.
Captains log 2/15
Initial: not strong, love gel
I’ll report back in 7 days
Umbrella term: sunscreen
Everyone in the skin care world states that the most important thing you can do for your skin is to apply sun screen before going out. Don’t be fooled by winter, rainy weather, or cloudy days. Sun damage can still occur in these states.
My belief in sunscreen is to choose something with minimal ingredients (such as mineral zinc only), choose the highest SPF possible, and to veer toward children’s products because they cater to sensitive skin. Get the highest protection with the lowest amount of ingredients which caters to sensitive skin.
In the summer I use a body sun screen along with a face sunscreen; both at SPF 100. Since it’s winter I’ve chosen to use 50 SPF whenever I know I’m going to go out all day.
So far I like this product because a little goes a very long way. It’s lightweight and odorless. It does give a slight white overcast that disappears quickly with some massaging into the skin. It feels light, and isn’t sticky. It’s a literal cream (almost within the realm of emulsion consistency). I must tell you that I don’t use this on days when I’m primarily indoors, or when I’m at work. This is my first Korean sun cream and I’m really satisfied with it!
Captains log March 15
This is a huge achievement. I wasn’t meaning to, but I’ve finally made my nightly skin care into not just a habit, but part of me. Like taking my meds. I know this because no matter how tired I am, I manage to give myself a nightly facial. My skin still needs resurfacing, and to fade my acne. But my overall skin is baseline glow!
Captains log March 19
I’m proud to say my break outs are at a minimal. I really do believe it’s because of the gasoline smelling Dermalogica retinol oil. I was being brave today and so I swatched my entire face with a zero pore pad. I believe in exfoliation. And now that my skin is peaceful I’m going to challenge it. At least once. I minimized on the products and focused mostly on allowing the zero pore pad to do its work. Update tomorrow!
Everything I’ve spent on costs a lot of money; but it’s also an investment. I want to give myself and my skin a fighting chance. I want to do my utmost best to stay youthful and healthy!
I will do my skin care as much as possible and drink more water. Eat cleaner. Change pillow cases all the time. Maybe invest in a night cap.
Speaking of night caps
That’s it for now! Expect an update on my results by my birthday. I did take a day one picture! I’ll also update this with reviews on my new products and devices. Ciao!
Jeonin & Majuning 
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