During the first few months since I have been diagnosed with BP, I’ve
been less dedicated on spending time doing my evening skincare routine as I
always allot more time in doing facial exercises and massages to stimulate my
facial nerves (#priorities). Now, several months later, there are still days
that I don’t follow my full evening routine due to the same reason and also
because I simply just wanted to rest and sleep more (because honestly, skincare
routine in general can be time consuming). It’s been more than a year since I
posted my evening skincare routine, so I’ll be sharing my updated and simplified
evening routine. 💜
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Original)
Oil-based cleansers help remove all
oil-based products in our skin such as make-up, excess sebum, sunscreen, as
well as pollutants. This step is also for those who don’t wear anything (make-up)
on their face at all! It is best to consider a mild yet effective oil-based
cleanser in removing makeup and dirt without causing irritation.
Currently, I went back to the
first-ever oil-based cleanser that I tried which is the Banila Co. Clean It
Zero (Original). I was curious because they have repackaged and reformulated
the product. The scent is still the same and it still does not sting my eyes or
give me irritation which is pretty much the same like the Heimish All Clean
Balm, but the only thing that I noticed is that the Clean It Zero texture
glides onto my face more smoothly.
Step 2: Water-based
cleanser
Neogen Real Fresh Foam Cleanser (Green Tea)
Water-based
cleansers eliminate water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. It is also
worthy to consider using a water-based cleanser that is SLS (sodium
lauryl/laureth sulfate)-free, a foaming agent which may cause skin irritation.
I LOVE
GREEN TEA and NEOGEN. The Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser is just like their
cleansing stick just that it is in liquid form. The Real Fresh Foam Cleanser is
packed with fermented green tea extracts which gently cleanses and refreshes
the skin. I personally prefer foam
cleansers after using the one from Neogen because – just like gel and stick
cleansers – I need not to cut the packaging in half just to consume the product
entirely (which I normally do with cream-like cleansers). It also makes the
second step much easier to lather since it is foamy already.
Step 3: Moisture
pads
Neogen Real Cica Pads
As previously mentioned, I LOVE
NEOGEN (hahaha! 😆) and as much as possible, I wanted to try all their products because it is no doubt that they didn’t compromised the quality, although some of its
products are quite expensive for me. However, this specific product was just
within my budget and I immediately ordered it upon its availability here in PH
because my favorite skincare enthusiasts loved it.
The Neogen Real Cica Pads was recently
launched by Neogen in early 2018. It is a skin-calming pad soaked in cica (aka
centella asiatica) essence which smooths and soothes the skin and PHA
(polyhydroxy acids) which is a peeling ingredient but less than irritating than
the AHA’s and BHA’s (if you want to know more about it, check my
co-junkie’s related article here). This makes the product safe to use
every day because of its gentle properties. I love how the cica pads really
take out excess dirt after I double cleanse, not to mention that a single pad
is really soaked with rich essence such that I can wipe it across my face for a
couple of more minutes without drying faster than using a regular cotton pad
and toner.
Step 4: Eye cream
Benton Fermentation Eye Cream
I have naturally dark circles
and crow’s feet around my eyes, yet after learning and incorporating the Korean
skincare routine, I would still always try to remind myself to religiously use
eye cream every night to help reduce the dark circles and puffiness in a way.
The Benton Fermentation Eye Cream contains bifida ferment lysate and
galactomyces ferment filtrate which help repair skin damage. Ceramides,
hyaluronic acid, aloe, and panthenol also complements the fermented ingredients
resulting to a deeply hydrated skin.
I love how it comes in a tube
for hygienic purposes, although one thing that I just noticed recently is that
when your eyes tear up* a little bit, the eye cream tends to sting around the
area. (*Shout out to Along With the Gods:
The Two Worlds for it was the reason why I cried! LOL)
Step 5: Moisturizer
Nature Republic Aloe Vera
92% Soothing Gel
The Nature Republic Aloe Vera
92% Soothing Gel is the only constant product in my whole skincare routine
since 2017 and I always make sure that I have an extra of this because you cannot
run out of the A/S gel! While some moisturizers have thick consistency, this
one is lightweight and not sticky. What's to love more about this product is
that it is multi-purpose as well! It can be used as a body lotion, hair mask or
soothe allergies and sunburns. While the product has an alcohol content, I
really don’t mind because my skin is not drying out and/or experiencing any
irritations and breakouts because of it. Not to mention that it is also one of
the cheapest moisturizers out in the market and endorsed by EXO! 💙
Step 6: Lip balm
Nivea Med Repair, Carmex Classic Medicated Lip Balm
Lip balm
is really not included in the Korean skincare routine but a lot of skincare
enthusiasts incorporate it because lip balm protects lips from getting dry and
chapped (specially on cold nights). It also provides extra moisture on the lips.
Currently, I am using two lip balms namely the Nivea Med Repair SPF 15 and
Classic Carmex Medicated Lip Balm. Whenever my lips are chapped, I would always
reach out the one from Carmex because it feels like an ointment for the lips
because it contains camphor and menthol to soothe and protect flaking lips.
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
While you may think that six steps might still be a little bit overwhelming, maybe you can stick with steps 1 to 3 followed by 5. Personally, I advise that you follow steps 1 and 2 which are collectively called as the double cleansing routine as these steps are the ones you cannot skip!
Gomawo!
(probably) one of the frustrated Song Hye Kyos,
Abby 💗
