Skin Care Update

Last month, I did a post about Korean skin care.

Since then, I’ve tweaked my routine to more closely match the Soko Glam 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine.

Let’s talk products.

Step One: Oil Cleanser

I mentioned in my last post my fear that Pacifica Super Flower Rapid Response Face Oil wasn’t meant to be used as a cleanser.

I may have been right.

The oil smells really good and is a pretty blueish color, but it goes on really thick and takes a while to rinse off.

Because of this, I switched it out for Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil.

In terms of thickness, the jojoba oil falls midway between the very thin rice water cleanser I used to use and the flower face oil.

It rinses off a little bit better but still leaves somewhat of a residue.

I may or may not buy this product again.

 

Step Two: Water-based Cleanser

I read somewhere that micellar water works more like an oil-based cleanser.

I am too anxious to investigate this further.

I HAD A HARD ENOUGH TIME FINDING AN OIL CLEANSER. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ME FIND AN ALTERNATIVE WATER-BASED PRODUCT.

I am currently using Safeway’s Signature Care Micellar Cleansing Water because it’s slightly cheaper than Simple or Garnier and you get more of it.

It works pretty well. I prefer the way Simple’s product left my skin feeling.

I can always switch back.

 

Step Three: Exfoliator

I am still using Yes to Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap, though I’ve switched to using it twice a week instead of every day. As a result, my skin is less red and irritated! Hooray!

I like this product for the most part. At the very least, it doesn’t irritate my skin. That’s good enough for me.

 

Step Four: Toner

I started using Thayers Facial Toner. It DOESN’T burn, it’s a bit thicker than the last toner I used (likely because of the aloe vera), and it has a very distinctive smell.

I like to think my other products work better after I use Thayers, which is the main purpose of toner.

So…good job, toner!

 

Step Five: Essence

I BOUGHT ANOTHER PACIFICA PRODUCT ON A WHIM BECAUSE I WANTED TO SEE IF ESSENCES WERE WORTH THE HYPE.

I purchased Pacifica Coconut Essence Hydro Mist. It works for all skin types and contains caffeine.

I LOVE HOW MY SKIN FEELS AFTER I USE THIS PRODUCT.

UNFORTUNATELY, the coconut oil CLOGS MY PORES.

I’M SO BUMMED.

I will probably stop using this product and find a replacement that doesn’t make me break out.

 

Step Six: Treatments

I skipped this step before because I wasn’t sure how to navigate boosters, serums, and ampoules.

Thankfully, I recognized two superstar skin care ingredients in Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Serum + Vitamin C. THROW IT IN THE CART.

This product goes on light and smooth. It reminds me of Sam Maggs’ recommended “snail goo” in the best possible way.

I also started using the Pacifica Super Flower Rapid Response Face Oil as an additional treatment and it seems to be working better. I probably wouldn’t buy it again, though.

 

Step Seven: Sheet Masks

I bought an Oh K! Avocado Sheet Mask as a test.

On the plus side: my skin felt very moist and dewy.

On the negative side: when I say “moist,” I mean very moist. Uncomfortably so. I felt shiny.

I didn’t use this mask in conjunction with my more recently-purchased products, though. Maybe sheet masks work better as part of a routine.

 

Step Eight: Eye Cream

Would you believe my eye cream no longer burns after I started exfoliating properly?

Also, I now use eye cream ONLY on my orbital bone.

I have noticed a reduction in puffiness.

As such, I bought a refill of Burt’s Bees Sensitive Eye Cream.

My skin is returning to normal. We are the virus.

 

Step Nine: Moisturizer

I still love Clean & Clear Watermelon Gel Moisturizer. That is all.

 

Step Ten: Sun Protection

I’ve been treating this as an optional step, as I barely go outside these days.

Walgreens 50 Sensitive Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen UVA/UVB works okay. It has a lighter formula than the last sunscreen I used and doesn’t leave my skin feeling as greasy.

I would still like to find a sunscreen that goes on dry and feels more like a lotion.

 

I’M STILL BUMMED ABOUT THE ESSENCE.

This is very much a “learn as you go” process.

Unrelated: one of my coworkers is returning to work, which means I may be getting a phone call soon.

I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING TO WORK.

If and when I do, my skin care routine will go into overdrive.

Stay tuned.