So I was scrolling through my gallery and came across this photo I randomly took a year ago, and the difference in my skin surprised me so I thought I’d share.
Up until last year, my skincare routine was pretty much just slapping on some Cetaphil and calling it a day. The reason I started getting into skincare was pretty random—one day, I just felt like I wasn’t taking care of my skin enough, and out of nowhere, I felt this sudden urgency to start. So, it was kind of an impulsive decision lol. Anyway, so I decided to focus on my skin and started trying different products recommended by skincare Youtubers. Over the past year, I’ve used various products, but the main ones I consistently stuck with were vitamin C, niacin amide, and retinol. Then, about two months ago, I switched from Retinol to Tretinoin (0.05%).
I wasn’t expecting to see such a big difference, but the other day I randomly took a side profile photo and was kinda blown away by the improvement in my skin. The hyperpigmentation has faded so much, my overall skin tone is brighter and more even, and those stubborn dark spots have lightened up.
This is kind of shocking and I can’t believe I used to look the way it did last year lol! I like the progress so far. Btw both photos were taken without any filter, just with an iPhone camera.
TL;DR: Started a proper skincare routine a year ago, using products like vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol, then switched to Tretinoin (0.05%) two months ago. Just realized how much my skin has improved—hyperpigmentation faded, skin tone evened out, and dark spots lightened.
Here’s my routine. I tend to adjust and add different products depending on my skin’s condition, but this is my usual routine for dry skin:
**Morning:
Wash with lukewarm water
Aestura Hydro Essence
Purador Vitamin C Serum
Torriden Hyaluronic Acid Serum
2sol Niacinamide20 (used to use The Ordinary niacinamide serum, but this is way better)
Moisturize with Bioderma Intensive Baume
**Evening:
On days I wear makeup: double cleanse with entree yam root cleansing milk and Torriden cleansing foam
On no-makeup days: wash with lukewarm water
The Lab by Blanc Doux Oligo ultra low-molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner
Torriden Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Tretinoin 0.05% → read below
Finish with either Bioderma Intensive Baume or Bioderma Cicabio Pommade(I use this on days when my skin feels drier than usual)
**Sunscreen
For chemical sunscreen, I use LRP Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen. For minerals, I use LRP Anthelios Light Fluid Mineral Sunscreen.
Also, I apply Tretinoin every other day, not every day. On the days I don’t use Tretinoin, I apply a thin layer of Abib Jericho Rose Cream instead of the Tret. I started using it because I saw some skincare YouTubers using and recommending it, and I liked it so much that I’m already on my second tube.
I also spray Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist throughout the day whenever my skin feels dry. This product is such a holy grail for me. I’ve tried out numerous facial mists, including the famous d’Alba one, but this has been the best for my dry skin. Also, I do face mask sheets at least once a week!
Do you use sunscreen in the morning after the Bioderma Baume? If not you really should, especially with tretinoin as it makes skin very sensitive to the sun. If you need something moisturizing at the end of your routine, La Roche Posay makes a version of cicaplast with SPF. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter Illiyoon also has an SPF that is great for dehydrated skin. I use Tret and it’s my go-to winter sunscreen!
Where do you get your 365 Cream Mist and the 2sol Niacinamide20? I didn’t see them on YesStyle. And also, where do you get the Bioderma Cicabio Pommade? I saw there’s also a Cicabio Creme, so I’m guessing that’s different.
You already had amazing skin to begin with (I would kill to have your BEFORE photo haha), but the After is just WOW!!!
I am acne prone so I don’t like to experiment with products lest I end up with a face full of PIH / PIE which will take months to fade! I KNOW Tret will probably be good for my skin type but I am just too scared to risk!
Wait so the days you don’t wear makeup you just wash with water morning and evening? Do you have dry skin? That’s the only way I could imagine you being able to get away with that, I’d be breaking out without washing at least in the evening.
Yeah, my skin’s pretty dry, so on days when I don’t wear makeup or sunscreen, I just rinse only with water. Cleansers tend to dry my skin out even more.
