Originally posted on Instagram on August 24, 2018 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm2gnA4BcCd/
I started using Differin about two weeks ago and so far, I’ve used it for two nights (third time later tonight) with a three-day break in between. I’ve been really scared (and still am) to use it but I am holding on to its ability to prevent clogged pores and acne, increase cell turnover and decrease breakdown of collagen.⠀
Although it is said that Differin is more tolerable and gentle compared to other retinoids, side effects are to be expected - flaky skin, dryness, redness, itchiness and purging. And the purging is real! I am seeing blemishes popping out mostly on my chin area and this is what worries me. My skin behaves, dare I say it, generally well with occasional mild breakouts every now and then and clogged pores that don’t bother me so much. And I find myself constantly asking, is it worth it to cause my skin to purge when I’m pretty okay with my skin? I know that things will eventually get better but it just kinda feels like I am undoing the care and effort I’ve invested in my skin, you know what I mean?⠀
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Aside from purging, I am also experiencing dryness but only in the chin area. No flaking, redness or itchiness yet probably because I am taking things slowly, trying to manage and lessen the side effects.⠀
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If you’ve used (or are using) Differin, I would really appreciate it if you could share your experience with me. ⠀
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• Evening Routine with Differin •⠀
#HADALABO Gokujyun Light⠀
#COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence⠀
#MayCoop Raw Sauce *⠀
#Differin Gel⠀
#Purito Green Level Buffet Serum + Eye Cream *⠀
#Missha Near Skin Total Ceramide Cream⠀
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* PR/Giveaway⠀
UPDATE POST: Originally posted on Instagram on September 17, 2018 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn1QMMjn5As/
Haven’t posted a routine rundown in a while but this bunch here is what I’ve been using for the past three weeks, more or less. I always try to stick with the same products for periods of time and limit switching things up to really gauge their effectiveness and also lessen the possibility of irritation.⠀
⠀• DIFFERIN UPDATE •⠀
I’m on my fourth week of using Differin and I’ve increased application from twice a week to every other day. Since I’ve been using it more often, I’ve decided to apply it towards the end of my routine, usually before my moisturizer to dilute the product a bit vs applying it on freshly cleansed skin (which I actually haven’t tried - I’m too scared).⠀
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So far, purging has calmed down but I still get a blemish here and there and they’re still concentrated around the nose and chin area. My purging was at its worst around 2.5 weeks into Differin and I ended up wearing FIVE blemish patches at a time. It was absolutely discouraging and I came to a point where I was considering to back out of a big work event that required me interact with a lot of guests. I know it sounds silly and superficial but it is hard when it starts to affect your confidence. Thankfully, my breakouts calmed down the night before the event!⠀
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My skin is generally okay right now, except for two stubborn blemishes on both sides of my nose. I think I will have to see a derm since I’ve had them for weeks now and one of them is actually older - probably about two months old already. My nose area is also drier now. The other day, I didn’t get to apply my skincare products right after cleansing and I noticed that my skin in that area was cracked and flaky. But the texture improved after my routine. One good thing that I noticed is that some of my blackheads have disappeared which doesn’t really happen to me despite regular use of BHA and unless I pick on it. So I’m glad that I am seeing an actual improvement from Differin! ⠀
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I will continue using Differin, I’m just not sure if I will complete the recommended use period of 12 weeks. I think I can do another 4 weeks. Hoping to see more improvement!
Products I’ve been using post-cleanse:
#Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner in Rose Petal#Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Toner *
#COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
#Purito Green Level Buffet Serum
Leegeehaam Vita-Propolis Ampoule
#Cremorlab Shadow-Off Eye Cream
#Missha Near Skin Total Ceramide Cream
For mornings:
#FaceRepublic Super Screen Sun Gel SPF 50+ *
For evenings:
#Aveda Tulasāra Wedding Masque
#COSRX Centella Blemish Cream
* Provided by the brand
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