My Story & Routine in Detail: Updated Skin Care History

28 thoughts on “My Story & Routine in Detail: Updated Skin Care History”

1. 

   Hi John,

   Thanks for an amazing blog – I’m following all the way from Denmark 🙂

   I have a question for you concerning sunscreen. I see that you used The Paula’s Choice Recovery lotion with spf 15 at a point, but recently I read on your facebook, that you’re not that crazy about her sunscreens. I use the PC recovery with spf, because I have problems with slight rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and a bit of acne at the same time. Because of my skin conditions, I prefer a physical filter and a moisturizing spf, to deal with my (often flaky) sensitive skin.

   Can you recommend this sunscreen or would you use an other? I need something that my skin can tolerate, doesn’t break me out + it needs to work under make-up. Hope you can help, and keep up the great work!

   Anne M

   Posted by Anne M | June 17, 2013, 12:59 pm
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   • 

     Welcome, Anne!

     I’m glad to have you. 😉

     Yeah, I used that sunscreen WAY long ago, when I didn’t know much about sunscreens at all. But yes, none of PC’s sunscreens provide all that much stable sun protection. If you haven’t seen this already: https://thetriplehelixian.com/2013/05/19/massive-personal-changes-mini-giveaway-and-the-publishing-schedule-for-the-race-to-100-blog-completion/ in July and August, I’ll be publishing a comprehensive series of posts that will attempt to establish and cement what the “ideal” skin care routine should be, and everything you need to know about sunscreens. So stay tuned for that!

     As for the PC sunscreen, I’d recommend you find another one. There are actually quite a few sunscreens out there (at least in the US) that are both completely mineral based and cosmetically elegant, but provide significantly more UVA and UVB protection that anything that the PC brand has to offer. I have a lot of sunscreen recommendations that will be revealed in the Sun Protection Page (the part that will be published in August according to the schedule above). But really, since you’re in Denmark, I’d imagine that you have access to a lot of the more potent and stable UV filters that we in the US do not. You should definitely take advantage of that.

     Maybe consider listing a few brands that you’re interest in trying? It’d be more practical for me to recommend a sunscreen from a few lines, rather than from hundreds of them.

     Posted by John | June 17, 2013, 9:25 pm
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     • 

       Thank you so much for your reply!

       I’m thinking about diving into some of the french pharmacy brands – La Roche Posay for example. I tried La Roche Posay Anthelios before, but the sunscreen I used from the line (extreme fluide spf 50) had a lot of alcohol in it, and that unfortunately didn’t go well with the seborrhea and rosacea… But besides from the alcohol, they have great UVA and UVB protection and is always perfume free.

       On the other hand, I don’t mind getting skincare online from amazon etc., so if you know a great cosmetically elegant mineral sunscreen without alcohol and perfume, from any line really, that’d be great 🙂 It can be kind of hard for me to find a good sunscreen, because my skin is sensitive from the seborrhea and rosacea on one hand, but is acne-prone on the other hand too…

       Looking forward to the new posts in july and august, you really have a great blog.

       ps. and I guess if it’s good for sensitive skin, it doesn’t have to be a mineral one 🙂

       Posted by Anne M | June 18, 2013, 11:22 am
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         Yeah, LRP has quite a few great formulations, at least in terms of sun protection. Since you’re looking for something that works well under makeup (not greasy), but doesn’t contain alcohol, perhaps you should try the LRP ANTHELIOS SPF 50+ DRY TOUCH GEL-CREAM? I checked the Denmark version of the site, and it says that product is available. Because of the high silica content, it should have a pretty matte finish–something that correlates with the reviews. However, keep in mind that the silica content will result in a white cast to some degree.

         Hmm… yeah, I don’t really like recommending US sunscreens (the ones I’m most familiar with) to people outside of the US, just because you guys have access to so many stronger sunscreens and UV filters. I’d make no sense for me to recommend a sunscreen to you that provides less protection.

         I hope that helps a bit.

         Posted by John | June 19, 2013, 6:50 pm
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         • 

           I got the LRP dry touch spf 50 today and thought I would give you a little review in case you wanted to recommend it to others 🙂

           It has a great consistency, is not greasy at all and works well under make-up. It’s a tad drying, so unless you have very oily skin, you need a moisturizer underneath. I’m looking forward to test it a bit more and find out if my sensitive skin can take it….

           Thanks for your help!

           Posted by Anne M | June 20, 2013, 10:43 am
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           • 

             Yay! Glad to hear that it doesn’t seem to be too bad of a recommendation. 🙂

             Keep us updated with your experience, and I hope it works out.

             Posted by John | June 20, 2013, 2:10 pm
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2. 

   Hi John,

   You mentioned above that both the Paula’s Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner Skin Remodeling Complex (ARTC), which is the RESIST one that is one of the current bestsellers, along with the Moisture Boost Treatment Cream were not a good fit for you due to having dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis on your face. You also mentioned you have this condition on your scalp. Could you please share more about your hair/scalp routine/what you’ve found helpful in not aggravating the condition/hopefully calming it there too?

   Thanks for your time!

   Posted by MsFireGlow | June 10, 2013, 9:12 am
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     Yes, I’ve gotten that completely under control. However, it’s too complicated to get to everything here. But rest assured, I will be explaining everything in super detail when I post my updated routine, whose publishing date will follow according to the schedule that was established earlier last month: https://thetriplehelixian.com/2013/05/19/massive-personal-changes-mini-giveaway-and-the-publishing-schedule-for-the-race-to-100-blog-completion/

     I hope you can wait until then because really, it involves a lot more than just trying a few new products!

     Posted by John | June 10, 2013, 1:41 pm
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     • 

       Ok. Wow! Thank you so much for posting that link and sharing it with me in a reply. I’m still relatively new to your site, but tend to comb through the same pages multiple times or look at the same information from different angles/focusing on different pieces. So I missed that (newer) page, which I found to be a very helpful detailed update (and enjoyable to read). I had read elsewhere that updates to the “ideal routine” would happen *someday* but had no idea how extensive and thorough it would be! Or that there was a more definitive timetable and what that would be/look like. Sounds like it’s worth the wait! 😀 And apparently, now on my agenda this summer is to take an intensive/more in depth skin care overview from your site 😉 I’m excited, feeling like I picked a good time to want to learn more 😀

       Congrats on the new job!! That’s great. I’m looking forward to Jumbo July (with focuses on various skin types like acne, rosacea and sensitive skin), learning about sunscreens in August, the Skin & Lifestyle page, and the My Makeup Routine page specifically too. Personally, I like foundation from Jane Iredale and it’s rare to see reviews about her foundations/the ingredients online. Anyway, I’m really glad I found your site before all the new information is coming because I’ve had time to get the background/oriented 😉

       That all being said, I want to make sure I clarify that my original question was actually about something I’m not sure if you were planning to address elsewhere (and I still feel that way even after looking at the link). For me, dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis is far worse of an issue on my scalp than on my face. As far as I can tell, I am fine with the RESIST toner. I haven’t tried the Moisture Boost Treatment Cream yet, but recently got a sample just to try out of curiosity (I started trying Paula’s Choice samples about a month ago). If you hadn’t mentioned you also struggle with this condition on your scalp, I’m not sure that I would’ve asked the question, but the scalp is the skin under our hair and seems to be the only skin you have yet to address (you’ve got the face and body covered!)

       Given that I think I have similar goals for the type of products I want to use as you, I was curious how you address your scalp condition/what you’ve learned. I feel much more well-informed on skincare than I used to be, but still feel frustrated/confused when it comes to scalp care/how to keep it happy/how to feel confident/informed regarding hair products that affect the scalp. I recently had the weirdest scalp reaction ever to a shampoo (that was used on me at a salon before getting a haircut) and I’d like to learn from that experience also. I was able to go back a different day and find/double check the product name (I think), as well as check out its ingredients, but I’m rather stumped as to where to go from here. The most confusing part in my opinion is that after my scalp was acting extra weird, it possibly got some measure of better and I don’t know for sure if that means the product is bad for me or good or a combination of bad (irritating) ingredients, as well as helpful ones. Any advice, personal experience or links you could share would be appreciated. If you weren’t planning to, it would be nice to see you cover this topic at some point in the future. I’m just wondering if you could give me any basic guidance in the meantime. One thing I haven’t tried yet is looking at each of the ingredients in the shampoo on beautypedia. I could potentially see that as being helpful/a way to learn a little more.

       Posted by MsFireGlow | June 10, 2013, 5:03 pm
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         Sure, you’re welcome! I guess the visibility of that post isn’t THAT great. I placed it as the “flag” photo on the very right side of the website. Maybe it’s not eye-catching enough?

         As for the scalp, I admit that my knowledge when it comes to that part of the skin, pales (considerably!) in comparison that for to the rest of the body. I feel like it’s because there’s just so little research and product variability out there. I probably know a little more about the scalp than the average person, but not much more. I likely know about as much as any other “well-informed” person.

         I mean, for dandruff/SB, I wouldn’t know much other than to recommend the traditional treatments, and that is to try things like: the azole-family of antifungals (many of which are only available by prescription), OTC remedies like tar, hydroxy acids (lactic and/or salicylic), retinoids, zinc pyrithione, selenium disulfide, etc… I’ve heard anecdotal treatment with apple cider vinegar and baking soda, but haven’t seen any research to support its use for dandruff/SB.

         To be continued…

         Okay.. well this going to be rather anti-climatic considering how I long it took me to get to finishing this comment. Lol! Anyways, I have all the data in front of me via several dermatology textbooks. I just haven’t had the time to get to them. Since the blog is mostly focused on skin care, rather than scalp and hair care, the latter category has just kind of been neglected. But I promise, I’ll eventually get around to writing something a bit more comprehensive for scalp and possibly hair care.

         In the meantime, I’d be happy to discuss any specific issues you’re having, and/or products you’ve tested out and have/have not worked for you in terms of treating your dandruff.

         Posted by John | June 12, 2013, 12:29 pm
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         • 

           I’ve had a good experience with Neutrogena T-gel products, but it’s hard on my hair. My scalp seems to just get more itchy with zinc especially, and possibly also selenium. I don’t recall the azole- family shampoo from the dermatologist years ago having much effect, but perhaps it was something I needed to stick with for a longer period of time to see results. The shampoo I recently had an odd reaction to (only used one time before a haircut at a salon) is Paul Mitchell’s Shampoo Three/Clarifying Shampoo.

           This is the ingredient list I got from Amazon:

           Ingredients
           Water (Eau, Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Urea, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Thiosulfate, Bisamino PEG/PPG 41/3 Aminoethyl PG Propyl Dimethicone, Glutamine, Tyrosine (L-Tyrosine), Leucine, Cysteine HCl, Glycine, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey Root), Plantago Major, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Protein, PEG 12 Dimethicone, Sodium Borate, Sulfated Castor Oil, Magnesium Carbonate (CI 77713), Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA (Copper),

           Ingredients
           Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Fragrance, Limonene

           Now my understanding is this is not intended or recommended to be a regular shampoo, but is more intense like a treatment/intended for weekly or “as needed” use. It did sort of seem to possibly detox my hair and scalp. My haircolor seemed more vibrant/less dull after use (possibly from removing chlorine/other buildup) and my scalp seemed to go through some weird phases, but ultimately this shampoo may have helped get some heavy duty build up off my scalp. I’m intimidated while being intrigued by this shampoo. Basically I remember two spots on the base of my scalp (left and right) as well as a spot above my left ear scaling up more/being itchy/maybe exfoliating more and as I impulsively tried to scratch the flakiness, those three spots started feeling liquidy, which at first I thought the stylist didn’t clean/dry my hair thoroughly and then realized I only started noticing that after scratching/not before and I have a habit of playing with my hair after a new haircut. The scalp is smoother in those spots, but to get there was rather intense so I’m both afraid to try it again and curious if I could continue to notice more results with cautious use.

           Thank you for your time and your thoughts. They are much appreciated.

           Posted by MsFireGlow | June 16, 2013, 11:28 pm
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           • 

             Yeah, most dandruff treatments tend to be quite drying, not so much because the active ingredient itself is drying (though some can be); rather it’s because you’re supposed to leave it in your hair for a long(er) time and rub it into the scalp. Therefore, the surfactants have more time to work and strip your scalp, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the individual.

             As to why you had that reaction, it could be several things. It could be a reaction to the essential oil contents, which depending on the oil, may help or worsen the condition via direct interaction or ingredient penetration. But it’s most likely the urea content, as that acts as a non-acidic exfoliant. The “liquid” was probably just a coagulation of dead cells, shampoo, oil, buildup, etc… which is why after that was removed, your scalp felt smoother. But who really knows, right? I’m honestly just throwing out ideas that could potentially explain what happened, to just give you a better grasp of what may be going on.

             I’d suggest giving that shampoo another try to see how your condition improves/worsens. That may give us a clue on how to proceed. Have you asked a dermatologist what to do?

             Posted by John | June 17, 2013, 9:09 pm
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3. 

   Hi John,

   A question about the Shiseido sunscreen: do you need a makeup remover or double cleansing to remove it? I heard they are notoriously difficult to remove since they are sweat/water resistant.

   Just found your blog and FutureDerm and love both!

   Grace

   Posted by Grace | March 14, 2013, 10:52 am
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     I’m glad to have you join us!

     As for the sunscreen, I actually just use a regular facial cleanser; it removes everything with one wash. In my current routine, I’ve stopped using most of the products listed on the blog. As noted, I have been using a different routine as of around September of last year. I’m still perfecting the routine, but it will be posted after my Ideal Routine Page is complete (which will have 30 separate parts!). But anyways, while I’ve changed a lot of things, one of the few that I haven’t changed is my cleanser: the Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Cleanser. It does an excellent job of cleansing the skin, removing sunscreen and makeup, without being drying. I just have to massage my face for a bit longer than usual, perhaps 20-30 seconds instead of 10-15. But it does everything I need it to.

     Again, welcome to the club!

     Posted by John | March 14, 2013, 8:03 pm
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4. 

   What do you do with your routine when you have to travel? What do you take along/have to have, and what do you streamline (if anything)?

   Posted by Lisa | June 22, 2012, 9:36 pm
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   • 

     Cleanser: I pour the cleanser into a smaller container so it doesn’t get tossed by TSA.
     Toner: Same for the toner. Depending on the weather and/or where I’m going, I’ll opt for the SB one if it’s warmer/more humid, or the RESIST one if it’s colder/drier.
     Exfoliant: I take just the 2% SA and 5% GA.
     Moisturizer: I take the PC Super Antioxidant Serum, and the PTR Retinol Serum.
     Lip Balm: I use the Jack Black Lip Balm both day and night.
     Sunscreen: I of course, take my beloved Shiseido SPF 55 Sunscreen.
     *Body Wash: I’ll grab a Philosophy Shower Gel.
     *Body Moisturizer: Like the toner, depending on the climate, I’ll take the PC one if it’s hotter, and the Olay one if it’s colder.

     *Both body products, because of their sizes, go into my check-in bag if I’m flying. The rest go into my carry-on bag.

     Hope that helps!

     Posted by John | June 23, 2012, 3:26 pm
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     • 

       Wow, that’s detail (why am I surprised, it’s John Su!)! Hm…do you ever just go with a carry-on bag?

       Posted by Lisa | June 24, 2012, 12:30 pm
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       • 

         Really? I thought it was pretty straightforward! Oh well. Yeah, there have been a few times where a check-in bag wasn’t necessary. For example, if the trip is short. Since only my hair and body products go into my check-in bag, if can do without one, I’ll make sure that wherever I’m staying has complementary shampoo/body washes available; whether I’m going to a friend’s house, or a hotel, or inn, etc. But everything else remains the same.

         Posted by John | June 24, 2012, 4:47 pm
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         • 

           Oh, it IS straightforward; I didn’t mean that it was complicated; just more detailed than I expected (and really, I shouldn’t be surprised since you always take the time to be detailed, which I love!)

           Posted by Lisa | June 24, 2012, 10:24 pm
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             Haha I know! I was just being a nuisance. xD

             Posted by John | June 25, 2012, 1:36 am
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5. 

   Happy Saturday, John!

   I was wondering why you don’t use PC Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum w/ Retinol. Paula used to market it as a mattifying serum but removed “mattifying” from the product name when she changed the packaging recently. I recall you mentioning that you have quite oily skin.

   I’m interested because I use SBSACS in the morning, and RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum OR RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum in the evening. I’m open to paring down my routine! 🙂

   Posted by BooBooNinja | May 19, 2012, 6:21 pm
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   • 

     Well I don’t use the Skin Balancing one because since I use the RESIST serum both morning and evening, I want something that’s more heavy on the vitamin C and E, which the RESIST has. Furthermore, the Skin Balancing one contains retinol, which will be inactivated by sunlight, so that’s really a waste. Also, considering that Paula now came out with a special “retinol” serum, I’m assuming that both the Skin Balancing and Skin Recovery Concentrate Serums don’t contain that much retinol. Probably around .1%-.2%. So yeah, the RESIST one is overall just a much better product!

     I’d say that for you, use the RESIST during the day and the retinol serum at night. No need for the Skin Balancing one.

     Posted by John | May 19, 2012, 11:43 pm
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     • 

       Awesome! Just what I needed to hear. 🙂
       I just spent the entire evening writing up my skin care routine for you. (Yes. I am lame.) I will go back and edit it to reflect your recommendation. It will make it seem like I knew to use the retinol stuff at night all along. muah haa haa haa. I am a genius! (who needs sleep.)

       Posted by BooBooNinja | May 20, 2012, 12:47 am
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         Haha! Nice job! Glad to hear you got some positive info from that advice.

         Posted by John | May 20, 2012, 10:43 am
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6. 

   Hi John,

   Why don’t you use a cleanser in the morning?
   I’m curious if you could take a look at my routine (with lots of PC stuff) and tell me what you think of it.
   Would you have time for that?

   Posted by BooBooNinja | February 20, 2012, 5:12 pm
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   • 

     Hi Ninja,

     I do use cleanser in the morning! This is just a list of updates, not my actual updated skin care. If you see, there’s a page titled “My Story & Routine?” That’s where I will update my routine now and in the future. My current routine has been updated there! This particular post just states what I specifically changed. For example, I removed a particular product and then I said why. Or I replaced a product with another one, and then I gave the reason why.

     Also, you’ll see that there’s a date on top of this post, which indicates when I implemented these changes. Future changes will still be on this post. I will of course, notify everyone either through Twitter, Faceook, email, and featured posts/notifications when that occurs. I hope everything is very clear now.

     Please let me know if you still have questions, because if you do, others may as well. I want to make sure there are no misconceptions or confusion.

     Posted by John | February 20, 2012, 5:49 pm
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     • 

       I get it now. 🙂
       Thanks!

       Posted by BooBooNinja | February 20, 2012, 6:16 pm
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       • 

         Yay! Let’s hope everyone else gets it too.

         Posted by John | February 20, 2012, 6:31 pm
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