I’m so sorry but I’m going to have to push back the publication date of the Ideal Routine and Sun Protection pages yet again. By an entire month, once again. God, my promises mean nothing. What kind of person does this make me? And I have no excuse except to say that I underestimated how taxing my new job is. It’s completely my fault.
Including travel and getting ready, work is pretty much from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM. I do get to write during my lunch break, thankfully. When I get back home, I have to respond to personal emails, comments, cook dinner, prepare the next day’s lunch, workout to keep myself healthy, and of course shower and get ready for bed. I’m usually asleep around 1:00 AM. So I really don’t have too much time to write on the weekdays. Fortunately, I do get to write around 12 hours per day on the weekends and catch up on my sleep. It’s a ton of work, but it’s manageable.
But I don’t think I can do it anymore. Starting last week, I had to take some of my work home. A lot of it involves improving my knowledge of computer coding and database management. I have to learn pretty advanced HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and a bit of .NET and and .PHP. Before, I was already hard-pressed for time. But now it’s overwhelming.
And I wish I was one of those people who could survive on very little sleep. But I need at least 6+ hours every night in order to survive the week. Since I can’t get that, I make it up on the weekends. But there’s just too much writing to be done in the time remaining. I mean, the cleanser section alone has almost 7,000 words. Other than the section for toners, that is the smallest portion of the Ideal Routine page.
So again I apologize, and I KNOW this blog is SO outdated. I feel horrible. Obviously, I’m not going to be able to finish all the missing pages of the blog by the next anniversary. The last three pages will just have to wait until after. Again, I’m so sorry.
As for the updated publishing schedule, everything will remain the same, except it’ll be one month back.
- Jumbo July will become Auspicious August.
- Because both July and August have 31 days, the Ideal Routine publishing schedule will remain the same.
- I’ve included two substantial giveaways for these two publications to partially make up for the delays, if that’s even possible.
- New Moon will remain as New Moon, just in September now instead of August.
- Despite only having 30 days, instead of 31, everything will remain the same.
- The only thing that will change is that the new moon in September is one day earlier, which works out perfectly for my purposes, at least thematically.
- The new and full moons times will remain the same, as well as the three day grace period before and after My Routine is updated, which again, preserves the esoteric and agreeable symmetry that was mentioned in the first schedule. It may not be meaningful to you, but it keeps me a bit more sane.
Here is the updated schedule:
***Keep in mind that each product mentioned will have its own separate review post. So please note that if you’re an email subscriber, you’ll be receiving a lot of notifications–pretty much spam-like. Just a heads ups. Feel free to unsubscribe, because God knows I deserve it. Also, the number of product recommendations estimated below, may be slightly inaccurate due to product overlap. Finally, the number of posts may also change, depending on how the structuring works out and if the sections are not balanced in terms of length.
August 1: Auspicious August Kick-Off and Ideal Routine Introduction (2 posts)
August 2: Cleansers (5 posts)
August 3: Toners (1 post); Moisturizers ( 4 posts)
August 4-8: Chemical Exfoliants (8 posts) (There are ~70 product recommendations)
August 9-10: Chemical Exfoliants Product Recommendations Continued
August 11-12: Important Ingredients in Skin Care: Retinoids and Product Recommendations (6 posts) (There are ~15 product recommendations)
August 13-14: Important Ingredients in Skin Care: Vitamin-Based Antioxidants and Product Recommendations (6 posts) (There are ~50 product recommendations)
August 15-16: Important Ingredients in Skin Care: Polyphenolic Antioxidants and Product Recommendations (5 posts) (There are ~30 product recommendations)
August 17-18: Important Ingredients in Skin Care: Other Antioxidants and Product Recommendations (8 posts) (There are ~25 product recommendations)
August 19-20: Important Ingredients in Skin Care: Niacinamide and Product Recommendations (3 posts) (There are ~25 product recommendations)
August 21: The Ideal Skin Care Routine: In Practice-Generic Routine (1 post)
August 22-23: The Ideal Skin Care Routine: In Practice-Acne Routine and Product Recommendations (7-8 posts) (There are ~25 product recommendations)
August 24-25: The Ideal Skin Care Routine: In Practice-Hyperpigmentation Routine and Product Recommendations (7-8 posts) (There are ~25 product recommendations)
August 26-27: The Ideal Skin Care Routine: In Practice-Rosacea Routine and Product Recommendations (7-8 posts) (There are ~25 product recommendations)
August 28: The Ideal Skin Care Routine: In Practice-Very Sensitive Skin Routine and Product Recommendations (1 post)
August 29: Common Negative Interactions (4 posts)
August 30: Body and Lip Care (1 post)
August 31: FAQs (1 post)
September 5: New Moon Kick-Off and Sun Protection Introduction (2 posts)
September 6: The Components of Sunlight and How They Damage the Skin (4 posts); Do Artificial Light Sources Damage the Skin? (1 post)
September 8-9: The Identity, Structure, Stability, and Toxicity of Organic UV Filters (10 posts)
September 9: The Two Main Inorganic UV Filters Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (4 posts)
September 10: Common Positive Interactions in Sunscreens (4 posts)
September 11: Common Negative Interactions in Sunscreens (3 posts)
September 12: A Theoretical Approach to Sunscreens (4 posts)
September 13: A Practical Approach to Sunscreens (5 posts)
September 14: All Sunscreen Product Recommendations (3 posts); What Other Forms of Sunscreens Are Available Besides Sunscreens (1 post)
September 15: All Sunscreen Product Recommendations Continued (There are ~90 product recommendations)
September 19-27: I will just be updating the My Story & Routine sections. The only new section will be “My Makeup Routine,” since a few of you seem to be interested in what makeup products I use. Furthermore, note that any of the products in my old routine that are no longer used, will be given their own individual product review posts.
I guess I learned my lesson–something that I should have realized a long time ago both from the blog and from life: No matter how admirable it may seem, don’t make promises you can’t keep, especially when you have little idea of what you’re getting yourself into. And of course, work harder.
Please don’t feel like you need to comment to make me feel better. I know what I did, and I’m owning those mistakes. And I know what I have to do. I just don’t to leave you guys in the dark.
The Triple Helixian 
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Posted by G | August 4, 2013, 3:10 pmI hope you read the latest update. 🙂
Posted by John | August 12, 2013, 8:22 amI think you’re the best and so incredibly generous with your knowledge and your time. Most people struggle with the demands of a busy job yet could never take what you do! Be kind to yourself, as you are so kind to your readers! I know I’m just happy to hear any new info from you and it doesn’t matter when. Take it easy, we’ll all be here when you’re ready! It’s hard being a perfectionist 🙂
Posted by Linda | July 15, 2013, 6:35 amThank you, Linda! Your words hit home and I appreciate such willingness to voice your thoughts!
Posted by John | July 18, 2013, 4:56 pmIts fine John!
Wondering will your posts talk about peptides? I don’t see it in the schedule…
Posted by G | July 1, 2013, 11:00 pmActually, there will only be a small section about peptides and growth factors, just because I don’t believe they’re worth people’s time, meaning that shouldn’t be the in “ideal” routine. However, there will be a comprehensive peptide post WAY in the future haha.
For more information on why my stance on peptides and growth factors is so, check out the discussion I had with Trae and Robyn in the comments section of this post: https://thetriplehelixian.com/2012/11/22/part-iii-retinol-metabolism-contd-why-retinol-can-never-replace-tretinoin/
It should be the first 6 comments.
Posted by John | July 2, 2013, 8:46 pmI have quite a few other questions but I’m worried I’ll be sooo annoying! I’m really looking forward to auspicious august
Posted by G | July 12, 2013, 8:30 pmMe too! But go ahead and ask your questions. Even if I don’t answer them in full, it’ll give me an enhanced frame of mind when writing the two series. You know, just in case I miss something or find that they would be more complete by including the answers to your questions. 🙂
Posted by John | July 12, 2013, 9:36 pmNo worries!! I know it must be hard for you to post too because you do such a thorough job!! And balancing work is tough, I work full time and lots of overtime, never find time to blog. I really look forward to reading your posts @ sunscreen in September. I was wondering for best UVA protection is higher zinc oxide = better protection? Or does how they process zinc oxide matter? Sometimes I get sunscreens with high zinc oxide content (ie 15-20%) and they aren’t very white. So I begin to worry that if its not white, is it over processed and not effective? Not for you to answer now just when you have time in September!!
Posted by priscilla | June 30, 2013, 7:21 pmThanks for the thoughtful words, and for your empathy. Isn’t it SO wonderful that we have to work overtime, but don’t get paid for it? 😦 Or maybe you do haha.
As for ZnO being the “best” at providing UVA, that’s a loaded question. ZnO may have one of the most uniform UV spectral profiles, but it’s unfortunately also one of the most inefficient. Furthermore, evenness is sometimes not the most desirable characteristic. I’ll be getting into these “spectral” profiles when I discuss the Sun Protection page. But generally, the best sunscreens tend to incorporate more than one UV filter. There are exceptions of course, but in the case of ZnO, they are rare. And of course processing matters; again, this will all be discussed in detail in the SP Page.
For the time being, just don’t stay in the sun too long or often, and apply 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen to your face, and another 1/4 teaspoon for your neck, assuming you apply all the way around. That should keep you covered. And of course, any other exposed areas, like the hands, need sunscreen too.
Posted by John | June 30, 2013, 9:49 pmDon’t put too much pressure on yourself, John. It doesn’t help you nor anyone else. You do the best you can, and you are doing very well. That is by far enough. Although I looking forward to your post very much, I am sure I will survive until August or any time you’ll need :))
Posted by Catarina | June 30, 2013, 4:25 amThank you, Catarina. You are a bright star!
Posted by John | June 30, 2013, 6:21 pmHey John don’t feel bad. Your work is more important. You may want to post articles one by one as you complete them since the schedule looks tight even for readers lol. By the way you make lunchboxes? That’s cool!
Posted by Thomas | June 29, 2013, 12:22 pmThanks, I appreciate your support.
I realize that the schedule looks more than a little tight. But because a lot of the posts are linked to each other, you guys may not understand the big picture until all relevant posts are read. I just want things to be clear. But I’ll give the idea some more thought.
And I do cook pretty much every day haha! I try to not eat out, just to be healthier. Plus, cooking is a passion of mine too. 🙂 I’m definitely a fat fatty.
Posted by John | June 29, 2013, 5:28 pmHi John,
I don’t think any of the people who read this blog think you should stress out in order to finish everything on time… I mean, when you start a new job how can you possibly know how much time it’s gonna take and how much energy you have when the day is over. I just think it’s nice that you’re willing to write this blog in your (very limited) spare time and answer comments and questions at the same time. You’re obviously doing A LOT already. I’m personally looking forward to all the new posts, but I really think it’s more important to take care of yourself (how can you even survive on 6 hours sleep and 12 hours work at weekends!) than getting the blog done on time.
Maybe in stead of writing fixed dates on when the stuff is getting published, just publish stuff bit by bit as you get it done?
Posted by Anne M | June 29, 2013, 1:45 amHaha I guess I shouldn’t stress out. I’m just the type of person who does that when I don’t succeed at something. I appreciate your kind words, regardless. It took time to types those words of encouragement, and as we all know, time is precious.
As for publishing bit by bit as I complete stuff, I’m sort of against that because a lot of the posts are interlinked with one another. So you guys may not understand the whole thing without reading subsequent parts. I’d just like to be as clear as possible. But I’ll consider the idea a bit more.
Posted by John | June 29, 2013, 5:25 pmA bit hard on yourself. It’s a blog, after all. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and will continue to do so when you get around to it.
I do have one question regarding niacinamide and L-ascorbic acid (and yes, I’ve read the posts and comments on Futurederm). Is it my understanding that if these two ingredients are high on the list or the “star” ingredient eg Olay Regenerist and Skinceuticals Vitamin CE Ferulic, then they should not be used together? I’m currently using a 20% L-ascorbic acid product but one of my moisturisers (9th ingredient) and BB cream (10th ingredient) has niacinamide high on the ingredient list. Would you recommend using either of these two products at the same time? What about a product with niacinamide near the middle or the end of the ingredient list?
Posted by HKCH | June 28, 2013, 11:11 pmYeah, I know. I’m a bit of a hard ass on myself. I guess, to me it’s so much more than a blog. And since I’m sort of used to succeeding at things I do, when I fail, it makes me feel guilty. I move on, but I always feel like I let someone down, even if it’s not me.
As for your question, using those two (or three) products shouldn’t be too impacting. The negative complexation interaction discussed is dose-dependent, meaning that the higher the concentration of both substrates are present, the more likely complexes will form. And with niacinamide being pretty far down the ingredients list, the amount of complexes formed should be negligible.
Posted by John | June 29, 2013, 5:22 pmNo worries, John; the job should come first! Whenever you find the time to write, I’ll still be here! 🙂
Posted by Lisa B. | June 28, 2013, 8:31 pmAs always, thank you. 🙂
Posted by John | June 29, 2013, 5:17 pmThere is no need to apologize, John, for having a life that extends far beyond blogging–and that’s as it should be. So, what kind of person does all that make you? It makes you a busy one! Good for you! I’m sure we’re all looking forward to reading your completed project, but you know what, we can wait. Your posts are worth it 🙂
Posted by Eileen | June 28, 2013, 5:21 pmAll I can say is thank you. Your support is deeply appreciated. As I’m sure you know, writing is not only temporally taxing but mentally as well. Sometimes when I come home from work tired, and then do all the other responsibilities, I’m just too tired to write. Ack.
Posted by John | June 29, 2013, 5:16 pm