Is this the holy grail routine?

Is this the holy grail routine?

So I’m about to explore the wonders of playing around with my skin barrier. I actually started last night with Hydroquinone and Azelaic Acid. Tonight will be Tretinoin.
Last night I was expecting a tingling sensation because of the azelaic acid according to what I’ve read, but I felt nothing. I’ve been using the Skin1004 azelaic acid ampoule for about a month and decided to keep it in my morning routine. The prescription strength will only be for nighttime. I have been using tretinoin for about three months, but 1 to 2 times a week. The doctor wants me to use it nightly and I don’t know about that. I’ll do it my way when it comes to protecting my skin barrier. But just thought I’d share here. Me: acne prone sensitive oily skin. Currently using all this to help with dark spots and melasma, and of course the occasional acne.

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 1 day ago

Is This the Holy Grail Routine?

So I’m about to explore the wonders of playing around with my skin barrier. I actually last night with Hydroquinone and Azelaic Acid. Tonight will be Tretinoin.
Last night I was expecting a tingling sensation because of the azelaic acid according to what I’ve read, but I felt nothing. I’ve been using the Skin1004 azelaic acid ampoule for about a month and decided to keep it in my morning routine. The prescription strength will only be for nighttime. I have been using tretinoin for about three months, but 1 to 2 times a week. The doctor wants me to use it nightly and I don’t know about that. I’ll do it my way when it comes to protecting my skin barrier.

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 1 day ago

Getting Tired of Multi-Steps. Going Back to Basics.

Anyone else getting tired of the multiple products out there? Are we really wanting to add more products and steps to our already overcrowded routine? I’m simply tired of it all. This used to be fun but lately it’s like they come out with someone new very month. It’s no longer enjoyable. The more I use the more I start breaking out. One I finish the remaining 40 products I have I’ll be focusing on simple 4 steps like cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. You don’t need much, just the basics but high quality.

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 4 days ago

Any Toners Without Hidden Acids?

Me: acne prone, sensitive, oily skin.
It seems like majority of the toners out there have some sort of acid, whether it be Citric Acid, Amino Acid, AHA, BHA, etc.. Since I use Tretinoin I want tos tay away from any acids in toners but haven’t found one. My very first toner was the Centellian24 Madeca Daily Repair Toner (it was alright), followed by Rejuran Rebalancing Toner (loved it), Numbuzin No.3 Light Toner (hated it - I now use it on my body instead), and now using Dr. Ceuracle Jeju Matcha Tea Essence (love it but it’s not really a toner).

Does anyone know what toners are out there that are more suitable for sensitive skin, and have less acid or minimal ingredients? I don’t want to use any actives as my first step. I barely use actives as it is but keep in mind, I just introduced the Skin1004 Azelacid Acid as part of my morning routine and it has been 3 weeks and I like it, but I’m wanting a toner with minimal ingredients.

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 9 days ago

Tretinoin Night Routine

I just wanted to share with y’all my twice weekly tretinoin routine. Skin: acne prone, sensitive skin, oily. Almost 40 but not just yet!

  1. Cleanse face first with a gentle face wash
  2. Rejuran Turnover Ampoule: let it dry for 15 minutes
  3. Tretinoin 0.05%: let it dry for 10 minutes
  4. Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream: apply a good amount all over your face, to your liking.

I do this routine twice a week. At first I started with once a week but after 2 months I decided to increase it. You’ll notice I don’t layer a moisturizing cream before Tretinoin because according to studies, you lose about 1/3 of the benefits, so I layer an ampoule instead. This is what works for my skin. I actually damaged my skin before but it was because I used retinol/retinal daily (I didn’t know Madeca Cream had retinol) and well, I was just using multiple actives, including Tretinoin. But now I keep it basic and focus on barrier repair. Just sharing my Tretinoin routine with y’all.

What works for you?

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 16 days ago

The Excitement Was Over in 2 Seconds

I’m just bummed cause I clicked immediately and there were none left

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 24 days ago

Which toner should I use? Numbuzin No. 3 or Dr.Ceuracle Maycha Tea

Ok so I just finished using the Rejuran Rebalancing Toner and I have 2 other toners available but I don’t know which one to use. My skin: acne prone oily and sensitive.

I do use Tretinoin once a week, but today I’m starting with twice a week. I do not use many actives. I haven’t used actives for at least one month as I keep my routine basic and focus on barrier support. During my Tretinoin nights I layer with Rejuran Turnover Ampoule first, followed by Tret, followed byAestura Atobarrier 365 Cream and it really helps.

These are the toners I have - help me choose.
\- Numbuzin No. 3 Bifida Bakuchiol Zero Pore Milky Toner Light
\- Dr.Ceuracle Jeju Matcha Tea Essence

Which one would be best for my current skincare routine? I heard Numbuzin might be a bit much but I don’t know. Please help.

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 29 days ago
▲ 6 r/asianskincare+1 crossposts

Rejuran Rebalancing Toner and Dr.G Clear Soothing Cream

Ok, so I finished these 2 products and all I can say is, where’s my next batch? Yes, I purchased another jar of Dr.G and I already have it in stock. No, I haven’t purchased another bottle of Rejuran toner because I actually hate water toners, but as much as I hate them, this one felt like it soaked into my skin and left me with a matte finish instead of dewy which I don’t like. Do I want to purchase the toner again? Yes. But I have another toner I just purchased - Dr.Ceuracle Jeju Matcha Tea Essence. I figured this will be my toner replacement. Or should I use the Numbuzin No. 3 Bifida Bakuchiol Zero Pore Milky Toner Light?

Dr.G Clear Soothing Cream worked great for my acne prone oily sensitive skin. It had a gel-like texture that felt refreshing on my face and it cooled down my face as well. It also helped with my irritated skin and really improved my acne.

Rejuran Rebalancing Toner was watery and my face really soaked it all in. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator. It left my skin feeling refreshed. I just don’t like water toners but this one I could definitely do again. Just wanted to share my experience with these products.

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 29 days ago

Rate my Tretinoin Night

So after damaging my skin barrier, I have gone 3 full weeks without any harsh actives, however, I still did tretinoin once a week. I started using Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream and my skin has been looking healthier. Trust me, my skin was irritated, red, acne, and peeling. Thanks to Dr.G RED Blemish Soothing Cream and Aestura it really helped my skin barrier go back to a healthier status.

So this is my new tretinoin routine which I have done for the past 2 weeks and I’m loving it!

  1. Cleanser (of course)
  2. Rejuran Rebalancing Toner (can skip)
  3. Rejuran Turnover Ampoule (let it sit for 15 minutes)
  4. Tretinoin (let it sit for 10 minutes)
  5. Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream (a very generous amount)

I just purchased the Skin1004 AcidMadagascar Centella Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule and would like to incorporate into my Tretinoin routine, but perhaps the morning after. Has anyone used Azelaic acid with Tretinoin before? If so, can you please give me some pointers.

My skin: acne prone sensitive oily skin. 40M.

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 1 month ago

Costco carrying Centellian24 and Dr. Reju-all for cheap!!!

This isn’t an ad but I just walked into Costco and they carry the Madeca Cream 100ml for $39!!! Like what?!?! Dr. Reju-all had 2 times for I believe $48 but I forgot but still a great deal. How am I suppose to stay away from buying more Korean skincare when Costco is literally teasing me lmao

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 1 month ago

I got scammed…ordered nice earbuds and was sent non brand earbuds…

So I ordered a pair of Soundcore earbuds and when I opened the box, it ended up being some cheap earbuds with no name on them. The box was tampered with - the packaging itself seemed strange with the “tape” saying “I’m not plastic” but when I unsealed it, everything was the correct packaging with the exception of the earbuds themselves. They looked used too. I couldn’t believe this. Has this happened to anyone? I was literally shocked. I immediately reported it to Amazon and took videos and photos of the packaging and item. Still waiting to hear back on how this will be resolved. They said I should just go on the app and select the return option, which I did, and request a refund. Let’s see what happens. I ended up dropping them off at Staples and am pending for a resolution.

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

What are we using for body sunscreen?

While we all have always asked about what type of sunscreen to use for our face, I have not seen much discussion regarding sunscreen for the body. I want sunscreen for my arms for whenever I go out and take long walks when it’s freaking hot. What Asian sunscreens are used for arms?

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

Is Beta-Glucan the new viral ingredient?

Sounds like Beta-Glucan is the new Hyaluronic acid. The only brand I’ve seen using this is Iunik, however, I don’t know much about the brand. Has anyone tried it? Or can you recommend other brands using beta-glucan? I don’t want to be influenced to buy another product I don’t need lol

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

Best Minimal Actives/Ingredients Anti-Aging Products

There is way too many new products out there that have too many actives. I am not looking for an all-in-one. I’m looking for products with minimal actives so I don’t screw ho my skin barrier again.

I am currently using Rejuran (toner, dual effect ampoule, and moisture cream), along with DrG Blemish Soothing Cream and Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream. The Dr G and Aestura is temporary because I’m using both to repair my skin barrier after using mg retinal/retinol and tretinoin. I am currently NOT using Rejuran pore minimizing ampoule, Jumiso niacinamide 20, Thome CPR serum, Centellian24 madeca cream, or VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot.

Basically I just want minimal actives or ingredients that are gentle. I actually do enjoy DrG and Aestura but they have no anti-aging benefits. I want to go back to basics but a lot of these new products have too many ingredients and I have sensitive acne prone oily skin. Any recommendations?

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

QME Completed - Employer Wants to Settle…

Ok so I finally got my final QME and the doctor also disagreed with the treating doctor. They indicated future medical care for steroid injections and surgery (L4/L5 herniated disc).

So this morning my employer sends me a notice of permanent disability indicating the following: “permanent disability in the reports) dated 10/06/2025 and 6/23/2026(s) from Dr. ABC) which are enclosed. Based on the information provided in the reports), your permanent disability rating is 8%. This rating is equivalent to $6,960.00, which is paid at the weekly permanent disability rate of $290.00 for 24 weeks. The report indicates that you are in need of future medical care.”

Now I don’t know how this settlement works or how they came up with the 8% but I’ve been asking AI questions and it seems the rating of 8% is most likely based on my current occupational group (administrative/clerical) rather than the physical labor I was doing, which keep in mind, I was working out of class. I feel like I should ask them to confirm because this may impact my rating.

I am not being represented because I cannot afford an attorney so I’m asking this group. I also don’t know what type of settlement - is it a stipulated finding and award?

Please help me come up with questions as I’m going to do this on my own. This is due to a lower back injury and the cost of future medical care is probably high. I really just want future medical care to be covered.

Edit: the 8% rating was set by the QME. I find 8% too low considering this is a spinal injury. Should I fight this? The settlement includes future medical care. It looks like I can have a DEU review, but they can either lower or increase the rating.

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

Best Minimal Actives Anti-Aging Products

There is way too many new products out there that have too many actives. I am not looking for an all-in-one. I’m looking for products with minimal actives so I don’t screw ho my skin barrier again.

I am currently using Rejuran (toner, dual effect ampoule, and moisture cream), along with DrG Blemish Soothing Cream and Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream. The Dr G and Aestura is temporary because I’m using both to repair my skin barrier after using mg retinal/retinol and tretinoin. I am currently NOT using Rejuran pore minimizing ampoule, Jumiso niacinamide 20, Thome CPR serum, Centellian24 madeca cream, or VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot.

Basically I just want minimal actives or ingredients that are gentle. I actually do enjoy DrG and Aestura but they have no anti-aging benefits. I want to go back to basics but a lot of these new products have too many ingredients and I have sensitive acne prone oily skin. Any recommendations?

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

Aestura Products for Anti Aging

I just tried the Aestura Ato Barrier 365 cream and absolutely love it. I also got the Dr.G RED Blemish Soothing Cream. I use both because I damaged my skin barrier and broke out. I’m looking into getting th le Aestura Ato Barrier Hydro cream because I have oily skin. My skin type: oily, acne prone, sensitive skin.

What Aestura products are good for anti aging? I want to stay away from harsh ingredients. I have used Thome CPR which has retinal - unfortunately I used this 5x a week…and I use tretinoin 2x a week. You can imagine why my skin barrier got damaged…

I want something for my skin type but nothing too harsh. I want to try out Aestura as they are from Amore Pacific which is the parent to my absolute favorite, Sulwhasoo. But for now I want something with Aestura pricing lol

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

Dr.G RED Blemish - WOW

Ok, so I have come to the conclusion that I damaged my skin barrier. I started using retinol (Thome CPR) along with Jumiso Niacinamide 20, and Melano CC Vitamin C, and started using Tretinoin about 2 months ago. Well, the past 3 weeks or so my skin has been sensitive and inflamed followed with acne.

I decided to purchase Dr.G RED Blemish Soothing Cream and OMG - the instant calmness on my face. The reddish acne area calmed down - it went from red to rose…it was almost instant (took a couple minutes of course), but I didn’t want to believe the hype. I purchased this because of all the TikTok reviews and reaching up about it. I am glad. This morning I decided to try something new - I just used my Rejuran Toner, Dr.G RED Blemish Soothing Cream, and Haruharu wonder sunscreen. My skin felt so good. It was calm. My face was not shiny at all (I have oily skin). I think I’m in love with this new cream. I will stop using anything else and will only focus on using toner, and add my Rejuran ampoule, followed by the soothing cream and sunscreen. I’m 40M with oily face, excess sebum, acne prone skin.

What other products do you recommend? I use too much crap because of all the products out there, but perhaps less is more. Maybe I will stick to 4 items for a full week and see if my skin barrier heals. Perhaps I will incorporate Centellian24 Madeca Cream at nighttime as a soothing moisturizer as well, and only use Dr.G in the morning.

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u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago

Help - Oily Skin, Excess Sebum, Acne Prone - Need Products

This is embarrassing but a picture is worth a thousand words. I have oily skin, and with that comes sensitive skin and acne prone skin. I have excess sebum which has been confirmed by 2 dermatologists. Can someone recommend products that would help, specifically for my side acne where I tend to shave. I just purchased the Dr.G R.E.S. Blemish Clear Soothing Cream based on reviews in hopes it will help with my acne and oily skin - I have not tried it yet but I hope it works. But as you can see, I think I may need help. 40M here. Looking for recommendations.

u/Overall-Tart-832 — 2 months ago