My Skin Journey: From 2021 to 2024

The Reality of Acne:

No one's skin is perfect, and those who have faced the brutal challenge of acne share a common bond of comparison and frustration. I've spent countless hours comparing my skin to others (and, guess what, I still do). However, it's crucial to remember, cliché as it may sound, that everyone's skin is different. Various factors trigger the negative emotions we harbor about our skin. Just like our lives, our skin has its ups and downs—some days are better, and some are worse. Maintaining a positive mindset, even if you have to "fake it till you make it," is essential.

Prescribed Skincare:

There are mixed opinions about medical skincare prescribed by doctors, and here's my take: use it in moderation or for shorter periods. I was prescribed Epiduo and used it for around a year. It helped clear pimples and improve skin texture, but it also had drawbacks:

- My skin became extremely sensitive and sore.

- I could only use products designed for sensitive skin.

- The medication made my skin painful.

To manage these side effects, I used Epiduo sparingly, applying it only on pimples or less sensitive areas, and sometimes layering it over my moisturizer. This approach helped mitigate the discomfort.

Makeup: A Personal Choice:

I have completely removed makeup from my routine. However, if that's not feasible for you, the most crucial step is thoroughly cleaning your face after wearing makeup.

Finding the Right Skincare Routine:

Finding the right skincare routine is a personal journey. If you peeked into my cupboards, you'd see an array of brands and products I've tried in my quest for "perfect" skin. For me, Beauty of Joseon products have worked wonders, and they are now the primary brand I use. However, this doesn't guarantee they'll work for you, and it often requires experimentation. The key to successful skincare is simplicity. Piling on multiple products meant to fix all your "problems" usually backfires. Sometimes, taking a day off from skincare and letting your skin breathe is just what it needs.

My Routine (Combination and Sensitive Skin with Texture Issues):

Morning:

1. Light splash of water on my face

2. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

3. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

Night:

1. Green Plum Refreshing Skin Cleanser (double cleanse)

2. ANUA Heartleaf Soothing Toner

3. Beauty of Joseon Repair Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin

4. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

Changing Your Perception:

I often felt negative and unhappy with my skin, telling myself it looked awful. This mindset programs your brain to believe it. I used to look in the mirror and see no difference between my before and after photos, convinced my skin hadn't improved. This is a common experience, and you're not alone. It's crucial to adopt a more positive view of yourself and remember that your brain can trick you into seeing things that aren't there.

Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and focus on the progress you've made. Your skin, like your life, is a work in progress and never perfect. 

My timeline:

My skin in 2021:

My skin in 2022: 

My skin in 2023:

My skin in 2024 (now):