Thanks to Jeanie Kwak for writing this guest post about her obsession with skin care, and how she cares for her skin.
I’m going to debunk a myth for you about Asian skin. We are known to have some kind of ageless secret. We have thick hair, clear skin and we never look over 25. All of this appears to be done with ease. While it is true that I was the last to mature in High school and, at age 25 I looked 16, something happened at 30. I looked, well, 30. It’s like that movie Freaky Friday, when Lindsay Lohan wakes up and suddenly she is her mom. What to do? Go to a PTA meeting and make do?
I think not. I will need to do something about this switch-up.
I am now obsessed with skin-care. What works? What doesn’t? I begin to learn words like: Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Antioxidants, Microdermabrasion. Oh, and sunscreen. It seems like all this slackness is due to the sun. If I had known that, I would not have frolicked carelessly sans the sunscreen. NOW, I read about Mexoryl and Helioplex and physical blocks like they are a god-send. I’m excited about Mexoryl because I have read that Mexoryl is a heat and photo-stable chemical that readily prevents UVA and UVB damage. It has the broadest UVA and UVB range. It first appeared in Europe but is now slowly making its way to the US. Kiehl’s carries products with the ingredient Mexoryl. So does Lancome and La Roche Posay’s Anthelios line. I use Neutrogena now which has Helioplex but I am going to make the change to Kiehl’s.
And for my new skin-regimen (which used to consist of soap and Oil of Olay cream) - I am on a daily regimen of Eucerin Q10 Cream for day and night. I haven’t thought much of the effectiveness of CoEnzyme Q10, which is a powerful antioxidant, until I tried DHC’s powerful Q10 cream, and also saw a glowing review of this antioxidant by dermatologist Leslie Baumann. DHC is a Japanese skin-care line that carries a gentle, skin-friendly line. I’ve always been a bit so-so about their products but the Q10 cream really does wonders. I woke up with soothed baby-soft skin. Even my boyfriend noticed in the morning. It is a bit pricey so I decided to go with Eucerin for now. I allow myself one expensive product a month. That way my skin is not overwhelmed by too many products.
Every night I apply Neutrogena’s Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream. I know that only a certain percentage of Retinol is effective, but I started off with a lighter version because I am new to Retinol and I wanted to start off gently before I bring out the big guns. And I LOVE what I see. Even tone, softer lines. After 2 nights! I have now been on Retinol for a month. I heard it takes about 12 weeks to see complete results. Retinol changes the skin’s turnover rate. This new skin needs to be protected (sunscreen) and maintained (moisture, antioxidants). I plan to incorporate Skinceuticals products next month. These products have a graduated higher level of Retinol. There are also wonderful reviews for the legendary C-E Ferulic Serum, which I’ve read slowly and incrementally changes the texture and elasticity of skin. I’m sold. I am super excited to buy these 2 products. One word of caution: Since these 2 products are not in stable packaging, it is important to store them in a cool dark place. The fridge, I’ve read, is a good place to keep them. Oh, and I would buy them from somewhere reputable instead of Ebay. I am going to my local Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa where they carry the full Skinceuticals line.
I will let you know where that takes me!
About Jeanie: I will hopefully become affiliated with the Future Librarians of America. I have a degree in English Literature and also have spent 3 war-torn years in a graduate program for Creative Writing. This makes me a veteran of some sort. My interests vary: architecture, astrology, Korean Food, Skin Care, Beauty, Film, Art gazing, NY Stories, Funny accents, etc.
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May 27th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I love Retin-A and Mexoryl. I wasn’t familiar with DHC. Keep me posted on the results. I might need to add it to my skin care regimen.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
thanks for the focus on asian skin! asians may age slower in asia because of the climate, but here in the US the sun does age us rapidly, i agree. i love this site and it has been a magical help to my otherwise troubled, acne-prone skin. please continue adding tips for asian skin once in awhile. thanks!
June 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I find your site very helpful. Will it be possible to write informations on others ethnic skins such as latinas, blacks… Thanks.
P.S: sorry if I made some mistakes, iam a French speaker.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:29 pm
AH! I really need to focus on my skin too. I’m 22 but I’m already being affected by aging! :( And tell me why… I still get pimples/zits!! I’ve been using Hope in a Jar by Philosphy and it is really great! But I’m thinking about switching to a line that has like a 3-step process or something. Anyway, great entry! Thanks!
September 21st, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Loved it! I need to focus on skincare too. I want perfect skin!!
October 9th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
please continue to leave more tips about asian skincare. i, too, have been obsessed with finding a good skincare regimen since i am in my early 30’s now. i can’t seem to find one that works continuously so i am looking forward to more information. thanks!
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Great post! What about skin care for Asian babies? I know that’s off-topic, but I can’t find any information on how to care for my adopted Asian daughter’s skin, and it’s so dry that she gets what looks like rug burns in the crevices of her skin, such as under her neck or in the crook of her arm. She’s two and not speaking much, yet, but enough to tell us that the “burns” are painful. We oil her down after her baths, but she still gets these “burns” that I’m almost positive come from sweating heavily during sleep, and then the salt from the perspiration drying her skin even further. Can anyone offer any help? I would so appreciate it! –Sleepy