My Current Skincare Routine

Apparently, the best thing I can do for my skin is avoid consuming anything made with coconut oil or coconut milk. That's very unfortunate considering my favorite dishes include coconut sticky rice and Massaman curry. It also means being extra careful with shower gels, hair products and even some makeup. It seems like this allergy is becoming worse with time, and I can't begin to tell you how frustrating it is. But the heavenly rice is less and less worth the red angry rash and breakouts. Dealing with that and helping my skin come back to life was an interesting process. I've pared down to the minimum and with some trial and painful error found what works for me (for now).

Cleansing:
1. I remove my eye makeup first, using micellar water. The ones I have right now are the classic one from Bioderma and Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur. I think I prefer Bioderma, but not sure it's a rational thing.
2. Once that is done I use Tatcha One Step Camelia Oil. This is the best face cleanser I've ever tried, and I feel extremely passionate about it. This oil is suitable for eyes as well, but I prefer getting rid of all eye makeup before doing my face, and avoiding smeared mascara and eyeliner.

Moisturizing/nourishing:
1. A hydrating toner-lotion. You can see some really good ones in my previous post. These days I stick with KGD, Hada Labo and DHC (they have several interesting ones). I pat the toner on or use it as a mask (see this).
2. My staple Best Face Forward serum oil (link to buy here. No affiliation, etc.). I need less in the summer, unless I'm feeling extra dry. Once the weather cools down I'll probably be back to heavier use.

Chemical Exfoliating:
Avene Cleanace K Cream Gel. It's supposed to be geared for oily skin, but this particular combination of acids (6% Glycolic Acid, 2% Lactic Acid, and 1% Salicylic Acid ) is the miracle I needed not just for clearing up troubled area after indulging in the aforementioned sticky rice, but also for allover radiance. Go figure.

Massage Balm:
Hummingbird Ranch Propolis Skin Cream. I use a generous amount and spend at least 15 minutes massaging my face while reading or watching videos. I remove it with a wet warm washcloth and moisturize as needed. Once or twice a week is enough, and it's the best facial money can buy.

Sunscreen:
Elta MD SPF 46 and Bioderma SPF 50. A lot. And religiously.

What are you using these days?