HI I’M BACK!! LIFE & SKIN UPDATES

As the title said, a quick update on life and such.

On hiatus because I do work full time now, so even though I might have my weekends, but I’ll be too tired to write anything. But here I am, on a Sunday evening, thinking “I already paid for this site, and it has been on automatic renewal, so WTH”.

Long story short, I’ve been trying a lot of new skincare products and treatments as well (you can see the latest updates on my IG (@shintarosvita) and TikTok (@skinetijen). But one product stood out from the rest. VT REEDLE SHOT.

I decided to purchase the 300, just because I think my skin can tolerate it. The higher the numbers (I believe they have until 1000 now), the more prickly it’ll feel on the skin. So, I do recommend if you never tried any skin procedures at skin clinics and have low pain tolerance, do not start with 300, but opt for lower numbers like 50 or 100.

If you’ve been following me long enough, you’d probably know that I have a problematic skin textures, and I still do until today, considering I’ve tried this and that. This product claims to mimic the Micro Needling Treatment, without having to poke our skin with the tool.

So, it sort of awaken our skin plus exfoliation, to make the skin ready to absorb more goodness from the next steps of our skincare routine. Obviously, apply this on dry and clean skin at the very first step of PM routine. Then continue with serum and moisturizer. Mine is the 300, so I use it every 3 days, making it twice a week. My days are Wednesday and Saturday.

First Impression: IT PRICKLES! But a good feeling kinda prickles, because it supposed to help our skin. The weirdest thing: that prickly feeling will last as long as I rub the skin with other products afterwards. I could still feel the prickles when my skin touched the pillow when sleeping, and when I cleansed them in the morning with cotton pads and micellar water. But, when left alone with no rubbing involved, I didn’t feel anything. Weird but true, that’s why I kinda enjoy using it. I am thinking to buy the 100 version, so I can apply everyday.
I had my experiences with Cica aka Centella Asiatica before in my skincare journey, but this product didn’t break me out like the other skincare products containing Cica. Maybe because they claimed that this is a non-comedogenic product and been clinically tested as well. And it didn’t trigger my fungal-acne too!

Those are my before-after using this product for about two weeks. I do have scars, not just pores, so they are impossible to remove. But, I do felt my skin become softer when I touch them and I rarely get breakouts nowadays. And if I do, they’ll heal faster. If you see my after pictures, my skin look like they’re blushing healthily.

Final verdict: I will try to finish the whole bottle before I decide to give the other versions a try. But I do love the prickly sensation (it’s not tingling like most reviews said).

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA
SCREENSHOTS: OLIVE YOUNG GLOBAL

UPDATED 2023 MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

Still dealing with my Cauter scars from last year’s treatment (see the post here)

Past one month after the treatment when I wrote this post, check out the improvement on my Cauter scars.

These are skincare products that I’ve been using to help with the scars after they completely dried. Products arranged by step by step, and FYI they’re all Fungal-Acne Safe.

  • GARNIER PURE ACTIVE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER FOR OILY & ACNE PRONE SKINS: acts as first cleanser to wipe away all left over products and natural oil produced at night.
  • SAFI HYDRATING WATER CLEANSER: my new found with super affordable price, with satisfying foam when applied.
  • LA ROCHE-POSAY SEROZINC: acts as toner mist, wait to dry and move on to next product.
  • KIEHL’S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT SOLUTION: new HG of mine, vitamin C serum that didn’t break me out.
  • VICHY MINERAL 89: you are definitely missing out if you haven’t tried this Hyaluronic Acid (HA) serum. 
  • KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM: love the feel and texture of this non HA moisturizer, I do recommend to find moisturizer without HA, if you’ve already used one in serum step.
  • SKIN AQUA UV SUPER MOISTURE GEL SPF 50+ PA++++: one of my HG sunscreen that never caused any breakout on my skin, and didn’t leave any marks (great for under makeup). 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

BEST MOISTURIZERS WITHOUT HYALURONIC ACID

Every one of us is different, so does our skin. Some might love Hyaluronic Acid as their trustable and effective hydrating ingredient on their skincare, but some might not.

No worries, there are more than one hydrating ingredients on the market, if your skin can’t tolerate Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Currently most popular in Indonesia is Ceramides. Everything with ceramides on it will sell like hotcakes. There are also other hydrating ingredients such as Beta Glucan, Squalane, and Glycerin. 

Thankfully, I am not allergic to HA, and I also live in a country with high humidity in the air (making skin unvulnerable). But vice versa, if you are allergic to HA and live (or traveling) in a colder climate with low humidity, let’s find other options available on the market. Please note that they’re also free from ingredients which might trigger Fungal-Acne (based on incidecoder), since my skin is prone to FA. 

Great texture for oily skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
You are definitely missing out if you haven’t tried this. It looks like a gel in the jar, but it gives a satin feel on skin when applied. Glycerin is number two on the ingredient list, making it an awesome hydrator. 

Not available yet in Indonesia: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide
Great for sensitive skin (so safe, even babies can use this!), as it only contains 10 ingredients, with Glycerin as the hero. I can’t wait until this will be widely available on Indonesia’s market. 

Most expensive: Chanel La Solution 10
It has two hydrating ingredients on their top five ingredients, Squalane and Glycerin. Thus the name, it only contains 10 ingredients, making it good for sensitive skin. If you have the budget to splurge, this moisturizer is worth every pump. 

Online favorite: Krave Oat So Simple Water Cream
Also not available in Indonesia, but easily purchased on market place. Less than 10 ingredients, this moisturizer have Squalane as hydrator. This moisturizer melt like water when applied, perfect to use in hot and humid weather. Pictured here is the old packaging that I’ve purchased and emptied already, I believe they renew the label last year.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA & SCREEN SHOTS FROM INCIDECODER.COM

REVIEW: KIEHL’S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT SOLUTION

FYI, I had this on and off relationship with vitamin C serum. It’s not easy to find one that won’t cause breakouts, especially if it contains Ascorbic Acid. But, this comes in the right timing, when I was dealing with Cauter wounds (please scroll down for before-after pics). And I believe the older I get, the harder and slower it is for my skin to heal from any wounds. 

For those who avoid Ascorbic Acid, I do recommend you to try this as dark spots treatment. But if your skin can tolerate Ascorbic Acid, go ahead and use this as an anti-oxidant serum for morning routine. However, one very important thing that you have to remember when you use this serum, make sure you are using gentle facial cleanser and toner with no actives (read the ingredients carefully). It does contain vitamin C and Salicylic Acid already, so it’s best to keep your skin well hydrated pre-this serum. And if your skin can tolerate vitamin C, you can layer this with Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Texture-wise: it is clear, watery with a subtle fresh scent (I believe it comes from White Birch & Peony extracts and Lavender oil from the ingredients’ list, so the scent is definitely not a synthetic fragrance). No worries, it won’t linger around, the scent only last while you’re applying. It glides evenly, it doesn’t clump under makeup and (seriously) works well with other Kiehl’s product:  Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (try them both and you can thank me later). 

Unlike most vitamin C that will oxidize over time, this serum has a highly stable formula, even though the bottle is clear and exposed to light easily. It didn’t sting or give any warm sensation when applied, and it’s lightweight. This is the type of serum that won’t disappear on skin, you’ll feel it’s there, but it’s not oily nor heavily sticky. If you see my bottle is a limited edition this year, from “Made By Radio”. The only con is it doesn’t have stopper, so use it carefully. I believe because as a brand, Kiehl’s does have a mission to minimize plastic waste.

Please note that you won’t see immediate results, you have to be patient when using it, especially if the dark spots were there for the longest time already, or if you have mature skin. Give it time, using it twice a day as recommended, pair it with hydrating products, and you’ll see the difference. 

BEFORE (DEC 15) – AFTER (DEC 23)

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

BEST OF 2022: FUNGAL-ACNE FRIENDLY SKINCARE

It’s that time of the year again. I’ve been sharing this annual list for a couple of years now, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been free from Fungal Acne ever since I incorporated most of FA safe and friendly skincare products.

So what made the list this year? For sure I only listed down those which I’ve tried and tested personally. Their prices range from IDR 60K drugstore’s sunscreen up to IDR 1,9mio high-end moisturizer. 

CLEANSER: L’OREAL PARIS REVITALIFT CRYSTAL DEEP PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL

This is my new-found favorite this year: effective and affordable active face wash from drugstore

The other FA-friendly cleansers are:
-KIEHL’S CALENDULA DEEP CLEANSING FOAMING FACE WASH
-KEANA BAKING SODA SCRUB WASH
-PEACH SLICES ACNE CLARIFYING CLEANSER
-SAFI HYDRATING WATER CLEANSER

TONER: LA ROCHE-POSAY SEROZINC

I love it because it’s practical as a toner mist, and super effective for irritated skin

The other FA-friendly toners are:
-MUJI LIGHT TONING WATER-HIGH MOISTURE
-HATOMUGI SKIN CONDITIONER
-ERHA TRUWHITE TXA & ZINC GLUCONATE BRIGHTENING PORE TONER

SERUM: KIEHL’S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT SOLUTION

Live up to its’ claim, great for correcting dark spots

The other FA-friendly serums are:
-LA ROCHE-POSAY CICAPLAST B5 ULTRA REPAIR SERUM
-COS DE BAHA ARBUTIN NIACINAMIDE SERUM

MOISTURIZER: CERAVE MOISTURIZING CREAM

Ceramide is key to protect our skin barrier, this is one of my HG moisturizer this year

The other FA-friendly moisturizers are:
-KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM 
-CHANEL LA SOLUTION 10

SUNSCREEN: AZARINE HYDRASOOTHE SUNSCREEN GEL SPF45+++

I’m also surprised when I found this local brand at the drugstore. It’s super affordable with a nice gel texture.

The other FA-friendly sunscreens are:
– L’Oreal Paris Miracle Blur SPF 30
– EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
– Supergoop CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35

ETC: L’ORÉAL PARIS INFALLIBLE 24H FRESH WEAR FOUNDATION IN A POWDER & YSL TOUCHE ECLAT

My simple base makeup routine these days

Which one is your favorite out of my Fungal-Acne Safe/Friendly list this year?

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

ELECTROCAUTERY 2.0: Wounds & Post Treatment

As you probably know already, milia and syringoma are genetic. Both are harmless, yet aesthetically disturbing. Before 2022 ends, I did another ElectroCautery procedure (or shorten as Cauter) to get rid of them.

Did my first ElectroCautery back in 2018, you can check the post here.

Don’t panic if you google Syringoma and turns out they are actually tumors. They are mild and non-cancer ones. Similar to milia bumps, but they are not formed by oil glands. Instead, Syringoma are the result of over-productive sweat glands. Unfortunately, both can only be removed by professional procedures, and I choose ElectroCautery aka Cauter because I’ve done it before. 

BEFORE CAUTER (mind the angry zit)
BEFORE CAUTER: Milia and Syringoma usually appeared around the eyes area

Since both are genetic, they might reappear after a few years, and in my case, they did after four years. I did my treatment at Beauty By Appointment again with the same steps applied. Clean the face, numb cream for 30 minutes and on with the Cauter. It wasn’t painful during the procedure, but after, your skin might felt sore (depending on your pain endurance level). 

Do’s and Dont’s:

  • Do not wash your face 6 hours after the treatment. 
  • Apply antibiotic cream on the wounds, twice a day on clean and dry skin. Do this consecutively for 5 days.
  • Alternatively, you might compressed your skin before applying the antibiotic cream, with NaCl solution (great for treating burnt wounds). 
  • Use gentle facial cleanser with no active ingredients
  • Do not apply any actives while your skin is healing, wait until the wounds are completely and naturally flaking off.
  • Avoid any type of base makeup when the wounds are still wet. 

How long did it take to heal? It might vary, depending on your skin ability. It took my skin 30 days to heal back in 2018 after the first procedure, see the photos here.

6 DAYS AFTER CAUTER: around the lids were healed more quickly
6 DAYS AFTER CAUTER: no scabs, just the red marks all around

Unlike most people that did Cauter, who had black scabs that peeled off naturally when they dried, my wounds didn’t. Instead they turns red like acne marks without no scabs. No worries, I will do my skin update when my skin heals completely, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, here are the products that I used during skin healing after Cauter. 

  • La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
  • 0.9% Sodium Chloride as my CSM to compress
  • Bioplacenton Gel

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

WHAT’S INSIDE YSL BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2022?

If you are a collector, go get it while it’s still hot, you guys! 

First thing first, the box is sturdy, made of hard carton. I saw other brand’s advent calendar and when one vlogger unbox it, it was easily torn. But this YSL, even when you pull out the individual ‘drawer’, it slides in and out easily without any struggle. It does scream festive with shimmering golden stars. Gorgeously designed, I must say. 

As any advent calendar out there, there are 24 items, all of the best-selling mostly makeup products, a bit of mini-size skincare, fragrances and a pocket mirror.

Minis? No worries, there are four full-size lipsticks inside. Most of the lipsticks are in the red shade family, so if you are a fan of red lips, enjoy!

For skin enthusiasts, this is your chance to try their mini size before you commit to the full size.

And their fragrance miniatures are to drool for!

So, this Christmas, treat yourself or that extra someone with this luxe gift (priced at 6.3mio rupiah). 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: CERAVE MOISTURIZING CREAM

If I could simplify this review: this is a simple and basic moisturizer with all the ingredients that your skin need to restore natural barrier, lock in moisture and protect. 

If you do have oily skin like me though, don’t freak out because it comes in a cream texture. It doesn’t feel heavy at all, comfortable on skin and (unlike some reviews out there) I didn’t feel any burning sensation. Remember, skincare products is totally personal. So what worked for me, might not so for you and vice versa.

However, if you are still hesitant to wear cream in the morning, try to apply it only at your night time routine like me. Personally, I use lighter moisturizer at morning time routine. And this is Fungal Acne safe! Check out all the ingredients from incidecoder and the original packagings below.

It does contain dimethicone, but no worries folks, it didn’t clogged my pores. I believe it is used to give the soft texture to the cream, which I do enjoy. For those of you who use retinol, this will be a great companion to protect your skin from dryness and irritation. 

Initially, I bought the small size first, then I decided to purchase the jar with pump version. I love it and my son also believe that this moisturizer didn’t cause him breakouts. Unfortunately, the brand is not officially available yet in Indonesia, so I purchased this online at market place. Hopefully they will be available soon in our local drugstores. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: LA ROCHE-POSAY UVIDEA ANTHELIOS BB CREAM

If you are looking for a skincare makeup or famously known as Hybrid Makeup, which combines the benefits and texture of skincare in your makeup, then this will be the right product to start.

Obviously BB Cream is not something new, but let me tell you why I found this different. While slightly covers imperfections, it also prevents hyperpigmentation with its’ light texture. Dermatology tested on Asian sensitive skin, it’s also non-comedogenic and fragrance free. Even though it does contain some ingredients that are stated as not safe for Fungal Acne, but it didn’t trigger mine. It didn’t cause my skin to break out and act weird, too.

TBH, it does feel more like a tinted sunscreen, not a heavy duty BB Cream with full coverage. So don’t expect this to act as concealer or foundation, it won’t. It won’t cover your pores too, but at least it won’t clog them. You’d totally love this if you love dewy base look. I use this on the weekends, when I want my skin to breathe and free from foundation. I enjoy its’ finish without adding setting powder, my skin look more unified and glowing. 

Applying tips: 

  • a little goes along the way and use cushion puff. Trust me, I tried using beauty blender (wet and dry), and also my fingers, but cushion puff made the application easier and more even. 
  • Remember to tap on the whole face, do not slide. 
  • If you are still using mask during pandemic as I am, use setting spray afterwards, as this might easily transfer. 
  • Unlike most base out there, I do not recommend to layer more than one. It’s not a buildable base to achieve the coverage that you expect. Apply concealer on top instead if you want more coverage. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

MY SKIN CYCLING ROUTINE

We exfoliate, we use retinoid, we take care of our skin barrier, but still no progress?

Well, thanks to dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, now there’s SKIN CYCLING. Looking at these two days actives and two days resting kind of thing, then I realize my skincare routine sin. I use gentle peel toner every morning, and that is not right! Yes, even it is a gentle one like PHA. No wonder I felt my skin was not at its’ best condition, foundation won’t stick and my pores look bigger than ever with occasional acne on my forehead (which never happened before). 

So I started my Skin Cycling Routine, and these are all the products that I’m currently using for that four nights cycle. Yes, this method is for night time only. 

Night 1: Exfoliant

After I double cleanse, because I use makeup almost every day now, I pat dry my skin and go straight to chemical exfoliant. From my own experience, BHA works better on my skin, so I’m using the 2% one. But if your skin can tolerate other actives like AHA, you can continue using that. Top that off with (heavier) moisturizer, just to make sure our skin is protected. 

Revox B77 Just Salicylic Acid 2% & Cerave Moisturizing Cream (all safe for Fungal Acne)

Night 2: Retinoid

If you already using prescription strength Retinoid, you might want to continue using it. But if not, use a gentle one, an OTC kind. Same rule applies: double cleanse, pat dry (real dry!), apply retinoid then moisturizer. 

Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum & Cerave Moisturizing Cream

Night 3: Recover

This is the step that we all have to be careful and read the ingredients on our skincare products. Make sure all of them are not containing any active ingredients. Double cleanse, use gentle cleanser, apply hydrating serum while skin still damp and moisturizer. 

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Ultra Repair Serum & La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide (all safe for Fungal Acne)

Night 4: Recover (again)

Same rule applies: double cleanse, gentle cleanser, hydrating serum and moisturizer. 

Vichy Mineral 89 & La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

How about morning routine when doing this skin cycling?

Pretty simple, I must say. Cleanse with gentle cleanser, anti-oxidant serum (my skin can only tolerate THD ascorbate at this point), light moisturizer (because we are still using mask due to pandemic here in Indonesia) and SPF. 

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide & Lancôme UV Expert Youth Shield Aqua Gel SPF50 PA++++

Like most skincare routine, do not expect miracles happened on the fourth nights. Look at it to accomplished long-term skin goals, not a quick fix. Good luck!

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA