Had a skincare setback today, but overall, still making progress. I am Black American with normal-to-dry, sensitive, ageing skin, and some “melasma” (hyperpigmentation). I have to admit, a big part of what I’m dealing with in managing my skincare and skin health concerns is the fact that, up to very recently, almost NO “mainstream” skin research and development was done specifically for skin of colour, including Black American skin. So, I am still forced to search HARD, and improvise my skincare and skin health regimen. This is like doing two years of junior college— or more.
Melasma is the first thing I’m trying to address, followed by various parts of the whole skin-ageing thing.
So, today, after tons of online research, I got and applied LRP UV Correct sunscreen. Put some on this afternoon for one of my daily sunscreen “top-ups.” About an hour later, I noticed a mild yet noticeable, weird “tingling” sensation, and some kind of sensitivity in my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever before had an unpleasant reaction to a sunscreen (lucky and cautious!), but apparently today was that day. Luckily, I also had gotten 2 new-to-me Naturium products: “Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%,” and “Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream.” Washed my face with the gelée and applied the plant ceramide cream. Long story short, these Naturium products saved my day, and my skin (and mood). But I’m surprised by this particular LRP sunscreen. It IS a CHEMICAL sunscreen, rather than mineral, but I didn’t realise they’ve formulated “UV Correct SPF 70” with FIVE (5) chemical sunscreens. 😔 This was way too much for my skin.
I’m just at the beginning of my methodical battle with melasma, rigorous, daily sunscreen protection, plus ageing skin, but TODAY I learned a heckuva lesson.
I’ve also just signed up with a virtual dermatology service, and am waiting for my first prescription of 20% azaleic acid. This is very much a work in progress. I’m in this for the long-haul, and hope to make progress over the next 1, 2, 3 months and beyond. Hope someone else reading this might relate.
