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Guide ULTIMATE SKIN GUIDE | VOLUME I
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retarded anime cover but just loop this as you read


The first step in beginning a mirin skincare routine is to assess the type of skin you have.
This is important to know, as it'll reflect visibly when your skin just doesn't match
the products you're using - this can cause breakouts and you wasting your money on ass products.

Assess Oiliness & Dryness : Wash your face, and wait about half an hour. If you see excess oil
spurting out of your skin, especially around the T-zone, I believe that to be combination skin,
where the face is dry and the body is giving out lots of oil to "compensate".
If it's tight with skin flaking off, you most likely have dry.

Combination Skin : Is usually oily and shiny in the T-zone (the middle of your face, so your
forehead, nose and chin.), but everywhere else is dry. Another sign can be two or more
weird textures, so cystic acne, closed comedones, etc.

Sensitive Skin : Usually itchy, patchy, dry, can sting, and frequently
reacts badly with products and/or touching your face too
much. Also gets irritated and/or inflamed easily.

Oily skin : Will feel greasy and shiny all over the face. If you find yourself
constantly washing your face (which is stripping your skin barrier), because
your face just wont stop producing oil, you most likely have this type.

Dry Skin : Will feel tight and dry. It especially cracks and flakes during drier
winter months, where the air quality is worse from higher levels of
petrol and gas emissions.



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She went from a lmtb to a hmtb, just through improving
her skin, and hair&makeupmaxxing.

Combination Skin : If the pores are larger (more visible) and therefore clogged around
the nose but unnoticeable on the cheeks and other areas of the face, this is a
huge giveaway

Sensitive Skin : Usually normal to large pores, but this always differ
based on (possible) reactions on other areas of the face.

Normal Skin : The genetically gifted of them all. They have
unnoticeable and unclogged pores.

Oily Skin : Large pores that get easily clogged with sweat
and bacteria the body secretes or collects from the environment.

Dry Skin : Typically have small pores that feel tight
if not washed with a gentle cleanser or moisturised properly.



What is Acne? :

Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the
areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles.
The sebum moistens the skin and hair. The sebum and hair get to the skin surface through tiny holes
called pores. Acne is very common. Most children and young adults between ages 11 and 30 will have
acne at some point. Acne may occur when the pores get clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Bacteria that are normally on the skin (or
from the air quality, or from touching the skin) may also get into a (previously clogged) pore.

Causes :

Despite the cause of acne never fully
proved, there are many different causes
that are highly suspected.

- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle. (just more info for you)
- Rising levels of male sex hormones (androgens) in both boys and girls during puberty that cause more sebum and more dead skin cells.
- Using makeup or cosmetics that clog the pores.
- Using certain products to wash the skin
- High levels of moisture in the air (humidity) and sweating profusely and not cleansing properly soon after.



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Whiteheads - Clogged pores under the skin that appear as small, white bumps.
Blackheads - Pores clogged with oil and dead skin that appear near black spots on the surface. Never pop.
Papules - Large, red, inflamed lesions that are tender to the touch.
Pustules - Pus-filled pimples with redness around the bump.
Nodules - Large, painful, solid pimples lodged deep within the skin.
Cystic Acne - Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin caused by infection and inflammation.
Milia - Identified as small white or yellowish bumps on the skin, often near the eye area.
Closed comedones - Completely blocked and clogged pores.



Sulfates :
Strip your skin too harshly of its
natural oils, which then weakens the skin
barrier and irregulates your oil production.

Parabens :
Extremely bad, can cause increased estrogen
production
and interfere with brain and reproductive function.

Some studies explain that parabens enter your skin and
mimic estrogen that triggers excessive cell division in the breast.
This eventually leads to breast cancer.

Parfum/Fragrances :
Fragrances are found in skincare products like perfumes, moisturizers,
shampoos, cleansers and conditioners. Fragrances are potential carcinogens (cancer-causing agents),
irritants and endocrine disruptors. Personally I avoid fragrances completely in my skincare.

Lead :
Is found in whitening toothpastes and cosmetics. Poisoning the nervous system, reducing fertility in both men
and women and hormonal changes. Why take the risk?

Phthalates :
A very bad additive; it lowers testosterone significantly, neurotoxic,
interfere with dih growth, and can lower sperm count. High levels of exposure
of phthalates can cause early death in older people.

Chemicals in Sunscreens :
Chemicals like PABA, benzophenone, oxybenzone [10], ethoxycinnmate and
homosalate are used in sunscreens. They are believed to absorb light, but they cause more damage to the body
instead of protecting. These sunscreen chemicals are endocrine disruptors.


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Alcohol : Alcohol (drying alcohol) in skincare can leave the skin dry and flaky. It disrupts
the skin renewal process. However, not all alcohols are bad for your skin. Fatty alcohols are derived from natural fats and
oils and are great moisturizing agents.



Brazilian Nuts :
Selenium, found in Brazil nuts, is another powerful antioxidant that helps
protect the skin from free radicals. Not only that, but studies have shown selenium can help to clear skin,
reducing the risk of breakouts and decreasing acne.

Fish : ABSOLOUTE GOAT
Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin. They’re rich sources of
omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining skin health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to help keep skin thick, supple, and moisturized. In fact,
an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can cause dry skin.
The omega-3 fats in fish reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. They can even make your
skin less sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Citrus Fruit :
"Citrus fruits are a naturally rich source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that speeds cellular turnover,
fights free radical damage and inflammation, and assists in the production of collagen and elastin," Dr. Maiman says.
It also encourages your body to metabolise faster and can help you feel less bloated, while
giving your skin radiance from the inside out.

Bone Broth :
A 2023 study showed that collagen supplementation can have a positive impact on the skin.
And guess what's full on collagen? Bone broth. If you really want the full benefits of drinking bone broth,
make your own with leftover chicken, pork, or beef bones.



Milk (ONLY IN SOME CASES) :
A 2016 source suggests a link between high blood levels of the hormone IGF-1 and acne severity. Looksmax

IGF-1 interacts with adrenal glands, affecting hormones in a way that contributes to acne.
Since milk and other dairy products contain this hormone, it may explain a possible link between dairy consumption and acne.
In addition to IGF-1’s impact on hormones related to acne production, other hormones present in milk and dairy
products may affect acne both positively and negatively. The hormone estrogen, for example,
may actually reduce acne. Some studies in girls and boys have shown that consuming dairy products, especially skimmed milk,
was associated with having more acne. This may be due to reduced amounts of estrogen in skim milk compared to whole milk.
Other components of milk products may also influence acne. For example, according to the study:Looksmax
Dairy contains the amino acid leucine, which promotes the production of sebum in skin cells.

OBVIOUSLY, still drink milk for that bone growth and calcium. Your body
cannot produce calcium, therefore needs to be consumed through
milk. Take this information with a pinch of salt. I'm not interested in
arguing about it.


Also avoid : processed food, sugary sweets, alcohol, smoking, caffeine
and artificial sweets. They all ruin your skin because of the refined
sugars and carbs, and the saturated fats that can cause
hormone fluctuations (therefore acne) and/or increase inflammation.



Cleanser for dry and/or sensitive skin: Madagascar Centella
Ampoule Cleansing Foam (125ml)
4.93/5 on SkinCupid.

- Enriched with 33% Centella Asiatica.
- Supports optimal hydration levels
- pH level of 5 that mimics the skin surface's natural pH therefore
doesn't strip the skin barrier or strip away natural moisture.

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Cleanser for oily and/or acne prone skin:

1024 Dokdo Cleanser (150ml)
4.80/5 on SkinCupid.

- Water-based cleanser
- Tripe Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide NP (both soothe irritation)
- Nourishes skin with minerals found naturally in the Ulleungdo Deep Sea Water.
- Suits all skin types, really good for oily however.

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Serum for all types of skin: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.
- Formulated with 4% BHA (Betaine Salicylate), it diminished
enlarged pores and dead skin cells.
- BHA penetrates into the pores and helps clear clogged
pores and gently exfoliates. Prevents acne and blackheads from
forming new ones.
After cleansing, apply onto clean fingers and gently rub into the entirety
of your face, especially the nose area. Paraben, Sulfate and Phthalates FREE.

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(Pricier) Toner for all types of skin: EQQUALVERRY Swimming Pool Toner (300ml)
5/5 on SkinCupid.

- Toner contains the enyzme Protease in place of AHAS & BHAS to kill of dead skin cells
- Many women praising this product for smoother their face texture.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Betaine soothes irritations

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Moisturiser for : EQQUALVERRY Swimming Pool Toner (300ml)
5/5 on SkinCupid.

- Toner contains the enyzme Protease in place of AHAS & BHAS to kill of dead skin cells
- Many women praising this product for smoother their face texture.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Betaine soothes irritations

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Moisturiser for oily skin: Madagascar Centella Cream Mini (30ml)
4.5/5 on SkinCupid.

- Very lightweight and absorbs fast
- Contains Niacinamide, which improves a weak skin barrier
- Contains Centella Asiatica extract: a favourite ingredient in Korea. Centella
hydrates your skin, reduces the effects of sun damage and repairs the skin's
protective barrier.


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cMoisturiser for dry skin (possibly oily) : Nivea Soft Crème (50ml)
4.4/5 on Amazon, from the Nivea store itself

- Non-comedogenic
- No animal derived ingredients, ethical
- Vitamin E with 100% natural jojoba extracts.

Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant which reduces UV damage coming from the sun and helps fighting the
inflammation caused by it. Fish and seafood are a good animal sources of it.

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Glass skin serum : Beauty of Joseon Glass Skin Serum
4.71/5 on SkinCupid

- Well-suited to acne prone and sensitive skin
- Controls skin oils level
- Will fade previous acne spots.
 
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