Addressing Your Skincare Questions

Based on your questions and the discussion in the forum, here is information regarding BHA toner, sun spots, alternative ingredients to Vitamin C, and mixing your existing ingredients:

BHA Toner for Clogged Pores

Using a BHA toner (like the BHA + water formula you mentioned) can help with clogged pores. BHA (Salicylic Acid) works by penetrating the pore and helping to loosen and dissolve the hardened sebum and dead skin cells that cause blockages. This can make the clogged pores softer and potentially easier to extract, or with continued use, they may resolve on their own.

Application: It is generally recommended to use BHA at night because it can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Always follow up with sunscreen during the day.

Using with Vitamin C: You can potentially use BHA in conjunction with your current Stabilized Vitamin C product, especially if your skin does not show signs of significant irritation from the Vitamin C (like prolonged stinging or redness). Since you mentioned a slight, temporary tingling with your Vitamin C that subsides, your skin seems to tolerate it reasonably well. However, it is best to use BHA at night and Vitamin C at a different time (if you were using it during the day, which you are not) or on alternate nights if your skin is prone to sensitivity. Pay close attention to how your skin reacts when introducing BHA.

Treating Sun Spots (กระแดด)

For targeted treatment of sun spots, concentrated spot treatments are often suggested. While AHA is commonly used for this purpose, the forum discussion also mentioned the benefit of consulting a professional (like a doctor or nurse) for stubborn or specific spots, especially if you are new to using high concentrations or targeting specific lesions.

Ingredients known for their ability to help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation include Niacinamide and N-acetyl Glucosamine. These ingredients work through different mechanisms than Vitamin C but can also be effective in improving skin tone and reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Alternatives to Vitamin C for Brightening and Moisture

If you find your current Vitamin C product drying, you might consider ingredients that offer brightening benefits while also supporting skin hydration and barrier function. As discussed, Vitamin C itself doesn't directly moisturize but aids in collagen production over time, which can improve skin's plumpness.

Ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and N-acetyl Glucosamine are excellent alternatives or complementary ingredients. Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving hydration. It also has significant brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. N-acetyl Glucosamine works well with Niacinamide to target hyperpigmentation and also helps the skin produce Hyaluronic Acid, contributing to moisture.

Products containing these ingredients, such as Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide), Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, Switzerland), Extreme-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, Highest Purity), and GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine), could be suitable options to explore for brightening with potentially better moisturizing properties compared to some Vitamin C formulations.

Mixing N-acetyl Glucosamine, Niacinamide, and Aloe Vera Gel

Yes, based on the forum discussion, you can likely mix N-acetyl Glucosamine, Niacinamide, and VITARA ALOE VERA GEL - 99.5% for use in the morning before sunscreen. Both Niacinamide and N-acetyl Glucosamine are water-soluble powders.

Mixing Tip: If the Aloe Vera Gel is thick, it might be easier to first dissolve the N-acetyl Glucosamine and Niacinamide powders in a small amount of water before thoroughly mixing them into the gel. Ensure you calculate the correct usage percentage for each ingredient based on the total volume of your mixture to avoid irritation and ensure effectiveness.

This combination can provide brightening benefits from Niacinamide and N-acetyl Glucosamine, along with the soothing and hydrating properties of Aloe Vera Gel, making it a good option for a morning essence before applying sunscreen.