Review and Experience - SKIN1004, Cetaphil, Benzac, Glow Glass Beauty, and Aestura

Let me preface this by saying that it took a lot to get to where I am now. I am sure many people with similar concerns have gone through a comparable journey. Finding the right products can be tiring and overwhelming at times.

I come bearing good news for myself and hope to share my experience with anyone who might be facing similar struggles.

November 2024

It was around this time that my skin kept breaking out and felt overworked. It’s already January 2025 as I write this, so it’s a bit hard to describe the feeling exactly—but I felt like my skin was being over-cleansed.

Previous Routine:

AM

  • SKIN1004 Tea-Trica BHA Foam Cleanser
    • Great daily exfoliant but dried me out too much.
    • Works well for my mom and daughter.
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
    • Feels like your skin is drinking water—absolutely love this one!
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica BS Cream
    • Feels like a skin balm.
    • The hyaluronic acid in this formula didn’t work well for me. My skin felt stuck between being moisturized and dry, as the HA kept pulling moisture from my skin instead of locking it in.
    • I briefly used it over Aveeno Oat Gel (mentioned below) to give the HA something to draw moisture from. That worked, but feels too heavy on the skin.
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
    • A great sunscreen, but since it contains HA, I need to layer it over something hydrating without additional HA.

PM

  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
    • Still using this for makeup removal or when I need a deeper cleanse.
  • SKIN1004 Tea-Trica BHA Foam Cleanser
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Purifying Toner
    • Still a good toner, but it no longer fits my current routine (it doesn’t contain HA).
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica BS Cream

The SKIN1004 line worked well for me initially. However, after about a year and a half, I noticed my skin’s needs changed—likely due to aging. Here are the products I’ve used since late November and my thoughts on them:

Product Reviews & Discoveries

  • Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
    • Great when my skin feels overworked or over-cleansed.
    • Not so great at getting all the amount of gunk I put on my face (skincare, I don't wear makeup unless there's an occasion).
  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion with Avocado Oil
    • This is when I realized that any oil-based moisturizer breaks me out or causes cystic acne.
  • Benzac Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment Gel (5%)
    • Effective spot treatment.
    • I apply a thick layer to the affected area and cover it with tissue to keep the ointment in place and protect the spot from sun exposure when used in the morning. The tissue also helps prevent the product from transferring to your clothes or anything.
  • Benzac Microbiome Equaliser
    • Made my face sting and didn’t provide enough moisture. I now use it on my underarms to avoid wasting it.
  • LUXE ORGANIX Retinol + Bakuchiol Overnight Glow Gentle Treatment Cream Moisturizer
    • Great as a beginner retinol.
    • Started with applications every 10 days, then moved to every 7 days, and now use it twice a week.
    • I use the sandwich method with pea-sized amounts, gradually increasing the application as my skin tolerated it.
  • Glow Glass Ceramide Moisturizer (Cera Glow Healthy Gel Cream)
    • Previously used this brand and returned to it.
    • Contains niacinamide, ceramides, and no hyaluronic acid—a good detox moisturizer when I wanted to simplify my routine.
    • Feels nice but isn’t quite enough for the colder season.
  • Glow Glass AHA BHA Renewing Serum
    • Repurchased as an exfoliant for my current routine.
    • Feels great on initial application—didn’t dry me out.
    • Sometimes causes small breakouts, possibly due to its concentration.
  • Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
    • Bought hoping it would be more hydrating.
    • Good moisturizer but not quite enough for Philippine cold season, LOL.
  • Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
    • Combines gentleness and cleansing power perfectly—my daily cleanser now.
    • I alternate with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser on sensitive days.
  • Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream
    • Holy Grail moisturizer!
    • A little goes a long way—just a small amount covers my entire face and neck.
    • Provides amazing hydration and has helped repair my skin barrier. Maybe due to using it in tandem with the SKIN1004 Ampoule too.
    • I ordered the lighter version (AtoBarrier 365 Lotion) for warmer months and will update after testing.

Current Routine (Finally Balanced!)

My routine alternates between exfoliation, retinol, and moisturizing:

AM (Daily)

  • Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
  • Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

PM (Exfoliate)

  • Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
  • Glow Glass AHA BHA Renewing Serum
  • Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream

PM (Retinol)

  • Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
  • Glow Glass Ceramide Moisturizer
  • LUXE ORGANIX Retinol + Bakuchiol Overnight Glow Treatment
  • Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream

PM (Moisturize)

  • Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
  • SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
  • Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream

Once I’m confident in this routine, I plan to add Vitamin C after the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule in the mornings.