The Face-Care Routine I Use While Going Steroid-Free [Avène + Sun White]

Hi, this is Bakubaku. I applied a topical steroid (Kindavate) to my face for about 20 years. It thinned my skin and left my face chronically red. Over the past few months I've been taking on the challenge of stopping facial steroids. (This is my own decision — honestly, I don't recommend copying it. It's the kind of thing you should discuss with a doctor.) Here's the skincare routine I follow during this steroid-free life.

Just 4 steps

Only two products: Avène thermal water spray and Sun White, the highest-purity petroleum jelly. (1) After a tap-water shower, spray Avène on the face. (2) Wipe once lightly with a tissue — think of it as rinsing off the tap water. (3) Spray Avène again, like a toner. (4) After a moment, apply a thin layer of Sun White to seal. That's it.

The goal is simple: don't leave residual tap-water chlorine on the face. Chlorine is said to weaken the skin barrier and contribute to dryness, itching, and redness. It's the same idea as my Evian face-washing challenge — this is the low-cost version that replaces tap water with Avène.

Why Sun White specifically?

I tried many petroleum jellies, but most were too greasy and over-sealing. When skin is inflamed and can't breathe, bacteria can apparently multiply between the jelly and the skin — and my facial redness never went away. Sun White is the most refined, highest-purity petrolatum available in stores. When I tried it, it felt light and seemed to suit my skin (personal experience only!). More details in my article on the 4 grades of petroleum jelly.

I talk about it in this video

I explain this routine in the second half of my Evian challenge video. Quitting steroids was genuinely hard, and I'll write a proper article about that journey someday. Again: how to taper steroids differs for everyone — please work with your doctor.