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 took on the challenge of stopping facial steroids, and my skin is now stable without them. Here's the skincare routine that supports that.
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 switched, the redness stopped getting worse. It suited my skin (personal experience only!). More details in my article on the 4 grades of petroleum jelly.
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray
For the post-shower tap-water reset and as a toner substitute. I use the big bottle. (PR: contains affiliate links)
Sun White P-1 (high-purity petroleum jelly)
The highest-purity petrolatum sold in Japan. I use it to seal in moisture after Avène. (PR: contains affiliate links)
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.