Dr. Dray Rejects Gua Sha Claims, Shifts OTC Retinol to Neck and Chest

Dr Dray

Clinical anti-aging claims for gua sha tools lack scientific evidence, while gentle over-the-counter retinoids deliver effective rejuvenation on delicate neck and chest skin that cannot tolerate prescription tretinoin.

AI-assisted summary of Dermatologist Skincare Empties: What I’d Repurchase & What I’d Skip — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2026-09-23

Key ideas

Cleansing oils and balms function identically once emulsified with water and do not inherently clog pores, rendering exorbitant price tags for these simple wash-off products unjustified. (0:00)
Third-party certifications like the National Eczema Association Seal do not guarantee safety against allergic contact dermatitis, as sensitive skin can still react to botanical extracts such as Centella asiatica. (2:41)
Over-the-counter retinaldehyde serums serve as a viable alternative for the neck and décolletage, delivering texture smoothing and pigmentation clearance where prescription tretinoin often triggers severe irritation. (8:07)
Clinical evidence supporting gua sha tools for anti-aging is virtually nonexistent; facial depuffing from mechanical massage is temporary, as gravity naturally clears fluid retention once upright. (13:00)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by dermatologist Dr. Dray on September 23, 2026, this video documents her recently finished facial skincare products. According to the description, she reviews cleansing balms, cleansing oils, Korean skincare favorites, moisturizers, and retinoid treatments from brands like Remedy Derm, Prequel, ROUND LAB, SKIN1004, Purito, and Anua to share what she would repurchase or skip.

## TL;DR Dr. Dray breaks down the mechanics and formulation value of her recent facial skincare empties, starting with gentle double-cleansing oils and balms from Remedy Derm, Prequel, and Garnier paired with low-foaming washes from ROUND LAB and Cetaphil. She reviews lightweight barrier-supporting emulsions from SKIN1004 and Prequel, explaining why fluid milky toners make cost-effective whole-body hydrators. For anti-aging, she details repurposing the Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum and Anua Collagen Retinol Cream for sensitive neck, chest, and arm skin that cannot tolerate prescription tretinoin. Throughout the breakdown, she cuts through industry marketing by debunking viral gua sha claims and clarifying the true diagnostic value of eczema certification seals.

## Atmosphere & style The presentation is clinical yet refreshingly casual, anchored by Dr. Dray's trademark deadpan humor and no-nonsense dermatological skepticism. Her delivery flows naturally between rigorous scientific critiques of active ingredients and relatable, self-deprecating anecdotes about absentminded morning routines, tossing empty bottles across the room, and getting distracted by a lizard on her window. The experience feels like an honest, unvarnished debrief from a pragmatic expert who genuinely cares about skin health over fleeting social media trends.

## Bulletin - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=0s) Cleansing oils and balms function identically once emulsified with water and do not inherently clog pores, rendering exorbitant price tags for these simple wash-off products unjustified. - [02:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=161s) Third-party certifications like the National Eczema Association Seal do not guarantee safety against allergic contact dermatitis, as sensitive skin can still react to botanical extracts such as Centella asiatica. - [08:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=487s) Over-the-counter retinaldehyde serums serve as a viable alternative for the neck and décolletage, delivering texture smoothing and pigmentation clearance where prescription tretinoin often triggers severe irritation. - [13:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=780s) Clinical evidence supporting gua sha tools for anti-aging is virtually nonexistent; facial depuffing from mechanical massage is temporary, as gravity naturally clears fluid retention once upright.

## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=0s) Cleansing oils and balms share identical mechanical performance on skin because both use emulsifiers to dissolve sunscreen and cosmetics before rinsing clean with water. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=0s) Wash-off cleansers do not require complex cosmetic elegance, making fragrance-free formulations and reasonable pricing the primary criteria for selecting them. - [01:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=116s) Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm pairs barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides, Centella, green tea, and curcumin with a twist-dispensing mechanism that avoids tub contamination. - [02:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=161s) Third-party eczema approval seals are neither an absolute assurance against allergic contact dermatitis nor a prerequisite for an effective sensitive-skin cleanser. - [02:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=161s) Budget-friendly drugstore formulas, such as Garnier's Erase It All Cleansing Balm, provide equal cleansing efficacy to high-end cleansing balms. - [04:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=262s) Gentle water-based cleansers, including ROUND LAB's 1025 Dokdo and Birch Juice options, effectively complete the double cleanse without stripping the skin or leaving base odors. - [05:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=305s) Milky toners function as ultra-fluid lotions and dilute emulsions rather than watery essences, making them versatile lightweight moisturizers for both face and body. - [06:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=393s) Applying fluid facial moisturizers across the entire body accelerates product depletion, substantially diminishing cost-effectiveness relative to standard body lotions. - [08:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=487s) The thin skin of the upper chest and neck frequently cannot tolerate prescription retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene, making gentler retinaldehyde serums a practical alternative. - [08:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=487s) Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum visibly refines upper chest texture, improves elasticity, and calms localized redness through micro-encapsulated retinal, tranexamic acid, and 10% niacinamide. - [10:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=604s) High concentrations of niacinamide assist in preventing advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which typically present as stubborn sallow discoloration around thin eyelid skin. - [10:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=604s) While topical tranexamic acid aids barrier function and calms post-inflammatory erythema, oral systemic prescription remains the established dermatological benchmark for hyperpigmentation. - [13:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=780s) Mechanical gua sha massage tools lack clinical backing for anti-aging and offer only transient fluid movement that venous and lymphatic drainage naturally achieves through gravity. - [13:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=780s) Retinol operates as an enzymatic prodrug that converts to retinoic acid within the skin, providing tretinoin-like collagen stimulation and cellular renewal with considerably lower irritation risk. - [13:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=780s) Gentle over-the-counter retinol moisturizers offer off-label utility as targeted restorative treatments for photoaging on the forearms and neck.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=0s) Double Cleansing Basics and What Makes a Cleanser Worth It

Dr. Dray kicks off her facial skincare empties roundup with a reminder of how she structures her evening routine: she begins before stepping into the shower by massaging an oil cleanser or cleansing balm across her face. The core purpose is breaking down sunscreen residue, everyday cosmetics, and stubborn eye makeup—the primary reason she originally adopted the double-cleansing method. Once in the shower, she follows up with a gentle water-based facial cleanser. Because she is constantly testing new product releases to answer viewer inquiries, she regularly rotates the products in both steps.

She demystifies the practical distinction between cleansing oils and balms, noting that while one is liquid and the other solid at room temperature, both behave identically on the skin. Both formulations incorporate emulsifiers, meaning they dissolve oily films and effortlessly rinse clean as soon as water is introduced. Dr. Dray directly challenges the popular myth that cleansing oils and balms clog pores or aggravate acne, asserting that in her extensive testing, nearly every option performs its core mechanical task effectively.

A product only disappoints her under two specific conditions: an overwhelming fragrance (she prefers fragrance-free formulas, though she tolerates mild scents) or an exorbitant price tag. Because oil cleansers and balms are simple wash-off products that do not require high cosmetic elegance or complex formulation, she insists they have no business being "offensively priced."

```mermaid flowchart LR accTitle: Dr. Dray's Evening Double Cleanse Flow accDescr: A two-step cleansing progression starting before the shower with oil/balm and finishing inside the shower with a water-based wash.

subgraph Step1["Step 1: Dry Skin (Pre-Shower)"] A["Oil Cleanser or Cleansing Balm"] --> B["Dissolves Sunscreen & Eye Makeup"] end

subgraph Step2["Step 2: In the Shower"] B --> C["Emulsify with Water & Rinse"] C --> D["Gentle Foaming/Water Cleanser"] end ```

---

[01:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=116s) Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm

Moving into her finished jars, Dr. Dray presents Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm, having gone through two or three units of it. She praises its thoughtful packaging, which features a twist mechanism that dispenses the exact measured dose needed without dipping fingers into an open tub.

The formula is completely fragrance-free and loaded with barrier-supportive and soothing ingredients: - Ceramides to protect and replenish the skin barrier. - Anti-inflammatory *Centella asiatica* extracts. - Green tea extract for antioxidant protection. - Turmeric-derived curcumin compounds to calm redness.

She highlights how gently and effortlessly it glides over delicate eyelid tissue, noting that it had no trouble melting away waterproof mascara during a multi-month period when she wore it, even though waterproof formulations are not typically part of her regular routine.

---

[02:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=161s) Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil and the Truth About Eczema Seals

Turning to liquid room-temperature cleansers, Dr. Dray reviews Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil. Formulated with a nourishing lipid base of rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, the formula also includes soothing centella extracts. She found it exceptionally pleasant and effective, fully fragrance-free, and capable of melting off makeup and sunscreen without irritation.

She uses this product to explain a crucial dermatological caveat regarding packaging claims. While Prequel Pre-Gleanse carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, Dr. Dray explains that third-party seals are neither a guarantee of safety nor a prerequisite for a good product: - Individuals with atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin can still develop contact allergies to botanical extracts such as *Centella asiatica*, regardless of any official seal. - Fragrance remains the most frequent culprit, but contact dermatitis can technically be triggered by virtually any cosmetic ingredient. - The absence of a seal does not mean a cleanser is unsafe or inferior for sensitive skin.

As a quick drugstore alternative, she shares that she has recently been using the Garnier Erase It All Vitamin C Cleansing Balm, which she picked up at Walmart. While she did not seek it out specifically for the vitamin C, she had already used and liked Garnier's regular version and found the vitamin C variation equally pleasant, effective, and budget-friendly.

---

[04:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=262s) Water-Based Cleansers: ROUND LAB and Cetaphil

For the second step of her double cleanse inside the shower, Dr. Dray finished two Korean skincare options from ROUND LAB: the 1025 Dokdo Cleanser and the Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser. She is also currently working through the matching Dokdo Toner, but the cleansers stood out for their simplicity and gentle cleansing action: - **ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser**: Dense and creamy in texture, creating a cushiony lather that rinses cleanly without tightness. - **ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser**: Clear and colorless gel-like wash that delivers an equally mild, non-stripping cleanse.

Both formulas are completely fragrance-free, rinse away without lingering residue or offensive base odors, and respect sensitive skin. By comparison, her current in-shower cleanser is the classic Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser—a staple she has used for years, which originally had a signature scent before Cetaphil released its fragrance-free iteration.

---

[05:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=305s) SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Plumping Ampoule, Firming Cream, and Glass Skin Milk

Dr. Dray revisits her experience with the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica line, reporting that she fully emptied the Hyalu-Cica Plumping Ampoule as well as the Hyalu-Cica Firming Cream. She slotted the Plumping Ampoule into her routine twice daily, smoothing it on as the very first post-cleansing step in both the morning and evening. The Firming Cream was reserved almost exclusively for night: - During the daytime, she avoids layering dedicated heavy moisturizers, relying primarily on a hydrating sunscreen or a lightweight milky toner. - At night, especially when her skin feels parched or when testing rich formulas, she uses a dense cream to seal in hydration.

She is also finishing the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Glass Skin Milk. Because it dispenses as a featherweight, fluid emulsion, she started applying it across her entire body straight out of the shower. She clarifies the true purpose of milky toners: they are not simple aqueous liquids, nor are they sticky jelly fluids, but rather very dilute, ultra-fluid lotions and emulsions. This lightweight profile makes them exceptional for all-over body hydration when traditional creams feel too heavy.

---

[06:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=393s) Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer

Dr. Dray playfully tosses her finished bottle of Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer across the room, explaining that even though a fine interior film makes it look partially full, it is completely tapped out after being stored upside down to extract every drop.

Like the SKIN1004 Glass Skin Milk, she utilized this lightweight emulsion from head to toe. However, using a facial moisturizer across the entire body creates a distinct drawback: she ran through the bottle rapidly, making full-body application far less cost-effective than using standard body lotions. Used solely on the face, a single bottle lasts a long time because only a minimal amount is required to cover the facial canvas.

Key attributes of Prequel Half & Half: - Hydrating, barrier-supporting lipid complex anchored by ceramides. - A blend of signal peptides, including palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, hexapeptide-11, and palmitoyl tripeptide-1. - Provides a "deep quenching hydration effect" without feeling greasy or heavy.

While viewers frequently tell her in the comments that Prequel Half & Half is an absolute holy grail that she must never live without, Dr. Dray offers a more measured verdict. While she genuinely enjoyed it and would happily repurchase it, her personal favorites in this fluid-toner category remain the SKIN1004 Glass Skin Milk and the Celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner.

---

[08:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=487s) Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum for Upper Chest Rejuvenation

Dr. Dray highlights a specific bodycare habit she started about a year ago: using the Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum (formulated with 6% tranexamic acid, 10% niacinamide, and retinaldehyde) on her décolletage. She has since emptied multiple bottles.

She never uses this serum on her face because she already applies prescription tretinoin there; stacking retinaldehyde on top of tretinoin is redundant and sharply increases irritation risks. However, the delicate skin on her upper chest cannot tolerate potent prescription retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene (Differin). The Purito formula proved to be the ideal alternative, providing noticeable cosmetic benefits without causing dermatitis: - Noticeable smoothing of rough skin texture. - Visible improvement in discoloration and uneven tone. - Increased suppleness, elasticity, and a distinct "radiant glow."

The serum's active ingredients are encapsulated within micro-spheres. Straight out of the shower, she draws up a single full pipette and massages the entire dose over her upper chest. Depending on her mood, she either layers body lotion over it or lets the serum stand alone, as it provides sufficient hydration on its own.

This leads to a humorous confession about morning autopilot habits: she admits she occasionally acts completely on muscle memory without paying attention—including one memorable instance where she accidentally rubbed a dedicated scalp and hair serum all over her face, mistaking it for a facial treatment.

[10:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=604s) Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum: Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, and Glycation

Dr. Dray humorously prefaces her breakdown of the active ingredients in the Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum with an admission of absentmindedness, recounting how she got so lost in thought during her routine that she caught herself washing her face with shaving cream. "The mind is a precious thing you don't want to lose," she jokes, dryly adding that hers tends to fall out and roll under the bed on a regular basis. Turning back to the formula, she highlights the 10% niacinamide concentration. While 10% sits on the higher end of the spectrum and is not strictly necessary—sometimes carrying a risk of irritation that she fortunately did not experience—niacinamide remains an unmatched multitasker for the moisture barrier, evening out skin tone, and calming redness. Beyond these well-known benefits, niacinamide also shows promise in counteracting glycation, an internal and external aging process heavily driven by cumulative UV exposure as well as dietary factors like excess refined carbohydrates and smoked or processed meats. Glycation frequently manifests as a sallow, yellowish discoloration around thin, delicate eyelid skin—a change that is particularly evident in fair or Caucasian skin tones and notoriously difficult to reverse once established. In Dr. Dray's view, while skincare marketing often hypes obscure, jazzy ingredients, it is usually reliable niacinamide quietly "carrying the entire industry," even if that omnipresence is frustrating for people whose skin cannot tolerate it.

The serum also pairs retinal with topical tranexamic acid, an inclusion that helps support the moisture barrier and fade stubborn redness like post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Dr. Dray cautions against overhyped cosmetic claims, pointing out that dermatological data for topical tranexamic acid is still in its infancy, largely relying on preclinical work and isolated clinical anecdotes—such as a published case report where an in-office compounded tranexamic acid mask successfully calmed a patient's redness. In formal dermatology practice, tranexamic acid truly shines when administered systemically as an oral prescription for stubborn hyperpigmentation rather than topically. Nevertheless, Dr. Dray observed tangible personal benefits from this topical serum on her upper chest, where it notably helped calm local erythema, seasonal allergy itching, and eczema flare-ups.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Multi-Target Action of Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum Actives accDescr: Diagram illustrating the three key actives in the serum and their specific physiological targets in the skin. subgraph Actives["Core Active Ingredients"] A["10% Niacinamide"] B["Tranexamic Acid (TXA)"] C["Retinaldehyde"] end

subgraph Targets["Physiological Skin Targets"] T1["Barrier support & anti-glycation<br/>(Combats sallow eyelid tone)"] T2["Redness & PIE reduction<br/>(Calms seasonal itch & eczema)"] T3["Collagen boost & cellular turnover<br/>(Direct retinoic acid precursor)"] end

A --> T1 B --> T2 C --> T3 ```

- **Niacinamide Percentage**: Formulated at 10%, which is higher than the standard 2% to 5% therapeutic threshold, but tolerated well without irritation in this vehicle. - **Mechanism against Glycation**: Helps put the brakes on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) caused by sun damage and diets high in refined sugars and processed or smoked meats. - **Topical vs. Systemic Tranexamic Acid**: While oral tranexamic acid is the clinical dermatologic gold standard for melasma and pigmentation, topical applications help reinforce the stratum corneum and alleviate post-inflammatory erythema.

---

[13:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=780s) Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream & Debunking Gua Sha Hype

Turning to the Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream, Dr. Dray pauses as her train of thought is momentarily derailed by a two-toned green and brown lizard clinging upside-down to her window. Refocusing on the product, she addresses the viral popularity of gua sha tools across social media. While running a jade stone over the face produces visually compelling video content that drives millions of views, she emphasizes that the clinical evidence backing gua sha for anti-aging is "slim to none." While mechanical massage can provide a fleeting reduction in facial puffiness, natural fluid retention typically resolves on its own within a couple of hours simply because gravity assists venous and lymphatic drainage back toward the heart once an individual stands upright. True lymphedema requires medical-grade compression and intensive physical therapy, whereas facial lymphedema is exceedingly uncommon. Although she gave the tube’s built-in metallic gua sha applicator a fair trial, she found the mechanism clumsy and cumbersome, quickly opting to dispense the cream directly onto her fingers and massage it in by hand.

The cream's formulation, however, earned high praise. Dr. Dray compares its texture and performance to the fragrance-free Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol line, a long-standing favorite she has recommended for more than a decade. The Anua cream delivers immediate cosmetic gratification via a rich, nourishing base that floods the skin with hydration to instantly plump up fine surface lines. Over time, the retinol acts as a prodrug, undergoing enzymatic conversion within the skin to retinoic acid to behave like prescription tretinoin: stimulating collagen synthesis, tamping down inflammation, accelerating epidermal turnover, smoothing coarse texture, and lifting solar hyperpigmentation. Because the formulation is far gentler than prescription retinoids, Dr. Dray found it especially useful for areas prone to irritation such as the neck, upper chest, and sun-damaged forearms. She cautions, however, that anyone using it off-face should avoid layering it over other potent retinoids like the Purito retinal serum, advising instead to rotate or pause alternate treatments.

- **Gua Sha Reality**: The built-in massage head provides little clinical utility beyond temporary fluid shifting, and Dr. Dray abandoned the applicator in favor of standard fingertip application. - **Formula Texture & Tolerance**: Rich, creamy, and completely fragrance-free, making it an ideal anti-aging option for sensitive neck and décolletage skin that cannot tolerate prescription-strength tretinoin. - **Retinoid Prodrug Action**: Retinol is enzymatically metabolized in the skin into active retinoic acid, driving sustained dermal remodeling, collagen synthesis, and pigment clearance over time. - **Body Application**: Highly recommended as an off-label moisturizing treatment for sun damage on the arms and forearms.

---

[16:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=978s) Facial Empties Wrap-Up and Upcoming Content

Dr. Dray concludes her review of her recent facial skincare empties, signaling that her empties series is far from over. She informs viewers that she is transitioning immediately into filming a dedicated body care empties video to showcase the body washes, lotions, and targeted treatments she has used up, with a comprehensive sunscreen empties video planned shortly thereafter. She closes by inviting the audience to share their own Holy Grail skincare staples in the comments, reminds everyone to like and subscribe, and delivers her signature parting advice: never skip daily sunscreen application.

## Notable quotes > [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=0s) offensively priced — Dr Dray

> [06:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=393s) deep quenching hydration effect — Dr Dray

> [08:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=487s) radiant glow — Dr Dray

> [10:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=604s) The mind is a precious thing you don't want to lose — Dr Dray

> [10:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=604s) carrying the entire industry — Dr Dray

> [13:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ&t=780s) slim to none — Dr Dray

## Mentioned Dr Dray, Remedy Derm, Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm, Prequel, Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil, National Eczema Association, Garnier, Garnier Erase It All Vitamin C Cleansing Balm, Walmart, ROUND LAB, ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser, ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner, Cetaphil, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, SKIN1004, SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Plumping Ampoule, SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Firming Cream, SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Glass Skin Milk, Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer, Celimax, Celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner, Purito, Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum, Differin, Anua, Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream, Neutrogena, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol

## Video description What skincare products does a dermatologist actually finish? In this skincare empties video, dermatologist Dr. Dray goes through the facial skincare products she recently used up, including cleansing balms, cleansing oils, Korean skincare, moisturizers, hydrating serums, retinal, and retinol products.

Dr. Dray shares her experience with each product, including which products she enjoyed using, how they performed in her skincare routine, and which products she would consider purchasing again. The video includes several popular Korean skincare products, as well as products from Prequel, Purito, Anua, SKIN1004, ROUND LAB, and Remedy Derm.

Products discussed include the Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm, Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil, ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser, SKIN1004 Hyalu TECA products, Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer, Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum, and Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream.

Suggested Products Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm https://amzlink.to/az0XC7VEm69hu Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil https://amzlink.to/az0DmAwhKFljf Garnier Erase It All Vitamin C Cleansing Balm https://amzlink.to/az0d9uLpmxkJm ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser https://amzlink.to/az0y9wLBP6n34 ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser https://amzlink.to/az06TX4WbHsg6 Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser https://amzlink.to/az0h7yNIyl2wg SKIN1004 Hyalu TECA Plumping Ampoule https://amzlink.to/az076WKBO9OWd SKIN1004 Hyalu TECA Firming Cream https://amzlink.to/az0LilHZHef2b SKIN1004 Hyalu TECA Glass Skin Milk https://amzlink.to/az0CPbyfkiKaP Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer https://amzlink.to/az05d6rTWfcqs Celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner https://amzlink.to/az0DmiXKFvWaU Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum https://amzlink.to/az05CcW6aokLX Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream https://amzlink.to/az0gEx7p5uQ2L

Timestamps

0:00 Intro 1:56 Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm 2:41 Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil 4:22 ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser & Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser 5:05 SKIN1004 Hyalu TECA Plumping Ampoule & Firming Cream 6:33 Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer 8:07 Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum 13:00 Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream 16:18 Outro

Whether you're looking for skincare empties, dermatologist skincare recommendations, Korean skincare reviews, retinal and retinol products, facial cleansers, or moisturizer recommendations, this video provides a closer look at the products Dr. Dray has actually finished using.

#SkincareEmpties #SkincareFavorites #Dermatologist #DrDray #SkincareRoutine #KoreanSkincare #KBeauty #Retinal #Retinol #SkincareReview #DrugstoreSkincare #FacialCleanser #Moisturizer #AntiAgingSkincare #SKIN1004 #Purito #Anua #Prequel #roundlab

FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.

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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5W52TfEnQ)

中文简报

Dr. Dray 驳斥刮痧功效宣称，将 OTC 视黄醇转用于颈部与胸部刮痧工具的临床抗衰老宣称缺乏科学证据，而温和的非处方维A酸类产品则能为无法耐受处方维A酸的娇嫩颈部和胸部肌肤带来有效的焕肤效果。 Dr. Dray 剖析了她近期面部护肤空瓶的作用机制与配方价值，首先介绍了来自 Remedy Derm、Prequel 和 Garnier 的温和二次清洁卸妆油与卸妆膏，并搭配 ROUND LAB 和 Cetaphil 的低泡洁面产品。她评测了 SKIN1004 和 Prequel 质地轻盈的屏障修护乳液，解释了为何流动性强的乳液状爽肤水是高性价比的全身保湿品。在抗衰老方面，她详细说明了如何将 Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum 和 Anua Collagen Retinol Cream 转用于无法耐受处方维A酸的敏感颈部、胸部及手臂肌肤。在整个解析过程中，她拆穿了行业营销噱头，不仅辟谣了走红网络的刮痧功效宣称，还阐明了湿疹认证标志的真实诊断价值。卸妆油和卸妆膏在遇水乳化后的作用完全相同，且本身不会堵塞毛孔，这使得此类简单洗去型产品的高昂标价毫无合理性。 (0:00) 诸如 National Eczema Association Seal（美国国家湿疹协会印章）等第三方认证并不能保证免受过敏性接触性皮炎的侵害，因为敏感肌肤仍可能对积雪草等植物提取物产生反应。 (2:41) 非处方视黄醛精华是用于颈部和前胸部位的可行替代方案，在处方维A酸常引发严重刺激的部位，它能平滑肌肤纹理并清除色素沉着。 (8:07) 支持刮痧工具具有抗衰老功效的临床证据几乎不存在；机械按摩带来的面部消肿只是暂时的，因为一旦身体保持直立，重力就会自然消除体液潴留。 (13:00)

Reading summary

Dermatologist Dr. Dray evaluates her recent skincare empties by balancing ingredient utility against retail cost, emphasizing fragrance-free formulas, barrier tolerance, and the physiological realities behind cosmetic marketing claims. Cleanser Performance, Pricing, and Certification Realities (0:00) Dr. Dray structures her evening routine with a pre-shower oil cleanser or balm to break down sunscreen and makeup, followed by a gentle water-based wash in the shower. She clarifies that liquid oils and solid balms function identically once exposed to water, as built-in emulsifiers allow both to rinse clean without clogging pores. Because wash-off cleansers perform basic mechanical tasks rather than delivering prolonged leave-on benefits, she maintains that consumers should avoid exorbitantly priced options. Addressing sensitive skin claims, Dr. Dray emphasizes that third-party recognitions like the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance do not guarantee allergy safety. Contact dermatitis can be triggered by nearly any ingredient, including soothing botanicals like Centella asiatica, meaning products without seals can be equally safe and effective if formulated without heavy fragrance. Practical Utility of Lightweight Fluid Emulsions (5:05) Evaluating milky skincare products such as SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Glass Skin Milk and Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer, Dr. Dray defines milky toners not as aqueous liquids or dense gels, but as dilute, fluid emulsions. This lightweight profile makes them convenient for full-body application immediately after showering when heavier body creams feel excessively occlusive. However, she cautions that applying facial emulsions over large body areas creates an economic trade-off, as bottles empty far too rapidly compared to conventional body lotions. While acknowledging that Prequel’s formula contains barrier-supportive ceramides and signal peptides like palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Dr. Dray notes her personal preference remains with alternatives such as SKIN1004 and Celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner. Repurposing Gentle Retinoids for Off-Face Rejuvenation (8:07) While Dr. Dray relies on prescription tretinoin for facial maintenance, she cautions that thinner, sensitive zones like the upper chest, neck, and forearms frequently cannot tolerate high-potency prescription retinoids. To improve texture, hyperpigmentation, and elasticity in these vulnerable areas without triggering dermatitis, she repurposes gentle over-the-counter formulas such as Purito TXA 6 Retinal Serum and Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Cream. These over-the-counter retinoids act as prodrugs, undergoing progressive enzymatic conversion into retinoic acid within the tissue to stimulate collagen synthesis and epidermal turnover. She stresses that consumers using potent leave-on treatments off-face should avoid stacking them together, warning against applying multiple retinoids to the same area simultaneously. Clinical Evidence in Actives Versus Application Gimmicks (10:04) Dr. Dray distinguishes between well-substantiated multi-functional actives and poorly supported trends. She highlights niacinamide as an industry workhorse capable of supporting the skin barrier, easing redness, and curbing glycation—a process driven by UV exposure and dietary factors that causes sallow discoloration around thin eyelid skin. Conversely, she notes that topical tranexamic acid data is still largely preclinical and anecdotal for calming erythema, contrasting it with oral tranexamic acid, which remains the true dermatological standard for melasma. Similarly, she dismisses the clinical anti-aging claims surrounding mechanical gua sha applicators as unsubstantiated. While superficial massage can temporarily shift fluid, natural venous and lymphatic drainage resolves routine facial puffiness on its own once an individual stands upright, rendering specialized scraping tools unnecessary for long-term skin health. Dr. Dray illustrates that an effective skincare routine depends on simple, non-irritating formulations and daily UV protection rather than expensive wash-off steps or viral physical tools. For consumers treating off-face sun damage, the central practical dilemma remains selecting products that balance clinical tolerability with the cost of covering larger surface areas.

Source quotes

[0:00] Dr Dray: offensively priced [6:33] Dr Dray: deep quenching hydration effect [8:07] Dr Dray: radiant glow [10:04] Dr Dray: The mind is a precious thing you don't want to lose [10:04] Dr Dray: carrying the entire industry [13:00] Dr Dray: slim to none

Original transcript

[0:00] Well, hey guys. Welcome back. If you're [0:01] new here, I'm Dr. Dre. I'm a [0:03] boardcertified dermatologist. Today, I'm [0:05] going to be sharing with you some [0:07] skincare products that I have finished. [0:09] These are all in the category of just [0:11] facial skin care, non sunscreen. I like [0:14] to share all my sunscreen empties in a [0:16] dedicated video. But without further [0:19] ado, if you're new to me and the basics [0:22] of my skincare routine, the first thing [0:24] I do in my nighttime skincare routine is [0:27] a double cleanse. I start before I get [0:30] in the shower rubbing an oil cleanser or [0:33] a cleansing balm over my face to begin [0:35] to dissolve sunscreen residue, cosmetic [0:38] residue, and especially my eye makeup. [0:41] That is the main reason I ever started [0:44] doing this. It really helps to break [0:46] that up. And then I get in the shower [0:48] and while I'm in there showering, I wash [0:50] my face with a gentle cleanser. When it [0:52] comes to what I use, whether it be a [0:55] cleansing oil or a cleansing balm or the [0:57] gentle cleanser step in the shower, I [1:00] change it up because I'm trying things [1:02] all the time. New products come out. [1:04] Y'all want to know about it. As far as [1:06] cleansing oil versus cleansing balm, [1:09] one's solid at room temperature, the [1:11] other's liquid, but they both function [1:13] the same. They contain emulsifier. So [1:15] once that oil breaks up the film and you [1:18] add a little bit of water, well, it's [1:20] going to rinse off the skin. These [1:22] products, contrary to popular belief, [1:24] don't clog pores. They don't aggravate [1:27] acne. And frankly, I have found in my [1:30] experience, it doesn't matter the [1:32] product. They all all pretty much do [1:35] what it is they're intended to do. Where [1:37] a cleansing oil or cleansing balm can [1:40] disappoint me is a if it has a really [1:42] strong fragrance. I prefer [1:44] fragrance-free, but some cleansing oils [1:47] and cleansing balms that have had [1:48] fragrance have been just fine. B, it is [1:51] offensively priced because this is not [1:53] something that really needs to be [1:55] sophisticated or fancy. This is probably [1:57] the second jar, second or third jar of [2:00] this. It's by Remedy. They're for [2:02] pre-cleansing derm dissolve cleansing [2:04] balm. I like this. It is fragrance-free. [2:08] The package is interesting because you [2:10] just twist and it dispenses just the [2:13] right amount. It has ceramides which are [2:15] good for your moisture barrier. It also [2:17] contains compounds from Santella which [2:20] are anti-inflammatory, [2:21] green tea extract, another antioxidant, [2:24] and compounds from curcumin. Really nice [2:27] over the eyelids. Does a perfect job [2:28] with the waterproof mascara if you [2:31] happen to be using that. I don't usually [2:32] like to use waterproof mascara. I find [2:35] it a little annoying, but I recently [2:37] several months ago was using one and [2:39] this was doing the trick. Now, as far as [2:42] liquid at room temperature, but does the [2:45] same exact thing. Let's talk a cleansing [2:47] oil. I finished. This is prequels [2:49] prelend. This contains rice brand oil. [2:53] It also has sunflower seed oil. It has [2:57] linoleic acid, linolenic acid, [3:00] fragrance-free, and it also has [3:02] compounds from Santella, just like the [3:04] cleansing balm, the remedy cleansing [3:06] balm. Wonderful. I really, really [3:08] enjoyed this. No added fragrance. And [3:11] like I said, it does what it's supposed [3:13] to do. This you could also use if you're [3:15] not uh allergic to any of the [3:17] ingredients, if you have rosacea, [3:19] eczemarapone skin, whatever. This [3:21] happens to have the National Eczema [3:23] Association seal of approval. But if [3:26] you're allergic to Santella Aiatica, you [3:29] can't use this regardless of the seal of [3:31] approval. Patients who have attopic [3:33] dermatitis, you know, they're more [3:34] inclined to develop allergies to random [3:36] ingredients, fragrance being the most [3:38] common, but pretty much anything. And so [3:40] it doesn't, what I'm getting at is the [3:42] seal doesn't tell you that it's going to [3:44] be good for you necessarily, or that an [3:46] absence of the seal means it's not safe. [3:49] Just keep that in mind. I love this. Uh, [3:51] and I I thought it was quite good as [3:53] well. So, both of these are what I have [3:55] used over the past several months, but [3:57] currently I am using a cleansing balm [3:59] from Garnier that I really like. It does [4:02] have vitamin C. I didn't purchase it [4:04] because of that. They have another one [4:06] without vitamin C that I used first and [4:08] I was like, well, I'll just try out this [4:09] one with vitamin C and see how it goes. [4:11] See how it goes. And that's been great. [4:13] So, if you're looking for one you can [4:15] just pick up at Walmart cuz they carry [4:17] that at Walmart. Great time to get it. [4:19] Okay, as far as the second step, gentle [4:22] cleanse, I finished two Korean facial [4:25] cleansers, both from Round Lab. The [4:28] Birch Juice moisturizing cleanser and [4:30] the Round Lab Doto Cleanser. Currently, [4:33] I'm actually making my way through the [4:36] Docto toner. Really like that. But these [4:38] are both wonderful. The Docto one is [4:41] creamy and the Birch Juice one is clear [4:44] and colorless. But they're both super [4:46] gentle, fragrance-free, nice lathers. [4:49] wash your face just fine. Rinse off [4:51] easily. No offensive smells. Really, [4:54] really like those as my second step. [4:56] Currently, I am using Cetaphil's daily [4:58] facial cleanser. That's another one that [5:00] I've used for years. It does have [5:02] fragrance, although several years ago [5:04] they came out with a fragrance-free [5:05] version of it. You'll recall several [5:07] months ago I reviewed for you all the [5:10] Skin 10004 Halu Sika line. This has been [5:15] amazing. So, I finished up both the [5:17] plumping ampule and oh, this was so [5:20] good, the firming cream. I use the [5:24] ampule twice a day, morning and evening, [5:26] first step after cleansing or after [5:28] stepping out of the shower. And I also [5:30] use the cream pretty much just at night [5:32] time because as far as daytime facial [5:34] moisturizer, I might use a milky toner [5:37] with but for the most part, I pretty [5:39] much just rely on my sunscreen for a [5:41] facial moisturizer. bought when I am [5:43] testing these kinds of things out or my [5:45] skin's just very dry. I like to use a [5:47] dedicated rich moisturizing cream at [5:49] night. This has been fantastic. [5:52] Currently, I am using the milk as well, [5:55] the glass skin milk. That's what it's [5:57] called. And I was using that actually [5:59] alongside these, but I have found that [6:01] I'm going through that more slowly than [6:03] these. I'm almost finished with it. But [6:05] that product, you want to know how else [6:07] I have used it? Not just on my face, but [6:09] to my entire body. It's super [6:11] lightweight, but you can use that as a [6:13] body moisturizer. You know, I view a [6:15] milky toner as interesting. It's not [6:17] quite like your typical water-based [6:19] fluid toner or your sort of grippy [6:22] hydrating jelly like toner. It is more [6:25] of a dilute very fluid lotion, an [6:29] emulsion. As I said, I'm currently using [6:31] that glass skin milk, which I adore. But [6:33] I did finish even though it looks like [6:35] there's residue in here, it's empty. [6:38] Like I have empty empty empty empty held [6:41] it upside down forever and whatever is [6:43] coating here is just not coming out. So [6:46] and there's like not even enough to do [6:48] much with anyway. So as I throw the [6:52] bottle across the room, this is Prequels [6:54] Half and Half Peptides Plus Camide Fluid [6:56] Moisturizer. This is another one similar [6:59] to the Halo Sika glass skin milk that I [7:02] discovered not only works very well as a [7:05] facial lightweight breathable facial [7:08] moisturizer, but it also works pretty [7:10] well as a body lotion. So, I ended up [7:12] using it from head to toe pretty much. [7:14] That said, I ended up going through it [7:16] very quickly, okay, which isn't [7:18] necessarily the most cost effective use, [7:20] right? If you just use it on the face, [7:22] it lasts forever. This bottle, you don't [7:23] need very much to cover your face. But [7:25] if you start doing what I tried out and [7:26] experimented with, you'll go through it [7:28] a lot faster using it to the entire [7:30] body. And this one has ceramide. It has [7:34] some peptides as well. Pelino [7:36] tetropeptide 7, hexapeptide 11, palmino [7:39] tripeptide 1. This very nice deep [7:42] quenching hydration effect as well. So, [7:45] I have gotten comments since I reviewed [7:47] this that this product is like a [7:50] musthave for you, that this is one you [7:52] will not do [clears throat] without and [7:53] you have your fingers crossed that [7:54] they'll never discontinued it. I really [7:56] have liked it and enjoyed it and would [7:58] gladly repurchase it, but I prefer the [8:02] skin 10004 one or the Cellamax Milky [8:06] Toner is another one I really like. This [8:08] is something I started doing about this [8:11] time, I want to say last year, maybe a [8:13] little bit earlier, and I have not [8:15] looked back because I was very surprised [8:17] by how much I liked the things that I [8:18] was seeing. And I have since emptied my [8:20] way through, if that's even the correct [8:23] wording there. Multiple bottles of this. [8:25] What is it? It's the trrenexemic acid 6 [8:28] ninomide 10 retinel retinel, which is [8:30] retinaldahhide serum from Purito. How do [8:33] I use this? Because I use tininoan on my [8:36] face. I don't use this to my face [8:37] because that's redundant and just [8:39] increases the risk of irritation to use [8:41] retinaldihide plus tininoan. Um I don't [8:44] recommend doing that. But I don't [8:46] tolerate tininoan or different on my [8:49] upper chest. But I have not only [8:51] tolerated this pretty well on the upper [8:53] chest, I genuinely see an improvement in [8:55] the overall texture, tone, the [8:58] suppleness. The skin is a lot smoother. [9:01] It has this radiant glow. And the [9:03] interesting thing about this product is [9:05] that the retinaldahhide and the [9:07] nioinomide and tranexemic acid loaded in [9:10] these little spheres. And then you just [9:13] dispense or I just dispense one squeeze [9:16] is an entire pipet worth of product. I [9:19] squeeze that entire amount just d to my [9:22] upper chest and I rub it all in after I [9:25] get out of the shower. I either do it [9:26] before or after my lotions to my body. [9:29] If I you do it after, it's cuz I didn't [9:31] put any lotion or cream up here. And [9:34] this alone is enough to keep my skin [9:36] moisturized and hydrated. But sometimes [9:37] I'll just put this on first and then [9:39] I'll put the body moisturizer on over [9:41] it. It all kind of depends on what my [9:43] brain is telling me to do or not [9:46] engaging in my hands. You know, [9:48] sometimes you just do things and you're [9:49] like, what did I just do? For example, [9:51] one time I put a hair serum on my face. [9:55] Yeah. thought I was dispensing a serum [9:57] for my face slash hair. I don't know [10:00] what I don't know what I was thinking. [10:01] I've even accidentally in the shower [10:03] just mind wandered [clears throat] off. [10:04] Started thinking about something else. [10:05] Next thing I know, I'm washing my face [10:07] with shaving cream. Like I can't make [10:09] this up, you guys. Uh the the mind is a [10:12] is a precious thing you don't want to [10:14] lose. Okay, I lose mine on the regular. [10:17] Falls out and lands I don't know under [10:19] the bed somewhere. I got to go digging. [10:20] Um, but all that to say, um, I kind of [10:24] just go where my hands tell me to do, [10:26] but either way works. A note about the [10:28] nycinomide. It is a little on the higher [10:31] percentage. 10 is, you know, on the [10:33] upper end of things. Not really [10:35] necessary. Maybe more irritating, but I [10:37] haven't found that to be the case. [10:38] Nycinomide is very good for the moisture [10:40] barrier, skin tone, redness. It's [10:43] thought to also potentially have anti- [10:45] yellowing effects as that relates to [10:47] cumulative sun damage usually around [10:49] like the delicate eyelid skin in [10:51] particular. It's a manifestation of [10:53] glycation most obvious in more Caucasian [10:57] skin types as opposed to deeper skin [10:59] tones but very challenging to reverse. [11:02] So nyinomide actually shows promise for [11:04] slowing down and putting the brakes to a [11:06] certain extent on glycation which is [11:08] largely due to both sun damage as well [11:11] as lifestyle factors and your diet. Um [11:14] I've got videos on like high sugar [11:16] diets, processed meats contributing to [11:18] glyc smoked meats, processed meats [11:20] contributing to glycation and refined [11:22] sugary carbohydrates in excess. Um, [11:25] nioinomide, you know, it has a lot of it [11:27] it wears a lot of hats in skincare and a [11:29] lot of times they'll try and sell you on [11:31] some jazzy ingredient. You're like, [11:33] "Yeah, I think this product actually is [11:35] making a difference." Telling you, it's [11:36] probably the nyinomide that that carries [11:39] the entire industry cuz most products [11:41] these days have nioinomide, which sucks [11:43] for those of you who are sensitive, [11:44] can't don't get along with it. The [11:46] tranexemic acid in this shows promise [11:48] for helping to improve barrier function [11:51] and for reducing stubborn redness [11:54] post-inflammatory arythemma. Now that [11:56] hasn't been extensively investigated. [11:59] Basically we have like a case report of [12:01] a dermatologist trying it in office [12:04] reconstituting the medication [12:06] transexemic acid and having the patient [12:08] do kind of like a mask with it and it [12:10] really helped. You know that's not like [12:12] super quality data but it exists. I [12:14] bring it up and there's some preclinical [12:16] stuff suggesting that topical [12:18] trannexeamic acid is good for like the [12:20] moisture barrier because I find that [12:22] sometimes the cosmetic industry gets a [12:24] little bold with the benefits of topical [12:27] trannexeamic acid. Really where [12:29] trannexeamic acid shines and is used [12:31] mostly in dermatology is not putting it [12:34] on the skin but rather giving it [12:36] systemically to treat hyperpigmentation. [12:39] And I have a video all about that if [12:41] you're curious. But uh topically it's [12:43] nice to have in there and I personally [12:45] do see benefit because I'm prone to just [12:48] itching on my upper chest, redness and I [12:51] have found that that actually made a [12:53] difference in those kind of [12:54] manifestations of just like seasonal [12:57] allergy itch aggravation of eczema [13:00] locally. Now another product that I [13:03] reviewed for you guys is this Anua [13:06] visibly firming collagen retinol. So, I [13:09] ended up trying this out because I was [13:11] kind of interested in the retinol just [13:13] to see. You know, I like to try out [13:15] different retinols for review purposes [13:17] on this channel from time to time. [13:18] There's a lizard on my window and he [13:21] looks really funny from this angle cuz [13:22] he's like upside down and he's half [13:25] green, half brown. You're like, [13:28] "Okay, what do you want us to do about [13:30] that?" Uh, I don't know. I'm just [13:32] sharing with you guys where my eyes are [13:34] going. And again, my mind is about to [13:35] fall out and roll under the bed, okay? [13:37] So, bear with me. But I get a lot of [13:39] questions about gouacha. You see it all [13:41] over social media. People like to make [13:43] content doing gouacha. Okay. It's [13:44] visually engaging. People comment about [13:46] it. It's you get a lot of you get a lot [13:49] of views rubbing rubbing jade on your [13:51] face. What is the evidence for doing [13:53] that? Slim to none. Okay. It may help of [13:56] course in reducing puffiness, which you [13:58] know would go away most of your cases [14:01] just by letting a couple of hours pass. [14:04] True lympadeema, lower extremity [14:06] lympadeema is not treated with gouacha [14:09] may help I guess but really you know [14:11] intensive lymphatic massage compression [14:13] is how those things are addressed but [14:15] facial lympadeema is not super common [14:18] and the stuff that you're noticing the [14:20] puffiness or whatever you don't need a [14:22] special stone to for that to go away you [14:25] have gravity in your favor as soon as [14:26] you stand up you know it drains back to [14:28] your heart I'm telling you all about [14:30] this because you know retinol is one of [14:32] those cosmetic ingredients that actually [14:34] does show promise for improving the [14:36] visible signs of skin aging. And so this [14:39] is gentle enough to use on the neck. And [14:41] as someone who doesn't really tolerate [14:43] prescription retinoids on the neck, I [14:45] gave this a try. And I even tried the [14:48] Jazzy uh gouacha head and that was okay, [14:51] but I found it a little honestly [14:53] cumbersome and ultimately just ended up [14:56] ended up squeezing the product out and [14:57] rubbing it in with my hands as I always [14:59] do. But this is a really nice rich [15:02] moisturizing formula. It kind of reminds [15:04] me of the hydro uh hydro boost the [15:06] Neutrogena rapid wrinkle repair retinol [15:09] that I've recommended for over a decade [15:12] now. Fragrancefree. This is also [15:14] fragrance-free. So the thing about that [15:16] Neutrogena one and this is the [15:18] moisturizer is very rich, very creamy. [15:21] So you get an instant plumping effect [15:23] from the hydration and little fine lines [15:25] will immediately appear less obvious. [15:27] And then over time with consistent use [15:29] the retinol it's a a pro drug so it gets [15:32] converted eventually to retinoic acid in [15:34] your skin and starts to do what tininoan [15:36] does improve collagen production reduce [15:38] inflammation help with better barrier [15:41] turnover. So with ongoing use you get a [15:43] smoothing sm smoothing and softening of [15:46] fine lines rough texture uh and it can [15:48] help to reduce the signs of sun damage [15:51] including hyperpigmentation. This is a [15:53] great formula and I ended up you know [15:56] trying it on my neck, trying it on my [15:57] chest. I actually paused while I was [15:59] testing it out there paused the um purto [16:02] on cuz like I said it doesn't make sense [16:04] to double stack them. But then um after [16:07] a while I also tried it on other body [16:10] sites like my arms. If you have sun [16:12] damage on the forearms, you might want [16:14] to try a body, you know, a retinol. This [16:16] was really good. Just a really nice [16:18] moisturizer in general. All right, [16:20] y'all. Those are my skincare empties for [16:23] the face. Stay tuned because I'm going [16:24] to be filming right now actually a body [16:27] care empties of different body products [16:29] that I've made my way through and then [16:31] later on I will do a sunscreen empties. [16:33] Comment below what facial care products [16:35] have become staples for you in your [16:36] routine. I hope you enjoyed today's [16:38] video. If so, give it a thumbs up, share [16:40] it with your friends, and as always, [16:41] don't forget sunscreen and subscribe. [16:43] I'll talk to you guys tomorrow. Bye. [16:48] [music] [17:05] >> [music]