ROHTO MENTHOLATUM Melano CC Vitamin C Moisture Cream

100% Genuine • Pregnancy-Safe* • Not FA-Safe

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No retinoids or high-dose salicylic acid detected.

If you are staring at stubborn brown spots months after a breakout has healed, your skin is not scarred—it is overproducing melanin in response to old trauma. This cream delivers the precise antioxidant pathway needed to interrupt that melanin production.

Brown or dark marks (PIH) are excess melanin — they respond to Vitamin C. Red or pink marks (PIE) are damaged capillaries — they respond to Centella, Azelaic Acid, and time. If your marks are red/pink, a 'brightening' product alone will not fade them.

• Pros: Highly stable packaging prevents fast oxidation; excellent synergy of Vitamins C and E; affordable targeted treatment.
• Caveats: Contains synthetic fragrance (citrus); the cream texture has a slight slip that oily skin might find heavy in peak summer.

• Step 1: Use in the AM (preferred for antioxidant defense) or PM.
• Step 2: Dispense a small pea-sized amount for targeted spots, or a large pea-size for the full face.
• Step 3: Pat gently onto dry skin after your watery serums, avoiding the immediate eye area.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Gentle Cleanser (Optional)
2. Hydrating Toner (Optional)
3. ROHTO Melano CC Vitamin C Moisture Cream (Apply to dry skin)
4. Moisturizer (If extra hydration is needed)
5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (Mandatory)

In Mauritius morning humidity, humectants work exceptionally well because they draw water from the humid air. Ensure your skin is completely dry before applying this Vitamin C step to minimize irritation.

SPF MANDATE: While Vitamin C does not make your skin sensitive to the sun (it actually boosts photoprotection), treating hyperpigmentation is biologically impossible without daily SPF application.

1. Oil Cleanser (To remove SPF/Makeup)
2. Water-based Cleanser
3. Hydrating Toner
4. ROHTO Melano CC Vitamin C Moisture Cream
5. Night Cream or Sleeping Pack

If you use prescription retinoids or strong AHA/BHA exfoliants at night, move this Vitamin C cream exclusively to your AM routine to prevent overloading your skin barrier.

• Pat/Press (do not rub): Friction degrades formulas and increases irritation.
• Apply to dry skin: L-Ascorbic Acid penetrates best and causes less stinging when applied to a dry barrier.
• Wait time: Wait 60 seconds before applying your next moisturizer or SPF to allow the pH to stabilize.
• Hands over Cotton: Hands deliver 100% of product. Cotton pads absorb approximately 30-40%. Use hands.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

• Viscosity ladder: thinnest → thickest; water-phase before oil-phase; treatments before seals.
• Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s; serum layers 30-60s; before sunscreen 10-15 min if going outdoors or applying makeup.
• Amount defaults: Watery toner/essence: 5-8 drops per layer. Serum/ampoule: 2-3 drops or 1 pump. Eye product: ½ rice-grain per eye. Gel moisturizer: 1 pea-1.5 peas; Cream: 1-2 peas. Sunscreen: 2-finger rule for face.
• Skin state rules: Hydrators best on slightly damp skin. Retinoids best on fully dry skin. Hard cap rule: If routine pills, stings, or feels heavy → reduce layers, not increase.

AM (maximum map):

1. Rinse / Gentle Cleanse (optional)
2. pH-Prep / Balancing Toner (optional)
3. Hydrating Toner Layers (1-3 layers, optional)
4. Essence (optional)
5. Mist / Thermal Water (optional micro-step)
6. Booster / Soothing Serum (optional)
7. Antioxidant Lane (optional, choose ONE): ROHTO Melano CC Cream goes here if used AM.
8. Pigment Support Lane (optional, choose ONE)
9. Hydration Serum Lane (optional)
10. Oil-Control / Sebum-Regulating Lane (optional, choose ONE)
11. Peptides / Growth-Factor / Repair Lane (optional)
12. Eye Serum/Cream (optional)
13. Moisturizer (gel-cream or cream)
14. Optional Sealing Layer (only if dry/AC)
15. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable)
16. Lip SPF (optional but ideal)

In AM, prioritize comfort + SPF adherence over stacking. In high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM (maximum map):

1. Micellar (optional pre-cleanse)
2. Oil Cleanser / Balm (if SPF/makeup)
3. Water Cleanser (second cleanse)
4. pH-Prep Toner (optional)
5. Hydrating Toner Layers (1-3 layers, optional)
6. Essence (optional)
7. Soothing / Barrier Serum (optional)
8. [Anchor Product] (If using Melano CC PM, it goes here on dry skin)
9. Targeted Serum (optional, ONLY if not conflicting)
10. Moisturizer
11. Sleeping Mask (optional)
12. Occlusive Seal (optional; avoid if clog-prone)
13. Spot Treatment / Pimple Patch (as needed)
14. Lip Sleeping Mask (optional)

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep 'one lane' per night.

One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure: default to the safest lane = barrier/hydration, and reduce layers.

This product is a medium-weight lotion/cream. It sits solidly in the middle of your viscosity ladder. Apply it after watery toners and thin essences, but before heavy moisturizers and sunscreens.

It contains both water-phase ingredients (Ascorbyl Glucoside) and oil-phase ingredients (Tocopheryl Acetate). This emulsion structure allows it to condition the skin while delivering the water-soluble Vitamin C.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant reservoir in the skin. Exceeding once-daily application does NOT produce faster results — it produces barrier damage. Stick to a daily AM application for optimal environmental defense.

Before starting this product, your routine MUST already include: a gentle cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and a dedicated SPF50. Without these foundations, this product causes more harm than benefit.

If your skin stings on moisturizer, feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, or shows visible flaking — your barrier is below threshold. Start with a barrier repair cream first before introducing Vitamin C.

• Hyperpigmentation (PIH): L-Ascorbic Acid interacts with copper ions at the tyrosinase active site, inhibiting the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis.
• Oxidative Stress: Neutralizes free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental pollution, protecting collagen reserves.

Cannot physically shrink pores. Cannot lighten your natural skin tone — 'brightening' means fading excess pigment, not changing your natural complexion.

• SKIN1004 MADAGASCAR CENTELLA TONE BRIGHTENING BOOSTING TONER 210ML — Hydration and gentle Niacinamide layer to boost brightening pathways. Use AM or PM.
• COSRX ADVANCED SNAIL 96 MUCIN POWER ESSENCE 100ML — Provides a soothing hydration buffer underneath the Vitamin C. Use AM or PM.
• Beauty of Joseon RELIEF SUN : RICE + PROBIOTICS 50ML — Mandatory defense to prevent further melanin production. Use AM.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

• One Active Lane per routine: In a single AM or PM routine, run only one primary "active lane" (Retinoid OR Acid Exfoliation OR L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C OR Benzoyl Peroxide).
• If you break a rule: Don't "push through." Reduce frequency, split AM/PM, or alternate nights.
• Barrier override: If moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing → pause all actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.
• Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serums 30-60s, sunscreen 10-15 min before sun.

B) Vitamin C Lane Conflicts (L-Ascorbic Acid focus)

• L-Ascorbic Acid × Benzoyl Peroxide: Never combine (oxidation → loss of Vitamin C activity). Instead: Vitamin C AM, BPO PM.
• L-Ascorbic Acid × Copper Peptides: Separate (copper ions can accelerate oxidation). Instead: Vitamin C AM, copper peptides PM.
• L-Ascorbic Acid × AHAs/BHAs: Avoid layering (excess acidity → stinging + barrier irritation). Instead: AM Vitamin C / PM Acids.
• L-Ascorbic Acid × High-% Niacinamide: Generally compatible in modern formulas, but can trigger flushing in reactive skin. Instead: Wait 10-15 min after Vitamin C before niacinamide.

A) Retinoid Lane Conflicts

• Retinoids × L-Ascorbic Acid: Don't layer in same routine (irritation load). Instead: AM Vitamin C / PM Retinoid.

F) Redundancy Conflicts

• Multiple strong brighteners at once: Don't stack LAA + strong acids + retinoid all together chasing "fast glow." Irritation outweighs gains. Choose one primary active lane.

Template A: AM/PM Split (most common)

• AM: Antioxidant lane (Melano CC Vitamin C) → Moisturizer → SPF
• PM: Retinoid OR Acid lane → Moisturizer

Template C: Alternate-Day Protocol (simpler)

• Mon/Wed/Fri AM: Melano CC Vitamin C
• Tue/Thu/Sat PM: Retinoid or Acid Exfoliant
• Sun: Complete Recovery (no actives)

Permeability: Film-Forming (uncertain).

The cream contains Cyclopentasiloxane and occlusive agents that create a moisture-locking film on the skin. While lighter than a heavy ointment, it may impede water reaching the skin surface entirely.

Removal Method: A light cleanse with a gentle surfactant is recommended before ablution to ensure full water contact.

Adilsons provides this assessment based on the product's physical properties. Rulings on wudu validity vary between scholars. Consult your own trusted Islamic authority.

• MYTH: 'Vitamin C makes your skin sensitive to the sun, so you can only use it at night.' REALITY: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that actually boosts your skin's natural defense against UV-induced free radicals. It is highly beneficial to wear it during the day under your SPF.
• MYTH: 'If a Vitamin C product stings, it means it is working.' REALITY: Mild, transient tingling (under 30 seconds) is normal due to the low pH. Prolonged stinging or burning means your skin barrier is compromised and you are sustaining cellular damage.

In air-conditioned environments, use a generous amount of a barrier-supporting moisturizer over this cream to prevent trans-epidermal water loss during long office hours.

Full INCI List: L-Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, o-Cymen-5-ol, Water, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid Tetraisopalmitate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA.

Fragrance Status: Synthetic Fragrance (Parfum) included.

Scent Description: Distinct, bright citrus/yuzu scent (often compared to lemon drops).

Intensity and Dissipation: Intensity 3/5. Dissipates within 1-2 minutes after application.

Based on the brand-declared INCI. The term 'Fragrance' or 'Parfum' in the INCI list may contain undisclosed allergens. Patch test advised for sensitive individuals.*

*Based on brand-declared INCI. The term 'Fragrance' or 'Parfum' in the INCI list may contain undisclosed allergens. Patch test advised for sensitive individuals.

• Halal Status: Self-Assessed.*
• Vegan Status: Self-Assessed.*
• Cruelty-Free Status: Brand states cruelty-free, but sells products in Mainland China where post-market animal testing may be required by law. Cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt.*

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

*Brand states cruelty-free, but sells products in Mainland China where post-market animal testing may be required by law. Cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt.

Classification: Marketed under Japanese Quasi-Drug regulations for its active skin-brightening agents.

The Korean/Asian '미백' (brightening) classification means regulation of melanin production — fading dark spots to reveal your natural tone. It does NOT bleach or change your natural complexion.

Evidence Confidence: High. The synergy between L-Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol is one of the most extensively documented and clinically proven antioxidant pairings in dermatology.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Unsafe. Contains esters and oils (like PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) that feed Malassezia yeast.

Pilling Assessment: Low to Medium.

Pilling may occur if layered immediately over heavy silicones or unabsorbed hyaluronic acid serums. Mitigation: Apply to dry skin and wait a full 60 seconds before applying your next layer. Pat, do not rub aggressively.

Color Baseline: Fresh product should be clear to very pale yellow. Oxidized L-Ascorbic Acid turns deep yellow, orange, or brown. Oxidized Vitamin C can generate free radicals instead of neutralizing them.

Storage: The specialized opaque tube prevents oxygen and light ingress, making this formula uniquely stable. Store in a cool, dark drawer away from direct Mauritius sunlight. Refrigeration is optional but extends lifespan.

Spoilage Signs: A shift to a dark orange/brown color, or a change from a citrus smell to a metallic/hot dog water smell. When in doubt, discard.

Patch Test: Apply to inner forearm (24h), then behind ear (24h), before beginning facial use.

72-Hour Barrier Reset: If adverse reaction: STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY gentle cleanser + plain moisturizer + mineral SPF. NO acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72h, reintroduce ONE product per 14 days.

Emergency Stop Signals: Hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, breathing difficulty (seek emergency care).

1. Applying to wet skin: Moisture increases Vitamin C penetration speed, which directly spikes irritation risk.
2. Skipping sunscreen: Attempting to fade pigment without blocking the UV rays that trigger melanin is biologically impossible.
3. Layering with Benzoyl Peroxide: BPO physically oxidizes Vitamin C on the skin, rendering both products useless.
4. Using oxidized product: Smearing brown, oxidized Vitamin C on your face creates the exact free-radical damage you are trying to prevent.
5. Impatience: Epidermal turnover takes 28-60 days. Judging a pigment-fading product before week 6 is premature.

Volume: 23g. Recommended amount per use: 0.25g (spot treatment) or 0.5g (full face).

At recommended dosage for spot treatment: approximately 90 days. For full face: approximately 45 days. Correct dosage is better for your skin AND extends product life.

Reorder in approximately 1.5 to 2.5 months depending on usage area. We recommend reordering 2 weeks before estimated depletion for shipping time.

A synergistic routine designed to maximize antioxidant defense while maintaining deep hydration against trans-epidermal water loss.

Melano CC sits directly after your watery toners/essences, delivering potent tyrosinase inhibitors before heavier moisturizers lock it in.

AM Routine:

1. Water Rinse
2. COSRX ADVANCED SNAIL 96 MUCIN POWER ESSENCE 100ML (2 pumps, damp skin)
3. Wait 60 seconds until skin is completely dry.
4. ROHTO Melano CC Vitamin C Moisture Cream (1 pea-size, pat gently)
5. Beauty of Joseon RELIEF SUN : RICE + PROBIOTICS 50ML (2-finger rule, wait 15 mins before makeup)

PM Routine:

1. Oil Cleanse
2. Water Cleanse
3. SKIN1004 MADAGASCAR CENTELLA TONE BRIGHTENING BOOSTING TONER 210ML (5-8 drops)
4. Targeted Active (Retinoid or Exfoliant)
5. Moisturizer

• If your skin is barrier-compromised right now: Pause the Vitamin C entirely. Use only the Snail Mucin and a plain moisturizer for 7 days until stinging stops.
• If you are in AC all day: Add a lightweight moisturizer layer over the Melano CC before your sunscreen to prevent water loss.

Stock-True Bundles:

• COSRX Snail Mucin + Melano CC Cream: Hydration buffer meets active brightener for sensitive-leaning skin.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Melano CC Vitamin C Moisture Cream, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If you prefer a stronger, encapsulated all-over serum format rather than a spot cream, consider the Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream 55g or the Dr.Althea VITAMIN C BOOSTING SERUM 63% 30ML.

Choose Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream 55g over Melano CC Cream if you need broader pathway coverage: strong encapsulation technology with added brightening peptides for full-face structural support.

• Upgrade to THIS if you are targeting overall facial brightness and anti-aging rather than single post-acne spots.
• Upgrade to THIS if your skin handles richer, encapsulated cream textures well in humidity.
• Upgrade to THIS if you want the convenience of a full-face daily moisturizer with built-in Vitamin C.
• Best used AM under SPF. Fits into the Antioxidant lane. Apply on dry skin.
• If you already run a retinoid lane, keep this in AM.

Do NOT upgrade to THIS if:

• Your barrier stings/tightens after cleansing (barrier below threshold).
• You only have one or two small dark spots to fade (Melano CC is more precise).
• You are breakout-prone and prefer the lowest possible comedogenic load.

If you match 2 or more upgrade triggers above, THIS is worth choosing. If not, the alternative is sufficient and safer. Consistency beats complexity.

This product's PRIMARY function is: Antioxidant defense and melanin inhibition (fading dark spots). You do NOT need this if you already own: an unexpired, active Vitamin C serum (L-Ascorbic Acid) that you currently use daily. Finish your current product before purchasing.

Check your current shelf. Do you have an open product with the same primary active? Skincare products lose efficacy after opening (PAO = 6 months for most Vitamin C, though Melano CC's packaging extends this). Buying new while old expires is waste.

Combining with a similar product: No Benefit (same mechanism). Do not stack multiple Vitamin C products; it only increases irritation.

This product is sourced through authorized distributors and verified distribution partners. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick Verification Tips: Authentic Rohto Melano CC tubes have a highly specific micro-nozzle designed to release exactly one drop at a time, preventing oxygen from entering the tube. Counterfeits often lack this precise engineering.

Rohto Mentholatum is a Japanese pharmaceutical and cosmetics conglomerate founded in 1899, headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Known globally for the Hada Labo and Melano CC lines, they specialize in highly stable, rigorously tested formulations.

Their formulation philosophy prioritizes stability and delivery over luxury packaging. The Melano CC line was specifically engineered to solve the notoriously unstable nature of pure L-Ascorbic Acid by creating an oxygen-blocking tube mechanism, allowing pharmaceutical-grade efficacy at an accessible level.

Common Praise: Remarkable longevity (tube lasts months without oxidizing), effective fading of fresh post-acne marks (PIH), and travel-friendly packaging.

Common Complaints: The citrus fragrance is too strong for some users, and the cream texture can feel slightly greasy if applied too heavily on oily skin.

• A user with oily, acne-prone skin reported that while the essence version is lighter, this cream version works brilliantly as a targeted overnight spot treatment on healing pimples, significantly reducing the leftover dark mark.
• A user with dry skin found the cream to be the perfect texture for morning use, leaving a healthy glow under sunscreen without feeling tight or stripped.
• A sensitive-skinned user noted that applying it immediately after a strong BHA toner caused noticeable stinging, emphasizing the need to keep active lanes separate.

Please check local Mauritian recycling guidelines for composite plastic/aluminum tubes.

Can I use this with Niacinamide?

Yes. Modern formulations of Vitamin C and Niacinamide are safe to use together. If you have extremely sensitive skin, wait 10 minutes between layers or use one in the AM and one in the PM.

Will this clear my acne?

No. While it contains anti-inflammatory agents like Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate that can soothe redness, it is not an acne treatment. It treats the dark mark left after the acne heals.

Why does it smell like lemons?

The product contains a synthetic citrus fragrance to mask the natural metallic scent of pure L-Ascorbic Acid. If you are highly sensitive to fragrance, patch test first.

Does it need to be kept in the fridge?

No. Thanks to Rohto's proprietary air-tight tube, it remains stable at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.

L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA)

The purest, most active form of Vitamin C. It requires a low pH to penetrate the skin and is highly effective at fading pigment, but degrades quickly when exposed to air or water.

Tyrosinase

An enzyme in the skin that controls the production of melanin (pigment). Inhibiting it helps prevent dark spots.

PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)

The flat brown or black marks left behind after a pimple heals. It is excess melanin.

PIE (Post-Inflammatory Erythema)

The red, pink, or purple marks left behind after acne. It is caused by damaged blood capillaries, not melanin.

Free Radicals

Unstable molecules generated by UV rays and pollution that damage healthy skin cells and break down collagen.

Antioxidant

A molecule (like Vitamin C or E) that safely neutralizes free radicals, stopping them from damaging your skin.

Oxidation

The process where an ingredient degrades upon contact with oxygen. Oxidized Vitamin C turns brown and is no longer effective.

Occlusive

An ingredient or product that forms a physical barrier on the skin's surface to prevent water from evaporating into the air.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean and Japanese distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: Anyone struggling with persistent brown spots (PIH) who needs a targeted, highly stable Vitamin C treatment that will not oxidize before the tube is finished.

Key Benefits: The pharmaceutical-grade oxygen-blocking tube ensures the L-Ascorbic Acid remains potent for months. The addition of Vitamin E creates a robust antioxidant defense system against daily UV and pollution damage.

Keep in Mind: The inclusion of synthetic citrus fragrance may irritate highly sensitive noses or skin. If your skin barrier is currently stinging from over-exfoliation, wait until it is repaired before introducing this active.

• Week 1-2: Introduce this product alone at low frequency (details in table below). Monitor for stinging, redness, or breakouts.
• Week 3-4: If stable, increase frequency per table below.
• Week 5+: Add one support product only if needed.
• If irritation at any point: 72-hour barrier reset (see Section 33B).

This product must be introduced as the ONLY new product. Wait 14 days before adding anything else.

Antioxidant Pollution Defense: Contains active L-Ascorbic Acid and Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E). This specific pair neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by daily exposure to vehicle exhaust and UV radiation in Mauritius, defending your collagen matrix.

AC / Humidity Swing Interaction: As a cream formulation rather than a water-light serum, it contains lipid-phase ingredients that help prevent the rapid trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) experienced when moving from humid outdoor air into aggressive indoor air conditioning.

End of Week 2: Any persistent redness or burning? YES → stay at Week 1-2 frequency for 2 more weeks. NO → proceed to Week 3.