u/Blackbeary_Jam

I am a few weeks into iCBT (inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy) now. I am just going through the chapter on the Feared Possible Self. For those unfamiliar, the concept is basically that obsessions are deeper than just the surface worry but rather connect back to a fear about who you are or could be. (e.g. if your theme was contamination and getting sick if you aren't careful enough, then your feared self would likely be "I could be careless").

I think my feared self is that I could be a net negative to the world. That sounds awful, but it is basically that I am both not good enough and too much at the same time and incompetent to be able to improve. iCBT tries to argue that the feared self is based on faulty reasoning and no evidence (e.g. someone that never wants or tries to be president fearing they could become president because "anything is possible"). Except I have a lot of *real* evidence from my past/present (e.g. I make poor financial decisions, I don't have a good diet, I am very jealous, I do not regulate my emotions well).

Has anyone here been through iCBT? How did you feel about the feared self concept? Any advice?

Any advice is appreciated. I am new to caring about skincare to be honest. But I am in my mid-30s with rosacea (type 2), dark under eye circles, and some wrinkles (forehead, eyes, around mouth). My wrinkles don’t bother me too much (but they might as they grow deeper). Mostly, I finally want to ensure I am taking good care of my skin *health*, but I don’t have much money to try a million products — and I also have some sensory issues. I also do not want any injectables or surgery ever (no judgment to others, but it’s not for me).

**How do I find the best products for my skin without spending hundreds and hundreds on products that might not be the right fit?**

My current routine is mediocre at best if I had to guess:

Mornings — Garnier micellar water (hyaluronic version); I don’t use a morning moisturizer because my skin gets SLICK over the day (but I realize I’m probably making the wrong choice)

Nights — Aveeno calm & restore oat cleanser; Cerave pm facial moisturizing lotion

Sunscreen — I love elta md for my face but can’t afford it long term (I tried the Cerave am moisturizer but it felt so heavy and gross on my face I had to wash it off within an hour - thanks sensory issues)

Rosacea — I’m going to be starting azeleic acid in mornings + tretinoin 0.025% at night at rec of my dermatologist

Makeup — erborian red correct cc cream (this is literally the one thing I’ll splurge on bc it works so well and I wear makeup 2x week or less - but I still hate the cost); then elf halo glow filter, elf eyeshadow, elf blush, mascara; that’s it