(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best body moisturizers

• Oil Cleanser (Nighttime Only): Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil $17.99; oil cleanser helps to melt off makeup and sunscreen and emulsifies with water for a clean finish. Note: You don't have to use a special oil cleanser, you can also use grapeseed oil, additive-free mineral oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil, just be aware you will typically require a second cleanse to completely remove the oil from your face. I personally use neem oil which is antimicrobial and antifungal because of adult acne, but it is a drying face oil.
  
  
• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser $11-17; has ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Has the appropriate 4.5 pH necessary for cleansers.
  
  
• Serum: OST Pure Vitamin C Serum $18.49; will help with evening and brightening skin tone, complexion clarity, and anti-aging -- requires long-term consistent use to see max benefit.
  
  
• Hydrating Toner: Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (Moist) $17.54; contains hyaluronic acid and other hyaluronates, helps to lock liquid in skin, try to apply to slightly damp skin to max benefit. The HA needs moisture to grab onto and some people experience drying if they apply a product with high HA on dry skin.
  
  
• Hydrating Serum: Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence $17; contains snail secretion filtrate, aloe, glycerin, arbutin, naturally derived salicylic acid, and azelaic acid (review here for more info on ingredients}, helps with wound healing, redness, lightning PIH, and soothing inflammation.
  
  
• Face Oil: Pura d'or 100% Pure & USDA Organic Argan Oil $19.99; high in fatty acids which helps moisturize and soothe irritated and dry skin, optional vendor: Garden of Wisdom. Note: A good face oil is a trial and error thing, you may prefer: avocado oil, passionfruit seed oil, rosehip seed oil, etc. Certain oils are more drying, others are richer and more moisturizing. You may have to engage in some research and experimentation to find which is right for you and most can be found for under $20 if you look.
  
  
• Emulsion/Milk (Daytime Only): Hada-Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Milk $16.35; High hyaluronic acid and glycerin content, is slightly richer than the toner previously listed and can be used as a daytime moisturizer underneath your sunscreen. Arbutin is a skin-lightening ingredient that evens skin tone and fades PIH, but you can get Rohto Hada-Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Acid Milk $15.86; which is the same thing but without the arbutin.
  
  
• Sunscreen (Daytime Only): Up to you, one of the trickier products out there and I assume you have something you like already. Asian sunscreens tend to have a better cosmetic finish but rely on chemical sunscreen ingredients. I personally use EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ which is marketed for body but has the same ingredients as EltaMD's facial sunscreen.
  
  
• Moisturizing Cream (Nighttime Only): Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream $17.00; Contains snail secretion filtrate, peptides, fatty acid rich oils, and niacinamide to help moisturize, prevent water loss, and encourage wound-healing. One of the richest face creams I've personally tried with good ingredients for the price. For details on the ingredients, see here. Remember if your T-zone is oily, you don't have to apply it there!
  
  Option 2: EltaMD PM Therapy Moisturizer $22.13; high in niacinamide and linoleic acid to help restore skin's moisture. May need the aid of an occlusive like Vaseline or a sleeping pack (see below).
  
  
• Special - Sleeping Pack: Option 1 Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Wrinkle Care Sleeping Pack $14.98; Option 2 Etude House Moistfull Collagen Sleeping Pack $15.96; Option 3 Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX $33.99; Sleeping packs are extra rich creams which go on top of all your other skin care at night to give you an extra boost in moisture. Similar to people putting a thin layer of Vaseline on at night, you put a thin layer of the sleeping pack on and sleep with it over night 2-3 times a week as needed. They're more of an extra thing, not an every day thing, much like a face mask.
  
  That is an example of a moisturizing and non-irritating East Asian skincare routine using products that are all $20 or under each (barring a couple options), each with good hydrating and anti-inflammatory actives. Almost all are available through Amazon or through a singular vendor like W2Beauty which usually has coupon codes and can combine shipping. Target will carry the Laneige line in stores, but it is more a mid-price range. I can't personally guarantee they'll work for you, but the starting points are all there for you to do the research yourself if need be.
  
  

My acne is not as severe as yours, so I don't know if what I do would help you but we can give it a shot, right?

• I use CeraVe Foaming Cleanser in both mornings and nights to wash my face
  
• I don't use a BHA anymore
  
• I do use AHA, Alpha Hydrox 10% Glycolic in both morning and night
  
• I use a Salicylic Acid Peel 20% once a week, so far it has helped, I've only used it for two weeks
  
• After the peel, I use a MBD Black Pearl mask, mainly because it's soothing and very moisturizing, which is perfect after a peel.
  
• I moisturize with Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. People here vastly recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream because it has ceramides and it's pretty good.
  
• For sunscreen, I tried Cetaphil Dermacontrol, it's too oily and I didn't like it because it stung my eyes. I tried L'Oreal Ideal Moisture with SPF, didn't like it because it was heavy. I tried both Biore Aqua Rich and Biore Perfect Face Milk I loved both thoroughly; they are light, milky, smooth, they feel great on the skin and stay matte like it's nobodies business.
  
• I use the Thayer Cucumber Witch Hazel toner. No reason in special for the cucumber aside from me loving how it smells. It has helped me some with redness and inflammation.
  
  My routine is as it follows:
  
  AM
  
  
• Cleanse with CeraVe
  
• Apply Witch Hazel toner
  
• After it dries, apply AHA, wait for it to absorb 20 min
  
• Apply Cetaphil Moisturizer
  
• Apply sunscreen
  
• Makeup if any
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  PM
  
  
• Remove makeup and sunscreen with Pond's Cold Cream cleanser
  
• Wash with CeraVe
  
• Apply witch hazel
  
• Apply AHA
  
• Moisturize
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  Every Friday night each week
  
  
• Wash with CeraVe
  
• Clean face with rubbing alcohol (my face is super oily)
  
• Apply Salicylic acid peel for 2:00 min
  
• Rinse acid
  
• Apply my beauty diary sheet mask for 20 min
  
• Moisturize with Cetaphil
  
• Apply thin layer of Aquaphor
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  And that's it, my skin has gotten way better and something that has also helped millions is that I went on the pill, since my acne is hormonal.
  
  Remember to patch test and to not abuse your skin, the gentler the better!!!! There are things that might or might not work for you, it takes a while to find what's best for your skin. If nothing works, you can always try PocketDerm or a dermatologist around your area, don't be afraid to ask for professional help. Good luck!
  
  

After using Philosophy and Proactiv facial products for a long time I suddenly began to break out regularly. As a teenager I never had pimples but mid-20s that changed. A friend recommended using Cetaphil as a moisturizer and it's really the best thing I've tried. (Her LA dermatologist referred her to it)

I have combination skin, mostly normal with some dry areas and live in an arid climate. Once daily face washing before bed with toner and make up remover, usually apply my moisturizer twice a day, and sunscreen once a day. A really easy, no fuss routine and my skin is much happier after I stopped messing with it and went the less is more route.

Here are my go to products

Cetaphil moisturizer
http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Fragrance-Moisturizing-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76GW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1369894969&sr=8-4&keywords=cetaphil

Witch Hazel Toner - At first the smell bothered me but it works. My boyfiriend likes it too.
http://www.amazon.com/Dickinsons-Original-Witch-Hazel-Perfecting/dp/B000GCQ04C/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1369895306&sr=1-2&keywords=witch+hazel+toner

Sweet almond oil is the best eye make up remover and moisturizer. It also works great as a men's shaving oil.
http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Sweet-Almond-Moisturizing-ounce/dp/B0019LVFSU/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1369895423&sr=1-1&keywords=almond+oil

This is my favorite splurge item from Philosophy.
http://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Micro-delivery-Triple-Acid-12-count/dp/B006GACVYQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1369895490&sr=1-4&keywords=philosophy+pads

I use an Aveeno facial sunscreen and sometimes those make up remover pads if I'm in a hurry, am feeling lazy or during traveling. Natural make up is my style, I don't use a foundation or anything because my skin is pretty great. Favorite make up brands are BareMinerals, MAC, Benefit and Too Faced.

Hope this helps you to simplify your regimen and make your skin happy in your new home. : )

What are you currently doing for your skin? Tell me about your showering routine, especially.

Here are a few things that might help you feel better/look better:

1. Try to take cooler showers. If this means changing your typical water temp from hot to warm, it will definitely help. I'm not advocating ice cold showers, but cooler is definitely better for your skin. Especially during the winter months.
   
   
2. Use a mild soap/body wash. You may be doing this already, but it's a good place to start. Something that isn't loaded with fragrance is really helpful. Using really harsh body wash can really strip your skin and make it irritated.
   
   
3. Exfoliate once or twice a week. This will really help with any bumps and discoloration you may have. I personally use a salux towel loaded with a moisturizing, fragrance free body wash once or twice a week. This towel in particular is great at getting areas like your back and posterior that are hard to get thoroughly.
   
   You could also try chemical exfoliation on any breakouts or scarring you might have. Stridex in the red box is great for treating active breakouts (pimples, whiteheads, whatnot). For scarring or pigmentation, something with an AHA in it (Lactic or Glycolic Acid, for example) will really help. AmLactin is really excellent for this. When using an AHA, however, please apply sunscreen to any areas that your clothing doesn't cover during the day. It has been known to sensitize you to UV light.
   
   
4. Moisturize immediately after a shower. I don't know what your skin is like, or how much moisture it might need, but this step is really helpful with keeping your skin healthy and healthy looking. It heals faster when it retains moisture, and the texture will also improve. This could be applying baby oil while you're still damp in the shower, and then toweling off. It could involve a nourishing body butter (try to avoid too much fragrance though) after you've dried off. It could even include using a really thin, light moisturizer all over after you've dried off, if that's all you need.
   
   With all new products, try to buy the smallest size you can and introduce things one at a time. This will keep you from wasting too much money on products you don't like, and will alert you to any allergies or sensitivities when you introduce a new product.
   
   Sorry this is so incredibly long. Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions!

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) baths are the best if you have a bathtub. Bonus points if you have a bathtub big enough to soak your whole body. I just lie down with my legs criss-criss applesauced. There are magnesium lotions like this https://www.amazon.com/Magnesium-Lotion-Health-Products-Liquid/dp/B00K5QUAIG/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493388568&sr=8-2&keywords=magnesium+lotion (sorry idk how to link on here) I've been wanting to try the lotion bc it's more economical than a bath, and more practical bc not everyone has the time/energy/luxury of being able to take a bath.
I also take magnesium citrate supplements to help with soreness and it seems to be reducing some of my pain. I started at 100 mg, but my pcp had me increase to 400 mg to help w migraines(which is 100% of the recommended daily intake)
If you get migraines, I recommend getting the strap-on freezable eye masks and keeping two in the freezer. I strap one on to my forehead, and when I'm too cold there, I flip it around to the base of my skull. And if I need more cold, I always have a spare in the freezer to replace the melted one.
Warm showers are nice when you have the energy to stand. If you don't, I used to keep a stool by the shower so I could sit and still be able to take hot showers with minimal energy.
If you want med recs, I'm on cymbalta and gabapentin. I recommend combining gabapentin with an antidepressant for long term use, and I use an NSAID (nabumetone, but ibuprofen and aspirin can work), analgesic (acetaminophen,) and caffeine combo to help as necessary. Also, don't be afraid to ask for tramadol! Sometimes there are really bad days that warrant the use of it. You just have to be careful w mixing it w alcohol and certain other meds.
I've heard weighted blankets can help a lot with pain, and have the added benefit of easing anxiety. They're quite pricey, but on etsy you can have one custom made for much cheaper than retail price. You can also make one yourself or have a friend that's into sewing make it for you. Estimated price for materials is 30-50 dollars if I remember correctly. Retail price on amazon is 200-300 dollars, and etsy prices are less than 200 depending on what weight you get.
Heated blankets are good too! They're like a heating pad for your whole body. If you live in hot places like california tho they're not always practical, but they're handy in the winter.
Invest in a good, quality mattress topper! They're relatively cheap. Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. Same thing goes for pillows - look for a good one for your sleeping style. Ikea has cheap ones that you can test out in store.
I'll edit as I remember more stuff.

I'm including links to what I purchased on Amazon but you can shop around and get what you need :) If you end up getting what I'm linking to, it'll last you quite a while. I even sell some occasionally.

This is my nut free version but you I'll include some alternatives if you want to use different butters/oils. Basically, you want equal parts so adjust the recipe for amount you want. This will give you a little more than 2oz of body butter which lasts me at least a month and I put it on quite a bit. You only need a little at a time.

• 1/2 oz Cocoa butter
  
  
• 1/2 oz Shea Butter
  
  
• 1/2 oz Mango Butter - You could also use coconut oil
  
  
• 1/2 oz rosehip oil - You could also use Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, or any other liquid oils. Rosehip helps reduce appearance of stretch marks!
  
  
• Optional: 1/4 oz Jojoba oil
  
  
• Optional: 1/4 oz Vitamin E oil
  
  Steps:
  
  

1. Combine everything into a double boiler. If you don't have one, using a mason jar in a pot of boiling water works nicely. Melt the butters on medium low to medium heat, stirring constantly, just until everything is mixed and there are no solids left.
   
   
2. Pour into small mixing bowl. Note: This is where I usually add essential oils, but during pregnancy, you'll want to be extremely careful about using them since many shouldn't be used. You don't need them, but if you want the added benefits, there are sites out there that can tell you which are considered safe. If you add them, let the oils cool for a few minutes then add them and stir the mixture well
   
   
3. Put the bowl in the fridge for 45 minutes until it starts to solidify. If you don't want to wait that long, you can put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes until it starts to solidify. The edges will look more solid but the center should still be pretty liquid.
   
   
4. Either with a whisk or an electric hand mixer (much easier), start mixing it. It'll start to solidify into the whipped texture, especially if you're using the electric mixer.
   
   
5. When you're satisfied with consistency, put it into a jar or tupperware container. If you're somewhere hot and it starts to melt a bit, you can put it in the fridge to solidify it again.
   
   You just need a small amount and it'll melt from your body heat and soak into your skin. Feels AMAZING.

I've been a regular drinker for years (~4 standard drinks per night). It's obviously not the healthiest choice, but I take a number of supplements to (hopefully) mitigate the effects.

You've discovered what is probably the number one health detriment of drinking, sleep disruption. Lack of good sleep is going to destroy your health way faster than the direct physical effects of ingesting alcohol.

I struggled with bad sleep for a number of years. I believe in was a combination of more heavy drinking in the past and the stresses of graduate school.

Here's my recommendations for greatly improving sleep. Starting with the most helpful.

Glycine (3 grams before bed) - I found this recomendation on examine.com exactly for the problem of waking at night and this had probably the most obvious benifitial effect of any suppliment I've ever taken. It's an amino acid that I buy in bulk and mix in water with True Lemon to make a tasty drink before bed, but you could even eat it straight. Amino Acids tend to taste like sugar so you can save a lot of money by avoiding capsules.

L-Theanine (somewhere around 100 - 300 mg before bed sublingually and dose again if I wake up in the middle of the night) - I also buy this amino acid in bulk and keep an extra dose next to me throughout the night in case I do wake up too much. It helps you relax, lots of people like it. It's also good with caffeine during the day to improve focus and reduce jitters. The taste is a little acquired, but it's not too bad/strong. I kind of enjoy it.

Magnesium (citrate/glycinate oral or topical lotion) - This also helps with relaxation and is better with helping you fall asleep in the first place. I apply lotion because my digestive system does not handle oral well. Start small with oral and build up until you have loose stools then back off or go slower. I find that I sleep way more efficiently (as measured by FitBit) when I take the time to apply the lotion generously to my arms and legs before bed.

Slow release melatonin (5mg) - People have widely varying opinions about melatonin. I'm less sure how much it helps me, but I do take it and don't have any deleterious effects.

Let me know if you have any questions. I would order the glycine today. That stuff is amazing!

Using magnesium along with a high dosage of B2 (400mg/day) has helped significantly cut the severity and length of my headaches. I still have aura symptoms, but the actual headaches are now more likely to last hours instead of days & I'm not to the point of questioning the benefits of existence.

As has been noted above, not all Mg supplements absorb well. Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate absorb especially poorly, and many aren't able to handle the laxative effect. I'd highly suggest trying a topical magnesium supplement - epsom salt soak, magnesium "oil", or magnesium lotion. I love a soak, but it's pretty inconvenient, and the "oil" tends to sting. However, I've had great luck with the lotion. I slather it on my neck and shoulders nightly to help release some of the tension (think about how athletes use epsom salt for tight/sore muscles). Generally, I recommend using it before bed because it has a relaxing effect that often makes people feel sleepy.

Here's a link to the product on Amazon: Ancient Minerals Mg Lotion


And, I know you didn't ask, but... I'd also note that when I do have a headache, I've found that a large dose of ginger in hot water (add honey if needed) is surprisingly effective. This is NOT a preventative like the Mg and B2. It is meant to stop a headache already in progress (There is some conjecture that says using these as a preventative could actually make headaches worse). Research has shown this to be as effective as sumatriptan (Imitrex), but without the side effects.

Let me start by saying this: I would have included a before pic but I was so ashamed that I never took any pictures when I was constantly biting my nails/cuticles. I am in my early 20s and I've been doing this to them since before I can remember (early childhood). I first tried to stop around 14, and have struggled since then. It is such an ingrained stress response/habit that it's taken me years to retrain myself. It was easier to stop biting my nails and I haven't done so at all in 6 months, but my cuticles/surrounding skin are another story. This is something I still struggle with as it's triggered by stress and I don't realize I've started until they're trashed. However, since January it's happened less and less, now maybe once a month or less.

What caused the change in me? Honestly, it was never one single thing. I have been building my ability to resist for years. I realize this is cliche but one important thing is to never give up. I've had too many backslides to count, from 1 day to even half a year at the most. What's helped me is NEVER accepting defeat, and always eventually trying again. One motivating factor was that I've always wanted to have nice nails for getting engaged/married. It was in January that that became an event occurring sooner rather than later, so I will definitely say that has helped me stay focused!

There was one part of stopping the habit that scared me after years of constantly damaging my nails and cuticles: would they ever properly heal and grow back 'normal'? As of yet I still do not have one straight answer. I will say that the strength in my nails has improved, although it is slow going. I am still on the lookout for products to help with this, although I think only time will help. I also tend to have some nails which are very ridged, but they've also continued to smooth out. Finally, there is one cuticle I have which was permanently damaged in a way that's difficult to explain. Basically, it grows in three separate sections, almost as if it's cut. I was absolutely AMAZED when it started to grow 'connected' again! I will say this it sometimes splits still, but it is definitely progress and I hope one day it's completely healed. So, if you're in the same boat and worried permanent damage has been done, I can't make any promises but I will say it's amazing how well they can bounce back - even if it takes months or years to reverse it.

​

What helped me:

• Homemade nail oil pens - all you need are empty containers and Jojoba oil
  
• Burt's Bees lemon cuticle cream - I use this as extra moisturization/to 'seal' in the jojoba oil
  
• Splitting/cracking nails? Use brush on nail glue - WAY more effective/simple than the tea bag technique for me personally!
  
• 24/7 painted nails - letting them 'breathe' may be generally good advice, but I promise you biting them is more damaging
  
• No nail clippers/glass files only - I cannot tell you how much this helped my nails to stay strong and not constantly crack/split
  
  There is honestly so much more I could say but this post would be a book! I'm just taking the time now to sit back and enjoy all of my progress.

It can definitely depend on the product. I get the midday chapped lips with my Revlon Lip Butters and some of my lighter glosses, but my L'Oreal lipsticks feel perfectly comfortable for pretty much the whole day (with touchups). So when you go haulin', try not to restrict yourself to a certain line, type of product, or brand: try ALL the lipcolor formulae! :D Also, for general lip care: get thee to a tub of lanolin. I buy this brand--it lasts you forever, so the price is absolutely worth it. If you put it on religiously whenever your lips feel a bit dry, you'll probably see a reduction in chapping. And of course, inner hydration is incredibly important. Drink a big glass of water before meals, and drink up anytime you're a little bit thirsty! I know it's easy to ignore, but your body is trying to tell you something when you start feeling a bit thirsty. I hope this all helps!

I'd drop shampoo altogether, use conditioner. Massage your scalp gently but thoroughly with your finger tips. If your hair is long, be sure to gently smooth the conditioner through it. As for your skin, try different body washes. I like: http://www.amazon.com/Body-Shop-Tea-Tree-Wash/dp/B002K8W1UC/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1319231490&sr=8-26 and http://www.amazon.com/Body-Shop-Clearing-Facial-Regular/dp/B002K8W58K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319231477&sr=8-1 . Look up the ingredients, they're pretty good. After you shower toss on some of this, http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Organic-Jojoba-4-Ounce/dp/B0000C0XL8/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1319231537&sr=1-1 . BarefootNick is also right, drink a lot of water. The less chemicals you toss in your body the better off you are. Good luck bud.

Edit: Also remember, everyone is different. What may help Derp may not help Derpina.

I’m so sorry about the rosacea you beautiful ladies. I have some tips that may help:
I tried fractional laser for my broken capillaries, and it didn’t do anything except give me a scar from a blister I got.

1. l- lysine helps strengthen blood vessel walls.
   https://www.amazon.com/NOW-L-Lysine-Double-Strength-Tablets/dp/B000Z9361G
   
   
2. fungal acne safe routine:
   Check your skin care products on www.skincarisma.com and make sure they are fungal acne safe.
   
   
3. the Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin:
   https://www.beautylish.com/s/the-ordinary-alpha-arbutin-2-ha
   It has a cooling effect on the skin (skin carisma says this is not fungal acne safe, but it doesn’t give me any issues.)
   
   
4. scrape your face: yeah I don’t know why this helps so much but it does. Gently scrape the gunk off your face with this thingy:
   https://www.amazon.com/exfolimate-Face-Body-Exfoliation-Exfolimate/dp/B00SVDLGHY
   Also good for KP.
   
   
5. Squaline oil: I use the one from the ordinary, but if you search reddit for squaline oil you will find other recommendations.
   https://www.skinstore.com/the-ordinary-100-plant-derived-squalane-30ml/11416764.html
   
   
6. eucerin healing cream on your worst patches.
   https://www.amazon.com/Eucerin-Original-Healing-Rich-Creme/dp/B001FB5IIC
   
   
7. sun screen: I like this one: https://www.ulta.com/clear-face-liquid-lotion-sunblock-spf-55?productId=xlsImpprod11281057
   
   Or this one: https://www.amazon.com/Biore-SARASARA-Perfect-SPF50-original/dp/B0727STS9G
   
   Subscribe to r/skincareaddiction and r/rosacea. There is a lot of help there too. Good luck!!

Here's a good list of natural oils

I'm personally a huge fan of extra virgin olive oil on special occasions. My wife and I love to use it for erotic massage on our entire bodies. It smells so good, and it's thick enough to have good staying power. It leaves your skin nice and soft too.

For everyday use, I've been trying almond oil lately, as an alternative to coconut oil, with great success.

There were a couple things that helped fixed my moisture barrier: First using a gentle pH balanced non-striping/drying cleanser. I use the La Roche Posay Toleraine Purifying Foaming Cleanser at night. I used raw honey to wash in the morning. I don't think I used a toner at the time, but if you want to I think a hydrating one would work better than an astringent one for healing skin. After cleansing, I moisturized with [grapeseed oil] (https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Grape-Seed-Oil-16-Ounce/dp/B000RZPVV6) and sealed it in with layer of Badger Unscented SPF 30 Sunscreen. I know this is a sunscreen, but it helped so much with calming redness and cysts I had at the time. I believe it was the zinc oxide that helped heal (zinc is great for skin--look it up!). I still use it to this day! I cut out all actives, and even clay masks (I was using aztec clay mask with avc and it seemed to dry out my skin and make matters worse). My routine was simplified like this for around 2 months I believe before my moisture barrier was healed. After that period I introduced more products/actives :)
Whew sorry for the long post!

I started getting similar breakouts near my chin after getting on birth control. After trying a lot of different things, I tried adding an evening primrose oil supplement to my vitamin regimen due to my research on this sub and elsewhere. It's only been 2 months (I know that's not a long time in skin-care land), but I have already seen a big difference in my skin, especially around my period. Though I do still get some breakouts, they are MUCH smaller and clear up almost immediately.

My regimen:

Morning: rinse face with water, moisturize with Cetaphil (in the tub), take vitamins/supplements after breakfast (one 1000 mg pill of evening primrose oil, one multivitamin, one 400 IU pill of vitamin E)

Evening: wash with Cetaphil gentle cleanser & pink Sephora manual face cleansing brush, apply coconut oil(I literally just dip my fingers in the jar and apply to my face).

I may up my intake of the evening primrose oil (the bottle recommends taking 3 pills per day), but I wanted to test it out first. I've also heard good things about spearmint tea helping with hormonal breakouts, but no personal experience. Good luck to you!

Rave: Eucerin Original Healing Rich Creme

I picked this up a while ago after seeing in Simple Skincare Science's list of fungal acne-safe products. I don't know that I actually have FA, but my skin has improved a lot since switching to "safe" products. This is a very thick, occlusive moisturizer with only a few ingredients (Water, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Piroctone Olamine). It feels incredibly thick and sticky when I first apply it, but quickly warms up and gets a bit oily so it's pretty easy to spread. I use it at night as an occlusive layer on top of my other serums and moisturizers. I love how it really seems to stick to my skin and doesn't rub off on my pillow during the night. The weather has recently turned cold in the northeast US, and I've noticed that this has really been helping my dry skin retain moisture during the night.

I would be very careful with using Vaseline as an occlusive. Definitely patch test it for a prolong period (like 2 weeks) before going all out. Better to have a small patch of blemishes than a face full of it. It does sound like your skin might benefit from something exfoliating like the C20 to help with dullness, but without some good hydrating & occlusive products, that will just land you in trouble.


My HG hydrating & moisturizing 'products':


DYI Witch Hazel, HA, & Glycerin toner (sometimes I add a few drops of high linoleic facial oil or tea tree oil to the mixture). This is my, 'I screwed up my face using too much acne medication/trying a new product that it hates' savior. I know for a fact my skin response very well to these 3 items mixed together & I can always turn to this DYI toner without risk of a reaction. It isn't hydrating enough for me just to use it without a cream of some sort, but it is the figurative lifejacket of skincare routine.



Carezone Doctor's Solution Dematology Hydra Toner, this the most hydrating toner I've ever come across that doesn't break me out.


Carezone Doctor's Solution Dematology H.A. Cream, this cream is on the heavier side, but damn if it doesn't hydrate & moisturize my skin without causing a bad reaction.


Mediheal Mediental Balhyo-Jinjeong Healing Mask is the best damned face mask I've ever used (thank you, Snow White & Asian Pear!) Comfortable to use, crazy moisturizing, & soothing as all get out. The blue, yellow, & purple versions are extremely nice, but the green one has my heart!

I tried to go with cheaper, more accessible Asian & Western products, & soooooo much regret, especially in regards to the toner & cream. As long as they make that those 2 Carezone products & that Mediheal mask, I will be a loyal customer! My only regret is they aren't the easiest to buy. I usually get all 3 off Koreadepart but I may try another vendor the next time I need to order them.


If you're not sensitive to snail, the COSRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence might be the way to go. It's got a pretty limited ingredient list & it's easy to get a hold of without breaking the bank.

Thanks so much!

I bought this coconut oil from my local grocery store for $4, but it's being sold on Amazon for $14. Because the quantity is so low, it's not worth $14 imo. You can always look for something at your own grocery store, but my sister uses this brand and loves it. Honestly it's all the same :)

edit: BUT I do hear fractionated is easier to work with since it's not in solid form! :)

Hey I'm still recovering but something that has and still is helping for my tendons is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Flo-Magnesium-Supplement-Zechstein-Relaxation/dp/B00K5QUAIG

Also, make sure to get magnesium glycinate.

Thankfully you only took one pill. You will recover, keep your head up :) If you need any support just message me. I'm 26 and was 25 when I took it so I know it's really scary to watch your body start to break down. I took 7 1/2 days worth along with steroids because I didn't know that they interacted with each other until it was too late (and my doctors a moron).

But I promise, it will get better. It just might take time. :)

I am a big proponent of straight jojoba oil. I love it so much that my first post in r/wicked_edge was about jojoba oil.

Also, I love ToOBS Luxury Herbal Aftershave Cream. It's got those all natural ingredients you asked about, like honey and wheatgerm and avocado oil. It's the one cream I have tried that really just disappears into the skin and leaves it feeling so soft and relaxed.

I also like most all of Nancy Boy's products. Their Cooling Aftershave Gel is nice but it is mostly aloe vera so it's a bit too goopy when first putting it on. The signature scent is a mix of lavender, peppermint, and rosemary which is a very nice mix; not too macho, not too femme.

Also, you say you splash cold water on your face and wait 20 minutes before applying aftershave. Have you ever tried using an alum block? Alum helps close the pores, tone the skin, have antimicrobial properties, etc. If you have a good shave with a sharp blade, proper lathering, etc then, after rinsing off the excess lather post-shave, running an alum block over your face might help you reduce or eliminate that twenty minute wait. Of course if you have a bad shave with any razor burn you will know it as the alum will sting like the dickens (it is good for stopping any bleeding and doesn't sting as much as a styptic pen).

My usual routine is after shaving I wet a washcloth in warm water, wipe down my face, dunk the alum block in the warm water and run it over my face. I then let the sink empty and fill it with a bit of cold water, wet the washcloth and wipe my face down again. This gives the alum just about 20-30 seconds to do its job and then I'm ready for my aftershave lotion/cream/oil of choice.

Ooh, my time to shine! Swimming hair care expert here- swim 6x a week for ~90 minutes a session in chlorinated pools and still maintain shiny gorgeous locks. Do the following and you'll be good:

• wet hair before you put cap on. Completely soak it to saturate the hair follicle.
  
• after swimming rinse well, apply conditioner when you shower and rinse out, then lightly apply and leave in this stuff - to entire length of hair, concentrating a bit more at the ends
  
  
• on weekends or when you have time, apply castor oil to roots and jojoba oil to middle and ends, leave on for 30 minutes and rinse out. Personally I like to put this on and let it soak while I hit up the eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge ice bath pool and then the dry cedar sauna. Pro Tip: grab a plastic bag if your pool provides them for you to store wet swimsuits in, and wrap that around the top of your head after putting on oil while you hit the sauna/steam- boom, instant hot oil treatment! :)
  
• air dry as often as possible, blowdry as infrequently as possible
  
• detangle GENTLY using mainly your fingers and not brushing tangles out harshly with brush to decrease breakage
  
• when you tie hair back do so loosely, not tight
  
• wait a few days between shampoos, use dry shampoo to soak up oil if necessary
  
• get your thyroid checked and have PCP run regular lab work to make sure nothing else is underlying cause

First of all welcome! Here is the largest collection of cat memes in the universe! After you get done looking at all those awesome cats this item might help. Shea butter is awesome so I think it would be good in handmade soap. You said you like Star Wars so here is an adorable item. I love handmade soap.

Ah I made a post but perhaps it is better to just comment here instead

I'm a guy in his mid 20s and my current routine is REALLY simple but has some problems and I would also like to expand it a bit...

Current routine:

AM - Wash face, Apply lotion, Put on tinted sunblock (need it cus of darker skin)

PM - Same as AM sans the sunblock and using St Ives exfloiating pad (AHA) before applying lotion.

So off the bat there are two problems with my routine. First is that there are days when I go to the gym mid-day which requires a shower. Problem with this is that I must wash my face 3 times on certain days (how else would I remove the sunblock?). Second is that I shave using a double-edge razor which actually serves to exfoliate the parts of my face that I shave so what ends up happening is that my entire face is not being exfoliated equally (my cheek look so much better than my forehead), I have no idea how I would go about solving this... It should be noted that I do not use the St Ives pads on night when I shave (I shave every other day).

I want to change my routine to account for these two issues while also expanding it a bit to lessen stuff like wrinkles and dark spots (my complexion sucks, esp my forehead).

I was looking at some products and found some that looks promising? interesting? but honestly, I'm not too experienced in this area...

For the eyes

For the wrinkles

Possible regular moisturizers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

You can see that I prefer gel moisturizers because I don't like that feeling of putting on lotion and my face being sticky even after like an hour (Aveeno does this).

Face wash - my current face wash isn't sustainable (kinda niche) and it doesn't wash away my sunblock all that well either... I had the same problem with SCA's favorite Cerave hydrating cleanser.

I can't say I've noticed real improvement from using St Ives's pads? Not sure if I want to try anything stronger though because I am bad with sunblock reapplication.

Even the sunblock is not the best because it has such a strong flowery smell. But I need a lightly tinted one to not look like a ghost... Hmm maybe this one?

Rave: Meishoku Ceracolla Moisture Lotion

I bought this to replace the Perfect Gel from the same line because it has the same active ingredients (ceramides, mostly) and I'd like to use a more exciting moisturizer instead.

Now, I have not actually used this on my face yet ^because ^I'm ^an ^idiot ^who ^buys ^more ^products ^than ^she ^can ^reasonably ^patch ^test, but I've tried it on my lips (under balm) and my hands (under my normal hand cream) for a few days.
I have atopic eczema on my hands which means they're extremely sensitive, have dry spots and I regularly need to use prescription creams for flare-ups. Within ~2 days of using the lotion, my hands got SO much better! I wake up with hands that feel basically normal and I haven't needed to use my steroid cream in days. There's still slightly drier spots here and there, but the overall improvement is bizarre, especially considering I've used hand creams with ceramides before that didn't do much.

Honestly, washing with straight castor oil shows dramatic improvement overnight for me every time I start breaking out. It sounds counterproductive, but it's always worked for me and those I've told it about. This is the stuff I use.

1. Wet face with warm water
   
   
2. Massage oil into face gently for a good minute or two.
   
   
3. Let sit for another couple minutes minimum.
   
   
4. Use a clean hot washcloth to gently melt excess oil away "No scrubbing"
   
   
5. Use a clean towel to pat dry your face.
   
   
6. Apply your normal skin hydration cream.

You should check out /r/SkincareAddiction or /r/asianbeauty , the sidebar has some great tips and recommendations for beginners. Don't forget to introduce one product at a time at intervals of two week, so that if you react badly to something, you know what caused it.

Face-

Cleanser- Use a pH balanced cleanser like cetaphil or cerave. There's other great products listed on the subreddit if those don't work out for you. Your face is a bit acidic and basic cleansers ruin the acidity, resulting in dry skin.

Exfoliate - Chemical exfoliation is the way to go as physical exfoliation can damage the skin if done incorrectly or done too frequently, not to mention you can chemically exfoliate daily. Exfoliation can be categorized into BHA and AHA and the distinction between the two can be found here. Chemical exfoliation is used after cleansing and drying the face and has to be left in for about 20-30 minutes before moisturizing.

Moisturize - Finding the right moisturizer is more difficult for some than others and a great place to start is by looking at the recommended ones in the above subreddits.

Sunscreen - Suncreens can be separated into physical and chemical and many prefer physical over the chemical because it usually offers better protection and is better for sensitive skin, but physical sunscreen can also come with the side effect of leaving a white cast. Not all do so it's important to research and find one that doesn;t. If I remember correctly a spf of 30 and above is recommended and don't forget that you also need protection from UVA rays in addition to the UVB rays as spf only accounts for UVB.

Other - There's more advanced stuff like Vitamin C serums and such but it's better not to get into that right from the beginning. Also change out your pillow sheet often and drink lots of water.


Body-

Your body isn't as sensitive as you face so as long as you wash, moisturize, and use sunscreen, you should be fine. Personally, I use this every other day with a body wash and moisturize with this, but it's only because I have some acne scars on my body and I'm trying to get rid of them.

> What have you used on your seb derm?

EVERYTHING. Lol Basically, any lotion/topical I found that mentioned seb derm, I tried it. The dermatologist gave me prescription strength hydrocortisone and had me use that with an OTC anti-fungal. I've tried cleansing with sea salt, honey masks, etc. Everything would work awesomely for a week, and then the bumps would start forming again.


With everything I've read, the most recommended ingredients were zinc oxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur. My skin has actually been looking pretty good for a week or so now (knock on wood), so I'm sticking with my current routine of:


AM

• Rinse with water
  
  
• Apply a good layer of pine tar soap and let sit while I shampoo my hair; rinse
  
  
• After drying, apply a thin layer of Cetaphil Restoraderm lotion to just the area around my mouth and nose and let sit while I brush my teeth
  
  
• Apply EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen all over face
  
  
  PM
  
  
• Wash with Noble Zinc soap
  
  
• Every-other-night, apply BHA all over; let sit for 20 minutes
  
  
• Opposite nights, Vitamin C serum; let sit for 20 minutes
  
  
• Thin layer of Aveeno Eczema Therapy cream around mouth and nose
  
  
• Use Bee Naturals Oil-Free Moisturaizer everywhere else.
  
  
  I did just get a silver serum, which I ordered from overseas prior to my skin starting to calm with the current routine. If things start going south again, I'm going to give that a try.
  

Magnesium lotion: https://www.amazon.com/Magnesium-Lotion-Health-Products-Liquid/dp/B00K5QUAIG/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494207513&sr=8-2&keywords=magnesium+lotion

And some info on topical magnesium.

According to this study (http://www.fupress.net/index.php/ijae/article/viewFile/15991/14976):

"The intracellular magnesium uptake has been experimentally induced by applying, twice a day and for 4 months, on the skin of healthy volunteers, a spray of a magnesium chlorate supersaturated solution. Epithelial cells and blood samples were collected at time zero and every 2 months of treatment. Despite the constant serum concentration of magnesium along the treatment and in absence of any side effect, the EDS analysis reveals a progressive and regular intracellular magnesium increasing of about 100% of the values at each experimental step."

According to this study (http://www.cnelm.com/NutritionPractitioner/Issues/Issue_11_1/Articles/7%20Transdermal%20Mg%20revised2.pdf)

"In this study both the blood level as well as the cellular magnesium content were determined with the help of a hair analysis before and after a twelve week transdermal application with a 31 percent saturated magnesium chloride solution. Thereby after a twelve week course of treatment an average rise in the cellular magnesium content of 59.5 percent was determined in 89 percent of the test subjects. With oral magnesium intake, comparable results could first be achieved after nine to twenty four months. Furthermore, all patients showed an average improvement of 25.2 percent in the calcium-magnesium ratio during the test period. As a side effect, clear indications of a detoxification of heavy metals was observed in 78 percent of the test subjects."

oh no! That sounds really painful.

I don't know enough about benzoyl peroxide to recommend a face wash, but an aloe product can help reduce the heat. I use Nature Republic New Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel. It's very affordable and I've found it to be super cooling! I bought it to help with dry skin and heal acne scars but a couple days ago some steam from a microwave meal burnt my finger and applying this stuff to it helped WAY more than cold water. I just put a blob on and let it sit there and my finger felt soooo much better.

I will mention that a common complaint is that it can dry your skin out. I've found this to be the case with me as well but if I just put my normal moisturizer on after the aloe it "locks" the moisture from the aloe in rather than letting it dry up. If that's something you're worried about I still recommend aloe, but searching for one that's less drying. This ones just the cheapest and the only one I've had experience with. I also hear you can stick aloe in the fridge overnight to enhance its cooling effects.

If you're worried about it drying you out this one has no complaints about dryness and is only a couple bucks more.

​

I hope this helps! Good luck starting university soon :D

I realized a while ago that I have to apply my moisture in layers. So yes I do use a ton of moisture products, but my skin has proper hydration and a consistent moisture barrier that no active has ever been able to penetrate.

OP I would stop washing your face unless maybe once at night, and only oil cleansing. Oil cleanses oil. Your face doesn’t need extreme cleansing or other cleansing products.

I would spray with a moisturizing toner (there are a million, choose one that you like) then layer 1-2 layers of a hyaluronic Acid over your face when it’s wet with Toner. I like Korean brands, like this one and this one. Then layer that with a snail mucus which sounds awful but it’s crazy hydrating, like this one. Layer that with a gel, like this. Then a cream like this one and finally a sleeping mask like this one. Bonus points for applying a wet sheet mask over it for 30 minutes.

It seems absolutely extra and I personally wish I could slap on a moisturizer and call it a night but it’s the only way to truly hydrate and nourish the moisture barrier.

Get a pair of swim shorts and a tankini top and rock it. Start with a tshirt over it, if it makes you more comfortable (if your pool allows it)...

I've lost a significant amount of weight over the past few years, used to self injure, have had multiple surgeries and have lymphedema in my legs. I am NOT a pretty picture. :)

Up until this year, I wouldn't wear capris or shorts if you paid me...a tank top? lol, no. This year, I said to hell with it and tried it out. No one cares but me! I still weigh the same as you do but I lie on the beach, scars and all and no one snickers. Sure, I may get a look or three but I think more people are concerned with their tan, watching their kids or swimming.

Oh..and Bio-oil is pretty great stuff for scars. It doesn't make old scars go away completely but it will certainly help them fade.

My now husband sent me this link before we were even dating. It made me feel a hell of a lot better and have a different view of my body.

Hope this helps.

Yup, probiotics have about as much health-benefits as taking multivitamins. Nothing concrete as far as we know now.

Want to treat your eczema? Take colder showers. Keep your living space clean. Get plenty of sleep. Eat healthier. Go to an allergist and figure out what you are allergic to (cannot stress this one enough). Keep your skincare routine simple, but effective. I basically only use a moisturizer and protopic when things get bad.

I use this moisturizer, Eucerin Original Healing Creme. I love this product because it literally only contains seven ingredients (Water, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Piroctone Olamine), none of which cause flareups for myself. Highly recommend it.

I also use this shampoo, and it's been working very well for me so far. No more dandruff or scalp itchiness.

I do not use any facial cleansers or body shampoo, mostly because I haven't found a good product for myself yet. My skin stays relatively clear even without using them too. Open to suggestions though if people have any.

Grapeseed Oil and Jojoba Oil. I mix about a quarter-sized puddle of jojoba, and add a nickle sized puddle of grapeseed. I rub it all over my face, then remove the makeup and oil with a hot, wet rag.

Pros:

• removes any kind of makeup. Lip tar, waterproof mascara, foundation...it all goes. Nothin stands a chance.
  
  
• It's pretty cheap. Those two bottles last me over a year, and I use each oil for other things as well.
  
  
• It's easy on my sensitive, easily irritated skin
  
  Cons:
  
  
• grapeseed oil smells funny. I don't like it, and I'm thinking of switching to just jojoba.
  
  
• LAUNDRY! I use cheapy washrags from target, and eventually they just dont wash up well. I replace them about every 6-7 months.
  
  
• Not Travel Friendly.
  
  This is the best way I've found of cleansing my face and removing my makeup at the same time. My skin is much better overall for it. I like it much better than wipes, which was what I used previous. I'm one of those weirdos that must remove all traces of makeup before bed. No raccoon eyes for me in the morning!

It looks like KP (which i have suffered from my entire life) and nothing ever worked for me until my current routine. Seriously, anyone who has KP check this stuff out.

My routine:

I use some sort of an exfoliating body wash (i usually rotate between whichever one is on sale. Dove, Neutrogena, etc.) I try to stay away from any that are too "drying" like acne ones.

Then after my shower ( I shower in the PM) I use AmLactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion. I have never had any results from anything else until I started to use this stuff. It has CHANGED my skin. Here is a blurb about it from their website.

"AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion has a special formula with clinically proven 12% lactic acid that’s pH balanced for the skin. Don’t let the word 'acid' concern you - especially since lactic acid is a naturally occurring humectant for the skin with a certain affinity for water molecules to help keep skin hydrated. And the more moisture that can be retained deep within the skin, the softer and smoother your skin feels.

By encouraging natural skin cell renewal through exfoliation and delivering intense hydration deep within the skin, this lotion creates a soft, smooth texture you’ll love."

I love this stuff and usually put it on after every shower and sometimes in the mornings after my face skincare regimen.

It's a lot more expensive that other OTC lotions but it is WELL worth the price. I would pay three times as much for my results. Here's the amazon link. There are a lot of comments on the amazon page about how it worked for KP too!!! Read through some of them.

https://amazon.com/AmLactin-Alpha-Hydroxy-Therapy-Moisturizing-Fragrance-Free/dp/B00T7260EC/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500481456&sr=8-3&keywords=amlactin&th=1



EDIT
I also forgot to add that you need to use sunscreen!!!

The key is to constantly moisturize and use products that would work well on thin hair. Using an argan oil like this one from Amazon would certainly help. At the same time, sea salt sprays, thickening shampoos and certain pomades would suit you very well. I compiled a list of them here. Hope it helps!

Researching a ton about pressing but still some things i'm curious about. If I use FCO as my binder I do not need a preservative? I understand FCO has an indefinite shelf life but still no preservative is needed to prevent mold? I plan on of course making sure they fully dry after pressing but just looking to make double sure I dont ruin them with mold by not using one.


Second question is there any specific FCOs I should look for or stay away from on amazon before ordering? I see many touted as therapeutic grade, great for massages, etc but i'm not going to use it for that stuff and didnt know if those ones had added stuff in them I didnt want or if it didnt matter. I also seen some say they stayed a liquid which i'm guessing is not okay, or is it? Is that one okay or this one?

For my pre-shave beard wash at the sink, I really like Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil soap (MR GLO).

I don't use a brush or razor stand: brush stands on base of handle, razor on its side, both out in the open to dry.

Balms are not my thing, but Weleda is pretty good, traditional balms are nice but can be expensive, or you can make your own.

Jojoba oil can be found in the cosmetics section of drugstores or at stores like Whole Foods or on-line.

I just started using this brand and it is absolutely wonderful! It is the only argan oil I have tried, but the comments say its comparable to Josie Maran.
http://www.amazon.com/Pura-dor-Organic-Argan-Nails/dp/B004Z209HS/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417585821&sr=1-1&keywords=argan+oil
A nice bonus is if you write a review, they will send you another bottle for free!

The Hada Labo helped save my skin when I was having a severe flareup- I was so dehydrated that I couldn't apply anything to my face, well except this and the ceracolla lotion. The japanese skincare tends to offer some very gentle options. Ceracolla also has a "perfect gel" which is more of a moisturizer, and there are different versions for both Hada Labo and Ceracolla- emulsions, moisturizers.

It wasn't hydrating enough, so I you ld layer bot lotions under a stronger moisturizer. I never found the perfect one though.

My issue with it now is that it had castor oil in it- I can't find the ingredient in the current formulation though, but it makes my face really hot. I'll not repurchase unless necessary because they are not cruelty free.

Why do you avoid dimethicone? I try to avoid it because it gives me cystic acne, but my face is so much healthier (other than the acne) when I use it. I've been using Derma E Hydrating day and night cream which has ingredients my skin isn't a fan of, but the formulation has regulated the oil production in my skin. I'm dry, but not dehydrated! And I've woken up with facial skin that resembles my neck!

Does your current moisturizer smell like lavender? I'm intrigued but concerned about the "Blend Of Floral Extractions" and lavender water.

The Aloe Vera didn't do much for my skin. I ended up using it for my body, but if you're interested, it's nice to have on hand even if it doesn't work.

New member to this subreddit. Looking forward to digging into the FAQ and wiki over the next few days... my current routine is not much of a routine and is very basic:

• AM - wash face/shoulders in shower with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76EY)
  
  
• PM - wash face with Cetaphil Gentle Skin cleaner. Blot dry with bath towel. Occasionally apply Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment (http://www.cleanandclear.com/product/acne-treatments/advantage-acne-spot-treatment).
  
  I also have Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Fragrance-Moisturizing-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76GW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395925959&sr=8-4&keywords=Cetaphil+Moisturizer). I only use this when my skin is visibly dry. Maybe I should be using this more often as part of my normal routine to keep my skin healthy.
  
  Thanks for your tips!

I'd definitely get a second test done, if only to confirm the results of the first one. But, it's also possible that one allergy is making you hypersensitive to everything so if you could eliminate that the rest of your symptoms would at least decrease.

For your skin, try some raw Shae butter (like this) and switch to natural soaps like Dr. Bronner's.

The only other thing I can think of would be to try to incorporate fermented foods into your diet. The live bacteria in sauerkraut, kimchi, &c as well as sheep/goat yoghurt and kefir could help build up the good bacteria in your gut and help it deal with the other food you (want to) eat.

Regarding your skin problem, try this stuff, I have Icthyosis, which is pretty bad in itself. This takes care of it in short order. Best stuff around for this kind of condition. I also use exfoliating gloves, helps to get that stuff off pretty quickly.

https://www.amazon.com/AmLactin-Alpha-Hydroxy-Cerapeutic-Dermatologist-Moisturizer/dp/B00BX57IOC/ref=pd_sim_194_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00BX57IOC&pd_rd_r=6N9RPVCZ865J60G7RWP1&pd_rd_w=u3V2w&pd_rd_wg=SAwhs&psc=1&refRID=6N9RPVCZ865J60G7RWP1

Good luck, having skin problems is a nightmare. . .

I usually go into a Starbucks that has a lockable restroom and have at it, if you plan it right you can get it, do your exfoliating, clean yourself up and bet out in ten minutes.

Pharmacist here: lol what /u/Weynard_Muldrake said is absolutely right. Using anything water-based (creams, lotions) pulls moisture away from the skin (which seems to defeat the point of lotion afterall lol) so if you want to moisturize, using an oil or an ointment (ointment especially) helps to create a barrier between the skin and the environment so the water/moisture can't evaporate off. Combination skin can be tricky; some kind of oatmeal mask first maybe then moisturize? A product that I like to recommend is pharmaceutical grade lanolin. This product has done WONDERS for my dry lips this winter, and lanolin is commonly used as a base in compounded ointments. I can't attest for Black Magic Soap but hope my comment helped a little. Good luck!

i am a male and i use to have very similar problems like you around my cheek areas. I literally tried every moisturizer i could to see if anything helped. I started using oil cleansing with almond oil which softened up the problem but my skin would still crack up. Through trial and research i have managed to control dermatitis for now. I have replaced my daily moisturizer with a mixture of argan oil and aloe vera gel. I use this twice a day(morning after i wake up and night after dinner). The good thing is that i don't even feel the mixture on my skin and it has helped soothing my skin immensly. I am not sure if it will work for u but u can give it a try. You can use any aloe vera gel and argan oil u wish but make sure they are good quality. I personally use this two:
https://www.amazon.com/Amara-Organics-Aloe-Organic-Pressed/dp/B00WRN3TBU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487034533&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=aloe+vera+gel&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/PURA-DOR-Moroccan-Argan-Organic/dp/B004Z209HS/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1487034548&sr=1-4&keywords=argan+oil

Like others have said, magnesium will help. Get some magnesium lotion, it will help almost immediately! Also helps prevent midnight Charlie horses.

I got this on Amazon, and it smells like vanilla cupcakes :)

Hi! I lost ~120lbs at one point and I suffer from a disease called Lipedema, so I'm familiar with the skinfold issues.My dermatologist told me that it's often/usually yeast that gets between the skin folds. That sounds icky, but it's part of your normal skin flora. It just tends to flourish and go a little crazy in warm, dark, moist places (like skin folds).I was prescribed antifungal powder (Zeasorb with Miconazole Nitrate) to keep it dry and kill the baddies, without feeding them the way cornstarch would. If you wind up with a lot of ingrowns that get very blistery (this happens to me on one of my shins of all places) you may have a secondary bacterial infection from the skin being compromised, either the skin barrier getting damaged from irritation or from popping something or from shaving that area. Neosporin on those will help for certain kinds of bacteria and most people have that laying around, so you can try that out. If it doesn't work, you can try washing with hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate, it's the stuff you bathe with before surgery, available at any drugstore) and that will take care of most other bacteria. In the event that neither of these things help, you may have something that requires a prescription (like staph), or you may have hidradentits suppurativa, which requires a different prescription.

https://www.amazon.com/Lotrimin-Antifungal-Miconazole-Treatment-Clinically/dp/B001V9N61Y/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1541602881&sr=8-5&keywords=miconazole+powder Here is the OTC version of the powder (which is the same strength as my prescription btw). In the summer, the stuff is a godsend and I even put some in my bra so I don't get sweaty and irritated under my boobs.

​

Good luck, and the cocoa butter may not be the ideal moisturizer for those regions you are describing. Yeast really likes certain fatty acids and derivatives, and you may be exacerbating the problem without realizing it. Amlactin, which is a body lotion which contains a fairly high percentage of alpha-hydroxy acids, can help lighten up discoloration on the body over time by gently exfoliating the area. WARNING HOWEVER: Don't use amlactin on parts of your body that are still irritated, because it will sting on broken skin. Something simple and designed to be hypoallergenic and non-irritating is what you should use until then (eucerin, cerave, cetaphil, vanicream - that sort of stuff)

This version of Amlactin contains ceramides to help condition the skin and restore your natural moisture barrier.https://www.amazon.com/AMLACTIN-Alpha-Hydroxy-Ceramide-Restoring-Fragrance/dp/B00BX57IOC/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1541603088&sr=1-6&keywords=amlactin

I have used jojoba oil under aquafor, I like jojoba oil because it's molecular structure is most similar to our own sebum.

I've started using ceracolla skin lotion on my hands, it's pretty good. I like it because it has 3 different ceramides, hyauronic acid, and cholesterol.

Best of luck, I know firsthand how stubborn eczema can be

yes the jackblack is like a combo of oil and silicone conditioner. i have never used it so i cant vouch for it. it has peperment which i like in some of the oils ive tried but it can irritate some people.

if you want to try just a straight one oil shave i like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grape seed oil. I like to combine the three but you can use any of them individually.

I get them in the health food and natural vitamin section of H.E.B. which is my local grocery store.

• Name: Lanolin - I have this particular one here but any other brand should be similar
  
• Smell/taste: Unwashed animal, haven't noticed a taste
  
• Tinted: Clear
  
• SPF: No
  
• Likes: I didn't realize my lips could be this moisturized. After trying this I feel like other balms simply prevent my lips from chapping while lanolin truly moisturizes them. It is relatively inexpensive.
  
• Dislikes: This particular one comes in a little tub which isn't too portable but there are other options such as this one in a tube. It is sensitive to temperature and it can melt or become hard and feel waxy but it melts quickly on the lips.
  
  Kudos to /u/girlseekstribe for glamming me an HG :)

It may not be acne. Lots of people (myself included) have keratosis pilaris on their upper arms, which can be mistaken for acne. I too pick at mine when I'm stressed, which only stresses me out more - infuriating!

The best way to reduce it is to apply a lotion with Alpha Hydroxy Acid. There are a lot available on Amazon. Here's one example.

https://www.amazon.com/AMLACTIN-Alpha-Hydroxy-Ceramide-Restoring-Fragrance/dp/B00BX57IOC/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=alpha+hydroxy+acid+lotion&qid=1551376244&refinements=p_72%3A1248873011&rnid=1248871011&s=beauty&sr=1-8

​

My mom is convinced that hers improves when she cuts out sugar and dairy, but I haven't noticed the same connection.

I hope you get relief soon! Be nice to your body - it's the only one we we get!

Ha! Here is my routine:

AM:

• Cleanse with [SkinMedica facial cleanser] (http://www.skinmedica.com/skin-care-products/facial-cleanser)
  
• Tone with SkinMedica Rejuvenative toner
  
• Paula's Choice 2% BHA Lotion (let sit for ~10 mins)
  
• Moisturize with Pura D'or Argan oil
  
• Top up with Tarte BB Moisturizer with SPF 20
  
  PM:
  
  
• OCM with Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
  
• Cleanse with [SkinMedica facial cleanser] (http://www.skinmedica.com/skin-care-products/facial-cleanser)
  
• Tone with SkinMedica Rejuvenative toner
  
• I alternate between SkinMedica Retinol 0.5 or NuFountain C20+Ferulic 20% Vitamin C Serum (let sit for half an hour to an hour)
  
• Moisturize with Argan Oil or Acure moisturizing serum (delightful blend of very moisturizing oils)
  
• Sometimes top up with Aquaphor if my skin is feeling drier than usual
  
  I sometimes use tea tree oil on zits, or Tretin 0.1%. I also use Kiehl's Clay mask once in a while.
  
  There you go! Comments welcome :)
  
  
  

As a guy, makeup is an option. I use this and this. Its a green tinted primer and a liquid mineral foundation.

This is not for everyone. I wash my face twice a day, and use cetaphil, and aloe gel. It helps quite a bit in my opinion, but there are no good cures. I am also going to try adding MSM to my supplements but who knows. I've accepted that I may never be able to "cure", so I do the best to manage.

In that vein, makeup has helped with my self image quite possibly more than I could have imagined. If I had known what I know now (at 25) I would've started learning at 15. If you do it right, nobody ever knows. I've had one person in 2-3 years ask if I was wearing makeup (it was at a baseball game) and I just said I put on sunscreen. Nobody expects men to wear it, so it's never noticed. Just remember, LESS is MORE.

Sure! I use a mix of castor, grapeseed, and argan oil. Jojoba didn't work that well for me. This is the castor:
http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Store-Castor-Oil-Ounce/dp/B000BNRKPY/ref=sr_1_15_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458751502&sr=1-15&keywords=Castor+oil

Grapeseed:
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Grape-Seed-Ounce/dp/B000RZPVV6/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458751626&sr=1-4&keywords=Grapeseed+oil

I can't find the argan I bought anymore, but it was similar in price and quality to this:
http://www.amazon.com/RejuveNaturals-Virgin-Moroccan-Argan-Oil/dp/B00WJ2G8IA/ref=sr_1_25_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458751679&sr=1-25&keywords=Argan+oil

The castor and grapeseed I bought at whole foods, those same brands. They have a ton of oils. Then I cleanse with cerave foaming:
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5140065

And just regular Nivea cream, the kind that comes in a tin. They also have big tubs of it:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nivea-Creme-6.8-oz/12514829

Hope this helps! You can buy all of the products at whole foods and target.

Also! I'm not sure if the rest of my routine is something everyone would agree with. It's very barebones, and I know some people prefer incorporating more steps and using other products. I just use those because I haven't been able to find anything else that I like that also doesn't breaks me out.

I did it too, with exactly the same results as u/flowers3459. Literally same. She includes a TON of backup info (a 10 page tailored to you and a 13 page of general). She explains what individual ingredients DO so now I'm a better label reader (already saved the price of the analysis).

One tip I picked up from her is that [capric/caprylic triglycerides] (https://www.amazon.com/Majestic-Pure-Fractionated-Coconut-Oil/dp/B00PMR3QF2) penetrate like coconut oil but are much lighter, won't stain, smells lighter, easier to use. Great on hair AND skin.

EDIT: Ok, well I'm stupid. [This link] (https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/capryliccapric-triglycerides) explains that I was wrong about the fractionated coconut oil being what she was referring to in my analysis. I still like it though.

Happy birthday!

Shea butter beauty treatments are the best.

Can you recommend any sunscreen that would be good for me? My face is really oily so a lot of sunscreens I've tried just make me look too greasy and others i've tried leave a really white tint on my face.

Are these the correct products you've listed in your earlier post?

Vitamin C:
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Pure-Vitamin-Serum-Ascorbic/dp/B00WWLIN9U/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465536463&sr=8-1&keywords=OST+C20+Vitamin+C+serum

AHA:
https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Revitalizing-Lotion-Glycolic-Ounce/dp/B00HZJZY6O/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465536635&sr=8-1&keywords=12%25+glycolic+acid+alpha+skincare


As always thank you very much for your time and help!

• Illi and Innisfree have the most widely available AB body products
  
• Nivea makes a great body sunscreen
  
• Salux cloths and Italy towels are great for physical exfoliation
  
• Check out Amlactin or Alpha Hydrox for AHA body creams; helps with KP

So about two months ago (March 10th) I used this black head removal mask and I accidentally pulled it off too quick/forcefully and ripped off some skin on the tip of my nose and I got this little red patch on the tip of my nose

Picture

At first I thought nothing of it and thought it would eventually heal but after 2-3 weeks the initial bright redness faded and now it's this faint red and becomes very noticeable when I drink or am really hot (flushed face), or when you look closely. Ive been applying this moisturizer and this aloe vera gel daily.

Is this a permanent scar? Is there something else I should be applying to it to help it fade? Any other advice?

Thanks

Squalane oil is something that our skin produces and makes up 13% of your natural sebum.

Since your sebaceous glands are under performing , this will help to regulate follicle construction and stop keratin from clumping around the follicles:
https://www.amazon.com/Squalane-100-Pure-60-mL/dp/B003MJG19K?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax ester that mimics sebum. For the same reasons as I stated above, this will help your KP and prevent TEWL which makes your KP worse.
https://www.amazon.com/Solutions-Organic-Moisturizing-Multi-Purpose-4-Ounce/dp/B0019LTGOU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=jojoba+oil&qid=1574915492&sprefix=jojoba+&sr=8-4

Since you already have AMlactin, you are good there. Here is my favorite BHA acid Body scrub.
https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Oil-Free-Salicylic-Treatment-Acne-Prone/dp/B00JZ069ME/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?keywords=neutrogena+body+clear+body+wash&qid=1574915526&sprefix=neutrogena+bod&sr=8-13

And these shower gloves for exfoliation are the best I’ve tried. They don’t require too much pressure and they de-cap existing keratin plugs effectively:
https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Logic-Exfoliating-Bath-Gloves/dp/B00GMP5VW4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=cleanlogic+gloves&qid=1574915581&sprefix=clean+logic+glov&sr=8-3

Which AMlactin are you using? The one with the green pump?

Also, do you need me to go over the routine with you or do you think you got it from here based off my original post?

I've tried a lot of commercial beard oils, but in the end, I found them way too expensive to buy regularly. I don't want to pay $20 for 2 ounces of something that costs $1/oz when I mix it myself.

That said, I've also tried a lot of different types of base oils and recipe mixes. Coconut's great, but in time I got really sick of the coconut smell just under my nose. Eventually I found myself using just sweet almond oil by itself. It smells great (and doesn't pall over time), and has a good feel to it (somewhere between the tackiness of grapeseed and the slickness of jojoba--just right).

After oiling, I rub a bit of shea butter into my palms and rub that into my beard. Seems to be all the balm I need. For scent, I splash a dab of cologne into my palms and wipe my beard with that. Simple, but it works for me.

My advice — once a month, massage castor oil onto your scalp and concentrate on the areas that are thin (it will strengthen your hair and encourage growth). I’d leave it in for about an hour. It’s thick stuff. do follow it up with a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue. On the other days, use a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. I’m a big fan of garnier fructis whole blends.

As far as the frizziness, I’d brush my hair into a high bun while it’s still slightly damp. Use Bobby pins to secure it in place so you won’t have indentations of a hair tie. When it’s dry, shake it out and you should have more volume. If you do happen to fall asleep on it, I would suggest getting silk pillow cases to prevent any more frizz.

Castor Oil

Clarifying Shampoo

Silk pillowcases

Fractionated Coconut Oil is a common base for massage therapists. It's neutral, stays liquid at room temps. Usually people will add bees wax, or other thicker parts.

Regular coconut oil--the kind that's a solid at room temp, but melts at like 90F--works great, too. If you want more of a balm.

I don't know the science on decarbing with CBD. But you'll want to heat any mixture before you steep the plant in the oil. So just do a long steep. And don't get above the smoke point of whatever your base is (so, use a slow-cooker or double-boiler setup, not a frying pan).

I bought the different oils separately and put it in an amber dropper bottle. I mixed the argan oil, jojoba oil, and lemongrass oil in a 20:20:1 ratio. The lemongrass is more of just a scent than a functional oil (it's very strong), so you might replace it with some other aromatic oil like tea tree, eucalyptus, or cinnamon oil depending on your SOs preference. I hope you and your SO like it! You might google around for other recipes, but argan and jojoba will make up the bulk of most recipes.

edit: and this is the brush I got, it works great

I also have chronically dry skin (feel your pain!), so I try to exfoliate and moisturize twice a day.

This is the BEST moisturizer I've ever found, and I've tried quite a few. It is thick, absorbs well, and highly moisturizes. Try mixing it in your palm with a little jojoba oil, which is supposed to be chemically very similar to your skin's own oils, allowing it to absorb very easily.

Remember to do it as often as need be to get your skin soft again! I sometimes have spots that take constant application for weeks until they are back to normal.

I've never gotten a rash from it, I think you need a new jar! And I really like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, it gets the job done and doesn't irritate my skin at all :D you can find it here or at your local drugstore! Good luck!

What I use is a mix of refractionated coconut oil, vitamin E oil (you can get it at the dollar store mad cheap), and a couple of drops of other stuff to make it smell nice for the ladies (I don't remember what, but I think grapefruit oil, lemon balm oil, and tea tree oil mighta been it...whatever, that's based on your own tastes anyway). About two parts coconut to 1 part vitamin E, and three drops of less of the other stuff for a 2 oz bottle. I mixed it up like six months ago and there's more than half left so...It goes a while.

I didn't buy all the essential oils, that shit's expensive. A hippie friend spared a few drops for me.

The best lotion I've ever used is Cetaphil Restoraderm. I order it on Amazon because I've yet to see it in any local drug stores. My dermatologist called it the "Ferrari of lotions" and it has worked wonders for me. I usually have that and CeraVe on hand. Use Restoraderm or CeraVe to moisturize after a shower and then slather some Aquaphor on top to lock in the moisture.

This Eucerin or This Aquaphor.

It looks like they sell it in tubes too, but I just buy the tubs. I don't notice a difference between the two brands, to be honest. I use it almost every day and a tub lasts me like 6 months.

Yes, and I would also advise avoiding any area that holds a lot of moisture... since they're never really relatively "dry" (1cm radius from corners of nose, 5mm radius from corners of eyes, 5mm radius from corners of mouth). I also slather a thick layer of lanolin balm/wax on my lips before bed to ensure the tretinoin does not transfer from my face, to my pillowcase, and then onto my lips.

 

I am not 100% certain on this, but the wetter the skin is, the more permeable it is. You would think that it would be advantageous to apply tretinoin to damp skin for greater effect but it's never ended well for me, and I definitely pay the price within 2-3 days if not the immediate next morning.

Magnesium oil (magnesium chloride) is also awesome for a bath, or applied directly to the skin. The life flo lotion smells awesome and is basically just a good general lotion. The life flo gel is my favorite form of topical magnesium. Stings a little, though, kind of like the spray, but isn't messy and seems to dry quicker than the sprays. Then there are a ton of sprays, here is life flo's. You can also buy flakes and either make your own spray or just put them in a bath.

dark spot corrector w hydroquinone

salux towel

dove body wash

bio oil

rose hip oil

aloe vera gel


I also use retin a 0.25 but not every night

I’ve been doing this little routine every night after a shower for like 2 weeks and I see a slight difference but i don’t know. In the day time I use
sunscreen what to do???? A girl just want to wear cute clothes this summer without all these dark spots

You could try Meishoku Ceracolla Perfect Gel or their Lotion. Both are well-formulated with ceramides and are non-irritating. I tried Cerave, Rosette Ceramide and Dr. Jart until I found and stuck with that one, as it's the only one that didnt break me out. It was also able to really help with my tretface (flakiness and dryness gone in one night). I use the Super Moist version of the lotion (pink bottle) as a hydrating layer. https://www.amazon.com/Meishoku-Light-color-cosmetics-Serakora/dp/B00MNZEIH6

https://www.amazon.com/Ceracolla-Skin-Lotion-Harakjuku-Culture/dp/B00IJSWSA0

I too had little to no acne (save for my time of the month) until I got the Mirena. I used to get deep hormonal acne on my forehead, jaw, and chin. After 3 years of dealing with it I've finally figured out how to maintain clear & moisturized skin without getting the deep/painful zits.

My routine now:

I currently use a BP cleanser (this one by Neutrogena) AM & PM

Then a salicylic acid cleanser (also by Neutrogena) AM & PM

To combat the potential dryness from the chemical exfoliation plus winter weather, I use several different moisturizers.

I use my normal "light" moisturizer (by Proactiv, I'm currently looking for a new one) AM & PM

Wait 5 minutes

Then I lightly wet my face with water, and apply a hyaluronic moisturizer cream (by Olay) but you can use a hyaluronic serum instead PM Only

Wait 10 minutes (until fully absorbed- face isn't sticky)

Then a layer of thick/cream/hydrating moisturizer (I really like this by Cetaphil but I hear it breaks some people out and can be greasy) AM & PM

Finally seal it all up with Vaseline if it's night time.

I think if you don't already use BP and SA you need to go slow and alternate them (one per day). My skin is pretty desensitized to them so I don't notice any redness or flaking. Oh and if your makeup doesn't have any SPF in it you should add a sunblock product in the AM after all the moisturizers, but before your makeup primer/foundation.

I get exactly the same thing, dermatitis from gi rubbing against my skin. I used to get it back in high school from playing sports with pads, too. It's embarrassing and it itches like hell, plus you don't want open abrasions while training.

1. Wear long sleeve rashguard and spats under your gi. I only get the rash on my hands, wrists, and tops of my feet when I wear spats and a longsleeve rashguard. I used to get it on my elbows and behind my knees too, longsleeve rashguard and spats immediately stopped it from appearing.
   
   
2. Apply lotion (I use this stuff) after every time you shower to the areas that typically get rashy (again for me it's my wrists, hands, feet). Apply the lotion whether you trained or not.
   
   
3. Try using this detergent when washing your gi, rashguard, spats, belt, etc. I cannot recommend it enough. It's scentless, not too expensive, non-abrasive so your gi wears out more slowly and it will help save your skin. It's perfect for bjj too, cleans great. Goes right in with the wash. If my gi starts to get a little funky I just add a little white vinegar as well.
   
   Doing these 3 things has stopped me from getting the rash completely. Hope they work for you too.

Do you mean transdermal? I've never heard of subdermal magnesium.

If so, I like this gel. Isn't quite as messy as the oils. They also make a lotion that smells good and isn't oily or anything, is pretty much like a normal lotion.

I was using Cerave hydrating cleanser and cerave in the tub for about a year or so and I've noticed that my CCs have slowly gotten worse.

I'm going to try swapping the cerave for neutrogena and cetaphil for a month along with the AHA/BHA treatments to see if there's an improvement.

This is what I want to buy, right?

Thanks for your help :)

I'm still patch testing, but if you like Cetaphil, the Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Calming Body Moisturizer has niacinamide and ceramides (as a ceramide precursor, Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine)

Edit: note that the ingredient list typed out on amazon is inaccurate, the version in the product pictures is correct. Cosdna here

It really bugs me how they can charge you so much for their beard oil product. I bought an oz when i first started growing my beard and couldn't believe the constant average of price on beard oils. You can find all of the ingredients they list in their description to make their beard oils on Amazon. Almond, Jojoba, and avocado all usually come in 8oz bottles. Buy whichever essential oil scent you like and you have a large bottle full of your own beard oil, and it is just as good.

http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Organic-Jojoba-ounce/dp/B0019LTGOU/ref=sr_1_4?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1452376681&sr=1-4&keywords=jojoba+oil

http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Almond-Oil-Ounce/dp/B000NB9LLA/ref=pd_sim_121_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=31heG3BpDmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1KMAJ7ZWGCJN6QWH45AP

http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Avocado-Moisturizing-Edible/dp/B000MGOZ30/ref=pd_sim_121_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=315yAxnxz2L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1KMAJ7ZWGCJN6QWH45AP

http://www.amazon.com/Patchouli-100%25-Therapeutic-Grade-Essential/dp/B002RSU0XU/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1452376774&sr=1-2&keywords=patchouli+essential+oil

You might go in a completely different direction and make personalized beauty supplies. Possibly a bath bomb or a salt scrub, a simple lotion, an even simpler shea butter recipe which only two ingredients, just whip them, and plain shea butter can be cheap in bulk, you just need to whip it with an egg beater for a minute. It's a but greasy but absorbs into dry skin quickly and is super moisturizing. You can even make things with your own honey. Ask your mother-in-law about her mother's skin type and any possible conditions.

Scar cream/treatments are so expensive. Mederma is okay. My doctor said that massaging the cream in is the most important part, as it works to break up the scar tissue. I've also heard Bio-Oil is really great.

Awesome tip: Eucerin is great for healing minor (as in, not requiring a hospital visit) wounds without scarring. Disinfect using an antiseptic wash or hydrogen peroxide, the slather that shit on like cream cheese on a bagel. Put a bandage or gauze+wrap over it so it doesn't smear off. Repeat daily until healed.

I've used it for burn scars, major cat scratches, kitchen knife incidents, etc.

You could try this and it should help with some of the redness. I used it on a scar on my forehead for a few weeks before I realized that I was too oily (for my acne) and gave up.
Hopefully you'll receive better results!

Thanks! That was also the first thing I noticed. You look really great with and without the wig.

Here are the products I found.

http://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Jeju-Volcanic-Cleansing-Ounce/dp/B006XAG1U4

http://www.amazon.com/Skinfood-Black-Sugar-Scrub-Foam/dp/B004WI85OO

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Republic-300ml-10-56-Fluid/dp/B0080EEMCA

I have eczema, my doctor recommends Vanicream or Cetaphil. That said, you should talk to a doctor/dermatologist to make sure it isn't something else. That, and if it is eczema, he or she could prescribe something a bit stronger to help with it. For example, I still use Triamcinolone cream even with the aforementioned lotions.

Hey dude, my brother suffered from really bad back scarring like this. He went on accutane and ALOT of it cleared up and looked much better after he finished up. For the rest of the scarring I would recommend this product called Amlactin its a body lotion with a high percentage of AHA's in it to help exfoliate. This made a big difference in my mild body acne, maybe you can use this in conjunction with Accutane or use it after you finish up. Cheers man, hope it gets better for you! Also just a disclaimer the stuff smells kind of gross, but it works really well!!!

From a raw sauce fan girl: it contains alcohol which might not be great to add while your skin is acting up. It's not a hugely significant amount but still be careful integrating it into your routine. I see you have a cream containing aloe in your routine but an aloe gel could help with soothing the irritation! Nature Republic makes one, and putting it in the fridge makes it even more soothing.

Edit: I am a dork and forgot that particular aloe gel has alcohol. A pure aloe gel with no added ingredients would do well :)

Like others said, aloe is probably one of your best bets. You can buy aloe vera gel if you don't want to get a plant. I apply it as soon as I get any type of burn and it immediately soothes it and prevents it from getting bad. This is the one I use, super cheap too: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080EEMCA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_O9GOBbWTR083Q

YES! Sheseido makes an excellent hand cream with 10% urea which will zap roughness and exfoliate off all the dead, nasty skin and leave your hands plump and hydrated. Kose also makes a terrific one that is very velvety but doesn't have any exfoliating properties called Coenrich Q10 DEEP MOIST.

A trick that I use tho, to keep my hands looking and feeling hydrated is to make sure I massage in excess toner/essence/creme from my facial routine into my hands.

If your hands are really in a sorry state you may want to consider 2 non AB products: Flexitol cream which has 25% urea plus vit B5, aloe, shea, vit E, glycolic acid, and lanolin. Use it as an over night treatment with your hands covered in gloves or socks. And of course, the item I constantly talk about Eucerin Original Healing Creme, a bland, heavy duty moisturizer that will leave your hands soft and supple.

ETA: forgot to add links

I had really dry lips last winter and I bought a tub of lanolin because someone on here had recommended Australian Gold Lanolin. It smells much better (or just less like a wet sheep?) than most lanolin, so it could be worth a try!

They're just curly hair, trying to become ingrown. A PITA, but pretty easy to manage. An italy towel or loofah (the towels last longer ime) used every shower and Gold Bond Rough and Bumpy or Amlactin after.

I recommend Bio Oil to use on stretch marks, it doesn't completely remove them but it helps a lot. Reduces the colour for sure.

http://www.amazon.com/Bio-PACIFIC189878-Bio-Oil-2-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B000VPPUEA

Tell him to buy himself a bottle of fractionated coconut oil like this. Works just as well as the stuff in the jar, easier dispensing, you don't get pubes in it, and you don't need to fear you're cooking with his spunk.

This is the original amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z209HS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I paid $36, and I'm willing to take $20. It's been used twice so it's still mostly full and in its original bag and all. Let me know if you're interested.

As mentioned by others, exfoliating skin cloths from Asian supermarkets are great. I use this one. In addition, a mild exfoliating moisturizer a few times a week has reduced my leg bumps. I get it at Costco, which ends up being a waaaay better deal. Others online also rave about Amlactin for keritosis pilaris.

I have eczema and rosacea on my cheeks. My dermatologist gave me several samples of Cetaphil Restoraderm Calming Moisturizer for my eczema. It worked really well and I ended up buying the 10 oz bottle.

Also, I don't know what you use to wash your face with, but I was given samples of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and they have helped me tremendously with acne/eczema.

I've heard good things about pure grapeseed oil
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Grape-Seed-Ounce/dp/B000RZPVV6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335806419&sr=8-1

I'm still working through some cocoa butter baby oil, and apricot oil is a good cheap alternative to jojoba as well.

After I do OCM, using a microfiber cloth to remove the oil, I go into the shower with said microfiber cloth. I shampoo, condition, and then using the microfiber cloth put a pump of Neutrogena Ultra Gentle hydrating cleanser into the corner and just use that single part to spread it around my face in light and gentle circular motions then rinse. I finish in the shower and lightly tap my face and body dry, getting my body and hair just dry enough so it doesn't drip all over the place.

I take 3 parts mineral oil and 1 part castor oil and use that to moisturizer my face right out of the shower. I put an eraser head sized amount of the castor oil it in my palm and then take the mineral oil and put about three-four times that amount with the castor oil using my finger. I then use what's on that finger and try to push it all around that hand so that a small amount is on my fingers which I use to transfer a small amount onto my face, being careful not to put too much — I don't want my face shiny or even dewy looking, just enough to make it feel silky. If I need more oil I dab my palm and just keep spreading it between fingers one handed and spread on face. After that I take both hands and spread the oil in both hands and work the oil into my scalp in areas that my hair in thinning and work it into all my hair. Rarely does it come out to too much oil in my hair and often is too little so I mix some more in my palm and use more. If too much just using my towel I run it through my hair a couple passes. My hair is real silky now and it's so much better not looking like wirey pubes anymore lol. I finish my routine with the Stridex wipes on my face. The Salicylic Acid is fat soluble so I feel like it helps to get it into the skin better.

I got no idea if my routine is good but it's working so far with significantly less zits, blackheads, and closed comedones then before.

I need this because I want to learn to make chap stick and it is also good in hand lotion. Or even this Either one .

I've heard that bio oil can help even out dark areas of your skin, and have been tempted to try it myself. I've heard of people using it on their face, you can check the reviews and see what you think yourself. Some people think it's a miracle product.

Exfoliating with glycolic acid (AHA) products like this lotion. I have KP that looks like dark spots on my skin or like my hair follicle is still visible after shaving and this helps that too. Physical exfoliation is not enough for me. Also, shaving everyday when needed.

I would recommend adding an oil to your nighttime routine!

Most health food stores will carry food-grade oils like this, or you can get an oil blend as a skincare product like this!

Some ideas of oils that work for dry skin: almond seed oil, passion fruit oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil

Could also patch test and try: coconut oil, olive oil

I use Rosehip Seed Oil and it does the trick but I have oily skin. I also only use it every once in awhile when I feel like I need it! It doesn't smell like roses or anything (sadly) ;D

LOL! Just proves how robust their market is. Most of the KB aloes I've had contain alcohol. The one I use most is Nature Republic.

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Republic-300ml-10-56-Fluid/dp/B0080EEMCA

I use this
https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Republic-300ml-10-56-Fluid/dp/B0080EEMCA/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1501987424&sr=1-6&keywords=aloe+vera+gel
I really like it. Aloe vera overall is a great way to calm down irritated skin. I use it for everything (acne, bug bites, sun burns, etc..)

My apologies...I missed that you didn’t want any ferments.

Someone else mentioned Ceracolla. It’s a Japanese line that is very clean and includes a face wash, two different lotions (toners are called lotions in Japanese skin care), an emulsion, a gel cream and a regular cream. If you look at the following link and go to the reviews, someone included all the ingredients. Amazon doesn’t carry the entire line, but YesStyle does.

Ceracolla Skin Lotion - Blue

CosDNA Ingredient List for Ceracolla Products

Hope this helps!

While we're on the topic of single ingredient cosmetics:

Josie Maran's Argan Oil is just that. Argan Oil. Find it much cheaper at places like Garden of Wisdom.

Same thing for Tarte's Maracuja Oil. It is Passionfruit seed oil which is also at Garden of Wisdom.

Dr. Lipp's Nipple Balm for Lips is just "medical grade lanolin".

I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of any off the top of my head.

Edit: Oh and L'occitane's 100% Pure Shea Butter for $42 is obviously just shea butter. Amazon has a lot of that.

I haven't tried amlactin either. I have seen it really cheap on amazon $5 for a small container & like $20 for 20 ounces but I don't live in America so shipping costs too much for everything.

I've used this & I liked it http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Hydrox-Lotion-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00HZJZY6O #ymmv

You could ask the daily help thread other people probably have more recommendations

The daily facial cleanser is closer to the foaming facewash OP is using, their gentle skin cleanser has fatty acids in it like the hydrating cleanser and may clog pores if you're acne prone. The Cetaphil moisturizing lotion is the closest to the lotion the OP is using.

My favorite moisturizer is Cetaphil Restoraderm. I guess it's actually a body lotion but I patch tested it and didn't break out. I love it. The tiniest bit goes a long way. It's super hydrating without feeling really greasy, and leaves my skin so calm and supple. It's marketed for eczema or dermatitis prone skin, so I guess that's why it's so moisturizing.

edit: words

I use this one cause it's cold pressed and in a dark glass bottle, and conveniently at the store down the street from me. I think the Now brand one is popular too. Or the GoW one is probably good.

Thanks. If I were tight on funds and time, I'd probably narrow it down to these three.

NatureWise Vitamin D3 5,000 IU 2x a day in the morning.

Now Supplements Glycine 1000mg Between 1-6 grams per day, depending on your stress levels. Probably best used before bed.

NOW Solutions, Castor Oil 1 tbsp per day (5 mL)

As I learn more about Glycine, I'm starting to think it may have been the difference maker. It's relieved chronic stress that I was stuck under the past few years.

I'd also reccomend avoiding strict, low-calorie diets. Don't avoid or cut out carbs.

• Have you ever tried any creams with magnesium? I’ve heard they work wonders.
  
  
  
  
• This is another product worth checking out. Magnesium is very good for the skin.
  

I had a similar issue on the back of my upper legs. I started using Amlactin body lotion and it helped soooo much! If you just shaved and apply it after showering, it'll sting a little bit. Otherwise, it's just like a regular moisturizing lotion. My boyfriend used it on his neck/chin and it helped with his shaving and ingrown hair issues, too.

My most recent solution was laser hair removal on my legs. That's gotten ridden of 99% of my ingrown hairs. It's the more expensive approach but worth it in the long run - and you don't have to shave anymore!

I use Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Moisturizer. It's the first product that didn't make my skin flakey after application. Just be aware that it can make your skin look a bit shiny but it's better than most products out there.

Have you tried this?

I used it for my boney fingers, but now it's a part of daily routine. Really good stuff.

Jojoba oil is really nice.

http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Organic-Jojoba-Oil/dp/B0000C0XL8

Doesn't clog the bores, not too greasy. (It's recommended on acne.org often to mix with moisturizers)

It looks like it's eczema calming body moisturizer

I have low porosity 4c hair. Lately i've been i've been making my own moisturizing cream by mixing shea butter + glycerin + grapeseed oil. Some water in my hair + this cream makes it SO SOFT!

Shea butter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D9NV2D4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543325799&sr=8-3&keywords=shea+butter&dpPl=1&dpID=41NORnT1QuL&ref=plSrch

Glycerin: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0019LWU2K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543326071&sr=8-3&keywords=glycerin&dpPl=1&dpID=410vsDWu-mL&ref=plSrch

Grapeseed oil: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000RZPVV6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543326138&sr=8-3&keywords=grapeseed+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=31HE6YXHi0L&ref=plSrch

P.S. it's cool to see what products everyone loves, but it's pretty useless to others unless you let us know what your hair type is!

A few months for hair to start to grow out thicker. My top 3-4 inches is all thick my ends are super thin. I’m going to have to cut as it grows.

Biotin is a pill I take. The oils I mix together and rub on my scalp, wrap in a scarf and go to bed. I rinse it out in the morning.


biotin

castor oil

argon oil

Fractionated Coconut Oil (such as this) has the nice property of being odorless, stable, and doesn't stain sheets.

I use this it doesn't smell and a little bit lasts all week for me and my hair is super thick

I got it from Amazon, but a good drug store might carry it.

Use this. IT might seem thick, but it´s good.
https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Moisturizing-Cream-Sensitive-Ounce/dp/B00113HNB4

oh, fire ants. how I hate thee.

here's my system:

in the shower, gently exfoliate.

apply AmLactin or Gold Bond Rough and Bumpy lotion at night.

Daytime, apply some Vitamin C serum on the spots.

Then... Sunblock. ALL the time. Everyday.

it's been a miracle on my legs!

https://smile.amazon.com/Nivea-Protect-Super-Water-Japan/dp/B00SM997I2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467917852&sr=8-1&keywords=nivea+sun+protect+water+gel

https://smile.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic-Niacinamide/dp/B00NY5NGPE/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467917876&sr=8-2&keywords=instanatural+vitamin+c

https://smile.amazon.com/AmLactin-Alpha-Hydroxy-Cerapeutic-Dermatologist-Moisturizer/dp/B00BX57IOC/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1467917896&sr=1-2&keywords=amlactin

I got mine before I heard of GoW, but this is the one I'm using.

I got it from Amazon because, well, I have prime and I wanted it quickly. In retrospect, I would have now gone with GoW, but I'm still using that bottle, so I'll probably mix it up once I run out.

I use this odorless castor oil, you might want to check it out! :)

The "oil" is basically silicone with a little argan oil. Silicones dry out and become heavy on hair. I have been using pure argan oil (for about half the price!) And its been aaamaaazing on my hair...it just drinks it up, makes it soft and doesn't leave it oily. Also, it really sinks into my skin. (I have acnetic skin and it doesnt clog my pores, but leaves it soft)

I would say try out some natural argan oil and see if that does it for ya.

PURA D'OR Carrier Oil: Organic Moroccan Argan Oil 4 oz USDA Certified Organic 100% Pure Cold Press Virgin Premium Grade for Face, Hair, Body, Scalp and Nail:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Z209HS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7tbuDbV8PHVFN

Bummer. Everything never works for everyone. : (

I got mine from this seller on Amazon. I'm only directly linking to the seller because it was legitimate shea butter. Lots of people get it off GoW, too.

The EltaMD Intense is the non-sticky, almost melty version of Vaseline. I don't find it makes my skin shiny whatsoever, especially when it sinks in. But if you put too much on, then yeah, you'll get a shine.

People who don't like Cerave tend to like Cetaphil or Vanicream. But I believe their creams/lotions are slightly greasier. That's the trade off. But worth a shot.

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion - get a big tub on amazon that lasts like 6months

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cetaphil-Moisturizing-Sensitive-Fragrance-Non-comedogenic/dp/B00113HNB4/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542049103&sr=8-5&keywords=cetaphil+moisturiser

Also garnier moisturising sheet are really good (haven't used while on accutane yet, BUT i am about to start my second course and will defy be using these to tackle the dry skin)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0019LVFSU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1454210262&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=sweet+almond+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=41vTpMLtWoL&ref=plSrch

I'm on mobile, so I hope the link works! You can also get it at GNC. The bottle is pretty big.

Oh my god don't spend $50 on a diffuser! You can seriously use any glass bottle with a narrow opening, 25 drops of any essential oil from Whole Foods or any health food store/stores that sell tarot cards and witchy shit (or online, like this on amazon), 1/4 cup of a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or safflower oil, and throw that in your glass bottle with some bamboo skewers. Then you have a reed diffuser and tons of refills, and you can mix essential oils for whatever scent you want.

Hi! I have a bottle of this (the blue one, right?) and can either decant or just send you what's left of the bottle. I can provide verification this afternoon, if you're interested?

Cetaphil tub I'm referring to:
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin, Fragrance Free, Non-comedogenic (20 Oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00113HNB4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_cKT-tb0JJT749

Simple cream I'm referring to:
Simple Skincare 24 Hour Nourishing Cream Moisturizer, 1.7 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GYB13XC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_eLT-tb07GDJM0

Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion, 16-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ET76GW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2Y7Lzb1HNKV2S

Of course!

https://smile.amazon.com/Majestic-Pure-Fractionated-Aromatherapy-Moisturizer/dp/B00PMR3QF2

It goes up and down in price, so keep an eye on it (it's on the high side right now). :)

https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Fragrance-Moisturizing-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76GW/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511538111&sr=8-4&keywords=cetaphil+moisturizer

How good is this product as a moisturizer for a routine?

I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Moisturizing-Lotion-Skin-Types/dp/B001ET76GW). Works great all over. Light consistency and hydrates very quickly.

I tried a Cerave cream once and it actually made my face break out worse, but it seems to work well for others.

http://www.amazon.com/100-Pure-Unrefined-Organic-BUTTER/dp/B004YBW5T0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=UQC4Y45FUFAH&coliid=IT1AVRVO22KGN

So I can make some soaps!
Thank you!

This is what I use. Good brand.

related:

will this pump fit this cetaphil tub? everything I could find only mentioned the cerave in the tub.

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Solutions-Castor-Pure-ounce/dp/B0013TM9UQ

like this? It was the first option that google came up with.

Which one are you using?

I'm on a low buy for a while, so I've been focusing more on skincare than on makeup:

• Queen Helene Mint Julep face mask
  
  
• Freeman Avocado clay face mask
  
  
• Stridex x 2
  
  
• Pura D'or Argan Oil
  
  
• Josie Maran Argan Oil Collection Why I bought this after buying the Pura D'or argan oil... I have no idea. But, this is a great deal for anyone wanting to try Josie Maran products since you're saving $60+ off MSRP... qvc just makes things so hard to pass up.
  
  
• Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore - a bit too dark for me at this time, maybe it'll look better in the summer.

I'm basically just trying to figure out if I should get [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Sweet-Almond-Moisturizing-ounce/dp/B0019LVFSU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382999070&sr=8-1&keywords=sweet+almond+oil) or the cold-pressed from GoW. I'm leaning toward the GoW because it's guaranteed to be good quality and pure. I'm also not sure if the cheaper stuff is unrefined (I want unrefined oil)

Yw. Amlactin is from amazon, MBD sampler is from Hermo (but they only service 3 countries in SEA), the other korean stuff is from roseroseshop.com and the rest from brick and mortar stores. Shiseido was from their counter at a department store here. HTH.

You might be interested in pure argan oil. I use Pura d'or argan oil when my face/hands/hair are extra dry. It's unscented (and 1-2 drops is plenty or you'll end up greasy).

I also use - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T7260EC?psc=1 when I really need to get the eczema off the backs of my hands. Works better than anything I've ever tried.

So I'm in the same boat as you (except in the US) and I picked up this body oil last week and I've been liking it so far. I use it in the shower just before rinsing the conditioner from my hair, and it's sunk in by the time I towel off. A little goes a long way!

I have two body oils from Hexannacht, too, but they're perfumed so I don't wear them on days when I want to wear another scent. They're similarly moisturuzing, if a little heavier.

Cetaphil non-comedogenic moisturizer. Comes in a tub and looks like something a doctor would prescribe. I've used it every day for 3 years.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00113HNB4

You can use fractionated coconut oil. It doesn't solidify and washes away cleanly.

Something like this for instance.

I've used about a third of the bottle of this and I can already see a huge difference in my KP.

Since you've already tried a chemical peel, I really think you should patch test any new product, especially acids.

So, can anyone recommend a brand that actually DOES have aloe vera in it? I ordered this one online literally 15 minutes ago...wondering if I should cancel the order.

I have some sensitivity issues, and Desert Essence Jojoba Oil is working well for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Organic-Jojoba-Oil/dp/B0000C0XL8/ref=sr_1_17?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418881452&sr=1-17&keywords=desert+essence

Pure USP grade lanolin.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000V70MWS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1416982326&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

I put it on a few times a day, into month 5 and my lips are perfectly supple and painless, no cracking or crusting whatsoever. It feels so good on my lips, couldn't live without it. I have one tin at home, one in my pocket, and one at work.

If you get the pure medical grade stuff, there's almost no smell or taste. I would personally tend to avoid a hydrocortisone product except as a last resort.

Teenage Male Routine Help?

• The issue(s): acne, irritated skin especially in morning
  
• Skin type: Dry/Sensitive Skin I believe
  
• Current routine
  
  • AM: Rinse in cold shower, use CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Bar 4.5 oz, then just pat dry
    
  • PM: Shower cold water, use CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Bar 4.5 oz, and then apply Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for All Skin Types, Body and Face Lotion
    
    • https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleansing-Bar-Pack/dp/B01IAFEXAO
      
    • https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Moisturizing-Lotion-Skin-Types/dp/B001ET76GW?th=1
      
• How long: Been using this routine for about 2 months
  
• Anything new: My skin improved since the start but I still get pimples and experience dry skin
  
• Your location: Mid-West
  
• Any recommendations?

From the pics, it seems like the bite marks are still somewhat swollen. I suggest you avoid any harsh ingredients in your body wash (if there’s any) and avoid any kind of exfoliation. For now, you should try applying some aloe vera gel. Check if you’re allergic though.
After all the redness and swollen calm down, you can start using AHAs for the pigmentation (something like Alpha Hydrox’s 12% Glycolic lotion) + sunscreen when you go out. It should help fade the dark spots.
Make sure you have no open scar before you start using AHA.

Okay this is what cleared up my chest and back in two weeks.

2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Bar Soap

Alpha Skin Care Revitalizing Body Lotion with 12% Glycolic AHA

I'm also using two other products to lighten the leftover marks (Alpha Hydrox
Spot Light Targeted Skin Lightener & InstaNatural Niacinamide 5% Face Serum) but haven't seen much improvement in that regard.

http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Moisturizing-Sensitive-Fragrance-Non-comedogenic/dp/B00113HNB4/ref=sr_1_4?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1425263632&sr=1-4&keywords=cetaphil

That's the one I used during my course (also recommended by my derm).

i'm an amazon addict so i'm going to link to them: 1) http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Rash-Cream-Zinc-Oxide/dp/B000056J64/ 2) http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Organic-Jojoba-4-Ounce/dp/B0000C0XL8/ 3) http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-16-Gentle-Skin-Cleanser/dp/B000FFT8KS/ and i also now use this once a week: http://elenarubin.com/collections/shop/products/veritas

Amazon: Bio-Oil 2oz: Multiuse Skincare Oil https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VPPUEA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4NhODbAN9H2WS