Reddit mentions: The best facial cleansing gels

REQUEST

I've been using Can Make Mermaid UV Skin Gel for a while now and ADORE IT. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It's a hydrating SPF emulsion that hydrates, has no white cast, and is sooo lovely to use. I'm spoiled, and now that warm temperatures are on and ten thousand layers are off, I want a similarly luxurious SPF for my chest/arms/legs/feet for day to day wear. No white cast, no SPF smell, hopefully that's also hydrating. The Mermaid gel isn't expensive... but it will be if I use it everywhere (I want to use it everywhere.) I'm not trying to get spendy here.. but I can probably be convinced :) Also, if you haven't tried this sunscreen, what are you doing? I feel for you. It's the best. Especially if you are prone to breaking out!

REVIEWS

• Khiel's makes this mud mask that I feel confident is helping to deep cleanse my pores, decreasing their apparent size. It tingles just a bit, which I don't mind. This is my first clay mask, so I'm not sure what to compare it to, but it seems to do it's job! I'm open to trying other ones for sure. There's some Australian made clay mask that I keep seeing on Instagram which has caught my interest.
  
  
• Dr. Gross's universal peeling pads are not bad, oh, at, all. They leave my skin feeling really really clean and ready for the next steps without adding tightness. They do add about five minutes to my routine, since you're supposed to use the pads all over the face until the pads are dry. But I really think these, and my clay mask, are to thank for the drastic decrease in pore size.
  
  
• After patch testing, I've used The Ordinary peeling solution once so far but it's pretty great! It's a fun product to apply.. very viscous and bright raspberry in color. Doesn't tingle or burn at all, and I noticed a lot of dry skin coming up around my forehead and temples which is new for me so success!
  
  
• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane made me peel the morning after use, and is SO GENTLE. No tingling or redness at all! I'm in love.
  
  
• The Ordinary Vitamin C in HA is definitely a tingly product, but it's amazing. My skin is looking so much more refined and even in tone, IMO. It's a gritty suspension so I only do this at night. But highly recommend it!
  
  
• The Ordinary Marine HA is another great one. It's a very watery essence step that instantly moisturizes... I feel like it hydrates deeply, and it also absorbs rather quickly as well! So in love. Love love love. It does smell like algae and sea organic matter, to be expected. It feels amazing but smells kinda gross.
  
  
• The Ordinary HA Moisturizing Factors is lovely. It's so lightweight and fluffy... it's a surprisingly luxurious experience for such a low cost. I notice I do value the Khiel's day oil in combination with this for some added festivity... but I can't go without this stuff!
  
  
• I got a sample of the Rosette ceramide gel and quite like it as a replacement for the Dr. Jardt gel moisturizer I'd been using. It's got a nice ingredient list, and that shows :) Macadamia nut oil seems to be a good thing for my skin.
  
  
• I bought the Dermaflash device when I went to Nordstrom and just tried it yesteray! I don't assume it is as effective as a professional dermaplaning service, but if you'd like something to tide you over between professional services, to test out the concept of dermaplaning, or if you're disinterested in actual dermaplaning! I didn't realize just how much dead skin was clinging to my face! My products really are absorbing sooo much better already, I love not using Nair to remove the peach fuzz on my face. It's awesome! I had to charge a few times during the process, which wasn't ideal, but all in all? I'd totally recommend this. I used it on my chest as well and love how soft all my skin is now :) I love this thing! Excited to try actual dermaplaning to determine the difference :)
  
  
• I've been using the Laura Mercier blemishless primer and think I love Laura Mercier primer like u/theartnomad always said I would... but I don't like this one. It says it prevents breakthrough shine, and it DOES, except I want my breakthrough shine as a bright spring with dry skin perpetually on the hunt for a dewy glowing complexion. It's even a bit too matte for when I want to be more professional in terms of skin finish. I'm not sure if I want the radiance primer (it adds a pearlescent finish... which I like, but I'm wary of white cast, which I think the bronze might help with) or the hydrating one? I'll get some samples at Sephora soon :)
  
  
• Christophe Robin makes a volumizing hair line and I am obsessed. The spray was lackluster for me, but I haven't experimented thoroughly with it. The scalp scrub feels AMAZING, dissolves completely, and the conditioner is so hydrating (makes detangling very easy) and my hair is visibly thicker and fluffier and shinier after use. I'd like to get the non-scrub shampoo as well to add in for my third weekly wash. Highly recommend.
  
  
• Christophe Robin's moisturizing kit is also nice, but I simply don't need that much moisture. Can't comment on the styling product as I'm allergic to the almond oil included. This is a great option for a deeper conditioning, or any one with breakage/damage I'd imagine, but it left my hair very sleek, if my goal weren't huge massive voluminous hair I'd be a happy camper!
  
  
• u/littlegoosegirl recommended the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and it's AWESOME. Leaves my hair feeling totally perfectly squeaky clean! Not drying or damaging either, it wouldn't appear. I use this to remove the deep cleansing product I treat my hair with I've reviewed in the past, and it's a dream.
  
  
• I've long been in love with Khiel's Midnight Recovery Oil but am now entirely in love with the day version of this oil. Totally recommend. It's a drier, faster absorbing oil that lays fabulously under makeup. The warm citrusy scent is absolutely a plus.

Hi and welcome! I tried answering earlier, but Reddit wasn't connecting for me. I know you already got some good advice from teddy, but in case you want more information or someone else it reading, here is what i wrote:

There are many things to help you on your quest for brightness! I got completely carried away here as this is the first comment I haven't address acne/dehydration in a looooooong time. Got a bit too excited looking at a different subject. So hopefully you find it helpful still!

First thing is that you definitely do NOT need to be washing your face 4 times per day plus the 1-2 extra times per week, which is what you would be doing with the two aveeno cleansers and Nip+Fab. In general, the best cleansers for your skin are pH-balanced (maintains your skin's acid mantle and general skin health) and are as gentle as possible. In basic routines, washing the skin is actually the most irritating step. For most people, washing their face as little as possible is best (barring things like getting physically covered in dirt). For example, with my drier skin I only wash my face with a cleanser about 3 times per week...I rinse with water in the mornings, and when I shower in the evening I do the oil cleanse method.

Second, if you are starting chemical exfoliation, you should be wearing sunscreen every day. UV still travels through the clouds and the sun still shines in winter! Glycolic and lactic acids make you sun sensitive so wearing a daily sunscreen is a necessity! (also I would take a look at EltaMD UV 46Spf. It has niacinamide which is good for evening skin tone...but it is a separate product rather than incorporated in your moisturizer).

So! What to do!

1. The Aveeno cleanser isn't bad...I am slightly wary as it has added fragrance and sodium lauryl sulfate (and a bit of mica to make you sparkle. Just a bit! it's not glitter, but that's where the 'radiance' comes from I think), but it can definitely work for you. Alternatives: CosRx Good Morning Gel Cleanser (here), or the Innisfree Blueberry Cleanser (here). Or even just a basic CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. The CosRx has tea tree oil, so it might end up being too drying if you skin is sensitive to the tea tree.
   
   
2. For your exfoliation, I would definitely go with a leave on product (either swipe pad-style or a serum). Washes tend to not be effective as they don't spend a long time on the skin. But if you are worried about the strength of a leave on product, do short-contact therapy and just rinse your face with water after 5-10min of applying your chemical exfoliant. Using a gentle chemical exfoliant will actually provide a more even exfoliation and is more gentle than physical scrubs, which are dependent on things like how hard you push on the skin and how wet your skin is while scrubbing. One very popular product to consider is the Neogen Gauze Peeling Pads (here). It's a very gentle chemical exfoliant on a double sided pad which gives you a bit of chemical, a bit of physical. It also comes in three 'flavors'. Other options: Nip + Fab 5% glycolic pads (here). Or for serum style, the is the 5 or 10% lactic acid serums from The Ordinary. Or it you want to spend A LOT of money...Sunday Riley Good Genes is a raved about product with lactic acid. Lactic acid is larger molecule size than glycolic, so it is more gentle...I would say the 10% would be on par with a 5-8% glycolic. For a gentle physical only exfoliant, I would look at the Skinfood Rice Wash Off here. The grains of the scrub are quite large and rice is supposedly a brightening ingredient! But you can also just use a cloth in the shower to physically exfoliate (remember! No more than 1-2 times per week!). When watching over over-exfoliation keep an eye out for lingering redness, stinging when you apply products, excess dryness and a general feeling of your skin being like 'plastic wrap'. Redness and irritation start first, so if that starts to linger, just stop exfoliating for a while and focus on moisturizing!
   
   
3. The Kiehl's Vit C is a good starter Vit C. Just remember to put it on bare skin directly after cleansing and even before your chemical exfoliants if you happen to use them in the same day. Vit C. was my favorite powerhouse ingredient in terms of evening skin tone. I now use the Drunk Elephant Day-Firma, but it's a bit expensive for a first jump in.
   
   
4. A good moisturizer in general will make your skin look healthier/brighter, so I do recommend moisturizing in the PM as well as the AM. A good moisturizer will also help you handle any irritation that might arise from exfoliation, cleanser, dry weather, etc.... Also, something with niacinamide specifically might provide more benefit. Options with niacinamide: CeraVe PM (oldie, but goodie!), Beaty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, CosRx Overnight Rice Spa Mask, Mizon black snail all in one cream, Ponds Clarant B3 (2 versions here I think, one for dry, one for oily skin).
   
   
   Absolutely optional things (getting deep into skincare addiction here)
   
   Niacinamide is another great product for evening out skin tone and helps with the appearance of wrinkles! It also improves ceramide production in the skin which strengthens your moisture barrier and can make your skin look more bouncy/healthy. I would consider a niacinamide serum...Something like Stratia Rewind (only available here on their website) or the Holy Snails Shark Sauce. They both have licorice root extract which helps with skintone as well.
   
   If you want another hit of licorice brightening, you can take a look at the Acwell 5.5 Licorice toner. This would be applied after your actives (chemical exfoliants/vitamin c), before serums and moisturizers. Some people do a '7-skin' method of layering on this type of hydrating toner to really give your skin a big drink of water! Of course you don't have to do a full seven layers, but even 2-3 might give you that extra little sumthin' sumthim' of bouncy, bright skin!
   
   Also First Treatment Essences...they are essentially very watery layers applied just after your actives, before toners. They contain a yeast extract that some absolutely people swear by to get dat glow! The classic here is the SK-II FTE, but it costs like a million bucks. The Missha FTE or the Secret Key Rose Edition are dupes. The CosRx Galatomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence is also similar (in asian brands they often use the word whitening in place of brightening..don't be alarmed, it is not a skin bleach!).
   
   -------------------------------------------
   
   Anyways, I'm rambling on now. I hope you find something useful in there! Remember, you know your skin best, so please ignore advice that won't work for you. Good luck!
   
   
   Edit: fixed link formatting!
   

Your skin is very sensitive and you should never use scrubs or vinegar, they only act as irritants will make your skin irritated and flare up with more acne.

With combination skin this means you are both dry and dehydrated. Basically this means that you need to moisturize the fuck out of your skin.

Don't go anywhere near anything with alcohol in it as that is going to act as an irritant as well. Rehabilitating your skin needs to be handled gently and will take a bit of time but trust me, the patience is worth it.

You want to start out with a gentle cleanser and a gentle, hydrating moisturizer. Cetaphil products have alcohol in them and will only harm your skin.

Try the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, or Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (you can use it any time). My preference is for the Cosrx as it has some tea tree in it that is super soothing for the skin. Both can be found on Amazon and depending where you are, you may be able to find CeraVe in a drug or grocery store.

For a moisturizer I would definitely check out the Cosrx Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap for the mornings and the Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion for night. The Cosrx is going to keep you hydrated during the day without feeling heavy on the skin which is perfect if you're using makeup. The Hado Labo is basically the best thing on the planet for anyone. It's great for all skin types and the addition of the hyaluronic acid is great for trapping moisture in your skin overnight and it helps with anti-aging. Both can be found on Amazon.

If you're wearing makeup you need to find a good cleanser that isn't going to strip you of the natural oils you need or be too rough on your skin. Oil cleansing with Jojoba oil is good, but I really think you should look into using Rice Water. It's super gentle and takes the makeup off without stripping your skin and won't leave you feeling dry and tight. Some people like to cleanse with the oil and just wipe everything off, but I like to gently cleanse to make sure I'm getting all the oils, make up, and general dirt that accumulates on your skin throughout the day.

There are other steps and products you can add that will help but this is a good starting point.

Please check out Renee a.k.a. Gothamista on Youtube. She discusses products that are best in each category, and most importantly what's best for each skin type. My skin has been absolutely perfect ever since finding her:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-X4BAoKxwGYIKrKfqk7yug


PRODUCTS(pretty much everything in my skin care routine comes from Amazon but they can be found elsewhere):


CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522612169&sr=1-6&keywords=cerave&th=1

Cosrx Good Morning Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NRXO06/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cosrx Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CLTKI4A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Lotion:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KSS993I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

The Face Shop Rice Water Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00809ERAM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oh youre welcome!! Something about your post I really related to.
Rosehip oil is life. Omg. I looooove it and so does my skin. I mix it with my snail cream and it makes this magical goo that my skin literally drinks up so fast its crazy. Its kind of a think oil by itself but mixed with a moisturizer its like magic haha
Yeah its crazy, I lurked r/compulsiveskinpicking for like.. ever before I actually subscribed. It was as if the day I subscribed was the day I had to admit to myself that I was indeed a skin picker. Almost like joining AA or something "hi my name is krissy and Im a skin picker." haha but it was actually empowering, and so helpful knowing I wasnt alone.
For cleansers I have recently been doing Ole Henriksen's Balancing cleanser in the morning, and then I use Kose speedy Oil Cleanser at night. The kose rinses cleanly so I do not double cleanse, I only use that. Its part of my efforts to moisturize like mad at night. Oil cleansing also helped me curb my picking because I do the full process of letting it sit for a few mins then massaging it for a few minutes and I feel like I can feel my pores being cleaned and that is somehow super satisfying.
I just got my bottle (today! woo!) of CosrX low pH morning cleanser to replace the OleHenriksen in the morning. I decided to switch because of how much Ive come to love Cosrx and their products seem to really agree with my skin. Sometimes I feel like Ole's can be drying (because its part of their acne/oily skin line, in fact its basically the last product in my routine aimed at acne and its getting replaced). I can report back later with the findings but it comes highly recommended on this sub as a gentle cleanser.
The snail cream omg. I became a believer almost instantly on the slug life. I have both the snail power essence and the snail all in one cream from cosrx. I love love love them. I use the essence in the morning before my moisturizer and I use the cream at night mixed with my rosehip as my second to last step before my overnight mask. Sometimes just for fun Ill use the essence at night before my other serums too. I honestly cant get enough. I think its because its so healing that I feel like I see improvement in any blemishes and scars every time I use it. Of course, YMMV but seriously Id take my snail to a deserted island with me.
My overnight mask also comes from Cosrx, the honey overnight mask, I may try their rice one after I finish this just for fun, but I am completely happy with the honey one. Its a good occlusive on its own, but sometimes I will even spot treat over top of it with vaseline on blemishes and areas where I deal with scarring.
And definitely dont worry about the questions. You shouldve seen me firing off questions to everyone on this sub when I first got into it!! Im glad to help :)

I’ve just returned with a suitcase of products, I’m still working my way through them all!

Products I loved:

• Mediheal tea tree sheet masks (available at Don Quixote): calms down skin on the verge of a breakout. The packaging has changed slightly from that shown in the link.
  
  
• Acne Barrier Protect Spots (Cosme and other speciality beauty/skincare stores): seals pimples and turns them into a tiny speck overnight. Seems to work better once they’ve (TMI) popped unfortunately, but still an amazing product. I apply to a clean cotton bud so I don’t contaminate the dropper.
  
  
• SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser (department stores): received this as a sample in a pack. It’s a nice gentle cleanser that visibly brightens afterwards.
  
  Things that didn’t set my world on fire, but YMMV:
  
  
• Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash (any drug store): This was described as being coarser than the Tacha Polishing Powder (haven’t tried), but I could barely feel any of the exfoliant. I usually use the Aesop exfoliant which is very coarse so may just be me.
  
  
• Shiseido Macherie Perfect Shower (speciality beauty/skincare stores): Not /AusSkincare and think this really depends on your hair type. It’s described as a perfect cure for bed hair, I have naturally wavy hair and it made my waves partially drop out, so it was neither straight nor wavy - just flat and messy. I’d prefer something like the Bumble and Bumble spray.
  
  
• Canmake Perfect Multi Eye Pallet, Shade 02 (most beauty stores): nice formula, blends well and really lovely warm brown shades. However it’s very much that subtle Japanese eye make up look, I’ve been using Huda, UD and ABH for too long so prefer something a bit stronger.
  
  
• I bought a La Roche Posay sunscreen and BB cream at the same time they started flogging them throughout the Aus Open. There are plenty of threads on them.
  
  Things I bought and haven’t tried yet:
  
  
• SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and sheet masks (department stores): When in Rome...
  
  
• Shiseido Ultimune (department stores): As above.
  
  
• Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Milk (drug stores and speciality beauty/skincare stores): I saw lots of good reviews for this brand, but the Aqua Booster version. I could only find it in spray form rather than a bottle (perhaps wrong time of year) so bought this instead. There is a gel option too.
  
  
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel (drug stores): another sunscreen that was highly recommended.
  
  
• Melano CC Intensive Anti Spot Essence (drug stores): I had to have the concept of a vitamin C serum explained to me so probably not the greatest source. Apparently it’s “more stable”.
  
  
• Kose Softy Mo Deep Cleansing Oil (can’t remeber where I bought this, drug stores and beauty/skincare stores will have it): highly recommended, DHC seems to be well regarded too.
  
  
• Canmake Perfect Serum BB Cream (beauty/skincare stores).
  
  Other things on the must-have list but got to the end of the trip and was all “I’m not paying that”:
  
  
• Shu Uemura Ultime 8 Sublime Cleansing Oil.
  
• Hada Labo Shirojyun Lotion.
  
  I speak schoolgirl Japanese at best, but everyone there is only too happy to help. Screenshot as many products as you can so you can show people in shops.
  
  It probably goes without saying no matter where you are, but knowing what colours work for your skin is a must. I’m biracial but look completely western, so I found SAs would try and direct me to pink-based makeup by default. My skin is completely yellow-based so I always had to politely decline their recommendations.
  
  Happy shopping!

Here's a blog reading list for you: the venerable Fiddy Snails, Fanserviced, and Snow White and the Pear. These blogs have been INVALUABLE resources for me in learning about skincare and AB.

And here's a very, very, very, VERY loose shopping list, with one major caveat: PATCH. TEST. Don't just buy a new product and slap it on your face. Choose a spot on your face - somewhere where you break out easily, like next to your nose - and dab a little of that product there every day for 10-15 days. See what happens. This is how I learned that my beloved Hadalabo Gokujyun lotion doesn't break me out, but it does break out a lot of other people.

CLEANSERS:
You need two. An oil cleanser to use in the evening to thoroughly remove sunscreen and makeup, followed by a foaming or gel cleanser. I like Hada Labo Gokujyun foaming cleanser as a second cleanser (it's the only one I use in the morning). Kose Softymo is an affordable oil cleanser for the evening.

ACTIVES:
These are ingredients that Do Things to your face, such as exfoliants (BHA, AHA, vitamin C) and disinfectants (benzoyl peroxide). I am drastically simplifying. At the moment you're using two products that contain benzoyl peroxide, a disinfectant. It's time to round out your active diet, with the big caveat that irritation = redness. I'll say it again - ditch the astringent, it's only causing the redness you're trying to avoid. If you're going to add new actives to your routine, do it very gradually. Patch test, then start using it every other day.

Things you could try: I'm in love with C21.5 vitamin C serum. This is an affordable powerhouse of vitamin C, that promotes skin cell turnover and does a bang-up job of dealing with pigmentation. It does oxidise easily, though, so you need to keep it in the fridge and toss it when it starts to turn yellow. In terms of exfoliants, Cosrx BHA Power Liquid and AHA Power Liquid are fan favourites. They feel remarkably gentle on the skin, and do a great job of gently exfoliating. If I were you I'd start with the BHA, as BHAs are great at exfoliating within the pore, soothing redness and treating/preventing acne.

SUNSCREEN
I'm here to give you the greatest lesson you'll ever learn: the best anti-ageing treatment is sunscreen. You are 15. It's time to set up a lifelong sunscreen habit. And Asian sunscreens feel better than any western equivalent. RatzillaCosme is a goldmine of sunscreen reviews. The first Asian sunscreen most people try is the legendary Biore Watery Aqua, which is inexpensive and easy to snag on Amazon.

DA SNAILZ
Snail products are wonderful at reducing redness and inflammation. There are just... so many snail products out there. A great starting point is Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, which is a great final moisturiser at night if you've got oilier skin. I'm also partial to the all-in-one repair cream, which is actually more of a 'whipped' essence than a cream, but feels wonderfully soothing on my oilier skin.

Hope this helps!

Raves:

Etude House Cat Headband- I got this as a freebie and I looove it. I feel so cute when I do my routine, it keeps my bangs out of my products, and my SO seems to like it too. It's funny that such a small thing can make me feel happy~

It's My Cushion(Black and Mint)- I am so upset with myself for waiting so long to get a cushion. I use the Black for BB Cream and the Mint for sunscreen.

I don't get gross BB Cream or sunscreen all over the back of my hand, I feel like it's more sanitary because I'm not touching all over my freshly cleaned face, and it gives a better finish to my application. I also use less product. And since I'm using my own BB cream, I can refill it easily(one bottle costs about the same as a good BB cushion, and lasts me around two years)

Rosette Ceramide Gel- The elusive "chok chok" feeling, just like CosRx Honey Ceramide Cream gave me, but without an allergic reaction from the honey. It dries a little more slowly, but is also more matte, which makes applying my sunscreen and makeup easier. To me, it also feels a lot lighter, but only a tiny bit less moisturizing than the CosRx.

Rave/Rant:

Beauty People Lip Tattoo(Tomato and Strawberry)- TL;DR Great product, but why does Korea only ever make lip products in four colors?!

First, the good: It doesn't dry my lips out horribly like most lip tints, and it lasts. Like, will not come off even with oil cleanser. And it doesn't highlight damaged parts of my lip like other tints. Full coverage!

It's very pigmented. If you look good in bright lipsticks, you will love this. The tomato is(well, like a tomato, facepalm) bright orange-red, not a true red, which was disappointing to me as I look horrible in orange. And the strawberry is like if you added cool undertones to hot pink. However, I favor a more natural look. I was hoping to do what I did with my old tint, and either only put on a thin layer, or apply it more thickly, then heavily blot to bring it close to my natural color.

You can't apply it thinly, it just doesn't work. But you can do the blotting method if you're very quick. If you leave the product sitting for more than about 7-10 seconds, it'll be there the rest of the day. Nothing you can do about it. Don't touch it with your fingers, and don't try and use your toothbrush to remove it either(stained hands and one ruined toothbrush later...)

Even a thin layer does last all day though. I think this would be a fantastic product for someone who loves bright lipstick. It's also great for people whose lips get dried out from other lip tints, or for people who tend to rub off their lip products.

I do like the lasting power and I can make it work for now, so I'm keeping the Tomato and getting rid of Strawberry. But I'll be trying other lip stains until I can find an HG that is long lasting and a good color, so I'll have more reviews for you later. Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

I've heard PeriPera Inks are nice too, but they have pretty much the same shades, so I'll probably try something else...

Great!

When picking something with salicylic acid in it you'll want to start out gentle if you haven't really used it in the past. Don't go over something that claims to contain more than 2% salicylic acid.

These ones by Stridex are popular and easy to get: https://www.amazon.ca/Stridex-Salicylic-Maximum-Strength-Packaging/dp/B000NUN8BK/ref=pd_sim_121_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3WTHS1W2HEMFG7D9K8SR

I have also used these by First Aid Beauty: https://www.sephora.com/product/clear-complexion-pads-P411873?skuId=1856939&icid2=first_aid_beauty_lp_whatsnew_carousel_ca:p411873

And I've heard great things about these ones by COSRX, a Korean skincare brand: http://jolse.com/product/cosrx-one-step-original-clear-pad-70ea/4363/?cate_no=371&display_group=1

Use these products after cleansing, but before moisturizing (and you absolutely should moisturize every time you cleanse, and especially if you are using products like these!). Do not use any of these everyday. At first it might feel like you're not getting anything done by not using them often, but in the long run it is way better to respect your skins moisture barrier by being gentle with chemical exfoliation than to dry your skin out. Start out by using them just every two days and then maybe move on to every other day if your skin does not seem to be getting dry. Again, really focus it on your problem area if the rest of your face is happy and clear.


Moving on to spot treatments, here are the two I've found to work for me.
Clean & Clear (contains benzoyl peroxid): https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Persa-Gel-Treatment-Medication/dp/B00KZ22ED4/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511920947&sr=8-3&keywords=clean+and+clear+benzoyl

LUSH Grease Lightning (contains tea tree oil): https://www.lush.ca/en/face/cleansers/grease-lightning/02896.html

Put a generous amount right the zit after moisturizing. Some people put a thin layer and leave it on during the day, but I've always found it ends up looking flaky and weird.

Pimple patches have also started to gain popularity recently. They started out mostly as an Asian Beauty thing I believe and now their making their way over to some western stores as well. They're basically these packages that contain some sort of something (science) that draws the gunk out of your skin. Put them on before bed and in the morning you wake up with a lumpy yuck-filled sticker! Here are some options for those as well.
COSRX: http://jolse.com/product/cosrx-acne-pimple-master-patch-24-patches-10-sheets/7765/?cate_no=371&display_group=1

Nexcare (I've started seeing these ones in North American pharmacies): https://www.amazon.ca/Nexcare-Absorbing-Covers-Sizes-Count/dp/B00ISN35OO/ref=pd_sim_194_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J2TMQDKY2PFRHGETPNEQ

If you want more resources and ideas check out /r/SkincareAddiction and /r/AsianBeauty. I would also highly recommend the YouTuber Liah Yoo if you care to look more into skincare. She's all about taking a gentle approach to healing your skin.


WOW THIS GOT LONG.


Don't get discouraged if takes some trial and error, everyone's face reacts differently to different products. Above all else remember to start slow and gentle with new skincare products. Good luck!

Edit edit edit

1. out of the 2 oil cleansers, skinfood gets suuuuuch a good rap on this sub. The other one, I've never heard of. Here's another uuuuuuber omg so beloved product in this category. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0080M092E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420457157&sr=8-1
   
   
2. check out the holy grail list for each product category! https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/2k2j9z/holy_grail_and_honorable_mentions_fall_edition/. I find it super helpful.. And terribly enabling. Beware. Though, I personally use and love this particular US version of a popular Japanese (?) brand, hada labo. http://m.target.com/p/hada-labo-tokyo-hydrating-facial-cleanser-3-5-oz/-/A-16512820#prodSlot=dlp_medium_1_5&term=hada+labo+tokyo sold at target, Walgreens and Amazon. So gentle. Non stripping. Removes oil... Yay :D. Other popular foaming cleansers: http://www.amazon.com/Missha-Super-Oxygen-Visible-Cleanser/dp/B00CJI974Q & http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1420457088&sr=8-6π=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
   
   3). I've never personally tried secret key! Maybe the holy grail list. Can help? What I do know, as far as 3 in 1 products go, hada labo perfect gel http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hada-Labo-Koi-Goku-Jun-Whitening-Perfect/dp/B00BQV36BM I have heard only good things about. (try searching the product name in this subreddits search function and are what people say!) None of those 3 are exfoliants. Here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F35GT0W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420455918&sr=8-1&dpPl=1&dpID=31IYRNG-byL&ref=plSrchπ=AC_SY200_QL40 is an aha exfoliant (for exfoliating dead skin), here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_3_5?ie=UTF8&k=Ciracle+bha&sprefix=Cosrx are a few bha exfoliants (for exfoliating inside the pore). I personally have only ever used bha and aha exfoliants from paulas choice, also found on amazon, and have only good things to say about it. If you don't want to pay that much for their products, stridex pads are a good non-asian beauty alternative for a bha and st ives exfoliating pads or nip + fab glycolic fix are good non-ab options for an aha. all found on amazon. Please also note that exfoliants don't typically go on third. They go on first, and are generally allowed to sit on the skin for a half hour at least to work uninterrupted before beginning the rest of your routine.
   
   
3. I have heard only good things about both of those ampoules. I fucking love mizon products. If your skin is dull you neeeed vitamin c serum in your life. STAT
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EHAXCUY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420457337&sr=8-1. I use and love this essence http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_17?k=benton+snail+bee+high+content+essence&sprefix=Benton+snail+bee+ , very popular. The first two products on this page http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_?ie=UTF8&k=Missha+time+revolution+ aka the missha essence and ampoule... So. Many. Good. Things. Have been said about it.
   
   
   
4. I say go for the snails. Snails snails snails. Well it's the only product I've had any experience with out of those 3.
   
   
5. Emulsions are lotions yep.
   
   
6. holy grail list holy grail list. So many good creams. Too many good creams.
   
   
7. holy grail list holy grail list.
   
   
8. NICE. That's on my wish list, Hope you like it!
   
   
   
9. here http://www.skinandtonics.com/asian-skin-care-guide/ is a link that takes you step by step through each product category with reccomendations. Good luck!

The Korean brand COSRX makes some great, sensitive products with AHA and BHA. Using products with tea tree oil might help, but be wary of anything that could potentially alter your hormone profile. The basics of Korean skin care are consistent, everyday use of a clear step-by-step process. I suggest this site for how-to.

You don't need every step necessarily, but I would start slowly with 3-4 and build up slowly as to not agitate your skin. The important ones for you are going to be the two part cleansing, toning, essence, spot treatments and ampules, and light moisturizer-- so about six of the steps or so.

Here are some things that I find help, and seem to be very popular for acne prone skin. I have used all these, as well as my sensitive, acne prone DH and had success:

1. Acne Patches
   
   
2. A good toner with BHA & AHA
   
   
3. A good essence/light moisturizer
   
   
4. Good oil free moisturizer
   
   
5. Good water-base face wash 1, and good face wash set with oil cleanser and water based cleanser, good oil based with added makeup removing
   
   
6. Good spot treatment
   
   
   
7. Some fun and cheap masks that sooth and treat your skin. I recommend one a week. Either Sephora or Tonymoly make some good ones.
   
   
   Finally, be very careful ordering similar "discount" products off amazon because it is rife with counterfeits from China. This can be dangerous as the contents of the product/ingredients are not necessarily listed correctly, which is a problem. Buying reputable brands from verified sellers or soko glam or Sephora is absolutely recommended. I get a lot of Amazon, but I always use Fakespot.com and also check the seller out carefully. If the well-known brand manufacturer is selling it direct to Amazon, that is a pretty safe bet.
   
   All of these thing start with the skin down, but also consider the bottom up. Look at your diet, look at your activity level, how often you clean your sheets, how stressed you are, and your general health. Have you been evaluated for gynecological or endocrine issues? It's a good idea to know that before you jump to conclusion. Make sure to consult a doctor, because sometimes our skin is a good indication of something off inside.
   
   Good luck and I am sorry you are suffering!

> Can I ask, does this process take a lot of time for you?

Nah, not at all! I guess the thing that takes the most time is cleansing, since I apply moisturizer & sunscreen while watching stuff, multitasking, whatever. Takes under 30 seconds to apply those anyway!

> And with moisturizer and sunscreen, does it not feel sticky or thick on the face?

Depends on the kind you get! There are tons of cosmetically elegant options if you're looking for a thin moisturizer or matte drying sunscreens.

Using light layers for your moisturizer also helps, and you don't have to use products that you don't enjoy using, y'know? If you only like applying moisturizer in the PM, go for it! Whatever works for you and your skin.

If you're looking for lighter, matte drying things, you might want to check out:

Moisturizers

• CeraVe Baby Lotion: personal favorite, it's a thicker lotion that dries totally matte and feels lightweight on the skin. (review 1, review 2)
  
  
• Vanicream Lite Lotion: haven't tried it, but I've heard excellent things about this being a nice, lightweight yet still moisturizing lotion! Probably some reviews if you do a sub search
  
  
• CosRx All In One 92 Hundred Thousand Snail Cream Gel: not the real name, but it should be. This is a lightweight gel-cream (exactly what it sounds like, somewhere between a gel and a cream), dries matte, nicely moisturizing, great choice
  
  
• Sebamed Gel: I honestly can't remember too much about this one, but it's recommended it the sidebar and it sounds nice!
  
  Sunscreen:
  
  This is a mixture of Western sunscreens and Asian sunscreens. A lot of the common Western sunscreens are kinda shitty, at least if you're looking for one that dries matte, has sufficient protection, and doesn't feel heavy. They usually hit one or two of those factors but completely bungle the third. That means that a lot of these recs will be Asian sunscreens. Don't write them off because of that (or because the names are a bit extra) - they're easy to get a hold of, typically hit most of the "perfect sunscreen" factors, and they're a whole different ballgame from your mum's Coppertone. If you want a lightweight, matte sunscreen, go for one of these.
  
  There's some Western ones thrown in here too - not all Western sunscreens are bad! - it's just typically easier to find a cosmetically elegant sunscreen from Korea or Japan.
  
  
  
• CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer + SPF 30
  
  
  • [REVIEW] Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 - u/katasaurusk
    
    
  • Musings of a Muse
    
    
  • the Oily Skin HG Thread (2018)
    
    
  • [Review] Empty - CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer + SPF 30 - u/scumteam14
    
    
    
    
• Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+
  
  
  • the Oily Skin HG Thread (2018)
    
    
  • This comment chain from the Sunscreen HG Thread (2017)
    
    
    
    
• Eucerin Sun Protection Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream SPF 50+
  
  
  • This comment
    
    
  • aobmblog
    
    
    
    
• Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++
  
  
  • This comment from the Oily Skin HG Thread (2018)
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel SPF 50/PA+++
  
  
  • fanserviced-b
    
    
  • vanity rex
    
    
    
    
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid SPF 60
  
  
  • the Oily Skin HG Thread (2017)
    
    
  • This comment chain from the Sunscreen HG Thread (2017)
    
    
    
    
    
• Paula's Choice Super Light Wrinkle Defense
  
  
  • This comment
    
    
    
    
• Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
  
  
  • Fifty Shades of Snail
    
    
    
    
• Biore UV Face Milk SPF 50+/PA++++
  
  
  • Note: the whole line (white, blue, and pink bottles) seem to be pretty matte
    
    
  • REVIEW: Biore UV Perfect and UV Bright Face Milk SPF 50 PA++++ - u/Sharkus_Reincarnus
    
    
  • Fifty Shades of Snail (mini reviews)
    
    
  • the Oily Skin HG Thread (2017)
    
    
  • the Oily Skin HG Thread (2018)
    
    
  • This comment chain from the Sunscreen HG Thread (2017)

There are a variety of ingredients, methods, and products that could potentially help you. The problem is everyone is different, so it will have to be a careful trial and error (and patience over a period of time) before you can pinpoint the right solution for you and what the original cause was.

If you're going to try products, I highly recommend you buy small sample sizes if possible and try them out one or two at a time. Be careful and start small, especially with active ingredients. They're quite potent, which means they give powerful positive results, but you can also risk overusing them or using them in a dangerous combination. So do your research about correct application and be careful.

• BHA (salicylic acid), such as Paula's Choice or Stridex. A very popular ingredient with a great track record in preventing/clearing acne, clearing acne scars, and generally improving texture, tone, and color. I would recommend getting sample sizes of these to start.
  
• Azelaic acid is another great way to tackle both acne and scars. Paula's Choice has a great azelaic acid + salicylic acid combo that I highly recommend.
  
• Vitamin C. Can help greatly with acne scars. Paula's Choice, The Ordinary.
  
• Sulphur is known to be antibacterial and a mask containing sulphur can help suppress breakouts. But most likely will not help with scarring. Sunday Riley Saturn mask helped a few people I know with cystic breakouts.
  
• Differin. Contains adapalene which is known to clear and prevent acne. Be really careful and don't use with exfoliants.
  
• Benzoyl peroxide. Pretty commonly used to clear and prevent acne, but it has the unfortunate affect of bleaching clothes/pillows/etc and can be pretty strong. Paula's Choice.
  
• Aquaphor/vaseline/hyaluronic acid. It's possible your moisture barrier is not doing so well right now. Counterintuitively, being too dry can exacerbate acne. Also, if you're using exfoliants or other active ingredients, you'll want to make sure to stay hydrated and moisturized. Aquaphor, HA. Also recommend this Hado Labo HA cleanser and oil cleanser for a very hydrating double cleanse.
  
• Sunscreen. You don't mention it but you should be wearing a daily sunscreen that's non-comedogenic, especially if you are trying any of the products above. La-Roche Posay, Elta MD, Neutrogena.
  
  The list goes on and on but you can start your research here.
  
  To eliminate causes, pay attention to when you have breakouts. Make sure the products you're currently using are a good pH and aren't breaking you out to begin with. Don't eat dairy for a long while until you know it doesn't cause the breakouts.
  
  Hormonal acne is most often clustered on chin and jawline, is often cystic, and often flares up once a month (aka period). If that describes you, you might want to talk to a doctor or dermatologist about whether it's hormonal or not, because there are treatments for that, such as birth control or spearmint tea.

I am very certain that you have dehydrated skin. Not the same as dry skin, though you may have that, too. Tight feeling skin, getting very oily very quickly, redness. Oily and dry at the same time. Your moisture barrier has been compromised. This will take time and patience to repair, but believe me, it is worth it. I once had very similar skin.

Fair warning, I myself use a mostly AB routine, and my product suggestions will reflect that.

Find a simple low pH cleanser. I like this one because it's cheap, easy to find, and lasts forever. Cleanse twice daily, with tepid water.

(I am a fan of the double cleansing method when wearing foundation and/or sunscreen. You can learn more about that here.)

Then I would work on finding light hydration that doesn't break you out. I have found that my skin absolutely loves multiple layers of light hydration. And that was key to restoring my barrier. Just putting one thick heavy layer didn't work because my skin couldn't/wouldn't do anything with it. But multiple light layers was something my skin could work with.

This, this, this, this, and this are all super suggestions. Pretty simple, basic, and gentle choices. No, you don't need to go buy all of them. Try one. See how your skin likes it after several weeks. Maybe add another. Or, some people like adding multiple layers of the same product.

Then find a humectant to layer on top, to seal moisture in. This is a very popular one. This, this, this, and this are all good choices.

Once you find a routine that your skin seems to like, stick with it for a few months. Like...3 to 6 months. It won't be an immediate fix. But over time you'll start to notice less of the tight feeling, less of the dry thin skin with an oil slick on top, less redness. Only then will you be able to see what your real skin type is. Maybe you start to see more dryness or flakiness, and the oil slick goes away. Then maybe you have drier skin. Or maybe the tight and dry feeling goes away but the oiliness stays. Then maybe you have oily skin. But until you heal your moisture barrier, nothing you throw at your skin will do any good.

1. How many times should one cleanse each day? twice
   
   
2. After washing your face and putting on moisturizer, is it normal for your skin to still feel slightly tight and dry? no
   
   
3. When moisturizing my face, if I use something more watery it just feels like it dries up and takes all the moisture from my skin leaving it dry. Is this supposed to be normal? no
   
   
4. If I put on more moisturizer afterwards, the oiliness gets too much and my face turns red. When that happens should I cleanse again and put more moisturizer on? Or should I use a cloth or something similar to wipe my face instead? keep blotting sheets on hand and blot at the oiliness (no rubbing)
   
   
5. What should I be doing if my skin turns red and irritated? this is a sign that your skin is damaged - find gentle products that restore balance
   
   
6. If I put on sunscreen my face gets oilier but still remains dry. What should I do during times like that? again, this should get better as your skin gets stronger
   
   
7. How many times should one be using 8~10% AHA per week? if I were you, I would stop using this, at least for several months
   
   
8. Would you agree that dry skin is generally darker and tougher and oily skin is reddish and blotchy? no, I think those are unrelated

This looks very minor, there is no scarring, and there are no flakes and rough regions. what can clear this in my experience as a guy with lots of acne but experiment with different substances through the year have found some that worked and some that don't work so much. If you are a shaver, apply cream and shave normally, if you have an electric, rinse and shave as lightly as you can before you move on. My advice for this particular case was to start from a small solution since it's not as bad as mine with 1% Salicylic acid and use it for a few weeks. Do it in the shower and don't scrub too hard and dab face with towel after leaving shower. if you don't see any significant changes and the pimples and inflammation persists, up the does to 2% salicylic acid, stronger might not mean better but I have seen changes in my skin when I use it so try that for a week. If still no difference, you can cocktail it as follows. In my experience you should never use something with Benzoyl peroxide in it all over your face (especially the one I have been using which has 10% concentration, HOLY BALLS!!! that was a lot. as a result my skin got super irritated and burned, and I got redness everywhere). What I use the Benzoyl peroxide for is for dabbing it on the severe areas (where there is a zit, and/or large bumps) it's best for concentrating on specific regions because of it's strength. leave it there for almost 5 seconds (any more time then it's start the burn) and rinse (make sure it's all gone because mixing this product with others is not recommended, we are trying both to tackle specific areas while at the same time keeping the rest of the face under control.) then move on to using the salicylic acid solutions all over your face to keep everything under control. Back to regarding the Benzoyl peroxide. No matter which solution works the best, when pimples start to disappear it leaves behind scars and discoloration, in order to solve this in some cases you would use a scrub with honey and oatmeal (or make a mask with honey and oatmeal in it) as the antioxidants could help remove the bacteria that remains and restore skin pigmentation.

be sure to keep your skin moisturized and keep your body oil secretions under control with this routine. Using the 1% salicylic acid solution helps keep everything in check, it clears dead skin cells from pores and keeps the sebum from being trapped in the hair follicle and then creating another zit. It also helps keep your skin moisturized so there is no rough spots and peeling skin (if you ever get sun burnt, aloe helps but don't force it if you are really proud of your clear skin because you will get redness that will take time to go away as it's elasticity isn't as active as the skin on the rest of your body).


If all fails, visit a dermatologist, he/she will probably prescribe you things that can't be bought over the counter that contain ingredients like clindamycin phosphate, glycolic acids, etc. she might also give you surgery if your skin fails to restore it's natural pigmentation. Here is a list of the solutions I have been trying.


There are a variety of the Salicylic acid scrubs that even the grocery store generics work, pay close attention to the drug facts.

• 1% Salicylic Acid Solution This green tea one has been keeping me moisturized and could be used for your routine once everything is clear.
  
  
• 2% Salicylic Acid Solution There are a variety of 2% solutions but it sometimes doesn't matter what it is.
  
  
• 10% Benzoyl peroxide, Steer clear of overusing this one as it is strong and could cause some long lasting burns. use only in small areas according to my experience. And don't leave it on your skin too long and make sure you rinse all of it away before you move on to the other solutions.
  
  
• Honey and Oatmeal scrub, Possibly could help restore skin pigmentation if scars are left behind, you'll start to notice them get lighter without the solution sometimes, Be aware that some redness aren't scars, they are either burns from the peroxide or pressure points from touching your face.
  
  
• 100% Aloe Vera There certainly is no shortage of aloe in the drug store or supermarket. but here you go. this is for general use in my book when you run out of ideas lol. But it's a good idea to apply to face and stand in front of a fan for it to dry. Leave it on your face for a good 10 to 30 minutes depending on what makes you comfortable, it really doesn't matter.
  
  Be aware that not all products at the store feature drug facts (because the meds in the market are loosely if not barely regulated by the FDA), keep an eye out so you know what you're putting on your face. also Don't scrub super hard. and don't scratch. It's good that you are tackling this at a young age, just simply using the solution I suggested to keep things under control once you get rid of the mess will most likely keep it at bay, taking action after it gets bad is cause for seeking medical attention as keeping it under control on your own is like herding cats.

I'm a little older than you; I also have combination skin on the dry side. Here's my usual routine right now:

AM:

• Wash face in shower with whatever bar soap I have on hand (usually an indie soap from a brand like Villainess or Arcana). This isn't really an ideal facial cleanser, but my skin is pretty compliant.
  
• Wipe any areas with pimples or clogged pores (usually just my T-zone) with a Stridex pad (I use the wipes in the red box and cut them into quarters to make them last longer; don't usually need more than 1/4 wipe for my oily areas). The BHA helps cut the oils and unclog pores.
  
• Wait a few mins, then pat a little water on my face to dampen it, and apply a few drops of Garden of Wisdom cranberry hyaluronic acid serum mixed with a few drops of maracuja oil or argan oil as a moisturizer. I used to just use the oil, but find that adding the serum helps keep my face hydrated and happy much longer. This particular HA serum smells really nice, which is the main reason I use it.
  
• Sunscreen, either Elta MD UV Clear (what I use most days, but the PPD rating isn't as good as some, so if I'm going to be out in the sun for a while, I might use the Shiseido instead; I do always use this on my eye area since it doesn't sting) or Shiseido Hada Senka UV Gel (all chemical, so it stings my eyes, but has a higher PPD; I think it may also be better for flash photos). Both sunscreens rub in quickly without leaving a white cast or shininess/greasiness/stickiness on my skin.
  
• Lip balm (currently using Nuxe Reve de Miel, which I bought after reading rave reviews but I think is really overhyped)
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cleanse with Kose Softymo deep cleansing oil. My HG cleanser--takes off all makeup without any rubbing, and since it's oil-based, it gives the benefits of oil cleansing, but rinses off clean without needing a washcloth.
  
• Stridex wipes as needed
  
• I alternate actives at night somewhat randomly: currently rotating between Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C, E, and White Tea serum as a vitamin C product (I like this, but I'm going to try their simpler Majik C serum next to see if it's something that can be used during the daytime--this one advises use only at night), Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream as a retinol product, and Alpha Hydrox AHA Gel as an AHA for exfoliation. Retinol and AHA make your skin more sensitive to the sun and/or break down in sunlight, so I only use these at night. The vitamin C serum suggests only using at night, so I only use that at night as well.
  
• I also spot treat hyperpigmentation at night with Garden of Wisdom Light 'n' Brite serum dabbed on just the areas that need it.
  
• Lip balm
  
• I rub rosehip seed oil on my eyes and lashes (combination lash conditioner, moisturizer, and gentle retinol product for my eye area, since I avoid using most active products around my eyes)
  
• Then I moisturize my whole face with the maracuja or argan oil and sometimes the HA serum. I have a drugstore knockoff of Cerave in the tub that I occasionally use, but I feel more moisturized if I use oils. The rosehip seed oil feels a bit heavier than the others, so I usually only use it on my eye area.
  
• Occasionally I use masks or spot treatments: Neutrogena salicylic acid gel or Clearasil BP cream for pimples, Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask if my pores are clogged (though it's drying, so usually just on my T-zone), Dr. Jeffrey Dover Skin Effects Glycolic Mask for extra exfoliation, or a honey/yogurt/turmeric mask; I also have a jar of C-Brighter maracuja eye cream that I got kind of by accident and use this sometimes on my eyes as well, but I wouldn't repurchase this because it seems overpriced/overhyped.

My skin isn't perfect and I still have a lot of work to do but I love the routine I have now.

So, here are the products and my review.

KOSE Softy Mo Deep Treatment Oil, 7.8oz

So, this is my first oil that I've been using for a double cleanse . I've really enjoyed it and I often feel like it can clean my skin on its own, it doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy either. This was also my first Asian skincare product , specifically from Japan. Love it !

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser, 6.76 Fl. Oz.

I like this BHA SA wash because it doesn't completely strip my skin of its' oils but does leave it drier than usual. Personally, I think it's one of the better SA washes on the market but obviously YMMV.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer for Dry Skin, 1.7 fl. oz

This was a huge game changer in terms of moisturizers. Most moisturizers are way too occlusive to me to the point that I actually break out because my pores can't breath or so light, I remain dry and unaffected...and thus break out from dryness. This is the happy medium for me. My only issue is that the amount you get in the tub can make you run out quickly, luckily, a little goes a long way.

Village 11 Factory Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, UVA/UVB Protection for Sensitive Skin, Moisturizing Hydra Sun Fluid

This is a Korean product. This is probably the only sunscreen I'll be using until something happens to the company LOL ! Its consistency is very close to the hydroboost so it just glides into the skin. It smells very similar too. One thing I noticed about this sunscreen is that it contains chemical ingredients as well as mineral ingredients. As someone who has only ever used American sunscreens before, I find this hybrid very unusual (and welcome). Perhaps it's a Korean skincare thing ? Let me know.

The other two are very well known products.

I use TO Niacinimide + Zinc . This was also a game changer for me and I'm just so glad I learned about it. It really helped regulate my oil production and helped the inflammation I get whenever my face get's too hot and sweaty or too dry. I've tried going without it for a month, just to see if perhaps it was just my imagination. Well, I think it's safe to say that it wasn't my imagination , this stuff really works.

I also use TO AHA + BHA chemical peel once or twice a week. I mostly use it for my hyperpigmentation . I know that the SA from my la roche posay is a BHA by itself but I like the extra "oomph" that the AHA does to my skin .

Well, my face WAS super dry and sensitive, and here's what I've found...

 

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel 1.7oz (3 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GMOTTYG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DYmvxbKJXB9P8 this cleanser is a godsend. It has no smell, and is this clear gel that is so gentle. Afterwards, my face is much happier than before.

 

Leven Rose Organic 100% Pure Cold Pressed Unrefined Natural Jojoba Oil, 4 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJX58PE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QZmvxbKK9N3M6 I dont think it needs to be this brand, but this stuff is my absolute secret weapon. It mimics face oils and my skin can't be dry with this. In the morning, I put it on and then rinse it partway off with water, while in the evening I wait the 20min it takes to sink in. You can also use it for OCM. I use it before my cleanser as OCM, and after the simple cleanser as a moisturizer, but before anything else.

 

SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule All Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BO10SQ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Q2mvxbBC14QX4 this stuff is an asian beauty product, and heavily recommended on r/asianbeauty . It comes in a huge jar and lasts forever. the ingredients are crazy good, and I figured you may like it since you wanted to try honey. It's light and moisturizing, and the honey makes it antibacterial. Also, it has niacinimides, which are great for redness and staying young. I use it to prevent acne and make my skin happy, but it's the only part of my routine I could probably live without (but I wouldnt want to)

 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, Extra Dry Skin, 1.7 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NR1YQK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_z7mvxbK58XK4T this stuff has the best texture! It's like silk. Make sure you buy the 'gel cream' and not the 'watery gel'. It was the first moisturizer I found that I've ever liked. No fatty alcohol, not sticky, but not too light. It's a little more expensive than I would like, but I simply can't do without. It's my favorite part of my routine and it leaves my face with a great finish.

 

When my face was less hydrated in general, I found that the hydro boost and SCINIC honey AIO stung for a few seconds after application, but they dont anymore now that I dont have microcuts everywhere. Also, with all three moisturizers on at night, my face feels a little warm at first, but that's just because of the layers, and doesnt last long. It takes a long time for it all to sink in, so it's more of a night pack. In the morning, just one or two of the products is enough (must include the hydro boost). I cant promise that these will work for you, but I haven't seen anybody have problems with these yet. Good luck!

i have pores so large theyre visible from a decent distance away. Is there a way to decrease their size? I currently use Cetaphil Daily Cleanser twice a day. Once in the morning, once at night before bed. Both in the shower. I periodically wash my face throughout the day but if i miss once chance to get rid of grease i immediately break out within 12 hours. I've tried Proactiv a long time ago, I've tried Clean and Clear spot treatment, Clean and Clear oil absorbing sheets, which works pretty well, i just ran out. Sebamed clear face gel, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen, SPF 30, and even Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, For all skin types and theyve ALL made me breakout except the Cetaphil daily cleanser Normal to Oily skin...

Now i've used all these products at random times... not all on the same. I've really been actively trying to get this under control since late 2014. So each time something makes me breakout, i'll try a new product.. At one time I was using (per the suggestion of a beauty stylist) to use cetaphil daily cleanser, Sebamed face gel, and then Neutrogena Ultra sheer Sunscreen in the morning to get me ready for the day. Then use the absorbing sheets throughout the day to maintain a clean face. Not get any dirt in my pores.

So thats the story... if someone, ANYONE can help me, I would appreciate it so much. If i really need to see a dermatologist, i guess thats my last resort. I really like to try all options before seeing a doc. Please let me know if you can help out. It's greatly appreciated!!!

I LOVE AZELAIC ACID. So I pretty well thought I would live with a red face forever along with a severely damaged moisture barrier. The biggest thing that helped me was azelaic acid. I use Melazepam from Amazon. Cheap and works! It's thick at first but smoothes into my skin leaving it kinda matte. At first it itched like crazy and I wasn't using it consistently enough. Then after more research, I decided to use it up and give it a chance. Along with anything high in ceramide, my skin got used to the 20% AzA. Maybe around the 10th day of twice daily use, my skin finally started to look normal. I also switch my oil cleanser to an olive oil based one and saw even more improvement in my redness. I've just added in Vit C to my under eye area and continuing to use Melazepam around the rest of my face and neck and my ENTIRE COMPLEXION is EVEN NOW! Would never have believed that was possible. Melazepam has also minimized my SFs on my nose, has finally stopped this ingrown hair on my neck from forming (I've had it for years!!!), and has cleared all the CCs on my forehead. I repeat: I loooooove azelaic acid, specifically Melazepam!

Current routine:

AM

Garnier Micellar Water - pink cap or Cerave Foaming cleanser

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks

Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose. Sometimes I wait after the Vit C but not usually since I don't use them in the same spots.

I do wait 15-20 minutes after my actives step.

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method. My face loves this more than the Missha FTE.

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule or SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule depending on the day.

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

A'PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++ I don't see much sunlight at all but when I do, this one keeps me from turning beet red imediately upon application.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Derma Green-Cure Solution Recover Cream This is the best thing I've found for redness and skin barrier repair! My skin loves ceramides so much and this soothes like nothing I've found yet.

Medela Tender Care Lanolin Tube on my lips. Yes it's nip cream. I couldn't use it all up while nursing and it causes my skin to redden so it's perfect for a little lip color.

PM

ROHTO Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil My skin reacted to Holika Holika Soda Pore B.b Deep Cleansing Oil so this is my second one to try and I'm really enjoying it.

Cerave Foaming cleanser with a konjac sponge but waiting on
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam in the mail.

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks

Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose like the AM.

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method.

All depending on how I'm feeling that evening:

LJH TeaTree 90 Essence

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule

SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule

Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream

Petitfee Black Pearl and Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch Not sure if I like these or not honestly...

Some or all of these layers followed by CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and

Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream

Pretty sure my shower filter, Mermosis, has also helped my skin and hair.

I also use sometimes REVITABOOST PEEL Anti-Aging Peel Pads or Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid but I skip my AzA on those days and just go back to my regular routine the following day. These are rare for me though because they make me ridiculously red again.

Things I'm waiting on in the mail:

ROSETTE Aqua Ceramide Gel

Rumase BIFIDA Snail Toner

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam

It's Skin Power 10 Formula - PO Effector

Hoping the all work well for me too!

Welcome! :) Ceramide products are good at repairing your skin's moisture barrier and are good moisturizing products. If these sound like things you are looking for, I highly recommend getting some products with ceramide in them! A popular product is the Rosette Ceramide Gel.

Vitamin C is a good idea, just make sure you start slow, like once a week. Also, actives such as vitamin C are a form of chemical exfoliation. You want to make sure you have a few solid moisturizers at the ready to compensate for the drying nature of actives.

Snails are a great idea too, but they don't have the same mind-blowing affect for everyone who uses them. Its a very Your Milage May Vary (YMMV) sort of thing! A popular snail product is the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This product has 96% snail mucin, so it'd be a good way to see if snail is an effective ingredient for you. (because 10% snail in a good cream may give you good results, but it may not be because of the snail if you catch my drift!)

However! First and foremost, if hyperpigmentation is your problem and you have no routine, start with a sunscreen! If the word makes you cringe, don't worry, AB sunscreens don't tend to be as thick and sticky as Western suncreens.

Which brings me to two threads you should start with. The AB Beginner Guide is a good place for basic information. The Holy Grail Thread is a good place to see what products people with your same skintype swear by.

ALSO I wouldn't recommend using sheet masks meant for your face on the rest of your body. Sheet masks are usually a temporary fix for your skin issues and I would not rely on them to do any major skin whitening. I'd pick a product that you can use on the body and that will give you consistent results. Try products with niacinimide and arbutin, which are whitening ingredients.

That's what I have to contribute! Feel free to ask more questions and good luck!

So speaking as a woman, my skincare routine is, on average, going to be more involved than what guys usually do. But I do like all these products a lot and you should feel free to look into them individually. Also, many of them are going to be Korean skincare brands because Koreans really know their skincare shit. And since I have sensitive combination skin, the products I use are gentle enough for most skin types.

Step 1: Oil cleanser - I use Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil. There's also another version of it that's the "Speedy Cleansing oil" that's similarly priced and just as effective. I put the oil on my dry face, rub in circles to encourage some exfoliation, then use a little water to sort of create a foam, and then rinse it off. There's also Cetaphil, which is of course a tried-and-true facial cleanser that's compatible with all skin types.

Step 2: Toner - I use Kikumasamune High Moisturizing toner, which is a Japanese toner that you use after cleansing/drying off your face. It smells like sake because that's one of the ingredients -- could cause breakouts, but I haven't had any problems with that. It's also a HUGE ASS bottle for a great price. Another option I've used is Aromatica Sea Daffodil toner. Also, when drying off your face, I recommend using Kleenex instead of a towel, because your towel can harbor all sorts of gross stuff and you wiping your newly-cleansed face on one can transfer said gross stuff onto your skin.

Step 3: Essence. I use a serum type thing but I'm going to skip over this because it's really not a super necessary step, basically like a thin pre-moisturizer to make my skin super hydrated.

Step 4 - Moisturizer. I've been using Mizon Black Snail All-In-One cream and it works great. It's also priced pretty well. Another option I've heard absolute raves about from /r/AsianBeauty is Stratia Liquid Gold which has worked phenomenally for many people. I'm definitely planning on purchasing this moisturizer soon. And also, using jojoba oil has also worked really well for my mom, so you could look into that.

Finally, sunscreen is a crucial addition to your skincare regimen that should never be treated as optional. I use Innisfree Eco Safety Daily Sunblock but here is also another helpful thread that gives feedback on sunscreen that has worked well for other people.

For spot treatments (like an occasional lone whitehead), I've been using Clean & Clear advantage acne spot treatment for like 10 years and it has not let me down.

Again, this regimen is much more involved than what most guys do (and if that's what works for them, great!), but there's also nothing wrong in investing in good skincare products!

I have VERY oily skin as well. I don't want to tell you what to do with your routine... With that being said, I think for your skin type, your morning routine might be too focused on moisturization. I used to be the same way and would try and do the most morning and night, but then I felt like I could not even wear makeup because even the most matte finished products would leave my makeup falling off my face.

I recently changed things up for my skin type and have seen awesome results in how my makeup wears.
I now start by washing my face with a light gel cleanser (drunk elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ), then toning with a rose water witch hazel (I only do this step when I think it will be a particularly hot day), then I use a Vitamin C Serum ( Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum ). This serum is NOT oily or tacky, and is not meant to moisturize. I only use it to help brighten my acne scars, which has been a life-changing product for me. Lastly, I do an SPF with hyaluronic acid (CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30) which adds hydration without being moisturizing! It is super light and has a whipped texture.

I have not found a primer that I love for mattifying my super oily skin but would love to hear anyone else's suggestions. Or a sunscreen that acts as a primer? I am definitely a fan of lessening the products used in the AM so any dual-use products are a plus for my oily skin type!

This is what i posted on AsianBeauty, but i also really wanted to post on here because you guys helped me A LOT in understanding the way the skin works (pH, AHAs, BHAs, oil cleansing, etc... even my moisturizer!! i got it from your guys' recommendations!!❤ )

I work in an environment where there is a lot of bicarbonate in the air. Since bicarbonate is alkaline, im worried that im messing with my skin's pH. I was wondering if anyone knows a way to combat the alkalinity with maybe a toner, or lotion, or anything?!! something that would bring my skin's pH down to the slightly acidic level it should be at. I've also noticed my skin get a lot drier ever since starting work there. Has anyone tried ROSETTE Ceramide Gel?? How does it compare with the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion i currently use in my routine?
I'm asking AsianBeauty because your products & recommendations helped me a lot!!
PS, i think my skin is clog-prone, so keep that in mind when recommending products!! (i've read a lot that people got clogged skin from the CeraVe that i use, but to me, it doesn't clog my skin at all! just thought i'd mention it since even though it clogs a lot of people's skin, it doesn't clog mine, so still recommend whatever it is that came to mind!! even if it may clog skin!!)

Skin type: on the sensitive side || Country/Climate i'm in: Canada // colder weather approaching now :(((

Top Skin Concern: CCs and hyperpigmentation, and acne :(((

Current Routine / Products I'm Using:

AM

• splash face with water; pat dry; apply CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  
  
• apply EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 Sunscreen
  
  on Thursdays and Sundays, after splashing my face with water and patting dry, i apply ZOMEDICAL Glycogent and then follow up with the rest of the routine (Cerave and EltaMD)
  
  PM
  
  
• remove sunscreen with KOSE Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil
  
  
• wash face with Rohto HADA LABO Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
  
  
• apply the same CeraVe lotion that i use in the morning
  
  on Thursdays and Sundays, instead of washing with the Hada Labo cleansing foam, i wash with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and then apply ZOMEDICAL Brightenex, and i DO NOT apply the CeraVe lotion over that
  
  I'm an 18-year old female, if that helps, who may or may not have hormonal issues (don't get a regular period :/) and i eat gluten- and dairy- free, and i limit the amount of sweets i have (mainly i eat protein and veggies, or protein and fruits throughout the day). Also, i drink only teas and water (no fruit juices, coffee, or pop!). I also don't eat artifical things/things with preservatives, etc. (i like to eat things that are minimally processed).
  Any help is appreciated
  Sorry for the lengthy post, i just want to make sure you have as much info so you can best recommend something for me!!
  
  TL;DR started working where the air is alkaline. worried about that fucking up my skin's pH and the horrible clogged skin, dry skin, reddness, etc, that results from that. wondering if there's anything i could add to my routine to combat the alkalinity -- perhaps a toner, lotion, etc, that will bring down my skin's pH to a more acidic level (as it naturally should be slightly acidic). ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED ❤❤
  
  *edited for formatting lol ❤

BACKGROUND: I'm new to the world of skin care. I've never had a serious skin care routine before other than applying some acne creams a few years back when my acne was pretty bad. Now my skin is not terrible, but at age 20 I've had it with any sort of acne and want clear skin.

My skin is oily. I don't know if its very oily or fairly oily because I don't know what really oily skin is like or what a fairly oily skin is like. If I had to make a guess I'd say fairly or decently oily...sorry if that's vague.

This is what my skin looks like on an average day.

[This] (http://imgur.com/a/fGqbn) is what my skin looks like when it breaks out just a bit.

I'm showing you these because I read the FAQ and Wiki and I've narrowed my choices for cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers but I'm not sure which one to buy. For each category, this is what I've narrowed it down to.

CLEANSERS

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
  
  
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
  
  
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  
  EXFOLIANTS
  
  
• Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
  
  
• Neutragena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
  
  
• Olay Age Defying Classic Night Face Cream
  
  MOISTURIZERS
  
  
• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
  
  
• Olay Complete Defence Daily UV Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+
  
  
• Paula's Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Fluid SPF 30+
  
  
• Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30
  
  
  MY QUESTION: Are they all sort of the same? Based on what I told you about my skin, which product from each category should I get? Should I get something that's not on the list? This list is based on the Recommended Routine, so maybe there's something that's not on it that you think would work better. Any help would be really appreciated. I'm trying to avoid having to go through too much trial and error since as a college student I'm slightly broke, so I'm trying to make an informed purchase. Also, sunscreen is highly recommended if you exfoliate, but if the moisturizer has SPF does that mean I don't need to buy sunscreen? Thank you guys in advance.

First of all, I am an employee at a major western beauty retailer in none other than the field of skin care. I am very familiar with ingredients and quite savvy at building skin care routines to fit my clients' needs... and I'm proud of it. That being said, I've found that many of the products my employer offers are too harsh or contain ingredients I don't agree with; in addition, we don't sell a huge variety of AB, at least not enough to satisfy my liking.

SOOOO, this is kind of new territory for me. I know one thing for a fact: I LOVE love LOVE snail. Below, I have a tentative list of AB products I have researched and have added to my Amazon.com cart and would love to hear from this community about my choices. I would love to hear recommendations as well. Below, I'll list the products by AM or PM routine (as I've planned).

A little background:

• Normal to Oily Skin
  
  
• Major concerns are PIH, CCs (usually hormonal), and texture issues.
  
  
• Semi-sensitive but mostly to strong AHAs, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Vitamin C is the WORST for my skin
  
  
  Tentative PM Products:
  
  
• Heimish All Clean Balm
  
  
• Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
  
  
• Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
  
  
• Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  
  
• Benton Snail Bee High content Steam Cream
  
  
  Tentative AM Products:
  
  
• Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
  
  
• MISSHA Super Aqua Pore-Kling Toner
  
  
• Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum
  
  
• MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream
  
  I would also like recommendations for a twice a week exfoliator (preferably Lactic Acid or Enzyme) and sheet mask recommendations to go along with my tentative routines?
  
  THANKS, GUYS. I know this is long, but I'd really appreciate the feedback.
  

Hello~ I've been stalking the Korean beauty industry for years, but have never committed due to random reasons. I want to try my hand at it next year (need to use up my stupidly expensive Sephora products). Here's a routine I created - mostly from Snow White & The Pear's reviews. For the record, I have eczema (thanks god, no flares right now) and sensitive (contact allergies), oily skin. I know. How can I have eczema and oily skin? OTL

• Water Cleanser | GATSBY MANDOM Bifesta Cleansing Lotion | Daily AM
  
• Oil Cleanser | Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity | Daily PM
  
• Cleanser | Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser | Daily PM
  
• Cleansing Toner | XXX | Daily AM & PM
  
• Vitamin C Serum - Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum | 3x Weekly AM
  
• BHA | Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid | Daily AM
  
• AHA | Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid | 2x Weekly PM
  
• Essence | MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence | Daily AM PM
  
• Hydrating Toner | CLINIQUE Even Better Essence Lotion For Combination Oily To Oily Skins | Daily AM PM
  
• Acne & Inflammation Essence | LJH TeaTree 90 Essence | Daily AM PM
  
• Serum | Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence | Daily AM PM
  
• Moisturizer | Drunk Elephant B Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Gel | Daily AM PM
  
• Eye Cream | Andalou Naturals Luminous Eye Serum Brightening | Daily AM PM
  
• Mist | Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray | Daily AM PM
  
• Sunscreen | Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46 | Daily AM
  
• Clay Mask | Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask | 1x Weekly PM
  
• Acne Treatment | Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch | As Needed PM
  
• Acne Treatment II | Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot | As Needed PM
  
  I'm not sure if the order and frequency of use is correct, so please help me! And yes, these are a lot of products for a beginner, so I think I'll start with only one toner first then work my way up to using more essences. Suggestions for cleansers and toners would also be nice, since I'm not sure if the Clinique thing is intended as a cleansing toner. I also have a question about sebaceous filaments? Is it alright to get rid of them with nose masks? Would it make my pores bigger? I feel like my nose pores are huge and my buddies are EXTREMELY visible. Recommendations on peeling masks and other masks would be great too, as I'm not really sure what kind of masks I would need?

Okay, I realize I wrote a ton, so I'll keep this last part short!

HOW TO GET ALL OF IT OFF YOUR FACE

• Always take your makeup off before going to sleep. Just make it a habit. You take your makeup off and you brush your teeth. BAM! =D /u/feeling_pretty linked an article in chat where a 20-something wore makeup for 2 years without taking it off ever (just reapplying over) and her skin was ages older than she was! So, take your makeup off!
  
• Lazy method: If you're super lazy and like to pass out, keep some Neutrogena wipes near your bed or something. This is probably not a method you want to use on a regular basis but in a pinch or when you seriously are about to fall asleep it would be good!
  
• I use a cleansing oil (if you remember from chemistry, "like dissolves like" so oil dissolves oil... and everything else you put on your face!). I got a sample of Shu Uemura cleansing oil so right now I'm using that (and it's awesome) but it's not quite in my budget so I'm looking at Kose and DHC cleansing oils to use in the future.
  
• I use a method called double cleansing, so after washing my face with the cleansing oil I use a regular face wash. Anyone of them should do fine, so whatever you're using to clean your face right now would be great :)
  
  Okay, so I am posting this on the 26th, so I'm not sure if this counts towards the contest, but I wanted this information to be complete. Definitely feel free to ask me any questions you want! I still consider myself very new to makeup and this subreddit has helped me expand my knowledge base so much, so I love sharing what I've learned!

Hi there! I only have KP on my arms, but I have been using Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream (not AB, sorry). I originally bought it to use as an AHA step for my face, but I'm taking a break from actives on my face right now. So, not wanting to waste it, I started using it on my arms. It has actually really helped! Probably thanks to the AHA. You might also want to add a BHA if your pores are getting clogged.

Also, I haven't tried this on my arms, but I've recently started the Rosette Ceramide Gel on my face and HOLY WOW. In like 3 days it's drastically improved my skin. It is so much smoother and glowing! I might try using it on my arms soon, I feel like it would help the texture drastically.

I have a feeling that moisturizing helps my KP in general, so whatever I use I try to make sure my skin stays nice and moisturized. YMMV, though.

What kind of acne scars? If it's left-over discoloration from acne, then the PIH guide from the sidebar is helpful. The same advice here holds true for dark skin, but you'll need to double check and make sure whatever sunscreen you use doesn't leave a whitecast. There are a lot of guide Asian sunscreens you can get from Amazon that don't leave a white cast, like Skin Aqua. An aha serum can help, there are suggestions on the PIH link.

An aha serum would help with acne too. You could also try something like Stridex, which is good for oily skin. If you do add in an aha or bha (stridex) definitely start slowly (once or twice a weeks at first) and increase usage gradually to prevent irritation.

There are moisturizer recs here. Gel moisturizers are lightweight, Sebamed Gel is a good one. Neutrogena has a good gel moisturizer too

When putting together your routine, definitely refer to the ScA routine guide and the acne guide is a good resource

I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and, though everyone's experience is different, my skin has completely changed throughout the process. I normally had regular hormonal breakouts around my chin/mouth area, especially around my period, around 3 to 4 at a time. I had the worst hormonal breakout of my life right around when our baby was conceived (looking at it in retrospect), which makes sense because there was a surge of hormones in my body.

Now, though, my skin is actually way better than ever. I still get a few breakouts, but it's much drier than normal.

I've stayed away from benzoyl peroxide because my OB recommended against it, but I've found that hydrocolloid bandages have helped when I do have a whitehead.

My pregnant skincare routine:

morning

• Splash face with water
  
  
• Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen
  
  
• Makeup (sometimes full liquid foundation, sometimes just concealer, sometimes nothing)
  
  evening
  
  
• I normally shower in the evening; if so, I just gently rub my face in a circular motion with my fingertips under the shower head
  
  
• If I do not shower, I cleanse with Cetaphil for sensitive skin
  
  
• Makeup removal: Almay oil-free makeup remover pads (mostly for mascara, since the majority of the makeup comes off in the shower or after cleansing)
  
  
• About 2x per week, I use a Vitamin C serum like this
  
  
• About 1x per week (maybe every other week), I use this chemical exfoliator, which really helps to remove dry skin (my cheeks, especially around my nose, have become so dry that they get flaky now)
  
  
• Every night: moisturize entire face with Cetaphil in the tub; depending on dryness, I spot moisturize with coconut oil
  
  
• If I have a breakout/whitehead (and now, they usually only arrive one at a time! Thanks, baby!), I pierce it with a sterilized tweezer (very fine tip) and use these hydrocolloid patches overnight.
  
  Hope that helps! Basically, you can try to plan your skincare for pregnancy but your body may react differently than you expect. Good luck on TTC! :)

It largely depends on where you live and how quickly you need the items. As a general rule, if you're willing to wait a bit, you can find items much cheaper from non-Prime sellers on Amazon and overseas sellers on eBay. Also, if you're just purchasing a few things and they are heavy items, I find it's usually cheaper to stay away from sites with high shipping charges by weight, like Testerkorea and RoseRoseShop.

I usually do a lot of research when I make a new product purchase to find the lowest price from a reputable seller that I can. Partly because I just like shopping online for AB stuff and partly because I make it into a sort of game to see how cheap I can find something. It's like a hobby for me.

I recommend the Honey browser extension for Amazon. If you're looking for something it will tell you if there's a cheaper price available from another seller. It also goes through available coupon codes on many other online sites to see if there's one in the database that works for your order.

Anyway, I'm not sure where you live, but I did a bit of looking (I'm in the U.S.), and this is what I came up with. I can't guarantee these are the best prices out there -- just what I found from a bit of quick looking at a few different places.

Hado Labo foam for $9.40 with free shipping on Amazon (not Prime) here

The Face Shop Cleansing Oil - $9.58 with free shipping from Jolse here or $10.20 on Amazon Prime here.

Shiseido Aging Care Sunscreen on Amazon for $8.20 with free shipping (non-Prime) here.

Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel - $12.45 with free shipping (non-Prime) on Amazon here.

You've already gotten better fashion advice than I can give, so I'll stick with skin care. My skin is also very dry and sensitive, so I've given this a lot of thought and research.

Number 1 is SUNSCREEN. I just got this Biore KAO JAPAN AQUA RICH Sarasara SPF50+/PA++++ 50g Sunscreen on the advice of /r/AsianBeauty and I'm in love with it. It's light and watery, not greasy like Western sunscreen tends to be! I'm happy to wear it every day. Pleasant light citrus scent, not copper tone coconut butt. It's awesome.

You need sunscreen because you should start exfoliating. Try a chemical exfoliant, they're more gentle. St. Ives makes wipes with AHA, they're pretty effective for me. Got those because of the more widely known skincareaddiction sub. Don't exfoliate until you've got a sunscreen in your routine, it leaves your skin vulnerable to sun damage.

Remove that sunscreen at night with a good cleanser before you exfoliate, I use this KOSE Softy Mo Facial Cleansing Oil Speedy, 0.5 Pound to remove makeup and sunscreen then this
Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml to remove the first cleanser and correct the pH of my skin so the exfoliant will work. Again from Asian beauty, my new favorite place. They're both very gentle, so it's okay to use two. It's called "double cleansing". Oil cleansing will maybe be a bit weird to you, as it's just smearing grease on your face! But it dissolves makeup perfectly. That oil will emulsify when it hits water. It turns milky white. It's weird, but it works.

Then I use CeraVe in the tub for moisture and healing ceramides at night.

That's my routine, it's pretty cheap as far as these things go and I'm super happy with it. I wasn't seeing any results from exfoliating until I got that low pH cleanser, now I can really feel it working and see the difference it's making. It does sting a bit, I've got a touch of solar keratosis on my chest from not wearing sunblock when I was young and dumb. Wear sunblock! Every day!

I'm not much of a makeup person, but I do use this sometimes SKIN79 Snail Nutrition BB Cream (SPF45/PA+++) 40g. It's very moisturizing and evens out my splotchy skin. It has snail goo in it. Supposedly a good thing, idk. But that and some eye shadow or liner and mascara is how I fancy up.

What I actually use regularly:

• CeraVe Hydrating facial Cleanser
  
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (in the tub)
  
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum
  
  • Only on my eyes at night, it has retinol which isn't good in the sun
    
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
  
  • At night as a sort of night mask
    
• Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent Toner
  
  • as a spot treatment for pimples
    
• Heritage Rose Water and Gylcerin Spray
  
• Cure Natural Aqua Gel
  
  • This is the best product I own. I use it once or twice a week, all those "grey snakes" just roll right off your face.
    
• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
  
  • I use this as body lotion
    
    Remaining items on bottom shelf: picture
    
    
• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  • Not a fan of this for my face so now I use it to clean my Make up brushes
    
• CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
  
• Bite Agave Lip Mask
  
• Ancient Healing Clay
  
  • Just bought this after reading good things about Benonite Clay but it dried out my skin so I'm not sure how I like it
    
• Peter Thomas Roth Poten-C Power Serum sample Packets
  
• Jade Facial Roller
  
  • I got this as a gift at work, not sure if it actually does anything
    
    Remaining Middle Shelf: Picture
    
    
• Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
  
• Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
  
  • So I don't use this and I just remembered that it's because the last time I did my sensitive skin was not happy with it at all, my whole face turned red and puffy. I will be throwing this away.
    
• Peter Thomas Roth 6 Piece Mask Kit
  
• Clearasil Rapid Action Vanishing Acne Treatment
  
  • My Clean & Clear Toner seems to work a lot better than this stuff
    
• Prescriptives All You Need Moisturizer Sample
  
  Top Shelf: Picture
  
  
• La Mer Samples: My mom got me these for Christmas and I do like it all but I've been trying to save them for a special occasion where I can feel like I'm glowing because I have hundreds of dollars of skin care slabbed onto my face. Not exactly sure if the results live up to the reputation.
  
  • Replenishing Oil Exfoliator
    
  • Cleansing Oil
    
  • The Eye Concentrate
    
  • The Cleansing Micellar Water
    
  • The Regenerating Serum x2

There are a lot of good suggestions here already. As someone mentioned, Lush products can be really harsh. They tend to include a lot of oils that can actually be quite irritating, worse if your skin barrier is damaged from dryness, so it's probably best to stay away from that brand while your skin is healing. Cerave is the best, since the ceramides it contains will help repair the skin barrier and help your skin retain moisture better. The cream is great, but you probably need even more moisture than it can provide, so you may want to layer under something like Vanicream, which is ultra moisturizing and hypoallergenic and contains some mineral oil to seal everything in (but isn't sticky at all). In my experience, used in moderate amounts, Vanicream also works really nicely as a moisturizing makeup primer for dry skin. I also recommend & Other Stories Plush Balm as an occasional salve. It's made with cocoa butter, shea butter, and other great healing ingredients, but can be comedogenic if you're acne-prone, so for me personally I can't use it more than a couple days per week.
Removing makeup with something like a cleansing oil (Neutrogena makes a good affordable one) followed by Cerave hydrating cleanser is also good to prevent your skin from drying out. Try to avoid the urge to exfoliate too often while your skin is healing, as it can damage the new skin that's forming! In my experience chemical exfoliators like Cure Aqua Gel are less harsh when my skin is going through a particularly dry, sensitive skin spell. Good luck!

Seriously, /r/AsianBeauty saved my skin.

I wash my face with Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Foam Cleanser in conjuction with something called a Konjac sponge and then I follow up with the Cosrx AHA after. Then as a moisturizer -particularly under makeup- I use their Snail Mucen product. Also, sunscreen is super critical, it helps prevent your hyperpigmentation spots from getting darker. I'm not a fan of the western sunscreens, so I use Shiseido brand. The smell is different than the regular stuff we're used to but it's not unpleasant. And there's no need to buy the more expensive stuff, this works out really well.

The facewash I use has a slightly high pH level, and it's okay for me because I immediately put on the AHA after because it somehow cuts down the pH level. This lower pH face wash is what my daughter uses, and it does a good job, she started using it and the breakouts pretty much stopped, although she's apparently prone to blackheads on her nose so I got some BHA product for her, and I also got her a konjac sponge as well, so hopefully it provides her with some results. The sponge is super soft, but it does a surprisingly good job of exfoliating; without that feeling of scrubbing your skin with sandpaper. Heads up, with the konjac sponge there's lots of different ones out there and they pretty much work all the same; even the cheaper ones.

If you're gonna try exploring and experimenting with other products, be sure to try one product at a time, to make sure you don't have a reaction to it! Of course you probably already knew that, but I figured I'd throw that out there in case you didn't.

Wow, thank you for your long answer. I appreciate your effort!
I needed some time to understand all the stuff you mentioned.
But it cleared up many things :)

I am going to buy some of the things from your list (can you please look over the products I chose):

• Cleanser: Balea MED Ultra Sensitive Reinigungsmilch
  
  
• Toner: Balea MED Ultra Sensitive Gesichtswasser
  
  
• Moisturiser: I am not sure what moisturiser I should buy, maybe I buy several. I still don't know what skin type I have, I think I have either a combination skin (Mischhaut) or an oily skin. But I tend to combination skin.
  One question: What do you think about the Nivea moisturizer?
  So I try some products:
  Balea MED night moisturisers
  and sebamed Clear Face Care Gel
  
  
• Also I buy the Konjac sponge, but which one?: 1 or 2
  
  Things I buy maybe later, after I tried all the stuff above:
  
  
• Vitamin C serum
  
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Which Vaseline should I buy?
  
• Maybe Facial Oil.
  
  I have some questions:
  
  

1. When should I use the sponge? Just for cleansing?
   
2. I only need sunscreen when I use chemical exfoliants, is that right? And when I use chemical exfoliants, do I really need sunscreen in the winter? I mean the sun is almost nonexistant and I am mostly in a building.
   
3. Every week I introduce 1 product. With which should I begin? I would say Cleanser. Or maybe Moisturiser?
   
4. Showering: Can I clean my face with some standard shampoo? Or should I clean my face just with water in the shower, because the Cleanser is enough?
   
5. After Cleansing, should I wash my face (between the steps Cleansing and Moisturising)?
   
6. How often should I use chemical exfoliants? Once a week?
   
7. Are that not too much products in the evening I apply? Shampoo + Cleanser + Exfoliant + Toner + Vitamin C serum + Facial Oil + Moisturiser + Vaseline = 8 products im Extremfall
   
8. Is my routine correct (especially the order)? I am not sure about doing Cleansing and Exfoliating in the shower. Also the order of toner, vitamin c serum and facial oil:
   
   PM:
   
   
9. I go into the shower
   
10. I wash my hair and face with shampoo
    
11. I cleanse my face (and then I wash my face with water)
    
12. (optional) I exfoliate my face (and then I wash my face with water)
    
13. I am finished with showering and dry myself
    
14. (optional) Apply Toner
    
15. (optional) Apply Vitamin C serum
    
16. (optional) Apply Facial Oil
    
17. Apply Moisturiser
    
18. (optional) Apply Vaseline
    
    AM:
    
    
19. I cleanse my face (and then I wash my face with water)
    
20. (optional) Apply Toner
    
21. (optional) Apply Vitamin C serum
    
22. (optional) Apply Facial Oil
    
23. Apply Moisturiser
    
24. (optional) Apply Sunscreen
    
    Sorry, that I have so many questions.
    
    Liebe Grüße zurück vom Niederrhein :)
    

No problem, I am glad to help! Yeah, chemical sunscreens don't seem to bother me either, it's very weird lol. Yes, I see! It can be a challenge finding a sunscreen that works while also taking into consideration rosácea too. Hmmm, I have two ideas! I don't know if they will help, but here goes:

1. Have you tried a gel-based sunscreen? I know that gel moisturizers are specifically designed for oily skin, and can be cooling and soothing at the same time. I have never tried one, but I have used a gel moisturizer before and it was amazing and refreshing. The one I tried was Simple Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer. Although it has no SPF, maybe the texture would be good to try. Also, Sebamed makes one called Clear Face Gel but I've never tried that one
   
   
2. Have you tried any Asian sunscreens? That's something I've been considering myself, because although the chemical sunscreens don't give me breakouts sometimes they look shiny with my makeup. I haven't ventured into that world so far but have heard great things about those being weightless and without a heavy, white cast. One example is Biore UV Watery Essence. I'm sure there are a ton more that probably /r/AsianBeauty knows about.
   
   Awww, I feel your pain :/ It can be really expensive trying and testing products until you find the right one!! Lol my bank account knows all about that XD
   
   Hope this helps somewhat!!

Yaaaaaas. This, so much! Oil cleansing + hydrating foaming/cream second cleanser have totally changed the game for me with my super dry skin. I personally love Kose Softymo. I use the Speedy version right now, but the Deep Cleansing version has my eye!

I'm also washing with Hada Labo Tokyo Hydrating Cleanser, which I like a lot! Super mild.

Lastly, as a facial oil, Goodal Wateriest Water Oil has been particularly popular lately, and for good reason! I have a different version from the same line and, while I just only tried it out yesterday, it has immediately left my skin feeling leagues better.

I hope this helps!

they can be a bit of a pain in the ass to hunt down, but I exclusively use asian sunscreens for my face, as they have some of the most cosmetically elegant formulas (aka little to no white cast or greasy, sunscreen-y feeling), plus they have very high UVA and UVB protections that are better than the majority of western offerings. the biore blue tube sunscreen is a perennial favorite over in /r/AsianBeauty because of how good it feels on the skin and how relatively cheap and easy it is to find.

EDIT: also forgot to mention, if you start using sunscreen (which you should!!!!) then you might want to start double cleansing at night as well, because it's the best way to make sure that you get all the sunscreen off so it doesn't clog pores. again, asian skincare companies have western companies beat (at least IMO) when it comes to first/oil cleanser formulas. r/AB will have a ton of suggestions, but personally I like the kose softymo deep one.

Cleansers (Unless you're using a medicated cleanser most skincare products aren't really going to prevent acne.)

Mochitto Mochi Mochi Face Wash

Hada Labo Gokujun Oil Cleanser (200ml)

Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Cleansing Foam (160ml)

Medicated Deep Cleansing Oil L (200ml)

Cow Brand Additive-Free Foaming Facial Cleanser (200ml)

Rohto Hadalabo es cleansing foam type (160ML)

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (170ml)

Spot Treatment

Since your acne is deep in the skin I would look for a dermatologist that also serves foreigners because unless I'm mistaken a lot of products with Benzoyl Peroxide etc are prescription only.

Hydrating Toners

Meishoku Cosmetics Meishoku Facial Water Medicated Skin Lotion 2.7 oz (80 ml) - Acne Prevention

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Solution (170ml)

Hada Labo Gokujyun "Hyaluronic-Eki" Large-Capacity Pump-Type 400ml

Matsuyama Skin Moisturizing Water, Light Type

Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion

Mebika Moist Lotion

Cezanne High Moist Lotion


Meishoku Cosmetics Ceracolla Super Moist Face Lotion 6 fl oz (180ml)


Gels

Hada Labo Shirojyun Cool Hyaluronic Jelly (200ml)

Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel

Rosette Ceramide Gel

Meishoku Cerracolla Perfect Gel

Moisturisers

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Eaude Muge Medicated Skin Cream - 40g - Acne Prevention


Lion Pair Acne Clean Lotion - Look for the cream as well!

Meishoku Cerracolla Perfect Cream

MUJI Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk - Moisture (200ml)

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Cream 50g

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion 140ml

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Milky Emulsion (140ml)

Sunscreens

CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV

Nivea Protect Water Gel SPF35/PA+++ Pump 140g

Biore Sarasara UV Perfect Face Milk SPF50+/PA++++ 30ml

Biore Sarasara UV Perfect Milk SPF50+/PA++++ 40ml

Hada Labo Gokujun Perfect UV Gel (50g)

Howdy, skin twin! This is what my skin looked like before I started taking care of it, and if I fall off the skincare wagon, that's what it goes back to.

The main issues here are that your skin needs some exfoliation, and you need both a source of moisture, and a way to keep it in.

With exfoliation, you have two options: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation is stuff like facial scrubs, pore brushes, etc. It's a popular method, but it can be harsh to your skin. I like chemical exfoliation - specifically, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin and living skin, so the dead crusty bits can be gently washed off.

After that, you need to tackle the dehydration. Dehydrated skin gets that rough, uneven orange-peel appearance, and makes large pores more obvious. This is true even if your skin is oily - you can be oily and dehydrated at the same time, and dehydrated skin can actual trigger more oil production.

In addition to a moisturizer, you'd benefit from an occlusive to keep the moisture from evaporating, especially if you live in a dry climate or are exposed to air conditioning all day.

So here's a really basic routine you could try out. I use a lot of Asian products because they're cheap and work well, but you can find similar products local to you.

1. Oil cleanse

"Normal" face washes can be really drying, especially the ones marketed towards men, for some reason. If your face feels tight and plasticky after you wash it, your cleanser is to blame. I use an emulsifying oil cleanser.

You put it on your dry face, rub it around to get it to stick to the gunk in your pores, and then rinse with water, which makes it emulsify and become un-oily. Cool!

It doesn't actually have to be an oil cleanser - any hydrating, non-drying cleanser will work fine.

Some folks use a secondary cleanser after this, but unless you wear makeup, you probably don't need it, and it risks drying you out more.

2. Acid exfoliation

Now that you have a clean face, it's time to get rid of the dead stuff that makes your skin lumpy. For this, we'll use an AHA - I like this one from CosRX, even though it smells like dog piss on a mushroom.

This is a step you'll only do every other day, maximum. Start with every 2-3 days and go from there. Do this step at night, as AHA will make your skin less resistant to UV (more on that later).

Put a couple drops in your hands, massage it into your face, and then wait. It takes at least 15 minutes for the acid to fully break down that "glue" holding dead skin onto your face.

Rinse it off with water, dry, and move on to the next step.


3. Hydrating toner

The next thing you need is a thin moisturizer, something that can sink right into your skin to plump and de-leatherify it. These are typically going to based on hyaluronic acid, a "goo molecule" that your body uses in every squishy part of your body, from skin to eyeballs to bones. I like this one by Hada Labo, but there are good options from Klairs, Paula's Choice, etc.

Put a few drops on your hands and pat/squish into your face. Give it a minute to dry. If your face feels tight, you can repeat this step a couple times.

4. Ceramide lotion

Ceramides help to "waterproof" your skin from the inside, to prevent loss of all that moisture you just added. Cerave PM is pretty much the best bang for your buck - despite the "PM" in the label, you can use it day and night.

5 (Daytime). Sunblock

Before you go out for the day, you need sunblock. Damage from the sun is a huge contributor to crappy dehydrated skin, and now that you're exposing fresh new skin with the AHA, you're going to be even more sensitive to it.

Due to some weird laws surrounding what we can use in sunblock in the US and some other Western countries, it's likely that the only sunblock you can get in stores is that thick, oily, gross, white stuff.

The Japanese have the rest of the world pretty much beat when it comes to sunblock - Biore Aqua Rich is a solid choice, although you'll need something heavier for days when you're going to be sweating or swimming.

5 (Night). Occlusive

Now that you've done all this work to moisturizer your skin, you don't want it to just evaporate overnight. That's where an occlusive comes in - a thick outer layer that protects your skin and all the stuff you just put on it. Aquaphor is great for this.

So there you go - a solid starting routine! Try that out for a week and see if your skin doesn't start to look better - if you're not doing anything to your skin right now, you're bound to see some improvement with this.

Note that there is some risk of bad reactions whenever you're using new face stuff. The oil cleanser and lotion might give you a breakout of small white bumps, the AHA might feel to harsh and make your face red, you might be allergic to an ingredient in the toner, etc. If that happens, stop using everything, and start adding each item back into your routine slowly until you identify the culprit.

Good luck, and happy moisturizing!

All the steps you're taking are in the right direction, but let's talk about product recommendations. You should start off with a basic skincare routine.

Cleanser: Cosrx Low Ph Morning Gel Cleanser - A good cult favorite, gentle cleanser.

Toner- Stri-dex Pads Maximum Strength - I have yet to find anything else that keeps my acne at bay as well as these do, holy grail status.

Moisturizer- [Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream] (https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-fl-oz/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=pd_sbs_194_49?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00NTR9B6A&pd_rd_r=GQARJSYA37GYHK6DDA84&pd_rd_w=xTj7a&pd_rd_wg=Anz1Z&psc=1&refRID=GQARJSYA37GYHK6DDA84) - This will moisturize and take care of acne scars.

Additionally, what helps me is to exfoliate twice a week, and I use Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off Exfoliator.

I would suggest wearing sunscreen, though this step isn't specifically to help your acne, it's just good to protect the skin from premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Assuming you have combo to oily skin I would recommend Etude House Airy Finish Sun Milk.

Late to the party but I wanted to chime in cause I'm on the second month of my second round of Accutane, currently at 60mg.

Basically your skin profile will change to sensitive, dry and dehydrated and you have to treat it as such, which means a lot of pampering for the next couple of months. I took the general advice of nothing but CeraVe and Aquaphor for my first course and I think I did more damage that way. I switched over to r/AsianBeauty afterwards trying to fix the leftover scars and because of all I've learned over there, my second round is going quite smoothly.

Here's what I do:

• Rub a 1:4 mix of castor oil & mineral oil all over my face to dislodge all sunscreen and dirt. Mineral oil is just baby oil with no fragrance, which can be irritating (thought you might want to consider baby oil for the rest of your body cause it'll dry out too).
  
  
• Wash off all oil with a low-pH foaming cleanser
  
  
• Apply a hydrating toner. This one has hyaluronic acid in it which attracts moisture to your skin and helps other lotions/creams sink in.
  
  
• Apply Shark Sauce. It has 5% niacinamide which helps fade dark spots and even out your skin tone. It's made by a redditor from the Asian Beauty sub and it works so well and was so popular she ended up quitting her job to make it full time. I can honestly say that it's a godsend when you have the initial breakout because any remaining scars will fade very quickly. It was agonizing to deal with those the first time around.
  
  
• Apply Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel to heal and protect your skin barrier.
  
  
• Apply Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream
  
  
• Apply sunscreen. This one has a little alcohol in it which dries your skin out but my other products work so well, I don't feel a difference.
  
  I only do the oil & foam cleanse at night, usually just water in the morning. With this routine I've actually been able to use a couple actives with no problems, mainly Stridex in the red box every other day at the beginning to calm my initial breakout.Another trick I use is I apply a thin layer of Prosacea to affected areas. You can get these two at a CVS or Walgreens. Also, I'm a picker and I found that if I pick and pop something, this routine plus a hydrocolloid bandage on top works miracles: the zit heals faster than it should on Accutane and the mark it leaves behind is gone/significantly faded within two weeks.
  
  Results: Two months into accutane and my skin shows no signs of dryness. It stays hydrated all day so all I have to worry about is my chapped lips. My scars are fading at a phenomenal rate and I even glow a little from all the moisture. You may find it daunting at first, so maybe start out with the foam cleanser, the toner, the ceramide gel and the sunscreen. I'd also suggest going over to r/AsianBeauty and doing a search for dry, sensitive skin if you want more options.
  
  I hope this helps and good luck! You'll look and feel amazing afterwards.
  
  Edit: Supplements! I take fish oil, evening primrose oil and vitamin D.

Hello everyone, im pretty new to this subreddit! I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what is the best way to clear up my skin.

Heres what the acne looks like.


Im a 22/M and I have oily skin. I went ahead and bought this facial cleanser and this moisturizer.



I live in a really humid region. (Florida)



I wash my face with hot water and rinse with cold in the morning and right before bed and apply moisturizer right after.

I should note that I do exercise regularly and maintain a good diet. My skin normally doesnt breakout like this either and I didnt really have much of a "regiment" before.


I dont know if my routine is working or not, as I STILL get acne(white heads) popping up I should also note that I dont know if my moisturizer is too strong or if my skin is too oily for moisturizer (i dont know if thats a thing) but my skin allllllways feels OK right when i moisturize but then after maybe one or two hours, my skin starts feeling oily again.


any help would be greatly appreciated :)

The one on iHerb is legit. Also if you want instant gratification, the Snow River Wood oil off Amazon Prime is good, too. I need to get some myself, actually.

So the laxative doesn't go to waste, try using it for shaving your legs! Just don't slip and die in the tub.

I usually follow the Mineral Oil with a regular cleanser. I own 1 oil cleanser by Missha called Flower Bouquet, but it burn your face and it leaves a weird tackiness. I won't repurchase.

I've used a sample size of this Missha one, and it was OK. But I don't know how it would be with Tretinoin-sensitive skin.

DHC has an oil cleanser that's OK, fragrance-free. That may be the best potential option.

Otherwise, the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser though is really amazing. It does help to remove makeup, and it didn't fry my face during the aftermath of the Tretinoin disaster I had. It's really soothing.

Hey guys!

So, I recently self diagnosed myself with fungal acne, and I’m a little overwhelmed about it. As of now, I’m trying to just switch my routine to fungal acne safe products, and I’ve already seen a HUGE improvement!

My Routine:

AM:
-rinse with water
-Clean and clear morning burst hydrating gel moisturizer
-Makeup: Currently, I’m using smashbox color correcting primer and I might actually die if I have to switch back to a heavy primer... the 2 months I’ve been using this for have been a dream. Then, Maybelline age rewind concealer, and a powder foundation.




PM:
-remove makeup with mineral oil
-OCM with mineral oil
-cleanse with Simple refreshing gel.
-TOS azelaic acid. (Every 3 days or so)





Ultimately, I have these questions:.
-is TOS azelaic acid safe for fungal acne?
-if not, what other azelaic acid products do you recommend? also, please keep in mind that I wish to avoid fatty alcohols for now. I used to be 100% certain that they were the cause of my breakouts, now I’m not entirely sure, but I’m not ready to experiment with them yet
-I need a new sunscreen, and I’m so angry about it. Do you guys have any recommendations for a light, chemical/combo, sunscreen that works well with fungal acne?
-makeup that works well with fungal acne? Is my primer okay?
-literally any help is appreciated!





Thanks you guys!!!

Hi!

Totally new to this skincare stuff :~). Love the wiki, but I'm still confused about selecting products. I have dry (a bit sensitive) light olive skin...sometimes I get acne when my skin dries out too much, but never had much of an issue (no makeup and have sensitive-skin soaps). Unfortunately I can't do fragrances either, since I have a really sensitive nose.

According to the wiki, there's basically 4 things I need to get for a routine: cleanser, moisturizer, exfoliant, and sunscreen. So far I've come up with:

• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, Creamy, or https://www.amazon.com/Avene-Extremely-cleaner-hypersensitive-irritable/dp/B002D48QWA
  
• Exfoliant: ???
  
• Moisturizer: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry/Sensitive Skin, or/and Vaseline
  
• Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen SPF 30+ or Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++???
  
  Could anyone maybe help me me choose an exfoliant & sunscreen? Don't understand the different types of acids for the exfoliants, and just want a simple sunscreen that doesn't have fragrance or alcohol. Advice on everything else would be appreciated too. Thanks! :)
  
  EDIT: I'm in Switzerland too, which limits products to the international ones suggested on the wiki. If anyone knows a good product in Europe, I'd be all ears!

Hi there. So I would start really simple - cleanser, toner, moisturizer in the AM and PM. I can recommend you some products since I also have oily acne-prone skin, but the unfortunate reality is that what works for some people doesn't work for others. You're probably going to have to experiment with it yourself. Also most of the products I use aren't available in the US (German brand).

A couple of pointers when it comes to ingredients in those products:

- avoid anything with silicones (they usually end in -cone on the ingredient list)
- avoid non-fatty alcohols (usually it just says alcohol or alcohol denat. or ethanol in the ingredient lists). They're gonna be really drying.
- fatty alcohols (like cetyl alcohol) are good though
- avoid perfum (can irritate skin - sometimes it's hard to avoid though and personally it's not high on my priority list)
- since you have some acne and oily skin I would avoid oils and comedogenic ingredients such as coconut derivatives and butters

Since you don't have a lot of experience with skincare yet, I would keep it simple at first - if your skin doesn't clear up you might want to use a product with salicylic acid or other acne-fighting ingredients at some point, but as I said I would ease into it by just using a simple routine first.

For cleanser I would recommend first only using it at night. Only use it in the morning if you feel overly greasy, you don't want to strip your skin too much. Some cleanser recommendations from the wiki (any of these should work fine for your skin):

• CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
  
• Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
  
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
  
• SebaMed Fragrance Free Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
  
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser - Foaming Formula
  
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
  
  Some toner recommendations (apply with a cotton pad after cleansing):
  
  
• Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Clarifying Toner
  
• I personally just use straight up Rosewater
  
• a lot of people love the Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner, so you might want to start there
  
• any other ALCOHOL-FREE and OIL-FREE toner
  
  Moisturizer recommendations (important! Do not skip even if you have oily skin!) - I would try to avoid creams since those are more suitable for normal or dry skin):
  
  
• Sebamed Clear Face Gel (might not be moisturizing enough but you can give it a try)
  
• Bioderma Sensibio Light
  
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors
  
  You might also want to incorporate sunscreen at some point (apply after moisturizer or instead of moisturizer in the morning), but honestly I haven't found one that I'm 100% happy with yet, it can be tough when you have oily and acne-prone skin. This one from the wiki seems good though: CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer + SPF 30
  
  Hope this helps to start. The wiki and just lurking here can teach you a whole bunch. Just remember your skin type and what your skin problems are when looking for new products.

I picked up some more sheet masks (lululun plus fresh red; botanical esthe; and the sakura limited my beauty diary) and the yuzu cleansing gel from the store yesterday.

I love the lululun fresh red so far! I got some light tingling from the pink that I didn’t like but no problems with this one (and I don’t look like a complete mummy in it!).

I tried the yuzu cleansing gel last night too and my god it smells amazing! I love citrus scents in general but try to avoid grapefruit. This has pretty much every citrus fruit but grapefruit and I forgot how lovely yuzu smells!

Just started Accutane (Claravis), 60mg/day yesterday, and have changed up my routine recently based on lurking around this sub and r/Accutane. Any general comments/feedback would be much appreciated!

Skin type: Oily for sure, but I am positive it's about to become dry with the Accutane. In changing up my routine a few weeks ago, I tried to pick products that seemed to work for people with both skin types generally (maybe just with different frequencies of use) so I could use them before and after I finish the course.

Current routine:

AM

Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser to cleanse

Klaris Supple Preparation Facial Toner for toner

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Balm Cream for moisturizer

Sun Bum SPF 30 fPVNM Sunscreen, Original Face Stick -- I know it's not the best, but I live in Portland/Seattle so the need is not as dire as in other places

PM

Lush Ultrabland to remove makeup
Remove makeup

Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser to cleanse

Usually after cleansing I use a mask -- I had been using more acne-targeting masks, but since I am switching to sheet masks, which I used to only use occasionally. Right now, I have Benton Snail Bee High content Sheet Mask Pack and Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, but I also really like Origins Drink Up-Intensive and Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask. When I need spot treatment, I am obsessed with Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

Then I go back and do -- Klaris Supple Preparation Facial Toner for toner

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Balm Cream for moisturizer

Edit: I used to use (and still have left some) of Lush's Herbalism. I am not sure I should keep using it on Accutane, since it exfoliates, but any commentary on that would be appreciated!

I ordered a bottle of Cure Natural Aqua Gel exfoliator stuff out of pure curiousity. While I was researching it I found loads of rave reviews along with skeptical assessments that because of its ingredients it shouldn't work. I have to find out for myself.


I also ordered another bottle of Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence, making this my third repurchase. My skin really loves this stuff and it seems to miss it when I run out.


I'm trying to decide which facial sunscreen to try next and would appreciate recommendations, particularly AB! I'm currently finishing a tube of Missha All Around Safe Block and like it a lot but fancy trying something different. I've also used and enjoyed Shiseido Hada Senka Mineral UV Gel, Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essences, Supergoop Everyday, Supergoop Soothing, and both of the ones from Elta MD. Ones I didn't like so much were Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch, Benefit Dream Screen, or any of the ones from La Roche Posay. I have dry skin and my budget is pretty open, and I don't have a preference between physical and chemical sunscreens.

If you have acne (or don't) the best cleanser I can personally recommend is the low ph good morning cleanser by Cosrx (Link to product I highly reccommend buying the product from Jolse because they are the one company that i for sure without a doubt have the real product and not a fake on amazon)

Moisturize nightly and daily and use sunscreen daily. Nuetrogena Water Gel is a great moisturizer and doesn't break me out and the Biore water essence is a great sunscreen.

As for everything else I highly reccommend going to r/skincareaddicition and r/asianbeauty (asian skin care has extremely improved my skin, Cosrx is an amazing korean skin care brand)

Id appreciate some advice on what, if anything, I should do for my skin. About me: 25 yr old male, fortunate to have had minimal skin problems on my face. My skin is slightly oily from the definitions I've read here.

I currently wash my face 1-2x / day with simple refreshing facial wash, and use cerave facial moisturizer after.

What I would like to improve are these things:

1. scar spots - some small scattered dark spots from previous pimples (Im one of those people who pick at scabs rather than leaving them alone...a thing Im working on), and a slightly larger texture kind of scar from a cold sore that spread really far off my lip. The pimple scars are small and not that noticeable, but I see and get focused on the room for improvement.
   
   
2. I sleep on my side and sometimes even slightly face down, so I think Ive noticed more wrinkles around my eyes
   
   
3. there is a good size vein that is very visible under my left eye, that I'd prefer if it were not so noticeable.
   
   After lurking this sub for some time, I tried a recommended weak retinoid product for the last while but I recently ran out of it. Hard to say if I noticed a difference. I ran all this by a girl friend who claims to be a skin care encyclopedia, and she told me a retinoid isn't the right idea, and suggested "The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2& + ha".
   
   So I was wondering: do I take it a step stronger with retinoids...or if I should be using a different product altogether...or what?
   
   Thanks in advance

When I was exfoliating too much, my skin broke out in tiny, itchy red dots. It was irritated, red, and flaky, but still oily as hell. So I backed off from the scrubbing and let my skin heal. Now I use cosrx blackhead power liquid, which contains betaine salicylate, a more gentle form of salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid). I don't really have problems with salicylic acid, but this stuff does seem to be less drying. I also use MUAC Mandelic Acid Toner a few times a week. It contains mandelic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid with a large molecular size. Their mandelic acid serum is also really good. I only use it a couple times a week.

Every couple weeks I'll use Skin79 Crystal Peeling Gel. It's a gel with cellulose, which sticks to oil and dead skin. As you rub it off, it takes the oil and dead skin with it, leaving behind smooth skin. I really like it because it's very gentle but effective. Korean and Japanese brands have lots of peeling gels. All of them have worked pretty much the same, so I haven't bothered with the expensive ones like Cure Aqual Gel, which is very popular.

I used to use abrasive scrubs and at-home microdermabrasion kits like the one from Olay. It worked really well until my face decided it had had enough.

This is just my exfoliation routine. There are other products I use that I can tell you about if you're interested. :)

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist I have found that layering a lot of thin layers has been the most helpful for my routine. This is my favorite toner by far. There isn’t really any fragrance and it doesn’t dry sticky for me.

I don’t have specific products to recommend, but I can list my routine for you and you can see if you can get some ideas.

AM

• wash with water
  
• Holy Snails Shark Sauce
  
• Hada Labo toner
  
• CosRx 96 Snail Mucin
  
• Hada Labo Milky Lotion
  
• CeraVe in the tub
  
• Innisfree Orcid eye cream
  
• Can Make Mermaid UV gel sunscreen
  
  PM
  
  
• wash with Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser which I put in a foaming pump. I like it a lot better foamy
  
• active: either 2nd Shark Sauce, CosRX AHA, CosRX BHA, or tretinoin I have acne so I gotta keep that under control
  
• Hada Labo Moist
  
• Hada Labo Milky Lotion
  
• Benton Snail Bee Steam Cream
  
• Innisfree Orchid eye cream
  
• CeraVe in the tub
  
  I’ve tried a few of the Mizon Snail essences/gels but I’ve had better luck with CosRX and Hada Labo. I also love tried stuff off r/asianbeautyexchange i hate buying stuff that doesn’t work out.

There are two Kose Softymo cleansing oils that people love - the one you linked and the orange one: http://www.amazon.com/Kose-Softymo-Deep-Cleansing-Oil-230ml/dp/B000V2FB88

I use the orange one and it works great. It's up to you which one you think would work best!

Yes, the cleansing oil and the cleansing foam would be the two-step cleanse. Oil first, foam second.

As for the Kose foam ... I can't find any information about it's pH so I can't tell you for sure if it's good to use. You want something that is close to your skin's pH and the Hadalabo fits that. I use the orange Kose Softymo cleansing oil and the HL foaming cleanser and will continue to do so until I die :P

HOWEVER, what works for me might not work for you. There is a great cleanser list here that lists out the type of cleanser, it's pH, and brand.

Wow, thank you for the lengthy reply. I'll look into some products that you mentioned in the first few steps and see how they work out for me. I definitely agree it will be something to do with un-moisturized skin, I just need to find the right products that help my skin as opposed to creating another problem. Since making this post and reading your response, I have ordered this, [this]
(https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B074W8S1RN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), [this] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003YMJJSK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and this.

As for the Lotrimin Ultra, would something like this work?
It contains Terbinafine Hydrochloride 1%, not sure if that's similar to Butenafin Hydrochloride by any chance? If not I have found the exact product you mentioned, although it is a bit more on the expensive side in comparison to what I'm used to. But I will definitely give it a try.

Thank you again for your response, I will hopefully report back soon with positive results!

Location: California, USA

Skin Type: Normal

Skin Concerns and goals Moisturize, glow, anti-aging

Allergies/irritants to avoid: High fragrance

Morning:

• Cleanse: Amore Pacific Illi cleansing oil and Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
  
  
• Treat:
  
  • If I have pimples: Shiseido Anti-Shine Refreshing Lotion
    
  • Normal day: Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Lotion
    
  • If I'm going to use BHA: Cosrx ABA/BHA Clarifying Treatment toner
    
    
• Moisturise:
  
  • Mizon Snail Recovery Gel or Nutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel or Shiseido Pureness moisturizing gel-cream
    
    
• SPF:
  
  • Kao Biore UV PERFECT Milk SPF50+ PA++++
    
  • Skin79 Super+ Beblesh Balm Bb Cream VIP Gold
    
    Evening:
    
    
• First Cleanse: Amore Pacific Illi cleansing oil
  
  
• Second Cleanse: Shiseido Fitit Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam
  
  
• Moisturise: Mizon Snail Recovery Gel or Nutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel or Shiseido Pureness moisturizing gel-cream
  
  
• Treat:
  
  • If I have pimples: Shiseido Anti-Shine Refreshing Lotion
    
  • Normal day: Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Lotion
    
  • If I'm going to use BHA: Cosrx ABA/BHA Clarifying Treatment toner
    
    Comments:
    This isn't really my core 4, it's just what I'm using right now... I have a backlog of products that I need to use. This also doesn't include my serums, sheet masks, exfoliants, etc either. I don't think I'm following the core 4 at all... LOL
    
    

I have both aging concerns (I'm 39) and breakout prone skin and early this year I started implementing a skincare routine with mostly Korean products and it has helped tremendously (thanks r/asianbeauty!) Prior to this the ONLY moisturizer I'd ever found that did not break me out in cystic spots was the Clinique DDM gel moisturizer which isn't really very moisturizing.

With the k-beauty stuff I added BHA and AHA which helps with both acne and aging.

Another important thing to consider is PH. High PH cleansers like your Neutrogena scrub or Cetaphil are really not good for your skin. Some great low PH cleansers are Cerave foaming cleanser (not Korean/Asian), Su:m 37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EIMU3NU/ref=sxts2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482935590&sr=2 ) and Hado Labo Gokujyn Cleansing Foam ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482935590&sr=1 )


My current routine is:

AM:

• Su:m 37 stick
  
• Alcohol-free rosewater toner (Thayer's or Secret Key)
  
• Clinique DDM gel or Mizon Snail Recovery Gel (a great light moisturizer and CHEAP!) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NTR9B6A/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482935871&sr=8-3&keywords=mizon+snail
  
  PM:
  
  
• Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000V2FBAQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482935963&sr=8-1&keywords=kose+softymo
  
• Su:m 37 stick or Cerave cleanser
  
• rosewater toner
  
• CosRX BHA in t-zone and CosRX AHA on cheeks chin and forehead
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936697&sr=8-1&keywords=cosrx+bha+blackhead+power+liquid
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936735&sr=8-1&keywords=cosrx+aha
  
  (Then wait 20 minutes)
  
  
• Hado Labo Gokujyn "lotion" (really more like a toner) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FQUGXA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936200&sr=8-1&keywords=hada+labo+gokujyn
  
  
• Benton Snail Bee essence https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EC60MYW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936253&sr=8-1&keywords=benton+snail+bee+high+content+essence
  
  
• Missha Time Revolution serum
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ATLVNIS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936487&sr=8-2&keywords=missha+time+revolution
  
  
• Beauty of Joseon Dynasty cream https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M4GQO8W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936552&sr=8-1&keywords=beauty+of+joseon+dynasty+cream
  
  
• Rosette Ceramide Gel https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FQNIX0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936634&sr=8-1&keywords=rosette+ceramide
  
  None of these products has broken me out. Since you are younger you might not feel the need for the anti-aging products I use (but it's never too early to start!)
  
  As far as makeup: day-to-day I use powder foundation (Dermablend Intense Powder Camo) but for special occasions I use Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, it's the only full coverage liquid foundation that I have found that doesn't give me cystic spots OR totally break up on my nose from oil. It's pricey but a little goes a long way.
  
  HTH! Good luck!

I've only ever used 3 but I can recommend all of them. Secret Key Lemon D-Toc (which I think was reformulated into this), a sample of Missha Super Aqua, and Nature Republic Super Aqua Max, which is the one I'm using right now. (Names of the last two are weirdly similar I just realized, what's so super about water?) Anyway you apply all of them on dry face and start massaging it around. They all start balling up within seconds so you don't need to rub it around like crazy. Nature Republic and Secret Key are both equally gentle while Missha is a bit more abrasive, because it's not just a gel that pills up, it actually contains some tiny flour-like(?) particles that aid in exfoliation. Stay away if your skin is sensitive. None of them irritated my skin though and they all left it baby soft. I say for the price they're worth a try! You can probably find them all for even cheaper on other sites like Jolse or eBay. I got the last one for less than 10 dollars I think.

Fellow Dutchie here! I know your struggle. I order many of the products I use from the German amazon. It's not ideal, as the prices vary every day and can get way higher than the original price. The shipping is usually cheap though.

It looks like they have the sebamed clear face care gel here for seven euros! They ship for free throughout Germany which usually means shipment is free in the Netherlands too :) good luck!

That poor girl. Mine isn't quite that bad, but I also have the white spots within the darker areas, so I initially thought it was just a lot of brown spots around acne scars. My dermatologist was like, nope, that's melasma. She did give me hydroquinone cream, but I swear it was making me break out (the areas on my cheeks, not upper lip). She said it shouldn't, but whenever I tried using it I'd develop pustules.

Mine also came on right after I started taking BC--it was never an issue in my teens. I've been on various types over the years, even get my hormone levels tested to make sure there isn't an imbalance, but the melasma is always there. In fact, I've been off BC since mid-December and obviously not been out in the sun much because of winter, but it's still here.

Have you tried any Asian beauty products? A lot of their serums, moisturizers, BB creams, etc. are made to lighten dark spots, so I'm slowly embracing that. A couple of weeks ago I started using Hada Labo's Whitening Perfect Gel in place of my regular moisturizer in the morning (I know it says it's a sleeping pack, but I'm already using acne treatments, AHAs, etc at night!) and it could just be wishful thinking, but I really think my skin is looking brighter. Another thing I've been using for a month or so now 1-2x a week is Miss Spa's Purifying Overnight Gel Mask. It's $8 a packet and while it says you get three applications, I've gotten at least ten. When I get up in the morning after using it I swear my skin looks brighter.

1. Cleanser -link - Remove dirt, really powerful. It has gotten rid of my blackheads, and I had a lot.

2. Exfoliator -link - Only whenever my skin can handle it. Will get rid of all of that flakey skin you have for a smooth finish. It'll make your skin 100% smooth without flakes after 1 use.

3. Essence -link - Skin treatment after exfoliator, replacement for toner. Repairs damaged skin as well and is good protection.

Finally, any Korean BB Cream that goes well with your skin tone. A good BB cream is protective tinted moisturizer to hide your imperfections. Asian BB Cream products are way superior than the American versions.

I would recommend this for you as good BB Creams if you're ever interested:

Choice One - Link - Whitening, Wrinkle Repair, Moisturizer, Tinted, Sunblock. This one is a bit stronger.

Choice Two - Link - Whitening, Wrinkle Repair, Moisturizer, Tinted, Sunblock. This one is more popular.

Panoxyl 10% BP Wash (make sure its the 10% not the 4% and in cleanser form not the bar - the bar isn't as effective in my opinion) - literally my HG chest cleanser. My derm recommended it to me 2 years ago and I have never looked back.

http://www.amazon.com/Panoxyl-Foaming-Acne-Wash-5-5/dp/B004N12A9Q/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1462247519&sr=1-5&keywords=panoxyl&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011

you can also get it from any drugstore. i personally buy the wal-mart knock off version now (equate is their brand) and its like $6 compared to the $10-$12 you spend at a drugstore or on amazon. i will warn you, though, walmart doesn't always have it in stock so you may have to just bite the bullet.

its a thick clay like consistency and doesn't always foam so much so I'm not sure why they say "foaming cleanser" - but you'll feel it working. The first time i used it, it stung a bit but now I don't feel anything. Basically, you squeeze some out of the tube onto your hands and massage it on your chest, then let it sit for 2-3 minutes - i usually do it first thing in the shower and let it sit while I wash my hair and use my regular body wash on the rest of my body then rinse all al the same time. But, do whatever works best for you.

warning - make sure you rinse it off completely, since it is thick some might get left behind and unless you have white towels, you will bleach everything that touches it. with that being said, do not do this at night. I did it at night once upon a time - and i woke up the next morning to bleach stains all over my grey pillowcases and sheets. stomach sleeper + benzoyl peroxide = tie-dyed sheets :/ of course, if you have white towels and white sheets (which i have since switched to as a precaution) then you don't need to worry about that happening and can do it any time you want! But, i figured I'd spare you form learning the hard way like me...just in case :)

let me know how you make out!

edit : i also stopped using dryer sheets altogether on my clothes and i found that made a difference in my skin overall (ymmv). so if you use any, my rec would be to use the free and clear liquid softener instead.

It's not too hard to find a face wash that isn't full of plastic! However if you are interested, try to aim for a PH of 5.5 as this is about the same PH as skin. It'll stop that drying feeling, especially if it doesn't have alcohol.

You could also look up your brand on http://www.cosdna.com/, it reviews the ingredients and you can check of any are damaging or causing any break outs :)

So, if you're actually interested in finding good face wash, thats my suggestion. It seems that you live in the UK so I took the liberty of finding some good face washes that are good for your skin :)

Depending of course, on your skin type, of course.
Simple Refreshing Facial Wash looks good:
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Refreshing-Facial-Wash-Ounce/dp/B00CHHK2B6?th=1

Its review http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_f365243463.html looks fairly mild, and its PH is 5.5 (as of what I can find, they may have a new bottle out so if that is the case you may need to check it).

I'm being facetious perhaps, but your skin is a very large organ and deserves some care. Washing it, sun cream daily and moisturiser is the least you can do to help it protect you from the environment.

1. Is PocketDerm available in your region? This looks like something an oral antibiotic and some gentler treatments could help resolve.
   
   
2. You're using a lot of really harsh treatments. Does your skin ever feel tight and dry in areas, and oily in other areas? If so, your face is oily because your skin is trying to re-hydrate itself. It's important to be kind to your skin.
   
   
3. Over-hydrating skin isn't a thing I've ever heard of, and if it does exist then you are definitely not in danger of doing it. Not even close.
   
   I would get rid of everything you're doing and start fresh, with much gentler products.
   
   
   

• Try Vanicream Free and Clear. It's gentler, and doesn't have fatty alcohols. CeraVe Foaming can dry out skin, and dry skin is bad.
  
  
• You can use a konjac sponge a few times per week for gentle physical exfoliation. Don't over use it though, we don't want to irritate your skin!
  
  
• I love Sebamed Clear Face Gel as a moisturizer. It helps repair your acid mantle and rebalance your skin's pH.
  
  
• Where's your sunscreen, man?! EltaMD makes a good one.
  
  
• If you decide to try OCM, consider using Neem Oil. Tons of people here have had success with it.
  
  
• CHECK YOUR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER. If you have bacne you might be further irritating it with ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner.
  
  A couple of the items listed are a bit pricey, but they're so great, in my opinion. The Sebamed, especially. And the PocketDerm. If you try these and your skin improves, you can try slowly reintroducing your harsh treatments. Try to love your skin, not beat it into submission.
  

I wear makeup every day to work under this one I just purchased a few weeks ago after needing to switch from everyone's fav Biore Watery Essence (which I found too gloopy / sticky under my makeup).

Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel SPF 50/PA+++

So far so good! It leaves me a little shiny even after putting my foundation or BB cream on, but a little powder on top solves this for me.

I'm waiting for this one to arrive which I think is new in 2018 and has some good reviews online in the AB world: Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel (SPF50 + PA ++++). This will be my first time trying a gel and I'm optimistic about it. Have you tried gels before?

I stumbled upon this subreddit, and am so excited to discover Asian beauty. I live outside the U.S. and had someone coming to visit, so everything I purchased was from Amazon Prime so that I could get it in time. Also, being such a newbie here, shopping on other sites is a bit intimidating for me. I thought this would be helpful to others that are just starting out with Asian beauty.

[Etude House Tint My Brows Gel #3 Gray Brown] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B732GT6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MWI2IS0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Skinfood Dark Circle Concealer Cream no.1 salmon] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KR392E0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, 16 Combo Pack] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BAM7F8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00STAV016/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQM3S3C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[C 20 Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WWLIN9U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WE3XGAC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45 PA+++] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ENTM3FY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ILUH7E8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask 10 pcs] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WASFDOI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[INNISFREE GREEN TEA SLEEPING PACK] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJGI0VW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[KOSE Softy Mo Deep Cleansing Oil] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V2FB88/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCHME3G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Hadalabo Japan goku jyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EWNK83U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Etude House I Need You Mask Sheet 15pcs set] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NPNUTNW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

My SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule is in plastic because the lid came loose in transit and spilled everywhere, but there is still half of it in there. So far I have tried a few face masks, and I am in love. I am so excited to try it all! :)

Yes! I really like that one. This is the other - Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel (SPF50 + PA ++++) 110g https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BM1UQTU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Uc6pDbJ9HHZH4

For physical I love Australian Gold Tinted and Badger Balm Clear Zinc Lotion. I have oily and acne prone skin so my skin reacts better to the sometimes drying zinc. Almost all US chemical sunscreens break me out. The cast and texture of physical are definitely problem areas for many. It’s all about finding a few you like!!

Skin Type: dry/sensitive | Country/Climate I'm in: Coastal California/Cool humid | Top Skin Concern: redness/sensitivity/dryness/wrinkles

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• ETUDE HOUSE Real Art Cleansing Oil Mild (this is fairly new to my routine, but I've been using oil cleanser for about two years now)
  
  
• Paula's Choice Calm cleanser for normal/dry
  
  
• Paula's Choice 1% BHA lotion
  
  
• Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture (this is fairly new to my routine)
  
  
• Holy Snails Shark Sauce
  
  
• YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Age Prevention Superfood Cream
  
  
• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid ((this is fairly new to my routine)
  
  
• Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
  
  PM
  
  ehhh, I don't always wash my face more than once a day. I'm a SAHM, so I don't always get out of the house. I've been trying to wear makeup in an effort for force myself to cleanse my face at night, but it has been irritating the bejesus out of my face. I likely have pre-rosacea (it runs in the family) and my face gets tight/hot/sensitive every time I try.
  
  I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]...
  
  I am just starting my journey into Asian/Korean beauty. I have a a friend who has been helping me along. I have ROSETTE | Skin Care | Aqua Ceramide Gel on deck to replace my YTTP moisturizer. I am also nearly finished with my PC cleanser, and I tried the Cosrx low ph but it really irritated my skin. I am waiting to try the Innisfree Blueberry cleanser that was recommended to me in a previous thread. I also have some Alpha Lipoic acid from The Ordinary, but I'm not sure where to put it.
  
  I am looking for tips, product suggestions, and order of operation advice!

Heya! I'm still a SCA newb, but I have similar skin to what you're decsribing, so I figured I'd throw in my two cents.

My skin is sensitive and dehydrated. It's not necessarily oily, though it can be (I have normal/combo skin). The first thing that was recommended to me was a low pH cleanser, like this. It shipped really quickly too, which was nice (and it was super affordable). Second, invest in a good light-weight moisturizer, like this.

Here's what my current routine looks like, and while I've only been doing it for a week (and have fiddled with it some), I can already feel a world of difference (see not so much, but that will come with time).

AM: rinse face off with water, Witch Hazel toner, spritz, and then maybe moisturize (I've been moisturizing in the morning every other morning).

PM: cleanse, Witch Hazel toner, exfoliate (using this BHA up, and then getting a better one) every other day, moisturize, sleep pack several times a week

Is it safe to buy from Amazon sellers so long as they have good product ratings and feedback? I want to buy Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV, Baby Pink Mineral BB Cream, Cosrx Good Morning Gel Cleanser, and Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher. Help much appreciated!

I second Sebamed already mentioned here! The one I use is more of a gel with aloe in it. Afterwards put a super thin layer of Vaseline on - it’ll help seal the moisture in to help heal the area and it’ll keep you from bugging it since it’s a little slimey.

If the area has any open wounds look into hydrocolloid bandages! Make sure the area is freshly clean with no ointments/lotions/serums before putting them on. You can keep them on for 3-7 days and even shower with them on! I prefer the gel-like ones over the tegaderm sheets (which are more like adhesive plastic wrap).

Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NTJJR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-hW3CbGRT3JF0


Band-Aid HydroSeal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TN7L3R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TiW3CbSAZJN21

As I have learned about skincare I realized that my skin is dry/combination, and my face has gotten much less oily since I started to focus on hydration and moisturizing. I inherited my skin from my mom, who pretty much worships at the altar of benzoyl peroxide and SA. I want to show her the light by buying her a basic set of products that focuses on hydration.

She is a bit stubborn so I want to get her a regimen that 1) is simple—uses three or less products—and 2) feels good to use—has high cosmetic elegance. I did some research and came up with this:

Hada Lobo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

• Elegant, has hyaluronic acid, gentle
  
  edit: replacing this with Hada Labo Gokujun HA Cleansing Foam
  
  Hada Labo Rohto Gokujun Lotion
  
  
• Do I even need to say anything here
  
  Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel
  
  
• Incredible ingredient list, seals in all that HA
  
  Just want to do a sanity check and make sure this is a good set of products before I spend the money on it. Any critiques or suggestions? She already uses decent sunscreen.

Morning
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
NuFountain C20+ Ferulic Serum
Paula's Choice Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Paula's Choice Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

Evening
Julep Love Your Bare Face Cleansing Oil
CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Blue light therapy mask
Garden of Wisdom Mandelic Acid 10%
Paula's Choice Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner
Paula's Choice Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum
Scinic Honey AIO Ampoule
LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence
Garden of Wisdom Blemish Prone Serum
Customized mix of Prickly Pear, Marula, Passionfruit, Camelia Japonica, and Seabuckthorn Oils, all purchased from Garden of Wisdom
CeraVe Healing Ointment

I’m a newbie but this is what I use. My skin is very dry and reddish. Any products that made it not dry left it feeling greasy my whole life.

First I wash with this KOSE oil cleanser which is different than just using oil! When I first put it on my face I thought I was making a huge mistake because of the texture but it just took some getting used to. It feels very slick and oily, but not greasy in a bad way. This stuff gets off any makeup or buildup from lotion and other products.

Then I wash again with Secret Key and believe me I was skeptical because I thought washing my face twice in a row would ruin my skin/life but this exfoliates and gets the oil off perfectly and leaves my skin feeling great.

I use Klairs Toner which is so different than every other toner I've used that made my skin feel dry and tight. This is about balancing your pH and getting your skin ready to absorb moisturizer and a little goes a long way.

Then I use this Benton Aloe Gel to moisturize and it feels great and leaves my face so soft!

If I'm not sitting around the house all day I use Biore sunscreen which is so light and doesn't clog my pores.

At night I use some standard ponds cream as a moisturizer.

Kose Softymo is a good inexpensive oil cleanser.

Excellent review comparing Hadalabo with Juju Aquamoist here. Hadalabo also has English webpages for their products.

Shiseido Anessa & Kanebo Allie sunscreens are my #1 Japanese purchase.

Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream is great for humid weather.

Kao Biore has some special Japan only items like these toners. I recommend that blog for a lot of product reviews.

It looks like a mix of folliculitis caused by malassezia (fungal acne) and bacterial acne. I'm not sure but all products below are safe for skin with fungal / bacterial acne.

• Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QY1XZ4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_F4ORDbN34AQZ3
  
• Moisturizer: Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NTJJR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_VaPRDbV6B26M7
  
• Bacterial Acne Treatment: Acne.org Treatment (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00164FKWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_C5ORDbPX8TS6X
  
• Sunscreen: Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_j6ORDbKK7ZG7W
  
  ------
  
• Fungal Acne Treatment: Selsun Blue Selenium Sulfide Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UGL84U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_qlPRDbJMXEP5N - once a week only, use like a facial wash, leave on the face for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly

Right now I'm using Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel.. it's okay, better than nothing really but not as moisturizing as I would like. I just ordered Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion because people seem to rave over at /r/AsianBeauty about it for hydration. It contains Hyaluronic Acid which is apparently really good for hydrating the skin.. you're supposed to put it on before you moisturize according to what I've read.

I also started using Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel as a cleanser.. just started this morning so too early to give a review on it but I purchased it because I read so much about it working well with dehydrated skin. I also have a new moisturizing coming in the mail.. Dr. Lin Skincare Daily Hydrating Gel which also contains Hyaluronic Acid but again can't give a review on this one quite yet.

The least you could do though is order the Sebamed moisturizer as there's a low chance it'll break you out further (and you definitely need to start moisturizing). The reason I say there's a low chance it'll break you out is because there's not really anything harmful in it as far as I can tell and it's completely devoid of alcohols which is why I purchased it initially.

Hey guys,

Although it is not that noticeable from the pictures in realty they appear worse. I have been trying on this routine for around two and a half weeks now but I am see insufficient improvement. Here is my schedule that I got from the awesome user of /u/skunkpaw who helped me get started.

My daily routine:

CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

Stridex Maximum Strength pads

Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Lotion

These are pics after a shower and after putting on moisturizer and taking a nap the marks appear to be more subtle but I have an shinier/oily face.

Thanks for your great reply :)

I'm unsure whether I'm sensitive to fatty alcohols tbh but I don't think my skin is usually sensitive to alcohol

I checked out the things you recommended:

• CeraVe is unfortunately not available in my country except online for $26 not including shipping.
  
• I found the Rosette Skin Care Aqua Ceramide Gel for the cheapest price on Ebay for $25 here but I'm not sure if I have to pay for shipping or not because the description is kind of confusing... and on Amazon for $18 here but I haven't used Amazon before and I'm not sure which would get to me faster.
  
• The Laneige Multiberry Yoghurt Pack is almost $40 so it's too expensive unfortunately :( I've been looking around and I can't find any samples for it?
  
• The Innisfree masks seem pretty good $17 for 5.
  
  I'm really trying to do what's best! :( I'm using Cetaphil cleanser but it stings my face :( I do have Innisfree Bija gel cleanser coming maybe that will be better but who knows.
  
  This would be a lot easier if I had money lol
  
  
  
  

I've heard/tried the following and liked them:

• Heroine Mascara Long & Curl and Volume & Curl (haven't tried the volume one, but plan to soon). - I have short, straight lashes but they lengthen and actually stay curled!
  
  
• Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil - I really enjoy this oil cleanser and use it when I take make up off at night.
  
  
• Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam - This is very gentle. I use it after an oil cleanser at night (oil cleanser is for taking off makeup).
  
  
• Dollywink Eyeshadow - The colors are very neutral and nice for the "natural" look.
  
  

Thank you for replying!

Here is everything i've picked out (all recommended by the users here in ScA)

Cleanser: Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml by Cosrx

Exfoliate: [Gycolic Lactic AHA/BHA Clarifying Cleanser C2 (150ml Mild Citrus Scent]
(https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00W012JUG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Spot removal: Naissance Neem Oil 250ml Certified Organic 100% Pure

Moisturiser: Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream 50ml



I got all these todays, and ive just done my first ever routine. Neem oil has a very peculiar smell. Kinda smells like cinnamon and fish combined. Gross but if this is the cost of clear skin, so be it.

So when i apply the cleanser do i wait like a few minutes for it to dry on my face? or do i wash it out? And do i apply neem oil before or after the moisturizer? if i apply it before, should i do it straight after i apply the neem oil (or vice versa)

Thank you for helping a noob!

I got mine off Amazon from a seller called Sukiyaki Japan. I'm not sure if this link works for Canada but this is where I ordered from: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FQNIX0?ref=olp_product_details

If you look at other sellers you'll see a bunch listed with pretty positive ratings. If the link doesn't work for you, try searching "B000FQNIX0" which is the product's ASIN (kind of like an amazon product sku). Hope this helps :)

I've found r/asianbeauty to be life changing. Basically, you need a SUPER gentle face wash and tons of moisturizer. I can tell that my skin is a lot oilier now, but because I know how to manage it and my hormonal acne, I haven't had many breakouts. When you use too harsh of a face wash, your skin freaks out and over produces oil (simplified explanation).

My super simple AB routine:

• [coxrx low PH face wash]
  (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NRXO06/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Laneige bright renew emulsion (I used to buy at target but they've stopped carrying it so I'll need to find another. An emulsion is just a super liquidy light moisturizer you use in addition to a full moisturizer and has extra benefits. This one in particular is "lightening" which I find helpful for those stubborn red spots that are leftover after zits)
  
• Belief The True Cream Aqua Bomb
  
  These are somewhat on the expensive side, but r/asianbeauty can point you to more options that are dupes for these products. I have hormonal acne normally and somewhat normal to oily skin.

Hello! I'm new to this sub and a lot of AB products. I've been wanting to try out a new routine. I have combo sensitive skin and live in Southern California where the weather is always dry and sunny.

For now I use:

• a face cleanser from Nature Republic
  
  
• the day moisturizer from Cerave
  
  
• Skin Aqua super moisture essence (I also own the Skin Aqua UV super moisture gel as well)
  
  I feel like I'm lacking - I want to address aging prevention, dealing with and preventing sunspots/freckles, and acne (the acne is my fault since I get lazy at cleaning the Skin Aqua off my face sometimes when I sleep). I have my eye on these products due to recommendations on this sub:
  
  
• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
  
  
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (for moisturizing)
  
  
• Rohto Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence (for acne spots)
  
  
• Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner (moisturizing, hydrating, and reduce reddening from the sun?)
  
  
• Sake High Moisture Skin Lotion Toner By Kikumasamune (moisturizer? I saw this was mentioned a lot) or Cezanne Ceramide Skin Conditioner High Moist
  
  
• Stratia Rewind or [Paula's Choice anti-aging skin hydrator](https://www.paulaschoice.com/resist-anti-aging-clear-skin-hydrator/769.html）(for anti-aging)
  
  Are these good to put into my routine for the reasons I put in parentheses? Or any reservations due to past experience with these products with combo skin?

AM

• Sebamed Pflege-Gel
  
  Ingredients:
  > Aqua, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Sodium Carbomer, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
  
  
• COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
  
  Ingredients:
  > Snail secretion filtrate, betaine, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, sodium hyaluronate, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, arginine, dimethicone, carbomer, panthenol, allantoin, sodium polyacrylate, xanthan gum, ethyl hexanediol, adenosine, phenoxyethanol
  
  PM
  
  The same, just a little more than during the day.
  
  -----------------------------------
  
  Hey everyone!
  
  I recently started getting into Asianbeauty and as adviced by this post I bought a few items and intend to introduce them step by step. Since I am basically starting at zero I thought I'd just try the more popular ones at first and bought the COSRX Snail 92 Cream after reading about it here.
  
  To test how my skin reacts to it I decided to use nothing else at first, no cleanser or anything. After a couple of days of usage I noticed a little bit of flaking and decided to use the Sebamed Gel underneath since it's a very minimalist product that I'm pretty sure doesn't break me out.
  
  I tend to get noticeably shiny/oily after a while, but that doesn't bother me too much, though I've read that this might be because of dehydrated skin. So after reading about Moisture Meters, I bought this thingy since I was curious what it'll say about my skin. So after washing my face with water and applying my two products I waited a couple of minutes and tried it out and it showed 40% in the "water" section. Some hours passed and now I'm around 35% with +/- 1-2% variation depending on where I measure it. I've read that fully moistured it should be about 60%, so what's up with that and what do I do about it? Of course this is just a cheap tool and it's not my main goal to reach exactly 60%, but still the numbers I got seemed kind of low. I'm sure it's not broken or anything since it shows pretty high numbers if I for example wet my skin, dry it off a little and then measure the moisture.
  
  Does this mean the COSRX 92 snail cream even in combination with the Sebamed Gel is just not enough and I need additional hydrating products? I'm currently just testing how my skin reacts to the COSRX 92 cream, so I'm not sure if it'd be a good idea to just add additional products already, but I'm also not sure if I should continue using only these two products, essentially leaving my skin under-hydrated for the time being. Does this maybe mean I need an entirely different product, at least as of now?
  
  I also bought the ROSETTE Ceramide Gel since it was also pretty high on this list, though I'm currently not using it.

To start you need a cleanser and a moisturizer and a sunscreen at a minimum. I recommend the CosRx low pH good morning gel for a cleanser. I’ve never seen it sold in stores. I buy mine on Amazon. The Cerave moisturizers are well liked and can be found just about anywhere. I like Biore watery essence for a sunscreen because it’s matte and doesn’t cause acne and can be worn under makeup but Neutrogena makes a good one that works for most people too. You can add serums for skincare concerns like acne, redness, uneven skin texture/color, or wrinkles but you don’t have to.

Check out /r/asianbeauty too


Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, 5.07 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IUPZAb5QWDYA3

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 16 oz Daily Face and Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vWPZAbHME5VM8

Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Gel SPF50+/PA++++ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAX614L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gZPZAb00FRCFG

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Spf 45, 3 Fl. Oz., Pack Of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D2DR0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TZPZAbP4WQDTV

Hi there guys newbie here, I read the guides and could use help making a simple routine.

Skin Type: Combo Oily (dehydrated?) and shade is closest to 'neutral tan' in this pic | Country/Climate I'm in: SoCal | Top Skin Concern: making it less oily

Current Routine/Products I'm Using: I use this Simple facial wash while I'm taking a shower, and CeraVe moisturing cream afterwards. Thats pretty much it. After reading the guides I'm thinking of making the following routine.

AM

• Oil Based Cleanser- Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
  
  
• Low pH water-based cleanser -Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
  
  
• Moisturizer - The CeraVe previously mentioned, this is ok right, or should I get a different moisturizer?
  
  
• Sun Screen - Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++
  
  PM I'm not really sure what I should use here besides moisturizer, I'm a guy, so I have no makeup to remove.
  
  
• The Simple face wash I already use, because I still have more than half of it left.
  
  
• The CeraVe moisturizer.
  
  
  Would a toner be worth it? I'm thinking of adding the Hada Labo Super Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. And this would go in between the 2nd cleanser and moisturizer right?
  
  And just to double check, I would use the cleansers while taking a shower, then toner and moisturizer after getting out, and waiting a bit before I use the sunscreen right?
  
  Anything you guys would add or remove, or just general comments? I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible so if there are any reduncies I'd be happy to take them out.
  
  Edit: buying these products off amazon is safe right, the all seem to be highly rated so I don't think there would be fakes

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cleanser cleared up my skin brilliantly. I can highly recommend it.

I notice they've also come out with a Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser and a multi-step treatment system. I haven't tried these, however I know Effaclar Duo (included in the treatment system) has consistently been well reviewed.

I don't really have much skin trouble anymore, however if I feel my skin looks a little congested I use the Cattier Clay Mask. It's really inexpensive in France, and surprisingly not horribly overpriced on the US either.

I hope you find something that helps clear up your skin! I know how rubbish flare-ups can be and how much it can impact how you feel about yourself.

Ur skin story sounds exactly like mine! Until about a year ago I had given up because I just couldn't win with my skin. After I found a combination of products I finally was able to conquer my Oil and reduce it up to 50%! Other then the skin care kit these links are to just slow the product, u can get them almost anywhere if u have a Walmart, target, cvs, Ulta, etc. you will find something that works soon enough!

This kit was the holy grail for my skin, I use every products in there regularly and my skin has never been easier to control:

http://www.oliviasorganics.co/product-page/76a516a9-44dd-b736-1c2a-fa0f7cff79f4

Favorite primer hands down because it still gives you flawless foundation but I don't have new acne at the end of the day:

http://www.elfcosmetics.com/p/blemish-control-primer?dept=face-faceprimer

I put this on before the primer/ when I don't plan on wearing foundation depending on what your plan is for the day:

http://m.sephora.com/product/P405169?om_mmc=ppc-GG_704370388_36229712789_aud-89368447817:dsa-114458062611__161946791274_9005442_m&publisher_id=255779&sub_publisher=g&is_mobile=m&sub_campaign=704370388&sub_placement=&gdevice=m&gclid=Cj0KEQiA5IHEBRCLr_PZvq2_6qcBEiQAL4cQ05WwIaAQ2bj5x7WQjYarM_GoYTzgruqtu4JK7RzQ68caAhUi8P8HAQ&site=_search&gmodel=&country_switch=&lang=en&sub_ad=161946791274&skuId=1789122

My oil production is at a high at night so right before I go to bed I put a light layer all over my acne prone areas:

Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10, Maximum Strength, 1 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KZ22ED4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_k3nGybF2FHVHA

I have to avoid foaming cleansers like the plague. I'm fairly sensitive skinned, but not as sensitive as you.

You may check out Avene and see if any of the ingredients in it are known irritants for you. I've been using it for a few weeks (since finding this sub), and I love it. It's better than any other cleanser I've used in terms of my skin's reaction to it. It's a bit pricey, though, so I'd definitely research the ingredients before committing, since your skin is very sensitive!

Good luck in your search!

I've been in your shoes and I know how disheartening the struggle with acne can be. When we feel like it's really bad we tend to throw any and every big gun product we have at our disposal to fight acne, but these products are so harsh and can make things worse :/ If I may make some product/routine recommendations from my experience with the ebbs and flows of acne, maybe it could be helpful?

​

Cleanser: Vanicream gentle cleanser (pH balanced, won't strip your skin or irritate it further, but doesn't leave a film or residue)

Treatment: if you feel the AHA works well for you, keep it here or I might suggest asalicylic acid product

Moisturizer: if you feel your cetaphil works well keep it or I would suggest something very bland and gentle, Sebamed Clear Face Gel. I would also recommend a healing/anti-inflammatory product over top of everything before you go to sleep, La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. It has madecassoside which is a wound healing ingredient that can soothe, repair, and help with irritation; it works so well on my cystic acne!

​

and in the daytime a non-pore clogging SPF, Elta MD is often well tolerated by people with acne and acne prone skin! I personally use CosRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen tho

I had this issue! It's so frustrating. I too have combination skin, for reference. The things I've found that have helped me are the Cure Natural Aqua Gel (this made the biggest difference I think) and religiously using Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel. I've also been moisturizing a ton and have found that using the Hada Labo Gokujun Lotion helps my skin absorb moisture better, and/or helps combat some of the dehydration that I think causes flakiness for me.

Some other things I have tried and found helpful: using a sheet mask at least once a week, and gentle exfoliation using something like a konjac sponge once a day. Make sure none of the cleansers you're using are too harsh/drying for you skin too!

Dr.G Brightening Peeling Gel


Shiseido Facial Cotton


Neogen Dermalogy Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser


Blithe Soothing & Healing Green Tea Splash Mask


Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban


I'M FROM Sweet As Honey Mask Set


COSRXHoly Moly Snail Mask


INOFACE Peppermint Body Jelly Wash


INOFACE Milk Body Jelly Wash


APRIL SKIN Mummy Mud Mask


SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule


FREESET Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask Healing


KOCOSTAR Nail Therapy


WISH FORMULA Bat Eye Essence Mask


BLOSSOM JEJU Brightening Vitamin Essence Petal Mask


WISH FORMULA Squish-and-Bubble Mesh Mask


LINDSAY Modeling Rubber Mask Sets


GLOW RECIPE Sample Leaflet

I would really recommend getting better face wash, especially since you're buying Paula's Choice which isn't cheap. Cheap face soap options:

• CosRX low pH
  
  
• Equate or Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash
  
  
• Cetaphil
  
  
  
  

1. Super Booster would go after face wash and before toner
   
2. Yes, I would suggest using the AHA at night, but since you're using a sunscreen it's not as big of a deal. If not, it would go after the Super Booster and before the toner.
   
3. These are great for acne that has it's head (i.e. extractable). They suck out most of the goo, no extraction required, overnight (but I extract first because I'm bad too!). Otherwise, you could reapply a little of the AHA as a spot treatment, or get a salicylic acid spot treatment.
   
4. I would recommend repurchasing if it works for you until your skin is used to the new products. However, it looks like a relatively simple ingredients formula. I'm on the snail train with /r/AsianBeauty, you could look there for possible new moisturizers. I recently bought cosRX's Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap which is a light moisturizer. You may want to look towards moisturizers with more humectant ingredients (more moisturizing) if your skin feels tight or dry.
   
   AsianBeauty megathreads
   

Skin Type: Combo, NW15 (Ginger with freckles)

Colorado, US / Climate Type: Steppe (semi-arid)

Top Skin Concern: Dullness/aging/tired looking skin

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
  
• Cezanne Skin Conditioner
  
• It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector
  
• MIZON Black Snail All In One Cream
  
• Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++
  
  PM
  
  
• Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil Moisture Advanced
  
• Cezanne Skin Conditioner
  
• It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector
  
• MIZON Black Snail All In One Cream
  
  MASK Once/Week
  
  
• Skinfood Black Sugar Strawberry Mask Wash Off
  
  My face get's super oily about 2 hours after my morning routine. I don't wear any concealer/foundation. I will sometimes powder my face if I'm going anywhere other than work. Powder only helps for an hour or so then I'm right back to super oily. I use blotting paper, which lasts for an hour or so as well.
  
  1st question: Is the blotting paper compromising any of these products? In other words, does blotting paper exclusively absorb just facial oil, or does it also remove any of the product?
  
  2nd question: What can I do about all the oil? I'm super shiny! :(

Alas, testing Cerave Hydrating Cleanser to repair my moisture barrier has not worked :( I absolutely love the way my face felt using it and I finally felt like I had smooth skin, BUT now I have whiteheads on my chin, upper lip, and on my forehead.

Any recommendations for low PH gentle second cleansers? Here's what I've already tried that has broken me out/irritated my skin:

• SU:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
  
• Benton Honest Cleansing Foam
  
• Tosowoong Enzyme Cleaning Powder
  
• Hada Labo Tokyo Hydrating Cleanser
  
• Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
  
• Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
  
  I'm looking for something with minimal ingredients, no/low alcohol content, and no Sodium Hyaluronate (probably no hyaluronic acid either). Also, personally, I would like to learn more towards cleansing milks and gels than foaming products.
  
  I am eyeing the Innisfree The Minimum Facial Cleanser or Inisfree Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble Cleansing Gel. Would they be good choices for my skin troubles?

Product name: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (Amazon [CAN] (https://www.amazon.ca/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473115500&sr=8-1&keywords=low+ph+good+morning) | [USA] (https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1473115559&sr=8-1&keywords=cosrx+low+ph))
Price (range): $8 - $15
Country: Canada
Skin type: Oil-y, acne-prone, hormonal
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Special info: pH is about 3.5, smells like tea tree, a much loved skin cleanser in the [AB Community] (https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/)
Experience & opinion: I like the smell, I love that it makes my skin feel so clean and is non-drying (for me), I love that the pH is appropriately low, I've had no negative/adverse reactions

To begin, I have extremely sensitive skin that is very prone to acne so exfoliating is always very tricky for me. It is also very dehydrated unless I coat it in aquaphor healing ointment day and night (which is amazing).

RAVE: 2% Hydroquinone Fade Cream Dark Spot Corrector & Melasma Treatment - Also Contains Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid -

I've started using this serum because I needed something with hydroquinone to help fade my dark spots left from where I had acne. The chemical exfoliants in this cream are definitely a bonus and have been kicking ass!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXLF8TY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mDxByb8D8YRPK

RAVE: Natural Aqua Gel Cure 250ml

This stuff is crazy awesome. I thought I was exfoliating gently and effectively with a konjac sponge but after using this stuff one time, it got rid of all of the dead skin cells sitting on top of my face that I didn't know were there. I'm sure this dead skin has been a cause of acne for a long time. Anyway, this stuff is very gentle and makes your skin looks so bright and soft. Highly recommend. My skin couldn't be happier.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ABLKK2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bHxBybYYQKJQV

RAVE: Aquaphor healing ointment.
This stuff has saved my dehydrated and acne prone skin. Can't believe I didn't try it sooner. It's like instant and lasting relief for irritated, inflamed, or dry skin and my pimples have never healed faster.

So my moisturizer is PH 5.5. Is that high or low? Because im really confused about my skin right now. When I cleanse and moisturize its fine. But when I cleanse and exfoliate and then moisturize my skin starts to burn. Im thinking that I may have oily skin but rather combination or dry sking.

Routine:

MORNING:

1. Cleanse with Eucerin DermoPure
   Link: https://www.amazon.com/EUCERIN-DERMOPURE-Face-Cleansing-400ml/dp/B0779W6HCW
   
   
2. Moisturize with Sebamed Clear Face
   Link: https://www.amazon.com/Sebamed-Clear-Face-Care-Gel/dp/B003NTJJR0/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1521731233&sr=1-1&keywords=sebamed+clear+face+gel
   
   
3. Sunscreen is Bioré Face Milk
   link: https://www.amazon.com/Biore-Perfect-Face-Milk-Spf50/dp/B00SM99KY8/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1521731294&sr=1-8&keywords=bior%C3%A9+sunscreen
   
   EVENING:
   
   
4. I clean with the same
   
   
5. I exfoliate with the BHA from The Ordinary
   Link: http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-salicylic-acid-2pct-solution-30ml?redir=1
   
   
6. Moisturize with the same
   
   I have been using it fairly long but my skins didnt get that much better. Especially redness. My face had blemishes I think they are called in english. Like these little spots of red that didnt hurt or feel different to touch they were just red. Also at the start the cleanser made my face feel tight but now it doesnt and the moisturizer did the same at first but it doesnt do that anymore either.
   
   edit: formatting

I use this stuff and love love love it, feels like satin on my face.

Shiseido SENKA Mineral Water UV Gel SPF50 PA+++ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SPN07DE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uMzPBb4Y26523

Hi, I'm new to all of this. I'm going to purchase these items - probably tomorrow. I'm aware that I have to start with baby steps. I've read that I should start using only the moisturizer then slowly add the others so I see which product responds well with my skin and to make sure to patch test.

I'm just not sure how to put these in a AM and PM format, mind helping me out so when it's time to use all of this in a routine, I'm more confident in what I'm doing, please?

Skin Type: Oily / Combination / Occasional Breakouts| Country/Climate I'm in: USA/Spring|

Top Skin Concern: My skin isn't really smooth or clear. I have blackheads and maybe tiny whiteheads, but there around my whole face like super tiny pimple rocks. It doesn't like bad, only when I'm close up the mirror. I also break out around my check and mouth area.

Oil-based cleanser: KOSE Softy Mo Facial Cleansing Oil Speedy

Low pH Cleanser: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Moisturizer: COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion


Ance/BHA: Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid 100 Ml

Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich

Spot treatment -[Cosrx] Acne Pimple Master Patch 24EA

If you're looking for cheap you can try this. I've tried it and it does the job.

I'm currently using this one but a bit pricier.

Saying what your skin type is can help people make better suggestions for a moisturizer (: a lot of people on this sub seem to like Cerave PM so I've been trying that out.

I have some suggestions. None of these have been moisturizing enough for me in the past though- I'm currently using products with both that irritate/break out my skin minimally. Please double check!

Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist

Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel

Cremo creme

Ceracolla Perfect Gel

Ceracolla lotion

Have not tried:

Oilatum natural repair cream

Asian beauty is where it's at mostly:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/3d18iq/cream_without_any_alcohol_fatty_alcohols_or/

The only additional product I'd suggest is Cure Natural Aqua Gel: http://www.amazon.com/Cure-Natural-Aqua-Gel-250ml/dp/B001ABLKK2. It provides super gentle exfoliation for all those flakes. Good luck! x

I really like Cure Natural Aqua Gel as an exfoliator. It's great for sensitive/dry skin, but I find it works best when my skin is bone-dry, before any cleansing whatsoever. I also like using my second cleanser with a konjac sponge, which also works for exfoliation.

I've been using Softymo Oil Cleanser with great luck. $10 gets you a HUGEEEE bottle of the stuff. It's very emulsifying and removes makeup like a dream. I don't think it would be best by itself, but with double cleansing, it's great.

Please correct me if i'm wrong, but you meants this one right? If that's the one, I honestly don't think its that expesinve:) I mean, dear lord, there are 1,752 positive reviews on Amazon.

I find oil cleansers are fantastic at removing lip products and other greasy makeup. I use this one for my face. Daiso sponge cleanser is a more heavy duty version of it that's not meant to be used on a face, but it gets all my foundation sponges and puffs squeaky clean.

Oil cleanser needs to be worked into a dry stain. Make sure the entire stain has a good coverage (you don't need to drench the stain but don't skimp). You can let it work a few minutes, then make the area where you applied the oil cleanser wet and work it gently, then rinse it out. Oil cleansers have emulsing agents so it becomes water soluble when it gets wet and dissolves with hopefully all the makeup leaving behind no residue. You can repeat the process if you missed a spot or didn't get everything out, just keep in mind that you have to put it on a dry stain again.

Yes, you do oil cleanser --> 2nd cleanser (it could be foaming, milk, micellar water, whatever works for you!) There are several oil cleansers that are popular around this sub. Off the top of my head:

• Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil (two types, 'speedy' and 'deep cleansing').
  
  
• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil.
  
  
• Cow Brand Mutenka Cleansing Oil.
  
  
• My favorite cleansing oil is the FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil but it's a little pricier than the others (still worth the money imo)
  
  I've added links to amazon for each product as a general price estimate, but you'd need to double check shipping, if there are better deals out there, etc.

So this is the [oil cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V2FBAQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), this is the [low ph cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NRXO06/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and an essence is like a serum but less concentrated. This is the [essence] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBX3L7K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I use. It has snail secretion which sounds gross but is believed to stimulate collagen and elastin and to improve the skin's texture. There's a lot of debate about it's effectiveness but I personally believe it has helped my skin retain moisture greatly. Overall, I use the oil cleanser to remove any makeup and sunscreen on my face. The low ph cleanser is basically to bring acidity to my skin which the toner balances out. Always remember to patch test every product you use especially if you have dry skin because it tends to be more sensitive. Also, check out the asian beauty sub reddit. There's a lot of great information.

I didn't know about gel moisturiser til I found this subreddit either.

The most popular ones are:

• simple gel moisturiser
  
• sebamed clear face gel
  
• Dr. Lin hydrating gel
  
  You can find them cheaper than the places I listed. I just wanted to show you what they looked like so when you look for them, you know what they are.
  
  Good luck with everything!

How much are you paying for Mizon? That brand is pretty cheap in my experience. CosRX has a similar snail cream, but I'd expect both to be around the same price point.

If you want the cheapest of the cheap you could go for the snail repair gel in the pink tube. Mizon's black snail AIO tends to be a little cheaper than the regular AIO; it has kind of an old lady smell, but I find it to be extremely soothing and still use it because I haven't found another product that works quite as well for immediately calming irritated skin.

If you're willing to move away from snail products, I've heard good things about the Rosette Aqua Ceramide gel and the Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel.

Don't worry, just focus on healing it! I really wanna recommend that you use a low pH cleanser on your back. This was critical for me clearing up my bacne, because it helps maintain the acid mantle on your skin that fights off P. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria, among others. My personal favorite that I have used on both my face and back is from a South Korean brand called CosRX. Their products are used by pretty much EVERYONE in the /r/asianbeauty and /r/skincare communities, so a lot of people can speak for this cleanser's efficacy. It's low pH and contains tea tree and a gentle form of salicylic acid. I've gone through 4 tubes, easily. Here's a link to buy on amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2MFRIPG7GPMQL&keywords=cosrx+low+ph+good+morning+gel+cleanser&qid=1555012248&s=gateway&sprefix=cosrx%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-3

​

If you have any questions, let me know!

Ok. Many thanks for the replies by the way. I'm in the uk, is the link below the same ceramide gel you use?

ROSETTE | Skin Care | Aqua Ceramide Gel 80g (japan import) [Badartikel] https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FQNIX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fyA6xbFEPE8WB

If i used that as a 'base' layer then my aveeno skin care on top...would that be an acceptable combo do you feel?

Olay Renewal Cleanser.

What would you recommend for gentle cleanser and moisturizer? Is this something I should experiment with? Can you help me decide which of the following products I should use? If not I can just try all of them. I think it's worth it to throw away some money for experimentation.

Possible moisturizers I might buy:

1. https://www.amazon.com/Radha-Beauty-Retinol-Moisturizer-Cream/dp/B015ORL3B8/ref=sr_1_11_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139128&sr=8-11&keywords=moisturizer
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Cream-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139128&sr=8-4&keywords=moisturizer
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/St-Ives-Timeless-Moisturizer-Collagen/dp/B000UVZU1S/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139128&sr=8-6&keywords=moisturizer
   
   Possible cleansers:
   
   
4. https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139507&sr=8-9&keywords=gentle+cleanser
   
5. https://www.amazon.com/Biore-Deep-Charcoal-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00L2BSI64/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1494139574&sr=1-9&keywords=facial+cleanser
   
6. https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76EY/ref=sr_1_12_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1494139574&sr=1-12&keywords=facial%2Bcleanser&th=1
   
   A quick search for chemical exfoliation shows me this. Should I try this later on?
   
   Edit: I noticed some of these products have acids in them. I guess I can use regular hand soap for a couple days until my skin recovers. Then I can start using these products.

I use this Oil cleanser and it's super easy to use and effective. Plus it's like $10 with prime shipping on amazon. If you're going to use an oil cleanser you should look into following with a second/foaming cleanser so that it doesnt clog your pores

If you can't find that one, maybe you'd like [Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel] (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B003NTJJR0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_SneLzbVY8V2B8) it's also a clear gel and it absorbs pretty quickly

Is it beneficial to use both an AHA exfoliant like Paula's Choice 8% AHA gel AND another exfoliant like Cure Natural Aqua Gel? Or is just one or the other optimal (considering cost, too, which is expensive for both)?

Hey guys, I'm transitioning towards AB products and was thinking about getting some cleansers since I'm running out.

For my 1st cleanser, I plan to get the KOSE oil cleanser but I'm not sure between the KOSE SOFTYMO oil or liquid. Does anyone know if there's a distinct difference between these products?

For my 2nd cleanser, I'm planning to integrate CosRx Low PH Good Morning Cleanser into my routine. But I'm curious if I would be over exfoliating if I use this product before Stridex since the CosRx states that it contains a BHA. Or is it ok to use them both since I'll rinse off the CosRx cleanser before using Stridex?

Skin Type: combo | Country/Climate: USA West Coast |Top Skin Concern: Switching to AB products

AM: Rinse with warm water - Cerave Hydrating Cleanser - Cerave Moisturizing Lotion - Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

PM: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser - Alternating between Stridex Red Box (2%BHA) and NipFab Glycolic Fix Pads (2.8% Glycolic Acid) x2 a week (Will probably stop using the NipFab Pads since they seem to break me out) - Cerave Moisturizing Lotion - Aquaphor

Yes, it's a cleansing oil (Kose - Deep Cleansing Oil). But alright, I'll stop using it in the morning. Would it be okay to use a vitamin c serum while using the retinoid or do I have to alternate them? And yeah, the lotion (Hada Labo - Premium Lotion) is actually just a bunch of hyaluronic acids I think. But thank you, I'll try to find everything you mentioned at the mall :)

asian skincare saved my ass last year lol nowadays i only get a one or two pimples a month

edit:

super basic stuff: cleanser, toner, moisturizer. that should probably be enough to at least save your skin.

cleanser: your og product. can make or break your skin.

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2TQOIB6N9ZQ3X&keywords=cosrx+good+morning+low+ph+cleanser&qid=1550461559&s=gateway&sprefix=cosrx+good&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Blueberry-Rebalancing-Cleanser-100ml/dp/B019IHFR62/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=330Y130ZBB6FW&keywords=soonjung+cleanser&qid=1550461748&s=gateway&sprefix=soon+jung+clea&sr=8-1

toner: this is it kiddos.

https://www.amazon.com/Preparation-Unscented-lightweight-essential-oil-free/dp/B07B65NJLV/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=LLIVWVM4DEIB&keywords=klairs+supple+preparation+facial+toner&qid=1550461458&s=gateway&sprefix=klairs+&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Goku-jun-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B00BS3Q0XE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3EN90P8W1S2AT&keywords=hada+labo+gokujyun+lotion&qid=1550461601&s=gateway&sprefix=hada+labo+&sr=8-3

moisturizer: goddamn important. just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you don't need a good moisturizing fix.

https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Cosrx-Oil-Free-Ultra-Moisturizing-Lotion/dp/B073P6ZPQ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1986BK07O07ZR&keywords=cosrx+oil+free+ultra+moisturizing+lotion&qid=1550461194&s=gateway&sprefix=cosrx+oil&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Green-Balancing-Cream-Product/dp/B07BDGBKGW/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=22706IGV0JMMU&keywords=innisfree+green+tea&qid=1550461327&s=gateway&sprefix=innis&sr=8-7

you only need one of these products from each step. i'm not the best at this stuff but i gave some links to help you guys. you just kind of slather the stuff on. sorry that the prices are kinda high but 'tis the price of skincare.

bonus: put this on after the toner and before the moisturizer.

https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Whitehead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=209JKXEVNL03V&keywords=cosrx+whitehead+power+liquid&qid=1550461861&s=gateway&sprefix=cosrx+w&sr=8-1

AHA!

How long is a purge period? Is my patch test even working?

I ordered Stratia Soft Touch 10% mandelic acid AHA. I've been using it once a week for the past month on the left side of my face.
Since it has tret and I don't want to destroy my moisture barrier, I stop using my Curology script the day before, of, and after on the left side of my face. I wonder if this is excessive?


My skin looks much better the day(s) after the AHA, but overall that side has more blemishes going on. I don't know if this is a reaction to the AHA (good or bad : purging or just disagreement) or a consequence of skipping the Curology? I've continued on the right side like normal (so, yeah, applying curology to just the right half my face like a weirdo.) I also don't know if I should be using the AHA more often? I'm not dried out or flaking.

I also added a cleanser CosRX Low pH Good Morning - patch testing on just the right side (I need a sunscreen, and to have a sunscreen I need a cleanser.) I'm using it (most) every night for about 20 days. The right side looks more or less the same...hard to really say, as I've always had closed comedones and some breakouts naturally. I don't think it's any worse off as a result of the cleanser? I will say my face feels a little "squeaky" when rinsing it off, but I wasn't using any cleanser before and I think that might just be what happens when I use a cleanser. I've never not had "squeaky." Anyway, during the rest of the day it isn't dry or flakey.

Is the cleanser maybe helping the right side to look better? Or is it the continual application of Curology?
Should I apply cleanser all over, and then also AHA on still just left side maybe twice a week for a couple more weeks to see how that goes?


edit : lol, patch test for 20 days, not 20 weeks.

I know this isn't exactly cheap (sorry!) but this is the best exfoliator I have ever used, and it is very gentle.

I'd really recommend a gel if you have acne prone skin! A lot of the recommended moisturizers in the beginner's routine have alcohol which can clog the pores for some people, so watch out for that.

This is Sebamed clear face gel from the beginner's recommendations.

This is Simple's gel moisturizer

Either one would be good for your skin, based on what you've said, so take your pick. I would not recommend using CeraVe or Cetaphil if you get acne and have oily skin.

When do you train? For example, if you train first thing in the morning, don't wash your face before training (just splash with water), then go home and cleanse and moisturize. Try to only cleanse 2x per day. If you have one work out early in the day and one late in the day, just do your skincare after each of these workouts.

Yes, in 2 weeks change your cleanser (you can try CeraVe foaming maybe?)

2 weeks after that (4 weeks from now), add a chemical exfoliant - a BHA or AHA.

Can you get the sebamed clear skin gel? I like it and it's good for all kinds of acne.
I think it really helped calm down my very irritated skin

Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel, 50 ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NTJJR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_O0yXzb08NBFYQ

From what I understand, Vaseline isn't technically a moisturizer, but an occlusive - basically, a skin protectant. It wouldn't provide moisture to your skin as much as simply help keep in the moisture that's already there. So you'd put it on after a moisturizer.


As for blindly trying moisturizers, I feel you. Here's what you can do to make less blind choices:

1. If you haven't already, make an account on CosDNA.
   
2. Search all of the moisturizers and products you know broke you out, and save them by clicking "Bookmark It" in the purple box above the ingredient list of the product.
   
3. After this, you can click "My Account" then navigate to "Fav Products", where all your selections should be saved.
   
4. Now is the time intensive part - look over the products you have tried. Pay special attention to ingredients with red values in the "Acne" or "Irritant" category.
   
5. If you find that there's a repeat ingredient in many of the products with a high value in one of these categories, click on the ingredient, and select "Bookmark It" in the purple box. From now on, every time you search something in CosDNA, the ingredient should be highlighted for you as long as you're logged in!
   
6. If there's a specific ingredient or two that's always shown up in products that break you out, you may just have found the culprit that you're sensitive to.
   
7. If you want to be sure, bookmark a product you know DOES NOT break you out. See if any of the highlighted ingredients shows up in the 'safe' product. If a suspect shows up in the 'safe' product and in other 'unsafe' products, then you can assume that you don't have a sensitivity to it and narrow down the search.
   
   For me, CeraVe is BAD. Just doesn't work for people. After tons of trial and error, I use a Neutrogena moisturizer I rarely see mentioned here. SebaMed Clear Face Gel didn't break me out and worked okay, but didn't moisturize too well. It was like the only thing it could do was not break me out, but nothing else.

Clean and Clear makes a pretty good OTC BP in my experience, won't fade it in time but should help some. If you haven't used this kind of BP before, only use it tonight, not tomorrow morning. BP can be drying and cause irritation.

Also, be confident! I know interviews are stressful, but you have a lot more to offer than just a pretty face :)

I've recently switched to physical sunscreens and am also oily and I've been loving MyChelle's untinted Sun Shield Liquid. It absorbs quickly, helps control oil, and I don't feel it on my face at all. They also have two tinted versions.

When I was using chemical sunscreens I loved the Shiseido SENKA sunscreen for many of the same reasons.

Aside from the lists that we can find on the sub, I'm not sure off the top of my head of ampoules or serums that contain ceramides. Of course, we can find plenty of creams and other moisturizing products that are full of ceramides. The Rosette Ceramide Gel is going for about $12 with free shipping on Amazon, here, and you can find plenty of reviews on the sub. I ordered one and I'm pretty excited to start using it. Maybe this could help in combo with your toner and emulsion? What are you using to moisturize at the moment, besides the emulsion?

Right now it's pretty much like this:

Morning:

Wash with cold water then put on Aco Fae 3+3 Day Cream.

Evening:

Wash with only cold water or Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (depending on if I use makeup), twice a week I use Aco Face Cleansing Scrub and then I put on Aco Face Nourishing Night Cream. Sometimes I use AHA and BHA from COSRX but I feel like it dries out my skin quite a lot and makes it too red....

I tried using sweet almond oil and it only helped with the redness and kept my skin moisturized but it gave me those small white bumps so I stopped using it yesterday.

I had a similar question with pocketderm and irritation/moisturizers. Was actually using the same cetaphil moisturizer you were. She suggested these, which don't seem to have fatty alcohols in them when I looked up the ingredients:

4. Re moisturizers, I recommend EltaMD AM, (may be used at night as well; does not contain sunscreen http://amzn.to/SoLIsA ), or Sebamed Clear Face Gel ( http://amzn.to/UxWqiu ).

Other excellent options include Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Vanicream Lite lotion: http://amzn.to/1rYCiom
or Vanicream Skin Cream: http://amzn.to/10GUwyU

Hi again!

Automod has also removed this comment of yours for containing Amazon referral links.

Could you please edit the URL so that everything from (and including) "tag=" is removed? That way, the product page will still be visible - but no one can make a profit from the link.

Alternatively, copy these links:

https://www.amazon.com/BENTON-Snail-Content-Essence-Lotion/dp/B071WR1NK8

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06

If you've done that, please reply to this message so I can approve your comment. Thank you!

I'm not sure if there's a difference, but a prescription Benzaclin (clindamycin and BP) is what cleared up my face. My insurance soon stopped covering it so rather than jumping from one prescription to another constantly, I tried out this from amazon and it has kept me just as clear. There are very few extra ingredients, so it hasn't bothered me. I just load up on CeraVe and apply this all over after a couple minutes and it's been quite effective without drying me out.

There are lots of really good (and cheap) options available if you're willing to shop online. I think it's worth the investment because they really don't have to be that expensive. I use this one It works really well and a little goes a long way! I maybe buy two a year :)


Edit: formatting

I get it from amazon here but you can also get it on feelunique.com here. Good luck!

Here are some suggestions. I put in links for you to do some more research:

Cleanser: CeraVe hydrating cleanser .

Oily skin/sebum: TO Niacinamide + zinc

Blackheads (unclogs cleans inside pores) : TO salicylic Acid 2% or Paulas choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant

Moisturizer: for blackhead prone skin: Sebamed Clear face gel

For oily skin, absorbs oil, matte finish Avene Hydrating cream

If you contact DECIEM and tell them about your skin, your issues and what you wish to achieve, they will send you a regime with suggestion for you, with the products and the order which to layer them. And it’s free!

Okay, so it's possible that BP isn't going to be the magic solution for you, and it can certainly be very drying. But before giving up on it... the product you linked is a BP face wash. There are some people for whom that delivery method of BP isn't super effective, because it doesn't give the product enough time in contact with your face. I'd suggest getting a BP spot treatment product like this, which is meant to be put on (before bed, for instance) and left on your skin for a longer period of time. Again, BP can be drying and irritating, so you'll have to see if it (a) clears up your problem and (b) has side effects you're willing to tolerate in terms of irritation. But before calling it quits with BP altogether, I'd try a spot treatment product for a few days.

As for your headgear, are you able to clean it well each night before putting it on? Not sure what it's made of, but if it's sitting on your skin for long stretches, you'll want to be make sure it's clean when you put it on every day.

Found a great review on this sub through the search feature for Shiseido Senka "aging care" sunscreen which has been in my Amazon cart for a while and I really want to try. I can get a similar Shiseido sunscreen from Amazon today and is less money so I'd rather try that. Problem is I can't find any write ups here on AB.

Shiseido Senka Mineral Water UV Gel, it's in a blue bottle compared with the orange/yellow color of the Senka "aging care." Anyone tried it? It is similar to the orange/yellow Senka?

My current favorite exfoliators for my sensitive skin are the Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel for physical exfoliation and The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 5% for chemical exfoliation. Most AHAs are too much for me. However, I find that The Ordinary's 5% Lactic Acid seems to work almost immediately in that my skin feels super smooth very soon after I put it on. So I just wash it off after 5 min to give my skin a break, but I still seem to reap the benefits.

I really like this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Dr-G-Gowoonsesang-Brightening-Peeling-120ml/dp/B007TFW0B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511223607&sr=8-1&keywords=dr.+g+brightening+peeling+gel&dpID=31y043MaCsL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

It is probably the only skin care product I've used that actually makes a difference in how my skin feels. (Side note: I experimented with Sunday Riley Good Genes by using it every day for a few months just on one side of my face, because I wanted to see if the difference in my skin would be worth the money. It made no difference at all; but maybe that's a good thing, given the cost!)

Coconut oil is known to be clogging for a lot of people, while some people can use it just fine. If you're worried, you could use plain mineral oil (fragrance free baby oil) instead. Otherwise, look for a proper cleansing oil online or at the drugstore. There are lots of affordable options. For example, [this] (https://www.amazon.com/KOSE-Softy-Deep-Treatment-7-8oz/dp/B000V2FB88) is one that is pretty popular

Of course! My skin clogs really easily so I was using about 10 drips of jojoba with 1 drop of castor oil. You need to rinse oil off with a foaming cleanser. /r/AsianBeauty has some great products and now I use a mineral oil cleanser Softymo and a foaming cleanser by Cosrx. I’ve had good experiences with both and have been using them the last six months or so.

What would be a good example of an SA leave on product. I'll stay away from the Cremo. How about Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel, or Simple Kind To Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser think either of these would be ok?

Here are the alcohol-free BHA products that I know of:

• Paula's Choice 2% BHA body lotion - cheaper than the liquid AND you get a ton more product
  
• Stridex T-zone gel the pH might be a little high on this one (up to 4.5 if I recall right) but could be worth a try and the gel texture is intriguing. I'm putting it on here because I never see it mentioned.
  
• The Ordinary 2% BHA - not a great deal when you look at the price per ounce, but still a good option
  
• Silk Naturals 2% BHA toner - reformulated recently but still not mentioned very often around here
  
• Garden of Wisdom 2% salicylic acid serum (alcohol free)
  
  Not alcohol-free:
  
  
• other GoW BHA products
  
• MUAC 3% BHA or 8% BHA - I'd recommend these for very stubborn skin

Hi everyone,

Dry/acne-prone skin here. I live in San Francisco, California. Trying to start a new routine to prevent and wipe out redness/CC's.

I was wondering if I could get some feedback on this routine/products. I've left a few questions/things I'm wondering about below. I also included links below to Amazon pages (this was part of my criteria for choosing products, haha).

Questions

• Are any of these products bad for dry/acne-prone skin? I tried to pick out products that would be compatible.
  
• My previous routine included using Benzoyl Peroxide AM and Adapelene/Differin .3% PM. Should I try cutting this now that I have an actual routine (I was using only Cerave PM, Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Differin).
  
  AM
  
  
• Cleanser 2
  
• Moisturizer 1
  
• Moisturizer 2
  
• Wait until moisturizer dries
  
• On spot: Patches/Benzoyl Peroxide
  
• Sunscreen
  
  PM
  
  
• Cleanser 1
  
• Cleanser 2
  
• Sheet Mask
  
• Moisturizer 1
  
• Moisturizer 2
  
• Wait until moisturizer dries
  
• On cheeks/phase out: Adapalene .3%
  
• Before Sleep: Sleep Mask
  
  Sunscreen - Innisfree Triple Care
  
  
• Has niancinamide
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Perfect-Protection-Triple-RESISTANT/dp/B01GHO4I00
  
  Moisturizer 1 - MIZON Black Snail All In One Cream
  
  
• Has niacinamide
  
• https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Black-Snail-Cream-Ounce/dp/B00B4PWEJU
  
  Moisturizer 2 - ROSETTE | Skin Care | Aqua Ceramide
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/ROSETTE-Skin-Care-Aqua-Ceramide/dp/B000FQNIX0?th=1
  
  Cleanser 1 - Banila co Clean It Zero Purity
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Banila-Clean-Zero-Purity-Ounce/dp/B00FOTIV8U?th=1
  
  Cleanser 2 - Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06
  
  Sheet Mask - Tosowoong masksheet Propolis
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Tosowoong-masksheet-Essence-Blueberry-Propolis/dp/B00K6XVYLK?th=1
  
  Sleep Mask - Corsx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Ultimate-Nourishing-Rice-Overnight/dp/B01518D84U
  
  Patches - Corsx Patch

Lots of people like the Kiku holy long name watchacallit lotion moist (it's the pink bottle). It's a toner so I don't know how you would prefer that.

There's also the Rosette Ceramide Gel. People say that's pretty nice too.

Edit: found the links

I also have oily skin! I love Cosrx low ph good morning cleanser. It does contain tea tree oil, so if you are sensitive to that, I would skip it. It is light on my skin and removes grime from the day really well without stripping my natural oils/moisture. I highly recommend it

i've been using cure to exfoliate my face for awhile now, but i've recently started using it on my lips as well. i think it's a lot more gentle than a scrub. i also always sleep with the bite agave mask after using liquid lipsticks!

Another esthetician here! I've noticed a huge improvement in my skin through double cleansing. I use Innisfree's Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil and Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
The best part is while oil cleansing, you will actually feel all the nasty little gritty pieces of skin and dirt coming up, and after rinsing and your second cleanse, your skin just feels so nice. I wish I'd started this sooner, but better late than never!

Simple has a non-foaming gel and all of their stuff is very gentle https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Refreshing-Facial-Wash-1-7oz/dp/B00GMOTTYG/

https://www.superdrug.com/Simple/Simple-Kind-To-Skin-Refreshing-Facial-Wash-Gel-150ml/p/949396

(It's in the foaming cleanser section in the cleanser recs wiki, but it shouldn't be.)

They also have an oil cleanser that's well-loved here:

https://www.cvs.com/shop/simple-kind-to-skin-hydrating-cleansing-oil-4-2-oz-prodid-1090464?skuId=180503

https://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face/Face-Oil/Simple-Kind-To-Skin-Hydrating-Cleansing-Oil-125ml/p/709201

Doesn't seem to leave any grease behind (I wipe mine with warm damp blue roll)

And yes, some people use oil cleansers on their own.

Yes. I love pore strips. I'm using this and so far it has been really good for me. Feels extremely good to see the little heads. No side effect, and I'll calm the redness down with a cooling moisturizer or mask.

If you are worried over damaging your skin, you should just exfoliate more often to clean off the dead skin cells on the skin surface, and prevent less clogging. I recommend gel based exfoliators (Japan's Cure Natural Aqua Gel is good) and NOT those with beads. The ones with beads are really damaging to skin.

I love this idea!! Here goes!

On the 1st day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me a Kikumasamune.

On the 2nd day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

On the 3rd day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

On the 4th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

On the 5th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

On the 6th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me six Donkey Sheet Masks, five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

On the 7th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me seven Warming Eye Masks, six Donkey Sheet Masks, five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.


On the 8th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me eight Melting Lip Tints, seven Warming Eye Masks, six Donkey Sheet Masks, five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

On the 9th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me nine Ceramide Gels, eight Melting Lip Tints, seven Warming Eye Masks, six Donkey Sheet Masks, five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.


On the 10th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me ten Brightening Essences, nine Ceramide Gels, eight Melting Lip Tints, seven Warming Eye Masks, six Donkey Sheet Masks, five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

I recomend this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003NTJJR0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit: i already used this before beard jorney and it is great to mosturize dont know id it is good for beard growth...

Can you get a tube of SebaMed Clear Face Gel on Amazon Prime to hold you over? It's generally considered a pretty simple moisturizer for acne-prone skin.

Also, none of the COSRX products you mentioned have fatty alcohols in them. So that might not be the problem. You should check out CosDNA to see what the actual ingredient commonalities are.

I'm not sure how much of a hormonal imbalance you have, so please take my recommendations with a grain of salt. I am a male with hormonal cystic acne - mine is caused from excessive stress. I would recommend going on Roaccutane. The UK has much better standards and practices when it comes to that drug, and it works great for many people. I did 3 rounds of it. And it helped a lot.

As for your routine, you're doing a great job at decreasing things that might cause flare ups. What has helped a lot for me is drinking a ton of water, and using facial products that are gentle and contain mild exfoliants (BHA and AHA). I've used this product after washing my face:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/COSRX-STEP-PIMPLE-CLEAR-PADS/dp/B015CIXK8S/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486915258&sr=1-3&keywords=cosRX

Alternatively, you could use this product instead of the one above since this product might last longer:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cosrx-AHA-Clarifying-Treatment-Toner/dp/B00V4JQCH6/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486915342&sr=1-6&keywords=cosRX

Both of these products have mild exfoliants to open the clogged pores and move the clogs to the surface. Western products can be harsh and cause irritation. What I do is wash the face with a very gentle soap (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486916031&sr=1-4&keywords=cosRX), then use one of the above-mentioned products, followed by a non-comedogenic moisturizer (https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/122/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM-3-oz/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486915842&sr=1-1&keywords=cerave+PM). I do this both day and night. In the day, I also put on a sunscreen after the moisturizer.

Just know that the skin can take up to 3 months for skin to turn over. So, be patient, and don't get discouraged when starting a skin regimen. It might take 2 months before you see a drastic change in your skin. Also, it seems that people have different opinions on this, but what has helped in decreasing cystic acne is icing the cyst. I take an ice pack and put it on the cyst for about 15 minutes at a time.

This is the next regiment I'm phasing in (as in one or two new products every month) after a month of lurking on here. Please feel free to throw suggestions at the newbies guys!

In the morning:

• CeraVe facial cleansers (I've ordered both the foaming and gel kind to compare and for travel) to replace my Burt's Bee's Radiance face wash.
  
  
• A month after starting CeraVe, starting at once a week, then working my way up, the Green Cream as a strong, non-prescription retinol.
  
  
  
• The [CeraVe SPF50 sunscreen] (http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Sunscreen-Face-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00BGBUQXS/ref=sr_1_7?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1396217386&sr=1-7&keywords=cerave+face+cream). I know the amazon reviews say that it leaves a film, etc, but I really want to avoid the silliness of layering product upon product in the morning. Everyone's going on and on about CeraVe and the importance of SPF 50, so voila I'm getting this product.
  
  
  Starting at twice a week, after work:
  
• [The Cure exfoliator] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ABLKK2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AI7FJRPU7LRRY) to replace my Angels on Bare Skin physical exfoliator from Lush. Chemical exfoliation sounded scary for the longest time, but after some research I kind of see why it would be more effective and less damaging than manual exfoliation. This product seems to be one of the gentlest and most effective.
  
  
• A DYI face mask: ground oatmeal, milk, aloe vera gel, honey.
  
  At night:
  
• CeraVe face wash
  
• My old Lush Eau Roma toner and Skin's Shangri-La cream until they run out,
  
• After which I would switch to CeraVe in the tub both for my face and as body lotion--this makes some people break out, but with my skin type I can risk it. I think I'm going to skip toning entirely.
  
  As for shaving "down there", I've been advised to just use those electric buzzers they use for hair cuts. Leaves a stubble but worth not having ingrown hairs. (Sorry for the gross imagery). Otherwise, I would imagine the same rules apply as for men avoiding ingrown hair on their face, which comes with a plethora of articles and products. Not wearing tight jeans/pants two or three days after shaving helps (men are advised to not wear tight collars after shaving to avoid ingrown hair), as does using shaving cream. Also, those round electric shavers are supposed to be better than razors because they don't "dig" at the hair under the follicle and facilitate ingrown hair.
  
  Not using a shaving cream allows the razor to irritate your skin, and following that with a body wash, no matter how gentle and natural, will likely cause your skin to itch. Source: I stubbornly refused shaving cream for years. Still skip it sometimes out of laziness, but life is so much better when I at least remember to shave my legs before rinsing off my soap lather in the shower.
  
  Oh and I started drinking 3 liters of water a day. Absolute game changer for my skin. Yay!

Dr. Lin Skincare Daily Hydrating Gel, 4 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FTG6YLY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_X8ZKzbK1A4D1K

^ this is what I use

Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NTJJR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_z9ZKzb51402MZ

^ I have never personally used this, but it is very basic/straightforward and receives good reviews

The Rosette can be purchased from Amazon.co.jp through Amazon Global. I haven't purchased from this site yet, but others have said shipping is very fast - about a week (or less!) to get their items. Here's the thread about purchasing from Amazon.co.jp.

Some people are sensitive to the nut oil in the Rosette, and the Meishoku Ceracolla Perfect Gel is similar but without the oil.