(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best facial cleansing products

Fun, thanks for hosting the scavenger hunt!

1. Something Blue: These journals are so beautiful, and I just thought I would start the scavenger hunt out with something simple and beautiful. Is that too corny of a reason to put them on here?
   
2. Summer: Summer reminds me that I will soon be in a place with sun constantly radiating down and burning my retinas. We're all gonna need some sunglasses.
   
3. Unusual Food-Related Item: Kawaii Squishies are super cute, smell like freshly baked bread (or cream soda), and are shaped like foods! I had a lot of wiggle room with this category, and while I have tons of things about food in my WLs, I just think these are great to pass out to stressed friends, as well.
   
4. Gift Someone Else: A Bidet for the Fiancé Kind of a silly one, but my fiancé loves bidets. I've always wanted to get him one, and so this is my ultimate "I love you" gift for him. I actually thought about getting it for him and calling it his engagement ring, in response to the one he just got me. Do you think it would make him laugh?
   
5. Book!: The book Lab Girl by Hope Jahren has gotten a lot of great press, and it seems very relevant to any woman in a demanding science-related field. I think it would be an interesting, and hopefully inspiring, read.
   
6. Less Than a 1$: Somehow this shampoo brush is only $.01? Is that real?
   
7. Related to Dogs: I haven't owned a dog since my family's golden retriever, Max. He was such a wonderful light in our house, and I think about him a lot. I know that GSD are really smart, so I figured I'd put something a smart-alecky GSD owner might have on here. ;)
   
8. Not Useful, But Awesome: I really love oracle cards. I find that they sort of get me past challenges that maybe I'm too stubborn to see for myself. I think they are a good psychological tool, but I also know most people would find them less than useful. Therefore, they are mostly just awesome, and I want them.
   
9. Great Movie: I get some flak for it, but my favorite movie of all time is Coraline. I think it is just so thought-provoking and the animation is beautiful. It really has a special place in my heart.
   
10. Zombies Attack!: Weirdly enough, I am in the process of creating an emergency plan and some bugout bags for my fiancé and I. It's more of a hobby than worry, but I always thought a couple of these matches would come in handy when the hammer drops.
    
11. Life Goals: This one might require a little explanation. So, I just quit my career as an archaeologist to become a creative writer, and my fiancé just quit his archaeology career to become an illustrator. Together we are writing some children's books, creating a comic book series, and hosting a podcast. It has come to our attention that these endeavors require social media presence (something neither of us are very good at). Through our bumbling around, we've found that our pictures are turning out less-than-great for social media, and the problem is lighting. I think this lightbox really neat for anyone who wants to make their pictures look professional on social media.
    
12. Add-Ons: Makeup Remover Cloths These are so useful, I thought about even adding them to the Zombie Apocalypse part of the Scavenger Hunt! I sometimes forget to take care of my skin. So I started leaving one of these by my nightstand just for those times when I'm too lazy (or drunk) to take my makeup off. They are lifesavers!
    
13. Fandom Related: Adventure Time, come on grab your friends.... No explanation needed really. AT is amazing, and I'm sad the series is ending, but we will always have the comics!
    
14. Ridiculously Priced: Okay, let's chat. This watch is over $200,000 and has 4 reveiws? 4 people bought this? Why?! If I was that rich, I'd hole up in my cool-ass movie theater and eat caviar all day. Who needs a watch for that?
    
15. Shark or Unicorn: This unicorn color-changing light is on my wishlist. I want it so badly, but have no idea where I would put it. The bathroom maybe? It has to be somewhere that won't get in the way of all my other unicorn stuff. I like when people just happily stop upon a unicorn in the apartment. When they're peeing is a good time, right?
    
16. Smells Great: These candles are the scents of a coffee shop and so I know everyone in my house would feel warm and welcome right when they walk in once they are lit. These are actually three of my favorite scents, so you can probably tell that I have a slight coffee-related addiction.
    
17. Toy: Dixit is an amazing game. Like...I don't know how to describe it. A bunch of cards with illustrations on them need to be described by the players, and then everyone votes on which description they like the best (blindly vote). It's just a wonderful game for inspiration, and you can make it as complicated or as simple as you'd like. I really enjoy playing it with both my friends and family.
    
18. Helpful for Writers: An Imaginative Workbook! I think one of the biggest things writers forget how to do is play! We spend so much time in our universe, trying to make it perfect, that sometimes we forget to just let go and have our imaginations run wild. I think workbooks like the one I just linked are perfect for when writer's block hits, or when we need a pick-me-up to remember why we started writing in the first place.
    
19. Current Obsession: My current obsession has become learning how to play the ukulele. I heard on a couple of podcasts that it really boosted some people's happiness, especially if they loved music, but didn't feel like they had the time to learn to play a new instrument. I have been borrowing my neighbor's, but since I am moving soon, I've decided to purchase one from Amazon. They have tons of ukuleles on there, weirdly.
    
20. Makes You Laugh: As a person who loves Wes Anderson films this coffee table book always makes me laugh.
    
    Edit: Finished! I love scavenger hunts; it always reminds me what a weirdo I am.

I would like to preface this by saying this is what I would do for me personally knowing what I know now about my own skin. If I were making suggestions for someone else I think this list would be very very different.

Under $50:

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion [$11]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$9]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

This particular budget was actually a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I prioritized Sunscreen first, because that is an important product to me and it is a product that was difficult to find something I was happy using every day. I picked the cleanser next because I knew it was going to be pricey at this budget. I really think oil cleansing has done wonders for my skin. I especially like balms. I find them much easier to use. I occasionally like to use a straight oil, but on a daily basis using something with an emulsifier is just more practical. In reality if I had to stick to this budget all the time, I would probably sub out the Heimish for an emulsifying cleansing oil like Kose or the Simple one. I just haven't used either of those yet, I wasn't comfortable substituting that for the sake of this exercise.

I don't think I would be totally happy with this routine long term. It's not as hydrating as I tend towards and it doesn't have any actives. The CeraVe lotion is nice, but I wouldn't LOVE using it. I picked this over the CeraVe cream because I find that the cream does not actually sink into my skin. It's nice over other thinner formulas, but it tugs at my skin uncomfortably if used on its own.

Under $100

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

Stridex Maximum Acne Medication Pads [$4]

Dear, Klairs Supple Proparation Facial Toner [$22]

Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution [$15]

Holika Holika Skin and Good Cera Super Cream [$17] (this is discontinued, but as long as it's $17 at Amazon or CVS where I bought it I will probably keep using it)

Jojoba Oil [$8 @ Trader Joe's]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$3] [Travel Size]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

TBH this is making me realize how much money I actually spend on my routine. GEEZ I DIDN'T NEED THIS TODAY. Essentially I just took out the CeraVe lotion and added my HG Hydrating/Moisturizing Layers. The Klairs seems like so much of a splurge here, but it really truly is one of my favorite products to use. It is very hydrating and soothing to me. I also added the Stridex because it's cheap, effective, easy to use and this is one active I know I can tolerate if I keep up my hydration/moisturization.

I think the CeraVe Healing Ointment is a true workhorse and I would never be with out it, BUT I don't actually use very much of it. I mean I bought my first 3 oz. tube 9 months ago and I don't think I've even used half of it. With the smaller budget it makes more sense to get a bigger tube because it can be SUCH a multitasker, but since I have a few more items in the way of "moisturizing" here, I would probably purchase a very small tube of the ointment (mostly for my lips and the corners of my nose) and also incorporate Jojoba Oil. I love Jojoba for cleansing and for mixing into other products. My very chapped lips also DRINK UP oils like no one's business.

I am ashamed to say this routine is still short of some things I use pretty frequently, but I would still be happy with it. It has everything I actually need.

Under $200:

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser [$15]

Stridex Maximum Acne Medication Pads [$4]

Stratia Soft Touch AHA [$14]

Dear, Klairs Supple Proparation Facial Toner [$22]

Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution [$15]

Stratia Rewind [$16]

Stratia Liquid Gold [$24]

Holika Holika Skin and Good Cera Super Cream [$17]

Jojoba Oil [$8 @ Trader Joe's]

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm [$15]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$3] [Travel Size]

Raw Honey [$7ish]

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask [$5]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

Again these all the same products as before. The three additions I use frequently are the LRP B5, Stratia Liquid Gold, and Stratia Rewind. The Raw Honey and the Queen Helene are masks that I know work for me and are fun to use. I very rarely use the honey buy itself, but it is lovely as a mask mixed with the Klairs (thanks to u/LGBTQBBQ for that tip). I've also included the Stratia Soft Touch here because it is on my list to try. I'm pretty sensitive to actives and I think a 10% Mandelic is something I could handle.

I actually really enjoyed having to think about my routine like this. I really thought I had paired down my routine quite a bit and I suppose I have, but even the $200 budget would not be enough to repurchase everything I use on a monthly basis. This (mostly) doesn't even include things I want to try or things I have around just in case or just because. Realistically I would have a couple more wash off masks, and eye cream (even though it is not at all necessary imo), at least one other kind of sunscreen, and maybe one or two other moisturizers.

But I guess I'm that kind of extra bitch.

...and like its a hobby right? It's ok to spend money on a hobby.

At least that is what I'll tell myself.

(PART 1) I couldn’t fix my painful dehydrated skin until i incorporated urea and lanolin, and regular use of petrolatum into my skin care. But idk how you feel about those... It took me a good year or year and a half to fix my dehydrated skin from overexfoliation.

Also, putting on occlusives right away after you wash and put on humectants is super important. Otherwise it can dry you out more.

So what I do is use a very gentle, non-foaming cleanser (I use LRP Gentle Hydrating) and while my face is still wet, put on all my hydrating toners and serums. Then go into lotions and creams RIGHT AWAY. You can watch Dr. Dray on YouTube who describes why this works.

When my skin was SO full of pain, from extremely dry, tight skin and irritated acne-like cysts everywhere, the only thing that didn’t hurt like a mf was Vanicream. It took me hundreds of dollars and tons of trial and error and babying my skin to get it back to normal. Now I can use AHA, azelaic acid, vitamin c, and even tretinoin and hydroquinone without a problem!!!

It took me hundreds of dollars and tons of trial and error and babying my skin to get it back to normal. Now I can use AHA, vitamin c, and even tretinoin and hydroquinone without a problem!!! 

No one or two products fixed my dehydrated skin. It took a TON of research over the years learning which ingredients were the most healing, moisturizing, how they work, etc.. And an entire routine around hydrating and moisturizing as much as possible. 

And i know everyone raves about the cosrx snail essence, but it didn’t do shit when my skin was that dehydrated. But there IS some evidence of snail healing damaged skin. The point is to put in as much healing and soothing ingredients into your routine as much as possible. 

I always make sure to include ingredients like: panthenol (derivative of vitamin b5), allantoin, urea, hualuronic acid, glycerin, aloe, colloidal oatmeal, ceramides (huge!!!), niacinamide (especially useful for brightening and healing your skin), petroleum (there is NOTHING out there that reduces transepidermal water loss like petroleum can. I tried to be all ~natural is better~ for a while, but realized it wasn't doing anything to help fix my skin), etc.

And not just adding these helped fix my skin, but leaving things out was a HUGE step in finally letting my skin heal. I avoid these like the plague: fragrance, natural (essential oils) or synthetic, alcohol anywhere other than sunscreen, sodium lauryl sulfate (sodium LAURETH sulfate is the gentler one, but I avoid that for my face too anyways. Any surfectants can be aided to be milder by adding cocamidopropyl betaine), all acids until my skin could handle them (interestingly enough, vitamin c serum actually helped my skin hold more water instead of hurting me), and things that I know irritate my skin.

Things that were/are biggest contributors of keeping my skin moist and hydrated, in no particular order:

Thayers Unscented Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel - the first thing that goes on my skin after washing. It's just water, aloe, glycerin and witch hazel. It's so simple but idk why my skin likes it so much, lol. It's HG for me.

Hadalabo Premium Lotion - HG, must have. ALWAYS put occlusives on top, do not wait for it to dry. Hyaluronic acids, urea, algae. This is my one non-negotiable skin care item.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream - Super moisturizing. Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, panthenol, petrolatum, a ceramide, dimethicone. (Also, people demonize silicones, but they are not bad ingredients. They are actually really helpful in keeping in moisture, providing slip, and smooth feel for skin and hair. And no, they don't prevent other things from reaching the skin.) And Aveeno Eczema Therapy Night Time Balm for something heavier but has same ingredients. You can use both.

And of course, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - ceramides, cholesterol, must have skin-identical lipids that dehydrated skin lacks, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, dimethicone. This by itself didn't help a whole lot, but with an army of all the different gentle, soothing things, it helped tremendously.

CeraVe PM- same as the cream, but much lighter and has 4% niacinamide I believe. Niacinamide has been key to helping my dry-ass skin. It does SO many things. I DIY 6% niacinamide and 5% n-acetyl glucosamine to boost the niacinamide even further. But you can find this ingredient in loads of AB things and Olay products. Make sure the Olay stuff is fragrance-free if you get them. I like the Olay Anti-Aging Face Cream a lot. You can use the CeraVe lotion if you for some reason can't tolerate niacinamide, but want something lighter than the cream.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment - SLUG LIFE is a MUST if you have dehydrated skin. You can use Cerave healing ointment too, but it's redundant if you use the cream or lotion. It's not as occlusive as aquaphor. Aquaphor isn't just a more pricier Vaseline as people suggest. It does have white petrolatum that is oh-so helpful, it also has healing ingredients like panthenol and bisobolol, and also lanolin alcohol and glycerin for humectants. I put on a THICK layer of this when I go to bed.

If you wanna go a step further and go super saiyan, and you aren't sensitive to lanolin, you can use Lasinoh Lanolin before or after Aquaphor. I can't stand the smell of lanolin, but this one is medical-grade and doesn't have a smell. Lanolin is SUPER helpful because of it's crazy humectant properties but it also acts as an occlusive.

For just uber Panthenol healing, you can get something that stars Panthenol as the main star ingredient, like DML Forte Cream or Timeless Skin Care Vitamin B5 Serum. I don't use the cream anymore, but I do still use the serum. It looks expensive, but if you get the refill sale, it's about $7/oz (idk what country you live in, but this is the price for me in the U.S.). I HIGHLY recommend their vitamin c, e, ferulic acid serum as well when your skin can handle it. It works out to about $8 an ounce if you get it during refill sale. It stays good for a while in the fridge. I wrap it in foil and transfer it to a 1 oz dropper bottle for using it in my bathroom. It gives glow to your skin like NOTHING ELSE, and boosts your sunscreen (the antioxidants slow the degradation of sunscreen ingredients, giving a huge boost to your sunscreen) and has helped me with water retention. If you can't get it on refill sale, use the HotandFlashy (I also recommend her Youtube channel) code hf5off to get $5 off. It's a forever coupon code.

Always recommend the cera ve SA renewal cleanser. It’s amazing and events your skin and brightens it. I actually use the SA renewal body wash, you get a lot and I can use it on my face as well. The Cera Ve SA body lotion is also love, sometimes I use it on my face. Makes body super smooth, these two are dream team.

I think the dream routine:

Am:

• cera ve SA acid cleanser
  
• Son&Parks Beauty Water Toner
  
• niod multi-molecular HA serum 15 types of HA.
  
• stratias liquid gold
  
• shishoedo mineral uv gel SPF50++++
  
  Pm:
  
• Sunday Riley Blue moon cleansing balm Blue Tansy for redness OR if you like oils, KOSE softymo SPEEDY cleansing oil
  
• cera ve SA cleanser with Clarisonic
  
• biologique Recherche pm400 or regular p50 toner or cheaper alternative tarte knockout tingle treatment
  
• niode HA serum
  -melazepam 20% important and alternate between this and Retin a, but not everyone can handle either of these. But it goes to say these are anti-aging power horses
  
• Holy Snails Sauce Di Mois in Hangbang/spooky shark or whatever works for you.
  
• an oil, Squalene, seabuckthorn, rosehip, jojoba, rotate what works.
  
• an occlusive, like embroliysse concentrated lait creme , cera ve healing ointment , skinfix 12 hour miracle ointment All of these are better than basic Vaseline or squalor.
  
  Great products:
  
  
• to 10% lactic acid in spheres
  
• skinceutics vitamin c in feurlic acid (super $, results worthy).
  
• timeless vit c serum (affordable)
  
• to 30% bha peel
  
• avene Blue Tansy Oil (knockoff of lapis Blue Tansy Oil for $12 vs $72) helps redness/moisturizes
  
• dr. Jart cicapair serum for redness
  
• Dr. Jart ceramidin serum plus the cream (use together for best results on rebuilding skin barrier if using actives).
  
• hada labo HA lotion/milky lotion or Hada Labo premium HA lotion (more moisture, not great for warmer months).
  Benton snail bee essence (the masks, steam pacts, everything..)
  
• peter Thomas Roth pumpkin enzyme mask (great chemical exfoliating and physical exfoliate mask that works)
  
• niod flavonne mud mask (super detoxing good for congested skin)
  
• kanebo soap powder (good ph, enzyme powered soap powder)
  
• aquaring ampoule mask (good ab face mask)
  
• Paula’s choice bha liquid
  
• cosrx bha blackhead liquid
  
• cosrx aha whitehead liquid
  
  Just a few products to think about. I am by no way saying jump and add any of these to your routine instantly. I’ve looked around and found a lot of, what I’d consider to be talked about products and decided to make it easier and list them for you.
  
  
  I think a basic SA cleanser like cera ve would be a good place to start, a good spf that is non-irritating. Find a moisturizing Oil thst your skin likes and then maybe start trying actives. Don’t go jumping in until you find a routine that calms your skin and that your skin really likes. Then start testing the waters with maybe azelic acid like melazepem (strongest you can get in us is on amazon) or vitamin c. Possible acid peel pads. We kind of have to know your skin type and current routine. Things that have worked and have not, and what you want out of a new skin routine— in order to give you better direction.

27, no acne, severe dryness, sun damage, aging skin. Here’s some photos! I’m sorry about my eyebrows, don’t judge me, I’m growing them out.

Big questions: I’ve tried a few moisturizers but never liked them as much as just replacing with actives. Do I NEED to? What would you recommend? Tried the CeraVe Night Cream, which was really great but I had minor break outs, CeraVe cream (in the tub) which is way too thick, the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion which was.... fine but didn’t wow me at all, and the Laniege Water Whatever, which my husband had a severe reaction to so I had to return so I could touch his face with my face.

I feel like I’m not super happy with the exfoliating portion here. I used to feel like the Glycolic Acid was so great but I’m just underwhelmed, same with the lactic acid, and the AHA is probably just way more than I need for my complexion. Any opinions on the La Roche Posay Toner that’s part of the Toleraine set?


In order of appearance:
Product: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (This is literally the only thing I won’t remove or replace, it is my personal HG)
Frequency: Used every evening, most mornings for Hydration/Cleansing
Buy from the La Roche-Posay Website, Amazon
Review: I flippin’ love it. It’s my favorite cleanser by far. Never any irritation at all, but no dryness either. No tightness. No obvious odor.

​

Product: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Frequency: 1 time a month, at most, as an exfoliant
Buy from the Deciem Website (I’m not going to bother linking Amazon for TO products, they’re not competitive in terms of pricing)
Review: Everyone loves it, for my needs it’s overkill but it’s worth noting that a sparse use doesn’t dry me out any worse or cause any tightening, which is impressive! Sometimes I use it because I worry I don’t exfoliate enough?


Product: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Frequency: 1-2 times a week, exfoliation
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: Low odor, minimal sting, no dryness. I used to feel like it was HG status but I don’t love the slight tackiness?

​

Product: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Frequency: 1-2 times a month, exfoliation
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: I’m a big fan of this product with sparing use, but it does sting a bit and I wouldn’t use it more than this.


Product: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Frequency: 1-3 times daily, after ever wash, for hydration
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: everyone’s obsessed with HA, and for good reason. I love to put on just the plain HA on a damp face, it feels like my face is drinking water.

​

Product: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Oil
Frequency: 1-3 times daily, after ever wash, with the HA+B, for hydration
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: This is my HG oil. I used to layer and try out so many, Marula, Argan, Rose Hip Seed, Sunflowed, Yadda Yadda, the Squalane performs better and looks better than anything else. If you don’t have SOME brands Squalane already then a) you must be newer here than me even and b) you need to get it

​

Product: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Frequency: 4-7 times weekly, as needed for extra overnight moisture
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: it works and makes me feel less blocked up than other heavier oils (I had TO Marula and Argan that I ended up using on my hair instead), I don’t love the smell though, and it doesn’t sit on the skin well. It’s a night time only.

​

Product: Nuetrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen 100+ SPF with Helioplex
Frequency: anytime I go outside, I live in Florida
Buy from the Nuetrogena Website, Amazon
Review: It doesn’t feel quite as good as it could, but the sun is INTENSE here and as you can tell from my freckles, I can’t be messing around with that.

Edited for formatting

So I'll give some general skincare advice and some acne specific advice since many of the posters here are dealing with that. If the acne part isn't relevant, you can skip ahead.

Acne

Acne is caused by sebum (skin oil), the oil clogs pores and attracts bacteria, leading to inflammation, which causes pus formation and pimples. Tendency to develop acne is sometimes genetic, but you can still kill it.

Get the sebum under control first. Make sure you're washing your bedsheets and pillow cases regularly (at least once per week).

Wash you face twice daily with a gentle, non pope-clogging cleaner. You don't want to use harsh cleaner with fragrances because it makes inflammation worse. I used Cetaphil Daily when I had acne, it works great. Wash your face morning and night with the cleaner using your hands. Every few days or so, lightly use a washcloth to aid in using the cleaner. You want to exfoliate dead skin and gunk, but not inflame your skin. Do not use astringent products, EVER.

After washing your face, use Persa-Gel on your pimples. The stuff is no joke and it's been proven for decades.

General Skincare

For people that don't have acne or have it under control, you want exfoliating cleaner and moisturizer. I only use two products.

Body Merry Glycolic Acid Cleaner for the face and neck. I use it once per day about 4 times a week, but you might want to start out twice a week at first to build tolerance, it's a gentle acid. You want to scrub the product on gently with your hands. This shit will change your game, trust me.

For moisturizer, I use CeraVe Lotion. Rub a small amount onto your face and neck once per day morning or night after your face wash. If you'd rather use it at night or you don't need the sunscreen, I'd recommend getting the PM formulation at a drug store because it's super expensive on Amazon.

Nutrition

Not only are fruit and vegetables good for you and alleviate depressive feelings, but people that eat more fruits and veggies are objectively more attractive. The pigments from the veggies/fruits deposit in your skin and give you a glow that's similar, but more attractive than tanning. You don't have to go crazy, but try and implement sweet potatoes, berries, green leafy veggies and other produce into your diet. Ditch the soda period. Stay hydrated. Pick up a nice water bottle and use it like there's no tomorrow. Stay away from refined sugar and white bread as well, these things cause inflammation. Whole grain bread is your friend (and will also help you lose weight if needed).

Also you gotta control the heavy drinking. And if you smoke cigs, quit ASAP.

Hopefully this helps. I'm not a doctor but I have a science background and a degree in biological science from a well regarded school. Also I have a lot of Asian friends and a family who care about skincare. Good luck to you guys and keep me posted with any progress :)

It's my birthday today and went on a purchasing splurge!

New Purchases:

Refillable Atomizer Bottles - Came in 6 pieces and a little soft bag! Originally I was gonna use this for my colognes and perfumes; easily fits in pockets so I can spray on the go (also bonus point quick air freshener for bathrooms cuz some men's rooms be rank af.....); but then I was on the hunt for misters for my toners and realized I could use these perfectly for them! It's color-coded too so I don't mistake one of my scents for a toner!

-I filled the pink one with Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion
-the red one with Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner w/ Rose
-the blue one with Secret Key Milk (new)
-and the gold one with Secret Key Aloe (new)
The secret key ones are new purchases im trying out B) giving them about 2 weeks trial runs each before I rotate them in my routine!

Benton Snail Bee Essence - I enjoyed using the sheet masks once a week beforehand, and figured I'll up it to a more frequent usage so I went ahead and got the essence bottle! \o/ Dipped my toes with sheet masks first cuz I wasn't too sure about the bee venom ingredient (especially considering I get a bad reaction from stings) but it's gentler than I thought and no allergic reaction!

Etude House Sunprise Airy Finish SPF 50+ PA+++ - Received this 2 days ago! Previously I used Cerave AM and disliked the pilling and white cast on just a beige skintone! This is my first time using a sunmilk and the consistency is really nice! Goes on smoothly and can layer easily, with no whitecast after absorbing! If I wanted to, I could layer a moisturizer underneath without worrying about it pilling as well! Since I'm oily enough I'm not as concerned with it's lack of moisturizing and I find just toning layers is enough for me underneath! Great for oil control so far!

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face SPF 50 - Got this about a week ago! Since summer is around the corner, and the etude house isn't a waterproof sunscreen, I went with this that I bought at ulta! This matched my skintone pretty well so there was pretty much no whitecast. If it's a really sweaty day or I'm gonna be somewhere where there happens to be water/rain, this waterproof sunscreen was perfect! (and reef-safe for ocean trips)

Rohto Melano CC - On the way in the mail but excited to try this out since I was looking for a vitamin C, but wanted to start out gently!

Kao Success Scalp Washing Brush (Normal Type) - Sort of skincare since it has to do with the scalp, this is also on it's way on the mail. I'm a fan of scalp brushes since my hair is pretty thick (and also dandruff woes). The tips of it has little bumps on them and there's 3 types of tips on a single brush for that jam packed scalp action, so gonna give it a whirl and see how different it is from the standard silicone scalp brush!

-----------------------------------------------------

Repurchase:

Tony Moly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream - I realized using stridex as my gentle BHA exfoliator and a Cerave SA cream on top of that meant I technically had 2 BHAs in a night routine, so I'm returning back to chok chok! Good point to change tbh since the cream is too heavy for summer. The tony moly one is pretty light and had good oil control!

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads - Bringing back AHAs into my life for my PIH; I'm gonna rotate them with my BHAs. I prefer low %s so the 2.8% was perfect!

This week I turned 30 and got a haircut, looking at the selfie I took after I thought my skin finally looks like its in a better place so I thought I’d share my routine! As a guy that has lurked this sub for a while I thought I’d try and help the other dudes here who feel a bit lost at trying to look our best.

Been trying to find the right regime I can stick to for years - started using my moms and various SOs face stuff, using just about every trick in the book that we all know only makes our skin worse. The routine I’ve settled on now is…


AM:

CeraVe Foaming cleanser in the shower - Been using it for years. Works well. I can only use it once a day though, dries my skin otherwise. - https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01N1LL62W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=168GZIOVSWILM&keywords=cerave+foaming+facial+cleanser&qid=1569373936&sprefix=cer%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1

TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - Started using this a few months back and it seems to be helping a lot. Blemishes fade faster, are less apparent throughout the morning, I like it - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-niacinamide-10pct-zinc-1pct-30ml?redir=1

TO Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - The first day I used this was the first day in years I can remember not having an oil field on my face at the end of the workday and not seeing pools of oil on the bridge of my glasses when I take them off, I think having properly hydrated skin has really help keep my acne at bay and skin clearer - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-hyaluronic-acid-2pct-b5-30ml?redir=1

TO Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - Favorite moisturizer I’ve used and I’ve tried a handful - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-natural-moisturizing-factors-ha-30ml?redir=1

Sunscreen - currently using a mineral sunscreen from CVS, unclear on brand. Not the best, not the worst. Going to give TO’s Mineral UV Filters a try next.

PM:

OCM with Snow River Mineral oil - Used it for about 4 years now, works extremely well, wipe it off with microfibers I get from Amazon in bulk - https://www.amazon.com/Snow-River-7V03389-cutting-boards/dp/B0000CFSV9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3428RJM9PZTOA&keywords=snow+river+wood+oil&qid=1569374251&sprefix=snow+river+%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

TO Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution - I use this every other day, sometimes every 2. I was using it every day but since stopping that I’ve found my skin feels a bit better - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-glycolic-acid-7pct-toning-solution-240ml?redir=1

TO Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - Again, see above!

**TO Vitamin C Suspension 23%

• HA Spheres 2% - Use this daily, the first few days I used it I woke up with noticeably better skin - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-vitamin-c-suspension-23pct-ha-spheres-2pct-30ml?redir=1
  
  TO Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - Again, see above!
  
  Once a week:
  
  TO Salicylic Acid 2% Masque - This stuff makes my skin feel amazing afterwords. Like, washing it off and my skin feels noticeably different. Since using it I’ve been more blemish free. Generally use this Wednesdays once a week - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-salicylic-acid-2pct-masque-50ml?redir=1
  
  TO AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution** - This stuff gives me a very similar experience to the Masque but I feel the differences the next morning. My skin looks more even and healthier. I use this typically on Sundays but may skip a week if I’m feeling dry. - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-aha-30pct-bha-2pct-peeling-solution-30ml?redir=1
  
  Happy to answer any questions about the regime or products! I'm planning to add a few more TO products to my regime soon and can update any successes later on. So far, everything above will be a constant part of my regime - I'm even about to bulk order most of the TO stuff so I don't run out anytime soon haha.
  
  Hope this helps others! :)
  
  E: I posted this earlier this week but it was removed as it was a selfie and not Friday, so I'm reposting today so anyone interested in it can see.

Hello!

I've been lurking on this subreddit for a few months, and while it's helped me put together a routine, I feel like there's more I can do to improve my skin!

To start, here are some pictures! https://imgur.com/a/0JLlV

I'm 31 (32 soon!), and I THINK I have normal/dry skin. Sometimes it feels tight or flaky in the morning, before I wash and moisturize. Overall my face is soft, but there's a tiny bit of roughness. I have the occasional breakout (around nose/chin), but it's never more than one or two whiteheads, and they usually go away after a few days.

My main concern is REDNESS, as well as whatever's going on with my forehead.

The pictures are after I've been up for a while, before I wash my face. This is about how my face looks normally, and I'd really like to reduce the blotches and have a more even skintone. My forehead is a little bumpy, with red spots.

Here's my routine!

AM

Splash some cold water

[MILK Makeup Matcha Toner
]
(https://www.milkmakeup.com/matcha-toner.html)

Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray

Cerave PM
(Brush teeth while it dries)

Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

PM

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

MILK Makeup Matcha Toner

Stridex Red (Brush teeth while it dries)

Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray

LUSH Full of Grace serum


Cerave PM

Every once in a while I'll use the FOMO jelly mask from LUSH.
I also have this diy mask powder from WitchBaby that I haven't tried yet, but I was thinking about mixing it with Aloe.

I used the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion like, once. It didn't really do much for the pimple I had, but it could be because it rubbed off. Maybe I'd have better luck if I slapped a hydrocolloid bandage over it after it dries?

I WAS mixing Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil (new formula) with my moisturizer for a couple weeks, and it made my face feel GREAT, but I started getting more breakouts than usual, in spots that I don't normally break out.

I also tried using CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid every other day (alternating with Stridex Red) for about a month, and stopped because I didn't see much difference and I got tired of waiting 20mins to finish my routine.

I've been doing this since early January, and I haven't really seen much improvement. I really like to keep things simple (my PM routine is already on that border of being too much!), so I'd rather replace parts of my routine with things that could work out better, than add to it, unless it's super necessary.

I'm thinking about replacing the Matcha toner (which is kind of meh to me) and the MB spray with some Thayer's witch hazel (cucumber or rose?). I really like the MB spray because it makes it easier to apply moisturizer, but if I can do the same thing with Thayer's (in a spray bottle) then it'd be nice to combine the two steps into one product. And it'd be cheaper!

I'd like to add some sort of oil (rosehip seed? squalane?) that I can just mix with my moisturizer. I liked doing it with the Acure, but something about it broke me out.

I was also considering using Azelaic Acid instead of Stridex. If I did that, my choices would be either TO or Melazepam since I'm in the US.

I was also looking into the possibility of using Curology as a way to just mix all that good stuff into one product.

I'm very lazy.

Anyways, this ended up being REALLY long! I probably should have made this its own post, but I figured I'd try the daily help thread first!

Thanks for any advice!

I've had KP since I was a kid and am finally getting handle on it in my 30s. My current routine is glycolic lotion twice a day, creams on the affected areas 3-4 times a day, and then physical exfoliation and using zinc or sulfur soap a couple times a week to keep the bumps at bay. But since skincare is YMMV, here's the exhaustive list of almost two decades of treatment, in case some of these other things will work for you!

100% of the items can be purchased via Amazon in the US - it's pretty much the only way I shop.

Beginner Level

If your KP has just appeared, focus on physical+chemical exfoliation and moisturizing. Look for lotions with the following ingredients:

• Glycolic Acid [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/GLYTONE-Exfoliating-Body-Lotion-8-4/dp/B002D48QRK/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069563&sr=1-7&keywords=glycolic+acid+lotion)
  
• Lactic Acid [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/AmLactin-12-Moisturizing-Lotion/dp/B000TTPZQ6/ref=pd_sim_194_9?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000TTPZQ6&pd_rd_r=VMNB4G7XKMTDC8FCCPPW&pd_rd_w=3Hg0d&pd_rd_wg=6JKTf&psc=1&refRID=VMNB4G7XKMTDC8FCCPPW)
  
• Mandelic Acid [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Wu-4712052501942-Intensive-Renewal/dp/B00KQYJ9TI/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069480&sr=1-4&keywords=mandelic+acid+serum)
  
• Azelaic Acid [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MSSJP9Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Salicylic Acid [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-Weightless-Treatment-Antioxidants/dp/B00CS5U172/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069348&sr=1-7&keywords=paulas+choice+bha) (Or just use [Stridex Pads] (https://www.amazon.com/Stri-dex-Pads-Maximum-Strength-Pack/dp/B004WP0S74/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069393&sr=1-1&keywords=stridex&th=1))
  
• Retinol [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Retinol-Surge-Moisturizer-Cream-2-5/dp/B00OQQLNG4/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493070177&sr=8-1&keywords=body+merry+retinol)
  
• Urea [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Eucerin-Skin-Intensive-Treatment-Lotion/dp/B0098YQH2O/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069275&sr=1-1&keywords=eucerin+urea)
  
  Paula's Choice and Derma Doctor's KP duty both work well because they combine a few of these, but you can also get Amlactin, Eucerin and Glytone which are more focused on a single ingredient. Nearly all of the Eucering, Gold Bond, Cetaphil, etc. creams that work have one of the above ingredients, so take a look at the back of the bottle or on CosDna to figure out what works best for you. Prescription creams include Carmol 40 and Ammonium Lactate in higher concentrations.
  
  Physical exfoliation includes:
  
  
• Salux cloths [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Salux-Nylon-Japanese-Beauty-Yellow/dp/B007IAE5WY/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493068965&sr=1-2&keywords=italy+towels)
  
• Italy towels [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C8DR1U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Hammam or Kessa mitts [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Zakias-Morocco-Kessa-Hammam-Exfoliating/dp/B0076YIPZU/ref=pd_sim_194_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0076YIPZU&pd_rd_r=XC3PKNKFAM2Z88K10WDT&pd_rd_w=M6c0H&pd_rd_wg=fsKqw&psc=1&refRID=XC3PKNKFAM2Z88K10WDT)
  
• Dry brushing [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DHHJ9S6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Sugar scrubs [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Hut-Sugar-Scrub-Moroccan/dp/B01EXDOQZY/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069250&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=sugar+scrub&psc=1)
  
• Salt scrubs [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F7WA2X0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• St. Ives wash [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J4YY4DM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Lush Buffy Scrub [[Link]] (http://www.lushusa.com/body/body-butters/buffy/02127.html)
  
  My dermatologist also recommended moisturizing CONSTANTLY, which really helped smoothe my arms. According to his instructions, "constantly" meant that I needed to be able to feel the lotion on my skin 24/7 for at least 3 weeks, which for me meant a new layer of cream every hour or two. Pretty much any moisturizing lotion or cream will do. I'm partial to [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013GDK3SQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) (creams are less watered down than lotions, and this one drys down wonderfully, leaveing my skin feeling buttery but not sticky). Lush dream cream and Aveeno are also faves.
  
  Intermediate Level
  
  If a bit of exfoliation and moisture aren't working, you might want to consider if there are other skin conditions making your KP worse. For example, it turned out for me I had some fungal skin issues that made my KP bumps more inflamed. Topical steroids can help, but use with care as they can cause skin thinning. Try adding something with the following ingredients in to see if any of the following work. Also talk with your derm about getting a mild prescription treatment that might include an antibacterial or steroid component.
  
  
• Sulfur (typically sulfur soap, although you can also buy some creams) [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00685KUGA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) (In [soap] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MWB0ZGE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1) or [cream] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N434AWO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) form)
  
• Tea tree oil [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017L8ZUJE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Clotrimazole [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Family-Care-Clotrimazole-Anti-Fungal-Cream/dp/B01K51YPCC/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069707&sr=1-1&keywords=clotrimazole)
  
• Hydrocortisone [[Link]] (https://www.amazon.com/Cortizone-Cream-Maximum-Strength-Anti-Itch/dp/B001AZTD52/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493069776&sr=1-1&keywords=hydrocortisone)
  
  As others have mentioned, sunlight also helps. Either give yourself 15 minutes of sun a day or look into UV treatments.
  
  Finally, consider dietary factors – for me cutting out dairy, sugar, and gluten when I really want crystal clear skin makes a big difference. Adding healthy oils and fats to your diet can also improve skin quality.
  
  Advanced Level
  
  I not only have KP, but years of scarring and redness (Post Inflammatory Erythema, or PIE) from picking at the bumps when I was younger. Laser treatments have almost 100% gotten rid of this and made my arms the smoothest and clearest they've been in almost two decades. However, these are pricey (for me, ~$200 a treatment and it took 4) and a serious time commitment. But if nothing else works, consider it.
  
  Other Tips
  
  
• If you pick, use a hydrocolloid bandage right away to make things heal faster.
  
• Vitamin C, niacinamide, honey/propolis, rosehip oil/rosewater, and all those other things this sub and /r/AsianBeauty love can really help reduce redness.
  
• Avoid overly hot showers, as this can be dehydrating. On the other hand, drink lots of water to hydrate internally.
  
• There are a ton of home/natural remedies out there, including using apple cider vinegar and coconut oil, none of which worked for me. These are seriously YMMV. Apple cider vinegar is low Ph, so if that helps, try using a [low Ph cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B01N1LL62W/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493070492&sr=1-2&keywords=cerave+foaming+facial+cleanser) or [Ph adjusting toner] (https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Daily-Clean-Toner-Fluid/dp/B00LUU42NU/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493070538&sr=1-1&keywords=ph+adjusting+toner), which might be less harsh. Similarly, coconut oil is antimicrobial and moisturizing, so give it a try and if it works, investigate whether you need more moisture or antibacterial/antifungal ingredients in your other products.
  
• Last but not least, don't sweat it! KP is incredibly common and nothing to worry about. I spent years being super paranoid about my arms and keeping them covered up, only to discover none of my friends even noticed my skin or cared at all.
  

Is the redness just general redness in your skin, or is it redness leftover by acne? Either way:

I would start by finding a new cleanser, both AM and PM. Scrubs are very harsh and bar soaps are stripping and typically not the right pH for skin. Both off these things can compromise your skin barrier and make it look and feel worse, as well as inhibit it's ability to protect itself and heal. Your skin is your largest organ, don't think of it as something that needs to be dried out and stripped, it needs to be hydrated, moisturized, and healthy. I think this could definitely be contributing to your redness, at least in part. The most popular recommendations are listed in the holy grail cleanser thread, but CeraVe Hydrating, Neutrogena Hydrating, or Vanicream are good places to start.

I couldn't find your moisturizer, so I've got nothing in it specifically, but yet again, there's a holy grail thread for that. If you're concerned about redness, you could look for one that contains niacinamide, which helps a lot in reducing redness. CeraVe PM is a good drugstore moisturizer that contains ceramides, hylauronic acid, and niacinamide, all of which are very good for your skin.

The last thing you need for a good basic routine (and before you should start adding anything heavy duty like chemical exfoliation) is a good sunscreen. Wearing this everyday will help a lot with your redness. Oh look, a holy grail thread for that too!

Since you're relatively new at this, don't forget to patch test new products. And wait at least a week or two before adding the next new product. This can be time consuming but it makes it much easier if you start to break out to pinpoint which product is causing it.

Sorry, I realize this is very long, but getting a solid basic routine of cleanse, moisturize, and SPF is the most important and beneficial thing you can do. If you're getting into skincare and adding lots of things, you really need a baseline to fall back on if you need to. I'm glad you posted! Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, this subreddit is very helpful and only wants you to succeed!

Edit: I totally neglected to mention the side bar in this sub. Not sure If you've checked it out yet, but it is full of fantastic information that is very helpful.

For sure. I've been trying different products for about 6 months now using the SCA routine guidelines. It's a great sub & I've learned a lot about skincare from it. Apologies for my formatting, on mobile. Keep in mind that skincare is not one size fits all. Always patch test, go slow & only change one product at a time so you know which product is causing a particular effect. I also wish I had taken a proper before picture to help measure my results.

My current routine:
Am - rinse with lukewarm water, dry & apply micellar water using a cotton round https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D10IR1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_W6JLAbQNQFP3F) wait 5 minutes for it to absorb then apply moisturizer. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N35TNYX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_k.JLAb07QYVMK Apply sunscreen, CeraVe makes a lotion with sunscreen too

PM - Wash with a gentle cleanser. At first I used Cetaphil because it is super gentle but I've now stepped up to CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1LL62W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rcKLAbZWS17QV Next I use the red box Stridex wipes to exfoliate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF2VZG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vfKLAbSP9XSG7 I let that soak into my face for 20-30 minutes. The I use a benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment to help dry up postules https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E96LXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QjKLAbYZXTGX5 Note that as low as 3% is as effective as 10% and doesn't dry out your skin as much. I already had the persa gel when I found out & it doesn't dry my skin too much so I'm using it all up before trying something else. After the benzoyl peroxide has set for a few minutes I moisturize using CeraVe PM Lotion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010PJX8UE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jnKLAbJ21PV7H Both the CeraVe face wash & PM lotion have niancinamide which seems to be working well with my face. Overall I have been satisfied with CeraVe products. I've used some of The Ordinary line & loved them but it seems they are always out of stock so I gave up. Their azaliac acid & glycol toner worked great for me.

I'm far from an expert but feel free to pm me if you have any questions. I know all to well how much acne can really weigh someone down & I'm happy to help. Good luck!

I'm not going to rate because that's dumb, but there's a lot you can do actually.

• Your skin is pretty sullen. How's your diet? Incorporate lots more green leafy vegetables, berries and orange veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes into your diet. It does wonders for your skin and attractiveness. Also consider using alpha hydroxy acid and moisturizers on your face. I'm a dude and I swear by this stuff, you'll notice a difference in weeks. Follow up the wash with any lotion designed for the face like CeraVe.
  
  
• Make sure you're getting enough sleep! You have some minor bags under your eyes. A solid 7 hours per night plus the skincare stuff I mentioned should clear that right up.
  
  
• You have facial hair, that's good! But you need a trim badly. Your mustache is too bushy and you have hair high up on your cheeks. Go to a professional barber who knows what he's doing and let him do his thing. Ask him what you need to reproduce the look at home, likely some clippers and a straight edge razor. Also don't skimp on the beard conditioner! A soft looking/feeling beard makes a huge difference. And have you thought about going longer with your beard? I think growing it out and getting it groomed would really suit your face, it looks like it could get really full and nice looking!
  
  
  
• Body weight exercises. You're not fat, which is good, but you also look kinda skinny-fat and it's not a great look. You don't have to go to the gym to get in shape man. Buy a pull up bar, a kettlebell perhaps, and explore Reddit's bodyweight fitness community to get started. Lots of pushups and pull-ups will get you 90% of the way there, trust me. And it makes a huge difference in your overall look and your face.
  
  I speak from experience when I say this advice WILL work if you get started. I'm not saying you will be hot (you might), but I guarantee you'll be objectively attractive.
  
  Good luck!

Hi! I have very dry, often dehydrated, extremely sensitive/reactive skin. Pardon the following infodump :)

I have had really great results with some Asian skincare! I have used the following products with great success:

Banila Co Nourishing Cleansing Balm for Dry Skin - Double cleansing has changed my life, no hyperbole. I don't get tiny blackheads any more. I use this first, and the idea is that it washes away any oil soluble stuff, like sebum, sunscreen, makeup, etc.

Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - Even if you only want to use one cleanser, I recommend this over Cetaphil any day. It is super gentle and does not dry out my skin AT ALL, even when I was using it alone before I started double cleansing. You only need the tiniest amount and it foams up into a rich, satisfying lather, so the bottle lasts forever.

Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner - I use this after cleansing and allow it to soak in entirely before any next step. If my skin is particularly dehydrated I do it a couple few times.

Hada Labo Japan Gokujun Premium - This is a serum type product that has 4 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid AND urea, both of which dry skin is severely lacking. Helps me get my glow on. (tip: HA works by attaching to water molecules, so if you live in a dry climate you will need to spritz your face with water after this soaks in and allow the HA to do its thing)

CeraVe PM - This is pricier than CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, but I have found that my face likes it so much more. It soaks right in.

I love Asian skincare because for the most part you can find reasonably priced products that are formulated to let the active ingredients truly shine with no excess nonsense. I never used anything but Cetaphil until this year because my skin is SO sensitive, I can't even use regular laundry detergent. Discovering Asian skincare has been wonderful and I am truly excited about my results! If you are interested in learning more r/AsianBeauty is an amazing resource.

Hi All!

​

I'm trying to mail down a strict routine, one where I regularly use different types of acids (mostly to finish off a few products that I've had for a while). The main problem I have is, can I layer multiple products on nights that I use something like my prescription tretinoin, Sunday Riley Good Genes, Benzoyl Peroxide washes (I have two: https://smile.amazon.com/Benzoyl-Peroxide-Acne-Treatment-Wash/dp/B00PO7GKLM?sa-no-redirect=1, https://www.neutrogena.com/skin/skin-acne/clear-pore-cleansermask/6810019.html), Pixi Glow Tonic? I know I shouldn't layer any of these acids, when I mean layer, I mean can I utilize other products under them? And How often should I be rotating these items during my routine?

​

The details

I'm 28 years old, I have dry/combo dehydrated skin. I went though a couple of rough skin years because of my IUD, which has since been removed. My derm gave me tretinoin (0.025%), Spironolactone daily pill, and clindamycin phosphate pads. Since I started taking Spironolactone, my skin has become dry when I used to be oily, it's now starting to become a bit combo has my t-zone will get a tad oily these days. It's been about a year and a half now since my cystic acne from the IUD has gone away, but I'm trying to clean up the mess of scars it's left behind.

​

My Current Routine

Morning:

Hado Labo Gentle Facial Cleanser

Clindamycin Pads (very rarely do I use these, but when I get some break outs I'll use them for a few days)

Pyunkang Yul Essense Toner

Pixi Morning Vitamin Mist (trying to just use this up as I don't see much from it)

TO Marine Hyaluronics (not sure if this is doing enough for my dry skin, I may not repurchase when I finish it)

TO Niacinamide 10%/ Zinc 1%

BioOil

CosRx Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion / CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

An SPF of 30 or higher (I'm rotating about three right now to finish up some)

And then I follow up with makeup usually.

​

Night:

Clean it zero balm (the new yellow one)

Hado Labo Gentle Facial Cleanser

Then here is where I'm unsure.

I have quite a few other products that I'd like to use as well (TO Marula Oil, Laneige Sleeping mask, Pond's Dry skin cream, and a couple other samples of oils and such).

​

My current idea was to use the tretinoin, after I wash (obviously after my skin is completely dry) on the first night, then next night layer the Marula Oil and Pond's cream, then the next night use Good Genes after washing, and then the next night tretinoin again, and then the next night Marula and Pond's cream again, and then prob the Good Genes again (and one night with nothing as I know either Friday or Saturday night I will just wash my face and fall asleep after going out).

As for the Pixi Glow Tonic, I was thinking about peppering that in during my morning routine a few times a week after I wash.

As for the benzoyl peroxide washes, I usually use one of those on Saturdays, and maybe one other day of the week.

​

Any suggestions on best way to use these products, specifically the acids and tretinoin would be greatly appreciated. I'm afraid to layer and potentially cancel out their intended effects. I will likely always keep the prescription tretinoin unless I find an alternative that gives me similar results. And I'm not sure if I like Good Genes or not, so I'm not sure if I'd repurchase. And any comments or suggestions on my daily routine is welcomed.

Thanks!

Hi everyone, I'm new here, and new to skincare in general. Hoping to get some help with my acne and blemishes.

For background, I am male, turning 22 in the fall, and I've never really had a standard skincare routine. I hate putting stuff on my face in general. I tend to avoid moisturizers and creams and lotions and all that. I don't like the oily feeling, but I'll try putting up with it to help my acne. Always thought it would start naturally clearing up around this time in my life and never worried about it too much or looked it up. It's gotten a bit better recently, but I still get a lot of breakouts and this chronic big one on my left cheek too.

Thanks for any help in advance!

Issues: Acne and acne-related blemishes. Occasional, but minor, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (Just learned that's what that is from reading through the sidebar stuff!)

Skin Type: I have no idea. I read through the link provided and still not sure how to classify. Combination I guess? I think my skin is slightly dry in general, but I tend to sweat a lot (especially with the hot Californian summer sun), so it gets oily sometimes.

Current Routine/How Long: I usually just wash my face with water pretty regularly. For most of my life (since I was about 15) I would use these two St. Ives acne-face washes (Apricot Scrub and Green Tea Scrub) anytime I showered. In the past couple months I've switched to this Neutrogena Daily Scrub and this Clean & Clear moisturizer, but I still use them pretty much just after showers. For about the last week or so, I've been trying to get into the habit of using them both daily. Was going to start trying twice a day for the scrub.

Anything New: Definitely a big increase in the frequency I use my cleaners. Using moisturizer more in this last week than ever before in my life too. Not a lot has changed so far though. My skin has just become a little softer I think.

Location: California Bay Area


I feel like it should also be known that I teach martial arts so I spend a lot of time running around getting sweaty and dirty and also a lot of time on the ground, sometimes facedown on the mat or getting other peoples' hands across my face. I've also been a terrible picker for a lot of my life, but I've been pretty good about it lately.

Here's some stuff I've been looking at trying from my research recently, including looking through this sub's awesome sidebar info.

1. Stri-Dex Maximum Strength Medicated Pads OR
   
   
2. Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Night Cleansing Pads
   
   
3. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel OR
   
   
4. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask
   
   
5. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
   
   
6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
   
   I also haven't looked into sunscreen at all because I have fairly dark skin and am pretty sun-resistant already. Other than Pokemon Go recently, I don't spend a lot of time exposed in the sun anyway. And when I do, it's usually early morning when it's not too strong, or around sunset when I go out after work. I hear it's kinda important though, so I would appreciate recommendations for that too.
   
   Please and thank you to anyone who can help me! Sorry for the long post.

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.

New Purchase: I picked up the new La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser because of reviews indicating similarities to Glossier's Milky Jelly, but that it was more suitable for sensitive skin. I tried Milky Jelly and the texture and makeup removing ability were great, but it was SO fragrant.

I've only used it twice so far, but I really like the texture and the way my skin feels after. I remove my makeup first, so I haven't tested its ability to remove makeup yet, but I'm going to try that tonight.

It was also not badly priced for how large the bottle is, and I needed a lot less than I do with my current cleanser (Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating creamy cleanser). Also Walgreens had a special this weekend where if you spent $20 on personal care / beauty products you got 7000 points ($7 worth), and I shop there all the time for various things because it's half a mile from my house.

Rave: My skin really likes Vitamin C. I've been using the C21.5 serum by Wishtrend. I'm getting more of the accompanying face masks soon, I'm very excited because they're great.

OH MY GOD PLEASE NO

DO NOT USE SUGAR

DO NOT USE SALT

DO NOT USE COFFEE GRAINS

NEVER USE LIME (I mean, really? What year is this? Why are we recommending this to people?)

​

These things will make microtears in your skin and leave you with scars and pigmentation, and even carry bacteria all around your face (they don't kill bacteria, but if you have some causing acne in one spot they're great at getting into a pore when they tear your skin and carrying that bacteria over to a new spot on your face to break you out more).

​

If you find that you have flaky skin and need to exfoliate, you can use a physical method that is gentle such as a cotton wash cloth, a clean brush or silicon thingy (like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H3T2WC/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). Or you can use a very, very gentle exfoliating product like this one that uses cellulose and cotton in the actual wash and not something hard and granular that will have sharp edges like sugar ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DN85WQ2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ).

​

Better yet, if you don't really have that thick, dry, flaky, crackly skin, use a cleanser, toner, or cream with an AHA or BHA like 2% SA: https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-Cleanser-Salicylic-Normal/dp/B00U1YCRD8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3LS2UD8S2VUVG&keywords=salicylic+acid+face+cleanser&qid=1554488530&s=beauty&sprefix=salicy%2Cbeauty%2C197&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Glycolic-Toning-Solution-240ml/dp/B071914GGL/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=the+ordinary+glycolic+acid&qid=1554488568&s=beauty&sr=1-3

Start off using these once every third day, and if they don't irritate your skin, you can try every other day, or every day, or twice a day. But don't overdo it right away because it will essentially burn off a layer of your skin if you are overexposed to an acid. These are strong, which is why they are effective, but you have to be careful.

I'm a normal/combo skin type (although the more I work with my face, the more I think it's just normal) with rosacea. I'm also fairly pale with genetic dark circles, so I think we're a pretty good match.

 

My biggest piece of advice is to go to a dermatologist and make ABSOLUTELY SURE that the redness on your face is or is not rosacea. I didn't have rosacea before I began my skincare routine, only the genetic potential for it. Through not properly patch testing products, it was triggered and now I have to deal with it basically forever. So please learn from my mistake, and check with your doctor and patch test, patch test, patch test. You do not want to go from a type 1 to a type 2. As for dark circles, I also suggest finding out whether yours are genetic or nutrient /sleep related. Since mine are genetic, there's very little I can do to actually make them go away. I've managed to lighten then maybe two shades with The Ordinary's Caffine Solution, but that's about it.

 

My second piece of advice is a little bit triple fold. It all goes hand in hand with what should be a beginner routine - drink plenty of water, moisturize, and begin to properly wash your face. I'm a big fan of a double cleanse, that's using an oil cleanser to remove hard dirt/grease/makeup from your face and a foaming cleanser after to actually get into your pores. This is my oil cleanser and this is my foaming cleanser. For moistruzier, a lot of people love CeraVe here, but it breaks me out badly. I used [First Aid Beauty]
(http://www.ulta.com/ultra-repair-cream?productId=xlsImpprod13491031&sku=2295764&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=aud-334903466095:pla-195139242510&CAAGID=26652845550&CAWELAID=330000200000449142&catargetid=330000200000764940&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAus_QBRDgARIsAIRGNGg8YxccFl5WoVvaGeHKjHrhglPOQBNXz9NWnMZrTALnp28h5dZ9xy0aAhwLEALw_wcB) because it's heavy duty, and at the time I needed that, but have since moved on to the The Ordinary's moisturizer.


 

Once you get those things down the name of the game is prevention. There are plenty of products I would suggest to you if it turns out that you do have rosacea, but since you're very young and your skin is still going through some pretty awesome hormonal changes, I would suggest not overloading it. For the meantime, plenty of water, moisturizer, and properly washing should do the trick. I'm pretty certain you'll see added vibrancy to your skin with just this.
I'd top it off with a good, lightweight sunscreen. I buy Korean Biore UV Filter, but that's a personal preference of finish. If you're looking for inexpensive brands with quality products, I highly suggest The Ordinary. They fit about any budget, and have great staff that reply to almost any e-mail within a day or so.

 

Edit to Add: I used to have what I considered mild acne - redness, under the skin bumps, pimples on my face. They disappeared after about two weeks of double cleansing and moisturizing. A lot of my problems were stemming from clogged pores, and this basic routine basically eliminated that.

If you can get him to wash his face every night his skin will improve. My brother liked the Clinique facial bar soap, and just using that improved his severe cystic acne. but any facial soap he'll use will be good.

Spot treating with benzoyl peroxide helps. If he is oily getting him in the habit of using stridex every night will pay off. I purged for a solid six months, but now I use it almost every night and notice a difference if I don't. I'm a minimalist and washing my face at night, then using stridex is a really simple skincare routine that could work for a lot of adolescents.

Also, there has been dermatology research that shows salicylic acid is effective in face washes, Cerave has a SA face wash, Neutrogena has one, and I love the Clean and Clear Deep Action Cleanser

If your son ever really gets into skincare routines, and is responsible about it, then Differin will give him results. He'll just need to use a sunscreen every morning. My dad recently got a precancerous mole removed, and still hasn't developed the habit of using sunscreen in the morning (So I know it can be tough to get people in habits of using sunscreen), so I would only get him Differin if you see evidence he can be responsible about sunscreen use. It's a worthwhile endeavor, because it could prevent him from getting skin cancer down the road. Blue Lizard, Olay Complete spf 30, & Purpose spf 15 are good non comedogenic sunscreens

edit: I just read you think he has sensitive skin. In that case I do not recommend Neutrogena (their products contain too much fragrance). Vanicream is good (no fragrance or parabens). They have very good facial cleansers.

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! :)

Skin Profile: Dry/Dehydrated | Acne (Hormonal), Inflammation | Don't know my MAC colour; I'm East Asian

Climate: NE U.S.A., so currently cold and dry. I have my humidifier running whenever I'm in the house.

First Cleanser / Makeup Remover: Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil HG

Cleanser: Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser HG

Toner: Hada Labo Gokujun premium hyaluronic acid

Exfoliant: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant RP

Serum: Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum with Green Tea Seed RP

Moisturizer: Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Cream with Green Tea Seed RP | Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask

Facial Oils: Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil RP | Shu Uemura Skin Perfector Makeup Artist Oil HG

Wash Off Masks: Origins Out Of Trouble 10 Minute Mask HG | Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask RP

Sleeping Masks: Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask HG

Actives: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Lip Care: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 HG | Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Masks

*

Reflections:**
It's been a little over a year since I seriously got into skincare. At this point I'm quite satisfied with my routine and will finish all my products through. A few changes that may come:

1. After I finish the Mad Hippie Vitamin C, I may try one with L-AA instead of SAP.
   
2. I just repurchased the Trilogy Rosehip Oil but it has a strong earthy smell that is a little unpleasant; I may search for an alternative.
   
3. The Fresh Black Tea Mask was great when I was first getting into skincare -- it did wonders for my dehydrated skin -- but I've noticed diminishing returns as I've actively improved my skin's moisture so I will likely not repurchase.
   
4. I'm not 100% satisfied with my serum and moisturizer. I wish they were a little more moisturizing; however I have not been able to find anything better without being too heavy.
   
5. PC's 2% BHA is great; I just find it annoying because I need to let it sit for at least 20 minutes for it to be effective. Would love to find an alternative that doesn't require such a long wait time.
   
   Regarding Paula's Choice Hydrating Treatment Mask under "Moisturizer" -- this is my "cheating" routine. I use this on those occasional late nights when I've been out too long and cough am still too drunk to do my full routine. I make sure I double cleanse to get all the makeup and grime off my face, but I know I cannot get through my full routine so I slather this on to ensure my face is properly moisturized. This does wonders as an emergency 1-step-post-cleanse routine, but I do not recommend doing it on a regular basis.
   
   I also want to note: although it's called Shu Uemura Skin Perfector Makeup Artist Oil, I use it at night as my last step (or 2nd to last step, if I'm going to use the Sulwhasoo mask).

100% not happy haha, but I did have a look!

So far I've picked out a few items that I think would match pretty well with my skin type.

1. 
   CLEANSER - CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 16 oz for Daily Face Washing, Dry to Normal Skin
   
   
2. EXFOLIANT - Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads, 4.0 Ounce
   
   
3. MOISTURIZER -
   Simple Kind to Skin Facial Moisturizer, Hydrating Moist Spf 15 4.2 oz
   
   
4. SUNSCREEN -
   Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen SPF 30+-5 oz
   
   I now know I should only introduce one new product at a time, and I don't want to spend all the products before hand then have some not work out. So my current dilemma is having now idea which product would be best to introduce now to help get my skin back to where to needs to be. My guess would be the cleanser but I think its pretty clear I don't know whats best lol

(Sorry for late reply, was away during weekend!)

My skin type is oily, very acne-prone, sensitive (especially get rashes from oat extracts and most essential oils, can't use regular AHA/BHAs), and very damaged from long term use of anti-acne topical creams.

Common ingredients that strangely clog my fussy face:

• Betaine (aka Trimethylglycine)
  
• Aloe Vera :(
  
  I get especially painful cystic volcanoes from:
  
  
• Mineral oil (even just a rinse-off cleanser is a big no-no)
  
• Most "seed oil"s
  
• Most essential oils
  
• Most plant extracts/oils
  
  My routine.. I can share, but I do not recommend doing my routine lol :p My skin has seen some shit, and I can't use a lot of popular products.
  
  This is my "base" routine (doesn't break me out, gives me happy chok-chok skin)
  
  AM:
  
  

1. Garnier Micellar Water -- pink cap version (my oily skin makes its own "sleeping pack" while I sleep, so I need this lol)
   
2. Himalaya Neem Face Wash
   
3. Clear Extra Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (has zinc pyrithione and climbazole, effective for fungal acne)
   
4. Hada Labo Tamagohada Mild Peeling Lotion (only available in Singapore and Malaysia, if I'm not mistaken -- I hoard these by the yearly supply)
   
5. Hada Labo Gokujyun Moist
   
6. Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium (additional step only for winter)
   
7. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum (my main source of niacinamide; caution: has olive oil that causes problems for some people)
   
8. Hada Labo Gokujyun Milk
   
9. Sunkiller Perfect Strong Plus N
   
10. Makeup -- I mostly use Signature Minerals
    
    PM:
    
    
11. Garnier Micellar Water -- pink cap version
    
12. Himalaya Neem Face Wash
    
13. Clear Extra Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
    
14. Hada Labo Tamagohada Mild Peeling Lotion
    
15. Hada Labo Gokujyun Moist
    
16. Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium (additional step only for winter)
    
17. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum
    
18. Hada Labo Gokujyun Milk
    
19. Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel (additional step only for winter)
    
    I usually add products I'm testing in between, or swap out a product to test a new one. I sometimes use sheet masks when I have time. I never use nose strips, nor clay masks, nor any anti-acne topical creams anymore. No spot treatments/etc. I only get new acne when I eat the wrong thing (sugary stuff usually) or from product experimentation.
    
    "Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA+BHA Face Wash" used to be my third cleanser before I started using the Clear shampoo.
    
    I'm not on any medications nor prescriptions of any kind.
    
    ---
    
    Hopefully, all this is helpful in some way!
    
    I generally do not recommend/post my routine, because my skin is very "special needs", and most of this don't apply to anyone else.

I'm a bit older than your average SCA subscriber, so I'll chime in a bit. I have dryer, more mature skin and this is the basics of what I do and what has really improved my skin.

IF I were to start from scratch with the things I now know, I'd probably start with these things, in order of use.

An oil cleanser, like Hado Labo I've used straight oil and multiple oil cleanser. The ones that emulsify are a bit easier to use, and I prefer them, but I think most well regarded ones are pretty similar.

Second cleanser maybe, a ph balanced foam cleanser. I usually just oil cleanse, but use the foaming cleanser in addition every few days. This one is well regarded.

A toner. This isn't so much of a cleansing step as a first step of moisturization. Klairs supple prep tone

Holy grail product for me, Snail Creme. I love the Mizon one. It goes on before serums.

A Hyaluronic Acid serum, such as Paula's Choice

A night cream. I'd maybe use the Cerave here or another layer of the Mizon AIO. The Mizon is super light, sinks in and never greasy. It's not really a "moisturizer", so cream is a bit of a misnomer, but with everything else, it may be enough.

If you got her nothing else, I'd get her the Mizon snail creme. Seriously miracle product, IMO. I'd start with stuff like this and then maybe consider a retinol or other acid, if needed. Maybe some others can chime in with a retinol recommendation.

So, I found three new products after doing some bit of research.

KOSE Softy Mo Facial Cleansing Oil Speedy - I read that they updated the formula 6 months ago and all the reviews I could find are of the old formula, but of the old reviews everyone praised it for the skin issues I had. Also, I can't find the pH level of this one.

Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash - Plan to use this after oil cleanser. I read similar good reviews on this one for issues I have with my skin. The pH level is 5 according to that mega datasheet for cleanser pH levels.

Advanced Snail 92 All in one cream - Plan to replace my current moisturizer with this. Like the other two, read good reviews for my skin concerns with this one.

I don't think any of them have the niacinamide product you mention or alcohol, which I think dries my skin. I don't think my current moisturizer is working for me. After about two to three hours of applying my current moisturizer in the morning my skin may start to feel tight around my mouth/cheeks, so I picked a new one.

Aside from these three, I still need to find a toner I think. I already found two sunscreens that I plan to use. I don't know which of the three to buy first and test though. If I were to buy the oil cleanser first, would it be fine to use with my western routine? I figured it'd be best to get the oil cleanser/moisturizer first, then the second cleanser if the other two worked out. At the same time my current cleanser is making my skin feel tight/dry/flaky after using it so would it be better to start with replacing my cleanser first?

I really appreciate all the help you've given me by the way, it's helping me out so much.

I finally kicked my neck issues with this routine:

• Cold water only. Not icy, but I found that any heat just makes things redder. I just use cool tap water.
  
• Hydration. I didn't realize how important this was. Now I use Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser. I'm not looking to wash my face, just hydrate the hair. I wet my face and smear a bunch on. I let it soak in for at least 5 minutes, usually 10 if I'm not in a rush. Go make a cup of coffee or read Reddit while it absorbs. Also, every couple of minutes or so I rub some more water on to my face just to keep it nice and soupy.
  
• Direction. I didn't give this enough credence at first, but finally I found the proper WTG direction that works for me. (Although, until I had solved the hydration issue, this didn't make a lick of a difference.)
  
• Pressure: I changed my mental model when when shaving my neck to: "the blade shouldn't touch the skin. It should float ever so close to the skin, but don't let it touch". Of course, the blade does touch the skin, but focusing on "hovering" it ever so slightly was just the trick I needed to make my brain finally understand what "no pressure" really felt like.
  
  Interestingly, the choice of razor, blade and soap never made a difference with my neck. Hydration and direction were really the key issues in my case.
  
  Also, I decided to focus on doing WTG only for a few months until I really got the hang of it. I can now say that I do better with WTG-only than I did when I was trying to do the whole WTG+XTG+ATG at first. This strategy seems to have worked nicely for me, since for the first time in my life, I can get a good shave every day.
  

This looks very familiar--as familiar as my own face. I'm impressed though with how you've kept the redness down--is it the rose hip oil?

More importantly--this is fixable! I remember being very sure that it wasn't because everything I tried to do made things worse, & I had just about given up. Eventually I figured out what worked for me, and you will too. I think you might be one of the lucky ones who will be able to get a lot of improvement without prescription medicine.

I think your main issue is exfoliation. It's what always works for me when my skin decides to go crazy for no reason. I have to be patient, but slightly increase the exfoliation (not all at once & definitely go slow if you're not used to exfoliating): very soft washcloth or one of those soft silicon face sponges, Differin gel, fruit acids--AHA (Cosrx Whitehead Power liquid), BHA (Cosrx BHA Power liquid), glycolic wipes (dr denese my HG), lactic acid cream (sunday riley good genes). I have to keep up with exfoliation as soon as I notice any bumps or red spots starting. Now that I know which products don't further enrage my skin, it takes about 3 days to dial down a wild outbreak to almost invisible. Things that don't work for me: scrubbing, any "scrub" gel or lotion, anti-acne toners... And sulfur spot treatments seem to be better for me now for drying out the worst pimples than benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

If it were my skin, I'd start with a glycolic acid pad twice a week (Nip + Fab?) & use a soft washcloth/flannel morning & night. If my skin tolerated it and if the bumps started to go away, I'd increase the pads to every other day. I'd slowly add in the BHA liquid if my skin felt ready. If my skin got worse, I'd stop and try another exfoliator. If my skin didn't get worse, but if the pads and BHA didn't seem to be doing much, I'd try the Differin. And the AHA.

I think the cream you're using might be too rich for you & causing some of the blockage. The Ponds Dry Skin Cream you're using would give me a breakout within 2 weeks. Maybe take a break from it and see what happens? I'd try tonight skipping the Ponds & using the rose hip oil alone or with a thin top layer of Vaseline, or the Vaseline without the rose hip oil. If that helps, keep moisturizing but switch to a gel moisturizer for combination or oily, acne-prone skin (Cetaphil oil control moisturizer, Clean & Clear acne control moisturizer, Neutrogena Oil Free moisture, Burts Bees Daily Moisturizing, etc)

​

You can make your own, it's cheap, easy, and you can customize it to your skin type. You will need castor oil in your mix because it's a great astringent and it is attracted to water, it will help pull the other oil and grim out of your pores. Depending on your skin type you will need a cold pressed non comedogenic carrier oil like Hemp seed , grapeseed, jojoba sesame, etc. If you have an oily skin type it's best to use an oil with higher linoleic acid like Hemp seed or grapeseed oil and if you have dry skin you'll want an oil with higher oleic acid like olive or argan oil. I put my oil in dark glass boston round bottle with a dropper. I use about 1/4 castor oil and 3/4 of hemp oil. But I make different mixes with grapeseed and rosehip oil as well. I think hemp or jojoba is the best starting oils, though. List of carrier oils Another good site is this One I have bought multiple microfiber washcloths and These have been the absolute best.

I’ve tried it all: minocycline, doxycycline, aczone, onexton, epiduo forte, radio-frequency microneedling, etc.

Switching your bedsheets + pillowcases regularly is a good tip, however I don’t recommend washing your face with only warm water. That’s a bad idea. Wash your face with a nice, gentle cleanser instead (I like LRP’s Gentle Cleanser ). At nights, you can just moisturize your face. This one by Neutrogena was recommended to me by my derma and is the one that I’ve had the best experience with. In the mornings, finish off that small routine by applying a sunscreen (here’s my favorite physical sunscreen, tinted too which helps with the look of my acne scars ). No need to do this at night.

If you have a decent skincare routine and eat low glycemic index foods (somewhat healthy diet) and still have acne, it’s likely due to genetic proclivity for acne. Personally, my acne issues stemmed from my hormones along w genetic proclivity.

Accutane is the best and only real fix for acne. Hit a cumulative dose of 140+ mg/kg and you’ll be good to go.

Generally, some sort of anti-inflammatory can help too. Try Turmeric w Bioperine (that has been lead tested). If you need more, talk to your derma about Prednisone in conjunction w Accutane.

Hello!

I'm super new to skincare and I just wanted to know if this routine will be good enough for me. 20 year old male w/ acne prone skin for reference. Doc also prescribed amoxicillin for cystic acne


AM:

Cleanser: Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Sunscreen: SKIN AQUA Super Moisture Milk Pink (SPF50 PA ++++)

Clindamycin



PM:

Cleanser: Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

Wait 15-20 min

Tretinoin: 0.1%

Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream



Thanks :)

I'm not Indian so I hope I can help but I tried so many cheap Indian skincare brands when I was in Nepal. My absolute fav for price and quality is Himalaya Herbals! Coming in here to rave about two products -

The is Neem Cleanser is cheap and non irritating. It doesn't dry you out either.

The Neem Clay Mask is amazing too, it really saved my skin when my origins charcoal mask ran out and I think did an even better job in keeping my skin clear!

Fyi amazon has a more than 2x price inflation on these products, so for anyone in Nepal or India, definitely check this brand out :)

Try CeraVe products - they have a Salicylic Acid (SA) line (Cleanser & Lotion) that would help with your acne, and they also have a Hydrating cleanser + amazing Moisturizer creme and moisturizing lotion too.

http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-SA-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00U1YCRD8

http://www.amazon.com/Cerave-Sa-Renewing-Lotion-Pack/dp/B009TWF80M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

CeraVe's moisturizing products are amazing if you have solely dry skin + no acne, but I've heard reviews about it helping clear acne too even without the Salicylic Acid. CeraVe has some sort of patent in their products that help encourage your skin to renew its cells and encourage natural facial oils to emerge and help moisturize your skin without causing pimples.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/
^ You can read more reviews about CeraVe and see if it works; it worked really well for my horrible dry face rash that I got as a result of radiation + my bone marrow transplant. (Face was basically peeling and couldn't breathe/felt "stuck" because I stripped all the oil away from my face using too many harsh cleansers to get rid of the dead skin and rash. I used the hydrating cleanser and noticed a difference in 3 days with the moisturizing creme + lotion - creme for the really extra dry/flakey skin and lotion for my hands/other dry skin.

I used these products:
http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Cream-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1453793769&sr=1-2&keywords=cerave

http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=dp_ccx_cts_image_beauty_1

http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Lotion-12-oz/dp/B000YJ2SLG/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1453793769&sr=1-1&keywords=cerave)

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/CeraVe/Skin-Cleansers/_/N-1z13ozbZ2794?categoryId=cat80170&ciSelector=leaf <--Read up the reviews here too for the different cleansers and see which ones would be best for your skin. You might be able to get a sample of these too if you went to a local Ulta store or contact CeraVe.

It's hypoallergenic and Dermatologist recommended for Eczema too.

CeraVe also has a $2 coupon on their website too :) I bought mine at a local CVS when they were having a great sale on it.

Shower normally with hot water; this will soften the hair. I generally shave only at the end of a shower as other products might clog my pores.

Exfoliate; this will remove dead skin and dirt, which will help keep it from clogging the razor, promote the release of any ingrown hairs, and further soften the hair.

Lather with a moisturizing shaving soap or if you run out of shaving specific products, hair conditioner works in a bind. Let lather sit for a minute or two; it will further soften the hair.

Starting from the base of your ankle, shave in short strokes (maybe 3-4 inches) upwards against the grain, rotating around your leg; longer strokes evidently can clog the razor faster.

Rinse the blade after every rotation; not rinsing will force you to take multiple passes, and that is something you want to avoid.

The backs of the legs takes practice. I contort myself so I can see for the most part. Calfs are easy to see, but hamstrings are not. If you cannot contort yourself, lift your knee to your shoulder so you can see your hamstrings and shave downwards against the grain from the knee to the butt.

Go slow. A woman's legs are one of her best assets; take care of them.

Do not neglect your toes, thighs, arm pits and knuckles. Arm hair is optional, but even ciswomen can have hairy arms and not give a shit.

Rinse with cold water; as cold as you can possibly endure. This will snap shut your pores and help mitigate bacterial invasions. It helps stops razor bumps, ingrown hairs and acne.

Pat dry with a clean towel; never rub dry because you will exacerbate any micro cuts and make them worse.

Moisturize wherever the blade touched you. Even pros get get micro cuts, so you might want to invest in a medicated moisturizer.

The reward for being diligent?
Rub your freshly shaved legs together; it feels like heaven. It's really quite addicting.

-----------

Edit: added stuff

Check out the ScA routine, which includes a sample routine and product recs. If you want a list of one product recs, I'd go for

• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser While the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is better for oily skin, I think you should start off with the Hydrating for now to cater to your non-oily cheeks. You can always try out the Foaming Cleanser later on if you want to kick it up a notch
  
  
• Exfoliant - Stridex in the red box. This is a BHA which can help with oil control, acne treatment, and treatment of blackheads or sebaceous filaments. If those blackheads on your nose are actually sebaceous filaments, remember that they are a normal part of the skin and will never go away completely, although a BHA like Stridex can help.
  
  
• Moisturizer - If you live near a Trader Joe's, I highly highly recommend their Trader Joe's Antioxidant Oil-Free Moisturizer. If not, I'd go for CeraVe Baby Lotion (review), which is a wonderful moisturizer for oily skin that dries down pretty matte and doesn't have that greasy feel other moisturizers can have.
  
  
• Sunscreen - CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sunscreen's a tricky one, but I think this product is a fantastic choice for getting some SPF in there without hunting down the perfect cosmetically elegant sunscreen. Plus, it can cut down on your AM routine if you want to skip your moisturizer and just use the moisturizer + SPF combo
  
  A routine with these products could look like
  
  AM:
  
  
• Cleanse - Rinse with water or use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
• Moisturizer (+ Sunscreen) - CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer with SPF 30
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cleanse - CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
• Active - Stridex in the red box
  
  
• Moisturizer - CeraVe Baby Lotion
  
  You can always switch out the Hydrating Cleanser for the Foaming Cleanser later one.
  
  When introducing the Stridex, remember to start slow - a couple times a week at first, slowly increasing in frequency to every other day, then finally once daily if your skin likes it. If you experience irritation or any other signs of overexfoliation, reduce the frequency of the Stridex.
  
  When introducing new products, do so one at a time and wait a week or two before introducing the next. That way if a product breaks you out you can easily identify and drop the culprit.
  
  You could use your BHA (Stridex) in the AM instead - this is what I do for added oil control throughout the day.

So I have a bunch of ones that I use. I counted them yesterday and I have about 35 spanning about 5/6 different brands.

The ones marketed towards facial use are definitely softer than the ones that are multipurpose.

These are my absolute favourite . They are so soft and gentle that I’d only trust these with the care of cleansing my first born. Like I said, these are like little blankets for the face.

Up until recently these were my favourite. I still adore them and they too are soft. They also come with a loop so that you can easily hang them on hooks in the shower or wherever. I still love these and they too are very nice, but the other ones I mentioned beat them out with regards to softness.

My third preferred brand are these ones here, which are much pricier than the others but they too come with loops for easy hanging/drying. They also come in different colours so if you like colour coding things there is that aspect. But because of the price and the fact that they aren’t the softest, I would pass on these unless you were interested in certain colours.

Besides these 3 brands I mentioned, I have another 4 different brands of microfiber cloths that I have (about 5/6 cloths per each brand). So I have quite a thing for these cloths and I can tell you that the ones that aren’t marketed towards facial use are scratchier/more abrasive. They aren’t the same as a typical washcloth, but they definitely aren’t as gentle as ones marketed for the face, which is probably why the multipurpose microfiber cloths tend to be cheaper by a tad.

Edited to add:

I also have a little system with them. I keep a collapsible Seagrass belly basket in my bathroom just for my dirty microfiber cloths. I use one cloth daily (or one per routine, depending on the day) and then I throw my dirty microfiber cloth in the basket. Any type of basket or bin will do, I just use this because it goes with the theme of my bathroom. After the basket is full I wash the cloths and fold them and put them away and start again. I keep this basket specifically for the microfiber cloths because they need to be washed separately so that they do not collect lint from other clothing in the wash. So basically I use this basket to sort them as I go along, instead of throwing them in the regular hamper and then sifting through that when it’s time to do the laundry.

Another bonus is that, at the end of your routine, if you happen to make a mess at the sink, you can wipe down the sink with the dirty microfiber washcloth before throwing it in the bin. This is especially useful for me on days that I use a charcoal tooth paste while doing my routine or if I happened to be wearing makeup that day, because both the charcoal and the makeup tend to stain or leave spots on my sink. The microfiber cloths polish down the sink without need for soap, so passing a wipe over the sink with the dirty cloth and then throwing it into the basket is a nice system for me.

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 :)

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.

Hi :)

It sounds like you either have combination skin (when you have an oily forehead/nose and the rest is dry) or your skin is dehydrated (when your skin is dry but can overproduce oil to compensate).

To be on the safe side, I'd try a very gentle cleanser first, like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser or Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser; they're both very affordable. Be sure to patch test first.

A chemical exfoliant can help with clogged pores and acne, but I'd make sure you've got the basics down first: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen.

What moisturizer are you currently using?

My all-time favorite cleanser is this one if you're interested. Don't order it right now though, it's usually $10 and the price will go back down

That Avene sunscreen is good on sun protection but has two major cons - it's expensive and it's gonna leave a white caste. If you have even a bit of melanin in you, trust me it's gonna leave a caste. Btw don't wear multiple sunscreens at once, there are some ingredients that don't work well together and can degrade each other. Pick one and apply liberally. A really great Japanese sunscreen that I recommend like this one is cheaper and will look much better on your skin. I also thought I couldn't access Japanese sunscreen because I didn't know I could order it on Amazon. I seriously couldn't recommend them enough. They're affordable, look better on the skin, and have FAR better sun protection.

sorry to say I haven't used either one but if you're willing to try something else I have been using Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer for years and love it. It's nothing crazy and im sure there are other moisturizers with better ingredients out there, but this stuff has been a god sent for me. Hope you find something you like!

yes, thank you so much! I have an amazon gift card so I'm getting an asian sunscreen recommended on asian beauty, I was also looking at this cleanser some people had recommended, I'm going to check out the one you mentioned now. I definitely was planning on starting slow if I go that route, I still haven't entirely figured out what all of that stuff does yet anyway, ha. I still like my current day moisturizer but I'm looking for a new product to use at night.

Thanks so much for all of your help! I'm getting some toki doki sheet masks just for fun, I've liked other masks I've used in the past.

Their Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is pretty popular. I wasn't sure about it at first, but my mom's best friend is a dermatologist and he always recommends that wash for a daily cleanser. I've also seen the derms on PocketDerm recommend it for normal/dry skin.

I've personally been using it for about 3 months now and at first liked it well enough. It was gentle enough to use every day and did a decent job washing off dirty oil from my OCM routine. Lately, however, I've noticed that it's starting to irritate my skin near my eyes. It gets red and burn-y so I've actually started looking for a new daily cleanser, but that doesn't mean it's a bad face wash - YMMV of course.

Regardless of my recent skin irritation, it's definitely one of the more popular drugstore brands, but I don't really see them mentioned in this sub all too often.

Here is my unbiased, heavily researched answer. I'm a doctor and also struggled with blackheads/acne, and the below answers tend to work well for almost everyone.

Use a cleanser and a toner as directed on the bottles once in the morning and once before bed. In addition, the below advice works really well for clearing out and keeping out blackheads, as well as preventing and treating acne.

The reason products like Pro Activ tend to work is they force people into a schedule of doing something productive on a regular basis. You don't need to spend that kind of cash as long as you keep a good regimen going. So in addition to cleaner/toner, follow steps 1-2 below and consider adding #3 for a huge punch, #4 if you want to take it a little further and get rid of some scarring (over time) and really keep your skin looking young, glowing and cleared up. USE PRODUCTS AS DIRECTED when you buy them - don't let a peel sit overnight on your face just because you think it'll help more. That's like turning the oven on 500 degrees to cook your cookies twice as fast - it doesn't work out and you just ruin the cookies. Same goes with your face.

1. Use a pore strip (the Biore ones work well) to initially clear them out. You can do this 2x/week if you like. It's a way to remove without squeezing (squeezing = inflammation). This gets rid of most of the big ones. I use one on my nose and one on my chin.
   
   to prevent blackheads, follow remaining steps. Some product links at bottom
   
   
2. Use either a moisturizer with salicylic acid (Clean & Clear makes a great one - it's oil free) or benzoyl peroxide plus any other moisturizer on problem areas in the morning after you use a cleanser + toner. Problem areas are usually nose and chin. The acid eats up the blackhead a bit.
   
   
3. Clay based mask (any old kind, cheap, as long as it's clay based) once or twice every week for 15 min to 60 min (you don't have to be strict about the time). Do this far from the time you do the peel (see below). Yes, guys do this. My husband loves it. I do this right after I use a pore strip.
   
   
4. Consider adding a low to medium strength glycolic or lactic acid peel to your skincare every 3-4 weeks once. Follow the instructions meticulously. Don't get 80% stuff. Get lower percentages to try so you don't burn your face off. Don't do a mask within 3-4 days on either side of the peel. The next day or 2 your skin should be a little rough and dead-ish (because the top layer literally dies off faster than usual) and then boom your skin is brighter. This gets rid of the dead flaky stuff that encourages oils to stay in pores.
   
   
5. Finally, if these things aren't cutting it or you are getting to the wrinkle stage of life (or want to prevent them - usually mid to late 30s) consider a retinol based acne face serum or cream. This will increase your acne for a couple weeks because it pisses your face off. Get through it and then your acne should go down. Don't use this if you're female and in the child bearing stages.
   
   Pore strips:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Biore-Deep-Cleansing-Pore-Strips/dp/B0009EILKS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404574003&sr=8-2&keywords=pore+strips
   
   Moisturizer with salicylic acid:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-ESSENTIALS-Action-Moisturizer/dp/B000052YJM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404574034&sr=8-2&keywords=salicylic+acid+moisturizer
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Natural-Solutions-Moisturizing/dp/B0027TSO5A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404574053&sr=8-4&keywords=salicylic+acid+moisturizer
   
   Masks:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Logistics-Men-Cleansing-Ounce/dp/B000J4K0YI/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573858&sr=8-30&keywords=clay+mask
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Freeman-FREEMAN241620-Facial-Masque-Purifying/dp/B00005NFBD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573943&sr=8-3&keywords=clay+mask
   
   Lactic peels:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/LUMINEX-Skin-Brightening-Peel-Pads/dp/B00H8ZLVTE/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573483&sr=8-11&keywords=lactic+acid+peel
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lactic-Acid-50%25-Gel-Peel/dp/B006ZBP8NM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573664&sr=8-1&keywords=lactic+acid+peel
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lactic-Acid-40%25--Beverly-Hills/dp/B00CMBS70U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573483&sr=8-8&keywords=lactic+acid+peel

Hi all.

Friend introduced me to this site and I'd love to see if the "magic" she works on her skin can work for me too. I'd love it if folk could review my shopping list below and give me feedback. My skin is oily and blemish prone and I have a number of large clogged pores - oh, and I"m in my 30s.

SKIN CARE ROUTINE:

1. MORNING (Scalp)
   
   

• PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BD1BXJM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1)
  
  

2. MORNING (Body Wash)
   
   

• ?? Any suggestions ??
  
  

3. MORNING (Face)
   
   

• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LSA97J6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1)
  
  
• Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads Maximum Strength (BHA peel) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JF2VZG2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Clinique/Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZJQH40/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen SPF 30+ (optional) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I5KCIW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  

4. NIGHT (FACE)
   
   

• Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme (AHA peel) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010SAF0YC/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Olay Age Defying Classic Night Face Cream (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LF4BEE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  

5. WEEKLY
   
   

• Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with Apple Cider Vinegar (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N528HIC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 AND https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EW16TCK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
  Also, any recommendations for a body wash for the shower?

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

PART II

Exfoliators:

• secretKey Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel - $7.59
  was $11.68
  Amazon NOT AVAILABLE
  
  
• NEOGEN Bio peel Gentle Gauze Peeling GREEN TEA - 30 pads $14.96
  was $23.01
  Amazon $16.77
  
  
• NEOGEN Bio peel Gentle Gauze Peeling LEMON - 30 pads $14.96
  was $23.01
  Amazon $17.03
  
  
• NEOGEN Bio peel Gauze Peeling WINE - 30 pads $14.96
  was $23.01
  Amazon $16.32
  
  Cleansers:
  
  
• Fresh Cleansing Stick Green Tea - $12.27
  was 18.88
  Amazon $12.85
  
  
• NEOGEN Real Fresh Foam Green Tea - $12.27
  was $18.88
  Amazon $17.45
  
  
• Hope Girl JAMONG CLEANSING BALM - $11.04
  was $16.98
  Amazon $15.98
  
  
• TOSOWOONG Enzyme Powder Wash (Enzyme Cleanser) - $6.44
  was $9.91
  Amazon $8.55
  
  Primers:
  
  
• touch in SOL No Poreblem Primer - $8.44
  was $12.98
  Amazon $15.76
  
  
• secretKey Snow White Cream - BB Cream/ Makeup Primer/ Moisturizer with Brightening effects $7.13
  was $10.97
  Amazon $6.40
  
  

Hello all! First off, I am so glad I found this sub. I am a 27 year old male, and I am a noob. All I used to do was just put on Neutrogena facial moisturizer, and wash my face in the shower with body scrub. Then I found this sub because I really realized that I need to take better care of my skin. I read the WIKI and FAQ and got my current routine from the helpful info on this sub.

The issue: Ever since I started this routine, I am breaking out in both my lower cheeks. I have maybe...9-10 pimples on my face. This is not normal as I usually only have 1-2 at most when breaking out, but normally I have none.

Skin type OILY!

Current routine:So I got all but 1 these product recommendations from this sub. Soo my routine is:

MORNING:
Wash face with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, for normal to oily skin

Afterwards apply CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and do this every 2-3 hours during the day

NIGHT:
Wash face with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, for normal to oily skin

Right before going to sleep, I put on Neutrogena® Men Age Fighter Face Moisturizer with Retinol. This is the only product that I did not get from this site. I used this product for months, and my skin never reacted bad to it. Here is a link in case you guys want to see what ingredients are in it:
>Ensulizole (1%), Octinoxate (6%). Inactive Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, BHT, Tocopherol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Titanium Dioxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Alumina, Methylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben.

How long:The age fighter with retinol I have used for almost a year. The rest of the products that I got from this subs HG thread, I have been using for about 9 days now

Anything new:Everything except the age fighter

Your location: Los Angeles

Other notes:I got this stuff from Amazon. The facial cleanser is supposed to be unscented.......however it defiantly has a sent. I got all my stuff from Amazon.com...is it possible I got fake/knock offs? I am looking at my Amazon history, here is the link to the one I got:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET79H8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I just also noticed that the latest reviews are horrible..

Also:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F97FHAW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. I kind of don't know what to do right now since both my cheeks are breaking out pretty bad. My face actually was a lot more clear prior to this routine. However because I never washed my face this much, IDK if this is "normal" or not.

Hello r/AsianBeauty ! Long time lurker looking to implement more AB products into my routine. I am 22F with combination oily skin with dry spots on my cheekbones. I developed a routine half a year ago with the help from r/SkincareAddiction sidebar information. The skincare products I use at the moment seem to work for me short-term; my face feels soft and refreshed after use, but after I wake up or get home from work the oil appears to have accumulated.

I am mostly looking for foam cleanser recommendations. My current cleanser (Cleansing Story) was purchased from Marshall's and I do not live near stores that carry many AB products. I am also trying to transition from the Neutrogena to an AB cleanser.

I would greatly appreciate any pointers, tips, or recommendations. The AB routine seems really intimidating and I would like to start with 1 or 2 products. There is also a huge list of websites to order from and I am overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sites, products, and effectiveness. Which product(s) would be a good starting point for beginners? I have only ever used TonyMoly, Cleansing Story, and Face Shop (face masks) but am more than willing to try different brands. I am also on a budget, so products less than $25 are ideal. Thank you in advance!


Skin Type: Oily | Country/Climate I'm in: US/Cold snowy winter | Top Skin Concern: Oil control & breakouts

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• Cleansing Story Black Bean Deep Cleansing Foam
  
  
• Simple Ultra Light Gel Moisturizer
  
  
• Shiseido Mineral Water Sunscreen
  
  PM
  
  
• Misc. Makeup wipe
  
  
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser (Foaming)
  
  
• Pond's Anti-Aging Cream
  
  TL;DR: AB newbie looking for a beginner-friendly foaming cleanser for oily skin. Product & brand recommendations are greatly appreciated. Also poor so less than $25 D:

I found them at CVS, but you can order them on Amazon. I'm not sure what else you're using in your routine, but I found them to be the perfect thing to get me out of my clinique habit, and at a much better price point for my face. If this is the only thing you're using on your face, absolutely. Piling them on with a bunch of other acids or if you have super sensitive skin might be dicey.

Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads Maximum Strength - 90 ct - 2 pk https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF2VZG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RUEKAbKFASGFH

I'm going to recommend you some products based off the photos but YMMV.

Super gentle face wash

Glycolic acid, for gentle chemical exfoliation

Hyaluronic acid, to force moisture into your skin

Snail gel, to help heal your skin and lock in more moisture

Sun cream, because it's never too late

Use in that order., only suncream in the morning [obviously]. The products listed will smooth the texture of your skin and promote healing. Drink loads of water, of course, and at night, don't be afraid to layer on some thick, heavy duty moisturiser like a cm thick. I use the Nivea in the blue tub and various eczema cremes, depending what's in my cupboard this month.

Good luck and post an update if this works for you!

Rave: I'm still loving my Cheryl Lee MD Hydrate Lotion and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser combo. I can't believe how awesome my skin looks lately.

New Purchases: Since I liked the lotion so much, my husband and I picked up some of Cheryl Lee's lip balm during her black Friday sale. So far, it has been equally impressive.

I also just started using the new Elta MD sunscreen, Elta MD Elements. I have only used it 3 days so far, but my impressions are: it's gorgeous. I am praying this doesn't break me out or dry me out (super duper sensitive, acne-prone, dry and reactive skin with many allergies). Because I can't tolerate chemical sunscreens at all, I try to use physical ones - but while those don't irritate my skin, they do tend to dry me out horribly so I have been unable to use any consistently daily. If this sunscreen works in those regards though, it will be HG for me.

It applies like a dream, and is completely and utterly invisible on my skin tone. The tint is just gorgeous. It feels very smooth and not too heavy at all. It evens out any visible imperfections to the point that I don't need foundation, just concealer. The finish is dewy but not oily. It claims to be hydrating, but I don't necessarily feel that just yet - but it also hasn't dried me out so far. I love it! I'll update as I continue to use it.

Foaming cleansers are generally better for people with oily skin, so I'd suggest a cleanser that doesn't foam instead. I personally use Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser For Sensitive Skin.

The rest of your routine looks pretty good, just switch your retinoid to the evening. Have you tried azelaic acid for PIE? A lot of people have had success with it, but YMMV of course. L-absorbic acid Vitamin C may be a good option, but if your skin doesn't like this strong form of Vitamin C, you can try gentler (albeit not as effective) forms of Vitamin C. Have you considered the Paula's Choice AHA? I've heard it recommended before.

I went from having awful acne, to just hormonal acne, to now just about nothing. My recs are not drugstore, but honestly most of them cost about what you would pay for a drugstore product anyway.

• 
  I wash twice daily with this face soap from Mojo Spa, which is a local Chicago business that is just fabulous. ($10, one bar lasts me 3-4 months)
  
• 
  Then I follow up with this Clinique Acne Solutions clarifying lotion ($14, the bottle lasts forever)
  
• 
  Anything I have on my face that is looking like it may turn into/is already a pimple gets a salicylic acid spot treatment using ELFs Zip Zapper ($1, so far it has lasted me 4 months and isn't even 1/3 empty)
  
• 
  In the morning, I use Cliniques Dramatically Different moisturizer, because my skin tends to be dry. ($13 for 1.7 oz) In the evening I use Clean & Clear Dual Action moisturizer (It was around $5 for 4oz at Ulta).
  
  I know it sucks to spend a little more than you want but if you can find the right set of products for you, your skin will look amazing. I never imagined I could have the clear skin I have now. I also use Cliniques Acne Solutions foundation, which may also help.

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.

As someone who suffered from razor bumps my whole life, let me help!
Ok so the solution to razor bumps: Kill germs + exfoliate

You can do this in many different ways. There are lots of products out there (TendSkin, Bliss Ingrown Hair pads, etc) that are to treat razor bumps and they are all generally a mixture of alcohol and a chemical exfoliant (some type of AHA/BHA) You can try these products but Ive found it much easier to use my own.

My process:

1. Cleanse/exfoliate my legs with CeraVe SA Cleanser and a scrubby glove
   
2. Shave with a clean razor and a nice shave gel. I use Aveeno Sensitive Skin
   
3. After shower I use Witch Hazel toner w/ Alcohol to kill germs and soothe microscopic cuts
   
4. Follow that up with my CeraVe SA Body Lotion
   
5. MOST IMPORTANT STEP: Is to repeat exfoliation DAILY until your next shave. This means applying your AHA/BHA product each day.
   
   Immediate bumps are caused by germs getting into your pores, which could come from your razor, your towel, your shower, really anything. This is why sanitizing with some type of alcohol immediately after shaving is important.
   
   Bumps which appear later (especially next day after shave which was always when it happened for me) are caused by the hairs inability to push back through the surface of the skin properly. This is where exfoliating comes into play. Exfoliating after shaving and each day until your next shave helps the hairs come back through the skin with minimal irritation.
   
   You can use any combo of products to kill germs and exfoliate. Ive used just pure alcohol and stridex pads before. The stridex pads work really well for this, actually. But I like using the SA lotion instead since its a lot more moisturizing and seems to work just fine. If you understand what you are trying to accomplish, then it doesnt really matter the products you use to achieve it.
   
   I hope this helps! Hang in there!

I completely second a fragrance free shave cream/soap, as well as the hyaluronic acid moisturizer afterwards. Here are some products I've used and highly recommend:

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave (Unscented) - Lathers great, non drying, very slick
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion - Wonderful after a shave; doesn't sting in the least. Non-greasy, liquidy gel-like. If you have more dry skin, a drop or two of your fave oil (I like sea buckthorn, argan, or rosehip) mixed in is great.

These are creamy/non-foaming face washes, but double wonderfully as a shave lotion. Both unscented:

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

​

​

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?

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!!

Hey! The one thing I wish I knew when I was a teenager was to stop using the harsh stuff specifically made for acne. The proactive is probably irritating your skin and causing more acne, especially since you said you have dry skin. I whole heartedly believe the more simple the routine, the better. Acne is really just caused by dirty/dehydrated skin. Once the acne is there, it can be treated with certain harsher topicals, but starting with a routine that will gently clean your skin and keep it hydrated will keep the acne popping up in the first place.

tbh I would trash the proactive and that neutrogena moisturizer. I've used both, Proactive ruined my skin and that moisturizer didn't moisturize nearly enough for me. I would get the cerave foaming face wash and the cerave daily moisturizing lotion. I was having skin issues last year and started using just these two products and my skin made huuuuuge improvements. I still use them daily. (I'm only 22 btw) Moisturizing is really the key to clear skin.

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Lotion-Hyaluronic-Ceramides/dp/B000YJ2SLG?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01N1LL62W/ref=pd_sim_194_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01N1LL62W&pd_rd_r=7VT2B2DQ1QNP0T9NG1JZ&pd_rd_w=AoZex&pd_rd_wg=w6lZS&refRID=7VT2B2DQ1QNP0T9NG1JZ&th=1

Also, I know this is super annoying to hear, but just drink a shit ton of water. It's the easiest thing you can do to help your skin and it truly does make a difference. If you can, stay away from dairy. Dairy is literally just loaded with cow hormones meant for a baby cow to grow. Humans don't need cow hormones, and thats why dairy makes a lot of people break out (including me) but thats a rant for another time.

Hope this helps!!

I was using my regular shower towel and just patted dry, but I recently bought [these] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018S4F9XC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) really soft microfiber washcloths on Amazon. 10/10 would recommend.

It comes in a pack of 6, they're about regular washcloth size, and they have a little tab that you can can hang on a hook for them to dry. I like having something just dedicated to my face for cleanliness. They're very soft so I'm not physically exfoliating so much. They're pretty convenient with the hook to keep them up and out of the way and there is enough that they're easy to swap out

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.

Issue: Getting on the wagon, need help and recommendations/etc.

Skin Type: Oily, Blemish-Prone (Not completely sure, pics attached below can give more info/etc. I sweat like a pedo in daycare and shine^bright^like^a^diamond, so there's that.)

Previous Routine/Experience?: Only skin routine or care I do is washing my face with water couple times throughout the day. I used this cleanser/whatev they gave us at school for 4 or so months (PM only) half a year ago (Was quite harsh, but kinda adjusted to it. I think?), and that's about it.

About: Young lad, live in [very] hot environment (Soon to move out, <1year) and lead an active lifestyle. Crazy beakouts couple years ago coupled with cocaine hands got my face fucked up for life.

Location: UAE, will be buying my shit from Amazon US and shipping it here. Don't worry too much about this unless you know some local stuff that's of appropriate price.

Other/Pictures: http://imgur.com/a/C0YLw


///Routine

Cleanser:
Went with the recommendations and chose Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12oz. Best price, ships here, generally well received. Not much.

Moisturizer:
Went with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream w/ Pump, 16z. Good price, ships, got a pump (Hey!), well received. Same old.

Sunscreen:
Sweat a lot and lead an active lifestyle, so need a waterproof sunscreen for the morning-noon/school period. Considered a lot of options, but I constricted it to these as they are the only ones that are waterproof, ship here and are priced reasonably (Not so).
However, I will surely not get anything with Octinoxate due to it's link with Endocrine disturbances (Something which I need very less of, especially currently) and all. Will also not get the All-Chemical Paula's Choice because it's just fucked.
That leaves the EltaMD and the CeraVe. The CeraVe has a greasy texture that doesn't go away (Or so they say) and leaves a very pronounced white tint, and the EltaMD has better UVA protection and is tinted to somewhat my skin tone, so I decided to get it. If you have any suggestions/recommendations/etc., please do drop them below.

Exfoliant:
Went with a BHA cause it's simpler and is recommended for oily skin. Problem is I'm afraid Stridex Maximum Strength Pads will be too harsh and unusable (Big no-no, can't return it and shipping rates are crazy).
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion, 1.7oz and Olay Age Defying Classic Night Cream, 2oz ship here too but I don't know man.

OCM:
To remove waterproof sunscreen not else. Found this quite cheap baby oil called Corine De Farme Baby Massage Body Oil (Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Parfum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil), but I honestly don't know anything about this so I just want some input.


AM: Cleanse->Moisturize->Put sunscreen

PM: OCM/Remove sunscreen->Cleanse->Exfoliate->Moisturize

Yeah, so skincare is, much like shaving, a YMMV situation. I'll share what I use, but it really is essential to determine your skin type and then choose products that work well for that skin type. I strongly recommend reading the r/skincareaddiction wiki for all their standard recommendations and getting a better sense of what might work for you and how much of their routine you want to incorporate.

For exfoliation, I use Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads.

For moisturizing, I use CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30.

AM:

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Cleanser, sometimes on a konjac sponge if I need exfoliation

La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF if I'm going out

PM:

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water -- I use this as my standalone cleanser if I'm not wearing sunscreen. If I am, I follow it up with the LRP morning cleanser.

Tretinoin gel 0.1%

LRP Double Repair Moisturizer

LRP Cicaplast Baume B5 over my whole face as a final occlusive layer just like you use. One of the best skin purchases I've ever made and I'll never use vaseline again lol.

---------------

I feel like I've tried everything... Cetaphil and Cerave gave me the worst breakouts of my life, Vanicream dried out my skin, Sebamed didn't do anything, Eucerin made my face hot, FAB has the worst smelling products EVER (seriously why is nobody talking about that smell) etc. I've wasted so much money over the years. The biggest waste of time/money was trying to do a k-beauty multistep routine, I never saw any results from those products.

LRP is my HG but I know how expensive it is. My close second HG are the basic Neutrogena products, specifically this cleanser and this moisturizer, plus I like their sunscreens. If I'm ever having to budget more, I'll go back into Neutrogena's arms for sure lol. Garnier micellar water too, which I see you use.

I hope that helps, it sounds like we have similar skin reactions to several brands and less is more for us. I know how it is to be extremely frustrated, I've spent years researching and experimenting and blahblahblah almost nothing has worked for me but azelaic acid, tret, and now the cicaplast. I'm thinking of incorporating azelaic acid again a few times a week because it really does smooth out the skin, but otherwise that's it, I'm done lol.

I've not heard much about the snowise cleansing foam, but if you are simply looking for a 2nd cleanser that will keep your skin clean and may even help your PIH, the Toosowoong enzyme powder wash may interest you. It has a pH of 5.5 and it has papain in it, which is papaya extract that may help gently exfoliate your skin as you cleanse.

Welcome! I was diagnosed this past July 2017. I'm also a female and while I'm not quite 27 yet, I will be next week! Lol.

Establishing a skincare regimen for yourself can be tricky. It doesn't have to be fancy or long and extensive. If you can't get yourself to follow it daily, then it's no good. Just start off with the basics and take it slow. Don't try so many new products all at once. Your skin may not like a product and it'll be hard to determine which one it is among the new products. Allow at least 2 weeks in between the addition of a new product.

Safeguard is a bar soap, right? If so, I wouldn't use it to wash my face. Bar soap usually has a high pH (like 8-10) and that disrupts your face's moisture barrier. Ideally, your face wash should have a pH around 5.5 because your skin's pH is 5.5. In the morning, I wash with Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. In the evening, I wash with Palmer's Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil to remove sunscreen (and makeup if I'm wearing any) followed by Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser again.

Can I ask why you bought Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with Rose Petal and Queene Helene Mint Julep Masque? What do you hope to accomplish with these two products? And fyi, witch hazel can be a trigger for flare-ups, so be careful with that. Let me tell you if you don't already know...there are SO many triggers for rosacea, but they vary from person to person.

Definitely include a sunscreen in your skincare. The sun can be a trigger, but more than that, sunscreen is preventative care for skin cancer, signs of aging, etc. It is recommended that those with rosacea use a physical sunscreen, but some can get away with chemical ones (which can be a trigger). I use Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45/PA+++ or Innisfree Perfect UV Protection Cream Triple Care SPF 50+/PA+++. Both are Korean brand sunscreens. The Missha one is a chemical sunscreen and it has witch hazel extracts. It doesn't affect me though. The Innisfree one is a physical sunscreen and it has niacinamide which can alleviate rosacea symptoms. Because the Innisfree one is a physical sunscreen, it does have a slight white cast, but it doesn't really bother me.

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?

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

What about the Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser? It is very gentle and has a good PH, so it shouldn't strip or irritate. I have sensitive, dehydration-prone skin and this is my favorite.

Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 5 Oz - with Hyaluronic Acid, cream facial wash, non-drying, free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol, mineral oil and dyes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AAX6C26?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

My current routine:
wet face

apply CeraVe Foaming Cleanser(https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01N1LL62W/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1543554976&sr=1-4&keywords=cerave%2Bfoaming%2Bfacial%2Bcleanser&th=1)

After having applied cleanser to all of face I use this brush for approximately one minute anad then I rinse my face with water(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DZG44Q/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

After using the brush/finishing the cleansing process I use one of these pads and I apply it to all of my face
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074GF1PNL/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews)

I let my face air dry for like 30 seconds after using the stridex pad and then I apply this moisturizer lotion (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Lotion-Hyaluronic-Ceramides/dp/B000YJ2SLG/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1543554993&sr=1-5&keywords=cerave+moisturizing+cream)

I believe that I need to start using some sort of sunscreen, no? If so what should I go for? I don't really know where to look for them just by searching "facial sunscreen" on amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Clear-Facial-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1543555607&sr=1-4&keywords=elta+sunscreen) This one looks good based on the reviews but 1.7 ounces for $25 is kinda pricey considering that I'll be using the same amount of sunscreen as I would for my lotion. I have normal skin. Any advice on my current routine or input on what sunscreen I should get that's great for the price would help. Thanks.

Just posted my routine in another thread! Its also important to make sure you GENTLY exfoliate the dead, dry skin once in a while because products will not seep into your skin if you have a layer of dead flaky skin on top. When I say GENTLY, I mean GENTLY. As in, using very light pressure and circular motions.

I usually gently exfoliate with regular face soap, https://www.amazon.com/Face-Shop-Water-Bright-Cleansing/dp/B00FJ2LU2Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QBAXDKBWNEI1&keywords=faceshop+rice+water+cleansing+foam&qid=1558028782&s=gateway&sprefix=faceshop+%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1 , using an exfoliating towel in the shower, https://www.amazon.com/Korean-Exfoliating-Washcloth-Green-TeChef/dp/B00LGLOKLM/ref=sr_1_25?crid=3OPLND1BSAC82&keywords=exfoliating%2Bcloth&qid=1558028820&s=gateway&sprefix=exfoliating%2B%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-25&th=1 . Put some soap on the towel and exfoliate gently.

For skin, this is what I have found to work best for me. Currently on month 7, 30mg.

Cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/Bioderma-Hydrabio-Cleansing-Dehydrated-Sensitive/dp/B01ES79K4M/ref=sr_1_4?crid=CT33LP9ZQB56&keywords=bioderma+micellar+water&qid=1558027613&s=gateway&sprefix=bioder%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-4

The micellar water works for removing make up, but does not remove waterproof mascara. Use this both morning and night. If I just exfoliated, I will skip this step and go straight to toner.

Toner: https://www.sephora.com/product/moisturizing-toner-P253623?icid2=products%20grid:p253623:product

Serum: https://www.sephora.com/product/the-ordinary-deciem-hyaluronic-acid-2-b5-P427419

Moisturizer: https://www.sephora.com/product/ultra-repair-cream-intense-hydration-P248407

I've tried other combinations and this seems to work the best for me.

For body lotion: https://www.amazon.com/Jergens-Ultra-Healing-Moisturizer-Ounces/dp/B0034F9K36/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=jergens&qid=1558027510&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Ok, so here's the deal. I'm a dad and have had multiple kids go through the lice thing, including with my daughter about 5 years ago, a really nasty case that we just couldn't get rid of.

Then our pediatrician recommended Cetaphil. Yes, the daily facial cleanser, Cetaphil. Wash your hair, put in a liberal amount of Cetaphil, then brush your hair with it still in and leave it it.

It will make your (or rather, your GFs) hair a little greasy feeling while she's using it, but that's the whole trick there, too: the lice eggs can't stick to her hair, and within a couple of days, voila, no more lice.

The nice thing is that your GF won't be putting pesticides in her hair, and since Cetaphil is safe to use as a facial cleanser, it's safe to use on her scalp, too. And she won't be spending hours and hours on brushing and picking.

Best thing, resistant lice are killed off just as efficiently.

I can't tell you what a godsend this was for me and my daughter. We had spent weeks trying harsh shampoos, endless combing and picking, and near-nightly washing of her bedclothes. The Cetaphil trick restored sanity to my family life.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET79H8/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w?th=1

Yea I also do sunscreen in the morning, other than that not much. Also I’m a guy so I don’t use make up haha. But would a deep cleansing oil still help? As for moisturizer it’s really hard for me to find something good because I have super sensitive/oily skin. I tried Cerave when I first found this sub but that only made me break it more. This lotion that I use now is thin, not oily and doesn’t make me break out and pretty much the only reason I use it. If there’s something better out there I’d gladly use that instead.

the lotion I’m using

I'm new to this so i hope i'm posting this correctly.

Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
Top Skin Concern: Uneven skin tone

Current Routine

AM:
Retinol Face Wash
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
Biore KAO JAPAN AQUA RICH SunScreen

PM:
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
OST Vitamin C 20 sleep crema

I want to know if my current routine is ok. I need benzoyl peroxide to keep my acne away, but i also need to build around the benzoyl peroxide to even out my face tone (my face is a mixture of a bunch of different colors no joke) Is Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment good for my uneven skin tone and ok to add on to my current regimen? I'm open to all product suggestions and any modifications to my regimen. Thank you

PM Routine and product help!

Current routine: Been using a Neutrogena Cleanser and a CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion for a couple weeks and love them! Ready to add more products.

Skin type: Male - Combination (normal cheeks, oily T-zone)

Location: USA

AM

Cleanse - Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Foaming Cleanser

Moisturize - CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30

PM

Nothing right now :(

Questions

1. Need recommendations for PM cleanser and moisturizer.
   
   
2. My forehead is a little shinier than usual during the day. How can I reduce the shininess? Thinking of adding this to AM routine - La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin with SPF 60 Or maybe some Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets?
   
   
3. Anything else I should add to my routine?
   
   

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

Hello! I am having an issue with my sunscreen/skin that I need help identifying and resolving.

I have oily skin, and currently use these products in the morning: cleanser,
moisturizer, sunscreen. I use others at night, but they have nothing to do with my issue, so I won't mention them here. I have been doing this routine (in that order) for a few weeks. The problem is that by a few hours after I apply the sunscreen and am out the door, my skin looks very oily, it looks like there's a nice slick coating my face. I don't know if this is entirely because of the sunscreen, the moisturizer, the cleanser, or my skin, or any combination of those, but I would like to stay matte as long as possible so this is obviously a problem. Feel free to recommend new products or routines as this problem is kinda making me self conscious seeing as I look like I'm sweating my balls off even though I'm not. Thanks in advance.

I have dry skin and I use milk cleansers since they're more moisturizing. Here's a list of all of the ones I'm aware of:

• Glossier Milky Jelly
  
  
• Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk
  
  
• Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser
  
  
• Ren Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk
  
  
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Face Wash Cleanser
  
  
• CAUDALIE Gentle Cleansing Milk
  
  I've used the first two and liked both of them! Don't have any experience with the rest. I think that the effects of a moisturizing cleanser will be marginal but a more emollient moisturizer will do wonders. Here's four in and around your budget that you might like:
  
  
• Etude House SoonJung cream
  
  
• ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream
  
  
• Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream
  
  
• Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

That sounds like a good start, however to really target your SF's you should add in an AHA like glycolic acid or something of that sort. I use these and they work well. You should add them in slow, though, so maybe on the days you don't use BHA, use the AHA. Toner goes before BHA/AHA, right after cleanser. And yes, you should clean and moisturize every night.

edit- fixed the link haha

Thank you ♥️ my doses were as follows:
Month 1:
20mg
Month 2 & 3:
40mg
Month 4:
80mg

Luckily I never really popped my pimples so I never got deep scars; only hyperpigmentation. I avoid the sun like the plague so that's going away on its own.

Extremely SENSITIVE SKIN FRIENDLY :D
Am:
Facewash
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Face Wash Cleanser, 13.52 Fl. Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7T7JKJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jX6pDb2H10DWV
Face lotion
Face and Body Cream Moisturizer - Nourishing Aloe Vera - Manuka Honey for Rosacea Eczema Psoriasis Rashes Itchiness Redness - Natural Organic Cracked Skin Relief - Anti Aging - Anti Wrinkle (4 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QUKS6NW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3Y6pDbEAPFED7
Sunscreen (face and body)
Vanicream Sunscreen Sport, Spf 35, 4-ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FCY95A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bY6pDbV1RGK27

& Dr Dan's and aquaphor

Pm:
Same facewash
Same manuka honey lotion (but now it's lotion #1!!)
Lotion #2 (face and body)
Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream - Full Body Lotion for Eczema-Prone Skin - 8 oz. Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DEXA0LY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M16pDb02HCR38
Lotion #3
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Cream, 13.52 Fl. Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QXZWYW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_226pDbJY250Q7

Aquaphor in my nose at night
Dr Dan's & aquaphor on my lips again

Also when I shower I have to use this or my skin will become lobster red and my arms will break out in an eczema like rash:
Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash with Oat to Soothe Dry Itchy Skin, Gentle, Soap-Free & Dye-Free for Sensitive Skin, 33 fl. oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X2KL5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_K46pDbAE4YF1S

I also use these eyedrops throughout the day because my eyes get super red & dry:
Rohto Cool Max Maximum Redness Relief Cooling Eye Drops, 0.4 Ounce, 3 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072V5LV6V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M56pDb5SM7GQH

I should be taking fish oil for joint pain but I'm not lol

"Red raw" sounds like something perfectly normal — hot water causes blood vessels to dilate, which causes psoriasis plaques to look redder than they would otherwise be.

Hot baths are good because they soften the outer layers of the skin. As a reminder, psoriasis as a disease is inflammation, but the main symptom is that it causes the skin to grow too fast (in an effort to "repair" damage that isn't actually there), the result of which we call plaques.

Plaques are the main problem for most people. The many layers of skin will itch, crack and bleed, and it looks terrible. But if you have inflammation and no plaques at all, you will merely have reddish, slightly swelled patches of skin. In other words, aside from treating the inflammation, and important part of treatment is avoiding plaque build-up on its own. Baths help here because they soften the dead outer layers and cause them to slough off.

You will also see a similar, but more significant, effect with an urea moisturizer. Urea is a natural, safe skin-tissue softener, or keratolytic, that causes the dead skin to come loose and slough off. A 20% urea moisturizer such as PurSources is extremely effective, and also works great to hydrate the skin. You can also get products that combine urea with salicylic acid, which is also a keratolytic, such as Bare Urea 40. I highly recommend an urea product like this, and I'd apply it right after the hot bath. Anything between 20% and 40% has a very good effect. (Urea creams are sometimes marketed as foot creams. As a general rule, 40% is appropriate for foot callouses, but can also be used elsewhere on the body, though it is stronger. 20% is sufficient, in my experience. Never use anything above 10% on the face.)

There are also soaps that contain salicylic acid, such as CeraVe's Renewing SA Cleanser (which is safe to use on the face). CeraVe has a product called Psoriasis Cleanser which contains both salicylic acid and urea, but they don't say at what percentage. I'd guess 10%.

They sell 3-packs of plush microfiber makeup removing cloths for less than USD 3.00 at both Walmart & Amazon. These aren't the same as the $10 50-packs cloths used for cleaning your house/car/stuff; they are thicker & softer. In case anyone is interested, I've tried these personally & they work great. I'm all for supporting people's business ventures but save your cash for something else my friends!

A week ago I talked about buying Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. I patch tested it on my cheek, forehead, behind my ear, and under my jaw. I didn't notice any adverse side effects, so once I patch test a moisturizer, sunscreen, and sebaceous filament products, I should be good to go to start my routine!

Yesterday I picked up CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Daily Face and Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin from Target. Tried it out this morning, it's got a relatively pleasant smell. Kind of like face paint. Can't wait to finish patch testing it!

Okay, a couple questions:

(1) are you referring to the microfibre that looks kind of, idk, bumpy - more like a towel (I have a cleaning cloth like this)? or the kind that feels like suede, more of a cloth (I have a fast-dry, super-absorbent travel towel like this)? Idk why I feel like there are two different types.

(2) Someone mentioned this before but I feel afraid to put a car/cleaning towel on my face. Would these 1 2 3 4 all be good options?

Thanks <3

Skin Type: combination/dehydrated maybe??/acne-prone | Country/Climate I'm in: hot/humid/sometimes dry | Top Skin Concern: large pores, oil control in T-zone, pit-like scars on temples

Current Routine/Products I'm Using (as of two days ago):

AM

Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash

Thayer's Witch Hazel - Alcohol-free in Cucumber

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Care Zone Doctor Solution A-cure Clarifying Emulsion

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++


PM

Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash

Thayer's Witch Hazel - Alcohol-free in Cucumber

Aura Cacia Organic Skin Care Oil - Restoring Rosehip Oil with Vitamin E (For spot treatment and thickening my eyebrows lmao)

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Care Zone Doctor Solution A-cure Clarifying Emulsion

Recently bought the Thayer's Witch Hazel to replace my previous toner (which was from the same Carezone Doctor's solution line) thinking it would be good since I like using watery toners with a cotton pad to wipe off oil after washing my face (dunno if that actually does anything). However, today I noticed my face was in a thin layer of oil, basically the same post-wash oily feeling as when I used to not use toner or anything and just suffered with a dry cracking face after washing. Not sure if this is what people who "broke out from Thayer's" also experienced except my skin just didn't break out?? Any speculation/experience with Thayer's will help!

Also, my Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Rose Edition finally came in from Yesstyle! It looks really watery and you apply it with a cotton pad, so hopefully it can replace my Thayer's!

RAVE: in the last month, this Neutrogena cleanser is my new purchase

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0081E6X1W/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1

I love it! It doesn't leave my skin feeling dry, it doesn't clog my pores, and it has great ratings on Paula's Choice. I highly recommend for a daily cleanser if you have oily to normal skin.

http://thescienceofacne.com/the-types-of-acne-scars/

Exfoliating helps remove the dead skin on the surface of your face. It helps remove the dead cells which, in turn, gets rid of the clogged pores over time. ScA prefers chemical exfoliation (the use of acids, usually in the form of pads or wipes) over physical exfoliation (the scrubs you see in pharmacy) because they're less abrasive and maybe more effective.

I use Nip + Fab Glycolic pads (sorry, that's the UK link but they sell it in the US as well, where I assume you are). Once a week and you usually some improvements. You can find more info on the sidebar as well :)

I bought white, microfibre baby cloths from Amazon for only a few dollars and love them! I didn't realize they were designed for babies when I ordered them 😂 they are super soft, dry fast, and white helps me know exactly how dirty they are (I change once every 3 days or so).

Update: link https://www.amazon.ca/Antibactrial-Microfiber-Facial-Cloths-Washcloth/dp/B018S4F9XC

have you tried glossier milky jelly cleanser? i know glossier is an over-hyped brand, but their cleanser is really nice and it doesn't dry my skin out at all. i am a naturally dry skinned, acne prone person. i've been using it for a month and a half now and no breakouts -- it doesn't make my skin feel tight or anything. it retails for $18, with tax it was $22 i think? so it's right in your price range. if you're not interested in glossier, there's also:

• la roche-posay toleriane cleanser
  
  
• [stratia velvet cleansing milk] (https://www.stratiaskin.com/products/velvet-cleansing-milk)
  
  
• *fresh soy cleanser
  
  
• neutrogena ultra gentle hydrating cleanser for sensitive skin
  
  
• [avene's gentle milk cleanser] (http://www.aveneusa.com/gentle-milk-cleanser)
  
  
• phisoderm fragrance free cream cleanser
  
  
• thread from 4 months ago of someone asking a similar question to yours.
  
  *indicates that it's over $25
  
  
  i don't know what you're allergic to/if you're prone to acne, but those are some cleansers with a milky/creamy consistency that you could try.

hi there, I am a little overwhelmed by all the information that I see on this subreddit. I'm a 20 year old that lives in California that's been struggling with acne problem for the past 7 years or so. The frequencies of breakouts have been lessening every year but I still have lots of red scarrings and consistent 1-3 pimples that I am dealing with all the time. I have an oily, blemish prone skin.

here is my current routine that I've been using for the past 6 months or so:

Morning

• kaiser permanente benzoyl peroxide (5%)
  
  
• avene cicalfate restorative skin cream
  
  
• clean & clear dual action moisturizer
  
  
• Biore UV Aqua rich watery essence
  
  
  Night:
  
  
• Same as morning minus the biore uv aqua rich suncreen
  
  

Cleanser Recommendations - NO niacinamide

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser

• This is a very popular gentle cleanser recommended here
  
  Avalon Organics Intense Defense Vitamin C Cleansing Gel
  
• I have used this one and find that it cleanses well without being stripping. It is my current favorite, but I keep meaning to try Neutrogena.
  
  I have not tried the HL Hydrating Cleanser. I have tried the HL Foaming Cleanser. It is VERY gentle. I suspect I might like it more come winter when I'm prone to dry skin, but this summer I just feel like even when I use it in the morning (no end of day grease or makeup) my forehead gets significantly more oily throughout the day.
  
  Edit: ridiculous formatting issues

Ichthammol on the acne spots (wipe off after 15-20 minutes), clay facials every few days. I also have good experience with http://www.amazon.com/Glycolic-Acid-Exfoliating-Cleanser-Anti-Aging/dp/B013PU1RQM reducing my acne. If I don't use it, I have forehead bumps just like yours. When I do use it, I may get 1 or 2 bumps every couple days. The ichthammol and clay that I just started using seem to be helping immensely, though.

I also get shoulder/back breakouts on occasion. A good tea tree oil soap can help with the acne not on your face.

Check out r/SkincareAddiction, and I've had great results with CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser (SA = salicylic acid - is good stuff!) and the corresponding cream. There is also a lotion available, which is a little lighter consistency from the cream, but I like the cream better.

Honestly thats understandable, but from my 10 years of trial and error i found that its never provides a consistent complexion. Changing variables such as diet, vitamins, sleep, water, non-comedogenic products, washing 1x daily , twice daily, not at all seem to always lead be back to square one.

​

I hate using chemical products as well but, the chemicals provide reliability. This is what I use now. keep in mind that this regimen i got 95% clear consistently, quit because i thought i didnt need it anymore. only have the nightmares bumps come back and have to go through the whole process again. which put me back 4 months just to get clear again. And I did this 4 times, dumb me...

​

1, cerave foaming face cleanser

2. paula choice salicydic acid

3. acne.org benzyl peroxide gel

4. cerave nightime pm moisturizer stacked with cerave moisturizing cream.

5 paula choice aha gel for exfoliation.

​

Instructions.

Use 1,2,3 wait 10 mins, then 4 day time

then at night or when u take shower use 1,2,3,5,

​

Good luck.

​

links below

cleanser

bha

bp

pm

heavy moisturuzier

aha

​

Here are my suggestions:
AM Cleanse: [La Roche Posay Toleriane DermoCleanse](https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Toleriane-Cleanser-Sensitive-Glycerin/dp/B000IOBEG20 or, my favorite Glossier Milky Jelly
Hydrating Toner: Thayer's Rose Petal
serum: The Ordinary makes awesome serums and explain a lot in the description boxes
moisturizer: Neutrogena HydroBoost Gel Cream
SPF Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid
Oil/Balm Jojoba Oil, this one's currently unavailable, but any will do.
Micellar Water Garnier Micellar Water
Tougher Cleanser I prefer Cerave SA Wash because I always feel like I need a bit more oomph. Avoid foamy stuff, they'll dry out too much.
chemical exfoliant I like The Ordinary Glycolic Toner but I'm dry. The Generic of these Salicylic Acid (BHA) pads work better if you're oily.

I've struggled with bacne for my entire adult life and only now (maybe 2 months) see consistent results.

I use the following:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PO7GKLM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apip_aOVxY3oMIQMVN

Then I follow with this but I didn't add it until after a week of just using the above was and my old moisturizer:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071XPQQ2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apip_ZIXqoMmXx48cJ


Best of luck!

Haha the rest of me is going through a rough time as well xD Should I switch up my cleanser as well? I was just looking at this CeraVE cleanser

So what products or types of products do you recommend?

Okay. So I have tried Harry's Face wash with peppermint for almost 2 weeks and not had much luck. I have tried using just my hands and also using a wash cloth. I have also tried CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser as well. And I have also tried some cheap Clean & Clear product as well.

I would say you are attractive. Obviously try getting rid of the acne, I would suggest going to a dermatologist possibly getting some Accutane if your acne is that bad or just doing your own research.
What I like to do is use a cleanser on my face before I go to sleep and after I wake up. Then I use a Vitamin-C Serum which actually helps a lot, and then finally a moisturizer. So just those three steps every morning and every night. (+Just try to keep your face clean) Once your skin isn't as bumpy you can use makeup to cover up dark spots and redness (I know you're a guy, but it helps. Just make sure it doesn't look like you have make up on)

Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/Face-Shop-Water-Bright-Cleansing/dp/B00FJ2LU2Q/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523901676&sr=8-2&keywords=rice+cleanser

Vitamin-C Serum:
https://www.amazon.com/ToLB-Vitamin-Serum-Face-Hyaluronic/dp/B00S2G786S/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1523901699&sr=1-5&keywords=vitamin+c+serum

Use any moisturizer (make sure it doesn't have sulfate)

I'd appreciate opinions on my daily routine. Normal to oily skin based from this sub's tools/sources. 24 year old male White/Asian in the Southwest US.

I don't really breakout or have acne just trying to take care of my skin and look young. Here's the routine:

AM

• Cleanser - Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  
• Shave
  
• Moisturizer/Suncreen - Olay Lotion Moisturizer (SPF 15)
  
  PM
  
  
• Shower
  
• Cleanser - Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  
• Exfoliant - Paula's 2% BHA Salicylic Acid (Every night or 2-3 times a week?)
  
• Eye Cream - Neutrogena Skin Eye Cream
  
• (Optional - Eucalyptus Body Cream?)
  
  
  -Any tips/critique/recommendations are much appreciated.

I love microfiber because it feels so soft on my sensitive skin. I got two packs of these from amazon and I love them.

Safety Razor Handle: Use either a $16 Feather 800-1B (high-quality japanese plastic and metal) or, when you are ready to buy the BIFL version, the $165 Feather AS-D2 (stainless steel)

If you are springing for the AS-D2, you might want to consider getting the AS-D2S, which comes with a minimalist stand, although I couldn't find a link to purchase, I'm sure you can find it somewhere if you dig around a little.

Blades: This is easy, you just buy the $21 100 pack, which should last you around 2 years if you shave daily and change your blade weekly.

Shave Oil: I use Somerset's by Henley on Thames. I found it at a cheap drug store and it turns out it works great, most oils are good though, once you learn to supplement your shave with a couple splashes of water to keep the moisture levels up! For the Somerset's, I go with the extra sensitive version, you can get a bottle that will last you a couple years for $25 for 1.3 oz or if you want to start with a smaller bottle, the 0.5 oz. is $10, so you don't really even save if you get the bigger bottle, which I just realized while typing this out

And for the salicylic acid treatments, I use a face soap, shampoo, and face lotion with 2% of the acid in it, but the main treatment is really using these pads after I wash my face, letting it dry, then rinsing my face and applying lotion.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is non-lathering, SLS-free, paraben-free, and super gentle. It also has a relatively small number of ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol.

It does have a strong smell, but it doesn't last long, or maybe I get inured to it quickly. To me, it smells like dead lightning bugs (weird, I know). But it works wonders! I get mine from Garden of Wisdom, and I also use watermelon seed oil because my skin loves it...it heals everything so quickly!

EDIT: I also use Himalaya Neem face wash
https://www.amazon.com/Himalaya-Neem-Face-Wash-150ml/dp/B010Z0LH8I/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493173129&sr=1-2&keywords=Himalaya+Neem+Face+Wash

It is this stuff
https://www.amazon.com/Glycolic-Acid-Exfoliating-Cleanser-Anti-Aging/dp/B013PU1RQM

I have been using it in the shower as a cleanser about every other day. I'm not much for big elaborate routines, I have 4 kids and sometimes don't have time to brush my teeth lol I did read the basic routine you guys have here. So just cleansing is best rather than having cleansers with things like salicylic acid?

I'd go with the La Roche Posay or Cerave.

Both can be found off Amazon. Cerave Salicylic acid wash is Dr.Dray approved though but they're the same amount of money by the end of the day.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser, 6.76 Fl. Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LO1DNXU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IMQEDbBKCEJAX

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser | 8 Ounce | Renewing Exfoliating Face Wash with Vitamin D for Rough and Bumpy Skin | Fragrance Free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U1YCRD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TLQEDbF0HPZ1V

Yes! I use the Toleriane one for normal to dry skin. Honestly, I'd classify it for all skin types; since I do use it and I have oily to combination skin. I'm guessing it's because it's oil-free, too. It helps me a lot during the midwest winters when it's really dry and cold out. Here's a link to the Amazon page.

CETAPHIL!!! You save at checkout on several of these. Cardholders also get 6% back instead of 5%.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (32 oz for $19) - hurry on this.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 (pack of 2 - $18.25)

Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream - $9.23

I'm guessing you are talking about the two Moisturizers? I only have two because one of them says it is for PM and for going to bed. So I was worried that it meant I couldn't use it in the AM after using a cleanser. Is the PM thing just marketing?

Edit: Fixed a Typo.

P.S. After looking at the AM they sell, it looks like they just added SPF. So I guess I'll just use the "PM" In the mornings with sunscreen. Instead of buying another moisturizer with SPF added.

Thanks for the tip on using SA for Acne over AHA. I might get both and play it by week for which one i'll use.

​

Another Edit: Do you think this SA is good enough ?

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser 8 oz Salicylic Acid Body Cleanser Normal Skin

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-Cleanser-Salicylic-Normal/dp/B00U1YCRD8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1538267576&sr=1-1&keywords=CeraVe+Renewing+SA+Cleanser+8+oz+Salicylic+Acid+Body+Cleanser+Normal+Skin

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.

This is the one I currently use and am liking:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00I76Q3XM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These ones are saved in my cart for future purchase. They seem to have good reviews:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B076P4ZCKX/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_9?smid=A2ITVQXVLEC8P&psc=1

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00AY9O9ZO/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A1ZIJ29G6TIYEZ&psc=1

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!)

Rave: Currently loving Hada Labo's Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. Also, it's currently on sale for $7 on Amazon! Such a great cleanser for a low price. Doesn't dry me out, and does a decent job removing makeup.

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?

Disclaimer: Am a chick so I don't know shit about shaving the face/dryness from shaving/not shaving/whatevs.. However, the pimples with the whisker hairs man. I used to get this terrible ingrown hair pimple on my eyebrow. I think because I shaved those suckers off when I was a kid. ANYWAYS, a nice BHA cleared that right up. Also takes care of.. more delicate areas that are prone to those. I use the Cosrx BHA liquid once a day. You could try that and see if that helps. You def need to use a moisturizer every day if you use the BHA liquid. It's a little drying and can cause a brief period of purging where your skin breaks out.

Every single neutrogena product I've used has dried the hell out of my face/burned like the a thousand fiery suns. I switched to an Asian cleanser that is super gentle. It's about the only thing I can use without wanting to peel my skin off.

I also use a Japanese SPF because their SPF is so much better than American SPF. It doesn't have that funky sunscreen smell and feels like a lotion.

I don't use toner so I can't help with that one.

And my general go to recs for moisturizer involve snail slime and idk how you feel about that.

Skincare is a lot of trial and error in my experience. You kinda have to search for things that work for you.

Morning:

• Laroche Posay Hydrating Cleanser $14.99
  
  
• Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing pads $12.95
  
  
• Sephora Collection Nourishing Moisturizer - Hydrate & Repair $16
  
  
• Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick - SPF 30 $9.99
  
  
  Night:
  
  
• LRP cleanser
  
  
• Nip+Fab Pads
  
  
• Niacinamide
  
  
• Innisfree serum. It’s a good deal for 80ml
  
  
• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum $5.24. This should go after the pads on damp skin and not mixed in with the cream like you did with The BHydra Serum.
  
  
• Sephora Collection Nourishing Moisturizer - Hydrate & Repair $16

Ok, well; posted on Amazon and a customer answered that it's a perfect 5.5. But who knows...

You can buy these super cute ones on amazon as prime add on items for under a dollar apiece.

S & T Always Off Makeup Remover Cloths, 3 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0136ME00Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BqZzyb6T07T6S

-Acquire three quality spray bottles. Put the following in them: Bleach + water, White Vinegar+water+some essential oil to mask the smell, Dawn + Water. You don't have to buy other cleaning solutions anymore.

-Fastest way to clean a house full of floors: Any brand of the basic dry swiffer + reuseable micro fiber swiffer pads + whatever applicable cleaner above. Spray in front of you as you speed mop. The micro fiber is crucial.

-Replace your disposable makeup wipes with these . Can you tell i love microfiber?

-Put two bins in your closet and automatically sort colors and whites when you take clothes off. It's more efficient and keeps the dumbass men in your house from ruining your clothes when they do laundry.

-Cook more than the amount you'll eat of your favorite things. Freeze the rest and enjoy later when you're feeling lazy.

-Get rid of shit. It's my favorite thing to do. Don't keep crap around your house, it'll just stress you out. Then when you get rid of all your crap, only buy new quality things that will last you a long time.

-Buy herb plants instead of packaged herbs if you have space. Generally the grocery store has herb plants by the tomatoes. They're about the same price as herb packets, cheaper in the spring. Plop them in a container with potting soil somewhere bright (mine are in metal buckets on my kitchen windowsill). When you buy green onions next, put the stems about an inch into the dirt and water. They grow back and you trim bits off as needed.

​

I had the same thoughts as you! First off with travel contact solution: I open the cap and carefully pull off. Mine doesn’t have a twist off top. I think it’s ReNu brand. I refill for vacays

Second, they sell washable cotton rounds on Amazon and Etsy. Might not be as soft, but it’s more eco-friendly. Or you can decant into a spray bottle from another product. Personally, I use these cloths. Cheap version of the Make Up Eraser:

makeup remover cloths

I use reusable utensils and a reusable water bottle too! I try to be as eco-friendly as I can. But I’m def not at the no-waste level. Hope this helps!

Has anyone tried Body Merry products? I'm going to admit it's the cute labels that got me, plus the Prime availability...

http://amzn.com/B013PU1RQM

I'm not too familiar with that brand. If you can (and if you haven't yet), think about giving the new Cerave SA Cleanser a try. I have a similar skin type to yours, and the other versions of Cerave were either too drying (the foaming one) or didn't clean well enough (the hydrating one), but this one seems to work pretty well for me.

Get some acne medication (salicylic acid) for the ingrowns. I'd go for a lotion like this. It's a lotion with a gentle amount of acne medication. It'll help with the inflammation from the hairs.

I have really sensitive and picky skin and I have found that simple and hydrating (no foaming) face washes work best. I’ve been using La Roche Posay’s hydrating face wash for sensitive skin since Christmas and I really like it. It doesn’t strip my skin and doesn’t seem to break me out.

I use this gentle cleanser, soap free, paraben free:

​

https://www.amazon.com/Himalaya-Purifying-Foaming-Turmeric-Occasional/dp/B010Z0LH8I/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=himalaya%2Bneem&qid=1568769202&s=gateway&sr=8-10&th=1

​

There are two there, I use the non foaming one.

Seconding the previous suggestion of the Makeup Eraser, but adding that Walmart/Amazon add on sell a cheap dupe that's about 3 for $3 and work great for me!

Hi, is this the right himalaya neem face wash? Really curious to try it, TIA!

Rather than makeup wipes, here's my advice:

• Get eye makeup remover specifically for the eyes. This should be a liquid. This is advantageous because you can put it on a q-tip for precise fixes. Eg, if your eyelid flutters and messes up your eyeliner, you can remove just the bad part. Pretty much any brand works in my experience. It should be described as "oil free eye makeup remover".
  
• A gentle cleanser like this one works well for removing makeup while cleaning you. It's meant for usage at the end of the day, which is typically when you'd want to be removing makeup.
  
  Not sure if you noticed this or not, but you need eye maker remover specifically for the eyes. A lot of eye makeup is waterproof or partially waterproof. You need something specifically meant for it, as a result. I have to hold the bottom eyelid down to get the last bit off, which takes careful precision (I think when my eyes are closed that that area gets sort of crunched away).

I always come back to La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. It is so gentle on my very dry skin (I'm also super sensitive to Fatty Alcohols.)

Not the person you replied to, but I use these S&T Always Off cloths (I bought mine on eBay, actually, but the seller drop-shipped them from Amazon) and they're fantastic. They're very soft and gentle, and they're large enough that I can use them in sections throughout the week (I have six but get about four days' use out of each one before it needs to be washed, which includes AM and PM cleansing and taking my makeup off in the afternoon), at which point I toss 'em in a garment bag and wash them with my laundry (warm, normal powder laundry soap, no fabric softener, a bit of white vinegar, and air dried, if it matters).

I've seen people mention cutting them into segments to more closely replicate cotton rounds/pads, but I haven't tried it (yet, anyway).

How long do purges last? I never realllly used sin care stuff and after like 2 and a half weeks withthe weird sponge and the cerva thing for oilly skin my forehead and cheeks look worse than they ever have?

I just had a couple pimples and oilly skin before nowwwww i look like i need skin care.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 16... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1LL62W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It seemed fine until i started just using it in the shower instead of re washing my face in the sink after my shower

Kinda at a loss here :/

I don't sleep well and would at least like to look like I do. I once asked my buddy's girlfriend, who is all about skincare, how to reduce the darkness under my eyes and she got all excited and ran back with a bottle of The Ordinary Caffeine Solution to use at night, told me to use Cera Ve cleanser in the morning (I use this one, no idea if it's better or worse than the other ones) and to regularly use moisturizer.

I forget sometimes, so I do feel like my eye bags have cleared up a bit.

I'm not the other person, but all of Clean & Clear's products were tingly for me. Their face scrub, their cleansers, their astringent, their gel, their cream, really I used everything to try to get rid of my teenage zits — lol. Do you mean this, by the way?

Little did I know that meant it was upsetting my face, and not just making my skin feel all cool and tingly.

It depends on the weather, my mood, how my skin feels, etc.
Before SCA, I always only used a makeup removing wipe (I didn't even wash my face in those days!). Once I started taking care of my skin, I wouldn't wear make up very often, and when I did, I still used the wipes. Then I saw everyone talking about "grits" so I started using mineral oil to take make up off. I have used micellar water, which I really like. And I've used mineral oil followed by micellar water, just to be sure I got everything off. Right now, since it's winter and my skin is dry, I've been using coconut oil, rinsing my face with warm water and taking make up off with one of these cloths, and then washing and exfoliating my skin like I usually do. I've had problems with coconut oil as a moisturizer because it clogged my pores, but since I wash my face after, I haven't had any problems.

I don't use actives when I travel. I have dry skin, and it always gets super dehydrated on the plane, so I don't use stuff that could potentially worsen dryness or irritation.

If I'm traveling somewhere and staying indoors, I just take my normal face moisturizer, niacinamide serum, and sunscreen. The 50 mL Asian sunscreen tubes are very travel friendly, like this one. Body moisturizer gets decanted into a gotoob. I've used these for several years and they've held up well - but don't put anything too liquid-y in them because they'll leak. I don't have any issues just washing my face with water instead of using a dedicated cleanser. If I do want to take a cleanser in the future, I'd probably go for a powder wash or cleansing stick / balm.

If I'm going camping, I just take moisturizer and sunscreen. I'm not going to be showering or washing my face unless you want to count swimming into the river as a form of cleansing :D.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix might be a good option at just under $10 - Amazon link.

According to this it's a good pH for a cleanser. For the dry-but-oily situation, a hydrating cleanser or cleansing oil might be good. Since you're already using Neutrogena, maybe this might be the one to test next.

I've been using The Face Shop's Water Bright Cleansing Foam It's gentle, subtle scent, and lasts forever.

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

I recommend Cetaphil Cleanser and Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer.

They are both gentle products, and the moisturizer has a small SPF which is great. If you have oily skin, they also have the same products but geared towards greasy skin (I use these). Wash and moisturize in the morning and at at night.

(I'm not the person you replied to)

Tosowoong makes a popular enzyme cleanser, it's popular on the r/AsianBeauty subreddit: https://www.amazon.com/Tosowoong-Enzyme-Powder-Wash-70/dp/B00I76Q3XM/ref=sr_1_2

I switch a lot between whatever water proof Asian sunscreen I can find cheapest on Amazon at the time. Right now I use Skin Aqua UV super moisture gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Definitely try it! I bought the same Sinland ones (I think) that the other commenter mentioned. You want to make sure whichever ones you buy are at least 80% polyester, preferably 90%+.

I love my microfiber cloths! I got them here 3 for $3.

You can use plush microfiber makeup erasing cloths! All you need is water and gentle rubbing. You can find the generic kind on Amazon, I have these ones. I use them prior to washing my face with an actual cleanser, and I don't have any problem with removing waterproof mascaras or liquid lipsticks.

Try AHA+BHA and hydrocolloids for a while for the scars. I use to do this too (terrible extraction technique), now I know better. Took about 2 months of all day long hydrocolloid (they have scar healing properties, something about keeping them always moist), morning BHA (Cerave brand) wash, weekly AHA (mandelic). I do my whole face but spot treatment exfoliant would work too. Those both could easily be gone!

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Acne-Pimple-Master-Patch/dp/B00PBX3TN6

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-SA-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00U1YCRD8

https://www.amazon.com/Vivant-Skin-Care-Mandelic-Ounce/dp/B007IVCKUM

I would take a second look at that Effeclar foaming cleanser too. It has SLS as an ingredient (makes the foam), which can cause a lot of irritation. If you enjoy La Roche Posay, they do make a hydrating cleanser which might be better. I like this one too.

I like this one. You can get it on Amazon or Ebay. That one I linked looks like it might ship from Japan, so it takes awhile. This one is Prime eligible so you'll get it faster (even if you don't have Prime).

This one is popular as well, but I haven't tried it.

Oil cleansing? Simple do an oil cleanser that's loved here.

They also have a micellar gel wash and another non-foaming gel wash

UK - Superdrug has buy one get one free

Hey people, I have been wandering around this subreddit for a while and I'm getting more and more into it :P
There is a question I have in mind. The question is related to Exfoliation! :D

I bought this exfoliating facial cleanser 2 weeks ago, but I don't know how to use it, I have never tried exfoliating before buying this one. I'm not sure how does it work, I have read about the AHA acid, but I have bunch of questions about using the exfoliating cleanser. Do I leave the cleanser in my face for a while? Do I massage it? For how long do I leave it or massage it in my face before washing it? Is it good when I'm having acne? Does massaging it on my face while having acne damages my skin? I hope that my question can be answered!

I have pretty dry/dehydrated skin and know next to nothing. I bought Neutrogena Moisturizer with sunscreen inside of it, and la roche posay cleanser for dehydrated skin.

In the AM, am I just supposed to wash my face with water, dry my face with a towel, apply moisturizer, and go? And then in the PM, use the cleanser, wash it off after 10-15 seconds, dry my face with a towel, and go to bed? Is that sufficient? Am I messing up steps?

i've posted this a few times because i had reaaaally bad, really painful back acne and i found this routine posted on r/SkincareAddiction (which has more subscribers than r/SkincareAddicts so sometimes there's already an answer there)

I use humane acne treatment on a salux cloth AFTER rinsing out conditioner, dry body well, then apply paula's choice aha lotion on my back (i use a regular lotion on the rest of my body so i don't get too dry) and then I also sleep in a clean tshirt every night. I should say that I only shower every other day so if you shower daily, maybe ease into the routine in case it could be drying.

I haven't had any back acne since implementing this routine, that's why i always respond to back acne posts lol it changed my life!!!!

Sure! (Sorry, got caught up in amazing wig drama)

And here’s the Neem/Tumeric one

I use Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil to break down makeup then the cleansing foam to remove the remaining remnants, then to be sure - I use Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water on a cotton square. I wear full-coverage foundation and I set it with powder so it's pretty hard to remove.

I spend a lot of time at r/asianbeauty, and that's where I got my routine from. A super basic one for oily/sensitive skin would be in order of steps:

1. PM only oil cleanse with Clean it Zero Purity
   
2. Foam cleanse with CereVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
   
3. You could continue to use your moisturizer here.
   
4. AM only SUN SCREEN IS SO IMPORTANT

What's the difference between yours and this? All I notice is the extra + and it's a bit cheaper too. I would assume another + is good...

I should note that I bought it on the 5th of May and just got it yesterday. I tried it today and it goes on so easily! Hardly any smell at all and my face feels like there is nothing on it.

Currently use these: cleanser, BHA, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

I am no longer going to use the salicylic acid wash. Instead I will use https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Ultra-Gentle-Daily-Cleanser/dp/B0081E6X1W

I thought my skin was dry, but moisturizing helped pretty quickly. I read the guide and plan on trying to follow it.

Bare minimum:

Heimish All Clean Balm

Cerave Foaming Cleanser

Thayers Rose Petal Toner

Tony Moly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream