Reddit mentions: The best facial cleansing washes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Might be a little late but I had really bad acne for a kid and still would as an adult if I didn’t adopt a strict skincare routine and diet (it’s not that bad). Drinking water and changing your pillowcases frequently (every week to two weeks) also will help especially if you start putting all this product on your face. see note at the end*

For some, cutting out either, some, or all of the following helps alleviate acne: Dairy, Oil, Sugar, Gluten. But since you said you had no changes in diet I won’t go into that. Sorry in advance for formatting errors as I did all of this from mobile. Some products have instruction in Korean but I will tell you how to use them. Everything is used everyday/every night unless specified.

1. If I wear makeup, I use Jeju Deep Cleansing Balm. When used, it creates a layer of moisture but this can make rags feel congested, so I recommend wiping this with toss-able towels. It smells good and is good for getting the eyes especially. Just put a little on there towel/wipe and rub face until makeup is removed, then use another wipe to remove the excess balm.
   
2. I use African Black Soap after removing heavy full face make-up. For light/no make-up/mornings I use Senka Perfect Whip Foaming Cleanser. It takes about a month to come through Amazon, but if your local Asian market has a skincare store and most do, it can usually be found there. Works best if you have some kind of Spin Brush for face or a Whip Maker. It doesn’t work as well as it does with either of these products using just hand or rag. You can also use cheesecloth (examples on YouTube).
   
3. I use either of these masks if my skin feels dry or looks dull. Just rub on face and leave for 5-7 min then rinse off. This brand also has peeling masks as well that I use every other day in place of these. The peeling masks work similar to the nose strips people use to pull out nose blackheads and can be used to substitute them but can be used on whole face as well.
   
4. With my face cleaned and moisture somewhat restored, I soft exfoliate (I use everyday. If I wear makeup I use it same night and if I plan to wear makeup the next day, skip morning and use at night again. To use - rub soft side on face first to spread, then rub gently with textured side. Otherwise I use in morning. I hard exfoliate with this. I don’t scrub harder it’s just a sugar kind of scrub so it has the potential to cause inflammation if you’re rubbing to hard. I use every other day, this also works great on body and legs when shaving.
   
5. After exfoliating, I use Thayers Witch Hazel Toner. Remove with a cotton pad. I’ve found towelettes and pepper towels don’t work nearly as well as something cotton based. Toner helps to pull excess dirt from deep skin pores. On Sundays/Wednesday’s only I use Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. Instructions say specifically to use after Toner.
   
6. Now that face is cleaned and restored, I use a squeeze Vitamin C serum only at night. I got this from my local Asian market but if you ask they’ll know what you are talking about. I dab it ONLY onto any dark spots/acne scars on my face. Vitamin C has lightening/brightening properties and using it on your whole face may lighten it. I let it sit for 5 minutes minimum to as long as I can before I need to sleep so it absorbs into my skin. I dab off any excess after with a paper towel.
   
7. After that, I use The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid. You can look up the full benefits but it can help with skin elasticity and smoothing wrinkles/scars from pimple popping. You can get this MUCH cheaper at Sephora - they’re $7 I believe and this company has a bunch of other serums I want to try. On Sundays and Wednesday’s, I use a Mask Sheet. Asian markets sell them but they usually sell them individual and I pay for the big back of 48 here. Helps restore tons of moisture in face and provide different benefits based on the mask you choose but most are the same. They also smell nice!
   
8. One I use the mask and rub it in, I use a mixture of three oils: Kukui, Rosehip, TeaTree Oil. All of them can be found on amazon and have different benefits that tie together. I mix them into a tiny container and do very small dabs into my skin and rub it in. Kukui oil also works as a massage oil as it’s very light and great natural sunscreen (though if you plan to go to the beach wearing regular sunscreen and using the Kukui to seal it in is best).
   
9. Finally, I finish with my Elizabeth Arden Moisture Cream. $55 seems expensive but a little goes a LONG way, I use about enough to cover the whole tip of my finger, a light dip like if you want to taste something for example. You don’t need a lot because at this point your face is already moisturized enough that it should just glide on.
   
10. To finish, since I have hyperpigmentation and get dark spots at the slightest raise on my skin, I use Ambi Dark Spot Corrector. Can be found at target I think, my mom usually buys it. Put light amounts on affected areas and sleep.
    
    *Note: you may need to slowly introduce these products. Most of them are geared toward moisturizing and preventing aging as well. If you do anything, I’m at least recommend exfoliating often, changing pillow cases and properly moisturizing your skin using the sheet masks as well as possibly vitamin E serums. I plan on getting some but have no money rn, but Belei sent me free samples and I loved it. I think The Ordinary also carries some. Also, properly washing your face will probably help as well, and I’d recommend getting at least a spin brush. Over rubbing your face can be harmful to the skin and skin brushes usually clean well enough without harm.
    
    I hope this helps! This is my whole routine but if anything jumps out feel free to not look at everything! I’m of course not a dermatologist but this helped me and I now only get pimples usually if I eat excess of the previously mentioned triggers :) my skin is now brighter and dark spots clear up in about 2-3 months but are usually lighter after about two weeks.

Oh gosh that routine sounds quite drying.. The tea tree oil could be burning your skin and I'm not sure about using vinegar straight in your skin... Water doesn't dilute the tea tree oil or the vinegar, it's just floating around it. You are basically putting household cleaner on your face. The excess oil your skin is producing could be because it's stressed and dehydrated and you've damaged your moisture barrier. I'd stop both of them immediately and start looking for some soothing healing products and try and baby your skin back to health. If you want to learn more about your moisture barrier and why it's important this is a super in depth and helpful article - http://skinandtonics.com/the-importance-of-fatty-acids-ph-moisture-barrier-how-i-eliminated-my-acne-decreased-my-skin-sensitivity/.

To address each of your concerns:
-blackheads and sebaceous filaments can be helped with BHA products BUT these will only damage your skin further, I'd get it back to good health before adding this in. Eventually you could try something like this routine (which I do once a week) - https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/03/28/how-to-shrink-pores-temporarily-plus-3-pore-myths/ but seriously it will make your skin worse for now, it's better to wait till its in a better condition.
-spots around your mouth I'm really not sure about sorry. Ingredients like niacinamide (sp?) or alpha arbutin could help but I'm really not sure.
-small bumps could be fungal acne, try googling a bunch of images and see whether any look familiar. If you think it is fungal acne here's two good resources on what ingredients/products to avoid - https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/6ohgsx/discussion_fungal_acne_my_experience_and_how_i/ and https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure/.
-sensitive skin - as you start trying new products keep track of what makes you more sensitive so you can pinpoint your triggers and learn to avoid. It'll be a painful process but you'll get there in the end I promise. I have a very basic spreadsheet to track what I buy, how long it lasts and how my skin reacts. If there's a few different things flaring up your skin you can cross check ingredients to work out exactly what sets you off and avoids products with that in it. It'll be a long process but you've got many more years to live in your skin & it'll be worth it.

Now in terms of what I suggest you should do here's my two cents... Stop everything you're currently doing and focus on gentle hydration, hydration, hydration. Take it all with a grain of salt though, I'm no expert, just a gal trying to get her skin looking good and staying healthy. As you've got sensitive skin you might find it quite hard to find your holy grail products so I'd recommend getting sample sizes and patch testing excessively to try and reduce the effects of products your skin disagrees with. I put a small dab on my neck, cheek & eyelid for at least a week, although two weeks is the gold standard.

Specific things:
Coconut oil has a reputation for breaking people out, but if it's working for you keep going. If you want to try something else mineral oil is supposedly pretty non reactive. I personally use the pricey shu uemura cleansing oil which is my to die for product if you can justify the $$ (££) - https://www.shuuemura-usa.com/Cleansing-oils/skincare-cleansing-oils,default,sc.html
I think a more hydrating moisturiser would make a big difference, the stratia liquid gold is known for helping repair damaged moisture barriers - https://www.stratiaskin.com/products/liquid gold. The Dr Jart+ ceramidin cream is also super hydrating, I'm working up to dropping the $s on that again - http://www.yesstyle.com/en/dr-jart-ceramidin-cream-50ml/info.html/pid.1035926021. The Cerave PM is very highly regarded as a gentle moisturiser too - http://www.cerave.com/our-products-moisturizers-pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion. I also tried this brand once when a friend had it and it was very gentle - https://helloskinshop.co.uk/products/zeroderm-ointment?variant=24620997383.
You could also consider adding in another hydrating product after oil cleansing before your moisturiser. Hyaluronic acid is super hydrating, it's molecules can hold like 6 times their weight in water. Hadalabo is a popular brand with a few variations on a HA "liquid" this is the most popular one - https://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA. There's a premium one that is more hydrating that I'm about to start using once I'm done with the regular one - https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2016/03/26/hail-hydra-hada-labo-gokujyun-premium-lotion-review-hada-labo-lotion-tips/.
Snail is a nice soothing product if your skin doesn't react to it (it might! Get a sample and patch test) this is a nice one I slather all over my skin - https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence.
Honey is another nice soothing ingredient, there's lots of options you could try some regular ole honey on your face to see if it reacts. I'm using this product at the moment although I think it might be breaking me out so I'm taking a few weeks off in case - http://www.holysnails.com/2015/07/scinic-honey-all-in-one-ampoule.html. I don't have oily skin though, so it might be too much for you.
Facial oils could work for you, rosehip gets a generally good rap. You can use on its own or mix into a moisturiser to make it more hydrating. Google facial oil and try out ones that seem like they'll suit your skin.
I talked about niacinamide earlier, the ordinary has a nicanimade + zinc serum which is quite nice and VERY good value - http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-niacinamide-10pct-zinc-1pct-30ml.
Sunscreen is always critical in skin health, you might struggle to find one for your sensitive skin, but if you can find a moisturiser try a sunscreen in that range. And if in doubt try Japanese, they do the nicest. I use this one which is alcohol heavy but very light overall - http://www.refinery29.com/biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-review.

If I was you I'd stop everything but the oil cleanse and find a veeery gentle, very soothing moisturiser and just do the two of them for a few weeks and see how that goes and slowly add in other things. You only need to oil cleanse at night, in the morning a splash of water should be fine. If you're not wearing make up its still worth cleansing off your sunscreen and the general pollutants of the day, go for a low PH cleanser to be more gentle with your skin. I use this foaming one - https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM. I've seen other redditors with sensitive skin prefer milk cleansers eg https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/674uya/discussion_favourite_creammilk_cleansers/. Please no more tea tree!

As you can probably tell from the products I've suggested I use a more Asian skin care regime which really works for me. It focuses on hydration and being gentle with your skin. It can get very complex but doesn't have to be. I started with an oil cleanser and now two years later I have a hydrating toner, essence, serum and ampoule... not all necessary but all I enjoy! If you want to know more here's a good start: https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/wiki/new_user_guide.

Good luck with your skin! No quick fixes unfortunately just lots of trial and error and eventually you'll get there. I think without the stripping tea tree and vinegar & with a repairing moisturiser you should see some improvements pretty quickly. Stick with it even if it doesn't. Research other people's routines, learn about what different ingredients do, how your skin works etc. Definitely not wasted time, eventually you can help others on reddit :)

Thx for the info. Here's my super long post but I wanted to give you useful information. I think you’re on the right track in terms of “active” ingredients (BHA, AHA, retinol, etc.) but I’d switch your routine up to ensure maximum product efficacy (the order you layer your products effects their absorption) and I'd switch your products to more tried-and-true ones like inthegloww suggested as well. Below are my suggestions with a little science behind them, courtesy of the bloggers “snow white and the Asian Pear” and “lab muffin”. As others have noted, unfortunately there’s no magic bullet formula for flawless skin, so you’ll just have to keep monitoring your skin daily and adjust your products accordingly.

Definitely ditch the following:

1. Burt’s Bee’s Brightening Face Wash: Unsure of the pH. Us acne-prone folks need to use a low pH cleanser.
   
2. the hyaluronic acid (HA): I know there’s a lot of hype around HA right now but it could be making your skin drier if there’s no moisture in the air since its humectant. You need to lock it in with an occlusive on top (sealant). I think a good moisturizer will be more than sufficient.
   
3. the moisturizer with the vitamin C:
   a.) I don’t think you need vitamin C at this stage of the game and;
   b.) It might not even be effective in the moisturizer since Vit C is a finicky active. (It comes in many forms, some are pH dependent; needs to be in a concentration of 20% to be effective; begins to oxidize if mixed w/water so stabilizers are needed [serums tend to be more stable then cream formulas for this reason]; air/photosensitive so it needs to be in dark air tight packaging like a pump. It’s a pain in the butt.)
   
   AM Routine
   1. Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - $12
   —Acidic Cleanser: Clinical studies have shown that an alkaline cleanser, high pH (greater than 6.0 pH), contributes to the proliferation of acne bacteria on the skin. An acidic pH (less than 6.0 pH) is less bacteria-friendly. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has a 5.5 pH, and contains ceramides which help protect the skin barrier.
   2. Active: Salicylic acid (BHA) - Humane Clarifying Toner. If you feel like switching, try [Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid] (https://smile.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-SKIN-PERFECTING-Exfoliant-Facial-Blackheads/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518761128&sr=1-1&keywords=paulas%2Bchoice%2Bbha&th=1) - $25 on Amazon // $30 on her site but she frequently runs 20% sales + you can use a rebate site too to save even more (Coupon Cabin is 8.5% back currently).
   —BHA: Salicylic acid is only effective at certain pHs 3-4pH and concentrations (1 – 2%). Paula’s Choice is pH range of 3.2–3.8
   3. Active: AHA - AHA Enhanced Renewal Cream. Apply AHA following BHA, but only 1-2x a week to start. If you feel like switching, try [Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum] (https://smile.amazon.com/Mizon-AHA-8-Peeling-Serum/dp/B00F35GT0W/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518760920&sr=8-4&keywords=Mizon%27s+AHA+8%25+Peeling+Serum&dpID=41diUr7YN6L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)
   —AHAs are not oil-soluble (difficulty penetrating oily areas of your face such as the T-zone) but BHAs are. So, apply the BHA first to clear out the sebum in your pores, then apply the AHA which can then penetrate your skin more effectively. Ideally, you’d wait 15-20 min. between applications for optimal results but who has time for that?
   4. Moisturizer: [CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Lightweight/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518763286&sr=1-4&keywords=CeraVe+Facial+Moisturizer+PM) - $9
   Contains ceramides and niacinamide which has been shown to reduce pore size.
   5. Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
   —Japanese sunscreen. Non gloopy physical/chemical combo, doesn’t leave a white cast, some folks like to use it as primer pre-makeup
   
   PM Routine:
   1. Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
   2. Active: Antioxidant - [Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant] (https://smile.amazon.com/Trilogy-Rosehip-Antioxidant-1-01-Ounce/dp/B0081JE0VM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518761377&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Trilogy+Rosehip+Oil+Antioxidant&psc=1) - $22
   —Rosehip Oil: A linoleic-rich oil (an omega-6 fatty acid). Acne-prone skin tends to have a low % of linoleic acid and high % of oleic acid in the sebum. It’s thought that these low levels could be one of the things causing acne. Oils with a high linoliec acid content typical go rancid w/in 3-6 months but the antioxidants in this brand keep it shelf stable for three 3 yrs.
   3. Active: Retinoid - I'd try azelaic acid, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - $8. If you want it stronger, it comes in Rx as well.
   —Azelaic Acid: "According to Wikipedia, it can treat mild to moderate acne, both comedonal acne and inflammatory acne. It works by killing acne bacteria that infect skin pores AND it decreases the production of keratin, which is a natural substance that promotes the growth of acne bacteria. So it tackles clogged pores like a BHA preventing future acne and kills bacteria to improve current acne. It also fades hyperpigmentation, like an AHA, but without photosensitivity and unlike some forms of AHA, it can be safely used by those with deeper skin tones." quoting snow white and the Asian Pear
   4. Moisturizer**: CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM or [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Cream-Daily-Moisturizer/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518769817&sr=sr-1&keywords=cerave&th=1) if you need something heavier - $12

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.

Hi, u/mihaelalala7! :)

I would suggest replacing the micellar water with a cleansing oil or a cleansing balm (even though your dermatologist suggested it), as it would do, in my opinion, a much better job at breaking down the gunk that's on your face that your regular water-based cleanser won't be able to dissolve. Even though it might seem strange to put oil on your already oily skin, the excess sebum that builds up on the skin and in our pores cannot dissolve in a water-based formula, and maybe even certain ingredients from your SPF and such. Micellar water does a similar job, but I don't find it as effective. Then I Met You has a nice, fragrance-free cleansing balm.

When building up a skin care routine, the most important things to look for are skin barrier support and sun protection. For your skin to be happy, you have to provide a good SPF, gentle cleansing and proper hydration through a good moisturizer. By looking at the ingredient list of your Isis Pharma moisturizer, I came to the conclusion that you should definitely replace it. It contains a lot of fragrance, which should definitely be avoided in skin care, and it also contains a really harsh surfactant, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, that is just terrible for the face. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is basically the stuff that makes up regular soap, which we all know we should not put on our faces. It really strips the skin, and can definitely lead to skin barrier damage that will worsen your skin concerns (breakouts, comedones, dullness etc.). A much, much better option would be the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, that is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, MUCH gentler and hydrating. It contains ceramides, compounds that are present in our skin's own moisturizing system. Your cleanser is by far the worst product in your routine and you should replace it in my opinion.

When it comes to the exfoliating acids, I think you'll do a much better job preventing breakouts and smoothing your skin texture by using your Salicylic Acid as a primary exfoliant, since it does basically the same job as the Lactic Acid, but it also has the property of being soluble in oil, thus unclogging your pores while also providing a gentle exfoliation. Salicylic Acid also can help with controlling excess sebum production and it also has antibacterial properties. Be aware that the overuse of chemical exfoliants can lead to irritation, dryness, redness and peeling, so maybe use them a few times a week, and don't apply them on areas where you don't experience congestion. You can switch to using the Salicylic Acid on your breakout-prone, textured areas, 2-3 days a week, and see if your skin tolerates it well. If not, you can go back to the Lactic Acid. Do not use your chemical exfoliants on the sensitive parts of the face, such as the under-eye area, as it's simply unnecessary, and the risk of getting irritated is much higher on the extremely thin skin under our eyes.

I'll have to mention fragrance again when talking about your moisturizer. It's definitely not as bad as your cleanser, but I'd look into other options that are fragrance-free, such as CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream, that is also non-comedogenic and contains ceramides.

The SPF you're using is most likely fine, and you should continue using it if you like the product. La Roche Posay, Eucerin, Cetaphil and CeraVe also provide good sunscreens that you can explore in the future.

The witch hazel may or may not help, you can keep using it if you like it. For sebum production control and anti-inflammatory properties you can also try incorporating Niacinamide into your routine, as it's a proven ingredient that can definitely help with the appearence of breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) from acne scarring. The Ordinary has a great Niacinamide 10% + Zinc serum.

Also, the order in which you apply your products is of utmost importance. There are a lot of sources online where you can find more about this, but generally you should look to apply your products from the thinnest to thickest, starting with your cleansing oil and water-based cleanser, and ending with your sunscreen/moisturizer at PM.

So, to summarize: definitely look to replace your cleanser, you can improve your PM double-cleanse by replacing your micellar water with a cleansing oil/balm, be careful with your exfoliating acids, look to get rid of fragrance and harsh ingredients in your products by paying close attention to the ingredient list of the products that you're buying and doing research on that (Dr. Dray is board-certified dermatologist that has a YouTube channel, her advice is just pure gold, you can learn a lot from her). Our skin is a living, breathing organ, that is perfectly capable of self-sustaining and protecting itself. Our job is to enhance its mechanisms, and not overwhelm it by using too many products, harsh ingredients and fragrance.

Since you're not dealing with really bad skin concerns, having a really good, gentle double-cleanse, potent moisturizer, SPF 30+ sunscreen, using frangrance-free, non-comedogenic products and mildy exfoliating your skin with a gentle BHA (Salicylic Acid product) should really be all you need to get your skin to a good state. I'm glad you asked for advice, I'm extremely happy that you specificed the products you use, because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to identify some of the mistakes in your skin care (and potentially the biggest), and I hope you'll find my advice helpful.

All the best!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps!

(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.

Hi! Due to the recent drama around here, a lot of the sidebar links take us to nowhere right now. The sidebar is usually a lot more welcoming! I think the mods are working on finding alternative sources of info, but in the meantime, here's a really good breakdown of how to evaluate your current routine to see how you might want to go about changing it, and here's sort of a crowd-sourced list of things the members here recommend, separated by skin type.

Until the beginner guides routines get retooled and put up, the search function might be a good place to start looking for recommendations, as well as sister subs like /r/AsianBeauty, /r/skincareaddicts, and /r/skincareaddictionuk, and outside sites like MakeupAlley and Beautypedia (although be aware of the bias towards Paula's Choice products here).

Now, as for your specific routine, you have a few options: you could look for a new cleanser and/or moisturizer, or you could add a few steps to your routine to level up on moisturizing. Which of these you choose to do and why is completely up to you, but here are a few common considerations among those whose skin feels dry or irritated.

• 1: your cleanser might be drying you out. Generally, the closer your cleanser is to skin's natural pH (around 5.5), the less it will disrupt your skin's barrier function, which helps protect your skin from bacteria, irritation, etc. I'm not familiar with your cleanser, but if it's above 5.5, this might be what's happening. Off the top of my head, commonly recommended cleansers at pH ~5.5 include: CeraVe foaming cleanser (found in most drug stores), CeraVe hydrating cleanser (ditto), Hada Labo Foaming. You can find more if you search this sub and places like /r/AsianBeauty (who have a spreadsheet color-coded by pH) and other subs linked here on the sidebar.
  
• 2: you want a heavier-duty moisturizer. This is pretty self explanatory. You might need something with more emollients and occlusives in it; emollients make your skin softer, while occlusives form a barrier over your skin to prevent water loss. Look for things with mineral oil or petroleum jelly (occlusives) and things like fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl) and oils for emollients. A lot of people on the sub like to recommend CeraVe in the tub or CeraVe PM as a starting point, but be aware that some people have negative reactions to fatty alcohols. EltaMD's Melting moisturizer is usually a safe bet, since it includes so few ingredients, and my all-time favorite is DML Daily Facial Moisturizer. Again, these are the things I can think of off the top of my head since I've used them, but the sub search will bring up plenty more.
  
• 3: you might want to keep your current products and consider adding in more steps to your routine. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? If you know your current products aren't breaking you out and feel like your skin just needs a little push over the edge to get to Happy Moisture Land, you could just add in a step or two to your existing routine. One of the easiest changes would be to slap on a thin coat of Vaseline or Aquaphor at night after cleansing and moisturizing; these both act as occlusives to prevent moisture loss overnight. If that's not enough, you could also add in a humectant between cleansing and moisturizing. Humectants help to retain moisture, and they pull up water from the dermis to the epidermis. Common humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so ideally look for products with those in the ingredient list--you often find them in things categorized as toners (although, as a side note, beware of any toners that contain alcohol, which can be drying). Some people have bought vegetable glycerin from the store and love it, while others prefer light serums with hyaluronic acid, such as this (also available at Ulta with different packaging), this, or this. Finally, you could also include a separate emollient step, like incorporating a facial oil before your moisturizer. You can get a great sample pack of oils from Garden of Wisdom, or you can pick up something from a Whole Foods, a vitamin store, or any kind of natural foods store. Popular oils include jojoba, sunflower, safflower, coconut (this breaks some people out in a major way, though), rosehip, and meadowfoam.
  
  Anyway, this has turned into a comment of gargantuan proportions, but I hope this helps you in some way, shape, or form. In general, I really recommend using the search function, as there are droves of information on products, on pH-related stuff, on emollients/occlusives/humectants and what products contain which, etc. Don't forget to patch test any new products before putting them on your entire face, just to make sure they play nicely with your skin. I'd also be remiss if I didn't suggest adding in a sunscreen, but that's a topic for a whole different novel-sized comment.
  
  *Edited to add in a missing link

Warning: long rambling comment ahead. My skin has recently been dry and acne-prone as well. I'm not as much of a skincare expert as some of the folks around here, but I'll tell you what's worked for me.

• Cleansing with an oil. This may sound silly if you get breakouts and YMMV, but I've found they clean my skin well without drying. I've used sunflower oil from Walmart in the past and a lot of people here swear by this mineral oil that is marketed for polishing wood.
  
  Alternately, you could try a Cleansing Oil type product, which are sold for the purpose of skincare and usually contain an emulsifier to make it easier to wash the oil off your face. A lot of Asian lines sell cleansing oils; I've used and liked this one. Currently, I am using a solid oil product from Clinique. It's marketed as a makeup remover but I find it cleanses my skin very well on its own. I sometimes follow it up with a cleanser but I don't seem to need to if I wash the oil off thoroughly. Oils are the gentlest way I've found to cleanse my skin, and I'd recommend them to anyone with dry skin. Just avoid the highly comedogenic ones (e.g. coconut oil) and know that you might have to test a few before you find one you love. I just saw that you've ordered hemp seed and argan oils; I have a feeling you'll like them. (Side note: argan oil is a wonder drug. I use it basically like a serum, rubbing it into my skin and just letting it on.)
  
  
• I ditched my benzoyl peroxide products after it became apparent to me that they dried my skin out without doing all that much to help my acne. Are you putting the BP on your whole face or just using it as a spot treatment?
  
  Most (helpful) acne products I've found are drying to some extent, so I weigh the benefits against the side effects, meaning that a drying product has to be pretty damn amazing at fighting zits if I'm going to use it. Benzoyl Peroxide was not that product for me, unfortunately, though it may be for you. I found that it sped up the healing process of spots only minimally compared to doing nothing to them, so I threw it out. I've replaced it with Stridex pads and Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion. Like I said, they are quite drying (the Buffering Lotion actually has alcohol in it) but they offer enough tangible benefits that I am willing to accept that.
  
  I use the Stridex pads 2-3 times a week, and only on areas where I have sebaceous filaments, blackheads, and breakouts. I know a lot of people here love them for SFs, but I've found they shrink cystic spots pretty quickly as well. They smell weird and sting, especially if you put on moisturizer too soon after using them, but they work really well.
  
  The Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion is a great spot treatment, and the only product that's ever helped me with cysts that are still under the skin. I've actually used it on deep cysts before and had them disappear before ever coming to a head; it's like magic!
  
  
• I've recently started using honey as a mask and it's one of the few things that has helped moisturize my skin while simultaneously shrinking zits. You may not be into using a mask and, if you try this, you will feel like a sticky lunatic until you wash it off. It's a very gentle treatment though and quite calming on days when my skin feels extra dry and irritated. Some people will use raw honey but I just bought a cheap generic bottle after checking that the only ingredient listed was honey. You literally just slather it on your face and let it sit for a bit; I usually read for about an hour before washing it off with water. The next day my skin is soft and my spots are smaller.
  
  I hope at least some of that giant comment was helpful to you! One last thing I would recommend is adding an additional moisturizer at night. You said that the AHA cream helps with your PIH so I wouldn't stop using that, but you could always layer another moisturizer with it to combat the dryness. As long as neither product breaks you out I don't see the harm in using two! I have no specific recommendations on a moisturizer as I've been looking for one myself (just bought this one though and it looks promising) but I'd look for something richer and non-comedogenic.
  
  Edit: Sorry for the wonky formatting, I do not know how to fix it!

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

Edit edit edit

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

Okay, this is going to be way too much info but I love skincare dearly and I really wish women had more good, readily available information on vaginal hygiene. So soldier on if you want to learn something and also get product recommendations that I’ve personally vetted.

Not to imply anyone isn’t taking care of themselves, but besides ‘Here is how a tampon works’ in 6th grade what education did any of us really receive that was about us taking care of our bodies for OUR benefit? I can’t tell you the dozens of female clients I previously worked on who would be embarrassed of their natural odor or secretions and would ask my advice on how to taste/smell/look better. I have a whole other soapbox rant about that but this isn’t the time for it.

Back to recommendations. I’m going to include what I consider to be the highest quality facial soaps that will also pull double duty as a cleanser for the outside of your lady bits so you don’t have to hide the bottle in the shower from nosy roommates or have an awkward convo with your partner. And one that is specifically vaginal wash because it’s just a great prod

I personally use Eminence Organics Stone Crop Gel Wash and then chemically exfoliate -if needed- with Aveda’s Botanical Kinetics exfoliant. and moisturize with Eminence Bamboo Firming Fluid Yes, I have a skincare routine for my bits...and I am aware of how stupidly bougie that is.

That’s obviously not the route for most rational folks and I HIGHLY stress that you use unscented products until you’re familiar with your own ability to tolerate fragrance, natural or otherwise.

I use Stone Crop because I am prone to Bartholin Cysts and this does the trick to help prevent them/reduce PIH and smells divine. Eminence is an amazing Hungarian skincare brand that uses zero water in their formulary and is certified organic, cruelty free, and has their own organic farm to source most of their ingredients. Only downside is the cost.

The best truly low ph cleanser I’ve ever used thus far is SanDaWha Camellia Secret Zone Soothing Wash. It’s expensive, but lovely. It’s formulated as a vaginal cleanser, aka, technically okay to use on your inner labia, but I am a firm believer that you should never be using soap in your vagina, it cleans itself, just wash the outside well with warm water and a clean washcloth EVERY TIME. Well, maybe on your period do a bit of unscented, ph balanced soap. For that, there is nothing better than good old CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser - ph of 5 . As an aside, I much prefer the moisturizing cleanser to the gel cleanser for acneic skin. The gel is too acidic and strips the acid mantle which makes your skin produce more oil. Moisturizing your oily skin after cleansing gently will, in most scenarios, heal blemishes faster than swinging the hammer of spot treatments and harsh AHAs.

Now, regarding your lady parts chemistry, we run between a high 3 and just under a 5, IIRC. The SanDaWha clocks in there, and is also amazing on facial skin. I use about 5 different face washes/cleansing oils based on how I’m feeling, but it would be my choice if I wanted ONE product I could also use on my face and , because I hate overly niche products. Our skin sits at 5.5 ph, so your best bet is to always use a wash that’s at 4 and you’ll strike a happy medium.

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

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

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

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 :)

I usually recommend Biore Watery Essence as a starter SPF. It has bit of alcohol in it, but other than that, the application is so smooth and the coverage is great. Whenever you get here, head to any Don Quixote, Cosme Shop, or any other sort of drug store. They often have samples out of things (especially the Cosme shops), so you'll be able to try out different brands and types on your arms and see what leaves a cast, has a weird smell or texture you don't like, or my favorite - for some reason has some sneaky shiny highlighter powder bullshit in it.
On that note, some classics in Japan might not be for you. Best to avoid anything that promotes: tone up, brightening, color correcting, etc. (which is quite a lot of the market right now tbh), or strictly mineral based (zinc or titanium dioxide) ones because they will leave a whitecast on darker skin tones. Here's a ranking of current SPFs in Japan by popularity.
SPFs here are typically either oil based ('milk' type) or water based ('essence' type). Oil is best for body, sinks in easily, a lot runnier and easier to apply, can be a bit moisturizing. Water is best for face, usually more of a gel like texture, tends to clog pores less, but usually has more alcohol in it, so it can be drying. But YMMV, and I know people who use the milk types on their face with no issues (but uh, I am not one of them).
Another thing to note is that SPF, and skincare in general, is often reformulated every year or so, but still sold under the same brand/item. So if something was working well for you and suddenly isn't, that is likely the culprit. There are also some ingredients in sunscreen that may irritate your skin, such as fatty alcohols, higher alcohol content, fragrance, etc. so if one doesn't work or is causing dryness or clogged pores or blemishes, search for your item on cosdna for ingredients that may be triggering issues, and just keep trying ones that don't have suspected irritants in it.
A lot of nicer sunscreens retail for ¥1500-2000/30-50ml. But there are also a ton of great ones for way less! So don't feel pressure into getting the creme de la creme. Paying ¥600-800/50ml is a decent range to expect. There are waterproof ones for those super sweaty days, but honestly, nothing beats reapplication every two hours of sun exposure. Finding a sunscreen that is enjoyable to apply is really the key to consistent usage. And you should also look into getting an oil cleanser and a soap cleanser for the evening. The oil cleanser is rubbed into your skin, dry, and then emulsified away with water. It helps break down and remove a lot of the longer lasting ingredients in SPF. Follow it up with a foam cleanser and you'll be golden. (These are my two recs for cheap and great for that.)
Anyway. Gooooood lucccccck my dude. LMK if you need any more overwhelming amounts of info. Hahaha.

About your age here!

I have pretty difficult skin... it's sensitive and gets rashes in response to all sorts of things, I have PIH (every time I get a pimple, after it heals, a dark mark stays on my skin for weeks and weeks), it gets oily and dry, the works. I ended up on this subreddit seeking help, and though I'm still experimenting with some things, it's DEFINITELY getting better.

I usually shower twice a day just because gym time works out in the middle of my schedule. I do my face washing in the shower, and I have the generic Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle body wash. It's actually pretty good on your face. I also have the Cerave hydrating face wash, but I'm not sure lately if it adds anything. Maybe. For now the Tea Tree Tingle seems to be doing just fine.

Every few days I use the St. Ives Pads. I know a lot of people on here recommend the Stridex, but my hyper-sensitive skin had a conniption about those.

By day, my moisturizer is the Cerave in the tub and they are NOT KIDDING. Of all the products I've tried courtesy of this sub, this is the #1 most helpful thing I've discovered yet.

At night, in hopes of treating my PIH, I've been experimenting with Retinol. They say it takes a long time to notice any difference. They're right. I've noticed no difference. BUT thus far, my skin hasn't broken out, gotten blotchy or rashy, or otherwise freaked out over this stuff, so... I'll hang in there.

Oh, and Sunscreen. I use Neutrogena Sensitive Skin. I recommend starting with VERY LITTLE and working it in one section at a time. It's easy to go overboard and end up with caked-on white face.

PROTIP WITH SUNSCREEN: you guessed it: there have been cases of melanoma in my family and I freckle out a lot and have a high risk (I told you my skin was difficult). ALWAYS remember to put sunscreen all over your ears (front and back) and on the tops of your feet/toes. People don't think to cover these areas and don't check for melanoma there in time, usually.


Oh, and last: I've tried the Aztec Healing Clay twice now as I've needed to get rid of blackheads or calm things down a bit. Definitely use Apple Cider Vinegar, that stuff is the best.




ORDER OF OPERATIONS

1. in shower, Tea Tree Tingle or Cerave hydrating face wash
   
   
2. (only 2-3x/week) St. Ives Pads
   
   
3. Moisturizer Cerave in the tub or Retinol
   
   
4. By day: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunscreen
   
   
5. Randomly on a Saturday afternoon if my skin's been having freak-outs, Aztec Healing Clay
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I'm pretty new at this myself, but so far it's working out pretty well. I started with the Beginner's Skincare Routine as a rough guide and otherwise lurked around figuring things out (which is still pretty much how I'm handling it). So far, awesome sub, and found a lot of this has been really helpful!

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 would avoid doTERRA if at all possible because a) they're a sketchy MLM, and b) they're all about the essential oils. EOs aren't necessarily bad in skincare products - if your skin is sensitive you probably want to avoid them, but most products have them far down the ingredients list just for a bit of fragrance or whatever. But the doTERRA products have them pretty high up the ingredients list which...isn't great. EOs can cause dryness, irritation, contact dermatitis, rashes, and some of them can cause phytophotodermatitis. I'd just avoid it - there are plenty of products out there that are cheaper, better formulated, and aren't from super sketchy companies.

I'm not sure what the heavy feeling could be - it could be your face being moisturized, maybe there's some leftover product, maybe something else is going on. I'd just keep an eye on it - skin is weird and sometimes it can take a bit to tell what's really going on

Also remember to introduce new products one at a time - introduce one new product, then wait a week or two before adding the next. This way you can properly evaluate whether it's working for you or whether it's breaking you out, causing irritation, or simply not doing what you expect it to.

It sounds like you're trying to find a right base routine for yourself before moving on to actives that can treat your specific skin concerns, which is awesome! You need the basics (cleanser >> moisturizer >> sunscreen) before you can move on to the rest. I'd just keep doing what you're doing - trying out different products till you find that right one that works for you.

A cleanser should leave your skin feeling soft and kinda moisturized, not dry, tight, or squeaky clean. If this one doesn't work out for you, some other ones to check out include Vanicream Gentle Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, and Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk.

A moisturizer should leave your skin feeling, well, moisturized! That may be what the heavy feeling it (or maybe not! Skin is weird.) If this one doesn't work out for you, some alternatives include CeraVe Baby Cream, CosRx Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream, and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. You may end up finding one moisturizer that meets all your needs, or you may need to use a couple! I like to use my moisturizer followed by vaseline or Aquaphor if my skin is feeling particularly dry.

It also looks like you need a sunscreen. A sunscreen should be easy to apply, one that you enjoy using (so you're more likely to use it), and one that has SPF 30+. Some recommendations include CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer SPF 30, Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF 50 / PA++++, and EltaMD Clear SPF 48

After you have the basics down, you may want to figure out how to address your skin concerns:

Large pores: It's pretty difficult to actually reduce the size of pores, but keeping them clean with consistent cleansing, oil cleansing, BHAs, and occasional clay masks may help!

Niacinamide has a few studies showing improvement in pore appearance [1], and retinoids have a few studies showing reduction in pore size [2, 3]. Retinoids are the big guns of skincare though, so I'd table that idea for now.

Blackheads or sebaceous filaments: Consistent cleansing, oil cleansing, BHAs, and occasional clay masks

Imo, oil cleansing, BHAs, and maybe niacinamide would be of interest. The overviews linked should cover everything you need to know (product recs, how to use them, etc.) but let me know if you have any questions! Remember to add new products slowly and don't get ahead of yourself - you're still setting up your base routine!

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

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

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

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.

Hello!! Oh my goodness I have SO MANY KB faves - Mizon, Tony Moly, Missha, Ladykin are all great for skin and makeup products. Hado Labo is a Japanese brand, but their lotion (what we think of as a toner here in the US) makes my skin happy as a bushel of clams.

Current fave makeup product: Tony Moly Cat's Wink Clear Pact helps me keep my skin in check during the day. I feel like this is a boring thing to have as a fave, I'm here to learn about/work up the courage to try new things.

Fave skin care product: The Face Shop Rice Water Cleansing Oil is a game changer. My skin routine is pretty extensive, but this is the starting point and gets alllllll my makeup and sunscreen off with a few second of very gentle rubbing. It makes washing your face at night so much easier and more enjoyable. =)

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!

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

Current routine:

AM

Garnier Micellar Water - pink cap or Cerave Foaming cleanser

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

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

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

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

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

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

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

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

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

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

PM

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

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

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

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

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

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method.

All depending on how I'm feeling that evening:

LJH TeaTree 90 Essence

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule

SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule

Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream

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

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

Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream

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

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

Things I'm waiting on in the mail:

ROSETTE Aqua Ceramide Gel

Rumase BIFIDA Snail Toner

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam

It's Skin Power 10 Formula - PO Effector

Hoping the all work well for me too!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copying from my previous comment from earlier in the thread:

Face lotion alone is NOT providing nearly enough SPF coverage. Come over to r/skincareaddiction! :) There are many sunscreens out there that feel like lotion but are highly protective. I personally use an Asian brand that is SPF 50 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays, something most standard sunscreens don't do. It's only $12 on Amazon and lasts me a couple months. After it dries, I can't even tell I'm wearing sunscreen.

My typical morning routine for my face is:

1. Cleanser (then wash it off)
   
   
2. Toner
   
   
3. Moisturizer
   
   
4. Sunscreen
   
   I also add sunscreen to any exposed skin on the rest of my body. This sunscreen is cheap enough that I feel fine using it for my full body.
   
   I repeat this whole process at night (excluding the sunscreen). I also add Vitamin C serum after the toner, which also helps with anti-aging (promotes collagen growth).
   
   The whole thing takes less than 5 minutes, plus a couple minutes between each stage to let it dry. Wrinkles are SO hard to reverse... the best solution is prevention while you're still young! Plus, as someone whose parents have both gone through cancer, skin cancer is not something I take lightly.
   
   EDIT: I've had many requests for my exact products so I'm adding them here. Everyone's skin is a little different, so I would definitely advise doing your own research to find what works best for you. For reference, I have clear (little-to-no acne) skin, not too dry or oily.
   
   For each product, make sure you do a patch test to ensure you don't have a bad reaction. They're all pretty gentle so you should be okay, but always good to be safe.
   
   Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
   
   Toner: KLAIRS Supple Preparation Facial Toner
   
   Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer (this is cheaper in store)
   
   Sunscreen: Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel pump (SPF50 + PA ++++) (takes like a month to deliver so I usually buy multiple at a time)
   
   Vitamin C serum: Dr. Brenner Vit C parent (small bottle but a little goes a long way)

Morning routine:

• Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam and Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser as face wash as needed
  
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% one drop on each cheek
  
• Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture before moisturizer
  
• OLE HENRIKSEN Sheer Transformation for moisturizer
  
• Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion when going out
  
  ​
  
  Night routine:
  
  
• Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam and Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser as face wash as needed
  
• Stratia Soft Touch AHA 10% Mandelic Acid Gel everywhere on face except nose and forehead
  
• Stridex (red box) on nose and forehead
  
• Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture before moisturizer
  
• OLE HENRIKSEN Sheer Transformation for moisturizer
  
• ArtNaturals Pure Morrocan Argan Oil when needed
  
• NOTE: Some nights I use Ecological Formulas Melazepam Cream (azelaic acid) all over the face
  
  ​
  
  Review:
  
  
• TO Niacinamide - Originally used this on its own for a week or so and didn't notice anything crazy, but it's also too short of a time to judge its impact. Then when I used it according to the routine above, it definitely showed some promising results. The overall texture of my skin is softer and smoother (ex: if I look at my skin with direct light hitting it to highlight "smoothness/not smoothness," the skin is smooth EVERYWHERE). I had some raised scarring, and those went down too. Not sure if this helped reduce the scarring color per say, but it didn't hurt. I replaced my Vitamin C in the mornings with this and saw more immediate results, comparatively.
  
• Stratia AHA - LOVE THIS STUFF. The combo of Stratia and Stridex has worked wonders for me like no other combo of acids (I have tried other combos/routines of AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic and other salicylic). I have to use the Stridex for my forehead because it's the only thing that keeps it clear, so that is simply a personal preference. However, nothing has healed my cheeks like mandelic acid. This one is super gentle (skin never feels taut), however it is slow working. It takes over a month to see positive results. I think it made me purge, which is why I say that. Also, if I don't use it for more than 1 day, I start to have breakouts immediately (experimented and noticed this 3-4 times). Even helps control my hormonal acne every month to where it comes and goes in a couple of days, and doesn't blow up into cystic-style bumps.
  
  Hit me up with questions if ya got any :)

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

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

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

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

Current Routine / Products I'm Using:

AM

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

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!

I get pretty obsessive with things so I'm not sure if you really want my routine since you want something simple to travel. Taking out the actives, aha/bha, essence, serums, and eyecream that I'm using, you can basically strip it down to a cleanser, toner, moisturizer.

If you want a cleanser, everyone here is really into the hada labo gokujyun foaming cleanser (http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM). It has a ph of 5.5 so it's a solid cleanser that won't raise the ph of your skin. Follow that up with a toner. I'm currently using the Mizon AHA/BHA toner. Ph is too high for the bha to exfoliate and too high for the aha to exfoliate (they each exfoliate differently, though) so it's really just a useful toner to get your skin ph at a good point. Then the moisturizer. Like I said, I'm using the Mizon all in one cream and it's really awesome. It feels like I didn't put anything on afterwards but my skin is really hydrated and soft. Depending on how dry your skin gets, though, you might also need the recovery gel to use right after, which basically adds a little more hydration and seals it in.

If you decide to add an essence, that would go right after the toner. You said that you were using some of your girlfriend's sk-ii products--were you using the essence? It's kind of expensive (at least out of my budget as a student) so I'm using the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence.

If you do decide to use any actives, specifically aha, make sure to use sunscreen because your skin gets a lot more vulnerable to uv rays and then everything is counterproductive since you're damaging your skin. Paula's Choice AHA and BHA are really popular, but so are the CosRX AHA and BHA and those are apparently gentler on your skin. If you're really sensitive to chemical sunscreens, go for a physical sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Keep in mind, though, that most physical sunscreens leave a whitecast, but there are some that don't. Some pretty popular sunscreens on here are the hado labo UV creamy gel sunscreen, but apparently it doesn't dry very quickly. I'm not really trying to make my face shiny and I'm already getting the moisture from the mizon AIO, so I'm using the biore watery essence sunscreen-dries quickly and doesn't smell like sunscreen. If you do add the aha, meaning you add the sunscreen, you're going to want to add an oil cleanser.

Double cleansing is when you use an oil cleanser and then use a facial cleanser afterwards. The regular foaming or face cleanser doesn't take out makeup (or sunscreen) very well, so to make sure you get all that out at the end of the day, so that you don't start breaking out, use an oil cleanser at night before using your regular foaming or facial cleanser (I'm using the DHC oil cleanser since most people are in love with it).

At night, like twice a week, I just add either a sheet mask (my beauty diary ones are a pretty popular choice but the face shop also has good ones) or a sleeping pack(I'm using the laneige sleeping pack_ex).

If you decide you want to add any vitamin c or any aha or bha, let me know and I can give you more info on where to include that in your routine/some stuff to consider (like waiting twenty minutes after vitamin c).

There are lots of sites to buy from but I'm a big fan of beautynetkorea

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.

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.

Hey, I’m a guy with “good skin”. What honestly surprised me was the quality of my skin after using sunscreen regularly — I didn’t realize how much sun affected things. I know you say you have normal skin, but some of the below should hopefully help getting started on a basic routine that’ll become evident in the quality of your complexion.

Pick up a gently cleanser like Cerave Hydrating cleanser or Vanicreams cleanser.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_164sDbD3WQJP7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QY1XZ4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_U74sDbF98WZ87


Wash the face morning and night. It’s helpful to use a little bit of moisturizer since sunscreens are kind of hit and miss in this regard, so I’d suggest Cerave cream in the white tub to apply to your damp face as needed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TTD9BRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_P84sDb7M4J10J


Afterwards, ideally, slather on a bit of sunscreen on your face, neck, ears, and other sun exposed places. My personal favorite currently is the Jack Black sun guard since it’s not greasy and I use it on my arms and hands too, Otherwise, pick up Cerave’s AM moisturizer. It’s my favorite drug store type sunscreen. A nicer one too are the EltaMD sunscreens.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CR4KRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V94sDbQXPSZ8R

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_b.4sDbR7T9R88


If your face is shiny after some of thing I’d suggest picking up something like Magical Moringa from Lush that’s mattefying. A shine control powder to dab lightly on can work good too — doesn’t look like you have anything on while still taking care of your skin.

https://www.lushusa.com/face/moisturizers/magical-moringa/07218.html

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Neutrogena-Shine-Control-Powder-Invisible-10-37-Oz/21009034?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1150&adid=22222222228015245274&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=40843087352&wl4=pla-78656555792&wl5=9014228&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112549851&wl11=online&wl12=21009034&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzIWmraTy4wIVhZ-fCh0RsQczEAUYASABEgJquPD_BwE


At night I really see a difference in the brightness and luminosity with my skin with this “overnight mask”.

COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, 60ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N13W31F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Qf5sDbYFN01FC

That’s basically my suggestions at least. At night just use moisturizer and the mask after washing.


As far as the back acne, in the shower let some salicylic acid sit on the area for a minute or two and rinse it off. I use Zapzyt. The other thing I would recommend after the shower is to apply some Differin to the affected area — Differin used to be what a dermatologist prescribed me years ago and it now available over the counter fortunately. Should be cleared up in no time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BG92E26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dn5sDbJDAXBTV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L1PHSY9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ip5sDbBCQ71AW

Sunscreen: you have to use the full amount (quite a bit) for it to work at all reliably. Mineral still has to be touched up if you are out in the sun for more than 2 hours. It is more stable than some chemical sunscreens but doesn't mean it doesn't wear off. Makeup doesn't count as suncreen but is a nice extra boost of SPF.

​

All sunscreens are anti aging. Sun is one of the biggest agers and the most prevetable. I don't use mineral sunscreens so can't suggest one. There are mixes that might be more elegant. Look for SPF 50++++ if it's an Asian one (very nice sunscreens).

​

Toner could be anti aging but probably best to focus on hydration now. Hada Labo Premium lotion is popular and quite rich. Kikumasamune Hight Moist Conditioner is quite hdyrating and can be layered. Klairs supple prep is popular.

​

Don't use Dove soap. High PH.. Try an Asian low PH cleanser. Maybe Hada labo Foaming: https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=hada+labo+cleanser&qid=1551212774&s=gateway&sr=8-5

​

If foaming is too much for you, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle are supposed to be good. I use Cerave Hydrating Cleanser.

​

I also use an oil cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen. I really like Muji Sensitive Oil Cleanser, but Hada Labo Oil Cleanser is fine. Cliniques Take the Day off Balm is great too.

​

I like Etude Soonjung Barrier Cream - medium weight and hypoallergenic.

​

​

​

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.

Hey everyone,

I suffer from Seborrheic dermatitis, so the only products I am using are from this helpful list. I am currently using the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel mixed with The Ordinary's Squalane and the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser and for the first time I feel like I am having actual success.


So I wanted to make the next step and introduce sunscreen. I ordered the CōTZ FACE Natural Tinted
SPF 40, but unfortunately it breaks me out.


I definitely wanted a mattifying sunscreen, since regardless of which product I am using, I always get noticeably oily/greasy 1-2 hours after applying products. So to try other sunscreens from that list, I ordered the Biore Uv Perfect Face Milk Spf50 + / Pa ++++ and the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++). It is going to take some time until they arrive, but I thought I could already ask some questions:


According to Fiftyshadesofsnail the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk dries down to a clear satin finish that can go more matte or more dewy depending on your skin condition and what skincare you have underneath. Considering my situation, it might end up too dewy for me. My inital idea was to simply apply it over my Benton Aloe Propolis Gel + Squalane mix and in case that this will end up too dewy, I wanted to test using this over the Benton Gel without the squalane. However if this still ends up being too dewy, would it be okay to use the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk without any actual moisturizer under it, or would I be missing out on some important skin benefits?


My next question would be if the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser will be enough to remove the Biore and the Skin Aqua sunscreens. I have read somewhere that I might need an oil cleanser for this. I currently have this Mystic Moments White Mineral Oil Carrier Oil 100% Pure, but I didn't like how it doesn't really get off when using water. I have read that if you mix it with 10-15% cromollient SCE it'll be better, but I live in Europe, Germany and I don't know where I can get that here.


Thank you for any kind of help!

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.

Hey there, sure I can let you know what worked for me. Just some set up- I've always had acne since a teen, now 30 years old (female), surface bumps, sure, but my the main bane of my existence was painful cystic acne. I'd always have a couple at various stages (since you know... you feel the big painful bumps coming in and it takes time to surface, then time to heal, so each one has a 2-4 week lifespan, ugh)

I've never used any prescription medication to address it, but I've tried any and all over the counter solutions. In the last year I found the following products that actually worked for me, hoping they might work for you but of course everyone is different:

• LUSH Dark Angels Scrub - this really seemed to reduce the number of breakouts, not completely, but I did feel like I noticed some improvement. I use this 1-2 a week in the shower
  
• Glossier Solution- I was always using toner, but this stuff changed my life. I noticed a flair up in small surface zits the first 2 weeks, almost like my skin was purging or something, but I hung in there and I have never had such clear skin in my life. I do get an occasional zit here or there, nothing like before though (usually around my period, not too uncommon). Again, not sure if this will work for everyone but it really changed the game for me. I use this every night before bed. Solution contains a particular 10% blend of three acid groups: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) -> you can google search for a dupe of this product, there's probably something with similar ingredients for less.
  
• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser - pretty cheap non-scented no frills cleaner. I use this with my Clairsonic after using the LUSH scrub in the shower
  
• Clairsonic Brush - I got one of those vibrating brush doo-dads, you can certainly find cheaper alternatives, but this really helped me get that deeper clean.
  
  I'm locked into this routine because it's the only one that's ever worked for me. I know the Scrub and Solution toner can be a lil' pricey- I think you can request a sample of the scrub from a LUSH store for free. As for toner, before the Glossier one I was using this Nutrogena toner daily that sorta helped, better than nothing :)
  
  I think a reduction in dairy products has helped (which sucks cause I love cheese), as well as the increase in water.
  
  Good luck!!!
  
  ​

Products I love!

• Alterna Bamboo Brilliance Cream. I put about a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this in my hair before blowdrying it, and the results are stellar! Smooth, soft, shiny. I’ve been using this for years per the recommendation of the woman who cut my hair when I lived in a different state, and I continue to be so impressed with it. Also, I don’t know if it’s just my hair texture, but if I put this in my hair and then blowdry it straight, it straightens out very well. I don’t even own a flatiron because this stuff + a blowdryer gets the job done.
  
  
• Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss. This is one of the most highly lauded products over on r/redpillwives, thanks to QB. I haven’t had men trailing me in stores because of the smell, but I’ve been really impressed with the product! If I use this to blowdry my hair straight, I can usually get two “down” days and an updo day out of it! Definitely recommend.
  
  
• Coochy from Pure Romance. I will never tidy up my lady zone with anything else. This stuff is so good, my friend’s gynecologist recommended it.
  
  
• Pretty much anything from CeraVe, but namely this moisturizer (also known as “CeraVe in the tub), this cleanser, and this sunscreen/moisturizer combo.
  
  
• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. My skin is smoother when I’m using this regularly. Plus this is such a good brand.
  
  
• Snow River Wood Oil. OKAY HEAR ME OUT. When I’m regularly oil cleansing with this stuff, my face is baby soft. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t break you out, and it’s a very neutral oil, so most skin types do well with it (but ALWAYS patch test). It’s also crazy cheap!
  
  Products I didn’t love
  
  
• Burts Bees Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. There was nothing wrong with this product, per se… it was just unremarkable. I didn’t really notice a difference.

Hi guys, I've been loving AB for about a year now but I haven't stuck to one routine for more than a few months at a time, mainly due to travel and addiction to trying new things 😅 I'm sorry for the epic novel to follow, skip to the bottom if you want. I'm just so tired of dealing with crap skin!


I've had a horrible breakout in the last few months on my back that I can't seem to shake. I don't know why. I got back on the pill after being off it for several months in the hopes of fixing the breakout; it's helping a little but I'm only just starting my second month back on the pill so it might take a while to see results.



Of more concern to me is a new cystic breakout along my jawline--I haven't had such sore acne in years. I'm 19 and I've gotten my acne a lot better under control thanks to the pill and PocketDerm (don't like the name Curology lol) but I've dealt with it in varying forms of severity since like 6th grade.



Before the cysts (bear with me here!) were all these closed comedones, as well as tiny white marks on my face--some raised, some not--which are either CCs or scars, I'm not sure. I plan to eventually get laser treatment because I hate the texture of my skin and all the PIH I have but I want to make sure I'm stopping new breakouts before I spend a ton of money on treating old scars.


So basically I've stripped down my routine to complete, tried and true basics in the hopes of not irritating my skin and making sure nothing's breaking me out. And yet I have like three whiteheads on one side of my face near my mouth and cystic acne on my jawline and near my temples. Nothing has changed in my lifestyle, I haven't added anything new to my routine...please give me any ideas or product suggestions!

TLDR my skin is somewhat freaking out, may be hormonal but I want help setting up a routine to help my moisture barrier, acne, and PIH

Oily/Acne-Prone: | Boston, USA/Dry, windy: | Acne, PIH:

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• Hada Labo Cleansing Foam
  
  
  
• Kose Sekkisei Lotion (I just pat it on with clean fingers)
  
  
• Kose Sekkisei Emulsion
  
  
• Innisfree Eco Daily Sunblock
  
  
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Light
  
  PM
  
  
• Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil White
  
  
• Hada Labo Cleansing Foam
  
  
  
• Pocketderm prescription (4% Azelaic Acid, 1% Clindamycin, 4% Niacinamide)
  
  
• Kose Sekkisei Lotion
  
  
• Kose Sekkisei Emulsion
  
  I used to use Korres Wild Rose 24-HR Brightening and Moisturizing Cream at night too but I stopped because I stopped everything I thought might be irritating.
  
  I specifically want help with rebuilding my moisture barrier, calming down current and stopping future breakouts, and maybe adding an exfoliant or Vitamin C to my routine...any advice?
  

Oily skin is sometimes aggravated by harsh treatments, which can make oiliness even worse. It's recommended that every skin type, even oily skin, use moisturizer. It can actually help balance your skin.

Bar soap in general is way too harsh for skin because of the high pH. I don't know specifically about the Neutrogena one, but you may want to research and find out the pH. Ideally the pH used to wash your face is 5-6. Bar soaps can often have a pH of 9 or so. Another thing is read the ingredients of your toner. Does it contain alcohol? If so, this is drying and not recommended, even for oily skin. As I mentioned before, you're possibly drying out and irritating your skin with the bar soap, alcohol in the toner, and lack of moisturizer. And finally, are you certain that the coconut oil doesn't break you out? I think occasionally people continue to use oils that aren't suitable for their skin which makes them break out. Coconut oil is comedogenic for many, but of course some people can use it without problems. Mineral oil, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil are supposed to be less comedogenic (although anyone can have a reaction to anything so be sure to test it if you try it!)

There is a moisturizer called Dr. Lin Daily Hydrating gel. It's unlikely to break you out and good for oily skin. You can get it at stores like Ulta and CVS/Walgreens for less than $8. CeraVe PM moisturizer is another good one, but some people break out from using it.

Alternative cleansers to look into are CeraVe foaming cleanser or Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam.

Oily and acne prone skin can benefit from salicylic acid but it must have a pH of less than 4 to work properly. Again, it is preferred to avoid alcohol but it's really hard to find salicylic acid that doesn't contain it. Paula's Choice 2% BHA is hugely popular and for good reason (let me know if you need help getting discounts for this, I can show you how). If that is not affordable, Stridex max strength pads are effective for many.

I think reformulating your routine is the first step. It is possible that your acne is caused by being too harsh with your skin and throwing it out of whack. But if you're still getting acne with a reformulated routine, you may want to see a dermatologist or use the online dermatology service Curology (I've had amazing success with them and let me know if you want more info!).

Check out the SCA routine page for more info about creating a routine.

I think you need to revamp your entire skin routine to resolve this. Rule #1, be gentle, not only in exfoliation methods whether those be physical or chemical, but also you should pay attention to the chemicals you are putting on your face (ie products that are conflicting each other and if anything you're putting on your face is even what you need).
I would suggest washing with CeraVe for dry skin (it's inexpensive, super gentle, feels great!). Use a Konjac sponge if you don't have a Clarisonic (if you do use a Clarisonic only use the softest level of brush head and maybe only do it once a day properly meaning use a lot of water and plenty of cleanser to get the proper slip going on to not over aggravate your skin).
Only use mildly warm water, never hot, do not ever scrub your skin. Just gently exfoliate if doing physical exfoliation. You will need to do some form of gentle exfolation to remove the dead skin regularly.
If you wear make up start doing double oil cleansing. If you do not wear make up just ignore this sentence lol.
When you're done washing your face if you're going to bed: get an antioxidant serum to help support your skin, then layer a very good moisturizer, and then a "sealer" so a face cream that works that's heavier on top of that, maybe even add a few drops of oil to your final cream layer.

Go to bed: wake up, wash gently, pat dry, anti oxidant serum, daytime SPF at least 20 or more. If you find your SPF is too drying then you need to search for one that has some oil in it probably. I suggest using Supergoop Mineral for that.

I know it sounds like a lot but it really isn't. The main thing is just getting your products lined up and then wash/dry/apply. It just takes a few minutes, I promise, and your skin will look amazing.

If your skin can tolerate it- I'd try adding some AHA's to your routine also like a glycolic acid treatment a few times a week.

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).

So I've been a long time lurker and reader and thought I'd introduce myself and my new routine to the community. Special thanks to /u/mynomdeplumeisplume for the amazing guide that finally got me to pull the trigger!

 

A quick breakdown with links (all from Amazon):


Type | Product
---|---
Oil Cleanser | Banila Co. Clean It Zero Purity
Water Cleanser | Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
Moisturizer | Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Sunscreen | Biore Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence

 

(Sk)intro and review

I'm a 24 year old male in the UK with light olive/brown skin that is pretty resilient but can be prone to spots. I have some PIH on my upper cheeks and forehead and dark circles under my eyes. Generally speaking I've gone for products that are formulated for sensitive skin and pretty "mainstream" from what I've seen in AB circles so far. They've been working great and my skin has never looked so good.

 
Special shout out to the Biore UV for being the first sunscreen that I actually don't dread using. I've not used sun protection much in the past because of how greasy it feels but this has been a dream. I'm going to stick to it for another week before adding a toner and my first essence - any suggestions for brightening/hydrating/PIH tackling would be great and also where to buy the Biore that isn't amazon. That's all for me, thanks for reading any questions and critiques would be welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Looking for some advice on when to use The Ordinary's Niacinamide + Zinc given my current routine. My skin is very oily and fairly acne-prone. At this point, I have less acne than I used to but still have a lot of PIH, which is why I'm planning to add the Niacinamide.

Current routine (strongly influenced by /r/AsianBeauty):

AM:

• Wash with Shiseido Perfect Whip
  
• Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
  
• Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-on Mask (2.5% benzoyl peroxide) — if anyone has a recommendation on a better drugstore benzoyl peroxide product, I would love that!
  
• Moisturize with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
  
• Sunscreen: Biore Watery Essence
  
  PM:
  
  
• Remove makeup with Simple Micellar Water
  
• If not feeling too lazy, wash with Perfect Whip
  
• If I used Perfect Whip, use the Skin Conditioner. If just used Micellar Water, my skin generally doesn't need the moisture.
  
• TO Glycolic Acid
  
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
  
  I know TO's website recommends using the Niacinamide twice a day but I'm not sure if it will interact poorly with the BP or the Glycolic Acid. When should I use it?
  
  Edit: forgot to write my sunscreen

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.

Help with a full routine please? I've basically never had one before bar occasional moisturiser use. Male 38, very pale skin - mostly OK - I get a few odd spots but nothing like I was younger. Mainly I have some red marks on my cheeks, dark circles under my eyes and lots of blackheads around my nose. My skin is slightly dry and sensitive. I've just started using Differin from my doctor which is great so far. I need a daytime moisturiser with spf, a night cream, probably a facial cleanser, also I was wondering should I use an AHA or BHA? Can anyone advise please?

I've been looking at Cerave but happy to consider other If better value.

Here is what I'm thinking of buying:

• Cerave PM Moisturiser
  
  
• Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Daytime moisturiser with spf - I need recommendations here - something good value for money?
  
  
• AHA/BHA - Can I use these with Differin?
  
  Any comments or suggestions welcome!

I'd suggest getting a sunscreen, a cleanser, and a moisturizer. In the mornings, splash your face with some water and use moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, cleanse and use moisturizer. A spot treatment would probably be good as well (neutrogena on the spot has always worked beautifully for me, it's a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream), just for use when you have a spot. The location of your spots is kind of indicative of hormonal acne, which can't always be stopped, but can be tamed by a good routine and perhaps help from a doctor that can give you effective prescriptions. If you can order things online, I recommend this cleanser! If not, I recommend the boots expert sensitive gentle cleanser which is at target.

Sunscreen is pretty important! It'll protect your skin damage caused by the sun's UV rays. UVB rays cause sunburns and both UVB and UVA rays damage DNA (which causes aging). Both contribute to cancer as well. After using sunscreen for a while, personally, my skin is way healthier. Spots clear up much faster and the residual pigmentation is gone in little time. For a cheaper sunscreen, I would recommend alba botanica very emollient (can be found at target); for a higher end sunscreen, I would say shiseido urban environment (sephora, online). Sunscreen seems to be pretty personal as far as individual skin compatibility goes, though, so you might have to try a few.

That foundation should work well for you, and after you have an established routine, you can build it up if interested!

Your shampoo could be the cause. I would definitely start using an aha and or bha product. I would use a gentle cleanser like vanicream Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Pump Dispenser | Fragrance, Gluten and Sulfate Free | For Sensitive Skin | 8 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QY1XZ4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dq1CDbWX75558 then a good toner like MIZON Aha & Bha Daily Clean Toner, 5.07 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LUU42NU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bo1CDb3KXNJ4A there is also a different selection on this mizon toner for a aha serum. I haven't tried it but I am planning on buying it. I really love Cosrx products. I use the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, 100ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073P6ZQ4V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Vw1CDb8W7WA27 a lot because it uses a different form of salicylic acid which great for sensitive skin, plus this is moisturizing.

Edit I would also recommend Jason dandruff shampoo Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGDIAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WB1CDbSVRBM37 it has the bha salicylic acid and sulfer which help exfolites your scalp. If you do have fungal acne or are having a reaction to your shampoo this is a good choice. I have been dealing with a dry scalp and then it turns into dandruff, after 4 uses my scalp looks so much better

The issue(s) you need help with:

I have had chronic skin dryness/irritation/redness/flakiness in the areas around my nose and upper cheeks for a few months. I currently have a routine, but it is obvious to me that it isn't optimal.

Skin type:

When I wake up, there may be a few flakes on my skin, and it is usually oily. But it is never intensely red/irritated
A few hours after cleansing and moisturizing, my skin will become a little oily, but some areas on my nose or sides of my face my dry up.

I would say I have pretty sensitive skin.

Current routine with the full names of your products:

Here are photos of my skin: https://imgur.com/a/zeLGX

The first photos are when I wake up. There is no intense visible redness, but there is some flakiness.

I currently shower in the morning with lukewarm water and cleanse with Vanicream gentle cleanser link. I then use Vanicream Lite lotion link. As you can see at this point in the pictures above, my face is noticeably red. Occasionally, I will feel stinging irritation, but most of the time it feels fine. After a half hour the redness goes down, and my face feels smoother, but not 100 percent smooth in all areas.

This routine has only functioned as a temporary measure until I find something more ideal. I use it because it is effective in treating the flakiness. If I don't cleanse, the area around my nose especially will generate a lot of flakes, even if it isn't particularly irritated.

I do not have a routine for the evening or night time before I go to bed. Sometimes I may just cleanse or maybe just apply some lotion, but the results in the morning aren't drastically different.

How long you have been using your current routine, or product in question:

I tried getting suggestions from this sub in September last year about gentle products for sensitive skin. I have been using these products ever since that time, but they are not ideal.


I would really welcome any help regarding this. I have dealt with it for so long and it really affects my self-image. Please let me know what I can change or fix! Thanks

>do you think any of the positive benefits you achieved would be bad

Absolutely--making distinguished wrinkles disappear and brightening your complexion is TOTALLY not masculine, blech!

Kidding, kidding. I can't see any downsides to focusing on the care and keeping of your skin...except maybe becoming a bit obsessive over it and enjoying it too much (hence this subreddit).

Lurk around and check out some of the discussion threads in this sub, and read the sidebar links. You'll learn a lot. There's a very large focus on understanding the why and how things work (particularly in regards to ingredients) and the science behind them. It's really hard to get into that mindset in the beginning because it's so easy to be swayed by sexy advertising, attractive packaging, and tempting claims, but if the ingredient list doesn't back it up, none of that matters.

The products I currently use:

• Cleanser: I bounce between a Gentle Cleansing Gel($3-4 per ounce--a little goes a long way and it has lasted me ages) or the Cerave Foaming Cleanser($0.94 per ounce)
  
  
• Exfoliators I use an 8% AHA toner($2.23 per ounce) for gentle daily exfoliation.
  
  
• Oils Changes depending on the season. I got a sample pack of three different oils from GoW for $9.25 back in December, and I'm still working on them. A teeny bit goes a long way.
  
  
• Moisturizer/Hydrator Changes based on my whims. Sometimes I just use an oil, sometimes a simple moisturizer ($5-6 per ounce) with a drop of oil mixed in. Again, these can last me a long time.
  
  
• Masks The Aztec Healing Clay($0.50 per ounce) mask is a huge favorite here. I'll also sometimes make a turmeric mask using ingredients from my kitchen that I'm already using in my food anyways, so I don't calculate that cost.
  
  
• Sunscreen My biggest splurge item, I spent $20 on the Elta MD sunscreen. I like it because it's a physical blocker and doesn't irritate my skin.
  
  Since the products I buy last me a long time, the cost doesn't seem very large to me. Some products, like the healing clay mask or certain oils, are only used in small quantities, so they'll last a long, long time.
  
  When I first got started in revamping my routine, I very slowly introduced new products (started with a new cleanser, then after a few weeks tried a moisturizer, etc). This is good because it's easy on your wallet AND it allows you to get an accurate feel for what works and what doesn't.
  
  

Hi guys! New to this whole skin care thing but i've been super excited to get started and get new products. And a happy nat'l pet day to my lil pumkin for encouraging me.

I have normal/combo skin with dry patches. Overall minimal acne, hyperpigmentation in cheeks and around scars.

AM

Splash of Water: I prefer to only cleanse at night due to my dry skin

Neutrogena Hydroboost gel-cream for extra dry skin: I was referred this in a previous comment thread and it has quickly become my HG moisturizer. It is a gel-cream so it isn't heavy and can be layered but it is so hydrating.

Skin Aqua Sunscreen: This isn't in this picture but let me tell you this is the best sunscreen I've ever used on my face. Its a gel consistency so again light on the skin SPF50 & PA ++++ so it protects against both UVA & UVB rays. I've seen this highly recommend on AB threads so I decided to give it a go and I'm never going back.

PM

Simple Micellar cleansing water: I use this to remove my makeup with a cotton pad. Not too drying nor oily and gets the job done.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: This cleanser is very hydrating, I don't experience that tight feeling after washing. I would highly recommend this cleanser.

Neutrogena Hydroboost gel-cream for extra dry skin

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

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

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

I hope this helps!

What are my next steps? I’ve read all over the FAQs and Wiki, but I'm not sure where to head next with my routine. I've been using the same routine for approx. 9 months now and I’m no longer seeing positive changes or results that I want.

The issues: I still have acne, though not as severe as it was a year ago. I have quite large pores and very sensitive skin when it comes to what I use. I’m allergic(eczema) to methylisothiazolinone or others like it. It’s found in many many liquid soaps, lotions, treatments etc.

Skin Type: I would say combination, as I am prone to acne, eczema, have somewhat oily skin, and flaking skin as well. Left profile Right Profile

Current routine: The routine I’ve been using for the past 9 months is as follows:
My mornings and evenings have been somewhat interchangeable, depending on if I shower in the morning or evenings, so I will combine it in to daily, with the exception of 1 product.

Daily:

• Cleanse: Rinse with water OR Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser (1-3x per week) OR Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask (1-2x per week)
  
  
• Moisturize: None if rinsed with water, unless feeling dry OR Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream on my cheeks, nose, and chin.
  
  Evening:
  
  
• Tretinoin Cream 0.025% every night.
  
  Occasionally Used:
  
  
• Neutrogena Rapid Clear(BP) for active large pimples.
  
  Anything New: I am currently reducing(eventually to zero) an antidepressant, so hormonal changes will probably cause acne to pick up. I exercise regularly, drink approx. 3 liters of water every day, and eat very healthy.
  
  Location: Southern Maine region.
  
  Thank you for your help SCA World!
  

Help! Did I buy a knockoff/discontinued Hado Labo product on Amazon?

Combo skin, only break out when stressed or wrong product, living in a temperate moist "forest" biome (I live in a city, but that's what the surrounding region is like)

Routine:

AM

Water rinse or Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hylauronic Acid Cleansing Foam, one pump
Mizon all-in-one moisturizer

PM
Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hylauronic Acid Cleansing Foam, one pump
Mizon all-in-one moisturizer

*Currently patch testing the Biore Sarasara Rich Watery Essence SPF50, Heimish All Clean due to be patch tested in a week. Other things that have been on my face in the a last two weeks due to shower accidents and the Zit That Just Won't Quit on my chin: Cosrx pimple patches (three straight days, that was a mistake), LUSH Let the Good Times Roll Face& Body Cleanser, Nature Republic Aqua sleeping pack

SO

I ordered the Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam (160ml) on Amazon from seller Samurai Japan (massive space in between is what's on Amazon) in September 2017. I used this link and the packaging does look like this.

In the last two months of use my combo skin has started feeling tight, dry, and kinda like it stings. I went on Hado Labo's website to check ingredients and I noticed that the packaging & product name were different. The ingredients and product use instructions were the same as the ones that Amazon page, but idk if that's because they are in fact the same or if somebody just copy-pasted it off Hado Labo's site.

Does anybody know if they redesigned the packaging, reformulated the cleanser, or if this is a knockoff? Thanks!

(EDIT: just realized that when I bought the cleanser I was still using CeraVe's PM moisturizer with no problems. Winter where I live was pretty off the wall this year and has gone back and forth between cold-dry and cold-damp, so I thought it was that. Switched to the Mizon in January and like the texture of my skin much more, but yeah, still dry/tight/burning and it feels like it's getting increasingly worse.)

I got prescribed clindamycin + tretinoin (mine is lower than yours, at 0.025%) for moderate/severe acne more than two years ago. According to my doctor, I was put on a "medium" dosage and wanted me to try the combination out first before we decide if we want to amp up or go lower, perhaps you can look into the option of switching to a lower concentration for the tretinoin if possible and slowly work your way up. The doctor also told me that if my skin was getting excessively dry/irritated, I could reduce the application of it from every night to every other night.

None the less when I first started, my skin freaked out and was patchy for weeks-months mainly in the area around my mouth, nose, and above my lips. I felt that no matter how much I try flake off the dry skin with a cotton pad and toner in the morning, my face looked like it was falling apart by the end of the day. What I ended up doing for a while was just putting foundation on my forehead and cheeks and avoiding all the patchy areas as much as I could. I kept a little tube of lotion everywhere I went and made sure that those problem areas were moisturized at all times - they looked red because they were irritated and not concealed by makeup but I know for sure that looked a lot better than flakey patchy skin barely clinging on. I also switched from Lancome Teint Idole Ultra (more of a matte finish) to Estee Lauder Double Wear (dewy finish)

I've also added a few more steps into my skincare regime such as the:

CeraVe hydrating cleanser

Mizon Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Intense Fast Healing Cream with Aloe

and really thick moisturizers like Vanicream or Cetaphil

My typical skincare regime at night involves ~10 different products but the ones I've listed really stands out to me. I also make sure that I give each product some time to absorb before layering on the next one.

Once times a week, I will also use chemical exfoliate on my face, currently using the Boscia because I got some with point perks but those peels are more or less all the same to me. 2-3 times a week I also use Raw Honey from Trader Joe's as a mask (I just slather it all over my face and wait for 20-30 minutes) and the My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Sheet Mask. They have many different kinds but black pearl and hyaluronic acid are my two favorites. Make sure you gently pat the remaining essence into your face after you take it off!

And lastly, I was really self conscious about my face as well in college. I was on and off of birth control for the most part and it really wrecked my face to the point where I felt that makeup wasn't a luxury I entertained myself with but rather a necessity in order to present myself to others. But towards the end of it, I felt more comfortable with my skin regardless of improvements in my acne because I realized that nobody in a 300+ people lecture hall probably gave a crap about what I look like. I'm sitting next to different people everyday and I'm probably never going to see them after the class ends. I don't sit around school scoping out people to judge (at least I try not too) and even if I do for example encounter someone with really bad acne or hair or whatever walking around, I'm probably not going to remember her/him the next day - so no one that mattered was going to be judging my face either.


Also sorry if my amazon links are kinda weird, I have an extension that defaults them to amazon smile, just take it out when you browse.

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.
  

Me personally, I use cleansing oils. I used the hydrating makeup remover wipes from Neutrogena for years before I found cleansing oils. I tried micellular water and I’m not a fan. I don’t like the tugging feeling of cotton on my face and I didn’t feel like it removed all of my makeup.

Cleansing oils on dry skin followed by gentle cleanser has been amazing for me. I use the hydrating cleanser by La Roche Posay and it’s HG for me. Love love love it.

For cleansing oils, I’m still in the process of finding my HG. I have used the neutrogena one and wasn’t a big fan. I tried the one by Simple and also wasn’t a huge fan. So far Burts Bees oil has been my favorite. Trader Joe’s sells an exact dupe for $6. That one is nice too. Also, The Face Shop sells one that is really light. I got it on amazon and I’ve been using that for the last month or so. I actually just picked up a new one today made by Palmers. So I’m gonna try that out tonight. Links ;

The face shop;
https://www.amazon.com/Facial-Cleanser-Natural-Cleansing-Moisturizer/dp/B00809ERAM

Burts bees;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0151RHR3E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-1&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=41ygSRlXfhL&ref=plSrch

Trader Joe’s;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06WP1W6FQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495277&sr=8-1&keywords=trader+joes+cleansing+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=314w%2Bv8HeEL&ref=plSrch

Simple:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IR8W0UE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-2&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil

Palmers:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00W2CTHT4/ref=mp_s_a_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-7&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=31u9ea3--FL&ref=plSrch

Neuteogena;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U2VQZC4/ref=mp_s_a_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-10&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil

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.

Hi everyone! I'm very new to AB and after reading through many guides and articles, I created my first routine, and it's made up of the basics (since you guys said to limit your haul to 4-5 items), I have these items in my amazon cart ready to go, but I wanted to get a second opinion!

Skin Type: Dry/Acne-Prone | Country/Climate I'm in: Seattle - Rainy and Cold | Top Skin Concern: PIH/Acne


AM

• [Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam]
  (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CE5P580/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ALWX5VVJPZEDR&psc=1)
  
  
  
• Rohto Hadalabo Shirojyun Albutin Milk
  
  
  
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
  
  
  
  PM
  
  
  
• Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil Moisture Advanced
  
  
  
• Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
  
  
  
• BENTON Snail Bee High Content Essence
  
  
  
• Rohto Hadalabo Shirojyun Albutin Milk
  
  
  I'm mostly curious about the BENTON serum. I've heard that it's best to only use it once (at night), but some blogs have you using them in the morning as well. Also, with the BENTON serum would I have to wait 20 minutes before moving on to emulsion? Any other comments/criticisms would be appreciated! Thank you AB!
  
  

Well, everyone's skin reacts differently but I'll let you know what I've used and had success with.

The Face Shop Light Cleansing Oil - really great and affordable for starting out w/ a cleansing oil

Pond's Cold Cream - love but required me to use microfiber wash cloths and made too much laundry because it didn't emulsify and rinse easily

Fresh Seaberry Cleansing Oil - currently using but I bought some off eBay bc of the cost

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - probably what I will try next; receives a lot of love around this sub

Sooo these are just suggestions 😁 you could pick one from each category...or just do it however you'd like lol

_


Cleanser:

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 16 oz for Daily Face Washing, Dry to Normal Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TVQdBb4ADMMB7

__

"after shave":

this shit is AMAZZZZZING
seriously if you get NOTHING else, I'd say get this Paula's Choice toner. It feels like you're extinguishing a fire when you put it on (pour it into your palms and lightly pat on your face...then do it again).

Paula's Choice-SKIN RECOVERY Calming Toner-for Sensitive Facial Skin and Dry, Rosacea Prone Skin-Reduces Redness and Fine Lines-1-6.4 oz Bottle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CII0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SCQdBbJEW9ERM

HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GX619Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZGQdBb8FG4AHW

Bioderma Sensibio Moisturizing Toner for Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I4OSYIS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yyQdBbMFZD2P2

_____

Moisturizer/hydration:

Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion, 140ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BS3Q0XE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AKQdBbA8G3KB4

Skinfix Gentle Lotion - Fragrance Free - 12 oz
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RZN22ZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yAQdBb1CNHZ6T

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM 3 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TTQdBbQZ6KK4S

Squalane Oil is terrific. Yes, it's oil, so you may be apprehensive, but it's an oil that your body produces naturally and it absorbs extremely well and quickly. Next to the PC toner above, this is probably my most useful product. (It's way cheaper on their website directly btw.)
Always apply any oil after everything else (except sunscreen, which must always go last).

The Ordinary 100% Plant-derived Squalane 30ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HWGWST/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2LQdBb8XVFN70

__

POSSIBLE treatment:

I don't use any topical treatments for acne per se, but here is one you could certainly try (sparingly):

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (30ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FJBVZP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FQQdBbT93GWQ8

___

Sunscreen (mandatory! 😁):

Cotz Spf 40 UVB/UVA Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, 3.5 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008U2Y5ME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6SQdBbWB9V26G

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM 3 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TTQdBbQZ6KK4S

__

Hope this helps!! :)

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 :)

Okay so I dont think that my skin is kinda dehydrated that much but still sensitive. Was thinking to just start with this for now:
Cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YJ2SKM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A19497B1AUMQOH&psc=1
Moisturizer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00365DABC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A19497B1AUMQOH&psc=1
And maybe add Vaseline on top of moisturizer before sleep
Both of these were recommended with bunch of other products so im not sure I picked good lol anyways I would still like to add supplements (at least Zinc and Fish oil cuz I cant remember when I ate fish last time and I barely eat any meat) btw I really appreciate your help a lot :) I need someone to save me haha

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

I just posted this in another bacne-related thread but I'll post it here too. I've finally gotten the acne on my face to go away (after 15 years) by using Garden of Wisdom products in which the products were personally recommended by their team after seeing pictures of my skin. I highly recommend going that route for your face acne (email them requesting an email consultation). I'm still suffering from pretty moderately bad bacne. It's the bane of my existence. I can't wear most of my summer wardrobe.

I've been using this salicylic acid body wash with no real improvement. Last week I started a new routine with organic apple cider vinegar, this benzoyl peroxide body wash, and this salicylic acid spray. Since starting this, so far the bumps have gone down and I've only had one active pimple. Who knows if it's going to work but it seems to be drying out my back enough to keep things at bay without being too harsh. Now if only the scars can fade before June.

Here's my routine:

• Shower in the AM, benzoyl peroxide wash and let it sit on my skin for a minute or two (I only use this wash every couple days since it's pretty drying). Make sure I don't get any conditioner on my back.
  
  
• Right after I shower, I use a cotton pad to use the apple cider vinegar on my back sort of like a toner
  
  
• Then I spray the salicylic acid spray and let it dry
  
  
• Sometimes at night if I've been really active during the day (riding my bike with a heavy backpack on), I'll use the apple cider vinegar on my back again before I go to bed.
  
  Maybe in a month or two I'll have a positive update for you!

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

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

Here's what I do:

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

In terms of cleansers, Hada Labo certainly has some good ones. This one has been a hit with my sister, who deals with both acne and sensitivity. I love the toner that /r/sca recommended, but you may want to try it in person. Hada Labo offers different kinds of hyaluronic acid toners, with this "Moist" one being the heaviest/thickest one. They also have a lighter version that you may prefer (I know my sister thinks the Moist version is too heavy).

I hope you enjoy Taiwan! Taipei is a wonderful city, lots of good food and fun.

Have you tried the hydrating cleanser? How did you get on with it? I haven't used the foaming one, but I love how gentle yet good at cleaning the hydrating cleanser is. My skin isn't especially oily though.

Other foaming options that are worth looking into are the one Simple make, the Sebamed one, and this Japanese one that seems really popular with people who like gentle foam cleansers:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468319460&sr=8-2&keywords=hada+labo&pi=SY200_QL40

I haven't tried any of these yet myself but they're all ones I've reached when I've thought about adding a foaming cleanser.

if you're still on prednisone, well, there's your acne cause. 100%

whenever i go on bowel rest (i.e. stop eating food and just drink fluids), my skin clears up beautifully. i'm not sure if it's simply the extra hydration, or if i have dietary triggers. dairy and greasy foods have a reputation for causing acne, but i haven't read any science on that. (props on the vegan diet!) wash your face after you eat, if you get food stuffs or grease around your face. i use this, though there's also a foaming version that lots of people like.

wear sunscreen. hydrate by drinking lots of water and applying moisturizer. this stuff is good. with the pump so you don't get weird crap in your lotion. wear sunscreen.

these product recommendations are pretty reliably loved by r/skincareaddiction. good ingredients, unscented, work to rebuild your skin's protective barrier against infection and inflammation. but everyone is different, so ymmv of course.

also, i'm a huge fan of curology. it's 20 bucks a month. you send pictures of your face and problem areas, and a dermatologist is basically of at your beck and call to answer all your questions online. you get a prescription face cream to use every night, and recommendations for products, routines, etc. the prescription creams almost all use tretinoin, which treats acne and signs of aging. (wear suncreen!) but you'd probably get some other antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients as well.

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?

Hi there! I also struggle with sensitive skin, and as a result I have problems with dandruff, oily skin (especially on the face), acne, acne scars, and eczema. Sensitive skin runs in my family (I'm Irish). So, I will give you a personal remedy that I developed over the last year that significantly reduced these problems.

I got some good initial information from this thread in /r/malefashionadvice. I use most of the products that he mentions there, my personal favorites being the cetaphil dermacontrol foam wash and the cetaphil dermacontrol moisturizer SPF 30.

For starters, it is important to get in a good skincare routine. I was always busy in high school and told myself that I didn't have time to waste taking care of my face. It wasn't until college that I realized my lack of skincare was really inhibiting my ability to feel confident, so that's when I decided I needed to get into a good routine. I started out by washing my face three times a day, and making sure I drink at least half a gallon of water throughout the day. Skin becomes oily when it is dehydrated, and drinking water is a good initial step to keeping it from being dehydrated.

I didn't really solidify my routine until I stumbled upon the /r/malefashionadvice skincare thread. It all depends on what works for your skin type, but for my oily sensitive skin, this is what I found works best:

• I wash my face three times a day, once in the morning and afternoon each with cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, and before bed with the cetaphil dermacontrol foam wash.
  
  
• Each time after washing my face, I also apply the Dickinson's witch hazel pore perfecting toner. It's a lot harder to find than the cetaphil products (I just picked those up from walgreens), but it is definitely worth it. I've tried two or three other toners and all of them left my skin very oily and irritated. It smells a little off, but it's not really a lingering smell
  
  
• After the toner has set in, I apply cetaphil dermacontrol moisturizer SPF 30. I'll also apply this throughout the day if I'm outside a lot. It helps control the sheen of my skin by keeping it moisturized. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before putting this on because you do not want dirt getting into your pores!
  
  
• To get rid of the stubborn blackheads that won't go away, I use pore strips about once a week.
  
  
• I wash my pillowcase once a week and my bedsheets every two weeks. Every night sweat and dirt and dead skin comes off of your face and hair and goes into your pillowcase and bedsheets. Keep them clean so your face has a nice sanitary place to rest for 8 hours every night.
  
  
• I also wash my towels once a week. I have four that I cycle throughout the week (one every two days). Washing your towels is just as important as washing your pillowcase/bedsheets because they are supposed to wipe away the dirt in your face, so if you don't wash them regularly, that dirt just accumulates and goes back into your pores.
  
  After finally getting into a good facial skincare routine, I started having problems with excema and dandruff. I fortunately had a routine physical with my doctor where I asked him what I could do about these problems. This is where you may disagree with me, but he told me that I should not shower more than once a week. As I mentioned earlier, skin becomes oily/irritated when it is dehydrated, and one of the easiest ways to dehydrate your skin is excessive bathing. The doctor told me to shower once a week and more importantly to not use soap on areas besides the face, armpits, and genitals.
  
  I told my doctor that I shower everyday because I go to the gym and sweat furiously. He told me to just take a quick rinse after the gym to wipe the sweat off, and to apply lotion daily. I apply Jergen's Ultra Healing lotion once every night before bed.
  
  As for dandruff, this is where you may need to look elsewhere. While I do have dandruff, it's not much of a problem for me simply because it isn't very severe. I wash my hair three or four times a week with Dove Men + Care Sensitive Scalp. Since I don't shower, I usually just do this before bed by getting my hair wet in the shower, scrubbing the shampoo in vigorously with my fingers, then washing it out while also massaging my scalp. If that product doesn't work for you, you can't go wrong with some Head & Shoulders.
  
  I hope this helps you, let me know if you think there's anything I left out!
  
  EDIT: added towel-washing regimen

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, first off. I recommend checking out /r/SkincareAddiction. They know a lot about the ins and outs of products. But here's my little bit of wisdom; as someone (F23) who has been struggling with hormonal acne these past few months, I noticed the biggest increase in my skin appearance when I changed my diet. I started this elimination diet called Whole30 just over 2 weeks ago and have seen dramatic improvements in my skin this past week. You may not need to go on a 30 day cleanse, but I recommend cleaning up your diet as much as you can and then re-introducing certain foods to see if it triggers a breakout. Maybe try giving up things like dairy and sugar, and then bring them back after a few weeks to see if they may be throwing your hormones out of whack (because no doubt, your acne is a hormonal issue). Some bits about makeup and products; I stopped using a primer (Benefits POREfessional) and liquid foundation (Urban Decay Naked foundation). I don't know if these products were clogging my pores, but I feel better taking a break from them. I started to just use a set of Bare Minerals powders instead. I also use a micellar water to take my makeup off. Garnier SkinActive Micellar water (pink cap) works great, followed by a cleanser (CeraVe), toner (Thayers Witchhazel), and moisturizer (YesToCarrots Daily Moisturizer) -- this is my pm routine, as it involves makeup removal. In the morning, I use the cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and follow up with EltaMd SPF 46 sunscreen. This sunscreen is specifically made to reduce current redness from past/present acne and protect you from the sun. You need to wear it everyday. Hope this all helps! And good luck. Having bad skin can really take a toll on your self-esteem, but just remember that it's never permanent!

Edit: added links

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

My regimen:

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

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

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

I've tried benozyl peroxide, salicylic acid, oral medication, etc. but what worked for me was a gentle face cleanser like Cetaphil and a toner like Thayers. Also make sure to wash your pillow cover often.

If your acne is genetically related like mine then exercising and diet won't really make your acne any better (but still have a healthy lifestyle).
Over-washing your face will make your acne even worse because it dries out your skin which makes your body create more oil leading to more acne.
I would only recommend Accutane as a last resort because of it's many side effects.

Location: California, USA

Skin Type: Normal

Skin Concerns and goals Moisturize, glow, anti-aging

Allergies/irritants to avoid: High fragrance

Morning:

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

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.

I would recommend less exfoliating with physical exfoliates and more chemical.

You probably have combination skin, right? Is your face wash drying? Do you feel like your skin is tight after you wash your face?
You want a more gentle face wash. Yes, I'm going to say it only because it works but CeraVe's cleanser is cheap and easy on skin. I doubt you're running around with much makeup on so this will be fine both during the day and night to wash with.

You can also use CeraVe's moisturizer both day and night to help kick start the repairing your skin needs to do.

I would suggest you start throwing in some glycolic acid to speed up the process of clearing everything up. Apply this before the cream.

With the acid though you're going to need sunscreen. They say that 5 minutes in the sun without sunscreen is just as bad as hours. Yes, CeraVe also offers a great sunscreen for a cheap price. This will be your last step. Apply it half an hour or so before you head out anywhere.

Don't do much more than this for a couple weeks. See how your skin reacts to it all. It'll need a bit of an adjustment period before you can start adding more products in. I suggest reading some of the stuff in the sidebar. The people here have great advice to give and have complied it pretty neatly.

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

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

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


My current routine is:

AM:

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

Just AM:

• rinse face, slap on chemical sunscreen.
  
  Just PM:
  
  
• emulsifying oil cleanser. Great for a very gentle makeup remover and cleans well. Thanks, adult acne!
  
• Wash face with Cerave Hydrating. Does this do anything? Who knows.
  
• I throw this honey thing in. It really does a good job adding some moisture, but it's too sticky for the morning/takes too long to sink in.
  
• Almost last, rosehip oil. I am not a homeopathic gal, so I turned up my nose to all the promises. Dumb. I LURVE this. It soothes, it fights acne, it really helps with the dryness more than anything else. It will turn you into an Oompa-Loompa for about 2 minutes, though.
  

• At the end, seal the whole shebang with a sleeping pack or Vaseline. That definitely helps with the dryness and my face is softer the next morning.
  

  
  

  :Whew!::
  
  What about you? My routine does super well at fighting the irritation-red part of the rosacea, but I wish I had something that blanched the actual-red-all-the-time part.
  

I have oily skin, but the oiliness decreased DRAMATICALLY once I (a) stopped using strong, stripping cleansers and (b) addressed some underlying dehydration issues.

First, paradoxically, you've got to stop drying your face out. The second ingredient in that toning lotion is alcohol - as a start, I'd stop using that. The second ingredient in that cleanser is sodium laureth sulphate - I'd also replace that with something much gentler, like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, or my favourite, Hada-Labo Cleansing Foam.

You've got to get some hyaluronic acid and ceramides into your skin to help repair your moisture barrier. For me, the key to repairing my oily/dehydrated skin has been using multiple light watery hydrating layers - this is where Asian products really are better. For hyaluronic acid, you could try Hadalabo Light Lotion. This is basically an extremely light hyaluronic acid serum that almost looks like water, that you pat into your face after cleansing. You could also try layering that with Cerave Lotion at night to get some ceramides into your poor skin.

For me, the best mattifying primer is my sunscreen, Biore Perfect Milk, but this does leave a slight white cast so is not suitable for deeper skin tones.

So, TL:DR, your drying cleanser and toner are doing you no favours. Invest in light, watery hydrating layers to repair your moisture barrier. And pls use sunscreen!

• The issue(s) Really no issue, just want to be proactive (22M). Occasional breakout but nothing consistent. Am outside studying for 3+ hours a day, I'm sure there is damage I can't see yet.
  
• Skin type. Normal skin type? Never had an issue with oil/dryness
  
• Current routine NOTHING. Shower every day or every other day
  
• Anything new No
  
• Your location USA
  
  ​
  
  Going through the subreddit I've more or less randomly picked the following:
  
  - Vanicream Lite Lotion Pump
  
  - Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
  
  - Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
  
  - Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk *PLEASE* if you have any other recommendations here it would be greatly appreciated.
  
  ​
  
  Thank you (:

I had this problem too!

​

It would burn in areas that are generally sensitive for me (that's under my nose and on the sides of my chin). I've never had this experience with another cleanser.

​

I recommend simply switching to another face wash (you probably have one laying around).

​

Right now, I am using the Acne.org Cleanser with no issues, but I think any gentle cleanser (with the proper PH) should be fine. From what I've read, the Vanicream cleanser is really gentle and soothing to the skin.

​

I hope this helped! Good luck!

​

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 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

​

​

You could try to switch to the cleanser I mentioned, which I purchase on amazon here for a gentle foaming cleanser. Is there a specific reason you oil cleanse? I've tried myself and found double cleansing to be drying and then found an oil cleanser that washes away with just water, this one , and found it cleanses nicely without drying, but didn't do much for my skin otherwise so I didn't purchase it again.

You could opt to the normal hydrating cerave cleanser (by itself), get a more gentle foaming cleanser (like the one i linked you), or try a new cleansing oil (like the second one i linked) that doesn't require double cleansing. Your moisturizer should be fine objectively speaking but if it isn't hydrating enough to you, you can try this one from Paula's Choice which is a more emollient, yet slightly more expensive, option. Paula's Choice in general has really great products for all skin types, and for the quality it's expensive in comparison to pretty much everything except CeraVe...

Foaming cleansers tend to be drying! But I do think that starting off with a mineral oil massage before using your cerave cleanser will help.

Here's a repost of suggestions that I commented above to /u/jahitzuku regarding more gentle cleanser recommendations!

I use and enjoy the Garnier cream cleanser and the Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cleanser, both are very gentle and non drying (even though the Korres says it is 'foaming', it is not very sudsy at all and I feel like it's more of a cream cleanser). Check out the ingredients to see if they're right for you!

Other than those two, around here I've seen the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser or the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser recommended as gentle cleansers.

Hello all. 21 year old male here and need some help.

So my skin is super messed up. It's super dehydrated. I drink 2 liters of water throughout the day.

I posted and got recommended to use the following:

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - I don't think this has done much for me, and don't plan to purchase this again.

The second was a moisturizer with Ceramide [This one from Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/First-Aid-Beauty-Intense-Hydration/dp/B0065I0UMO?th=1)

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - [This one from Amazon] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-Packaging-Vary/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523994801&sr=8-1&keywords=hydrating+cleanser+cerave)

So far the cleanser is the only good one I've used. I also purchased Vit C serum to help rid of pimple scars and forehead wrinkles.

Also used Rosehip Oil, but don't think it's worked.

I'd appreciate any advice. I've heard Rose Water works well, how well can anyone confirm? Thanks!

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.

Oh good god... Okay, well you asked for it...

I work third shift, so my routine is a little backwards because of that.

I usually shower in the morning before bed (about 8am). In the shower: First thing I do is shampoo my hair, if I shampoo that day (I usually shampoo 3x a week) and I use SheaMoisture shampoo. After that I condition with SheaMoisture conditioner and leave it in, I put my hair in a clip and continue showering. I wash the front half of my body and whatnot, then I wash my face with Cerave. Then I take the clip out of my hair, rinse the conditioner, and then I use one of those loofas on a stick to wash my back. I actually just started that this week, I noticed that washing my back after rinsing conditioner helped with bacne a lot but there was one spot in the center of my back that I couldn't reach that still had acne.

Then I turn off the water, and standing in the shower I flip my hair over and finger comb it with SheaMoisture leave in conditioner. Then while my head is still flipped, I squirt one handful of Garnier Fructis gel into my hand and scrunch it all around my hair. Then I get one more squirt and go through my hair and twist out individual strands. Then I wrap my hair in a Microfiber towel wrap and I sleep all day with that on. I'm waffling between sleeping with that and sleeping with a tshirt on my head, I can't decide which one is better yet.

Once I step out of the shower, I wipe my face with Stridex in the red box and let that dry for 20 minutes. After that, if I have any active whiteheads, I pop them and stick hydrocolloid bandages on them. Then I rub a mixture of Jojoba and Tea tree oil on my face, I use it in 1 tea tree/9 jojoba oil parts. Then I put vaseline on my hands and lips and go to bed. Sometimes if my hands and cuticles are really bad I slather my hands and sleep with gloves on.

When I wake up (around 5pm) I wash my face with Cerave again, and moisturize with Cerave and I use Trader Joe's sunscreen. Then I flip my hair upside down and sit on the toilet and dry my hair with a hair dryer and diffuser attachment, and then flip back over and kinda organize my part and stuff like that. Then, FINALLY, I am ready for the day.

SO YEAH. Most people regret asking.

I've just started to really take care of my skin at 30 and I swear I'm pulling a Benjamin Button. I'm new to this and read through the wiki, but I'm welcome to getting recommendations on my routine and products:


Face wash: CeraVe Hyrdating Cleanser

Black and White Bleaching Cream (to help with all of the black spots from razor bumps over the years.)

Sunscreen for when I know I'll be in the sun all day: Skin Auqua Moisture Milk

Day to day sun screen: Coui Facial Sunscreen

Day time moisturizer:CeraVe Moisturizing Cream(Really love this one! It doesn't make me feel hot and sticky on my skin)

Night time skin moisturizer: Some cocoa butter cream I got from a drugstore a while back.

Exfoliator: St. Ives Care Pads (This one I wasn't super excited about, it made my face feel dry. Any recommendations for a new one?)

Thinking of getting this face exfoliator. Thoughts?

I will love you forever if I receive this! It claims to give you fluffy skin. Can't beat that. I have actually had this on my list for almost 2 years but when I organized my lists it changed the date. It's on my Makeup and Skin Care list...you can choose anything you like though :)

You are very sweet to host this contest, welcome to our sub!

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

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

Ok! (I have melasma too. Grrrr, I hate it!)

Have you always been on the 0.05%? Did you start at a lower dose and work up? I use tret too, and it is ferocious when you first start using it, it has kind of a long acclimation period. How long have you been using it?

For your routine, I have a few thoughts. You've got some potent products going on, which is ok.

Right off the bat, I'd suggest switching to a non-foaming cleanser. Foaming cleansers generally have an ingredient in them to produce a lather (it's normally an SLS) and they can dry your skin out extra. Look for a gentle hydrating facial cleanser. Since you are using a CeraVe now, you can try the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. I would recommend this one from Cetaphil though. It's super gentle, AND! You can get a travel-sized bottle from the mini's section at Target for under $2 to try it out.

I like the silicone scrubbies! It's nice for tret users because of the peelies. Just be gentle with it, and maybe even switch to every other day use.

Are you using the oil control moisturizer because you're oily? You definitely want a moisturizer in the AM. You may want to find something with ceramides and/or niacinamide and/or hylauronic acid to really help your moisture barrier during the day. This would go under your sunscreen and after your hydroquinone.

Ok, then the next big thing I think will really help, is adding a good moisturizer at night. You don't even have to use a fancy one. Both CeraVe PM or CeraVe moisturizing cream are good options. The former has some extra goodies in it (niacinamide), but the later is really creamy and rich (you can also but it all over your body. It also comes in a smaller "travel size" tube for less $$$ if you just want to try it out).

Since you are on a kinda beefy dose of Retnin-A I would recommend mixing a pea-sized amount for your entire face into a dollop of the moisturizer you chose and apply it that way. This won't change the potency of the retnin-A at all, it just provides a bit of a buffer for your moisture barrier.

Personally, I take this a step further and wait 15 minutes for everything to sink in, apply a little more moisturizer, then apply vaseline ALL OVER my face before I go to sleep. This may or may not help you out-- I don't know how your face and your acne responds to occlusives. But, the vaseline step is what was crucial for my skin to stop being so red and peely on retnin-A, because it locks the moisturizer in while you sleep.

Edit: Sorry, this post was getting long so I figured I'd send it. I know we haven't even talked sunscreen yet! But, I strongly suspect the sunscreen isn't the root of the problem, so I wanted to talk about your routine first.

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.

Hello and welcome to SebDerm you are in the right place.

First and foremost : stop buying new products every week, unless you have desastrous effects or flare ups.
Introducing a new product in your skincare routine means that you must use this product dilligently for 3 to 4 weeks before you can draw any kind of concrete conclusion.

You mentionned that Dandrazol works for you that's very good, hang on to it- use that frequently for a few weeks with a type of oil as suggested below for at least 3 weeks before you draw any conclusion.
If you have a big problem with flakes I strongly recommend one type of oil for your scalp and behind your ears:

• MCT Oil.
  
• Mineral Oil.
  
• Squalane Oil.
  
  PS: I'm personally a fan of MCT OIL for the cost efficiency I used this one in the past but do your research and try to find a product yourself.
  
  
  If you want to relieve the symptoms on your face and still keep it budget friendly :
  
  
• Benton - Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel - use this after washing your face - Generally Safe contains Propolist with is an antifungal and helps inhibiting Seb Derm.
  
• Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam - Might cause a reaction depending on your skin or might work
  Note if you use product or a similar one I recommend that you use a suncreen from this list the budget friendly Japanese products are not available on Amazon prime anymore but you can generally find them on Ebay UK.
  
  
  For lasting improvements inspect your routine most people have bad habits and bad habits die hard.
  
  
• Do you use any make up ? did you notice any patterns of flare up when using some type of make up ?
  
• Do you smoke ?
  
• How is your overall diet ?
  
• How is the quality of your tap water ?
  
• How often do you wash your pillow and bed sheets ?
  
• How is the moisture in your living space ?
  
• Do you have good sleep habits ?
  
• Do you lack any vitamins when did you last check your blood or do a full checkup ? Did you go see a dermatologist ?
  
  If you have any questions and can't find the answer by yourself don't hesitate we are here to help you fight this stupid skin condition !!!

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

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

> http://cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_063d160216.html

Hmm, that one doesn't seem too bad. Although seems like it could be a little harsh. A lot of people I've spoken with on Accutane have had good success with the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser [CosDNA] [Amazon] (including me) and I swear by this stuff. Maybe switch it out for a month and see how it works for you? My skin is very sensitive and it's pretty gentle for me.

Theres also a FAQ that has some pretty good moistuizers that have been gathered by users here, you could also try some of those if you'd rather.

https://www.amazon.com/Merano-Medicinal-Intensive-Measures-Essence/dp/B00ITAP8P0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967163&sr=8-1&keywords=melano+cc

https://www.amazon.com/Missha-Time-Revolution-Treatment-Essence/dp/B00E4YYIY2/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967202&sr=sr-1&keywords=missha+first+treatment+essence

https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Whitehead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967215&sr=1-1&keywords=cosrx+aha

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Bha-Blackhead-Power-Liquid/dp/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967215&sr=1-6&keywords=cosrx+aha

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967246&sr=sr-1&keywords=cosrx+snail+96+mucin+power+essence

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&field-keywords=honey+scinic

https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Shirojyun-Medicinal-Whitening/dp/B00BS3Q58Y/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967303&sr=1-1&keywords=shirojyun

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967355&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=cerave+cleanser&psc=1

These are some of my holy grail skincare products!

Night time:

1. Cleanse with cerave cleanser
   
2. I typically do Melano CC or BHA/AHA every few days or so. AHA/BHA are chemical exfoliators and Melano CC is vitamin C that helps renew your skin. These are both applied right after cleansing the skin, you have to wait 20-25 minutes after applying BHA/AHA (10 minutes for the vit CC) before you apply other stuff.
   ** these products dry out your skin so I put on many layers of moisture after, and also don't do them everyday. AHA (and BHA too, I believe) makes your skin more sensitive to the sun so I also wear SPF 50 everyday underneath my makeup.
   
3. then the Missha FTE mist
   
4. the snail mucin gel
   
5. scinic honey thing
   
   day time:
   
6. either missha fte or snail mucin gel
   
7. shirojyun toner
   
8. shirojyun lotion (just cuz I have it, probably wouldn't repurchase although I do really like it!)
   
9. sunscreen
   
   
   hope this helps! :)
   
   these products all contain brightening properties. If you want to learn more about other people's experiences with these products you should search r/asianbeauty. If you search top posts there as well you should see lots of hg lists/reviews!

Tiny Bumps and Redness on Forehead, as well as Puffy, Reddish Skin (and large-ish pores) Around the Nose

I've been dealing with tiny bumps on my forehead (along with redness in the middle of the forehead) and puffy, red skin around my nose (between the nose and the cheekbone). Plus, the pores around my nose seem larger than on the rest of my face. It's not terribly severe, but it's enough to knock down my confidence a peg and it's a touch uncomfortable. I've taken three pictures, though they aren't great due to the camera.

Here are two after a morning workout and before a shower;
1.
2.

Here's one about a half hour after my shower;
1.

The redness and bumpiness is worse than the pictures show. Not by too much, but by a bit. Enough to where that section of my face looks noticeably redder than the rest.

I've dealt with this issue for years. Longer than I can remember. I've never had terrible acne and what I did have stopped after 21. So, it's just mostly this. Here are some other details;

• I'm 25 and a dude.
  
• I eat fairly healthy (though I have a weak spot for coffee and sweets)
  
• I work out daily
  
• My skin type is hard to pin down. It's definitely combination, as I experience pretty much no problems outside of the T-Zone (mostly in the areas already mentioned). After a shower (or even rinsing my face), that area feels fairly dry. If I haven't had enough fats, it flakes or gets slightly ashy. But, it does get a little oily as my day goes on. Not terribly so, but enough that I can put a finger up there and it comes away with more oil than it would on other parts of my face.
  
• My old routine, which I've had for several years, went as such; I'd use either Nivea Men Moisturizing Face Wash or St Ives Apricot Scrub during my daily shower, alternating between them each day (never using them in the same day. Then, after my shower, I would use [Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001459IEE/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3F1P4IHXJFOEV&colid=27R5W41VRL2U6). That's about it.
  
• I ditched my old routine a couple months back and started doing nothing. I actually noticed slight improvement in the redness, if anything, but not much else. But, my skin was noticeably dryer.
  About a month ago, I started using Cerave Moisturizing Cleanser during my daily shower. I think* I noticed a small improvement in the quality of my skin. To deal with dryness, I tried using a St. Ives Moisturizer but it wound up making my skin burn and causing other problems, so I ditched it.
  
  Whew, that brings me to now. I don't know what's causing this problem. It's not terribly severe, but I want to fix it. And I figure asking you guys would be the best way to do that. My main questions are: What is causing these two issues? And how can I fix them?
  
  I hope to hear something good.

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

Hey! I was actually using the 3-step cleansing system when I discovered this subreddit in July.

I was dealing with tons of breakouts. Upon educating myself on here I stopped using the toner (very, very harsh and astringent) and added this oil cleanser to my routine: https://www.amazon.com/Facial-Cleanser-Natural-Cleansing-Moisturizer/dp/B00809ERAM/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1509735613&sr=8-3&keywords=the+face+shop+rice+water+cleansing+oil&dpID=410zyPKCC3L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

This probably won't really answer your question, but I added in a daily sunscreen at the same time I added in the cleansing oil. I think the clinique face soap would have been fine at removing the sunscreen, but I know for a fact it was all gone after adding in the oil cleanser.

I also added in a lotion (this one: https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1509735804&sr=1-1&keywords=hada+labo+gokujyun+hyaluronic+acid+lotion ) in the place where I was using the clinique toner.

I think making these changes def. helped my skin and I saw improvement.

Don't think I really answered your question....but I kept using the step 3 clinique lotion for a while too, after beginning my AB journey until I spent a few weeks with each new product. Good luck with everything! Let me know what works!! :)

Vanicream is CF & vegan, super gentle. I love their cleanser, lite lotion and regular lotion for those super dry days. Similar price point to cetaphil. I highly recommend!


Amazon link

You will have to find out what products are best for you! Cetaphil (very drying) broke me out horribly, but I recently found Cerave Foaming Face Wash and it is amazing! Moisturizer is also very important. I use Nivea Creme but a lot of people like Cerave in the tub. It breaks some people out (me) but a lot of people love it.

what is the exact name of the cleanser? is it this one
http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM

how do you like it?
I'm on the same boat as you, using Pocketderm! now that it is winter my skin got really dry with the perfect routine I had in the summer (hot weather) so I have had to intensely MOISTURIZE and change things up !

I already use this one a love it!
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/hada-labo-gokujyun-lotion/ID=prod6148414-product?ext=gooBeauty_PLA_Facial_Moisturizers_prod6148414_pla&adtype=pla&kpid=sku6131858&sst=7fba87b5-660f-2c89-f2e1-0000519e6297&kpid=sku6131858

EDIT: also can you explain to me what the two bottles on the top right are? I don't think I have seen those! Thanks!
and how are you liking the sunscreen? :)

This is my carefully crafted list according to friends/reddit and other sources. enjoy

Skin Care (in order of application)

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam, 160ml

https://www.amazon.com/Hadalabo-Hyaluronic-Moisture-Foaming-Cleanser/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_194_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=8BPEN2920DV06DVRDHW1&th=1

Klairs Unscented Toner

https://www.amazon.com/Preparation-Unscented-lightweight-essential-oil-free/dp/B07B65NJLV/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Klairs+Unscented+Toner&qid=1563824014&s=beauty&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

Time Revolution MISHA Essence

https://www.amazon.com/MISSHA-Revolution-Intensive-Treatment-Essence/dp/B01M0XSD38/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=MISHA+Time+Revolution+Night+Repair+AMPOULE&qid=1563824002&s=beauty&sr=1-7

MISHA Time Revolution Night Repair AMPOULE

https://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Science-Activator-Ampoule-MS04-Ampoule/dp/B01GVD228M/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=MISHA+Time+Revolution+Night+Repair+AMPOULE&qid=1563823988&s=beauty&sr=1-6

CNP Laboratory 50 SPF sunscreen (since it doesnt burn like others)- i bought in korea,

Also seems promising is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Lotion Sunscreen

https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Cooling-Lotion-Sunscreen/dp/B00TBJWP9K/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=CNP%2BLaboratory%2B50%2BSPF%2Bsunscreen&qid=1563824026&s=beauty&sr=1-2-spons&th=1

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb MOISTURIZER

https://www.amazon.com/belif-True-Cream-Aqua-Korean/dp/B00H4GOAZO/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=belief+aqua+bomb&qid=1563824165&s=beauty&sr=1-2

​

Maintenance skincare masks:

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask Original (I only use twice a week)

https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Volcanic-Mousse-Original-100Ml/dp/B013K9METC/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_194_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1ZWR6ZCQ7GFJK6TKKWSH

Innisfree skin clinic mask-Madecassoside(10 sheets)- Use like every other day

\^ hands down the best face mask

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EDU19E8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Hi! It sounds like your boyfriend could use an AHA for both the dark spots and the KP. The AHA will likely help the acne as well but you can also try a BHA formula for breakout-prone areas. He'll probably want to cleanse his back if he doesn't do that already (a back brush with a gentle head will help to reach); I used Cetaphil's cleanser on my shoulders years ago when they used to break out. The exfoliation is liable to help with the ingrown hairs but be careful not to overdo it so his skin doesn't dry out (I imagine it's hard to moisturize the back without help). I used to have dark spots from acne scars and KP on the back of my arms but using the AHA and BHA I linked on my face and this on my arms mostly cleared them all up. You can find information on all of these issues in the wiki.

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

Assuming that he'll want something fairly inexpensive, and not too complicated, I'd recommend the Hada Labo Foaming Cleanser. It's a good pH for skin, doesn't smell like much, and pretty easy to find (I've linked you to an Amazon listing, but you can find it on ebay, and, depending on where you live, in Japan/Koreantown stores, 99 Ranch, etc.).

For the irritation, I'd recommend something with snail, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Power Essence is inexpensive, unscented, etc.

Let me know if you'd like another recommendations! Hope this helps. :) Edit: also it just occurred to me that I assumed you live in the United States, and if not, these might be harder (or easier) to find.

Hmn, that one doesn't seem to have very good reviews on amazon.

What about this popular "Perfect Whip" one? Talking about this here:

https://www.amazon.com/Shiseido-Fitit-Perfect-Cleansing-4-2oz/dp/B001CC1VV2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511633347&sr=8-1&keywords=face%2Bwhip&th=1

That seems to be super popular... is it any good? Or just "meh" and simply got popular because of luck?

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

No problem.

I had some issues where I kept changing something in it and messing all my progress up. Been doing much better now that I realized I was the problem. Seems like a lot in writing, but it really isn't much.
__
AM:

• Wash hands
  
  
• Wash face with Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser gently using kojac sponge
  
  
• Pat dry with washcloth
  
  
• Apply Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera with a cotton square/circle
  
  
• After shaking to mix, pat on CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to which I had previously added almost .5 fl oz/15mL of 100% pure tea tree oil. (I think I read that it should be no more than 10% tea tree oil.) Last time I used Now tea tree oil but I have also used Jason.
  
  
• Wait a while and sunscreen before going out, added to help scarring. Not sure if the one I had been using was good for my skin though so I won't put a brand here.
  
  I mainly use the kojac sponge because it cuts down on me picking the flacky skin off my face which tended to be the gateway to me picking acne or peeling off scabs.
  
  __
  
  PM:
  
  (I do my face wash last step in the shower even though places tend to recommend against it because of the heat; if I turned up the heat a lot during my shower, I turn it down to wash my face. It seemed to me that I used more heat in the sink after showering since my hands can stand heat better than the rest of my body.)
  
  
• Wash face and neck with Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam (Harsher so I prefer it at night.)
  
  
• Pat dry with towel before drying any other part of my body. (I go face, hair, upper back, rest of me and don't lay a towel on my back after showering since that seemed to cause acne.)
  
  
• Apply Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera with a cotton square/circle
  
  
• After shaking to mix, pat on Differin Gel
  
  
• Pat on same CeraVe Moisturizing Cream as above to face and neck.
  
  __
  Shower details:
  
  I use shampoo/conditioner that doesn't contain sulfates. I know my one friend realized that sulfates in her shampoo were likely what was causing her back to break out. I use this which is expensive but it lasts me a year even though I tend to overuse it.
  
  I also wash in the following order: shampoo, conditioner (leave in), private areas with water, wash my hands with my body soap (Dr. Bronner's), then my shoulders/back before any other part since that seemed to cut down on back acne as well. Last, in order, I wash my armpits, groin (not the inside of genitals, I mean my groin pit?? [Where my leg bends] I cover my genitals to keep soap out of that area.), feet. Then I rinse out the conditioner and do my face wash routine.
  
  Edit: Also forgot to mention that I avoid letting soap sit on my skin. Trial and error seems to show that that causes me to breakout as well so I rinse it off as I go.
  
  I don't change my pillowcase every night but I flip them. I have two pillows I sleep on and I sleep once on each before changing the pillowcase.
  ____
  
  I would definitely recommend changing one thing or adding one thing at a time and patch testing if you can.
  __
  
  ETA: If your acne is severe, I'd still recommend a dermatologist when you can go. Or maybe talking to your primary doctor even. My HRT prescriber, for my acne, prescribed me Doxycycline and Tretinoin at one point. I don't use either, currently, but you can try using a non-dermatologist if you don't have any other option.
  
  Edit2: Clarified some minor things.

I have very sensitive acne prone skin and use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for Extra Dry Skin. These can both be found in most drug stores and on Amazon and are fragrance free and non-comedogenic.

Vanicream is also a popular brand for those with sensitivities. My mom is severely allergic to a myriad of ingredients: fragrance, linalool, benzyl alcohol, propolis. She uses Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser and Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream. They are also fragrance free and formulated for people with extreme sensitivities. She hasn't had any problems with them.

Check out Hada Labo cleanser. The one with a pump. It is foamy but it foams due to a special pump action rather than SLS. It has mild surfactants, no fragrance and it is very affordable. One bottle lasts me 4 months. I measured Ph myself and it is 5.5 so it should be good for any skin. https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
Also La Roche Posay Toleraine cleanser is very nice. It might come across as too mild (as if your skin is not clean enough after it) though due to the fact that it is not foaming at all. But it's an illusion. It cleans nicely! Their Effaclar H cleanser is good too.

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?
   
   

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

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

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

Check out the /r/SkincareAddiction side bar. Here are some favorites they rave about (and I use myself with good results):

• CeraVe oil-free moisturizer - this shit makes your skin feel so soft and good. I literally smile when I apply this.
  
  
• Elta MD oil free sunscreen - sun screen that doesn't leave a white residue after applying, doesn't clog pores, etc.
  
  
• Cetaphil gentle cleanser - I don't personally use this, but it's a very gentle cleanser and shouldn't hurt your skin. Good way to get rid of the dirt on your face at the end of the day.
  
  You should go and read the side bar and do your own research before you use anything though.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil that I use for makeup removal, which rinses right off with water - all the goodness of oil cleansing with none of the mess!

Shiseido Perfect Whip for my foaming cleanser which I use with my Clarisonic Mia 2 to get a good deep cleanse and exfoliation. The Shiseido Perfect Whip really is the bees knees, I would highly recommend that to almost anyone!

Yeah, I haven't used the Simple cleansers myself, but they were recommended to me by a friend. I used to use the Boots Botanics Hydrating Booster Cleanser up until a year ago, before I switched to my current cleanser, and I think it was pretty good.

If you feel all soapy cleansers dry you out, then maybe try some oil cleansers or cleansing balms?

my daughter suffers from eczema and isn't into makeup yet, so we've had a little experience in reducing the redness without cosmetics... for her, what's worked best is a combination including

gentle face wash

https://smile.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76EY/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466127828&sr=8-2&keywords=cetaphil+face

good, consistent moisturizing

overnight:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BHZQ8KI/ref=sr_ph_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466127739&sr=1&keywords=eczema

daily:

https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Cream-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466127889&sr=1-1&keywords=cerave+moisturizing+cream

and sunscreen

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBX3FLW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and when there's time for "extras" she's been really happy using some soothing sheet masks, too in both Aloe and Green Tea

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_16?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&field-keywords=etude+house+mask+sheet&sprefix=etude+house+mask%2Cbeauty%2C153

I know it's not exactly what you were looking for, but there's a chance that some additions to your skincare could help reduce the symptoms you'd like to hide... if I'm way off base and you're looking for makeup, please let me know and I'll run through my husbands "cheat sheet" stuff for presentations!

Thanks for such a long and detailed response! I have a few questions, if you don't mind.

I wasn't familiar with sebaceous filaments until you posted this comment. I think you are right, they are not blackheads, but they are sebaceous filaments. Thanks for noticing this. What do you make of the Hada Labo oil cleanser and Hada Labo foaming wash combo? (i.e. this oil cleanser + this regular cleanser).

I will investigate those things relating to vitamin/mineral deficiencies, cleaning products and hard water, thanks for the suggestions. Off the top of your head, would you happen to know of some scientific literature that has studied these things? I have found some myself, I'm just interested in what you've read specifically.

Are these colloidal oatmeal and honey masks pre-made by some cosmetics manufacturer, or do you mix this yourself with ingredients from a shop?

​

I love Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for sensitive Skin with Pump Dispenser, 8 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QY1XZ4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_31YHAbGSAAN60

It’s perfect for sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin and love it.

Cleansing oils like this are great for removing makeup. I like my cleansing oil because it tends to leave my face softer afterwards than if I were to just cleanse with a water based cleanser, it's a great alternative for makeup remover wipes. You can wash off an oil-based cleanser with water or follow up with a water-based cleanser. :)

I'm pretty fond of Shiseido's Perfect Whip. It foams up really easily and doesn't leave that stripped feeling. Also relatively easy to find if you have an Asian grocery store somewhere in your area.

My skin is definitely dryer than usual this winter. I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream after I wash my face every time, and I use their Hydrating cleanser to wash my face. I usually use their standard foaming cleanser, but I switched when I noticed how dry my face had become. I still feel like I need something else, though, so I tried picking up the CeraVe night cream yesterday. I don't have feedback on it yet, but I really love their product line in general, so I'm guessing it will help.