(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best facial creams & moisturizers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Awww, I know that feel completely.

I've never tried any Tatcha products, however... I have been in the market for an enzyme cleanser lately, and the one I'm looking at is often cited as a great dupe of the Tatcha Rice Enzyme Cleanser in the Amazon reviews- the SRB Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Cleanser, $25 on Amazon or Peach & Lily. I first saw this in a Liah Yoo video and I guess due to the kinda bland packaging it's not very popular, but the reviews on Amazon and Amabie are excellent. Apparently the product is extremely gentle and the ingredients list is pretty short, so it might be ideal for you. :)

https://www.amazon.com/Rice-Bran-Cleanses-Brightens-Exfoliates/dp/B01DZDIJSS

Honestly, I'm kind of an AB noob myself, because although I research many products, I don't really have that much $$ to spend on products and try them. Since you have sensitive skin, maybe try a balm cleanser? They're apparently very nourishing and the Banila Co Clean It Zero Sensitive formula has great reviews. Renee from Gothamista has also recommended the Heimish Cleansing Balm (it has donkey milk and she's butter, oh my gosh) and I believe her skin type is also dry-sensitive.

https://sokoglam.com/products/banila-co-clean-it-zero-sensitive-skin
https://www.amazon.com/Heimish-Clean-Balm-Cleansing-120ml/dp/B01CJ639SM

Looking at the ingredients in the serum and cream, they seem somewhat similar to the Nature Republic Royal Ginseng line, all the way from the rice, royal jelly, ginseng, sodium hyaluronate, and silk extracts to the 24k gold. This line is very expensive as well, but may be less problematic to you.

The top, likely active, ingredients in the Serum are Algae Extract and Rice Extract and in the cream the Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate is the number 1 ingredient, so I think you should start looking for serums and creams high in those actives, as those are the highest concentrated ingredients in the Tatcha moisturizing products.

I couldn't find much with Algae Extract that was a moisturizer, except one Nature Republic Eye Cream, the Collagen dream eye cream.

https://www.amazon.com/NATUREREPUBLIC-Collagen-Dream-Cream-Korean/dp/B00H4HD25W

The second ingredient, the Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, is very interesting because it actually used to be the active ingredient of the famous SK-II Essence, before it was replaced by the very similar Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. This Ingredient is likely going to be much easier to find in an essence rather than a moisturizing cream. I know that the Missha First Treatment Essence has Saccharomyces but I'm also including a link/list of SK-II dupes that contain either Galactomyces or Saccharomyces as they are very similar, and because many of the other SK-II dupes are actually cheaper (the Missha is around $50), including the CosRx Galactomyces which is only $15.

http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2016/01/sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence-dupe.html?m=1

https://sokoglam.com/products/time-revolution-first-treatment-essence

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Galactomyces-Whitening-Power-Essence/dp/B00OZE57XW

The last ingredient, Rice Extract, is present in an insane 65% potency in the CosRx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Mask, which is also a cult favorite on Reddit. And, it's less than $15.

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Ultimate-Nourishing-Rice-Overnight/dp/B01518D84U

Lastly, I saw sodium hyaluronate, or hyaluronic acid, in both the serum and cream, so if I were you, I'd invest in the cult favorite, Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion. I have the Premium version, and it really is wonderful and leaves your skin firm and hydrated, and is a great way to get in extra moisture before your cream.
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, 5.7 fl. oz. (170ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EZa8ybAC6S473

A final note: since your skin is sensitive, I would stay away from any artificial fragrance or irritants in any products. Hada Labo and Cosrx are both fragrance free companies that only use what they need to make the product effective. Again, check your ingredients at CosDna as well as reviews. Also many of these products are available cheaper on some other websites, I just chose who came up first. Generally, SokoGlam is a safer bet than Amazon because you won't get a fake product, but it's also slightly more expensive.

I know this is a long post but I also know how daunting the search for good, affordable skincare can be. Also, don't forget to wear sunscreen. There's no point in getting so many products just to negate their effects with UVA damage.

Best of Luck! <3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moisturizers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, here are the products and my review.

KOSE Softy Mo Deep Treatment Oil, 7.8oz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other two are very well known products.

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

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

I would definitely take the advice of the person before me, and consider using Stridex (which is a BHA). My boyfriend had similar issues and this is what he does...

Mineral cleanse with baby oil. You can find more information about mineral oil cleansing on the sidebar, but basically you'll just rub it all over your face in circles, and within a few uses you'll begin to either feel "grit" in your fingers, or you'll notice a change in your skin.

Next, he washes his face with First Aid Beauty cleanser or a Mario Badescu cleanser. You can find all of his cleansers with descriptions here, or at Ulta.

Next, he uses a konjac sponge, which gently exfoliates your face. The addition of a konjac sponge has completely changed both his and my skin! You can find them cheaper on amazon and elsewhere, but the one I linked is the most well-known brand, but not the one I have. I have a red one. Red ones are meant for people without any skin issues, and just looking for a gentle exfoliant. You can find more information about which sponge you should use here.

Next, he exfoliates. Currently he uses Biore pore unclogging scrub and he seems to like it. I personally use LUSH Angels on Bare Skin which is really amazing and he loves to steal it whenever he can.. hahah

After the shower, he uses Stridex pads which are SO CHEAP and work great. So many people on this thread swear by them. Him and I use the blue box, because our skin is sensitive. But if yours isn't then red box will be fine.

Finally, we both use a moisturizer. Currently we use this one which is amazing, but it depends on your skin type.

Also, I recommend you use a redness night mask cream for the redness. Eucerin's anti-redness night cream is easily the best product on the market for redness issues.

Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions. :)

I try to keep mine simple while still doing what I can to prevent further damage. I didn't take care of my skin at all in my 20s so I'm undoing damage now, but the vitamin C serum and sunscreen combo have helped a ton. I have fairly sensitive skin, and it gets easily dehydrated as well.

Morning

• Wash with Clean and Clear Relaxing facewash. If my skin feels clean I skip this step.
  
  
• Spray Thayer's Rose Petal alcohol free toner. I love this toner, it minimizes the craters I have for pores a good bit.
  
  
• Cerave moisturizing lotion I also like Clinique Dramatically different moisturizing lotion but the Cerave works just as well and I get soooo much more for my money.
  
  
• Apply SolScents Clear Face sunscreen I can't find this one in stores and it's pricey so I've ordered a [biore] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SM99KY8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) one from amazon to try out instead, a lot more affordable too.
  
  
  Evening
  
  
• Wash with Clean and Clear Relaxing facewash. It works just as well as the Clinique one for me.
  
  
• Spray the witch hazel toner again.
  
  
• Apply Vitamin C Serum.
  
  
• Followed by the Cerave moisturizing lotion again.
  
  Whenever my skin still gets dehydrated for whatever reason I apply Rosehip oil. Sometimes I do a chick pea flour + Turmeric mask which works great but is a bit drying so the oil helps a lot.

Wall of text incoming, along with the products that work for me. YMMV with individual products, of course!


All of these are just what I use, and all have alternatives that may work better for you and/or be cheaper. This has evolved over the past two years, I didn't just pick all this up at once and start throwing it on my skin - start slow, and see how your skin adjusts to each step for a week or so before moving onto another product.

I do my "skin routine" morning and evening, with some variations depending on how much time I have and what time of day it is.

First, hydration. Looks like you've taken care of that one! Water, water, and more water is what helped the most. I go through roughly 3L of water at work if not more, plus more once I get home.

Second, I never use foaming cleansers. I cut out anything with foams, and went with a two step cleansing process: first, oil cleansing (I use Banila Clean It Zero) to get rid of the bulk of my makeup. Then I follow with a cream cleanser (Guerlain Lait de Beauty, but there are MANY more affordable options out there).

Then I use a toner. But not the stripping, Sea Breeze type toner, a moisturizing one. Currently using HadaLabo Hyaluronic Lotion. Don't let the "acid" fool you - hyaluronic acid is extremely moisturizing.

Every 3-4 days in the evenings, I use a chemical exfoliator (NEVER physical, my skin can't take it) in the form of a BHA and AHA. BHAs remove gunk from pores, AHAs strip dead skin. Both mine are from cosrx:

https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-bha-blackhead-power-liquid

https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-aha-7-whitehead-power-liquid

Some people leave them for 20 minutes, I don't have the patience, I just go right into the next step and add a sheet mask. If you're new to actives, this will be too often - do them once a week, max.

Then the fun part - sheet masks. I looove sheet masks. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Anything with Hyaluronic acid is my go to. My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid is a staple. I let that sink in while doing whatever around the house. I do one of these a few times a week, every night if I can.

Then I go onto moisturizing. I have a variety of serums, essences, and oils that I use depending on how dry my skin feels, but my basic routine goes:

If my skin is extra dry, I add in an extra moisturizing step here. I use Miss Flower and Mr Honey in summer, Scinic All in One honey ampoule in winter. Or sometimes I use Guerlain Face Treatment Oil.

If my skin is red, I add in CosRX Snail 96 to help control it.

Separate eye cream, ALWAYS. Right now I'm loving Clarins Super Restorative eye cream.

Then the big moisturizers:

History of Whoo Jinyul Essence

History of Whoo Jinyul Cream

Final step for day, sunscreen - Biore Watery Essence SPF50 for daytime. Skipped at night for obvious reasons.

For the night routine, before bed I apply one of these masks:

CosRX Honey Mask

CosRX Rice Mask

Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Mask

These give extra moisture at night while you're sleeping.

Again, this is not something that happened overnight - I can almost guarantee if someone takes this list and throws it all at their face at once, they'll end up a mess. I added things slowly.

If I was going to recommend an order, I'd go with this:

• If you're using a foaming cleanser, replace it with a cream cleanser the next time it runs out. No need to waste things.
  
  Wait a week.
  
  
• Add a GENTLE AHA. This will help remove dead skin and reduce dryness. Just once a week, no more.
  
• Add a Hyaluronic acid sheet mask, like the MBD one. It's affordable, and relaxing.
  
  You could swap the above two if you have a lot of cleanser left.
  
  Wait a week.
  
  Once you're used to those, add an essence. Something very moisturizing and rich.
  
  Wait a week.
  
  Look at adding in a sleeping pack.
  
  From there, pick what you'd like to address and add them in.
  
  I know it's a lot to take in, so if you have specific questions about any of this, just ask.

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

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

A little background:

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

Usually with BB creams, they tend to oxidize after a couple of minutes after you put it on your skin, so that being said, I'd still say to swatch the colors to see which would match your skin tone. Sephora/Ulta carry a few BB creams, so you can always go in one day to swatch the different colors.

As for Asian BB creams, they tend to have more coverage and are higher in SPF (thus a bit more ~beneficial~). I personally own 2 Asian BB creams (the Skin 79 Hot Pink BB and thefaceshop BB emulsion (oil cut dual... i can't find a link for this) as well as "American/Western" BB creams like the L'oreal Youth Code and the Garnier.

From my personal experience, I've found the Asian BB creams to have too much of a grey-cast (despite being of asian skin tone myself) and sometimes, quite thick (especially the Skin79 one) while the American/Western BB creams to be too light. My current personal favorites are the Dr. Jart Water Fuse BB cream and the Mixa Expert Peau Sensible BB Crème Unifiante (which I bought in France). Both are not too dry on my face and give a good medium-ish coverage that doesn't feel too heavy. Additionally, both of them match my skin tone better as well.

Now, if you're looking for something light, I'd say definitely swatch/test out the Western brands one because most of them definitely have a lighter coverage in my opinions, but if you're looking for BB creams that have more "benefits," I've heard good things about the Etude House, and I personally know a lot of my friends like Missha (although imo it still gives too much of a grey cast...). You can also always order samples of diff Asian BB creams before making any purchase, and if you don't have any Asian cosmetics/beauty stores around your area too like these or these. I'm sure there are more selections online as well! Good luck finding your perfect BB cream!

**PS: these might help you out, asian bb creams vs americans also there are a lot of youtubers who do comparisons, so check those out as well!

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

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

I'm not familiar with the cleansers, but a few lovely moisturizers I like for dryer skin are:

Shara Shara Water Girls Ice Cream Especially lovely for warmer months. It's cooling and absorbs nicely!

Miss Flower & Mr. Honey A bit of a commitment but I recommend getting a decant sometime! It's so lovely!!

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream It's really more gel-like in consistency and I was very impressed by this product, especially considering the low price point! This is a perfect example of luxurious doesn't necessarily equal expensive!

...hope this helps! I'm sure the others have great suggestions too!

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!

Girl!

I hope that you are the most amazing imaginative kid
I hope that you aren't afraid of being yourself
I hope you love often
I hope you get everything you could possibly want in life
I hope you laugh as much as possible
I hope you never forget how much your mom loves you
I hope you ignore anyone who tries to put you down
I hope you become the person you want to be
I hope you respect the people who try and give you advice because they only try to help you not hurt you
I hope you grow every day but not too fast

If I win I'd love this.


I wish I had done this when I was pregnant! Congrats btw. It's going to become so real once you find out if you're having a boy or girl. Any names picked out? Haha baby does look weird. I kept staring at it for a while and now it just looks weird to me.

ps- are you doing redditraffle? Do we have to add any word?

Products:

Cerave hydrating cleanser

Serious skin care cleanser (Much harsher cleanser, but skin has gotten used to it. I use it if my skin hasn't been feeling dry lately because I feel like it's better at clearing up my acne which I've never gotten rid of)

serious skin care repairz-it

Serious skin care clearz-it (Spot treatment)

Neutrogena clear face Sunscreen spf 55

Stridex in the red box

Garden of wisdom fruit acid 10%
exfo pads

In case the prices of the serious skin care stuff makes you cringe, I get it about 12x cheaper. It's the best stuff I've found so far for my skin. The moisturizer isn't always moisturizing enough, and I have to reapply it an extra time that day. My skin still hasn't cleared up, but every other moisturizer I've tried has definitely caused me to break out or just made my skin even more dry.

Morning:

Cleanse

Moisturize, wait to dry

Sunscreen

Night time:

Cleanse

Stridex in Red box, wait to dry

Garden of Wisdom exfo pad, wait to dry

Moisturize

Spot treat


If I were to add in a wash after a workout, I would just use cleanser + moisturizer or just water and moisturizer.

No; I looked on the website and it doesn't look like CeraVe has an eye cream with an AHA/BHA in it (which is maybe par for the course, given the sensitivity in the area). But I'm sure if CeraVe makes it, it's good!

I was looking at something in this line--you can look at all the CeraVe products there.

Again, I don't think you really need a separate eye cream. I think that's all marketing (so long as you pick the correct product--not sensitizing, etc.--unless you have really sensitive skin or are prone to milia). This one gets mediocre reviews on Amazon, but they don't have the best reviewers there, for many reasons. It's a great line overall, and has AHAs.

So I guess I'd say yes: use oils and a humectant layer at night, and then a non-allergenic moisturizer in the undereye area. Or, if you want a day eye cream, here are some options I'd consider, just looking at Amazon now (not based on anything other than the product line, the reviews there, and fact that they're focusing on moisturizing--I don't know much about eye creams because I don't use them!):

https://www.amazon.com/Etude-House-Moistfull-Collagen-Cream/dp/B016AEC63I/ref=sr_1_18_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485368690&sr=1-18

https://www.amazon.com/AHAVA-Time-Hydrate-Gentle-Cream/dp/B004SUY4C8/ref=sr_1_15_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485368894&sr=1-15

https://www.amazon.com/derma-Hydrating-Cr%C3%A8me-Hyaluronic-Pycnogenol/dp/B00A2F06Z2/ref=sr_1_40_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485368894&sr=1-40

https://www.amazon.com/First-Aid-Beauty-Eye-Cream-0-5/dp/B0051YND8G/ref=sr_1_53_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485369019&sr=1-53 <-- THIS might be your best bet. they focus on intense hydration and simple, good ingredients

https://www.amazon.com/Boots-Protect-Perfect-Intense-Cream/dp/B0054PKQEQ/ref=sr_1_83_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485369050&sr=1-83

https://www.amazon.com/Weleda-Defying-Cream-34-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B0041M32H6/ref=sr_1_85_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485369050&sr=1-85

https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Green-Seed-Cream-30ml/dp/B00JJGML6M/ref=sr_1_92_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485369050&sr=1-92 <---bet this is good too

https://www.amazon.com/Prairie-Skin-Caviar-Cream-0-68- Ounce/dp/B002AMUFUG/ref=sr_1_108_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485369202&sr=1-108 <---this is insanely expensive but people really swear by it

https://smile.amazon.com/MIZON-Collagen-Power-Firming-fl-oz/dp/B00I976K5U/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485369660&sr=8-1&keywords=mizon+collagen+eye <---see below

and here's a sorted list of current eye products at Makeup Alley (note I wouldn't go on anything where there's only one review). Looks like the Mizon above is pretty popular (and it's a great line generally).

GL!

New Purchases:

• Timeless Hyaluronic + Vitamin C Serum - this has hyaluronic acid, glycerin, MAP, and peptides. Tried this yesterday and this morning, hope it works out.
  
• Finishing Touch Flawless Hair Remover - This is a little rotary razor thing for getting rid of facial hair. I have really reactive and sensitive skin, and haven't gotten irritation from this since I used it yesterday. I'll have to see how the regrowth is. I have very fine, light facial hair, and I did have to go over spots multiple times but it was effective.
  
• Dr. Dennis Gross Sheer Mineral Sun Spray SPF 50 - I ordered this with my 15% coupon from Sephora, haven't received it yet.
  
  Repurchases (with my Ulta platinum coupon):
  
  
• Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 Sunscreen - I love this for everyday, functions as a primer almost, has a tint that will work on lighter skin tones.
  
• Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream - I love this shit.
  
• Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover - The best.
  
  Rave:
  
  
• I ordered the Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream and it's amazing. The texture is a gel-cream, has glycerin, squalane, and one of my favorite ingredients, licorice root extract. I've been using this for a few weeks without breakouts, is very hydrating, I love it.

What Stegateratops said.

THAT SAID, if you wanted to gradually start a new routine, here's what I'd go for:

AM:

• Hadalabo Cleansing Foam. pH neutral, affordable, incredibly gentle.
  
  
• OPTIONAL: Hadalabo Light Lotion. It's a little bit lighter than the usual Hadalabo lotion, but BE SURE TO PATCH TEST. I find this invaluable for giving combination skin a very light, comfortable dose of moisture.
  
  
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen. Yes, you need sunscreen, even in the UK.
  
  PM:
  
  
• Any cleansing oil. I like the L'oreal one that you can get from Boots. Apply to dry skin, wait a minute, massage, rinse. You might feel little 'grits' pop out while you're massaging.
  
  
• Follow with your foaming cleanser from AM.
  
  
• Paula's Choice BHA Liquid. Pat on after you've cleansed. I like to let it sit for 10 minutes before proceeding, but La Paula says you don't have to.
  
  
• OPTIONAL - your Hadalabo lotion if you choose to get it.
  
  
• Loads of moisturiser options. I like Neutrogena Moisture Boost at the moment, but some people find it a little drying.
  
  But, again: see a GP about your acne, there may be some other treatments that can help. Add new products very gradually. PATCH TEST. For acne, I choose a spot beside my nose and dab that new product on every day for about 10 days. I've discovered that quite a few products break me out when I do that, it's very much worth trying. And WEAR SUNSCREEN. It's not optional. Sun damage causes large pores to look much much worse.
  
  Good luck.

Well, I'm just saying be careful about assuming they're from damaged and making her feel as though she's damaged when she may very well not be. My boyfriends girlfriend has never done anything to her face and she's 23 with pretty noticeable forehead lines and a deep one between her brow. My 21 year old friend has forehead lines as well, all though not as noticeable. Genetics and expression play a part in that.

Yes I believe just keeping it covered will help. Here's a skincaretalk forum where an asian man i had similar damage and healed it by keeping it super hydrated.

http://www.skincaretalk.com/showthread.php/7773-Wrinkled-open-pores-all-over-face-Please-advise-if-possible/page29

Maybe there is even some more helpful info in there, as the original poster was talking to a lot of people. Although it seems to me that her damage came from lots of tanning and smoking...not much you can do about that.

I think that sounds like a good plan if your skin doesn't break out from olive oil. A lot of people can use it, but there are a select few that don't like it. I'm not a fan of cerave lotion.
If you'd like I can send you more info on snails. Basically snail secretion has something in it that's almost identical to what we have, and it's hyper healing because snails are constantly cutting their bodies on rocks and branches and stuff, so the goo is a protectant and healer. Basically, it's as important to me as my vitamin c serum, my diet, and drinking water! When I first heard of it, I thought it was just some "snake oil" type ingredient for fluff, but there's legitimate scientific backing and it's in tons and tons of high end and low end asian skincare. Honestly I think it'd be perfect for you, as it sinks in well and won't make your skin feel greasy (as I'm sure you're sensitive to that right now!)
The aquafor should work fine. It's used to heal tattoos and stuff, so it's good on trauma induced skin damage. It should be just fine for the eye area, as it is just a basic occlusive. I've known plenty of people to use such products under their eyes.

This is the best i've found, and has the best reviews. I think it's one of the most common "holy grail" labeled products i've seen on the asian beauty reddit.

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-cream-100ml/dp/B01LEJ5MSK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497402594&sr=8-1&keywords=cosrx+snail+92+all+in+one+cream

Hello! Longtime lurker, first time poster (female, 27 years old). Since my early 20s, my routine has consisted of using sunscreen in the morning and washing it off with water at night, and overall I am happy with my skin. However, for the last couple years I've been wanting to add in some products for exfoliation and to fade some spots; in order to add an AHA/BHA/vitamin C/other similar products, I figured I needed to get a good skincare routine with a cleanser and moisturizer in place first before incorporating actives. After reading Skincare Addiction and Asian Beauty posts for years I finally started building a skincare routine a few months ago, but I am confused and I need some help!

Pics of skin: https://imgur.com/a/BIDre I think the lighting is more flattering in the first picture, but my skin was also in a better place. The redness and bumpiness in the second picture started a few days ago, and I stopped using the moisturizer that was causing it so hopefully it will get better soon.

Issues: old scar on my cheek (from a weird patch of dry skin that lingered for months), sunspots/freckles on cheeks, PIH, a few CCs, dry skin flakes (especially in winter), one stubborn milia on my cheek (a milium?), occasional acne around that time of the month

Skin type: dry, sensitive (reacts to many products, but overall fairly resilient as long as I stop using all products for a few days after a reaction)

Current routine:

Morning:

• splash with water
  
  
• Bobbi Brown SPF 50 Protective Face Base: link (no makeup after, even though I think this sunscreen is for use under foundation)
  
  Evening:
  
  
• rinse with room temperature or lukewarm water
  
  
• use La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ moisturizing cream; previously Nivea Creme
  
  How long/anything new: I just switched to the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm last night. For 2-3 weeks I was using Nivea Crème every night, but I noticed new whiteheads, redness, and bumps around my mouth recently. I have been trying out new skincare products for around 2-3 months.
  
  Goals for skincare routine over next 3 months: find a moisturizer that I can use morning and night, ideally one that also heals skin; add a cleanser for nighttime
  
  Goals for skincare routine over next year: add an AHA for exfoliation and fading scar on cheek, sun damage, and PIH; possibly add a vitamin C or other product to fade spots more; possibly switch out expensive Bobbi Brown sunscreen for one of the AB sunscreens I have (the Bobbi Brown sunscreen sort of doubles as a moisturizer for me, and my skin felt dry when using the AB ones since I didn't have a real moisturizer underneath. Once I find a good moisturizer, I'm planning to try the AB ones again)
  
  My location: USA
  
  Need recommendations for:
  
  

1. Do I in fact need a cleanser and moisturizer before adding an AHA or vitamin C if I already have a sunscreen?
   
   
2. The order in which I should build my skincare routine. The newbie recommendation says to focus on finding a cleanser (Step 1) and a moisturizer (Step 4), but it doesn't say which to incorporate first. I have sensitive skin and have reacted badly to skincare products in the past, so I can only introduce one product at a time and I need to do a lot of patch testing. I have a sunscreen in my routine already. I tried adding a cleanser first (La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin, most gentle cleanser I have ever tried), but after a week my skin got somewhat dry and I developed some little red patches that went away when I stopped using the cleanser, which suggests that my skin needed a moisturizer after cleansing. I am currently trying different moisturizers (Cerave PM, Nivea Crème in blue tub, now La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+), but after a few weeks of each one I notice new whiteheads trapped under my skin on my cheeks, and now after the Nivea Crème I have some redness and bumpiness around my mouth (see pics above). When I got whiteheads after using the Cerave PM I thought I was reacting badly to fatty alcohols, but now I'm thinking it just means I need a cleanser because Nivea Crème doesn't have fatty alcohols. Do I continue my quest for a moisturizer first and then add a cleanser next? Arrrgh! I'm so confused and frustrated because I feel like my skin looked better when I was only using sunscreen. I also feel like my confidence has taken a hit because I obsess over little spots that I'm sure no one else notices.
   
   
3. Product haul from Amazon. I got $50 in giftcards for my birthday (woo!) and I am interested in buying hydrocolloid bandages and some moisturizers and/or essences to try out over the next few months, especially ones that are not available at CVS/Target/etc. Eventually I want to get actives, but I think I should wait until I have the basics under control. I have narrowed it down to the following options after reading HG recommendations here and on the AB subreddit for dry/sensitive skin, but I would appreciate any suggestions if I have gone wrong somewhere and guidance in narrowing the list to total around $50, or additional recommendations if I missed a good HG product:
   
   Hydrocolloid bandages:
   
   COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, 24 Patches ($5) link
   
   Moisturizer:
   
   COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($20) link
   
   COSRX Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream ($20) link
   
   Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream ($15) link
   
   Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream ($9) link
   
   Sorry for the giant post! If I should ask this somewhere else in Skincare Addiction or post this in Asian Beauty instead, please let me know.
   
   (edited for formatting and clarity. new to reddit formatting)

1. Concealer or BB cream
   
2. Brows
   
3. Mascara
   
4. My Lips But Better
   
5. Blush
   
6. Powder
   
   If I HAD to choose only 3 products: Concealer or BB cream, brows, powder.
   
   A 6 product face would add color (blush, MLBB) and thickened/longer lashes (mascara).
   
   *
   Drug store products - Under $20**
   
   

• Concealer:
  
       L'Oreal True Match
  
       NYX
  
       Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
  
  
• BB Cream:
  
       Revlon Photoready (heavy)
  
       L'Oreal Studio Secrets (medium)
  
       Maybelline Dream Fresh (light)
  
  Asian BB Creams
  
       Missha M
  
       Skin 79 Hot Pink
  
       Skin 79 Super Plus
  
       Holika Holika
  
  
• Brows:
  
       NYX Powder
  
       CoverGirl Pencil
  
  
• Mascara:
  
       CoverGirl Clump Crusher
  
       Maybelline Colossal Volume
  
       CoverGirl Lash Blast
  
  
• MLBB:
  
       NYX Pops
  
       Revlon Pink Truffle
  
       CoverGirl Heavenly
  
       Burt's Bees
  
  
  
• Blush
  
       NYX
  
       Milani
  
  
• Powder:
  
       Rimmel Stay Matte
  
       L'Oreal True Match
  
       Neutrogena Mineral Sheer
  *
  Mid-end products $20 - $30**
  
  
• Concealer:
  
       NARS
  
       Benefit Bo-ing
  
       KVD Lock It
  
  
• BB Cream - under $40...these run expensive
  
       IT Cosmetics ($38)
  
       Tarte Amazonian Clay ($34)
  
       Tarte Tinted Treatment ($35)
  
       Shisheido Perfect Hydrating ($33)
  
  
• Brows:
  
       ABH Dip Brow ($18)
  
       ABH Brow Wiz
  
       Sephora Brow Pencil ($13 - Brow Wiz dupe)
  
       MUFE Aqua Brow
  
  
• Mascara:
  
       Clinique Naturally Glossy ($16)
  
       Too Faced Better Than Sex
  
       Lancome Definicils
  
       Tarte Lights Camera Lashes
  
  
• MLBB
  
       MUFE Artist Natural N9
  
       Clinique Almost Lipstick ($16)
  
       Bite in Chablis or Rhubarb
  
       UD Revolution in Native, Naked, Fiend, Rapture, or Rush
  
       Too Faced Melted in Nude or Peony
  
       Tarte LipSurgence
  
  
• Blush
  
       MUFE HD
  
       NARS
  
       KVD
  
       Tarte Amazonian Clay
  
       Clinique Cheek Pop
  
  
• Powder
  
       Laura Mercier
  
       MUFE HD
  
       UD Ultra Definition ($34)
  
       NARS Light Reflecting ($35)
  *
  High-End Products - $30+**
  
  
• Concealer:
  
       Lancome Complete Coverage
  
       YSL Multi-Action
  
       MUFE Full Cover
  
  
• BB Cream - Over $40:
  
       DiorSkin Nude
  
       Guerlain Lingerie De Peau
  
       Estee Lauder Clear Difference
  
  
• Mascara:
  
       D&G Secret Eyes
  
       Guerlain Maxi Lash
  
       YSL Babydoll
  
  
• Blush
  
       Becca
  
       Hourglass
  
       Chanel
  ***
  Anyone can use these products successfully for a quick natural look! They are foolproof :)
  
  Lisa Eldridge is a great source for beginners!

I have redness from drying out my skin/ destroying my moisture barrier (used Differin without moisturizing properly omfg why). I think your routine is simple, but could do with more hydration layers!

I got rid of all actives for 2 months. I simply washed my face with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, Hada Lobo Hydrating Lotion, CosRX 97% Snail Mucin Essence, The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Cream, and then Etude House Soonjun Recovery Barrier Cream.

I think the red marks are there as inflammation and irritation. I would add some sort of Hyaluronic Acid (Hada Lobo Hada Lobo Gokujun Hylaronic Acid Moist) to help attract water and promote hydration instead of drying out the skin. Put this in the morning and night after cleansing, and then layer your serums, essences, and moisturizer on top of it.

In addition, maybe changing Cetaphil to Cerave Hydrating Cleanser (if you are interested- I personally found Cetaphil way too drying and exacerbating my redness).

Finally, I would also look into Innisfree Green Tea Serum to reduce redness. Many MANY people have said great things about Rosehip Oil. For me, Rosehip Oil was the game changer- it reduced redness dramatically (it's still there, but I don't look like I'm wearing red pain on my cheeks- and I'm a brown-skinned girl, so redness just stands out). I'm thriving off a sample of Pai Rosehip Oil. It's $40, so once my sample runs out, I think I'm going to hop on the Radha Rosehip Oil train.

Finally, you should add some sort of sleep mask to help with restoring your skin barrier. I just got Laneige Sleep Mask to help with hydration.

The Etude House Soonjung Line is really good for calming redness- I'm personally thinking about adding the Pathenoside Cica Balm to help with redness.

In addition, I've heard great thing about Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream.

P.S.: Don't add all of these products at once. I'm on month two of restoring my moisture barrier after eliminating all actives. When I added in a new product, I focused on adding one product per week. If I saw after the week my face got worse, I eliminated it.

My top five right now are:

1. Skin79's Hot Pink BB Cream. I've always wanted to try a BB cream with good benefits, but I haven't really heard good things about western brands.
   
   
2. A concealer palette because goodness I need that coverage.
   
   
3. This one's a bit of a stretch because I've fallen in love with it after trying it in store but money always likes to get between me and the things I love: Chanel's Rouge Allure #92 - Secrete. I couldn't find this one on Amazon for some reason. :/
   
   
4. On my wishlist, I put the Anastasia Brow Kit, but really any brow kit for brunettes would work. But the stencils seem like they could really help me get my brows to cooperate.
   
   
5. Stila's Smudge Pot because I've heard great myths and urban legends about this stuff and I'm hoping this would be an eyeliner that I can actually use well.

Simple routines are sometimes the best ones! If I have more than 5 steps then forget it, I give up on the whole thing haha. My routine is cleanse, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. Quick, to the point, and effective! I use retin-a at night (it's formulated in my curology prescription) as well, and I find that it helps a lot with both acne AND oiliness. Here are my products I use!

Cleanser: (Not AB) Purity Made Simple by Philosophy

Serum: LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence (LOVE THIS STUFF, helps with acne and is super light)

Moisturizer: (Also not AB) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (very light, perfect for oily skin)

Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

I hope this is helpful, these are just some product suggestions that worked well for me. A lot of skincare is trial and error, so don't be afraid to try something new! It's also helpful to implement 1 new product at a time. :)

I live in the USA, but I found these on European websites, so maybe you can find it where you live.

Cotz tinted sunscreen
This stuff is amazing! It has zinc in it which is one of the best ingredients as far as sun protection goes.

I also love Neutrogena Clear Skin sunscreen
This doesn't appear white on me once I rub it in and has a wonderful finish.

Also, I recommend putting sunscreen on the back of your hands as well as neck,chest to protect from prematuring aging due to sun exposure.

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.

Skin Type: I'm not entirely sure, but i believe it's combination where my T-zone is oily on nose/forehead and rarely dry on the U-zone such as cheeks and chin, guess more-so oily overall

Country/Climate: Toronto, Canada. Just windy and rainy as of recently, somewhat chilly

Top Skin Concern: Skin Brightening

[Current Routine/Products I am Using]

​

AM

• COSRX low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
  
• Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
  
• Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum
  
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  
• Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream
  
• Klairs Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion SPF40 PA++ (for sunny days otherwise i don't use it on cloudy days)
  
  ​
  
  PM
  
  
• CeraVa Foaming Facial Cleanser (rarely CeraVa Hydrating Facial Cleanser for when my cheeks get flaky)
  
• Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
  
• Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum
  
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  
• Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream
  
• Once/Twice a week exfoliator: Skin Food Rice Mask Wash off / Neogen Bio-Peel Green Tea Gauze (collecting dust since i prefer the Skin Food Rice Mask)
  
• [Optional] Usually after i exfoliate: COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
  
  ​
  
  So recently I bought the wishtrend vitamin c serum and added it to my routine since I heard a lot of people really loved them at one point, but I'm noticing it's giving me a sort of fake tan whenever I apply it on. should I be worried or is this just normal and I should just use some bb cream to cover it up if I'm that worried about a tan? I'm still fairly new to skincare too so any type of advice or product suggestion regarding skin brightening would be much appreciated too! *^((i have no one to talk with so i just youtube most stuff)*) Routine provided in case i might have clashing products

>I recently stopped by the Grand Asian market (Cary NC)

Could you report back what other brands they carry when you go back? That store has been there since before I moved to Cary as a child ( pre 1995 omg). Only went in there once or twice but when I come back for a visit definitely making a shopping trip (also for the food) there.

As for Hada Labo,the Gokujun Lotion is super popular on the sub as well as in Japan. Also, the moisturizing perfect gel has started to get some love on this sub as well which I think would be good for you as a moisturizer.

Mine was like this too so I started putting on a Eucerin night cream before bed. It's super thick but it actually feels really great on my skin, and not greasy. Cetaphil and Cerave just didn't work for me. In the morning my face is well moisturized and my makeup looks a lot better (I use powder).

The key to great moisturizing I've found was to apply moisturizer right after patting my face dry after cleaning it, while my face is still somewhat moist. This allows the cream to lock in moisture and really helps hydrate my parched skin.

I'm actually using the redness relief products but I'm sure it will be fine for you too. I have eczema (flaky, flaky skin) and rosacea and so far I've been fine, no breakouts.

Here is what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Eucerin-Redness-Relief-Soothing-Night/dp/B0013L3XMM

Hey ScA! Found a few products that I wanted to add to my routine through reccs here and research so I thought I'd share them. I have combination skin, Fitzpatrick type IV, and my daily struggles are mainly with hyperpigmentation, a wonky texture on my forehead, and hydration. If you have any friendly advice, warnings, criticisms, I'm all ears. :)

-From Left to Right-

• Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil: Bought mainly for the linoleic acid. The bottle is huge, the dropper is nice, and it should last a while sitting in its nook in my fridge.
  
• Peach Slices Citrus-Honey Aqua Glow: a gel moisturizer with a light, citrus scent that absorbs like lightning and sits well under my sunscreen. I'm patch testing this right now but I'm very happy with it. Confession: shamelessly bought for the packaging.
  
• CVS samples! :)
  
• Timeless 100% Pure Squalane Oil: emollient, comes in a glass bottle and I'm probably going to mix a few drops in with my moisturizers or use it in its own step.
  
• AmLactin AHA Body Lotion: My boyfriend and I both suffer from keratosis pilaris, so we're giving this a shot in conjunction with a daily SPF on the arms.
  
• Biore Perfect UV Face Milk: This is a repurchase, it lasts surprisingly long for only being 30 ml (then again, I don't reapply, tsk tsk), is cosmetically elegant, and though there's a bit of a white cast, it goes away after a few minutes even on my darker skin. It is a bit drying, though, which makes sense since its supposed to be a matte sunscreen but I might replace it when I get around to it. Still highly recommend, especially for oily skin!
  
  Also picked up some cod liver oil. Will it do anything for my skin? Uh, maybe! Mom's been getting on me about my omega-3s so I humored her. :)

I waited 2 months for my Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion to come, & it never arrived (I am getting a refund). But my dry skin can't wait another month for a hydrating Hyaluronic Acid product, so I am considering some locally available options for immediate use. I wonder if you guys could take a look at these HA serums & help me pick which one might be best (or recommend an alternative available in Canada)?

Now Foods - Hyaluronic Acid Serum $20 / 30 mL (concern: HA is far down the ingredients list)

Derma E: Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid $32 / 60 mL (concern: many ingredients, incl. dimethicone)

Pure Creations: Hyaluronic Serum $33 / 30 mL (concern: flower/fruit extracts could be irritating)

*other product suggestions welcome

Also, I am going to order the Hada Labo Lotion Light ($19/170mL) this time, because I am afraid of butylene glycol sensitivity; that or this Garden of Wisdom HA Serum ($17/60mL) - has anybody tried it?

Follow up: has anyone tried Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Gel Cream Extra-Dry Skin ($25/47mL)? It supposedly has HA.

Thank you!

The FAQ is still worth reading even though there's no "one size fits all" approach to skincare because everyone's skin is different. It has a lot of good information.

Your skin sounds dehydrated. Dehydration can cause excess oil production, which is how it can be dry and oily at the same time. Soap isn't great for your skin- it's way too alkaline. Your skin's natural pH is slightly acidic and using alkaline cleansers can permanently raise the pH which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria makes acne worse. So don't use soap. There's a recommended list of cleansers on this page. You may want to try out a hydrating cleanser. In the morning, try washing your face with just water.

It sucks that you're sensitive to mineral oil because it's in a lot of things! There are plenty of mineral oil-free moisturizers, though. You may want to try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (which is heavier than the lotion) or Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel. I know moisturizer seems unnecessary when you have really oily skin, but it's important, especially if your skin is dehydrated and you're using adapalene.

Adapalene is a derivative of vitamin a that affects your skin on the cellular level and causes your skin cells to regenerate faster. It's great- I'm a huge proponent of retinoids. However it does dry out your skin, so it's imperative that you moisturize. It also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun so you need to wear sunscreen in the morning.

When you do add new products (including the ones I recommended) make sure that you introduce them slowly- one new product every two weeks. If it looks like it's making your skin worse, stop using your newest product. Save your receipts for easy returns. Good luck!

I have combo skin (generally oily but as I've gotten older more dry, especially if I'm using actives and especially ESPECIALLY in winter) that's acne prone.

As far as cleansing, I've been trying to not use any soap in the mornings (except for micellar water) because I think over soaping makes my skin break out. To take off makeup, I've been using Garnier Skinactive Micellar Water ($6.59) and then second cleansing with Bliss Rosegold Gentle Foaming Cleanser ($10.99) or Pacifica Cosmic Hemp balancing face wash ($10).

I've been using Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum w/ Hyaluronic Acid ($19.99 on Ulta, $18 at Walmart) and Clinique Hydrating Jelly ($28 for 4 oz) after in the mornings and the Ordinary Natural Hydrating Factors ($7.70) OR Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream ($14.90 on Amazon) before bed. The Ordinary & the Etude House creams are nice but too thick for me to use in the mornings because I don't have time to let them sink in completely before I have to put on make up, the Clinique dries much faster. I think I prefer the Etude House more than the Ordinary (makes my skin feel smoother) but the Ordinary is so cheap that I always buy it.

For exfoliants, in the mornings I don't wash my face with soap, I just rinse with water and follow with Pacifica's Kale Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic with glycolic acid ($12). At night I switch between Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil ($24), Differin ($12.89) and a benzoyl peroxide gel (right now Neutrogena On the Spot - $9). Once a week I'll use a Pixi Glow Glycolic Peel pad ($22).

I also have been using Lancome Skin Feels Good Hydrating Tint ($35) because it has hyaluronic acid and SPF 23 (when I use this I powder with BareMinerals Original Foundation because it has an SPF of 15 so I'm covered as far as skin protection). On days where I don't feel like wearing make up I'll use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen w/ SPF 50 ($16.49). I get greasy with this by the end of the day, but I'm not worried about it. Powdering helps.

TBH the only thing that really helps my acne are prescriptions to Epiduo Forte + Acanya, but because I'm "too old to have acne" (HAHA OKAY) my insurance doesn't cover that so I've been using Differin and Neutrogena :( It works but not as well as the RX stuff.

My skin is a mess right now. I am not particularly acne-prone the majority of the year, but at the beginning of summer every year I get deep cystic acne. Like, one at a time. And I am waking up with little whiteheads almost every morning. I consider my skin to be combination as the upper part of my T zone and my forehead are like a desert, but the rest of my face is oily. With work, and going through a bout of depression, I can hardly invest a heavy amount of time, money, and energy into my skincare routine, but I do care about it. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to give suggestions and chat away here on what I could do.

Right now my skincare basics consist of:

• CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
  
• Mario Badescu Facial Cleanser (1-2 times a week)
  
• Dickinson's Pore Perfecting Toner and before that I used Etude House's Pore Freshner.
  
• Tony Moly Cherry Blossom Brightening Essence (but I stopped using it as I felt like it was breaking me out and I saw no benefits) Before that I used the Missha First Essence.
  
• Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Creme Complexe Hydratante (aka moisturizer) I used to use Etude House's Moistfull Collagen.
  
• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion w/ SPF
  
• I Dew Care - Let's Get Sheet Faced (sheet masks).
  
  As you can tell, this is very much so suited for skin that is dry. I do live in NY, where it is dry and cold the vast majority of the year, and for that time, it's great. But when summer comes, I am oily AF.
  
  Skin concerns:
  
  
• Aging (I'm 29) - primarily around the eyes
  
• Dark circles
  
• Oily skin - dry forehead/T-zone
  
• Acne prone (during the summer)
  
  Looking for:
  
  
• Serums
  
• Eye cream for hooded lids/aging eyes (so far this has been recommended to me, but... that's kind of pricey).
  
• Products without alcohol in them
  
• SPF
  
• Exfoliant (I theorize the whiteheads might be because I need to exfoliate more).
  
• Anything else anyone recommends.

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.

• Panda's Dream So Cool Eye Stick by TonyMoly
  $7.98 on Jolse
  $12.00 on Ulta
  Not Available on Amazon
  
• Panda's Dream Brightening Eye Base by TonyMoly
  $7.98 on Jolse
  $12.00 on Ulta
  $12.00 on Amazon
  
• Strawberry Nose Pack by TonyMoly
  $4.26 on Jolse
  $3.50 on Ulta
  $19.99 on Amazon for a 5 pack
  
• Changing U Magic Foot Peeling Shoes by TonyMoly
  $6.39 on Jolse
  $6.50 on Ulta
  Not Available
  
• Peach Hand Cream by TonyMoly
  $5.58 on Jolse
  $12.00 on Ulta
  Not Available
  
• Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub by TonyMoly
  $5.98 by Jolse
  $9.99 on Ulta
  $10.00 on Amazon
  
• Kiss Kiss Lip Essence Balm by TonyMoly
  $5.98 on Jolse
  $9.99 on Ulta
  $10.00 on Amazon
  
• Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence by CosRX
  $15.20 on Jolse
  $21.00 on Ulta
  $14.07 on Amazon
  
• BHA Blackhead Power Liquid by CosRX
  $16.80 on Jolse
  $22.00 on Ulta
  $14.82 on Amazon
  
• AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner by CosRX
  $12.80 on Jolse
  $17.00 on Ulta
  $12.22 on Amazon
  
• Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream by CosRX
  $20.00 on Jolse
  $26.00 on Ulta
  $17.64 on Amazon
  
• One Step Pimple Clear Pads by CosRX
  $15.20 on Jolse
  $20.00 on Ulta
  $9.00 on Amazon
  
• Propolis Light Ampoule by CosRX
  $19.20 on Jolse
  $28.00 on Ulta
  $21.70 on Amazon
  
• Online Only Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser by CosRX
  $8.80 on Jolse
  $12.00 on Ulta
  $9.57 on Amazon
  
  Shipping is free on Jolse, however it is shipping from Korea so expect longer ship times.
  Shipping is free on Amazon, if you have Prime. Amazon prices fluctuate wildly.
  Shipping is free on Ulta with orders over $35.
  Shipping is free on Sephora with Flash, or on orders over $50.
  

I'm a gender-queer guy and I've been trying to make my overall appearance more feminine for the past several months. In general, I'm aiming more for androgynous than blatantly feminine (think women's sneakers and jeans more than heels and dresses), and along those same lines, I'm not really interested in makeup (I don't think) but would like to find a skincare routine that makes my face look as feminine and femininely-pretty as possible.

I have normal skin, maybe slightly oily but I almost never get zits anymore (I'm 31),

My routine right now:

• Aveeno Positively Radiant cleanser and face scrub, every morning and night
  
• this retinol moisturizer and this eye cream, every morning and night
  
• this mud mask I use once a week or so
  
• an assortment of these sheet masks, I use one of them most nights before bed (this doubles as a relaxation thing...)
  
  Overall, I've surprisingly been pretty happy with this routine so far, but this has been one of those processes where the more I've learned the more I've realized I don't know, which is what brought me here.
  
  I (thankfully) don't have any notable problems I need to address (dryness, oiliness, etc), but I feel like my skin is a little dull and I want to make it more glowy/luminous/radiant, and basically make it "pop" and say "feminine" a little louder.
  
  What additions or changes to my routine might take me the farthest in that direction? In particular, I'm almost out of moisturizer and want to try a different one (the one I have makes my face a tad oily), and I think I want to add a serum and/or night creme - but I'll be (very, very) receptive to whatever suggestions SCA might have for me.

1. Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
   
2. Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule
   
3. Hada Labo Gokujun Perfect Gel
   
   
   All inspired by much research at /r/AsianBeauty!
   
   
   edit: oops, forgot my cleansers.
   
   PM:
   
   
4. Remove makeup with Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser
   
   
5. Cleanse again with Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash. This stuff is AMAZING. My experience is the same as Fifty Shades of Snail's so count her review as mine as well :)
   
   
6. Moisturize using all 3 steps above
   
   
   
   AM:
   
   
7. CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
   
8. Moisturizing using all 3 steps above
   
9. Sunscreen after moisturizers have sunk in a bit (10-15 minutes) - Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF50+ PA++++
   

sure! i found this website that sells them in case you're in the US: https://www.masksheets.com/saborino-morning-face-mask-32.html
it looks like there are two kinds, but i'm in korea and i've only seen the yellow in the shops here so that's what i bought.

what i'm discovering is that it's supposed to be for cleansing as well (completely missed that on the package) but i always wipe down my face with micellar water before putting it on. it's got a really great cooling sensation that i can feel pull my face together after a night of being smooshed into my pillow. it feels a liiiiittle bit wasteful to only use it for 60 seconds but it seems to be working well so i highly recommend it!

plus it comes in the bulk packaging that i love japanese skincare for, so it's less wasteful in that way :)

eta: i also don't leave it just at this, i follow up with the ganbare watashi gel (https://www.cosme.com/en/1000027584) and hada labo gokujyun perfect gel (https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Rohto-Gokujun-Perfect/dp/B00BQV0LT2).

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

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

Current routine:

AM

Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser to cleanse

Klaris Supple Preparation Facial Toner for toner

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Balm Cream for moisturizer

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

PM

Lush Ultrabland to remove makeup
Remove makeup

Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser to cleanse

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

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

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Balm Cream for moisturizer

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

You should definitely be using sunscreen because you'll only end up with better results at the end of your treatment. The PIH you probably have currently will fade best if you're using sunscreen daily (and ideally reapplying even throughout the day).

Personally, I do NOT like US sunscreens in the slightest. None of them do it for me. I recommend this Nivea sunscreen or this Japanese sunscreen.

Yes American sunscreens will indeed provide you with sun resistance, but they do not provide any rating for UVA protection (spf is only rating UVB protection), and they are typically very greasy and look white at higher spf ratings.

Happy to provide more recommendations if you feel inclined to ask.

P.S. I'm also on accutane -- the vaseline will be your friend. Get a teeny tiny tub of it -- they sell them at Target in the moisturizer aisle. Carry it in your bag. You will be happy you did. If you're anything like me, be prepared for your muscles to ache and for your nose to bleed -- constantly. At the end of the day though, it's worth it.

Skin79!!! LOVE them! The hot pink one was great coverage for me but was a little too yellow on my skin. Might work perfect for you. Lasts forever and is like $18 on Amazon and Prime eligible. GET IT! <3 Skin79 and Korean beauty products in general (other favorite products is SkinFoods brown sugar scrub).

I was using the First Aid Beauty Ultra-firm Night Cream, which has niacinamide in it. Unfortunately it gave me a lot of redness, but if you can get a sample I would try that out. A lot of CeraVe moisturizers have Niacinamide, and the Skin Renewing Night Cream has Niacinamide, Ceramides (including Ceramide 3 which, to my understanding, is the most beneficial) and Hyaluronic acid. I haven't used this, but a lot of people really love CeraVe products.

I am more familiar with these ingredients in asian skincare. If you are in the US, the Benton Steam Cream has both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in it and dries to a matte finish, so you can wear it throughout the day and it's under $12 on Amazon. It also contains snail mucin which helps promote healing, and honey which helps fight acne and moisturizes. It works well as an occlusive layer for the daytime. For night, Vaseline or Aquaphor work really well.

I work in a lab, too, so I know how hard it can be on the skin. I like to bring a facial mist with me (any that you like is fine) to keep my hydration up during the day. I also use a hyaluronic acid serum. The one I use is asian (Mizon Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule) but there are tons of Hyaluronic products available. Let me know if you have more questions!

Have you considered korean makeup? I am like you, I had really bad acne and makeup just exacerbated the flakiness that my acne produced. Once I got a better skincare routine and my skin started improving, I found I barely needed any makeup at all, so I looked into some k-beauty foundation and found amazing soft dewy results. The only issue is that the range of shades is pretty limited, so if you're decently tanned or darker they wouldn't work.

Two that I have and really like are the MISSHA Perfect Cover BB Cream and the MISSHA Magic Cushion. I purchased both of these on amazon for like 10$ each, and they are amazingly soft and light, and make my skin look very smooth!
The bb cream is SUPER dewy, and I don't need any highlighter with it, because it could easily go disco-ball if you doubled up on that. I like the magic cushion a lot for the portability, you need such a small amount of it and the sponge it comes with actually is perfect for dabbing on a very small amount of color correction. On days I need heavier correction I can just wet my BB and dab it in there, but generally the light sponge has been great for quick on the go. It also is more matte than the bb cream, but I like both for different reasons.

I Heart Drugstore Makeup. Thanks for hosting!

1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand overall? E.L.F.
   
   
2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products? Maybelline Dream Fresh BB (I know, I know, I need to try some Korean BB's!) ELF blush, Revlon lip butters
   
   
3. Least favorite product? E.L.F. Tone Correcting Concealer (almost no coverage)
   
   
4. What is the best makeup bargain? The Milani lipsticks I bought at the Dollar Tree. $1!
   
   
5. What is your favorite underdog product? Wet n Wild lipsticks
   
   
6. A drugstore product that is overpriced? Physician's Formula. It might be decent, but the prices are high for drugstore.
   
   
7. Show your best drugstore dupes! I has no dupes :(
   
   
8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype? E.L.F. green primer (it might as well be clear, the green does nothing)
   
   
9. What is the item you most want to try from the Drugstore? Milani Brow Tint Pen in Dark Brown
   
   10.What item would you want from your wishlist?
   Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in #21 Light Beige

Beginner question here.

I've had a skincare routine of moisturiser, facial cleanser and suncream for a while now, and was thinking of adding an AHA exfoliant (after struggling to find a BHA option, and not realising that a UK subreddit existed).

For some reason, when I ordered this product, I was under the impression that it would act as a BHA exfoliant (I thought "Oh goodie, it'll be anti-aging and exfoliating, due to retinol!") - although it quite clearly labels itself a moisturiser.

My basic question is, based on what it is, will it have any exfoliating effect at all? Should I use it instead of my sebamed moisturiser, or alongside it?

___

The products I've been using in my routine, with new product in italics:

AM:

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
• Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel
  
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++
  
  PM:
  
  
• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
• Radha Beauty Miracle Retinol Moisturizer (is this a AHA exfoliant?)
  
• Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel

Shoot! I just double checked the ingredients on it and it actually contains niacinamide. Sorry! I love niacinamide so I'm usually very aware of which of my products have it, but I forgot about this one.

I haven't used CosRX "Oil Free" Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap personally (YET), but it's widely acclaimed as a great lightweight moisturizer by people with wildly different skin types. And I double checked the ingredients--no niacinamide or snail.

Earth's Recipe Energy Boosting Toner has also gotten a lot of good press for its hydrating capabilities. Ingredients do not include snail or niacinamide, and while it's billed as a toner, it's really thick. It's been characterized as giving a sheet mask-y glow without the sheet mask, again by people with wildly different skin types.

Hello! I just got all my products in the mail but I want to be clear about the order I will use them in at night. Any suggestions are welcome.

• Oil Cleanser
  ---KOSE Softy Mo Facial Cleansing Oil Speedy
  
  
• Foam Cleanser
  ---CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Toner
  ---Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
  
  
• Essence/Serum/Ampoule (not sure which I got)
  ---Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid
  
  
• Emulsion
  ---Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All in one cream
  
  
• Facial Mask (2-3 times/week)
  ---My Beauty Diary Facial Mask, Black Pearl
  
  
• Cream
  ---Benton Snail Bee High content Steam Cream
  
  
• Sleeping Packs (2-3times/week)
  ---Cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask
  
  Also I bought this facial oil Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Ad Oil but I'm not sure where to squeeze it into my routine?
  
  In the morning I was going to use:
  
  
• Foam Cleanser
  ---CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Toner
  ---Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
  
  
• Sunscreen
  ---Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++

I ain't birthed no babies! Nor do I plan to. Adoption for me, please! Congrats on the new addition to your family! Babies are awesome. This BB Cream makes me so happy. Flawless skin, HELLO! Seriously, though, if you haven't tried this shit, you need to.


As for books, Game of Thrones, and all other A Song of Ice and Fire books. Ender's Game is my absolute favorite, though. Very well written and dynamic. I hope you read and enjoy both my suggestions! Happy Birfday! <3

Oh, I so feel your pain. My makeup has just been so patchy and flaky and horrible lately! It's just so irritated and terrible.

But, I have some positive news - I just spent a ton of time and money at shoppers drug mart (in Canada) and I found some interesting things.

Neutrogena has a new cream called hydro boost. It's called a gel cream and seems to be free of fatty alcohols and mineral oil. It does have glycerin and a hyaluronate ingredient. I tried some on my hand and it feels super nice!

I also found a clean and clear morning burst hydrating gel moisturizer. It seems very similar to the new Neutrogena one.

I also found a gel cream cleanser for dry and sensitive skin from L'oreal. It's hard to find creamy cleansers free of fatty alcohols so I'm hoping it isn't as drying as other cleansers for me.

I can take pictures of anything I mentioned if you'd like.


Edit: check out the review on amazon about the Neutrogena hydro boost and makeup!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Hydro-Boost-Water-Ounce/dp/B00NR1YQHM

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
    
    

/r/SkincareAddiction for easy to access, typically American products (like stuff you can find at your typical Target/grocery store/etc)

/r/AsianBeauty because Korea is pretty much on top of the asian skincare game

Personally I use an oil cleanser - Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil, takes everything off really effectively.

Then a toner to re-establish skin pH (which is altered when you wash your face): Kikumasamune sake toner.

Then a moisturizer -- Cosrx advanced snail 92 all in one lotion. It has snail extract, which gives it a gloopy kind of texture but it does a really good job at keeping my face moisturized all day, reducing redness, and making my skin super smooth.

I have combination oily skin that is also sensitive, so figure out what kind of skin you have (dry, oily, combination) and try to determine if you have any skin sensitivities. Then look at recommendations that people with your skin type have made -- the sidebar on both of those subs are well-organized.

Everybody's routine is different, some people don't do anything and their face is perfect, others need a shitton of products to keep their skin in check. I've pared down on the amount of products I've used (it used to be like a 5-step process day and night) but it gets expensive and I don't have the money for it right now. So I guess first, figure out your budget and then just search through threads to see highly-upvoted products/routines that have worked for people.

I've been loving the Missha BB Cream! I'm pretty light and use #21 but they have a shade or two lighter as well.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002B9DWBC?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

It's less than $10 in Amazon Prime.

Personally, the IT never worked for me. All shades are too warm and oxidized terribly on my skin. I wanted to love it after all the fabulous reviews!!

Good luck in your search:-)

Thanks for considering this, here is the Hada labo premium perfect gel

Yeah love heroine mascara, it's truly waterproof! Black is great!

I'd give Vanicream a try, but I'm definitely biased :) I had a hard time finding a sunscreen too, everything just sucked. I finally bit the bullet and bought EltaMD UV Clear, so far it's fantastic but I definitely wish it was cheaper. Neutrogena has a "Clear Face" line that I think would be worth looking into, I think it's alcohol and fragrance free.

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!

So I wanted to create my first SCA routine and I chose CosRx as my brand because: a) I've heard Korean cosmetics are great; b) they're the only cruelty-free brand from the FAQ; c) convenience of buying from one shop. I'm looking for very basic beginner routine consisting of cleanser and moisturizer. After a few weeks or so I want to add sunscreen on top of that but for now I will stick to bare bones routine.

​

So there's only one CosRx cleanser in the FAQ which I will order. There are two moisturizer creams and I'm not sure which one to choose. Does it make sense to order both and use one at night and the other one in the morning? Or is it better to concentrate on just one for now and see how it goes? These creams are as follows: Advanced Snail Cream and Honey Ceramide Moisture.

​

If it's good to use both then do you have any idea on which one should go at night and which in the morning? Judging by reviews Honey Ceramide Moisture seems to be used by people at night more although I don't know how reliable source it is. I'm not very well versed in various ingredients and their properties so I decided to ask here.

​

Finally - would their gel cleanser + one or two of these creams be a good beginner routine? For example something like this:

AM:

- wash face with water

- put Advanced Snail Cream

PM:

- wash face with Low PH Good Morning gel cleanser

- put Honey Ceramide Moisture cream

​

Or am I missing something? Thank you in advance!

Your makeup is gorgeous!

Unsolicited skincare advice: I have mild rosacea and ruddy cheeks; products with licorice root extract really help. Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Serum, Eucerin Redness Relief Night Cream, and Acwell Licorice Toner are all products I use or used and work really well. They brighten my skin and reduce the redness; I don’t use any green color correcting makeup and feel comfortable packing blush on my skin, finally.

About the Cosrx toner, it works great as a prep for chemical exfoliation and does have some low concentrations of both AHA and BHA. If you like the idea of using a low concentration more frequently this can be used up to twice a day and it works best when sprayed onto a cotton square. It can also be used as a prep for your usual strength AHA/BHA which you would use as your skin normally tolerates. Gothamista talks about this product in a fair amount of detail in one of her videos, I’ll see if I can find it and link it for you. You do have to be careful with where you purchase this as other ABers have had issues with counterfeit products. Cosrx’s Instagram named Mr.RX as a trusted seller if you are looking to use Amazon. I also understand that most K beauty routines would place chemical exfoliation right after cleansing in the evening (or after a pH adjusted toner after cleansing). If you check out the “About this Item” description, Cosrx has a little routine guide.

As for a lip mask, Nooni Apple Butter Lip Mask is absolutely heavenly, but a bit pricey. I was able to get it at Ulta for ~$19, but there is a lot of product and a little goes a long way.

Edit: found the video! Her description starts at 4:55 and goes till about 5:55. The whole video is worth watching if you’re interested in good products for oily/acne prone skin though.

For AM moisturizers, Hada Labo Moist as a toner with Sebamed Clear Face Gel (or other gel moisturizer! I personally really like Benton Aloe + Propolis Soothing Gel) is usually recommended for oily, acne prone skin.

For water-resistant sunscreen:

• Thinksport SPF50 - Limited ingredients list, fragrance free, physical filters, decent price.
  
• Elta MD Sport SPF 50 - Rave reviews, fragrance free, combined filters, somewhat expensive.
  
• Cotz Sensitive SPF 40 - Oil free, fragrance free, physical filters, mid-range.
  
• Alba Botanica Sensitive SPF 30 - Drugstore fave, physical filters, dirt cheap.
  
  Try to purchase from somewhere with a great return policy - trial and error are part of skincare, and sunscreens even more so.

I use witch hazel and rosehip oil every morning and night and it helps with evening out the skin tone and with acne scars. I also recommend vitamin c serum which you can get for a good price on amazon from Tree of Life Beauty. Vitamin C serum is both anti aging and will even out your skin and will protect it from the sun. The reviews on the ToLB one are really good. vitamin c rosehip oil i use

P.s. tea tree oil didn’t really do anything for me and if you want a good face mask I recommend this one with Apple cider vinegar added in. Don’t use it daily or it will dry your skin out.

Yes, I have tried their tret cream and their vitamin c serum and both were AMAZING and didn’t break me out at all. They’re not talked about much on this sub haha idk why. I started off very slow with the tret cream and didn’t purge either. I also like them because they use a lot of natural ingredients. They’re mainly sold on amazon. Hope you enjoy them too❤️

Ret cream: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01ES349CY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1541859049&sr=8-3&keywords=lilyana+naturals&dpPl=1&dpID=61YjWV9fWhL&ref=plSrch

Vitamin C Serum: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M1HIIUT/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1541859049&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=lilyana+naturals&psc=1

::Deep breath::

AM & PM:

• Slap some o' this stuff all over my face: Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid. This shit is the shit. It makes everything else absorb better. Less slug life, more actual benefits.
  
  
• Snail Goo! Bee Goo! This is very calming, and helps with redness and itchiness from the tret irritation.
  
• Sometimes an ampoule but I haven't found an exceptional one yet.
  
• More magic: This Donkey-flavored cream. Sometimes, my face is so unhappy that even Cerave stings. This always helps. Plus, the name makes me giggle every time I open it. Don't buy it at this price, though. Memebox runs lots of sales, and I can stock up for more like $25. I'd like to find a cheaper dupe.
  
• Draw a goatee on myself with a thick cream (where my peeling and redness are worst). I don't think this is particularly special, any heavy cream does the same thing. I carry it around all day, though, and reapply said goatee. Makes my skin feel less tight, helps with the red some more, and hides the edges of the peeling for a while.
  

Skin Type: Normal/Dry Dehydrated

Anyone have experience with the Hada Labo Perfect Gel?

This one -> https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Rohto-Gokujun-Perfect/dp/B00BQV0LT2

I'm looking for a cream/thick gel for night. Tried Rosette Ceramide Gel, but the macadamia nut oil broke me out...(any high oleic oil does) Currently using Nivea Creme but HATE the thickness, and just seems too hardcore for my needs. Would like to try the Meishoku Ceracolla Perfect Gel, but I'd go crazy waiting a month for it.

Any input would be awesome!

Or alternative suggestions would be super lovely! (HAS to be free of fatty alcohols though -_- )

If you have oily skin, the Biore Milks are great.

Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen would work well for oily or dry skin types.

Nivea Super Water Gel is lovely too. This one is pretty hydrating.

Issue: acne and scaring along the jawline + top left/right of forehead. blackheads in pores on forehead.

Skin type: balanced/combination, pretty large pores on forehead and nose

Current routine: ~ 2 months however there are a few things I just added

Location: Vancouver BC Canada - amazon, big name super markets, are my go to.

This is my current routine.

Morning:

• Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
  

2. Thayers Witch Hazel Alow Vera Formula Rose Petal
   
3. premium nature vitamin C serum- absorbed for 1 min
   
4. clean&clear acne control moisturiser
   
5. Guerisson Horse oil delight cream - not sure what this is but I been told its a day cream
   
6. Neutrogena clear face sunscreen
   
   
   evening
   
   

• Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
  

2. Thayers Witch Hazel Alow Vera Formula Rose Petal
   
3. premium nature vitamin C serum - allowed to absorb for 1min
   
4. Oxy Deep Pore Acne Vanishing Treatment 5% BP - will replace this when I run out
   
5. Lanocreme bee venom face mask + Radha beauty miracle retinol moisturizer - just bought it this week- leave both on overnight and then wash off in morning
   
   Should I use the vitamen C serum twice a day?I'm looking for an AHA exofliant Canada <$30 any suggestions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

You cleanse first and then moisturize. You want a gentle cleanser, possibly from a brand considered safe: Cetaphil, Vanicream, Aveeno, CeraVe.

And a no-frill moisturizer, perhaps from one of the brands above (I'll add to the list The Ordinary Normal Moisturizing Factors, First Aid Beauty Face Moisturizer). I'd suggest Vanicream Lite Lotion, it's supposed to be light and I haven't seen too many people have bad things to say about it. People with oily skin also use aloe gels. There's Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel, or Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Gel.

And if you care about anti-aging in the long run, add a sunscreen step for the AM. I suggest Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence or Suncover SPF 30 if you can get it (they don't ship to the Americas atm). If you have oily skin and find the sunscreen on top of the moisturizer makes you too oily or you like to save time, you can even skip the moisturizer in the morning, just wash and put sunscreen on your face if that works for you. And moisturize in the evening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love my Biore Aqua Watery Essence sunscreen. I've tried so many sunscreens, and this one is truly the best (no white cast, spreads so smoothly, dries matte). I also love Mizon AHA & BHA toner... it doesn't irritate my skin at all. Finally, my favorite moisturizer is Cosrx rice overnight mask because it doesn't break me out.

I have the exact same problem. I’ve been lurking r/skincareaddiction for years and war fairly overwhelmed by the mountains of products to try on a limited budget and sensitive skin. The few products that I tried were expensive and gave me allergic reactions. I started following r/asianbeauty, and I’ve had a but more luck. im only about a week into my new regimen, but i picked up Hadalabo moisturizing toner and COSRX snail cream that have seemed to help a lot.

Basically, i wash my face at night with my usual gentle wash, apply toner, let dry, apply snail cream, let dry, then apply regular moisturizer.

The last couple of days, ive had some flakes coming back, so tonight i put paulas choice AHA (exfoliating acid) on top of everything.

In the morning, I’ll either splash my face with water, or use micellar water and nothing else. Maybe a touch of my moisturizer with spf if i need it. i know i should use the spf every morning but im still figuring things out so im taking it slow.

I dont think im quite ready for foundation, but my face feels so much better so far. hope this helps!

note: on mobile and phone stopped autocorrecting so sorry for mistakes. amazon links below

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LEJ5MSK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GX619Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

TONYMOLY I'm Real Avocado... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HN8P3JU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share — i didnt mention this but i really love this korean sheet mask

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'll have to double-check once I'm at home. I just grabbed what was available at my local TJ Maxx. There are lots of options available online, though. If you have access to purchase through Amazon, Radha Beauty is one of the best sellers. iHerb also looks like it has plenty of good choices. Good luck! :)

Prepare her with all the hydrating products you possibly can! Here are some I rely on to get through the day:

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment. If her nose gets dry and begins bleeding through the night (happened to me 2 months in) put a little bit in the nostrils before bed. I use this for my lips because they will get progressively more dry and cracked throughout the course.
  
• CeraVe products work well for me (facial cleanser, moisturizer, and night cream)
  
• Eye drops. I had severe dry eye that caused blurry vision 1 month in. I was told to stop wearing my contacts and use non-preservative eyedrops (artificial tears)
  
• For help with clearing up the scarring/redness, I would suggest using Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil, which can be found on Amazon. This is the one I use. The Ordinary is also a good brand -- they have Rosehip Oil, as well as a Hyaluronic Acid which is GREAT for keeping the skin hydrated.
  
• If she's going to wear makeup, using hydrating products is a must! I posted a comment on this thread with more info
  
  I hope this helps!
  
  Also, at one point I was drinking two gallons of water per day lol

Does anyone have any advice for repairing my moisture barrier? I went several years washing my face with a soap bar once a day and doing nothing else. My routine right now is AM: cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, PC 2% BHA liquid, cetaphil daily facial moisturizer with spf 15
PM: cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, radha beauty retinol moisturizer http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015ORL3B8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00
I usually have to use 2-3 pumps of the cetaphil for my face to feel moisturized throughout the day. I try to be conservative and use only one pump, but my skin feels tight within a few hours. The issue is that using enough for my face to feel moisturized means using enough for my face to feel oily and sticky. The texture of my skin is nice after only one pump but it still feels tight if I move my cheek muscles; in order for it not to feel tight I end up making it sticky. If I let my skin dry completely after cleansing and look at it 10-15 minutes later, it's tight and mildly flaky (more powdery than flaky). It's also flaky when I wake up in the morning, especially on my cheeks. I'd say I have combination skin, but it's more like normal/dry instead of oily/normal.

Basically, I'm just really tired of feeling like i have to drown my face for it to feel hydrated. At the very least, can anyone recommend me a moisturizer that's more humectant and maybe mildy emollient than anything so that my face feels moisturized without feeling sticky? I'm just super tired feeling like I know so much about skin/skincare but not being able to translate it into good skin for myself. :( I even use PC's moisturizing MASK as an overnight treatment sometimes and still wake up with dry skin on my cheeks, it's just ridiculous to me you know?

note: i've gone periods of several days without doing anything to my face and it's still pretty dry and flaky in the aforementioned areas after not washing or anything for days

i'm trying to fix my red, iritated skin. no acne just sun-damaged dry aging skin. Here are the three I'm debating about now --- would love to hear any advice or criticism. Thanks :) Here are the three I'm debating about now --- would love to hear any advice or criticism. Thanks :)

1. Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil 4 oz - 100% Pure Cold Pressed Certified Organic https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNOV8JO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2GFWEEOABZ6DB&psc=1
   
   
   
2. Anti Redness + Rosacea Balm by arganorganics https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JZPSDZE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A25ZZDS3PKUB6W&psc=1
   -ingredients for this one: sunflower oil maceration of nettle, calendula, chamomile, cardiospermum halicacabum, comfrey leaves, chickweed, rosehip oil, argan oil, hemp oil, beeswax, pomegranate CO2 extract, blackseed CO2 extract, borage CO2 extract, licorice root CO2 extract, sea buckthorn CO2 extract, vitamin E, chamomile and lavender essential oils.
   
   
3. Triderma Facial Redness Repair, 3.3 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BHZQ8PI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A1S6VZ8ADM321W&psc=1
   -ingredients: aloe barbadensis (aloe) leaf juice, dimethyl sulfone, arnica montana (flower) extract, isopropyl palmitate, caprylic/capric triglycerides, cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, beeswax, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), c12-c15 alkyl benzoate, allantoin, behentrimonium chloride, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, hydroxethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin
   
   
   This 3rd one I'm weary of because of the alchol and all the artificial stuff. So I guess I'm leaning towards the first two. I'm very tempted to go with a product that's just 100% rosehip oil without any filler. However, the 2nd item listed has so many good ingredients like chamole, rosehip oil, licorce, beeswax
   
   
   

Have it and love it! Would recommend getting Benton Snail Bee Steam Cream if you like that kind of product (snail extract). It's calming & gets rid of redness/CCs like the Mizon Recovery Cream Gel. I use them both and my skin is extra happy this winter.

The only issue with using the retinoid + benzoyl combo is dryness. I think there is some research showing that benzoyl peroxide reduces the effectiveness of retinoids but that is only if they are applied at the same time. So by using the wash off version of benzoyl peroxide you eliminate the possibility of them coming into contact with each other, does that make sense? I think using the retinoid 3x a week is enough.

Using these two products has caused some dryness issues for me but I much prefer that to acne. I have a pretty intense moisturizing routine that I built thanks to r/asianbeauty but the two things that I absolutely can't do without are Benton Steam Cream and Aquaphor. I apply the Benton lotion morning and night and add the Aquaphor only at night.

ETA yes you can absolutely try this out for a month or two and then reassess your progress. Getting my acne under control has been about a two year process but it has been so worth it!

A lot of people really like the Hadalabo one:

http://www.skinandtonics.com/rohto-hada-labo-uv-creamy-gel-spf-50pa-review/

Or sun bears:

http://www.ratzillacosme.com/sun/menturm-sun-bears-strong-super-plus/

I've had pretty good luck with a Nivea one:

http://www.amazon.com/NIVEA-Sun-Super-Water-Gel/dp/B00BALO6X0

And Shiseido hada senka gel:

http://www.makeupalley.com/product/x_showreview.asp?ItemId=145064&Senka-Mineral-UV-Gel-SPF50-PA+++&Shiseido-&Sunscreen

Good luck!

I have dry skin. I personally like Embryolisse a lot but I've heard good things about these as well:

• Etude House SoonJung cream
  
  
• Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
  
  
• Klairs Rich Soothing Cream
  
  
• Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream
  
  
• KICHO Sheep Oil Cream
  
  
• COSRX Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream

Since you are a fan is Cosrx, have you looked into [Cosrx] Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion . I don't have the same skin type and it wasn't enough for me, but friends with oily skin have reported success. Light texture would be great for daily use but not sure how it would hold up with the tret, etc.

1. I have to mention 2! I use Urban Decay Shadow every fucking day, no joke. So the Naked2 is close to my heart, though I usually only use Half Baked from the palette, with my look I also use Eldorado, and Polyester Bride. I am not linking this one from Amazon because it will 100% be fake. The one I will link is Skin79 Hot Pink BB Cream I am extremely fair, with freckles and I have sensitive skin. This BB cream evens out my skin tone, and matches it perfectly. It's not heavy, and looks nice and natural. My favorite! Here's a photo of me holding my babies <3
   
   
2. Terek Noir, duh! No doubt. Obviously I love black nail polish, proof is in my picture!
   
   
3. Finish College!
   
   
4. Poppin bottles

Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyun Perfect Gel. I am pretty fickle with my routine, but I always have a jar of this around. I'm not prone to breakouts so I can't weigh in on that front. I can tell you that I prefer it to even some of my Corsx for when I really need a moisture fix and don't have time to layer. I can use it alone, all day, and I know I wont feel tight or dry. I love layering it right before a sleeping mask. To be honest, it could work as a sleeping mask on it's own as it's about the same texture as most AB sleeping masks. It's thick without being greasy. It is gelatinous in texture and jiggles in the jar but it smooths over the skin quite easily.


Ingredient list (good stuff bolded and links to what they do just as a reminder):

Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Agar, Arginine, Dextrin, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Succinate, Glucosyl Ceramide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid, Triethyl Citrate

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

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

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

This is the vitamin C serum I bought https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SFNCSWC/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but I may switch to this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GUCJBAQ/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I23J4SXPPN4TW3&colid=3LKTHCTKV5JJX because I read that the ones with L ascorbic acid is better.

For the retinol creme I just use this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015ORL3B8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I did research and basically you just need Vitamin C serum, retinol/retina, a moisturizer and sunblock for skin care as they're the only one's that have been scientifically proven while everything else might as well be snake oil.


You can also go to your doctor and tell them about the black head problem you have and ask to be prescribed Retina which is stronger than Retinol. Just say how you used to use it for your acne back in highschool and that's the only thing that got rid of your blackheads but stopped doing it after getting put on Accutane for your cystic acne but now need it again. I did that two weeks ago and they gave it without making me see a dermatologist, just have to make it sound like you know what you're doing.

I'm only using the Retina three times a week though at night as it can dry out your skin a lot. Everything else I use in the morning.

Hello folks! I was hoping for some help on my routine. My skin is okay, but I struggle with hormonal acne, am 28 years old, and generally feel greasy at the end of the day. I don't wear makeup because it makes my acne worse, so I don't have to worry about that. I have combination skin (chin and jawline dry, oily everywhere else).

​

Morning:

Cleanser: Trader Joe's All-In-One

Toner: Witch Hazel

Serum: Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin

Vitamin C Serum

Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free

Sunscreen: Neutrogena Clear Face

​

Evening:

Cleanser: Trader Joe's All-In-One

Mask (2x per week): Aztec Secret (used with ACV)

Toner: Witch Hazel

Serum: Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin

Retinal: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

Sheet mask (2x week when I use a mask): Whatever is hydrating at CVS

Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free

​

I have done my absolute best to try to figure out if this is an okay group of products, but skincare is as incomprehensible as finances to me so some help would be appreciated!

I think if you want to treat both dehydration and skin tone most effectively, you're better off going with 2 products rather than 1. The best ingredients for fading hyperpigmentation (actives like retinoids and chemical exfoliators or serums) do nothing for hydration and can't be formulated with moisturizers.

My favorite heavy-duty moisturizer is the Cosrx Rice Mask. It keeps me extra hydrated, but it still applies super light. Because it's so good, I rarely apply it more than 2 days in a row.

I think with more info I could give a more specific recommendation. Do you have ingredients you'd like to avoid or include, your current routine, etc.?

After researching a bit online I decided to start using a retinol cream. I'm 25, so I don't have any wrinkles yet, but I still get some acne and I have heard retinol creams can be good for that.

I use a plain untreated konjac sponge with a foaming cleanser from Beyond (a Korean brand) and an oil cleanser (also from Beyond) to wash my face twice a day. During the day I use Beyond Aqua BB Cream with SPF 30 (this is one of the only Korean brands that I have found to be cruelty free, so I use a lot of their stuff, haha.) Most of my other makeup is Kat Von D and Physicians Formula from the US if that makes a difference. I use mud masks and sheet masks off and on.

I have been using this retinol cream from Lilyana Naturals on my face and it tingled the first few times I used it, but I haven't encountered any peeling issues and after using it for 9 weeks, and my face looks really nice. Some of my acne seems to be clearing up and when I wake up my skin is firm and smooth, not oily. Since I have had such good luck with the first cream, I decided that maybe I needed a dedicated eye cream, so I randomly picked this one up at a department store. The first time I used it IT BURNED. It wasn't just a tingle, it really felt unpleasant. I washed it off and put a cloth under eye treatment on that I had lying around to soothe my skin.

Now, you guys might think this is stupid, but about a week later I decided to try using it a few more times since I have heard retinol creams can burn and I don't really like throwing away products. In the morning after using it, the circles under my eyes are nice, not red, very smooth. It still hurts when I apply it, so I'm wondering if this is supposed to happen. I have used the other cream in the same under eye area without any burning. It seems obvious that I should stop using the under eye cream and just use the original Lilyana Retinol cream that I purchased from Amazon all over my face, but I still want to know if the burning is normal. It doesn't seem like I am allergic since I haven't encountered any redness or bumps from the cream. I just don't know if it's one of those magical things like glycolic masks or garlic masks that are kind of supposed to sting, or if something very bad is happening that warrants throwing the bottle out.

Anyway, I hope this question isn't too stupid. Thank you in advance to anyone who can answer, and I hope I gave enough information.

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

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

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

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

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

Low pH Cleanser: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Moisturizer: COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion


Ance/BHA: Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid 100 Ml

Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich

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

Hi All,

I have tons of products but I'm not sure if I'm using them correctly, in the right order, or using too many at one time. Also, some are not AB. Just waiting for them to run out. Also, I have the Mizon 8% AHA and Paula's Choice BHA. When should I be using these in my routine? How often? Please give me your opinions! I have dehydrated skin.

AM

• First Aid Beauty Cleaner
  
  
• Kiehls Ultra Toner
  
  
• Hada Labo Lotion Moist
  
  
• Corsx Rice Mask as Moisturizer This acts as a standard moisturizer for me.
  
  PM
  
  
• KOSE Softy Mo Facial Cleansing Oil
  
  
• First Aid Beauty Cleaner
  
  
• Kiehls Ultra Toner
  
  
• MIZON Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule
  
  
• Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence
  
  
• MIZON Collagen Power Lifting Emulsion
  
  
• Paula's Choice SKIN RECOVERY Replenishing Moisturizer Cream
  
  
  

Ditto to the dermatitis

BUT

One product I don't see getting much love is Eucirin redness relief

I have redness across my cheeks and nose and this has been helpful. Not to mention it's very hydrating :)

So I use this sunscreen that's specifically for use on the face and works well with acne. Feels just like a lotion. It feels a touch funky as it's drying, but I think that might be because of my exfoliate lol. It's perfect after it dries, though. I don't even remember I'm wearing it.
Edit: Yes, it's Neutrogena. No, it's better than the one you posted. My mom uses that Ultra-Sheer-Dry-Touch stuff but I'm not a fan

I feel your pain, OP; my story is very similar and I've been fighting off eczema on my face and body for a year now after thinking I was eczema-free once I reached adulthood. Packing on the ceramides and sticking with simpler products (which works great if you're a "cheapo" with product choices anyway) helped considerably in my case. Full disclaimer, I also did check in with a dermatologist and got some steroids and Elidel for the really bad rashes. But these products have been great for keeping me moisturized:

Face: Hada Labo Gokujun Perfect Gel

Body: CeraVe in the tub, also works fine for your face if you're not sensitive to it and want to save some money

Hope you feel better!

Hope people see this, I need help...

• Issue: Is my routine OK? Am I making any mistakes?
  
• Skin Type: Blemish Prone
  
• How long: 1 year
  
• Location: NY, USA
  
• Current Routine:
  
  Morning:
  
  
• Warm/Cool Water Wash
  
• Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum 20% with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E 5-6 drops. Let dry.
  
• Combined Cetaphil Face Moisturizing Lotion & Radha Rosehip Oil 3-4 Drops.
  
  
• EltaMD SPF 46
  
  Evening:
  
  
• Warm/Cool Water Wash
  
• Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum 20% with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E 5-6 drops. Let dry.
  
• Combined Cetaphil Face Moisturizing Lotion & Radha Rosehip Oil 6-10 Drops.
  
• Aquaphor Ointment (Slug style)
  
  Occasionally Used:
  
  
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (every other evening)
  
• Cinnamon Powder (as an exfoliate, used same days as cetaphil soap).
  
• Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Toner (every other evening).
  
• Queen Helene Masque Mint Julep (once a week).
  
  I want to add the following products:
  
  
• [MIZON] Multi Function Formula Snail 80 Intensive Repairing Serum
  
• [MIZON] Good Night White Sleeping Mask
  
  Any suggestions on how/when?

Sooooo... wow, I can't believe it's been like a month since I started this stuff. I patch tested on my neck for two weeks, and have been applying to my face for two weeks.

Overall, the MIZON Snail Recovery Gel Cream is... just okay. It doesn't feel very moisturizing (and I would call my skin normal/oily), and a few times it's felt itchy and like it made my skin tight - uncomfortably tight. Like when I smiled, it looked like I had extra tiny wrinkles on the plump sections of my cheeks that definitely shouldn't be wrinkling. Kind of like the tightness/dryness you might get after using Stridex (red box) pads.

And it seems I'm getting a couple tiny pimples here and there from it, no crazy breakouts, but still something more than before.

So, overall I'm not impressed. Sad, because I wanted this to work!

I'm not really willing to go the asianbeauty route of having 4-5 essence/serums/moisturizers to have enough on my face to moisturize it thoroughly, especially since trying out only one product takes so long. I'm already applying my Rx Finacea and waiting for 20-30 minutes, and then applying the MIZON. I don't have enough time for additional products in my regimen right now.

I'll probably go another 4 weeks just to make sure. I'm on 1 of 2 - 1.5 oz tubes I got from Amazon, so gotta figure out what to do with it after!

Edit: Okay, after a little poking around (after I remembered hearing about a DIFFERENT AB product that was supposedly moisturizing), I am tempted to continue to try the Snail Gel in the am, with my Cerave PM in the evening, and possibly try out this Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask since it was recommended so highly on this blog post as a day/night moisturizer.

Everything I'm recommending can be bought on Amazon fairly cheaply:

1st Cleanser (PM only to get rid of sunscreen or makeup): The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Rich Oil Dry Skin

2nd Cleanser: Cerave hydrating Cleanser

Hydrating Toner: [Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner] (https://www.amazon.com/Preparation-Alcohol-Paraben-Cruelty-Eco-friendly/dp/B00PGOFYG0) or
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist

Medium Moisturizer: Cerve PM Moisturizing Lotion

Heavy Moisturizer: Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

Sleeping Pack: Cosrx Ultimate Rice Overnight Mask

Sheet Mask: Benton Snail Bee High Content Sheet Mask, illi masks, MBD masks (these might be out of your price range as they are between $1-3 per use).

Sunscreen: [Biore Kids Sunscreen] (https://www.amazon.com/Japan-Health-Personal-Care-carefree/dp/B019IDQ57G)

Lips: Lanolin

Makeup
BB: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream #13 (RP), Mizon Snail Repair Blemish Balm
Cushion: Innisfree
Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

I have very fair skin and I really love Missha's perfect cover BB cream in 21, bright beige. In a drugstore foundation, I wear the lightest shade in Revlon Colorstay. If you think that might be too dark, you can get the same BB cream in a lighter color, 13.

It doesn't make my skin oily, but I like to apply Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in translucent over it, to get a nice matte finish.

If your skin hasn't responded to antibiotics, it's possible you're dealing with Malassezia Folliculitis (fungal "acne"). This guide https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure/ helped me clear my skin in about two months after spending five years dealing with pimples that wouldn't respond to typical acne treatments.

Of course, YMMV, but my current routine is nothing in the AM, PM shower using Head and Shoulders on hair/body (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MXLFQGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), Pantene on hair (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTNOJ2Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and sulfur soap on my face (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CST4AS4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Right after shower, I slap on some aloe vera gel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRAFRQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) followed by MSM gel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O379PC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and then Cerave Baby Cream (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WH31P7A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1). Twice a week I put Nizoral (https://www.amazon.com/Nizoral-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-Ketoconazole-Dandruff/dp/B00AINMFAC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=nizoral&qid=1566134798&s=gateway&sr=8-3) on my face and let it sit for 3-5 minutes and then wash it off. I've run this full routine by a licensed dermatologist who told me the sulfur and Nizoral would do the heavy lifting to keep the Malassezia at bay, and as far as I can tell those two items are the keystones of this routine. Everything else I use because the sulfur and Nizoral can be very drying. All of those products I pulled from that skincare blog, so I would read through it and see if the skin condition addressed there matches what you're experiencing.

Good luck. This is the routine that made my skin do a complete 180 in February after I saw no improvement from derm prescribed antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide.

My moisturizer has SPF 20, but I heard that's not enough? I'll look into buying one once I can save up the cash. A

lso I have Vanicream's gentle cleanser, but it made my face slightly burn after using it which I'm guessing is because of the medication, so I decided to stick with just washing with water. Maybe I should try adding it back in?

As for the moisturizer I'm using this one, https://www.amazon.com/Jack-Black-Double-Duty-Face-Moisturizer/dp/B000HP9M3E. I tried a few others such as Cerave PM, but that gave me some CC's so I was hesitant to use it again. But I was also using a few other products at the time so maybe that was why?

Thank you for all the advice by the way!

I recently got Jack Black Facial Moisturizer as a gift and it's really nice. I have minor acne and have not noticed any increase at all.

http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Black-Double-Duty-Face-Moisturizer/dp/B000HP9M3E/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1458072148&sr=8-2&keywords=jack+black.

They also make an awesome shaving product called "Beard Lube." I trim my beard and shave my neck line, so I really don't need much shaving cream. Beard Lube is clear and can be applied straight from the bottle. Makes shaving my neckline a bit easier/faster.

Olay Renewal Cleanser.

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

Possible moisturizers I might buy:

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

I was about to recommend Clinique Dramatically Different Gel when I saw the title.
You can stop by Clinique counter at any major mall and ask for a sample, I think they'll be more than happy to give you. I asked for a sample before I bought the whole bottle, which btw lasts for a reaaaally long time. I got mine August last year and I still have 1/3 of the bottle left.
Anyways, your best bet would be gel moisturizers since they absorb better and tend to less greasy. A couple recommendations I have in mind:

• Mizon Snail Gel Cream - it says "cream" but it's actually clear gel.
  
• Mizon Water Cream - personally I don't use this one, but I received a sample and it's a lot like the Clinique Gel.
  
• Benton Aloe gel - it's not thick, just a bit sticky, but it's not that visible.
  I don't know if you're familiar with sleeping pack (like this one) or not. If you're not, you should give it a try. One perk of it is that you only need to use it once at night (before you go to bed and leave it on all night) and it's supposed to moisture your skin for the following day.

I think I'm going to go with the Sebamed Fragrance Free Gentle Face and Body Hydrating Cleanser from the rec sheet and a konjac sponge. This came up in my recommendations:
Retinol Cream Moisturizer
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ES349CY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3AIHG9BVO4YOP

If I decide to step up to that, is a combo cream like this a good idea? They seem to have a vitamin C version too lots of reviewers use along with it. Basically I'm trying to find ways to combine steps so I'm not using a gajillion products lol

I think you could use the blending cream as a night mask! I've used night creams as a mask before too, although I will say it's not as effective as an actual sleeping mask.

I recommend the Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask. It's super hydrating and brightening (although you have to use it quite a bit to see results!) I really like it!

Eucerin Redness Relief Night Cream. I love this stuff. I have redness in my t-zone and I think this helps it.

Edit: if your rosacea is very severe, however, I'm not sure how much this will help. There are some encouraging before and after pictures online, but ymmv. Good luck!

Pretty sure vaseline just holds moisture in, so if your skin is already dry it won't do you any good.

Something like this Neutrogena Hydrating Gel or just some cleanser labeled as hydrating if you're using one can help.

I've decided to get more serious in trying to combat by PIH and need some help in formulating a new skincare routine. I usually do my routine every 2 days after I shower and am treating PIH primarily on my chest, back and shoulders. Whatever I plan on using on my face I was also planning on using there too.

My main problem is trying to figure out when to apply a Brooklyn Botany Vitiman C Serum, TO Niacinamide, and Rosehip Oil. My theorized routine is as follows:

-----

CeraVe SA Body Wash

Eucerin In-Shower Body Lotion

Alpha Skin Care Body Lotion, 12% Glycolic AHA

To Ordinary Arbutin

CeraVa Moisturizing Cream (for face, back, shoulder and chest)

Some other generic lotion for everywhere else

Sunscreen

-----

Where should I fit the Serum, Niacinamide and Rosehip Oil, and why? I've been reading that the Serum could come after AHA, but it interferes with Niacinamide, which I have no idea where that would go and why it interferes. I also read that the Rosehip Oil can be mixed with my Moisturizing Cream; just add a few drops.

edit and addition - My current routine is a simple body wash, Alpha Skin Care AHA 10% and some Hydroquinone cream (both on face, shoulder, back and chest), Moisturize then Aloe Vera. My skin type is also pretty normal, it didn't break out or anything when I first ever introduced the AHA, and with age my skin has seemed to become stable; I don't break out very often anymore, just recovering.

Google, my friend. I myself wash my face with a very gentle squalane gel-to-milk cleanser that is absolutely perfect for me. And I’ve researched the living shit out of the internet which products may work for my skin. Start with just three things: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Do that for a couple of weeks and then add in serums that contains ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, cholesterol etc that really build up your skin barrier. I’ll give you my routine as an example:

1. Squalan cleansing gel
   
2. CosRx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
   
3. CosRx Hyaluronic acid hydra power essense > apply to damp skin
   
4. CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin power essence
   
5. Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel > high dosage of aloe Vera which is really great for irritated skin
   
6. Eucerin Dry Skin Relief Face Cream 5% Urea > urea makes your skin hold moisture a lot better and the day cream also mildly exfoliates
   
7. CeraVe moisturizing cream - normal to dry skin > very good for barrier repair, contains ceramides, Hyaluronic acid and cholesterol. Make sure you have the normal to dry skin version. In the EU they have a different formula and is called dry to very dry.
   
8. CeraVe AM sunscreen for daytime
   
9. Squalane oil in the evening = unicorn tears <3
   
   As you see I do not have any acids in my routine because even AHA gives me veeeery painful and irritated skin.
   
   EDIT: snail mucin really helped my skin a lot, give it a try! AND do not take hot showers and keep your face damp when you come out of the shower.
   
   EDIT 2: buy a humidifier :) low humidity absolutely dries the living shit out of my face

Otherwise I use HydroPeptide Purifying Cleanser, Anti wrinkle + clarify link here as my my go to cleanser. It's spendy but it goes a long way and really does do what it claims. I've been on the same bottle for last nine months and probably have another three months in it.

If you are still worried about wrinkles you can try a retinol like Radha Beauty Retinol Moisturizer Cream for Face and Eye Area 1.7 Oz - With Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin e and Green Tea. Night and Day Moisturizing Cream link here

This will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Source: 24-year-old skinned woman who grew up in the frigid north. Dry t-zone with acne prone chin and cheeks along with rosacea. Hormonal acne on forehead.

Also the woman with the fewest wrinkles compared to the peers I grew up with :).

Oil cleanser --> Foaming cleanser --> hydrating toner in the moist or light version --> emulsion --> cream

The Gokujyun range gets translated in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways, so it can get a little confusing. The name 'Gokujyun' simply means 'super hydrating', all of the products contain hyaluronic acid, and the range consists of the clear, hydrating 'lotion' (what is known in Western countries as a 'toner'), an emulsion/milk, which looks and feels like a thin Western moisturizer (it's white, and comes in a smaller bottle than the lotion) and then the gel-cream hybrid 'cream'.

Edited to add: you don't have to use every step from the range. You can use them in conjunction with products from other brands/ranges.

I've recently switched to all natural skin care. I've used La Mer at $250 per pot and I find the stuff I use now to be just as good and with fewer breakouts and irritation. Here's the moisturizer and retinol I use it that doesn't break the bank and is cruelty-free:

Retinol | Moisturizer.

Here's photo of my skin after using it for a couple weeks

Good luck!

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


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

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

Be advised though, shipping takes about a month. That's why as soon as I got it and decided I loved it, I immediately bought another one. There might be options for quicker shipping, but I'm cheap and go out of my way to buy only free shipping items, haha. Here is the link to the one I bought. I think they have a lighter shade than this even, though.

> Is some stubble better, of should I shave it right off?

Go smooth. Look tidier. And again, moisturize! At your age, you might as well moisturize everything from the neck on up. It'll keep your skin looking fresh and feeling good. My lawfully wedded chrome-dome recommends this product: Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Water Gel

Thank you! If I add on another toner/essence/emulsion, does that come after my first toner after washing my face? I.e. foam cleanse, toner, the green tea/tea tree thing, then moisturizer? I found these two links but the Green Tea one is in the USA Amazon page, and the Tea Tree is this other brand (not It's Skin). I haven't explored much of Vancouver yet but will be going back this winter break so maybe I can spend a day going around different stores, as for Calgary we literally have two The Face Shops in town like 30 minutes away from each other, and then maybe something in Chinatown haha.

https://www.amazon.ca/LJH-TeaTree-90-Essence-Cosmetics/dp/B00Q9N2YI8

https://www.amazon.com/Its-Skin-Green-Watery-Toner/dp/B01FF0HIU4

Edit: also found this thread :O https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/7vqw46/discussion_for_those_in_canada_what_sites_do_you/

I really like this stuff. I'm pretty darn oily, especially in my t-zone, and also fair as fuck, so it's been a lifelong struggle to find something to wear everyday with spf that won't make me look like an oil slick. For years I've been trying different face moisturizers that have spf added, with 45 being the highest I've ever been able to find. And they'd usually still make me greasy looking, although not as bad as regular sunscreen. But this stuff actually dries really smoothly, my skin feels better after using it. Doesn't leave me greasy. I just put it on a little while after my regular (non-spf) moisturizer. Let it dry, then apply makeup if I'm wearing it. Haven't had any issues with breakouts, although ymmv, but it's ~$10 pretty much everywhere (Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS). Worth a try.

I'm so sorry to hear of your disappointing experience! I got my bottle (https://www.amazon.com/Rosehip-Oil-Pressed-Certified-Organic/dp/B00LNOV8JO/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481085630&sr=8-3&keywords=rosehip+seed+oil) in may and still have about half left. It doesn't smell at all - I don't think, at least? I'm sitting here trying to recall if it smelled this morning, haha. I'm sure that it has a scent but nothing memorable. This stuff is an orangey color. I also use it to remove my makeup. I used belief before I tried this oil and I don't plan on going back anytime soon.

Looks like my stuff is currently on sale! I paid full price. That's a great deal.

Yes, it's just translation. It's the same. There are different versions. The light version has more greet here. Not to mention an anti aging (red) and brightening (blue) and a new Premium (gold) which is super moist.

For really dry face skin, I would use the following:

1. Rosehip oil (5 drops)
   
   
2. Belif moisturizing bomb moisturizer
   
   
3. Laneige water sleeping mask at night
   
   Those are a few of my tried-and-true products, but your mileage may vary. Hop on over to /r/Skincare_Addiction and find out what would suit your skin best! Everyone has different skincare needs, and that sub has a treasure trove of knowledge.

As someone with incredibly oily skin, I can't recommend Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel (NOT the gel cream, unless you have dry skin) enough. It's the best moisturizer I've found that doesn't make my skin more oily, or make me break out. My skin loves it.

My favorite for redness is my Vit C and Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

I also just started using LJH Tea Tree Essence and it seems to help as well :)

Edit: I found this thread with lots of other rec's for redness.

Which Shiseido sunscreen? You can try using a gel sunscreen that is meant for daily wear when you're hardly outside if you feel that your Shiseido one is too intense. Gel sunscreens are very lightweight, feel like moisturizer, and don't leave that gross sunscreen feeling on your skin. I use Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel. It's only PA+++ so I use a much stronger one if I'll actually be spending time outdoors. I plan on switching to a PA++++ gel sunscreen after I run out of the Nivea one.

Yes, it's the carrier. I use this rosehip oil, and this neem oil. You can use any carrier of your choosing, I prefer rosehip because it's great for oily skin, and it also helps with acne scarring and evening out skin tone.

Has anyone used Radha Rosehip Seed Oil? I'm trying to choose a substitute from the list of TO dupes that is affordable / bulk / not fake / ships free with Amazon Prime. Price seems a little bit too good to be true, so just wanted to get a few opinions first! :)

Yeah I do wish mine came in a larger pack. I would say make the switch because of "cruelty free" but I actually learned Simple brand is not, which was a surprise to me! They don't use animal products, but they still some-what test on them. :/ I am definitely going to check out the Lily cream because that sounds great!! Is this the one you use:

https://smile.amazon.com/LilyAna-Naturals-Retinol-Cream-Moisturizer/dp/B01ES349CY/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519569223&sr=8-3&keywords=lilyana+retinol+cream&dpID=61YjWV9fWhL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I should preface this, I mostly go for Asian Beauty products...

AM:
Water
Gigi Bioplasma Azelaic 15% **added this in after ~1mo
Wait 15 min
Benton Propolis Gel
Hada Labo Premium HA Lotion and I'd mist water all over my face - makes it REALLY hydrate my skin.
Biore Brightmilk SPF

PM:
Vanicream Cleanser
Just started adding in Glycolic Acid here intermittently to shrink SF's, will report back after I have results
wait 20 mins
Tret Gel 0.05%
try to wait 15 mins, but, ya know...
Hada Labo Premium HA Lotion and I'd mist water all over my face
Hada Labo Plumping Gel Cream - again mist water all over face

NIVEA Sun Super Water Gel 80g - SPF50 PA+++

It is made in Japan. The NIVEA in the US doesn't make it.

This is what I use it is great! It doesn't leave a white cast and is very light. It doesn't peel up into little balls over moisturizers either. I have a store around where I live that sells it, but looks like they also sell it on Amazon for fairly cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/NIVEA-Sun-Super-Water-Gel/dp/B00BALO6X0

I get red extremely easily and the LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence has been a lifesaver! I used it twice a day for a month straight and I became pale a ghost, so now I just use it in the mornings and maintain a very slight flush so I look more alive :P

I've recently been getting comments on my glowing skin. Folks assume it's because I'm pregnant, but I suspect it's really the skincare routine. I attribute the glowing to:

Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream - I apply this with my fingers, then dab and blend with a damp Real Techniques beauty sponge. It has really light coverage that makes my skin look naturally spot-free and a little dewy.

Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask - I just introduced this to my routine last week, and I'm hooked. I apply it at as a final step (over Benton Snailbee Essence and CeraVe PM Cream). It cools my skin and smells pleasant, and in the morning my face is so soft I can't stop touching it.

The Missha BB cream is the gold standard. I wouldn't recommend a cushion foundation because they tend to have low coverage and a pretty dewy finish.
The Missha is medium to full coverage, easy to blend, buildable and super soothing. I have adult acne and use it on days I don't want full glam because it evens out tone and has NEVER broken me out.
There's a limited shade selection and the shades are very light, I suggest looking up swatches. I wear #21 and I'm about NW20.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002B9DWBC/ref=sxts_bia_sr_1_a_it?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3182441022&pd_rd_wg=Z05Zd&pf_rd_r=PXJE3J8ZVAJEB39J3Q29&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B002B9DWBC&pd_rd_w=CMIKJ&pf_rd_i=missha+bb+cream&pd_rd_r=4YAX74V3QHH1594B4W70&ie=UTF8&qid=1506568252&sr=1

I too hated wearing sunscreen until I discovered this moisturizer from JackBlack with some kind of kelp-derived sunscreen agent instead of zinc, which will clog your pores and weigh down your skin. I use this stuff daily and it sinks into my skin no problem, like a nice lightweight moisturizer. It's called Jack Black Double Duty.

PS I'm here bc I saw you on r/gaybrosgonemild and you are a very beautiful man. I hope this comment is more useful than creepy 😅

Get a hyaluronic acid serum such as Neutrogena hydro boost. Hyaluronic is very hydrating.

You can use it on its own or together with a normal, mild moisturizer such as Aveeno, which is great.

To exfoliate, you can use an AHA (i.e., glycolic or lactic acid) or BHA (salicylic acid) exfoliant such as Paula's Choice 2% BHA. Urea 5% is also great and potentially less drying.

Here's where I bought it from:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQV0LT2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It lasts a pretty good while too :)

I feel like you and I have the same skin tone, and Missha perfect cover bb cream in color 21 works wonders for me. It's also spf 42 without any breakouts from my acne-prone skin.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002B9DWBC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453691699&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=missha+bb+cream+21&dpPl=1&dpID=411F-pzigBL&ref=plSrch

It's also only $10.50 lol

Is it the Honey Cermide Overnight Mask:
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Ultimate-Moisturizing-Honey-Overnight/dp/B018IX7N2S/ref=sr_1_sc_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1480863486&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=cosrxHoney+Ceramide

Or the Honey Cermide Full Moisture Cream:
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Honey-Ceramide-Moisture-Cream/dp/B00XY0ZWH4/ref=sr_1_sc_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1480863486&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=cosrxHoney+Ceramide

Which one do you recommend? Thanks :)

I would recommend exfoliating first. Maybe try a scrub with an oil base that will also moisturize. Look for lotions with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. I think Cerave makes a super heavy duty cream that you can use for your body.

You could also check in with r/AsianBeauty folks.

I would suggest something like this for your face:
Cosrx Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream 50ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XY0ZWH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eJOuyb8F1QC37

You could try the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in #13 in the lightest shade-- it's definitely got a pink undertone but it's very pale.

Another option is the Skin 79 Green BB-- I tried this one and found it too pale for me, but pretty neutral in tone!

Can probably find samples of each on eBay so you can try before buying the full size.

Hi everyone,

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

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

Questions

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

I used to be like this, but I slather Cerave on at night before bed so I just assumed it was a combo of super oily skin, and lotion. I started to use Retinol Cream and the very next day I woke up, and my skin was not oily, but seemed normal!

Try Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50, I highly recommend it!

https://www.amazon.com/NIVEA-Sun-Super-Water-Gel/dp/B00BALO6X0/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=Cj0KCQjwwIPrBRCJARIsAFlVT88Hy_wlVUOzDMzl8j9NxkCCS4iVMF8G_IfB0adW5Qank1ub6z4cv9QaApXUEALw_wcB&hvadid=177837705017&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1028224&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4580321803798228329&hvtargid=aud-646675774026%3Akwd-11271099813&hydadcr=27567_10142534&keywords=nivea+spf+50&qid=1566696661&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Try this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005OU4J6C/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=cm_sw_r_awd_uHiiub1ET0VRE

My holy grail of BB's. And I hope you'll join us over in /r/makeupaddiction :)

Located in CA, US. Oily skin, moderate acne issues. I've been lurking this sub for a few months and would love any tips on my routine. Sometimes I am not sure when to use each project / in what order! Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Morning:
Wash face with warm water
Wash with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin Purifying Foaming Gel Face Wash
Apply Stri-Dex Medicated Pads, Sensitive
Sometimes I apply Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30 but sometimes I forget (I know I know)

Evening:
Same routine, except once my face is dry and right before bed, I will apply Claire-ity Skincare 25% Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E to the areas on my face with acne scars. Mostly on my cheeks, a few on my forehead, and some on my chin.

Occasionally (weekly) before the evening routine, I'll use either of these masks. I like them both:


Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask

LUSH Mask of Magnaminty

A few notes:
I don't wear makeup and I will add extra sunscreen when I exercise, which is about 5 days a week. I mostly use something like this Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin for my face.

I started the minipill, progesterone-only, in February 2016. My doctor didn't say anything about skin side effects, and I'd struggled with mild acne my whole life, so when my skin started developing deep, painful minivolcanos, I thought I just hadn't been washing my face enough or something.

Not the case. I didn't figure out it was the pill's fault until April. I quit it, and saw a dermatologist after the first May picture. She prescribed me differin. You can see the godawful purge in July - which she did not warn me about, and it lasted 3-5 weeks.

Differin and moisturizer became my routine for months. I thought my hyperpigmentation would fade by this point, but it hasn't, so in early March I jumped onto the serious SCA routine ball.

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So far I've been using:

[Glycolic Acid Peel once every 1-3 weeks] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYMJG72/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) depending on how my skin handles it and how long I left it on

And my daily routine, typically done at night:

A few drops of Vitamin C serum

And then some of that trusty Differin right on the scarring

And then Retinol Moisturizer Cream.

I also use sunscreen regularly when I go outside. I work from home and live in a dark basement so I don't use it indoors.

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Thankfully I have minimal (though still some) textural scarring; my main problem is the discoloration.

I would love any suggestions about my routine or additional things I can do to help heal up those annoying spots. All I want is to get to a point where I can stop using foundation without people wondering if I have a skin condition.

And also - will the hyperpigmentation ever eventually fade on its own? How long do I have to wait? Or will this be with me for the rest of my life?

I think Jack Black Moisturizer is the best, it also has spf in it. http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Black-Double-Duty-Moisturizer/dp/B000HP9M3E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311441604&sr=8-1

If you want to go no spf then the "Yes to (carrots, tomatoes, etc.)" brand is not bad either.

Hey, i have a pretty bad case of blackheads on my nose, and often get outbreaks on my chin. I recently started using paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid once everyday on both my nose and my chin.

After 4 days my nose got pretty shiny. Thinking i had over exfoliated. I waited for a couple of weeks and tried again, applying it once every few days, but the shine came back very quickly.

I found it a bit strange that the shine came back the second time as i had only used the BHA liquid a few times.

The only other product i use is jack black double-duty moisturizer: https://www.amazon.com/JACK-BLACK-Broad-Spectrum-Antioxidants-Cruelty-free/dp/B000HP9M3E/ref=sr_1_3?crid=LPX2CBL79KUJ&keywords=jack+black+face+moisturizer&qid=1554314924&s=gateway&sprefix=jack+black+%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-3

I was wondering if maybe the combination of products is what makes my nose shine? I was also wondering whether there is a good alternative to paula's choice i should use?

International brands...that can only sell their more effective advanced products in other countries, because of these ridiculously outdated sunscreen rules. The Biore Watery Essence is a top seller in Asia, and is manufactured by Biore Japan. The Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel is another example. You can see it's a very different product than what they sell here.

Are you exfoliating around your nose and eyebrows?? That area is easy to miss. If you are, it might help to try a creamier moisturizer (even if only at night). I personally find that mineral foundation can amplify flakiness in skin. Around the nose is a problem area for me, as well.

Missha M is a savior for me. It keeps skin moist without looking oily. It has moderate coverage that you can sheer out. Unless you have active acne, you really won't need too much coverage around the eyebrow area.

I put Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil ($14.95) on any stretchmarks or scars -- basically slathering most of my torso with the oil. It doesn't smell at all and absorbs into my skin all night under a loose cotton nightgown. I haven't gotten it on my sheets yet, so not sure if it will stain linens.

I also use Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion for Dry Skin ($7.74) on my forearms, elbows (I have a patch of psoriasis on my left elbow and this is the first lotion that has felt like it's actually helping) and on my feet. (After every shower I use Queen Helene Cocoa Butter [$4.19] as well, btw.)

I haven't really had a chance to test it in summer weather yet but I like this stuff. Its not stupidly thick and seems to work in well.

https://www.amazon.com/JACK-BLACK-Broad-Spectrum-Antioxidants-Cruelty-free/dp/B000HP9M3E?th=1&psc=1

Looking at your routine I think I can guess your skin type is oily, you've come a long way it seems! I'm looking for an SPF too, and I'm curious, do you use the pump type of the Nivea Sun Water Super Gel or this one.

Hello! I've been looking at thinner lotions / emulsions to keep my skin happy while not too oily. It's been feeling beyond unhappy / dehydrated while still getting oily around the t-zone ;-;?

I can't seem to pick between these two:

Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion

and

CosRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion

Any suggestions~? Thank you!

This helped when my skin was super dehydrated: http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Rohto-Gokujun-Perfect/dp/B00BQV0LT2

I also like Shara Shara's Water Girls Ice Cream

Can someone please explain what's the deal with these "retinol" creams you see all over Amazon, but don't offer any percentage and recommend to use them twice daily?

https://www.amazon.com/LilyAna-Naturals-Retinol-Cream-Moisturizer/dp/B01ES349CY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538934016&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=lilyana+naturals+retinol+cream&psc=1

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https://www.amazon.com/Baebody-Retinol-Moisturizer-Cream-Face/dp/B01FLO5914/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1538934038&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=baebody+retinol+moisturizer&psc=1

First, sorry to hear about your diagnosis!


I was going to recommend a similar product to ignoretheyam.


From the wiki: Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid-Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55 - a Holy Grail sunscreen with no white cast.

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Trying to add to my routine. I have Oily skin.

AM:
Cerave Foaming Cleanser
Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM

PM:
Cerave Foaming Cleanser
Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM
Exfoliant: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub

I'm looking into using my mom's clay mask once weekly, would this replace my neutrogena as an exfoliant? - its a Nurta-lift kaolin one, so i can just use water with it. It's this: https://www.amazon.com/Pharmagel-Nutra-Lift-Facial-Masque-6oz/dp/B005IAZNKO/ .

I'm also going to buy this rosehip oil to use after my Moisturizer. Does it look good? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNOV8JO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2GFWEEOABZ6DB&psc=1 .

I like these products that I regularly use:

• [Cosrx] Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  
• [Cosrx] Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream
  
• Benton Snail Bee High content Steam Cream

Yeah you have a ton of moisturizers in your routine. Have you considered a thick, occlusive sleep pack at night as the last step of your routine? Once I started doing that, I was able to knock 2 or 3 moisturizing products out of my PM routine. I use the Cosrx Rice sleep pack, and it's amazing.

If you search retinol moisturizer on amazon you will literally find this exact same product and bottle being sold under different brands.

I’m pretty sure it’s one of those scenarios where companies pay the same “supplier” for the right to slap their name on the same generic product. I have no idea how effective it is, but I would be careful with retinols.



https://www.amazon.com/Baebody-Retinol-Moisturizer-Cream-Face/dp/B01FLO5914/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1AM458Q2EDVYL&keywords=retinol+moisturizer&qid=1554156225&s=gateway&sprefix=retinol+&sr=8-5


https://www.amazon.com/Retinol-Moisturizer-Cream-Face-Moisturizing/dp/B015ORL3B8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1AM458Q2EDVYL&keywords=retinol+moisturizer&qid=1554156225&s=gateway&sprefix=retinol+&sr=8-3


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07NBZ9NQS/ref=psdcmw_16479981011_t3_B015ORL3B8

I've been using Neutrogena Clear Face and it has been good so far!

I'm an advocate of keeping acne control separate from my other steps (as in no acne washes or acne moisturizers) as it's easy to get overexfoliated/irritated skin if everything is combined. Cleansers to clean, acne treatments to treat, moisturizers to moisturize/hydrate. It would allow you to customize your routine more to address your specific concerns!

For oily, acne-prone skin you might take a look at hydrators and/or gel moisturizer specifically instead of emollient/creamy moisturizers.

Something like the Benton Aloe Propolis Gel, which will provide you skin with hydration it needs rather than introducing more oil which you skin is already producing on it's own. Other options: CosRx 96 Power Snail Mucin, Mizon Snail Recovery gel-cream, (can't vouch for these last ones, but I've heard they are good!) Neutrogena hydroboost, Belif Aquabomb.

Hydration and oily skin can be really difficult as if you don't hydrate your skin enough, your sebum production will go overboard trying to remedy the situation. But producing more oil by definition cannot help with the lack of water. So, hydration can actually help control sebum production if dehydration/damaged moisture barrier is one of your issues!

The new routine would be:

cleanser -> acne treatment (a standalone SA serum or pad) -> moisturizer -> spf (AM only)

Hope this helps!

I have this exact same issue! I found this stuff really helps. I use it once a day, after cleansing, before moisturizer. The patches are sometimes still red, as I have very fair skin, but they are flat, smooth, not itchy and not painful. I swear by it!

I love the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel.

https://www.amazon.com/BENTON-Aloe-Propolis-Soothing-Gel/dp/B00IRAFRQW

It's 80% aloe leaf juice, comes in a tube, isn't costly, and is SO soothing if it's chilled.

daytime face moisturizer:

I've been switching it up between

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20

I'm leaning towards Kiehl's since the girly and I can share. Any other good stuff out there that has a neutral scent?