(Part 2) Best products from r/SkincareAddiction

Aww thank you so much! It means a lot to me that my rants aren't solely in the realm of old man yells at sky (yet)!

Unfortunately I'm not in the EU and I'm pretty ignorant of what is easily accessible (without insane shipping costs), but I do believe lookfantastic carries a bunch of brands and it might have free shipping!

My price-point for everything is usually around or less than $20 - I won't spend much more than that on a product. So most of my recs do hover around that price, although it should be noted that some(most?) will last longer than TO's products either due to more product being purchased, or just the formula lends itself to easier spreadability allowing for thinner layers and less product used per application.

Advanced Retinoid 2% - I actually think this is a great product and a good introduction to retinoids. You'll find a lot of other gentle retinoids on the market - a lot of 'retinol creams' actually contain gentler retinoid derivatives similar to the ones used in TOs formula, so it's not ~groundbreaking~, but it is a good product at a good price and I believe it's kind of a dupe for Sunday Riley Luna and I support that. That being said, if you go to the store and pick up any 'anti-aging' serum or cream, it's bound to have some gentle retinoids in there, usually for ~$10

Retinol 1% - This is another product I really like. $5 for retinol is fantastic, and it dilutes easily into a moisturizer. I dilute it into a 0.2% concentration, and it has lasted a very very long time. Mixes well, great product. It's rather difficult finding a low-cost retinol product since you can charge more for the gold-standard ingredient, but they do exist. There are also some Amazon retinol products that are a very good deal price/oz, and at least from the review I linked, seem to be effective as heck. As of right now, I'm unsure of whether I'll be testing an Amazon retinol product or sticking with my retinol from TO after it runs out. Differin is also OTC here now, costs ~$10. So I'm sure it will be easier to find cheap retinol products soon.

Niacinamide - Another product I really like! That said, a lot of moisturizers contain niacinamide (like a bunch of CeraVe ones), any 'lightening' serum will have niacinamide, I swear that every AB product has niacinamide in there somewhere, Skinlex has a $10 serum, and there are good diy recipes as well

Vitamin C 23% - This product is awful. I don't mind the gritty texture, I don't mind the feeling of a thousand tiny bees stinging my face for 10 minutes after application, I don't mind having to apply it to damp skin, and I don't mind having to mist my face with water after application. I can work with a product like that. It's this thick, disgusting, lard layer that it leaves on your face. It pills under everything, and it pills aggressively. Since by it's very nature you need to apply it as a first-step in your routine (both due to the low pH required and because you have to apply it to a soaking wet face), you'd think it would be a formula that layers decently under other products. Doesn't have to be perfect, I don't mind a bit of pilling. But this layer is T H I C C, and it sloughs off from the mere sight of a hydrating serum or regular bland moisturizer. So what do you do? Well, you wipe it off, of course! BUT THIS ISH DOESN'T WIPE OFF. IT IS NOW A PART OF YOUR SKIN. Scrub all you want, you'll just be left with slimey, red, irritated skin. Your only hope is another oil cleanse, and why the heck am I going in circles in my routine when I just want to get to freakin bed???

I don't know if I can get behind anhydrous vitamin C serums - of course there's the risk of fast oxidation in water-based L-AA serums, but if you buy a well-formulated (with preservatives!) product from a well-known and well-reviewed company, and store the serum properly, it really shouldn't be that much of an issue. If they can create an anhydrous serum that doesn't feel like you're slathering your face in silicone lard, then yes I can totally get behind it. But there ain't nothing wrong with a bunch of water-based L-AA serums on the market - for ~$20, you don't have to keep your face soaking wet for application, no misting required, no little grits of L-AA that explode into a thousand hornets, no disgusting layer that melds itself to your skin like Viserys's gold crown and then sheds like a moldy snake.

Anyway, Timeless, NuFountain, and Skin Actives are all good vit c serums ~$20. Simple Skincare Science just did a good overview of some vit c serums here

Vit C derivatives (MAP, SAP, ascorbyl glucoside, etc.) - Honestly, I'm not sure of alternatives because these have never really interested me, but if you go to the store and look for a vitamin C serum, chances are it's got one of these derivatives in it. Silk Naturals also has affordable MAP serums (~$15).

Lactic Acid - Again, not an ingredient I've researched extensively, but Silk Naturals has an 8% lactic for $9, and Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream has 8% lactic for $12

Azelaic Acid - Skinoren/finacea for $12 are the ones I know of (but they may be prescription? unsure), but I think this is probably a good intro to pricier azelaic acid products!

Glycolic Acid - Nip & Fab Pads, 5% glycolic acid for $10. Alpha Skincare, huge bottles of varying concentrations for ~$15. Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic, 5% glycolic for ~$15. Avon Retexturizing Peel, 10% glycolic for ~$10.

Salicylic Acid - This is everywhere. Price/oz, TO is more expensive than gosh darn Paula's Choice (which I consider to be an expensive brand.) Silk Naturals has an affordable salicylic acid toner, but imo just pick up some Stridex or equivalent product.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution - This is a good price for a peel, I think - I don't know much about peels!

Hyaluronic Acid - Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion (~$12 for a lot of product), Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100 (~$13), Elizavecca Hyaluronic Acid Serum (~$15 for an insane amount of product)

Various oils - these seem to be good deals, Garden of Wisdom is an alternative, NOW oils are an alternative. I used to buy my jojoba oil in bulk from H&B Oils Center on Amazon and never had an issue :)

Various primers - various drugstore primers ofc

Matrixyl - Timeless carries one for $22, I'm sure there are many others because matrixyl has been a good buzzword for a while

Alpha Arbutin & Argireline - these aren't products I've looked into tbh

Caffeine solution - I think you'd get the same effect from buying a cheap rollerball applicator, filling it with whatever serum you want, and storing it in the fridge

So there are a bunch of good products there - lactic, retinol, azelaic, probably the alpha arbutin etc. But there are definitely other brands to fill the ingredients needs out there. The brands I recommended were just the ones I have saved or found easily on the sidebar, so there's definitely way more out there!

I think there are a lot of ingredients that you can find if you go to the drugstore and look around a bit - I don't think everything needs to be vouched for by a bunch of people to make it worthwhile. Of course I love to have reviews backing my purchases, but if something is inaccessible or expensive, I can usually find something that fills that need at the drugstore. The only problem is how horribly products are named! If I'm looking for niacinamide, it helps to have niacinamide in the name, or at the very least in the product description, but you probably won't find out about it until you're knee deep in the ingredients list.

I'm seriously hoping for a stronger shift away from issue focused skincare descriptions to ingredients focused skincare descriptions, or at the very least clearer inclusion of the star ingredients (and not just like, ~organic cold pressed pea juice for lightening~ when really niacinamide is at the top of the list).

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

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

Definitely ditch the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

Ranked from most favorite to least favorite

Garnier SkinActive

Website & Ingredients

• Surprisingly my most favorite of the bunch. Never tried any Garnier skincare but heard good things so I gave it a shot.
  
• Super saturated, which felt amazing.
  
• Use for up to 20 minutes. I usually always do 15
  
• Doesn't leave any weird residues on your skin
  
• Goes on after your very last serum and before moisturizer.
  
• Skin felt amazing afterward
  
• $2.50 at Target
  
  Avatara
  
  Website & Ingredients
  
  
• Also very saturated
  
• Has an extra film that is pulled off the mask after placing it on your face. I find that it makes it more difficult to place the mask on my face.
  
• Very thin material, and it does rip if you aren't careful
  
• Also leaves skin feeling refreshed.
  
• The second time I used it my skin felt itchy and I couldn't figure out why. Skin felt better once I put moisturizer on. I personally think I might have waited too long after taking it off my face before putting on my moisturizer. I'd have to try it again to know for sure.
  
• $3.99 at Target
  
  Neutrogena Hydro Boost
  
  Website & Ingredients
  
  
• I tried the hyaluronic acid from this line after hearing really good things about this specific line and loved it.
  
• Decided to try this mask and it's awesome.
  
• Hydrogel so it's not paper.
  
• Can stay on your skin for up to 30 minutes without drying
  
• Put in on your skin after washing and before your serums.
  
• Doesn't leave a strange film which makes applying serums on your skin afterward easier
  
• I have the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid and I put it on before the mask before realizing it should go on second, but I don't think it made a difference. Stronger serums should go on after.
  
• $2.59 at Target
  
  Masque Bar Pretty Animalz
  
  Website & Ingredients
  
  
• Another surprising favorite.
  
• The eyes aren't covered, which I personally love. I hate the extra flaps because I'm not going to sit with my eyes closed for 15 minutes with a mask on.
  
• Can be used 10-20 minutes
  
• Dogs, Cats, Sheep, Bunnies, Penguins, Reindeer. Most are holiday focused. Dogs, Tigers, Pandas and cats are always on the shelves.
  
• Also saturated and fits the face almost perfectly. I have a small round face and most are a bit too large for me.
  
• They make cute selfies if you're into that!
  
• $4.99 at Target. Would buy again.
  
  Slice Mask Sheet
  
  Website
  
  
• Not a full face mask
  
• Small circles that are supposed to be spot focused. I read online that they do it this way to better fit your face and so you can hit spots that need it more.
  
• I had no idea it wasn't a sheet mask when I bought it so I thought I ripped it at first.
  
• Smells exactly like the fruit it represents. The smell is strong if you are sensitive to that.
  
• Skin did feel amazing after.
  
• Stays on for up to 20 minutes
  
• Although this is a different mask, I would buy it again.
  
• $4.99 at Target. Price was a turn-off, would buy again, but not likely because it's a little too pricey.
  
  SpaLife
  
  Couldn't find any ingredients
  
  
• My least favorite sheet mask.
  
• Thick material which made it feel less saturated
  
• Eye shapes are small and make it almost impossible to see through. They have the small flaps and they don't like to stay down.
  
• Stays on for up to 20 minutes
  
• $2.50 at Target. Will not purchase again.
  
  Avatara Lip Mask
  
  Website & Ingredients
  
  
• Gel-like material
  
• Ripped before it even made it to my lips
  
• Doesn't feel like anything special
  
• I think it's just sold because it's trending online
  
• Stays on lips for 10 minutes
  
• $3.99 at Target. Will not purchase again.
  
  
  Shea Moisture Mud Mask
  
  Website & Ingredients
  
  
• This isn't the least favorite, I just didn't feel like it belonged in this set of reviews because it wasn't a sheet mask.
  
• Not drying at all.
  
• Says to only put on your skin for 10 minutes, so I'm not sure if it wasn't drying because it wasn't given time to dry or if it's just not drying like most mud masks.
  
• Didn't notice a huge difference. I don't use mud masks normally so it's hard to speak on this.
  
• $2.50 at Target
  
  Other Sheet masks that I've used
  
  
  Dermal Sheet Mask
  
  Amazon
  
  
• I buy these in bulk off amazon. Usually making each mask $2.00 a piece
  
• Each mask is different, but I honestly can't tell. I've been buying these masks for a year and they all seem the same. I don't mind it, others might.
  
• Pack of 16 for $8.50
  
  Yes To Sheet Masks
  
  Website & Ingredients
  
  
• We had a bunch of these for my sisters Bachelorette party. There were 8 girls and 5 of them complained of this mask burning their face. The reviews online also have a bunch of people stating the same. We had every single type at the party so I'm not sure what the deal was.
  
• I recently did the Coconut one because it was sitting in a drawer.
  
• It felt weird the whole time it was on my face and left a very strange residue afterward.
  
• Didn't burn my face, but I tend to have a bit tougher skin.
  
• $2.50 at Target. Will not purchase again.
  
  That's it. Let me know if you've got more questions.
  
  For reference, I have normal skin. Somewhere in the middle. Not extremely dry and not oily. I don't have severe acne but get occasional hormonal breakouts.
  
  I usually use a face mask every other night, sometimes every night. It mostly depends on how tired I am or how gross my face feels.
  
  

My skin is super sensitive and very combination. My T Zone is an oil slick while the rest of my face is pretty normal, if not a bit dry. I don't tend to have problems with acne except for the PMS breakout I get every time my period comes around.


Look into products that are more catered to sensitive skin rather than oil/acne. These products can be extremely irritating to sensitive skin and can end up making issues a lot worse.

I used to use a lot of scrubs for oil and acne and after a lot of hopping around trying different products I've found that products that cater to sensitive skin, or even dry skin, are so much better for me personally. Something that people with oily skin should consider is the possibility that using all of these products that strip the oil from the skin is actually making your face produce MORE oil.
You know that dry, tight, itchy feeling you get after using a scrub or a mask? That's your skin after it's been dried out. It creates more oil to help with an damage that the overuse of these stripping products can cause.

Instead of using a scrub (which, even the gentler ones can be harsh) I stick to using a gentle gel cleanser with a wash cloth to gently exfoliate my skin.

The products I'm currently using and having good results with are as follows


Nutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
Yes, this is a cleanser targeted at people with dry skin. Before you say NO WAY though, I urge you to try products from the opposite end of the skin spectrum to see if you may have an underlying issue of dry skin.

Pacifica Kale Detox Deep Cleansing Wash
Pacifica is considered a more natural brand, you can find it in the organic/health food area of the grocery store. They have a lot of different cleansers but this is the only one I have tried. I like it because the scent is natural and pleasant and there is a nice lather when using with a wash cloth. This one is targeted at more oily skin, which means it is going to be a bit harsher.. so I tend to use this one sparingly, around my period when my skin is extra wonky.

Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash
This is my main, every day cleanser. It is expensive. However, a little goes a long way and this is the best cleanser I have ever used. It lathers extremely well and leaves my skin feeling very clean but not to the point where it's stripped and irritated. The only downside is the smell. It kind of smells like a cheap bar soap but I believe the results I've gotten make that okay to deal with.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Scrub
Yes, a scrub! This one is different though. For one it smells absolutely delicious..just like pineapples. And it is chocked full of great oils like vitamin e and jojoba. That's great because while it does still give your face a good exfoliating, it replenishes what your skin needs as well. Because it has so many good oils in it, you're going to feel them on your face after you use this scrub. It's going to feel weird, like it's not clean...but your skin will thank you when it's not a red irritated mess.

As far as masks go, anything clay or mud based is going to soak up ALL the oil from your face. It's what those types of masks are meant to do. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's IMPERATIVE to put that moisture back into your face after you use one of them.
If I feel like my skin is extra gross or just needs a pick-me-up (once again usually around my period) I will give myself a little facial.
I'll start by using the Kale wash to clean my face, followed by a clay mask. I have a lot of them, you can get them cheap from the store, I've never really felt a significant difference in any I've tried.
Once it's dried, I'll take it off normally and dry my face.
Then, I always ALWAYS follow a clay mask with a sheet mask. Sheet masks are literally DRIPPING with amazing serums for your face...after being purged of all the gross dirty oil, your skin will love being able to soak up some healthy, softening goodness. Look for ones that contain aloe or colligen. Right now I have a 16 pack that I got from Amazon and really really like them. There are a ton at Ulta, Sephora, etc. Experiment!

I feel you as another PIH sufferer.

With your sensitive skin (in terms of any skin trauma your left with extra melanin to protect the skin) I would approach evening out your tone with caution. I went a little too aggressive earlier this year and it didn't go well 😢.

Best thing I've done? Vigilant about SS use, in darker skin tones our dark patches pick up UV radiation a lot quicker than our lighter skinned friends (I've found dermalogical studies that state this). Therefore going outside just, well keeps the joy happening. SS on cloudy days, in a car, stuck indoors, every situation SS.

Finding a way to make sure I got the stuff off at night, gently but thoroughly, oil cleansing. Took an age for me to find my sweet spot, but it makes a huge difference in possible acne from the SS...grrr.

Working out what causes the PIH in the first place is a journey in itself. Acne and skin sensitivities do it for me, addressing those has been really hard and my journey is not over.

Help your skin repair from the inside, zinc is great for wound healing , best to take with copper. This will be in a good quality multi vit & mineral, a brand like Solgar. The usual anti inflammatory diet, avoid processed sugars, and anything else that might cause inflammation for you. I'm trying to build up to an alkaline heavy diet. Timing sucks though.... Omega 3's are so important to our diets and are anti inflammatory as well, so get some good quality ones on board. Helps the brain and eyes too so all good.

Onto products...

Azeliac Acid - good for taking down inflammation (which causes the marks in the first place!), acne and post acne pigmentation. I use 15% from Skinoren. PM only.

A new product I've added recently but I am loving is Katsuri Turmeric, anti inflammatory/bacterial , it also works on hyper pigmentation. I've had significant fading using a DIY mix every 3 days for 2 wks. I can PM you the recipe if you want.

I also use 5% BP on areas that is prone to break outs. AM only. When needed as it is really drying.

I have just started (read applied once) a low dose Vit a product, but it will take months to have an effect so I'm not counting that.

Other people have had success with Vitamin C products (I haven't found one that doesn't irritate my skin and cause more pigmentation issues. But L-acsorbic acid gives the best results, but oxidises quickly. MAP is next in line works slower but studies have shown it still works. SAP and others still work) Niacinamide - Vit B3 is really accessible, helps to even skintone and helps with calming irritations, however it causes redness for me which is annoying. AHA's help to turn over skin cells quicker than your natural cell shedding, and mandelic acid is meant to have larger molecules and therefore less irritating for darker skintones, it also works on hyper pigmentation better than glycolic acid. I haven't found a product with this ingredient that doesn't contain other irritating-for-me ingredients, so I can't say if it works.

You say hydroquinone is too irritating for you? Maybe Arbutin, a derivative of hydroquinone I think or is it konjac acid, might work for you? Will take longer but can still work over time. Hada labo whitening lotion (Japanese product that is why the 'whitening' line. Ahem) is a great place to start - https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Shirojyun-Medicinal-Whitening/dp/B00BS3Q58Y

I can't use it as it has HA in it, however I gave my huge bottle to my Mum who was having problems with her sleep apnoea mask causing dark irritation marks and they have lightened up significantly in the past 3months. You only use drops per application the bottle will last at least a year!

Talking about that the /r/AsianBeauty reddit has a lot of products and mega threads on Japanese / South Korean mainly products that can help.

This year has been the year of the even skintone mission for me and trial an error has meant I'm on a path that works for me. I have found out so much information that I coukd go on. However YMMV is soooo important but 'treating' your skin and not fighting it by respecting the products you use then you will have the skintone of your dreams. In the meantime colour correctors and foundation is our friend!

If it all looks too much and your at the end of your rope ans your able to go to a dermatologist, who understands your concerns, please go. It will take so much of the stress away. Unfortunately I am in the UK and Derm choices are not so great for darker skintones, but my GP has been great.

Good luck. Sorry for the wall of text, I got excited.

I'm no professional, but I've spent some time researching this subject, and lurking in the skincaretalk forums lightening community. There's a lot of noise to filter through, but I managed to find a few things that worked for me in getting rid of my own perma farmer's tan.

The first, and most important step of getting rid of a perma tan is SAP (Sun Avoidance and Protection). This literally cannot be emphasized enough, and aside from getting rid of a perma tan it's good for your skin's overall health. It looks like you've taken steps toward this, so snaps for you. Though it tends to leave a white cast, physical sunscreens (containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are the best choice if you want to protect your progress, and prevent yourself from tanning again. Unless you're sitting directly in a sunbeam while you're inside, or in the path of direct reflections of sun, I wouldn't worry about sunscreen while inside. I personally wear long sleeves and sunscreen to combat against incidental sun exposure on the daily. If I know I'm going to be outside for more than a few minutes I have a UV umbrella that I use to protect against the sun. Do I look silly? Probably, but at least my skin won't look like an antique football when I'm older

As for actually getting rid of the tan, the first phase should be exfoliation, which it seems you've already started on. Look for products with AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid. Some readily available options you can buy at walgreens/CVS are Alpha Skincare Body lotion (12% glycolic) or Amlactin (12% lactic). The sidebar has recommendations on products more suitable for facial use if you'd prefer a gel or liquid option for this purpose. Do this for 6-8 weeks, and if your tan doesn't budge then add in active lightening ingredients into your routine.

Another user already mentioned some lightening ingredients to look for, and all these serve the purpose of inhibiting your melanin production and shouldn't make you lighter than whatever your lightest natural skin tone is. I personally used Kojie-San soap (containing Kojic acid) with a Salux cloth to great success on my body. I haven't used it, but I've heard Marie France soap has a higher concentration of acid and thus works more quickly than kojie-san. I used a combination of dermatologist prescribed Retin A and 4% hydroquinone on my face and neck, as the soap was too drying to use on my face. I have friends and relatives who have used Maxipeel #3 (which contains both Retin A and hydroquinone) successfully to get rid of their own face/neck tan, as well as acne scars as a bonus. Kojie-San, Marie France and Maxipeel are Filipino products, but in general, lightening products from Asian countries tend to be more trustworthy than products you may find from sub-Saharan African countries, which in my experience and research, stand a larger chance of having steroids in them. Wherever they are from, if you go for foreign products be sure to do your due diligence on the product itself and wherever you're getting it from. Amazon is usually a safe bet, but check the reviews.

There are some American creams available at the drugstore containing hydroquinone Ambi, with 2% hydroquinone, and Nadinola with 3% hydroquinone, the highest you can get commercially without a prescription in America), though without Retin A, these percentages will be largely ineffective for your purposes.

Getting rid of a perma tan will be a commitment, and progress will be slow, but as long as you are consistent and practice SAP, you'll get there.

Welcome to SCA! Hopefully I can be of some help as you start building a routine.

Cleanser
Cleansers don't stay on your face like a moisturizer does, so especially if you don't wear makeup that needs to be washed off at the end of the day, you don't have to be too picky. I'd go with something inexpensive and gentle like the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser or the Simple one. (Avoid anything containing alcohol or any active ingredients, even if they advertise as fighting acne. They're often very harsh.) Once you're settled into a routine, cleanser is a good element to change up if your acne is healing but you're still oilier/drier/tighter than you'd like to be.

Exfoliant
The Stridex and Neutrogena products are both good BHA options, but the Stridex contains alcohol, which can dry out your skin and cause it to produce more oil, and the Neutrogena is a lotion formula, which isn't the best for oily skin. The big favorite here is from Paula's Choice (the BHA gel is especially user-friendly for a skincare beginner), and the Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid is a less expensive alternative. I'm a student on a budget too - if you don't want to commit sight unseen, the Stridex is a good place to start.

Moisturizer
I would recommend investing in a moisturizer without SPF that you love. This is because you'll want to use moisturizer AM and PM, and it's better not to apply SPF if you're not going outside. You can pick up a separate sunscreen for daytime (or if the moisturizer that you love also comes in an SPF 30+ version, you can pick that one up for daytime and skip a step). If you can get your hands on a trial size of the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, I think it's one of the best moisturizers out there for difficult skin. I also really like CeraVe moisturizers - the PM version of the one you linked above is a great option.

Sunscreen
If you're using Stridex or any exfoliant (or even if you're not, for that matter), you need to wear sunscreen. I like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, which comes in a million SPF levels. Anything over 30 is good. I live in southern California, and I prefer my SPF over 50, so use your judgement. If you end up loving the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion, use the AM version of that.

Often, skin produces oil because it lacks moisture, which is why I've recommended a flight of products that err more on the nourishing side than the oil-control side. BHA is a staple for fighting acne, so definitely use that, and once you settle into a skincare routine, you will get a better sense of if your skin is truly oily or if it has been overproducing oil due to lack of moisture. From there, you can go in and tweak things to get the skin you want.

Change comes slowly, so stick to a routine even if you don't see results right away. Drink lots of water. Wear sunscreen. We are always here if you need advice! I hope this helped!

I have been dealing with redness for a while too. I'm pretty sure it's primarily genetic, but being dehydrated does not do me any favors.

There are a couple of things I've tried or been told to try and some have helped a bit. My mom has rosacea and I'm pretty sure I have a mild case of it as well, but I haven't really target that as much as I have tried to create a soothing routine.

Anywho things I've been told/tried (Amazon links just for info, you may consider buying some of these else where, if you decide to buy them at all):

• Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: I personally didn't see any direct redness reducing effects, but I do really love this as a hydrating essence. I use it to mix oils into quite often.
  
  
• LRP Cicaplast Baume B5: This stuff is THICC. Very soothing for me. Immediate redness reducing with some last effects. It is not very cosmetically elegant so I don't use it during the day.
  
  
• Hada Labo Moist: This is a hydrating toner. This primarily helps with redness by plumping and hydrating my face. I find this to be an absolute workhorse in my routine, but kind of boring at the same time. I may switch to the premium version when I'm finished with my current bottle.
  
  
• Klairs Supple Preparation Toner: This is very soothing for me and I find it does help short term with redness relif. You may have some issues with the essential oils that are in this formula, but they have just a released one that is Unscented!
  
  
• Dr. Jart Color Correcting Treatment: This doesn't fix the problem for me, but it does cover the redness very nicely. I really like using this instead of foundation or a BB cream, it evens out my complexion very well. A little goes a long way!
  
  
• Niacinamide: There are several products that I have tested because they contained Niacinamide. If you'd like I would be happy to link them to you. I really like this ingredient and I find it to be very helpful in a lot of ways.
  
  
• SPF: I feel silly saying this, but honestly using SPF regularly cut my redness in half.
  
  
• Centella Asiatica: This is one of the main soothing ingredients in the LRP Baume & Dr. Jart Color Corrector I mentioned earlier. There are several products that feature it from multiple brands. I know a couple of weeks ago there was this thread about it on /r/AsianBeauty
  
  
• Rosehip Seed Oil: I only linked the Trilogy because that is the one I am testing right now. I really like this oil and may look for a different brand going forward. I'm not positive that it is helping my general redness, but it IS doing wonders for some of the PIE spots that I have on my chin.
  
  Wow, I have just realized I've written you a book. My bad! I hope this helps some. These are just my experiences and suggestions, ymmv. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Try using Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 2-3 times weekly (at first, then can increase if your skin isn't sensitive to it) after washing and toning. I used to have some serious blackheads, and this stuff helps get them under control. It wasn't irritating at all to my skin, and I'm typically very sensitive to strong products and irritants.

I also use Karuna's Clarifying Mask 2x weekly (effective but gentle and moisturizing). These sheets masks are a bit pricey, around $8 per mask, so adding that in depends on your budget. You can also check out the Tony Moly Aloe Masks which are inexpensive and good for calming sensitive, acne-prone skin. These masks are optional, but I love them and find them helpful in maintaining clear skin.

The biggest game changer for me was learning about the "double cleansing", which is apparently a common practice in the Korean skin care regime. This involves starting with an oil-based cleanser (trust me on this, promise) like Banila CO Clean Zero in Purity (this is the one for acne-prone, sensitive skin because it doesn't have any added fragrances or dyes). After that go straight into washing one more time with a calming, foaming cleanser (you can use your CeraVe here for that still). This is probably the biggest reason why my blackheads went away, as many times when we only wash with one of these we miss out on cleaning everything off the skin that might break it out.

Best of luck! I added links below to what I mentioned above. I hope this helps!!

Links:
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Bha-Blackhead-Power-Liquid/dp/B00OZEJ8R8

Banila CO Zero in Purity:
https://www.amazon.com/Banila-Co-Clean-Purity-100ml/dp/B00Q2BJZC0/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485324382&sr=1-3&keywords=banila

Tony Moly Aloe Mask:
https://www.amazon.com/Tonymoly-Real-Facial-Sheet-Package/dp/B00NRIGPWE/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485324409&sr=1-1&keywords=tony%2Bmoly%2Baloe&th=1

Karuna Clarifying Face Mask:
https://www.amazon.com/Karuna-Clarifying-Face-Mask-Pack/dp/B004MXQEFQ/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1485324448&sr=1-4&keywords=karuna&th=1

PS—Change out your clarisonic for a Foreo Luna for Combination Skin if you like. You can clean it with antibacterial soap instead of replacing those brushes all the time, and it didn't dry my skin out like the clarisonic one did when I used to have it. :)

Looking at your above comments- I agree with the other poster, patch test a little area on your cheek or something with the squalane but honestly you should be fine. It's a great oil, I haven't met a face that doesn't like it! Fun (well sorta fun I guess) fact- the Squalane Oil from TO was the founder who recently passed away, Brandon Truaxe's favorite product. The company gave it away for free with purchases made in stores after he died because he was so passionate about the product.

Ahh hydrating toner recommendations-

Dear Klairs

Corsx essence

Missha essence

Those are the three I see recommend on here the most, like all the time. I use the STUPIDLY expensive SK-II would never recommend this it does nothing that every other hydrating toner/essence does- I have one or two more applications left in the bottle then it's going in the trash. I also use and love the Son & Park Beauty Water it's a huge bottle and it just feels wonderful on the skin!!

​

You'll know things are working trust me. Your skin will look and feel better, glowing and happier!! And yes in a month (??) once your face is plump and happily hydrated the routine you came up with looks good!

Hello!

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

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

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

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

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

Here's my routine!

AM

Splash some cold water

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

Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray

Cerave PM
(Brush teeth while it dries)

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

PM

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

MILK Makeup Matcha Toner

Stridex Red (Brush teeth while it dries)

Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray

LUSH Full of Grace serum


Cerave PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm very lazy.

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

Thanks for any advice!

Hello! I've been following this subreddit for a while and I'm so excited to ask my first question! This is going to be a long one because I have so many questions and am curious as to what I can do for my face to be its best self :)


First, a little bit about me! I’m 22F living in US - I have PCOS so I’ve struggled with hormonal acne and I have acne prone and dull skin.
I got a lot of tiny whiteheads along my chin area and forehead (pretty much both T and U zones). I also get a bunch of blackheads on my nose, and the area on my cheeks near my nose.
I used to get 2-3 cystic pimples a month but that changed once I started going to my current dermatologist. (My routine started in August, and helped a bunch! The & in my routine mean I added them last month!) Unfortunately, while my face has cleared up, I’m still experiencing occasional breakouts (which I know are normal) and haven’t been able to get rid of those stubborn whiteheads. It seems that my skin also seems dull and lacking glow and I also get a bunch of dark spots from where i get pimples.


My dermatologist’s products are also a bit on the pricey end, so i’m looking to replace 1-2 of them//add to my routine to make it more effective and also restore my face.


For reference of some of the products I mention:
My dermatologist’s brand is called DermaNissé and her products are some that finally worked for my skin!


DermaNissé Clean Care Cleanser: https://store.lasersurgery.net/dermanisse-cleancare-cleanser-sarp.html


DermaNissé Purifying Hydrating Cream: https://store.lasersurgery.net/dermanisse-purifying-hydrating-cream.html


DermaNissé Hyaluronic Acid Serum: https://store.lasersurgery.net/dermanisse-hyaluronic-acid-serum-sarp.html


Solar Protection Sunscreen:
www.skinelite.com/tota-002.html


DermaNissé Glyco-C Acne Treatment gel:
https://store.lasersurgery.net/dermanisse-glyco-c-acne-treatment-gel.html


Anthelios Sunscreen: https://www.ulta.com/anthelios-60-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60?productId=xlsImpprod13791275&sku=2301523&_requestid=4502569



Potential Vitamin C Serum: https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Anti-Aging-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=vitamin%2Bc%2Bserum&linkCode=sl1&linkId=bdcc9ad2cd05ddb5b67d9cbbb81f074f&qid=1515545361&s=beauty&sr=1-1-spons&tag=mangolift08-20&th=1&ref_=nav_ya_signin&_encoding=UTF8


SKINCARE ROUTINE



AM

• DN Clean Care Cleanser
  
  
  
• Rx: Clindamycin Phosphate (1%) and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel (5%) - Mylar. I leave on my clean face for 15 minutes, then clean off with warm water
  
  
  
• Pixi Glow Tonic &
  
  
  
• Thayer’s Witch Hazel Rose Water Toner &
  
  
  
• DN Hyaluronic Acid Serum
  
  
  
• DN Purifying Hydrating Cream
  
  
  
• Solar Protection Sunscreen
  
  
  
  
  
  PM
  
  
  
• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water &
  
  
  
• DN Clean Care Cleanser
  
  
  
• I switch between these two next
  
  
  
• 5x a week Rx: Azelex azelaic acid cream 20%. I leave on clean face for 15 minutes then clean off
  
  
  
• 2x a week, i use DermaNissé Glyco-C Acne Treatment Gel
  
  
  
• Thayer’s Witch Hazel Rose Water Toner &
  
  
  
• DN Hyaluronic Acid Serum
  
  
  
• DN Purifying Hydrating Cream
  
  
  
  
  Throughout the day
  

• If i can, throughout the day I use Rx. Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution (1%) Pledgets. They’re little pads with the solution to clean face.
  
  
  Questions
  Any suggestions for:
  
  
  

• An eye cream to fight against fine lines, under eye bags, and dark circles that I can add?
  
  
  
• Vitamin C Serum I can add? I was thinking of getting the TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C. I see this subreddit suggests Oz Naturals vitamin C, but according to this website, it’s to be avoided? https://myawesomebeauty.com/best-vitamin-c-serum/
  
  
  
• Another face moisturizer since I feel the hydrating cream my doctor gives me is just enough but doesn’t let me feel like my skin is thriving? I’m thinking of getting Trader Joe’s Argan Oil
  
  
  
• Do you recommend Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60? I’m thinking of switching from Solar Protection to this one?
  
  
  
• I’m trying to figure out if I can replace the DermaNissé Hyaluronic Acid Serum to the Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum. The only difference in ingredients is that the TJ brand has Propanediol.
  
  
  
• Should I switch out the order? Use some things less than others? http://www.snowwhiteandtheasianpear.com/2015/01/skincare-discovery-putting-your.html
  
  
  
• Should I add more AHA/BHA products? such as the BHA Blackhead power liquid?
  
  
  
• Any other gentle anti-aging treatments I can add? I get concerned that with all the acne treatments I’m getting, I’m aging my skin more :(
  
  
  
• Any Weekly treatments/masks I could add?
  
  
  
  Thank you a million in advance!
  
  
  
  edit: formatting, location

Okay! I've got some stuff going.

For now, I'd say stop the noxema cleansing cream, and just wash your face with water. I'd also stop the ponds cream for now, as it again may be causing you more harm than good. It's cheap, but I also had a similar burning issue with it when I used it.

I managed to find a Canadian dupe to my moisturizer by scouring the crap out of canadian walmart, canadian amazon, and the drugstore you mentioned.

For your face, I'm gonna recommend Glaxal Base Moisturizing Cream, 100g for $10.42 on Amazon, or 450g for $24.99 on Amazon. This is a very bland (low ingredient, less likely to give you a reaction --- good idea for you) moisturizer that will get the job done hopefully without any sensitivity on your end. It is perfect for your face, and relatively reasonably priced. (I aimed for much cheaper, but I was looking for a really specific, basic moisturizer that was less likely to make you itchy)

A good hyaluronic acid may also help you, so I am recommending a hyaluronic Acid toner. It may seem a little much, but using a hyaluronic acid toner like this can help you get the moisture INTO your face, and then a protective/basic moisturizer like the one I recommend will help KEEP it in. The one I am recommending is amazingly cheap per mL and works really well. I am only just running out of this container exactly one year later (bought it in last May) even with daily, gratuitous use.

I recommend Hada Labo Goku Jyun Moist. Since you'll want to introduce this gradually, you could buy it from amazon here. Shipping takes a while from Amazon, but it's free and it's only $16 for the same thing on this site. Here is the same product at Ebay. The same product is also available at Yes Style with slightly faster shipping, but it's not free shipping.

They have several versions of the product, but I specifically recommend this one, because some of the other VERY similar serums from the line have more irritating ingredient lists.

If you feel like you need a cleanser, I'd recommend Spectro Fragrance Free Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin, 500mL for $11.58 at Walmart.

Since body cream covers a lot more real estate than the face, I looked for a much more reasonably priced body moisturizer.

I'd go with NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance-Free 72H Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin, 625 mL, $5.98 at Amazon.

For the SPF ideas, honestly, unless you spend a lot of time in the sun, there is no need to start your skincare routine with a SPF. You're not using any topical retinoids or anything that makes you more sun sensitive. There is no rush to find this skincare ingredient.

Oftentime the skin is more sensitive when it's dry and inflamed like your'e describing, so you might have the worst time EVER trying to find an SPF that doesn't leave you itchy and unhappy. I'd say start with the moisturizers and/or the cleanser, and when you get some relief from your dry skin you can try to find a daily sunscreen.

​

Your routine will look like this:

AM

• Wash with water
  
• Hado Labo Goku Jyun Moist (Don't add into routine until 3 weeks after adding the glaxal base moisturizer, so you can make sure you aren't getting a reaction from the glaxal base moisturizer)
  
• Glaxal Base Moisturizing Cream
  
  ​
  
  PM
  
  
• Wash with water (If you get the Spectro Cleanser, only use it at night here)
  
• Hado Labo Goku Jyun Moist (Don't add into routine until 3 weeks after adding the glaxal base moisturizer, so you can make sure you aren't getting a reaction from the glaxal base moisturizer)
  
• Glaxal Base Moisturizing Cream
  
• Nivea Repair & Care Fragrance-Free 72H Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin, all over body.

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

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

Beginner Level

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

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

• Since it's your first time, i'd recommend a 0.5mm dermaroller. Anything lower than that would not be deep enough to stimulate collagen growth. Also, don't cheap out and get a low quality one.
  
  
• Well, you can but it's best that you just buy one size first, in case you find that microneedling isn't your thing. Some people can take up to 6 months or even a year to move from 0.5mm to 1mm. Your skin needs to get used to it first. One dermaroller can last you a couple of months btw. If the needles start looking dull and blunt, replace it with a new one or else you'll end up damaging your skin instead.
  
  
• A 0.5mm shouldn't hurt too much but anything higher than that would definitely hurt so in the future, once you move up to a longer needle size, you would probably need a numbing cream. Also, always wash your face first before you dermaroll!
  
  In terms of sanitizing the roller before and after, this is what I do. First, I clean it with water (you can also use soap if you like) then I put it in head first in a clean plastic cup and pour 70% Isopropyl Alcohol in the cup so it's just enough to cover the head (I prefer 70% because a higher alcohol content will make it evaporate faster and logic says it won't have enough time to sanitize!). Anyway, just let it sit in the cup for 10-15 minutes, take it out and then wait about 2 minutes or so. Once it's dry-ish, I run it under hot water and let it completely air dry before applying it to my skin.
  
  After you finish rolling, repeat the same procedure. Wash the roller, dunk it in alcohol for 10-15 minutes, run it under hot water, let air dry then put it somewhere clean (preferably in a box).
  
  
• It depends on the size. With a 0.5mm, you can use it once every 2-3 weeks. If you go higher, like 0.75mm or 1mm then you should use it sparingly like once every 4-6 weeks because it takes time for your skin to properly heal. Do not use it everyday.
  
  
• I noticed you said that you don't really have a routine? You should definitely have at least a moisturizer and a sunscreen (this is a given) before you start dermarolling. After you dermaroll, your skin will be a bit sensitive and tight and it will definitely feel like a bad sunburn so you should pamper it a bit. I find that sheet masks are also great to calm down the redness and irritation.
  
  The most important thing for me is using a Vitamin C serum. I use one with 20% L-ascorbic acid everyday (also right after I dermaroll) and it has significantly reduced some of my scars (it stings a little bit though). This is where sunscreen is important!!! Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin (and scars) from getting darker. Those products you linked look great but you should definitely patch test them first to see if you have any bad reaction to them or not before you start microneedling.
  
  Here are some other Vitamin C serums which are well loved by many:
  
  http://www.amazon.com/NuFountain-L-Ascorbic-Hylaronic-Youthful-Complextion/dp/B0039LZW78
  
  http://www.amazon.com/20-Vitamin-Ferulic-Acid-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G
  
  Lastly, one important thing about microneedling is patience. You won't see improvements right away but you will if you keep on maintaining it. Hope that helps! :-)

I would definitely recommend an aha and /or a bha. Salicylic acid goes down into pores and helps remove dead skin cells. Glycolic and lactic acid help remove dead skin cells on the surface.
I really like corsx bha because it's gentle and effective. It has a thicker texture and it is moisturizing. I just pump it into my hands and tap on. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, 100ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073P6ZQ4V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4GYoDbG9RWHQ4 Corsx has other good toners as well. I am planning on buying the aha and bha toner.

Pixie glow tonic is another good one and it has glycolic acid which is an aha. Pixi Glow Tonic ~ 3.4 Fl Oz/100 ML https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014JOB038/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6LYoDbMN3399H

I just bought Bliss What a melon toner a few weeks ago and I really like it! It has willow bark which has salicylic properties, witch hazel which helps remove oil and dirt, and it has watermelon extract which is moisturizing, full of antioxidants, anti aging, and packed with vitamin C and E. It isn't full of chemicals either and is vegan. Bliss What a Melon Replenishing Watermelon Toner with Witch Hazel and Willow Bark, Replenishes, Refreshes and Energizes Tired Skin, Vegan, 7.0 ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SVH79WW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_j8YoDbR4CA30A

I really like rose hydrosol in a spray, I use this one and I use it from head to toe. I use it throughout the day when my skin needs a little pick me up. I use it on top of my hyaluronic acid serum. There are other hydrosols that are good for the skin and are gentle. Alteya Organic Rose Water Spray 240ml Glass bottle- 100% USDA Certified Organic Authentic Pure Natural Rosa Damascena Flower Water Steam-Distilled and Sold Directly by the Rose Grower Alteya Organics https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NY89K5J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_E75oDbV2375HS

Thayers witch hazel is fantastic and very affordable. I have the lavender aloe vera witch hazel and really like it. Thayers Natural Remedies Witch Hazel Lavendar - Alcohol Free 12 fl oz (355 ml) Liquid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PP15L8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xb6oDbTCY35JN There are different varieties of this witch hazel.

For dark undereyes you need a good eye cream, but I don't have much experience with them except with using Murad and clinique pep start. But I didn't use them enough to notice a difference.

For dark spots and hyperpigmentation I would use a product with vitamin C, licorice root extract, niacinamide, lactic acid, turmeric, hydroquinone, papaya, or retinoids. Of course use spf to help prevent hyperpigmentation and use a good moisturizer and a hyaluronic acid serum or water cream. I have used this serum with good results TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, 1 fl oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5m6oDbPQTTY64 I love this Sunday Riley vitamin c cream, it seems to be working, it's very moisturizing without making my skin oily and causing breakouts, and a little goes a long way. https://sundayriley.com/products/ceo-antioxidant-moisturizer?variant=4173381992479

I am getting into diy skincare products so I have been reading up on a lot of actives and everything else. So if you have any questions, feel free to send me a message. Good luck!

After looking at your skincare and assuming you are a dry/normal skin type as you've posted, your routine is very invasive and more suited for an acne prone oily skin. The products you use are excellent because they are dermatologically effective, but you need to cool it with all the chemicals morning and night.

1. You shouldn't be worrying about what kind of cleanser you use but what kind of moisturiser you use for different seasons. Skin is drier during the winter so you need to use a richer moisturiser. And as you have pale skin it is also important you use a fitting moisturiser for the summer. For your skin type I recommend the hydrating cleanser, the foaming cleanser will be too drying.
   
2. BHA/AHA/Retinoids are too invasive for your eye area, stay clear from your eye area unless its an eye cream specifically for your under eyes. The formulation for under eyes and face is slightly different as your under eyes are more sensitive than the rest of your face, do this and you will have less wrinkles in the long run. If you want a good eye cream for dark circles I recommend this french brand.
   
3. Sure you can use BHA and AHA on your body but thats just a waste of money and time. The products you use on your face will have little to no effect on your body because the skin on your body is more thicker and resilient. I recommend exfoliating with a naturally derived product and moisturise your body as well because the moisture in your body's skin is as much important as your face. Mixing a few drops of rosehip oil to your moisturiser should help lighten the acne scars lighten over time.
   
4. I don't know what kind of skin products you mean, but simplicity is best. Use a moisturiser at night and then sunscreen on top during the day.
   
5. You don't need to lotion your whole body because your skin naturally produces oils to protect and moisturise itself. Make sure you do not shower or bathe in hot water because it strips your body from these natural oils, but if you have dry skin use the CeraVe lotion.
   
6. You will be more efficient and less messy as you become used to cleansing, grow a pair and suck it up.
   
7. Never self medicate or diagnose yourself with products you've researched on the internet, if you have rashes on your beard it is most likely because of the type of razor you use. You need to make sure you change your razor as frequently as possible (prevent bacterial infection) and also make sure the razor isn't too rough on your skin. Rashes could also be because your skin is dry (moisturise) or clogged follicles (use tea tree oil with your moisturiser).
   
8. Your normal moisturiser should be fine.
   
9. We don't actually reapply sunscreen, but we have sunscreen built into our foundation as well, so there is another layer of protection when we go out. Just make sure you carry a hat with you on extremely hot days, and wash your face and reapply sunscreen if you sweat during the day.
   
10. I prefer the pump as tubs are tricky to use in that you could contaminate the whole tub by dipping your fingers in. Pump is more hygienic and you can add a few drops of oil to your lotion if you want extra moisture.

>Using as a spot treatment is a good idea. I've been using it for years but when I started it was the only acne treatment I used at all.

Yeah! It seems like it was fine when it was your only treatment, but adding in retinoids, vitamin c, and salicylic acid may mean that now putting BP on your entire face is too much. The retinoids will give you the acne-fighting and anti-aging benefits you're looking for, while BP is just for acne, so it could work well for you to just use it as a spot treatment.

>I can't do vitamin c in the morning because once I am in sunlight it leaves an orange cast on my face. I've not had this problem since doing it at night. Idk if it's a reaction in the vitamin or something?

I don't know a ton about DIY Vitamin C serums (or what the specific ingredients of your serum are... is it an L-Ascorbic Acid serum? do you have any stabilizing ingredients in it? what is the concentration?), but it sounds like it could be a stability issue. L-AA will break down in sunlight, so maybe it's an unavoidable issue on your skin and you'll always need to use your L-AA serum at night, but maybe it's just a matter of needing to refresh your serum more often? Or store it differently so you don't have to refresh it so often? Did you ever find that you could wear it during the day the same day you mixed it but it got more and more reactive to sunlight (and turned more and more orange on your face) the older it got? If you find you always need to use it at night, it could help your skin if you alternate nights with your retinoids. Anti-aging is a long game, and it seems like most people try to find a sweet spot of frequency of application vs. irritation/dryness. When you hit that sweet spot (every other day? every 3rd day? once a week?), people find that they're able to get the benefits and manage or avoid the side-effects (irritation, dryness, etc.) more effectively.

>I would be willing to swap/drop retinol and differin, but I am really concerned with eye wrinkles and I wouldn't put differin near my eyes. Any advice there?

I would say if you are comfortable putting your Roc retinol near your eyes, then you could try using a multimasking technique where you use the differin everywhere except around your eyes, and then the Roc retinol around your eyes.

>If I'm going to be outside I'll also layer the spf 40 on top of my usual daily. It's just that my lighter moisturizer has spf in it and the heavier has none.

Thanks for the clarification! That makes sense.

>I tried aquaphor but it made the skin around my eyes feel drier honestly. Should I try Vaseline instead?

Oh interesting... I'm not sure what would cause this. I'm thinking of two possibilities:

1. If the skin around your eyes was already dry/dehydrated, putting an occlusive (like Aquaphor or Vaseline) on top would just lock in the dryness instead of hydrating/moisturizing like you want - using something like the Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion Moist under your moisturizers/occlusives could help with this and allow you to keep using the Aquaphor. If overall dryness/dehydration are your problem (which is likely), then just changing from Aquaphor to Vaseline won't fix the underlying issue - you need to get some hydration in there first!
   
2. If the skin around your eyes got dry/flaky/irritated and not just dry, then maybe your skin doesn't like one of the ingredients in Aquaphor? If you think your skin might not like the Aquaphor, it could be worth it to try Vaseline instead - you can get a small container for less than $3 and it'll last forever.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh man, I have so many ideas. Just ideas though, you can take them or leave them.


First, your skin looks fairly irritated to me, dryness is a part of that. It can make your skin vulnerable and inflamed like you're seeing - mine was similar. A really easy, idiot-proof way to test this is to use some sheet masks nightly for a few days and look for improvement. I love these. And it feels nice. =)


Another super nourishing ingredient is niacinamide, which I'm completely obsessed with and bought for all my friends. I prefer the Paula's Choice ($40), but the Ordinary stuff ($7?) is also well received (made me break out though). I feel pretty hopeful about the sheet masks and niacinamide for you!


Glycolic acid is typically considered a stronger acid, and might be irritating. I'd maybe leave that out for a while and experiment with some mild 2% salicylic acid, just make sure it's not loaded with alcohol. I use Paula's Choice for that as well, I think the sample size is like $9.


I also learned to start giving myself gentle at-home acid peels through MUAC (amazing customer support). My oily/combo skin got a lot less oily after I switched to an oil cleanser (Banila or Shiseido are great). I just started using azelaic acid for redness (Melazepam), with good results so far, but I'd get the moisture thing figured out first.


Also, FYI, Sephora (and I think Ulta) will give you samples AND have a super generous return policy (check your local store), and I'm pretty shameless about trying new stuff out/returning it. Shit's expensive. =)


Let the hivemind know if anything works!


Edit: I learned so much from https://simpleskincarescience.com/, I can't recommend it strongly enough!

All right guys, so I'm constantly tweaking my skincare routine and would love some input. I'm currently 25 and only really started taking good care of my skin when I was about 21. For the most part I'm fairly happy with where my skin is at now. I have very fair, slightly sensitive skin (redhead) that tends to be mostly balanced, combination/oily with occasional dry patches. I rarely deal with blemishes these days other than a few blackheads and occasional cystic acne near my chin. The current issue I'm dealing with is how to properly use vitamins C and A in my routine so that I can reap the most benefits/use the best products while not overdoing it, or layering products unnecessarily. My current AM routine consists of (in order) a cleanser, typically Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash, toner, Amara Organics 20% Vitamin C Serum since the water here is very harsh, TruSkin Vitamin C Cream, and a higher SPF sunscreen, typically Elta MD SPF 45. My PM routine consists of a cleanser, normally something different than what I used in the morning as I find that overusing the same cleanser can strip my skin. I follow with toner, Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum again, Amara Organics Retinol Serum 2.5%, and [First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream] (http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-cream-intense-hydration-P248407?skuId=1217744&icid2=products%20grid:p248407). I occasionally use a physical exfoliator, and am not currently using any eye-specific products as I'm prone to developing milia if a product is too creamy and I don't like the tacky feeling of a lot of eye gels. I live in Florida, so with my fair complexion I'm constantly trying to be proactive about preventing sun damage, while also delaying the appearance of damage that has already been done. That's why I really want to make sure I'm using the best Vitamin C product during the day. I know that the active in both my day serum and cream is SAP, but I've read that MAP is more effective at boosting collagen production, yet I have a difficult time finding products that utilize this form of Vitamin C. Also, I've noticed recently that 2.5% retinol (the product lists retinol, not retinyl palimate) seems to be A LOT compared with other OTC products on the market, and I really don't want to be overdoing it with this one, especially since I don't have any wrinkles yet, just a few fine lines that seem to come and go. Also, the issue of increased photosensitivity makes me nervous. I recently read some literature that addressed the concern that too much topical vitamin A could lead to toxicity, and I already have a diet rich in A vitamin. It might be worth noting that I haven't changed my routine considerably in the last few years, other than switching out retinol products as they became available/unavailable. Occasionally I will change some product out for another, but normally for something very similar (i.e. one vitamin c cream for another).

So, very long story short (sorry, guys), if you could recommend a Vitamin C serum or moisturizer, and a night time retinol product appropriate for my age and skin (preferably something with a lower active concentration), I would me much appreciative. The lighter consistency the better, as I do layer several products every day and I don't like the feeling of heavy build up on my skin. If you happen to notice anything else that you think I'm doing wrong, please let me know.

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

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

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

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

Current Routine / Products I'm Using:

AM

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

This is great, I can make better recommendations now. Dove bar soap is great if it doesn't dehydrate your skin, you don't really need a expensive soap; I'd also compare Dove to Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash to see which is cheaper. You said your skin types "dehydrated" so I'd stick to using your CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser only on your face, but make sure this isn't the reason your skin is dehydrated (I don't know if your cleanser foams, but foaming cleansers can further dry out people with sensitive skin). Ultimately, your skin shouldn't feel tight or dry after showering.

If your skin is just dehydrated then you don't really need to add an exfoliant because, yeah they are priced way higher in Canada. Chemical exfoliants are more for evening skin tones and cleaning out pores, but you can check out SN AHA Toner, they should ship internationally. (Even in the US chemical exfoliants can be super pricey)

I personally don't really see a problem with deodorant with aluminum, but I know Lush carries aluminum free deodorant bars and powder that're reasonably priced in Canada, Arm & Hammer has their Essential Deo line, and a lot of vegan deodorants are aluminum free, I have no idea how well any of these products work though :(.

Applying lotion after showering can be really good, doing this seals in moisture. I don't know what CeraVe product your using as a moisturizer, but CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is really good at rehydrating skin due to it having ceramides. If you think that's too expensive/already using it, you can just use it to focus on areas that are really dehydrated; but I'd also check out this lotion. HadaLabo Lotion is a reasonably priced Hyaluronic acid thats great for dehydrated skin and if you use it for full body it should last awhile.

The cocoa butter is more of a cheap alt. for a deep thick moisturizer. Just a warning, I'd be careful with finding a high concentration glycolic acid; those are AHAs and over 15% they verge into chemical peel territory, constant use without having a tolerance can really mess up your moisture barrier. For reference I use Alpha 12% lotion a glycolic acid 2-3 times a week, but it's way more expensive in Canada and this is after using lower concentration acids for about 6 months^^super ^^good ^^for ^^my ^^scars ^^though . My skin types definitely not like yours though so if you can find something cheap I don't want to discourage you, I'd say go for it.

Last thing, I'd look up on humectants and occlusives, you said you use vaseline so I think you have that covered though. I use something akin to vaseline at night after everything else to seal all the moisture in.

I really tried to curate this to you so nothing would be too expensive, but if you use anything recommended it should help a lot. Focus on moisturizing, don't get discouraged we're our own worst critics, post to the sub if you have anymore questions-everyone heres pretty friendly, and good luck!

Clinique's products are fine, but you may just be using the wrong ones for your skin type, or maybe Clinique's fomulas just don't agree with your skin. It happens. Either way, I'm close to a teenager (22) and also had dry, dull skin full of blackheads and acne. So I'm going to post what helped me and I hope it helps you too.

But remember that taking care of your mental health may be half the battle won on its own! Stress and insomnia is a big underlying factor for troubled skin.

My basic routine for dry skin (plug for r/AsianBeauty which is a great resource):

1. Oil cleanse and then low-ph gentle wash thoroughly but with your hands, not anything rough/scrubby. I use iunik Calendula Cleansing Oil and Cerave Foaming Facial Wash.
   
   
2. Hydrating toners! You'll never go back to putting straight cream on your face. I use Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium and then isntree Aloe Vera Toner.
   
   
3. Serums. Not strictly necessary but here you can add thicker more moisturising stuff to boost the hydration you've just gotten from your toners, and when you get more into skincare there are all sorts of cool ingredients and products out there that target specific issues. I use Cosrx Snail 96.
   
   
4. Moisturiser. In the PM I use Cerave SA cream. In the AM I use Murad Nutrient-charged Water Gel.
   
   
5. Occlusive. This is what's going to seal in all the goodness from those previous steps and prevent TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss, what makes your skin dry out again). In the PM, many SCA's like to use Vaseline or Aquaphor because we extra. #sluglyfe. In the AM, I use 100% squalane oil.
   
   Don't forget to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily too.
   
   If you really can't drink more water, which is understandable as after a few gulps plain water takes a real nosedive flavour-wise, trick yourself by making the water delicious. Put honey in it. Some tea. Make jello! Eat fruit. Anything reasonably healthy that's high in water content. Or my personal favourite: Eat something so spicy you HAVE to drink fuckin gallons. Water tastes like the dew of the gods when you're dying of capsaicin overdose.
   
   Dark circles wise, pretty much everyone has them and everyone conceals them. There's not much you can do about it but keep patting on the concealer. Primers don't work much for me either. Pixi Brightening Peach concealer followed by powder followed by Skindinavia's Bridal Makeup Setting Spray does!
   
   Not sure if makeup advice is allowed here but while I'm at it, dull yellowy-white skin is called sallow skin, and can be colour corrected with some nifty purple primer! E.L.F makes a good one.

Bio-oil has mineral oil, mineral oil isn't harmful at all. A lot of people even use it to oil cleanse their face.

A lot of people here think bio-oil is overpriced, the main ingredient, mineral oil, is actually pretty cheap. I personally love bio-oil though. I haven't used Mederma, but they have an excellent reputation.

I've used neosporin to help fade scars, I noticed some improvement, but it took MONTHS. Like half a year. My advice is to use glycolic acid (a toner, serum, or lotion) wait 20 minutes then apply either neosporin, bio oil, or mederma. Really the choice is up to you, all would help. I'm recommending glycolic acid because it works by exfoliating the top layer of skin, it breaks the "glue" that holds the cells together. I think it would really help to kind of dissolve or wear down the top layer of the scar. Alpha Hydrox is great brand, I've used Mederma Glycolic Acid products and really like it.

I think your best bet is to get into a habit of using whatever products you choose everyday, and don't expect instant results. In a few months the appearance should be reduced.

edit: Applying sunscreen in the morning would also help discoloration. UV light will darken the scars.

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

I need help with my routine. I’ve just changed it up and have added a new product once at a time. It seems to be working so far! But my only issue is that my moisturiser is too heavy, but the old daytime one I used wasn’t heavy enough.

So I’m mainly needing a daytime moisturiser for oily skin, but also would love some toner suggestions to add to my routine. I’m on a bit of a budget but any suggestions of products available in the Uk are welcome!

My skin type is oily, but the skin around my nostrils always seems to dry out and flake easily. The rest of my skin is oily.

Routine that I’ve been doing for 3-ish weeks.

Morning

• Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Daily Wash (applied with a silicone sonic cleanser that I keep religiously clean.)
  
  
• ViolaSkin Retinol Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E
  
  
• St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer
  
  Night
  
  
• Exactly the same! Except twice a week I use Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads. I occasionally use the scrub version of the Neutrogena face wash, and try to use a dermal face mask once a week.
  
  My acne is currently coming to the end of a purge and my skin looks good, I’m happy with this routine for the current acne. I still have closed comedones but I’m giving the nip + fab more time to work.
  
  But the st ives moisturiser is way too oily for daytime use. I used body shop’s tea tree oil mattifying lotion but it left my skin dry and tight.
  
  What daytime moisturiser should I use that is sort of a middle ground between what I’m using? And what toner is best to add in to the mix soon? As said before I’m UK based so need items available here.
  
  Thank you!
  

Hey, new here to ScA. I saw this thread was active even after being posted some days ago; so I signed up with hopes to become an active member of the community :)

Little about me: I haven't been doing skincare stuff all that often. In fact, I'm quite new to it. In addition, I'm currently rather young, and pursuing skincare in the hopes that once all of the 'problem areas' of my skin are clear, I can establish a daily 'up-keep' routine; preferably as minimalistic as possible (anti-bacterial soap & moisturizer).

Anyhow, the below is the information relative to my current situation. Feel free to flame me for what I'm doing incorrectly; although I would greatly appreciate hearing the reasoning behind your opinion(s). Looking forward to hearing some feedback and, hopefully, contributing at a later point (perhaps when I'm more informed on the matter).

Skin type: Blemish Prone (per my take on the guide)

Current routine:

• Morning:
  
  • [Shower] Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash (excluding facial application) (https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Deep-Moisture-Nourishing-Ounce/dp/B001ECQ4WQ)
  
  • [Shower] Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub (SA 2% - facial application only) (https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Rapid-Clear-Foaming-Scrub/dp/B003YCF4XO)
  
  • Equate Beauty Spot Treatment (BP 10% - facial application only (spot treatment)) (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Beauty-10-Benzoyl-Peroxide-Acne-Treatment-Gel-1-oz/43436404)
  
  • Neutrogena Rapid Clear Daily Leave-On Mask (BP 2.5% - applied everywhere spot treatment wasn't - facial application only) (https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Rapid-Clear-Stubborn-Leave/dp/B0195I8UMM)
  
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion (Hyaluronic Acid - face & neck application) (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Lotion-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SLG)
  
  
• Evening (12hrs later):
  • Same as the morning
  
  
• Occasionally used:
  • Hibiclens (Chlorhexidine gluconate solution 4.0% w/v - Spot treatment applied via directions on bottle with q tip - tested extensively via separate patches of skin) (https://www.amazon.com/Molnlycke-HIBICLENS-LIQ-8-OZ/dp/B00E5R65SA)
  [?] Applications are extremely conservative, but becoming less-so over time
  
  Note: In addition, I'm changing bedding, towels, and wash-cloths often.
  
  How long: I've been using the above routine consistently for around two to three months now. And although my skin is getting better, the transition has been extremely slow. At times it causes me to wonder if there are things I can be doing differently. My motto when doing this has resembled something of "Rome wasn't built in a day". In that time I've effectively reduced all cysts, nodules, and pustules down to papules and open/closed comedones. I am happy with the progress that's been made thus far, but I am working towards clear skin altogether.
  
  Anything new: Pimples will appear (and re-appear, respectively) from time to time, but I usually am able to eliminate said blemishes within the realm of a week (or sooner). I figured this was a good sign. Other than that, I speculate that I have found some instances of staph infection on the surface of my skin, and am planning an appointment to the dermatologist when I get the chance.
  
  Location: Arizona (aka the surface of the sun). I feel this will prompt quite a few responses regarding sunscreen, and I have recently embraced the idea of including it within a routine; especially in my recent quest to eliminate the vestigial red-marks (PIH?) lingering on my skin.
  
  Matters of concern:
  I'm very liberal in my application of the above BP 10% 'spot treatments'. This my be irritating my skin unnecessarily, but I haven't experienced any obvious irritation. I'm also considering purchasing more Hibiclense with the intent of wide-spread usage (in an effort to clear the additional acne from my chest and back), but I don't know how effective that would be considering it wouldn't penetrate the skin like BP.
  
  Of course, thank you all again for the (potential) input. I greatly appreciate anyone who puts in the time to help a new-comer like me. <3

Okay, so I think you need to build a routine based on moisture. Some products I recommend that are easily available at Target/Walmart/Amazon/drugstores:

Cleansers:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion *

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

Toners:

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist *

Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

Moisturizers:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream *

Cerave Moisturizing Cream (aka Cerave in the tub)

Actives for texture/acne improvement:

The Ordinary Azealic Acid Suspension

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

I provided two options for each product. Note that the products with a * next to them are products I personally use and really love. The others are ones that I've seen highly recommended on this subreddit (and I also really want to try that Azealic Acid lol). I honestly think that with a simple routine like this your skin will clear right up and look really lovely, because your acne is minimal. All of these are non-comedogenic and gentle. Make sure to add only one product a week to make sure they don't break you out, and patch test on your wrist to make sure you aren't allergic to them. I hope this is helpful!

That's fair. It is pretty overwhelming and there are a lot of good products out there, but they won't necessarily all work for you.

If you bought one of everything in the actives list, you'd probably a) end up spending way too much money and b) end up with really unhappy skin.

So, with that in mind, here's my personal recommendations from where I'd start if I was in your shoes (i.e. decent skin, no routine to speak of, but looking to make some anti-aging protection moves).

AM:

• Splash with water
  
  
• Moisturise with CeraVe Day SPF 30 (I use this one sometimes, or I use Bioré watery essence + Clinique Moisture Surge) http://www.ulta.com/facial-moisturizing-lotion-am-with-spf-30?productId=xlsImpprod4190253
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cleanse with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser http://www.ulta.com/foaming-facial-cleanser?productId=xlsImpprod5140065 (I don't personally do this, I use pond's cold cream to do OCM, but this is a good basic cleanser that a lot of folks on here use!)
  
  
• Moisturise with either the same thing you used in the morning, or you can go with something a bit heavier if you think you're on the drier side, such as https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Cream-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU
  
  If you want to add some actives (which it sounds like you do!) you need to add them one at a time once you're sure the cleanse/spf/moisture routine is working for you (i.e. you're not breaking out or anything, and your skin feels happy). Even if you think your skin is good and tolerant, it can still not like something, and it's easiest to know what's what if you add them one at a time.
  
  For actives, good options would be:
  
  
• St Ives AHA pads (in the evening, after cleansing, because AHA makes you more sun sensitive) https://www.amazon.com/Ives-Face-Care-Exfoliating-Count/dp/B00CHJU06G
  
  
• Stridex Red Box for BHA (probably in the morning) https://www.amazon.com/Stridex-Daily-Care-Maximum-Strength/dp/B000NUN8BK
  
  Vit C is a bit more on the expensive side. I just bought the Paula's Choice C15 serum - which RRPs at $49 (I managed to get it at $39 with a referral code and discount when I was making an ordeR) - but it's a popular, good forumulation serum that is recommended for anti-ageing / blemish reduction etc. http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/targeted-solutions/_/Resist-C15-Super-Booster/
  
  I still haven't found a retinol product that I like, but I have been using the Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night which isn't too expensive and is at least moisturising (for me, at least, some find products like this drying).
  
  OK. So, you've now actually roughly got my routine as my own personal recommendations. :) I have dry, pretty tolerant skin, no acne, but also working on anti-aging (I'm about to turn 34).
  
  edit: fixing some stupid reddit formatting. :D

LOOKING FOR NEW PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MY SKIN-TYPE (COMBINATION - OILY SENSITIVE).

Summer / humidity causes breakouts along U-zone.

.

.

Hi guys! This is my first post here so bare with me. I'm struggling with the seasons changing causing my skin to freak out (happens every winter to summer here in New England for me. It get's suuuuper humid.)

I think I have combination - oily sensitive skin (if that's a thing). My t-zone area holds oil in the summer, and my cheeks and jawline are prone to breakouts from my skin being so sensitive. I have hyper-pigmentation along my cheek bones and jawline due to breakouts. Honestly probably mostly hormonal... but my skin was doing really reeeeally well when it was cold + dry this winter.

​

My current routine (that worked in the winter, but isn't working in the summer) looks like this...

AM:

1. Pacifica Coconut Milk Cream Cleanser (I like this, but I feel like there's something better for me out there - super foamy)
   
2. Alcohol Free Witch Hazel (toner)
   
3. Sometimes I'll use the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for sensitive skin, but my skin doesn't like it. I've tried this Acure Day Cream before too, but my skin also hates it. I think both of these moisturizers are too heavy for what I need? I keep reading "water-based" everywhere for similar skin types as mine.
   
   PM:
   
   
4. The same as AM - but added in this TruSkin Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E - this stuff works sooo well for clearing up hyper-pigmentation and breakouts
   
5. Tea Tree Oil as a spot treatment
   
   Sometimes I'll add in a charcoal mask or exfoliant if my skin is really angry.
   
   ​
   
   ​
   
   For a new SUMMER routine, I want to try these products and would like some feedback / reccomendations....
   
   

• Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser by Corsx (I have hard water) or maybe this Gentle Face Cleanser by La Roche-Posay???
  
• BHA (would it be beneficial for me? I have hyper-pigmentation due to acne on my cheek bones, but I don't have any blackheads... or just stick to Vitamin C with hyaluronic acid since it WORKS?)
  
• A hydrating toner (Is alcohol-free witch hazel okay to continue using?)
  
• A light/water-based moisturizer
  
• SPF
  
  What are some product recommendations for my skin type?
  
  ​
  
  I also don't wear anything on my face as far as makeup goes other than concealer to hide the dark marks... BareMinerals Tinted Moisturizer is probably a better option for my summer skin though! I remember my skin liking that even though it's super moisturizing.

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have been in Korea for the past 6 weeks (normally live in Scotland) and I have been really trying to take advantage of Asian products and improve my skincare routine, with a major focus on hydration as I have very dry & dehydrated skin.

My skin hasn't really gotten any better or worse appearance-wise since I've been in Korea, but my hydration levels have improved somewhat.

I recently have been testing different products such as the COSRX Low-pH good morning cleanser and the Hanskin PHA cleansing oil, and have since gotten crazy amounts of whiteheads which won't go away no matter what I do :(


About me: 19M, Fair skin, started seriously trying to improve my skincare routine a year and a half ago, although I have had a skincare routine for maybe 4/5 years since I started getting acne.

Skin type: Dry; dehydrated; acne-prone (still have current whitehead breakouts every day on the lower 3rd of my face, mostly around my mouth, chin and nose area)

Climate: Currently hot & humid, but I normally live in Scotland which is cold, wet and windy most of the year.

Main skin concerns: Acne, dryness & PIE/PIH/acne scars

​

Current skincare routine

AM:

• Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
  
• HADALABO Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion
  
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  
• The Simple Daily Lotion (Scinic)
  
• Etude House Sunprise Must Daily SPF50+ PA+++
  
  ​
  
  PM:
  
  
• Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
  
• HADALABO Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion
  
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  
• The Simple Daily Lotion (Scinic)
  
• TactuPump (0.1% adapalene / 2.5% benzoyl peroxide) <<NO LONGER USING>>
  
  ​
  
  I also use:
  
  
• SLS-free toothpaste
  
• Vaseline lip balm
  
• Nexcare acne-patches
  
  ​
  
  I have been using TactuPump since November 2018, and it has mostly cleared my skin, however I still get several new whiteheads around my mouth/nose/chin area (occasionally other random places too e.g. jawline, neck forehead) every day and I use the acne-patches to help with those, but that is an adaptive method, not a preventative one.
  
  Although I really like this routine, my skin still feels a bit dry after everything is layered on in the morning. A lot of my dryness is of course due to the TactuPump, but I can't stop using it because I break out like crazy if I don't use it.
  
  I also find that the moisturser that I use is a little bit greasy and takes ages to sink in to my skin.
  
  IMPORTANT NOTE I stopped using TactuPump a few weeks ago and my skin initially improved, probably due to less drying effects of the tactupump, so maybe my current breakouts are due to not using TactuPump, but whenever I use it I always have loads of nasty whiteheads all over the lower third of my face.
  
  
  ​
  
  I'm broke too so pls give me affordable recommendations that I can buy in the UK/Korea lol
  
  ​
  
  Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post, I hope you have a lovely day, I would really appreciate if you could help me out, acne is ruining my self-esteem, I just want to get rid of it, it has tormented me enough for the past 4.5 years, I just want to be normal :(

For bacne:

1. Change to a salicylic body wash. I recommend Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash.
   
   
2. Use a salicylic acid exfoliant on the back, once or twice daily. I recommend Stridex Med Pads.
   
   
3. Finish with a salicylic moisturizer. I recommend CeraVe Renewing SA Lotion.
   
   
   You’ll notice the trend here: salicylic acid.
   
   Salicylic acid penetrates the skin, causes a softening and sloughing of the top layer of skin, and helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent acne. This acid is also lipophillic, which means it can even penetrate oily skin and already clogged pores, resulting in a deep cleaning. Salicylic acid can reduce sebum secretion, which is another way it can help reduce acne. Lastly, it's also an anti-inflammatory, which can help calm inflamed acne and promote healing.
   
   
   As a final note, unrelated to the bacne.. please stop using R+F products. The products are of average quality at best, way over-priced, and even more overrated. Not least of all that MLM schemes should be avoided. If you need help with your skin care, the community info in this subreddit has a really excellent FAQ and wiki, and members are more than happy to answer questions.
   
   
   Best of luck.

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.

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

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

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

Hi ladies and gents! So sorry in advance, this is going to be long!

I've just recently started having success with the products I'm using and I'm thinking it's a matter of proper combination/layering (I've been reading a lot about the Vitamin C/BHA/AHA/Niacin situations). I feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what works with what or counter-acts, etc, so I'd love some input from more knowledgeable folks. I don't have a set routine and I'd like to change that. I'd say I have combination skin, very acne prone although it's pretty mild at the moment due to the recent success of something?! Lots of PIH. No birth control or prescriptions currently.


AM:

• To be honest, usually nothing at all. (4-5 days a week)
  
  
• I started 2 days ago using the [Petunia Skincare Vitamin C serum] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G052NFE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) freebie that was posted here. Using AM only based on my Niacin/moisturizer/acids.. confusion from stuff I've read here.
  
  
• If I'm going out for the day, I use NARS Multi-Protect Primer Broad Spectrum with SPF 30 .
  
  
• Should I be using an additional sunscreen? (I'm thinking of adding the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil free based on reviews I've seen here. I'm also confused about how to figure out how much to really "use" sunscreen in order to make it effective (I've searched in this subreddit and seen people having to apply 2-3 times quite a lot of product to get their sunscreen to be "effective"?) or if this Nars primer product is even working for sun protection. After using this primer, I'll put on the rest of my makeup (foundation, blush, etc).
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cleanse with charcoal MyKonjac sponge using Cerave foaming facial cleanser.
  
• 
  
• Wait 15-30 minutes and then use Stridex red box
  
• 
  
• Wait 15-30 minutes and then apply [Cera Ve PM Facial Lotion] (http://www.cerave.com/our-products/moisturizers/facial-moisturizing-lotion-pm)
  
• 
  
• Wait 15-30 minutes and then apply Mario Badescu Drying Lotion to any blemishes.
  
  
  SO! For anyone who read all that, thank you! For ease of product reordering, here's the list:
  
  

1. Petunia - Vitamin C serum
   
   
2. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil Free Sunscreen
   
   
3. Nars Multi-Protect Primer with SPF 30 (is this enough sun protection or should I buy the Shiseido?)
   
   
4. MyKonjac Charcoal sponge with Cera Ve foaming
   
   
5. Stridex red box
   
   
6. Cera Ve PM Facial Lotion
   
   
7. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for spot treatment
   
   I also occasionally do [Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay] (http://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-Cleansing/dp/B0014P8L9W) or Glamglow Super Tingling masks but I'm not consistent with it.
   
   I have used all products with the exception of the Vitamin C Serum for at least 4 months. Nothing has seemed to make anything worse but I'd like to improve. Open to any and all suggestions for routine or products. Primary concerns: acne, anti-aging, hyper-pigmentation.
   
   THANK YOU SO MUCH to any and all help or input. I really appreciate it and I apologize if I'm asking something that should be apparent by what I'm reading here in the sub. I'm just a bit confused. :)

I mean this in the nicest way possible, but you have so much to learn! That's a really good thing, because it means there are probably easy benefits available to you! And it can be overwhelming, but it's sooo worth it to learn this stuff. =)

For example, that cleanser contains glycolic acid (exfoliant) and tea tree/rosehip oil (potential irritants). These ingredients are fine for lots of people, maybe you're one of them.

But best practice, especially while "learning your skin", is to use a cleanser to just cleanse, then use other stuff for treatments. This is so you can learn what the different ingredients do to your skin.

A cleanser with an exfoliant like glycolic acid makes it a little riskier to use other acne treatments, because most of them ALSO contain acid and you really run a risk of "over-exfoliation" (google it, worth knowing about). "Over-exfoliation" and "regular" breakouts are hard to tell apart, so this creates a real problem for a lot of people! Not to mention, what if you're sensitive to those oils?

Also, you need to stop the new breakouts before worrying about texture and discoloration. Your skin looks REALLY dehydrated to me. That will CAUSE breakouts.

Read up on dehydration and the skin's "moisture barrier." Just getting that in order MIGHT help a lot.

If you were my IRL friend, my goal would be to get to hydrating your skin using Asian-style "watery" moisturizers - check out /r/asianbeauty!

These sheet masks are a cheap, great way to start. I'd use one a few times a week. I'd also consider getting some watery toner or essences.

Switching to an non-stripping, oil-based cleanser saved my life. Stripping your skin also damages that moisture barrier.

The DIY oil cleansers broke me out. Go to a Sephora and get a sample of the Shiseido Perfect Oil.

Accutane is generally considered a last resort, it has really serious, potentially life-long side effects, including crohn's disease. Just search this sub for accutane and you'll see people sharing. Your acne doesn't even look that bad to be - widespread, but shallow, not the deep, cystic stuff I normally think of for accutane.

Anyway, this turned into a bit of a novel, but Accutane is really heavy stuff, and you just seemed a little overwhelmed!

I promise you can make a lot of progress just learning more about products and skin - but you do have to learn!

Can't just try stuff randomly and expect it to work! =)

If you already have dry skin pls avoid the majority of Biore sunscreens + recommendations as they're very heavy in alcohol which will exacerbate your dryness.

水の天使 (Angel of water) Skin Treatment Gel might be a nice product for you, it's got a lot of hyaluronic acid for moisture as has a gel-cream texture so it might not be too bad in the humidity of Japan.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser is a really cheap and nice foaming cleanser that I prefer over CeraVe's cleansers too.

Kikumasamune High Moist Conditioning Lotion (or whatever the full name is, it's in a HUGE pink bottle) has a lot of ceramides and protein and could help with your moisture barrier. Only complaint is that it has fragrance, but it is the last ingredient in the list. It smells like bubblegum sake? so some people really hate it, others like it, and some (me) just don't really care. It's very hydrating and cost effective and should be able to find it at a local kusuriya. As long as you feel comfortable buying a big pink bottle ~shrug~ the liquid itself is white like rice water and is super lightweight.

This is a nice high spf sunscreen that doesn't contain alcohol, if you're looking to pick up a japanese sunscreen at all. If you have the money to spend, Dr. Ci:Labo UV & White Moisture Milk is a really nice sunscreen that is alcohol free, but be sure to check the label.

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

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

Here is what I'm thinking of buying:

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

Hello all! So excited to post here! Dehydrated/combination skin. I'm looking to add a vitamin C serum into my routine and am deciding between a few. I've been working on my routine for awhile now. Fairly minimal atm:

AM

• Simple Hydrating Micellar Water (this is the one with the blue cap; I like the green-cap regular formulation better because it has niacinamide)
  
  
• Lush's Breath of Fresh Air Toner
  
  
• Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  
  
• Missha All Around Safe Block Sun Essence SPF 45+++
  
  
  PM
  
  
• Lush's 9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion
  
  
• Simple Hydrating Micellar Water (for any last traces of makeup)
  
  
• Lush's Breath of Fresh Air Toner
  
  
• Stridex (the red bottle; I only do this as needed, like 1x/day every other day, if my skin has a breakout - usually hormonal)
  
  
• Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, mixed with a drop of argan oil OR just argan oil if I'm using Stridex
  
  
  I've been using this routine for about four months now and am super pleased with it! Breakouts are reduced a ton and my skin feels generally happy. I am still noticing some excess oil production and old acne scarring/PIE on my t-zone, so I'd like to add an additional brightening and hydrating component by adding a Vitamin C serum into my routine.
  
  I'm deciding between Silk Naturals' Super Serum and Truskin Naturals' Vitamin C serum. Any thoughts from those who have used these serums? Any other recommendations?

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

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

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

I don't think the beginner's skincare routine really has any age bracket, so it's still worth checking out.

If she's in her 70s, I don't know that a tretinoin will do too much on the level of deep wrinkles, but she can certainly ask her dermatologist about it!

Otherwise the best addition IMO would be a vitamin C and/or ferulic acid serum, and there are plenty available on the market:

• Paula's Choice C15 Serum
  
• SkinCeuticals Vitamin C E Ferulic Serum
  
• Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Serum
  
• NuFountain's Vitamin C Serum
  
• Or you can work together to DIY a Vitamin C serum! /u/SaraSays posted an awesome guide on how to make a DIY Vitamin C serum here. Family bonding ftw!

If you don't wear sunscreen, start! Looks like scarring around the wound (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - PIH). Firstly, I used Bio Oil for three months straight and it didn't do anything, not for stretch marks or scarring, but you're welcome to try it.

What I'd recommend is something to reduce melanin production/brighten skin + an exfoliant. You don't have your routine or location posted so I'll just recommend some:

• Spot treat with Alpha Arbutin on Amazon.
  
• Licorice root toner on Soko Glam or on Amazon.
  
• Hydroquinone treatment (requires a prescription).
  
• Azelaic acid (so many options).
  
  
• A chemical exfoliant like a BHA on Amazon or on PC's website.
  
• An AHA for texture on Amazon.
  
  So the idea would be cleanse (optional) > tone > moisturize > sunscreen in the AM and cleanse > exfoliate/treat > tone > moisturize in the PM. Go slow with the exfoliation - once a week and then increase. Also, HATS! If you can get away with wearing hats, that'll help with sun exposure as well. It'll take time, some of my most stubborn scars on my forehead took forever, but if you tackle it well, you should see some results.
  
  In the future, don't just smoosh your fingers against the pimple to get it out. This is a better way to pop a pimple if you absolutely must get rid of it. :)

I have a very oily t-zone and this is the routine that I’ve been developing and building on for this past year:

(I don’t really do anything in the morning, which I know I probably should but I’m not perfect)

Night:
Wash face with Clean and Clear Deep Action Oil Free Cream Cleanser

Apply either Stridex in the red tub or Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner (switch off days)

Apply TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

I moisturize with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin.

Finally, I’ll do some spot treatment with Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment. This is a new addition to my routing but so far I’m liking it! It seems to help with the redness left over from old acne.

If anyone has any suggestions for products to add to this routine, I’m all ears! I do still have closed comedones on my forehead that I’m not exactly sure what to do with, so any advice is appreciated.

I know my routine is pretty basic but it’s worked really well for me and I’m really happy with it! This subreddit has helped me so much with my skin, Stridex was the first suggestion I got from here that really turned my skin around.

Salux wash cloths are great, they’ve got a fine-but-scratchy texture:
SALUX Nylon Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Wash Cloth/Towel - Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CSDDDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZaeXCbQH3VAJ9

If you’ve got a bathtub, doing an acidic vinegar bath will help loosen up all the skin gunk:
https://wellnessmama.com/60094/vinegar-baths/

Separately, baking soda baths are also effective:
https://helloglow.co/baking-soda-bath-soak/

For body washes, try using one formulated for body acne — there will usually be a couple in most drugstores or Target. You will want something with salicylic acid in it.

Try moisturizing with something that has an AHA like glycolic acid in it, that way you will be gently exfoliating skin buildup even when not in the shower:
Alpha Skin Care - Renewal Body Lotion, 12% Glycolic AHA, Supports Healthy Radiant Skin| Fragrance-Free and Paraben-Free| 12-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FX1FAH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MfeXCb2BJQMGH

Also consider booking yourself a spa day — most cheap Korean massage/spa places will give you a full body exfoliation-scrub-down option, and they’re THOROUGH.

Good job pulling out of a rough month. I’ve been there (lack of bathing and all) and it isn’t easy.

The issue(s) you need help with:

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

Skin type:

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

I would say I have pretty sensitive skin.

Current routine with the full names of your products:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

AM

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

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

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

PM

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

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

Neutrogena Hydroboost gel-cream for extra dry skin

Right now I’m on Curology’s 0.04% tret, 1% clindamycin, and 9% azelaic acid (I’ve increased the tret % over many months). First, I recommend you introduce Curology slowly - like every other (or third) day for two weeks, then every day. Also, the 2% BHA may be too harsh/drying in the beginning - I’d recommend getting used to Curology first (i’m just now introducing it every third day bc I get so flaky). I love the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser & PM lotion (the AM lotion stings my eyes but YMMV - so I use the PM in the AM if that makes sense), and I love EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 for sunscreen. I currently use NuFountain C20 + Ferulic serum bc of price and am happy with it, but if price isn’t an issue, the gold standard seems to be SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Good luck! Be patient and consistent and you’ll see really good results!

Hello and welcome! I just want to tell you that I'm pretty sure every single person in this sub is freaking adorable so I'm sure you will meet all sorts of entertaining and awesome people here. :) I'm so psyched for you!

In terms of exfoliation, speaking very broadly (i.e. there are always exceptions to what I'm about to say), AHAs are generally recommended for dry skin, while BHA is recommended for oilier skin types. I think things will work better for you if you attempt to tackle one problem at a time. For instance, for pimples, Paula's Choice BHA 2% liquid is my absolute holy grail product, but a drugstore BHA such as Stridex may work equally as well, and perhaps would be something to try first since it's more easily accessible. Speaking of Stridex, try to make everything you use as gentle (checkmark on the Cetaphil) and as alcohol-free as possible - your skin is dry and we don't want it to get even more dry. :( My skin gets dry in the winter and the itchiness can just drive me up the wall.

And yes, start moisturizing every day, morning and night - just a pea-sized amount, I promise it won't be greasy. And if it is, we'll figure something out. If you're still feeling dry after that, we can think about changing or supplementing your moisturizer. :)

Welcome again!

Edit: I just saw a pattern in your description of pimples! Scalp, forehead, shoulders and upper back? Check your shampoo/conditioner/other hair products for clogging ingredients!

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Oil cleanse

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

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

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

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

2. Acid exfoliation

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

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

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

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


3. Hydrating toner

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

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

4. Ceramide lotion

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

5 (Daytime). Sunblock

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

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

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

5 (Night). Occlusive

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

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

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

Good luck, and happy moisturizing!

I'm no pro, but I believe I've seen people mention that Salicylic Acid in face wash is useless, as it has to be left on the skin to be effective. I would recommend getting Stridex pads in the red box, or Clean & Clear's Advantage Oil Absorbing Treatment. I use the Clean & Clear one, personally, since it's more easily accessible in Canada.


As far as a good AHA goes, I've had great success with St Ive's Exfoliating Pads.

Hi! I'm looking for routine suggestions and possibly product recs.

Skin type: combination but sensitive with seb derm around my nose and chin. I live in really humid and hot weather so I although I need moisturizing, I can't do anything greasy because I sweat. I also hardly have acne breakouts so although sebderm is considered fungal acne, I don't have typical acne so that's not a concern of mine.

Current Products: I cleanse with KOSE Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil. I use The Ordinary Squalane Oil along with Cerave (in the tub) moisturizer in the AM, and Cerave Night Cream at PM. I use extra squalane if I see flakes around my sebderm. I have Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid but I hardly use it and also don't know when or if I should (I get blackheads on my chin)

If I go to the beach, I use ROHTO Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++) and I love it because it's the only sunscreen I have ever used that hasn't made my skin horrible. (I know I should be wearing sunscreen all the time but I don't and it's my bad habit). If I decide to wear makeup, I use the IT Cosmetics CC Cream.

I just recently purchased (but haven't used yet) Vanicream Gentle Skin Cleanser and Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (have no idea how to use this, but I'm hoping it helps with my cheek redness?)

All of the products I use have been recommended somewhere (either this sub or r/sebderm) by someone with similar skin.

Skin Concerns: Redness on my cheeks & getting the sebderm spots to "lighten" so it's not as noticeable. I also have a handful of acne scars I would love to lighten/get rid of.

Help me! :)

Helloooo everyone! So I've been using the Mad Hippie vitamin C serum for a couple months and I like it but after reading more about vitamin C I think I'd like to try a different kind with L-AA to see if I get better results.

So I'm considering:

• Cosmetic Skin Solutions https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049OLZ84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Yc9SzbSRJNZ2G
  
  
• NuFountain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039LZW78/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Sg9Szb804KPNT
  
  
• Timeless https://www.timelessha.com/products/20-vitamin-c-e-ferulic-acid-serum-1-oz
  
  I'm looking for experiences with any of these or recommendations of other vitamin c serums that you feel brought you results! I have sensitive skin that is dry/combination, and I'm mostly looking to fade one scar particularly and even out some small sun spots, as well as just reap the anti-aging benefits of a good vitamin c serum :)

• Do not use hot water on your face. It can dehydrate your skin and cause redness.
  
  
• Wash your face twice, once in the morning, once before you go to bed.
  
  
• Change your shaving cream into something with less irritants. Better yet, Shave using your face wash. I use (Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA/BHA Face Wash)[http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hadalabo-Japan-Tamagohada-AHA-BHA-Face-Wash-Foam-130g-Many-Types-/331114111629]. It has a mild exfoliating effect, doesn't leave my skin tight or overly dry, and it's gentle enough to use daily. It's also lathers up alright so it can help your shaving blades glide.
  
  
• This is not required, but while washing your face, you might want to use a gentle facial brush to encourage exfoliation. I recommend a (silicone cleansing pad)[http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silicone-Wash-Pad-Face-Exfoliating-Blackhead-Facial-Cleansing-Brush-Beauty-Tool-/252512084234] rather than a bristle brush. They're gentle on the skin and easy to clean and store.
  
  
• Skip the aftershave. A lot of them have denatured alcohol which can be bad for your skin. Try using A toner instead. I recommend using Thayers Rose water toner on a cotton pad.
  
  
• After washing your face, shaving, and toning, make sure you moisturize. Identify your skin type (sensitive skin, dry, oily, combination) and get the appropriate moisturizer for it. I have dry skin on my cheeks/oily skin on my T zones, so I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel I'm sure you can get some great recommendation on some threads here.
  
  
• Exfoliate twice a week. Exfoliation comes after washing your face and before toning. The product usually has some grit in it to help lift dead skin cells. If your skin is sensitive after you shave, try to exfoliate the day after the next. I'm currently using (Body Shop's Vitamin C Microdermabrasion)[https://www.amazon.com/Body-Shop-Vitamin-Microdermabrasion-2-5-Fluid/dp/B003UYP49K] While exfoliating, don't rub too hard or you'll risk irritating your skin.

You sound a lot like me, I had perfect skin before I turned 20, now a few years later I too am taking spironolactone 100 mg. I also look pale and tired haha. I see you're using phloretin CF, that has a lot of alcohol in it. Have you considered CE Ferulic? Similar price point I believe. I hate cerave/cetaphil, I use Elta foaming facial cleanser once a day (in the AM I use bioderma sensibio micellar h2o). For looking "poreless" not really but something that has helped a lot is biologique recherche p50 lotion. It is an active so you can't go too hard, but I love it. I also use prescription tazorac, a retinoid. What helps my skin stay hydrated is using many layers of mostly Asian Beauty products, ones that contain aloe, propolis, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, etc. and spraying rose water in between. If you're interested in specifics let me know! I will say my favorites are the vita propolis ampoule, this aloe gel, this sake toner, and this snail essence

HALP. Apologies for my unnecessarily long request for a regimen critique. Overwhelmed as I try to learn about pH balance, oleic/linoleic, ingredients, emollients, emulsifiers, and generally learning how to not have the shit skin of a 16 year old at 32.

Background: oily t-zone/flaky/scaly/dehydrated atm. Some cystic acne, but primarily papules/pustules for the last 20 years. Most recently, concentrated along my jaw, sides of my neck, either side of my chin, and behind my ears (WTF). This = hormonal, right?

AM:

• CLEANSE: OCM. Burts Bees Cleansing Oil starting in Sept, then Jojoba in early Nov (insanely drying), then Argan about two weeks ago (more moisturizing, but still a bit flaky). Breakouts doubled ever since starting Jojoba. Worth noting: I stupidly started CeraVe in the Tub + Argan on the same day, sprouted zits in areas I haven't had to deal with in 10 years (on my cheeks, on my forehead, temples) so stopped CeraVe/tub after 48 hours but currently keeping on with Argan. Wayward spots have cleared for the most part.
  
• EXFOLIATE: Homemade raw honey/oatmeal scrub (every 3 days or so)
  
• MOISTURE: Eve Hansen Rose Water Spray
  
• MOISTURE: Argan Oil again
  
• MOISTURE: Kiehls Creme D'elegance Repairateur
  
• SUNSCREEN: Kiehls Super Fluid UV Defense
  
  Missing: Thinking of adding this DIY Vitamin C serum and this Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion - good/bad idea? Use these in lieu of something I'm currently using?
  
  PM:
  
  
• MAKEUP REMOVER (if needed): Argan Oil (put oil directly on dry skin, rinse off with water... right?)
  
• CLEANSE: Raw honey
  
• TREAT (jaw/cheeks/chin): Tretinoin Gel Microsphere 0.04%. Has faded my acne scars, and I'll keep at it for anti-aging properties, but definitely drying if I use too much/too often
  *TREAT (forehead): Ketokonazole, keeps my forehead deliciously smooth, derm felt strongly my fine bumps there were yeast-based
  
• MOISTURE: Kiehls Creme D'elegance Repairateur
  
  So, um, your turn. Thanks in advance.

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

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

Here's what I do:

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

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

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

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

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

For my body, I like using pre-soaked exfoliant pads, 'cause I'm lazy and cheap. Right now I'm using these Nip+Fab ones and they're pretty decent, but I'm planning on picking up these lactic acid ones next. If you're looking to dip your toes into the waters of AHA for facial use that you can also use on your body, then I'd recommend the CosRx AHA, which is great, but much gentler. (obligatory mention that if you begin using an AHA on your face, then daily sunscreen use becomes mandatory)

Undereye circles are genetic, so there's not much you can do topically to get rid of them. I know there's some people who anecdotally believe that products with caffeine in them can help with their appearance, but I've never tried any, so I can't really offer any specific advice there.

And yep! I alternate between the CeraVe foaming and the CosRx Good Morning cleanser, both of which are great low pH options.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the 10% lactic acid would exfoliate your skin, but if you can find a glycolic acid product at that concentration with proper pH, the glycolic would be more effective. The ability of the AHA to penetrate your skin is determined by the size of the acid molecule, among other things. Glycolic is smaller than lactic acid, so it will penetrate deeper into your skin and be more effective at exfoliating.

Another potential thing to think about is product size. The 30 mL bottle of lactic acid won't last very long at all. Since your body has so much more area than your face, generally you would want to get a larger bottle, like at least 4 ounces (body products are typically 8-16 oz. in size).

The glycolic acid 7% toner might work better for your needs. (240 mL)

http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-glycolic-acid-7pct-toning-solution-240ml?redir=1

Edit: also, just wanted to say that Alpha skincare 12% glycolic is a popular product for body PIH on this sub. Is this out of your price range?

https://www.amazon.ca/Alpha-Skin-Care-Renewal-Glycolic/dp/B01FX1FAH8/ref=sr_1_1/140-0849304-6381167?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518750897&sr=1-1

I didn't do any price comparisons, so there might be more affordable options for you.

I have mild KP on the backs of my arms and serious KP on my legs. I have found a few products that have helped considerably.

Products

KP Duty Body Scrub by DermaDoctor ($50 USD): This is a body scrub containing Glycolic and Lactid Acid. Since it is rinsed off, I'm not sure how important those ingredients are. It is expensive and there may be less expensive dupes out there, but it has been the most effective and least irritating scrub I have ever used. I only use it once per week, so one jar will last for 6 months.

Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion ($17 USD): This is a 12% Glycolic acid lotion. It is very thick, so I only apply it at night, before bed. When I wake up in the morning, my skin is so hydrated and smooth. It is truly an amazing product. I love this stuff!

Routine

I typically use the body scrub on my arms and legs once per week. It should be applied on dry skin, and then rinsed off in the shower.

I typically use the body lotion on my arms and legs every night after I shower. Whenever I shave my legs, I use the body lotion immediately after. This helps prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells before they have chance to cover the hair follicle.

When I follow this routine consistently, my KP is barely there, but if I slack off, it will reappear.

Seconded, but you don't really need to see a doctor. Get a Lamisil anti fungal. I find that the Continuous Spray kind works best, but the creams are good too as long s you can reach all of your spots with it, but I still think that the spray works best.

I would not use the powder sprays, they are annoying, smelly and cover poorly.

The active ingredient in Lamisil has proven much more effective for me personally than that in Lotrimin, but both do work, Lotrimin just takes longer.

I was diagnosed with this condition back when the current active ingredient concentration was still prescription only. Now that it's available over the counter, I have found that the continuous spray works just as well as the script ever did.

FWIW my doctor told me it was something I would always have to deal with occasionally and that some people "were genetically predisposed to an overgrowth of this naturally occurring fungus."

I also found that this sunscreen has gotten rid of my spots too, which was surprising.

It would depend on where you're using the exfoliant. On the body, I recommend a glycolic acid lotion (there are plenty available on Amazon or you can get one through Makeup Artist's Choice). For the face, you should get something that's formulated for that area - body lotion with acids are far too strong and you'll like irritate the skin through over-exfoliation. Paula's Choice sells a popular AHA that would likely work well for you. Personally, I use the Cosrx AHA and really like it, although some people don't find it strong enough.

The loofah may work for your body (although I personally find them way too rough), but for your face it'll be too harsh. If you're looking for a physical exfoliant, I love using a Konjac sponge. It's gentle and I find that it gets my skin super smooth.

Hope that helps!

It could be a variety of things causing the breakout. Hormones, a body wash/lotion, unclean sheets, or even an old loofa/sponge can be your downfall. Clean your bed spread with sensitive detergent and then start on your skin.



Get yourself a new loofa/sponge. Get in the shower and gently cleanse with a body wash that doesn't have a lot of irritants. I recommend VaniCream personally, but if you think something else will work better for you, well you know your skin best.



After your shower I would put on an AHA based lotion. I like Alpha Skincare. You'll have to remember to put on sunscreen when going outside. The AHA will make your skin sensitive to the sun.



If doing this for 3 weeks doesn't help any I would make an appointment with a dermatologist.



Good luck!

There are a lot of really good options for KP as well - some ridiculously high % of the population has it in some way or another so you are not alone! I would suggest U Lactin or AM Lactin from the drugstore (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Etc), or Makeup Artist's Choice has a glycolic acid body lotion.

Something like this or some people prefer this one a little more. Or from Makeup Artist's Choice they have this one is a nice pH and they are offering 25% off right now with the code 'peek' in all lowercase letters. Your skin will let you know if it likes lactic or glycolic acid better! Try a few things.

You're welcome, glad to help :)

I'm currently working with my dermatologist to treat my seborrheic dermatitis. As such, my routine is VERY minimal and I'm trying to build it up to strengthen my skin while not exacerbating my problems.

I am currently not using anything but a small amount of Elidel (a non-steroid prescription) twice a day on my face after "washing" with water. I have some MCT oil and am in the process of ordering an emulsifier so I can start oil cleansing. I finally sucked it up and bought myself some fungal safe sunscreen today (UltaMD UV Clear SPF 46) and will begin patch testing tomorrow. I'm facing two problems at present: 1) I really need a moisturizer (my skin is easily dry, dehydrated, flakey, even without the seb derm) and 2) I am completely unclear as to how I should be ordering my products.

I've been eyeing Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream as it's fungal safe and appears to be very moisturizing/get good reviews. My only concerns are (again) how to order things and the fact that I know hyaluronic acid works best on wet skin, which mine wouldn't be if I have to apply other products before it.

Any advice in terms of product recs and ordering my routine with the Elidel is GREATLY appreciated! Only other thing to note is that I do have a fatty alcohol sensitivity (breaks me out reallly badly).

Sometimes I use the Stridex in the red box. I looked it up on amazon.co.uk and found it. Honestly, the breakouts are worse if I use the same bra twice or the same shirt twice (so I avoid doing that unless I really feel like being lazy as fuck), but the Stridex helps it go down. Anytime I use Stridex, I make sure I wait a bit and follow up with the CeraVe moisturizer, because Stridex tends to make my skin feel a little dry. Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% works too. I just use generic stuff I find at CVS or Walgreens or whatever. You should be able to find that at a drug store in the UK? Neutrogena makes a spot treatment with 2.5% BP, but if you can find an off-brand, it'll be wayyy cheaper.

edited for clarity: Really, as far as products go, I treat body acne like the skin acne on my face; however, with my face, I treat it "proactively" in that I use those products on my face daily, but with the body, I treat it retroactively and only use the products when I find myself having problems. To be proactive on my body skin, I make sure that I clean it gently (no scrub brushes or wash cloths, just water/my hands) and use the same "medications." I just use plain Dove soap to wash with; I used to use fancy Old Spice body wash, but I think the fragrances make my skin feel oily (so I only wash with it if I'm going on a date or something).

edit OH. And even though I use the mint julep masque on my face, I generally prefer to use this stuff on my body (mix 2 parts apple cider vinegar 1 part clay powder), but it's messy as fuck (but it's really nice for your buttcheeks, no shame).

I use this one:

NuFountain® C20®+Ferulic Vitamin C Serum. Made Fresh When Ordered with Free Shipping https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039LZW78/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XnGVzbDRKCNJG

It is a dupe for skincuticles, but without vitamin E. it is also formulated with the proper pH which is very important for vitamin c serums to work. I love mine, I've been using it for about a month and I've noticed an improvement. I keep it in the fridge and it's just as clear as the day I bought it. They are also made fresh to order

Not at all. I actually use their Hylamide line though. They suggested the NIOD line because they said the technology used to create it is far better than the other two lines, but I was just getting back into caring for my skin after years of neglect and wasn't ready to spend so much right away and I can easily find the line at many online retailers. The routine I have has made my skin very clear and even. I'm only getting hormonal breakouts once a month or if I use a makeup product that doesn't agree with me. My skin looks better than it has in a very long time.


Morning and Night Routine:


CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Hylamide Sub Q Anti-Age Advanced Serum

Hylamide Sub Q Eyes

CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM

Clearasil Daily Clear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream (Thin layer all over face, extra on active breakouts)


Extras:

Thayer's Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel w/ Aloe Vera (I use this after the CeraVe Foaming Face Wash if I have it)

Hylamide Booster Low-Moleculure HA (I use this after the Sub Q Eyes if I have it)

I use various sheet masks once a week or so. I kind of hate the way they feel, so I don't do it that often. They do leave my skin looking great though. I bought these ones because they are affordable and I hadn't tried sheet masking regularly before, so I wanted a variety.

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

1. Might be a little harsh on sensitive skin. Maybe the hydrating cleanser would be better?
   
   
2. It may be moisturizing enough, just up to your skin.
   
   
3. It's not too potent, but don't use everyday until you've built up to it.
   
   
4. Yes, use before the cream. Use only 2 or 3 times a week at first to see how your skin reacts. In general you can use it everyday if desired. If you want to spend less money, check out Alpha Hydrox AHA Lotion which may be better for your dry skin. Apply a small amount, and use a separate moisturizer on top (like the Neutrogena).
   
   
5. Philosophy: totally fine if you like it!
   
   
6. It's pretty cheap, so why not? For my skin it's a bit drying, so I make sure to splash my face with water right after applying.

I got this 16 multi pack (16 different types) for about $9. They feel a little sticky but I only do them at night and I def feel like they're good for moisture. I haven't tried them all, but I have different feelings about some of the ones I've tried. I'd say my favorite so far was the royal jelly. I loved how the green tea one smelled, and did not like the smell of the hyaluronate mask. I've considered ordering a pack of just the royal jelly ones, but then part of me also wants to just test every face mask out there before re-ordering anything. I have commitment issues. As far as use in a routine, I normally wash, use toner, then just go to the face mask. I'll wait like 1/2 after it's done (so it's less sticky) to apply the tretinoin, and I've found I don't need additional moisturizer when I use the mask.

I need to add an exfoliator to my routine. I am in my 40s and have never used any type of chemical exfoliator besides the occasional Stridex pad. I am very light-skinned and struggle with dry skin and redness (my dermo explained it as being pre-rosacea but I am sure there’s a more technical term).

My skin loves Clinique redness solutions but it’s so expensive and I think it may have been just masking my symptoms rather than preventing them. After some trial-and-error, I think I’ve repaired my moisture barrier and am ready for an exfoliator.

Basic routine right now:

• Simple brand Micellar water or gentle gel cleanser
  
  
• Thayer’s witch hazel cucumber toner
  
  
• Spot treat with Benzoyl peroxide product as needed
  
  
• Metrogel for redness on cheeks as needed
  
  
• Simple brand gentle moisturizer
  
  
• Aquafor at night of skin is particularly thirsty
  
  
• (Side note: I’ve virtually eliminated dairy for gastric reasons. Not sure if it helped my skin or not.)
  
  I’ve been reading the wiki and it seems that an AHA may be a better starting point than a BHA for me. Is CosRX COSRX 7 AHA Power Liquid too harsh for a starter? Or should I try Stratia 10% AHA? Maybe there is another AHA that I haven’t thought of that’s better?

Throughout highschool I had a couple bad pimples, but they would go away after a couple days and there would not be any scarring from it. I asked my local clinic for some acne cream medicine and they pescribed Acne Medication 5. This worked a bit but it really caused my skin to become dry so I stoped. About 6 months ago my acne really started to get worse. I start noticing more pimples along the the chin and started developing acne scars around the jaw area and along the side my head. I tried the Clean and Clear daily essential 3 pc but it did not show much help. My parents then bought a different regime shown in the pictures and it stopped my pimples a bit, but the main concern now is getting rid of the scarring. I also tried using another product from Vietnam called Cortibion after positive reviews from my relatives who suffered from acne, but I haven't seen any results yet. My skin is often very sensitive is often reacts negatively if I eat any dairy, greasy, or chocolate contain foods. I have been trying to drink plenty of water and eating more healthy and it slighly helps but I want to find a new product or regime that will help increase the recovering process to clear acne. I think but am not 100% sure if I have hyperpigmentation so the products I was looking at reflect that. These are the two products I was considering purchasing to help with my scarring but any other recommenations is welcomed.

https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Anti-Aging-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Hyperpigmentation-Advanced-Hyaluronic-Revitalize-Complexion/dp/B00K6NPKV0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

This is the link to the scarring on my face and the products I was using

https://imgur.com/gallery/RYK8f

I have skin that is probably more oil prone than yours, but with significant dry patches that flake off at the hint of a cool fall breeze.

A simple routine is probably a good bet, but you will want to patch test one product at a time. It appears you're already using a cleanser, so I would target the moisturizer issue first. For daily moisturizers, I like Cerave in the tub. For the coldest of winter months, I actually caved and bought the German formulation of Nivea creme (the kind in the blue tin). My skin is extremely sensitive to anything remotely comodogenic, and the American version has some mildly comodogenic stuff in it as I recall. If your skin is less sensitive than mine, the American version will likely suit you just fine. During cold winter months, I apply it at night after my regular moisturizer and I wake up without the flakes.

After moisturizers, I would probably test an AHA. I like the Alpha Hydrox swipes, but they can be too intense for someone who hasn't used a glycolic treatment before. You would probably want the Alpha Hydrox enhanced lotion which has a lower concentration. Start off sparingly, maybe once a week, and be sure to follow with the Cerave once it sinks in.

Finally, I prefer a mild cleanser that can de-slick my oil without drying out my skin. I've had very, very good luck with the Cerave foaming face wash.

The main problem right now seems that your skin is very dry. The flaking and peeling is a larger, worse symptom than the shiny, oily parts.

What moisturizer are you using?

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

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

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

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

​

​

I recently purchased:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V9SXXU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2QOXDNDKR686Q

http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415597239&sr=8-1&keywords=cerave+foaming

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00016XJ4M/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2TEADBMFV252D

I have combination skin: A dry forehead and chin, normal cheeks, and oily nose. My cheeks are nice, smooth with no blemishes, but I noticed that my forehead was becoming insanely dry, and was starting to look "aged". The texture was very bad, rough. Kinda like this, although to a lesser degree : http://www.ibt11.ch/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/skin-care-tips-for-guys.jpg . Soo, I bought all these products. I start with the foaming cleanser, then the witch hazel, and then the moisturizing cream. OMG. I have only been doing this routine for the past 5 days, and I see such an improvement. My forehead has much better tone, and is matching the rest of my skin now. It is really softening up, and all the creases have softened. I'm pretty amazed and happy :)

I discovered this inadvertently through my skincare routine, but AHA's really help keep them away for me. After I started using AHAs in my face routine, I noticed that the hand that I use to apply my skincare products didn't have calluses, while the other did. I don't specifically apply them to my hands, but I think that it could be a good choice. The Ordinary, Cosrx and Silk Naturals all sell pretty affordable (under $15), well formulated AHA toners. Also, Amlactin sells a foot cream that would probably work well for your hands.

1. Sunscreen is your BEST FRIEND! I can't get enough of this one for my face becaue it doesn't feel like a million little satans are digging pitch forks into my eyeballs.
   
   
2. A daily alpha hydroxy acid should help with PIH. I use this. You should use it every night, but it makes you photosensitive so don't slather it on in the AM. USE THE SUNSCREEEEEEN :)
   
   
3. They aren't talked about much on this sub so IDK how popular they are but I recently got a derma roller. If you get this, do not use it if you are going out the next day and skip the AHA on that day and possibly the day after too. It is making me exfoliate, which is nice, but it also allows for deeper penetration of 4 ->
   
   
4. Vitamin C + hyaluronic acid which reduces pigmentation and stimulates collagen synthesis.
   
   Your #1 priority should be sunscreen.

• Hada Labo Moist is one of the cheapest and most effective hydrating toners.
  
  
• A good starting AHA is lactic acid, which is gentle and moisturizing (but still effective!). TO's Lactic Acid 5%/10% + HA is your best bet for affordability.
  
  Not sure what you want in a night serum? And I'd ditch the clay cleanser, simply because you already have an effective BHA product (Stridex) and you don't want to over-exfoliate your skin long-term.
  
  You also need a stronger, separate sunscreen!

I’m not sure if this has been said....but if you go to Asian supermarkets they have this exfoliation scarf thingy that’s like a really long loofa kinda thing. I think that would be helpful in scrubbing hard to reach places And it’s pretty cheap too. Also I don’t know if there’s any scientific proof but I try to scrub only in the direction my hair grows to prevent ingrown hairs and not scrub too hard that you hurt yourself because that can cause new wounds etc. Good luck and congratulations on your love life!

Edit: I found a link on Amazon that sells the exfoliation thingy I was talking about, just to give you an idea about what I was talking about

wash cloth towel

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps!!

I think your skin may be reacting to over exfoliation, hence the new spots. You mentioned that your skin was clearer without the AHA. Try using Stridex once every 3 days, and see if new ones stop forming. I would be gentle with your skin. (I speak from experience--I was using too much Differin a few days ago and had two very large cystic spots form on my cheeks. Plus my face was burning whenever I put anything on it, like Cerave PM...after I stopped using Differin for 2 days, my face would no longer burn when I moisturized. I will only be using Differin once a week now.)

Since you're in a desert/dry climate, first and foremost focus on keeping your skin moisturized. Your moisture barrier needs to repair before you introduce actives to it. It could be breaking out because its so irritated. Here's a link on Reddit about the importance of maintaining a healthy moisture barrier!

If your skin is oily/dehydrated (my skin type), focus on layering light layers of hydration. After you wash your face, gently pat dry with a clean towel, and apply a hydrating toner like Thayer's Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel and following up with a hyaluronic acid moisturizing toner/lotion/serum. Hada Labo products are very popular amongst the /r/AsianBeauty community. The hyaluronic acid will help draw moisture to your skin. More on the science of HA here.


I do want to state that as always, your mileage may vary (YMMV) with these products. But since we have similar breakouts, I do think irritation and lack of proper hydration may be at the root of your breakouts. Patch test the products above to see if you react to them. Good luck!

Here are the products pictured:

Etude House bubble tea sleeping pack

3 airless/vacuum pump bottles - going to use for travelling and decanting, I've already put the honey ampoule in one.

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - Heard great things about this!

SCINIC Honey All in One Ampoule - Another product that I've heard great things about. It is pretty runny, so it would be better off in a pump bottle.

The Crème Shop - Clear up, Skin! Unicorn Face Mask - Haven't seen this brand mentioned much, any experiences? I just want to be a sweet-smelling unicorn apparently!

I like the Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic (Amazon Link), but only tend to get it on sale. I like the Alpha Skin Care one better than any of the Amlactin products, but I know a lot of people like Amlactin. YMMV.

My legs and arms also like some physical exfoliation every now and again, for which I usually use a basic sugar scrub.

I mix a very basic Lactic Acid exfoliant for my body. I use this sparingly a few times a week, and it has worked for me. The end formula has, aside from distilled water, 20% Lactic Acid, adding glycerin as a humectant, baking soda to adjust the ph, and Liquid Germall Plus as a preservative. If you check out r/DIYBeauty, you can find some resources.

From what I see (and from CosDNA), your LRP does contain some acne triggers and irritants. Maybe your skin is not so happy with that and that's why it doesn't stop breaking out.

Your LRP already has salicylic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant and it should help with your acne. However, using salicylic acid as a spot treatment might be not enough. You would want to use salicylic acid all your face to also prevent further inflammations.

A couple products with BHA you might want to look at are:

• Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid: Relatively simple and fine ingredients. It has worked wonderfully for lots of people here on SCA including me. It's a bit pricey but you can get a trial or mini-size and see how it works out for you.
  
• Cosrx AHA/BHA treatment - Great ingredients and a lot gentler than the Paula's Choice one. This one also contains glycolic acid so that's gonna help with pigmentations.
  
• Cosrx Blackhead BHA - Decent and gentle ingredients
  
  

It's fine for cleansing your face but if you want a BHA that will do something significant for your skin you should get a product you can leave on for long enough for the BHA to work. People seem to like Paula's Choice BHA Liquid since her products are properly formulated and work well for a lot of people. I personally use CosRx Blackhead Power Liquid BHA, which is Korean but the brand is trustworthy and fantastic, and it's only about $17 for about 6 ounces, whereas PC is $28 for 4 ounces. The Paula's choice is available as a liquid, gel, or lotion too so you get more options if you have a preference of consistency.


The CosRx is available on Amazon, (with Prime shipping too) here: https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Bha-Blackhead-Power-Liquid/dp/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466037028&sr=8-1

And the Paula's Choice is available here: http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/aha-and-bha-exfoliants/_/Skin-Perfecting-Two-Percent-BHA-Liquid-Exfoliant


If you haven't ordered from PC before, you can go to the referral thread and use someone's referral code and you'll get $10 off your order so there won't be as much of a price difference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SO YEAH. Most people regret asking.

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


Face wash: CeraVe Hyrdating Cleanser

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

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

Day to day sun screen: Coui Facial Sunscreen

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

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

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

Thinking of getting this face exfoliator. Thoughts?

I love this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJEAAHY/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687462&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004LPZZU0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZCEK8G78JTGG7H756EE

I also like Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel, but it does make me look a little shiny. Here's the link, though, if you want to look at it. It does have one more "+," so it has better UVA protection.

http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Creamy-Gel-SPF50PA/dp/B007408PIS/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418758078&sr=1-1&keywords=hada+labo+uv+creamy+gel

Many here like this one as well, though it dried out my skin a little too much. Might work better on you, though:

http://www.amazon.com/Biore-Sarasara-Watery-Essence-Sunscreen/dp/B00LA6QEOE/ref=pd_sim_hpc_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0YK87Z0EN9ZNZNFDEQVJ

For whatever reason the single pack isn't coming up as Prime... :(

Also, the correct amount is 1/4 a tbs. Cheers!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I suggest oils like rosehip and marula for moisture but I know the folks over at /r/asianbeauty looove their CORSX snail essence! so definitely give it a try and see if you like that or any of the aforementioned oils better under your nightly cream!

hydrating lotions (they’re called lotions but are basically the same as toners) like this one from kikumasamune or this one from hada labo could work! but try the COQ10 spray! it might work just fine for you. (:

Is there an chance wrinkles are from aging and not just dry skin? If they are medium-sized, I would think it might be aging related. This may not be tolerable by him, but you can google short contact therapy for retinoids which allow for some of the anti-aging benefits without the irritation and give it a try.

I had super sensitive rosacea and psoriasis prone skin for awhile. Every single lotion I've ever tried irritated my skin, but for non irritating moisture, HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist is unbeatable. It's not a lotion, it's a clear serum that is super mild but very moisturizing.

​

On top of that I use vaseline for extra moisture and it helps with psoriasis somewhat.

​

Hope some of this helps.

What is it you are looking for in a toner? Do you want one that is moisturizing? Do you want it to help with a specific problem or contain specific ingredients?

I use Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner and I really like it. I use it between my cleanser and AHA to help moisturize my skin

Which Roc moisturizer do you use? Do you want it to have retinol or any other type of specific ingredients?

I use CeraVe in the tub and CeraVe PM moisturizers, but I also hear great things about Paula's Choice moisturizers. They also have a great toner which has niacinamide in it.

Paula's Choice moisturizer with Retinol

Paula's Choice Niacinamide toner

Make sure to check out the Paula's Choice Referral Thread to get $10 off your first order. I believe they are also having sales going on, so check those out.

I buy everything I can off amazon, but I think you can also get them off of yesstyle and a few other places.

Premium: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013HHJV0C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Plumping Gel: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I4BUBN8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been using Differin for years! I love it. I've only been thinking of asking my derm about switching to tret because I'm starting to get up there in age (early 30's). There was definitely a purge phase, but it was worth it. However, I still had acne. It wasn't until I was on the sulfur wash and Aczone that my acne went away. Switching to Azelaic acid was seamless breakout wise, though.

tldr: talk to your doctor about it. You might need a combination of things to make your acne go away.

The issue(s) you need help with: I feel like a skin care disaster, I definitely need help developing a routine.

Skin type: Combo I guess? I have no idea. Some parts of my skin are dry and sensitive, like my eyelids. Others can be oily like my forehead. The pores on my nose are humongous and I'd like to reduce them. I was told my arms have keratosis pilaris but I never followed up with that.

Routine: I shower exclusively at night, occasionally using Public Goods Moisturizer and Lotion afterwards. I had been using Cerave but i got suckered into good marketing. I switch between using Ivory Aloe, Public Goods Body Wash, and Public Goods Bar Soap on Salux Wash Cloths. I was using a new loofah every month but I switched to the wash cloths and saw an improvement. Since I have three I was going to rotate them every few months but I realize i should probably wash and rotate them more often. I was also considering getting the Super Hard ones because my skin doesn't seem to be clearing up like it did when I first started using the cloths.

Location: Texas, USA

PM me for photos cause I don't wanna put my face on the internet

It's definitely dry, what I don't know is if it's dry and oily or just dry cause it's winter, I don't remember it being this dry couple of months ago but atm it hurts to frown etc. my cheeks feel normal most the problem is forehead.

I was using Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash and sebamed clear face care gel (which tbf doesn't feel very moisturising but works great at fighting spots).

either way if it's just dry and not dehydrated a softer cleanser such as Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser - 200ml (which apparently is non foaming according to SCA) and a new moisturiser; CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion (which is apparently good for dry to normal skin will help)

I don't have a sunscreen yet but I live in the UK and dont use an AHA so not hugely worried.

There are some really good japanese brands you can get on amazon: biore watery essence, biore perfect face milk, skin aqua. By really good, I mean they don't leave you looking like a ghost and they have a light-weight feel while being effective. Also, not too expensive

If budget isn't an issue, La roche posay anthelios 50 ultra light sunscreen fluid, skinceuticals physical fusion uv defense, and a new product line 'DNAEGF renewal' you can look up is supposed to be amazing but it's 50+ dollars for not that much. The others are around 30.
Paulas choice resist youth extending daily hydrating fluid was pretty nice too but it's the same price as la roche posay and skinceuticals and I prefer those 2 over PC.

Issue: acne breakouts among face, neck, chest, and back

Skin type: combination, very oily T-zone

Current routine:

AM: Cleanse with kaolinite clay, BP wash on face, Selsun Blue on body. Moisturize face with Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion and Murad Oil and Pore Control. Moisturize body with Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion or B&BW Body Cream

PM: Same as morning. Night face moisturizer is just Cerave Night Cream.

Now, this routine is working pretty well, and I definitely attribute that to the Murad products. I was wondering if there was anything similar that I could use for my body and/or in place of the Cerave Night Cream. One thing I noticed was that the Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion has retinol in it and I feel like that makes the biggest difference for me. Any combination of products doesn't seem to work as well if there isn't some sort of retinoid present.

I don't know if it would help you at all, but here's the moisturizer I use:

http://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K

Afaik it's completely oil free, and my super sensitive skin loves it.

Edit: Ahhh, YES, use sunscreen! This def shouldn't be skipped

Hey there! I'm on Epiduo Forte (Adapalene 0.3% & 2.5% BP) so I understand where you're coming from.

I'd recommend taking it slow with applications. Have you used it every single night for 5 days straight? Don't do that!! You will damage your moisture barrier. I actually was put on Epiduo 5 days ago as well and I have only done 3 applications. The first week should be 2-3 applications to build your tolerance.

Use a bit of moisturizer before your Epiduo application. I personally use Cerave PM because my skin is dry and this is a nice lightweight "prep" for me. I also use a hydrating toner (there is a difference between hydrated and dry skin) immediately after washing my face and before the Cerave PM which helps immensely.

After I apply the Epiduo, I wait a little bit and use Vanicream - which is most likely similar to the La Roche creams you mentioned. You want something thick. Then I finish everything off with a pea sized amount of Cerave balm (basically like Vaseline/Aquaphor) and run my humidifier at night.

Despite ALL of that, I still woke up with dry patches. I think it's inevitable. Give your skin a 2 or 3 day break and focus on moisture. I do not have oily skin so that is out of my wheelhouse, but your skin could possibly be oily because it's dry and/or dehydrated. Here is the hydrating toner I use if you're interested. This will definitely help your skin.

My current routine:
wet face

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

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

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

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

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

Yeah, definitely look for a new cleanser, you don't really need a "oil control" cleanser, they tend to be pretty drying for most people, and as you've noticed, don't do much to actually control oil.

As far as a toner goes, if you like using one, go ahead, but try to find one that doesn't contain alcohol. Thayers is usually a pretty popular brand because it's alcohol free.

Otherwise you can check out the beginner's routine for more recommendations.

Hi! I'm looking for some routine help/ transitioning into a winter routine. I wanted to add some more moisture into my routine, so I purchased HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist since it was pretty highly recommended here. My question is when do I use it? In watching YouTube how-to videos, they say to use it immediately after cleansing, as a "lotion" in Japanese skincare is what Americans refer to as a "toner." But... I'm already using Thayers toner, and I use a few actives, and my thought is that if I put the hylauronic acid lotion on first, my actives will have a harder time soaking in (?). I'm pretty new to this skincare game, so any help would be appreciated.

As far as skin type, I think I have oily skin or maybe it's normalish? I don't know. My forehead feels oily by the end of the day. I don't know if any oil on the skin constitutes having an oily skin type, or if this happens to everyone. I occasionally get breakouts, but they aren't that bad, but I'm a picker (shocking? Is my anxiety showing? Oh my god am I doing this right?!?!?!), so I make them worse.

​

Here is my routine:

​

AM:

Oil Cleanse (dear, Klairs gentle black deep cleansing oil)

rinse off with lots of water in the shower

Tone (Thayers alcohol-free rose petal witch hazel toner)

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (The Ordinary)

Moisturizer (Glossier priming moisturizer)

SPF (Supergoop! Smooth and Poreless 100% Mineral Matte Screen)

​

PM:

Oil Cleanse (dear, Klairs gentle black deep cleansing oil)

Water (aqueous? Am I saying this right?!?) Cleanse: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (Once I run out of this, I want to switch to something with a lower pH.)

Tone (Thayers alcohol-free rose petal witch hazel toner)

BHA (The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution)

Retinoid (The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane)

Moisturizer (CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion)

​

I've been following this routine since probably June, and everything seems fine. I think my skin is pretty resilient. I'm just looking to have a more of a "glow" and keep breakouts to a minimum (which also just means I need to keep my hands off of my face).

​

Again, main question is when to add in Hada Labo hyaluronic acid lotion. And should I even bother with Thayers? Any suggestions are appreciated.

​

Thank you!

​

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

I use this snail essence

It's excellent for hydrating your skin, and reducing inflammation. It also isn't irritating, and it makes my skin super soft and supple without clogging my pores. Not to mention, i kinda like how gooey and slimey it is hahaha it makes it more fun

I would add for the Natural Moisturizing Factors some products that have the hygroscopic ingredients (specifically urea for ones I've listed), because for me a dupe of the Natural Moisturizing Factor would be products that contain actual NMF:

• Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream: price varies, I bought it a few weeks ago for $12. Has 5% urea
  
• Hada Labo Premium Lotion: 3% urea
  
• Eucerin Dry Skin Replenishing Cream with 5% Urea
  
• Sebamed Extreme Dry Skin Relief Face Creme: 5% urea
  
  I mention this because the only reason NMF performed well for me was because of those ingredients, and my body lotion that works best for me has similar ingredients (hygroscopic ingredients like urea, lactic acid, sodium pca, and amino acids like arginine, alanine, threonine, histidine, serine...). The CeraVe products do not function the same because they don't have any significant NMF (hyaluronic acid and glycerin are the significant ones), and the star ingredients are ceramides, which are important emollients and serve a different function.

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

Not a gel, but I recently started using Vanicream Lite. It is very moisturizing and affordable. Cruelty free and vegan, recently CVS (or Walgreens?) started carrying it! It was created for people with eczema so it is AMAZING for sensitive skin. I started using it because I needed something very soothing, after starting differin.

I have a such a hard time finding CF/vegan skincare because I don't want anything fancy, expensive, or "natural." I just want products that work and don't hurt animals. Vanicream fits the bill for me.

You could try asking in /r/VeganBeauty as well.

I don't use a cleanser in the morning, but I do like using a salux cloth like this with water to wash/wipe away lint, cat hair, or whatever my face accumulates when I sleep. It is so fast and easy, and I feel like it has made my face smoother as well.

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!

It's feels pretty good on the but shiner side, for an exfoliation I have this here (not yet used in my routine):
L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Clean, Anti-Breakout Facial Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin 6 Fl. Oz

I don't know how to incorporate into my routine like do I use it before or after my toner, or at night only instead of day and night.

Someone in the Asian Beauty mentioned that it was a cleanser with exfoliating properties so I could just rinse it off and I don't have to wait 30 mins even tho it has 2% Salicylic acid. On the bottle it says I can use it two times a day.

I also have these I couuld user after my sheet mask Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet

I was actually lucky enough to find the real ones at my local asian supermarket that possessed all the markers of the authentic ones as described by the distributors/sellers of the salux wash cloth, http://saluxshop.com/.

You can purchase it directly from their website OR their ebay store, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Real-Salux-Japanese-Exfoliating-Nylon-Bath-Wash-Cloth-Discount-Bundles-/120805336805. You can also get it from amazon as well, http://www.amazon.com/Salux-Nylon-Japanese-Beauty-Yellow/dp/B007IAE5WY/ref=lp_2600026011_1_1_a_it?srs=2600026011&ie=UTF8&qid=1456908663&sr=8-1

If you're interested, here is an in-depth post from them that tells you how to differentiate from the fake ones to the real ones haha: https://saluxshop.wordpress.com/the-imitations/

It's actually really not that hard to discern from the real ones to the fake ones. You will see. haha

Hope that helps! :)

I double cleanse too. I really like it. Like the above poster said, it lets you have the benefits of oil cleansing without leaving oily residue on your face or using a bunch of towels. I use mineral oil because it's non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and removes makeup. However, I haven't been doing it long enough to say whether it's helped my sebaceous filaments or not.

As for a stronger AHA, I'm not sure what the percentage is in the St. Ives pads, but I love Alpha Hydrox 10% lotion and if you think about it, $10 isn't that bad for something that's going to last quite a bit longer than the St. Ives. I've been using the Alpha Hydrox for about a month and I've found it's helped diminish my sebaceous filaments, but I admit I still use an extractor tool at times (but I'm a compulsive picker). It can be tough to remember that they're natural and supposed to be there!

When you say he washes his face with soap and water, do you mean hand soap? Depending on the type, that can be pretty harsh. For skin that is already inflamed and sensitive due to active breakouts, using a cleanser that is too harsh will just aggravate the problem. A good first step for him might be to find something more gentle, that's formulated to be used on the face.

Two ingredients to look for that can be very effective at reducing acne and blackheads are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. There are cleansers that contain them, as well as other forms of product (lotions, serums, etc.) You can find low-cost products containing these ingredients. One popular one on this sub is Stridex pads. There's a lot more information about these two treatments in the sidebar, including more product recommendations.

A good routine almost always includes some type of moisturizer, especially if the person is using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are both known to be drying. A good basic one that is unlikely to break him out further is Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion. I think this one also comes in a small travel size, if he wants to get that to start with to test it out.

I honestly am a big believer in face masks. I was suffering from dry skin and acne after moving, and they've helped me a lot. They don't have to be expensive either. I got a pack of 16 for $11 from Amazon.

After cleansing, just put one on for 15-20 minutes before bed. The directions say to put on toner beforehand, but they're referring to Korean "toner," not cleansing toner, so you can skip that part if you don't have it. After I'm done, I like to rub the mask with the leftover liquid on my lip area, neck, and elbows. You don't gotta, but... Just a suggestion. Oh yeah, and don't wash it off. You can put on moisturizer after you're done with the mask if you want. I don't.

I saw a major difference in my skin after a week of using them every other day. If not this, I hope you find something else that works for you. Good luck.

The kind I use -

Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, 16 Combo Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAM7F8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qA5gDbWCFS3FT

PS: Always do a spot test on your face first as with any new skincare product just in case <3

Sure! I like to keep my AM routine pretty simple because after my first period class I work out for an hour so I have to wash my face again anyways (I use micellar water)

Cleanse:

DIY water soluble oil cleanser or

CeraVe hydrating cleanser (with/without konjac sponge)

Actives:

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid

Wait 15 minutes

Sunscreen:

La Roche Posay Anthelios xl spf 50 fluid ultra light (PPD 42)

Moisturizer:

Depending on how dry my skin is I use either Trader Joes nourish antioxidant facial moisturizer (super underrated in my opinion, has lots of beneficial ingredients)

Or CeraVe moisturizing lotion

Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizer/humectant - it draws moisture into the skin, so it wouldn't work as an AHA.

I would recommend glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, or a product that combines any of those. Here are a few options with good reputations:

Cosrx

Paula's Choice

The Ordinary Lactic Acid They also have a glycolic acid toner and a 10% lactic acid.

Nip + Fab

All of them are good, so look up reviews and see which one sounds the most promising/fits your budget best.

Also consider a retinoid. I forgot to mention it earlier, but it works similarly to an AHA is speeding up skin cell turnover, but is even more effective in some people. I really like The Ordinary retinoid 2%.

Product name: Salux Cloth

Price (range): $3.73/cloth

Country of purchase: USA

Skin info: All skin types

Ingredients: Nylon

Special info: 4.6 out of 5 Stars on over 1,200 Amazon reviews.

Experience & opinion: I use it with a moisturizing body wash for my body and it exfoliates better than any loofah or scrub I’ve ever used. For the price, you more than get your money’s worth because you can machine wash and dry them when you think they’re dirty. I occasionally will use it for my face, but I prefer Rodan & Fields Microdermabrasion Paste. I originally found it because I was searching for how to treat keratosis and never looked back. I give them as gifts to all my friends. For about $4, definitely worth a try.

Try adding in something with hyaluronic acid or a serum step.

I'm also prone to dry skin and I love Hada Labo Lotions. (It's not a lotion, it's a hydrating toner. It's from overseas and they call it lotion.)
The moist is the most popular. I love the premium.

You may find experimenting with an occlusive at night helps lock the moisture into your skin.

I recommend checking out Cerave Hydrating Cleanser and Cerave Moisturizing Cream; skincare products with ceramides are often recommended for eczema.

Like the other commenter said, urea is very helpful for eczema. I recommend reading this post to learn about the benefits of urea.

Eucerin makes several different 5% urea creams; I use this one. Other 5% urea creams: Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel (also has ceramides!), Sebamed, Balea, and Numis Med.

I got my husband on a simple skincare routine. He is also on the oily side of normal. Right now he's using:

• Face wash: Purpose Wash
  
  
• Toner: Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel
  
  
• SPF: Supergoop <- Not drugstore but the only thing I could actually get him to use since it doesn't smell like sunscreen, you only need a tiny amount
  
  I put the toner in one of these glass bottles because I thought he'd be more likely to use it than putting the toner on cotton pads. I recently got the Clarisonic Mia brush for Christmas and it's wonderful but the brush heads are expensive so I bought [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Greeninsync-Compatible-Replacement-1Sensitive-Cleansing/dp/B00PEJAWCI/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1484517812&sr=1-5&keywords=clarisonic%2Bface%2Bbrush&th=1). Although the Clarisonic is expensive, if you could buy it for him for Christmas or his birthday the link I listed has a year's worth of replacement brush heads for $15. I'm going to have my husband use my Clarisonic with his own brush head twice a week to prevent his pores from becoming clogged up. I feel like he'll use the brush more than something like a face mask.
  
  At this point I'd say the most important thing to get your boyfriend on is a strong daily SPF to prevent premature aging and further sun damage to his skin.

I love Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Power Essence! My skin also has a tendency to be a little dry too. I want to add that this in place of moisturizer may not be enough, especially if your SPF contains any drying ingredients.

Have you tried any gel moisturizers? They are much lighter and may work better in a hot and humid climate. On days where I am not doing all my normal steps, I will layer my products like so (after cleansing): Toner > Essence > Gel Moisturizer > SPF. Hope this helps!

Yes! I have dyshidrotic eczema that flares up on my hands, elbows, knees and feet along with eczema (not sure on the type) on my eyelid. Mine is synced to my cycle at the moment which absolutely sucks. Anyway, I use this...well the nz version of it which is for dry skin. When its really bad, I apply a thick layer on the eczema and wait for it to dry. It seems to help more when I apply the thick layer and it gets rid of the redness. I also top it with vaseline when its super bad. It heals in a week rather than ten days or more. Mine isn't chronic (as in I get flare-ups rather than having it all the time but it is chronic in the sense that I have it for the rest of my life) so maybe thats why it heals with just normal moisturiser.

I'm also looking at amlactin which has lactic acid in it. Supposedly its good for eczema. Also eucerin makes pretty good stuff for eczema. /r/eczema has more recommendations.

Amazon. They are a verified seller. The company (CosRx) fulfills their own orders, not a third party. I've never gotten a fake on Amazon and I get 80-90% of my skincare products there. Here's the one I bought. Plenty of real reviews (you can check on FakeSpot ).

I actually prefer the 92 snail mucin to the more popular 96 mucin. It's more soothing because of the higher percentage of panthenol. And yeah, unfortunately the Mizon Snail gel has a lot of weird potentially irritating plant extracts and I think it has added fragrance too. Probably best to set it aside until your skin calms down and adjusts to the Differin. Hope this helps!

Pictures would be helpful.

They sound like closed comedones, in which case you might want to try chemical exfoliation.

I use this glycolic lotion to get rid of mine. A BHA product can be helpful as well.

Also, I would suggest not washing your face with soap or foaming scrubs. Gentle, basic cleansers like CeraVe and Cetaphil are often recommended here.

I'm about to go on a trip that will have me in full sunlight, all day most likely. I use this on my face normally along Skin79 BB cream, but according to the Amazon review this sunscreen will not be enough protection for my face. Can anyone recommend a good face and body sunscreen? How often should I ideally be applying it?

Also, I'm going to be in the sun a lot soon, as I'm a server and our patio just opened up. Most likely I'll be in the sun from 4 PM to sunset. I will absolutely be way too busy to stop mid-service to reapply sunscreen. How big of an issue is that? Can anyone recommend a good, fairly scentless sunscreen for that?

I worked the patio all last summer without sunscreen. It makes me shudder. I still have some sun damage on my chest.

Body Skin Type: Normal-to-dry, Keratosis Pilaris on arms, upper stomach, and thighs, occasional body acne

Shower Routine (every other day):

• Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar w/ Salux Exfoliating Cloth, focusing on my upper arms where my KP is the worst
  
  Post-Shower Routine:
  
  
• Alpha Skin Care 12% Glycolic Acid Renewal Body Lotion, every other day. I love this stuff. It smooths out my KP quite a bit, and leaves my whole body feeling so soft. Calloused areas become noticeably softer with continued use for me, as well. I've been using it for about 3-4 months, now, and will definitely repurchase when the I run out.
  
  
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, every night. I wait 30 minutes on nights that I apply my AHA to apply this. My skin loves the extra moisture, but the AHA lotion is very moisturizing on its own, so this step could probably be skipped, if necessary.
  
  I'm still looking for a solution to the mild redness caused by my KP on my arms, but other than that I'm pretty content with my routine, as is. So soft!

Thank you for your answer.

I looked up the CCs and whiteheads a little bit more because I remember trying to deal with the thing I have on my forehead with BP and it didn't work.
So the issue is mostly closed comedones.
I think that I will start with only AHA product for now and later I will see if I need anything with BHA's. Will Cosrx AHA Whitehead Power Liquid be okay for me, or there is something better?

Should I get anything more to make this "treatment" as effective as possible?

Also could you recommend me any toner that would fit my routine?