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Hi, u/mihaelalala7! :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the best!

I have super dry skin that's also super sensitive. I have dry scalp and some scaly patches on my face that I've dealt with by being super gentle with my skin. First, I would recommend finding moisturizing products for sensitive skin. I highly suggest a hyaluronic acid based lotion, but you'll likely have to layer moisturizers to get what you want. It may also be helpful to use a hydrating cleanser or a good cleansing oil.

Basically, what i suggest is to try layering multiple simple products, based on what your skin needs.

What's worked for me when nothing else would:

Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Moist lotion Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. My skin requires this in the dry winter.

Ceracolla Super Moist Lotion This has ceramides that are super awesome for "unhealthy" skin.

Cremo Moisturizer This has Urea which is a mild exfoliant in small amounts... I love this stuff.

Burts Bees Sensitive Night Cream Generic night cream with ingredients that don't burn my face. It's not super moisturizing on it's own, but is great when layered.

Ceracolla Perfect Gel If your skin isn't super dry, this could work for hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Boots Expert Sensitive hydrating serum This is super moisturizing, but breaks out my chin. It's actually the most moisturizing feeling of the bunch, but doesn't have a lot of "benefits"

Aquaphor: A thin layer overnight can make your skin feel great in the morning, and especially if you're not wearing makeup, it won't need to be washed off.

Bare minerals has a purely nourishing moisturizer which has great ingredients, except for lavender essential oil, which my skin does not like. It's in my skincare drawer for when my skin is healthy, but I'm nervous about considering using it.

Also: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue tinted gel cream has been wonderful for my super dry skin. I apply it in the morning and do not apply powder (which never worked for me before) and it gives just enough coverage and leaves my skin looking nice. Also, I do find it quite moisturizing for a tinted moisturizer/foundation. The only issue is that it doesn't last on my chin so much, but I'm putting some in a bb cushion test out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hey! I have super sensitive, dry, breakout prone skin with some intense hair growth on my chin. Before I got to this routine people were asking me what was wrong and someone told me it looked like I must wear a chin strap (charming!), and now I have little to no breakouts or irritation.

I've found shaving to be the least irritating method (I'm prone to ingrowns so plucking, waxing and threading made for even bigger problems). I use a 5 blade razor that is ONLY for my face and gets switched out to be my pits/legs razor as soon as it starts getting dull at all. I'll also rinse it with alcohol after every couple of shaves, every time if I've been having skin problems (note: let it dry completely, the drying process is what kills everything).

My best tip is to shave with a super mild face wash. I really like the hada labo hydrating face wash, it's extremely mild and really thick and foamy so it makes a nice cushion for the razer (like a men's shaving soap does).

After shaving I pat my face dry and slap on some BHA - huge game changer right there. BHAs exfoliate and reduce redness and inflammation and I find them to be waaaaaay more effective and less irritating than any manual exfoliation. I really like The Ordinary's salicylic acid but it's pretty heavy duty, they recommend using it as a spot treatment (I slather my whole face with it, but my skin loves acids). If my skin has been feeling dry I'll do Cosrx's BHA power liquid, it's a milder form of BHA combined with niacinamide, a holy grail ingredient for many, it brightens skin and reduces acne (and I think it's anti-aging? I lurk on /r/asianbeauty but I don't have it all down!), though it can interact badly with some forms of vitamin c (causes flushing)

Next steps are all about hydrating and soothing. My skin breaks out from being sad and dry, and it makes any irritation or ingrowns a million times worse. I've found I get my best results from layering my products. I really like cosrx's snail serum, and right now I'm topping it with 2 moisturizers (again, very dry skin, plus it's a very dry winter where I am). First moisturizer is The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors, then Cerave in the tub.

I then top it with sunscreen, either clinique super city block, biore water essence, or cotz sensitive depending on how my skin is feeling.

Sometimes I'll wear makeup too, I've found bareminerals hydrating gel and any of dermablend's products go over my freshly shaved skin just fine (as long as I use a good makeup remover in the evening!)

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions :)

OH MY GOD PLEASE NO

DO NOT USE SUGAR

DO NOT USE SALT

DO NOT USE COFFEE GRAINS

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

​

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

​

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

​

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

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

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

OP:
I didn't mention my skincare routine but I thought I would share with y'all what I am currently using in case you are curious. I like to follow a 10 step (or close to) type of routine popular in Korea, so bear with me.

Wash #1: Anfora Rose Oil

INSTITUTO ESPANOL ANFORA ACEITE CORPORAL MASAJE MASSAGE BODY OIL INSTITUTO ESPAÑOL ESPANOL 8.5 OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004T4WT7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8z7GybBJK77JP

Wash #2: Yes 2 Yes Daily Cream Facial Cleanser OR Yes 2 Yes Tomato Activated Charcoal Bar Soap

Yes To Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser, 6 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XUMQ7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-y7GybGXDJPB0

Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RKZTL5I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Bz7GybXE9E3CC

Exfoliant (once per week): Washcloth with warm water. Scrub gently for 30 seconds clock wise and 30 seconds counter clock wise

Toner: Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, 170ml

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Xx7GybSN0GSQT

Essence: Mabox Anti Aging Wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Skin Face Cream 24k Gold Collagen Liquid
Mabox Anti Aging Wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Skin Face Cream 24K GOLD collagen Liquid

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N942Y5K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5C7GybDY7AKNA

Moisturizer: (morning) Atomy Lotion; (night) Petroleum Jelly... i know a lot of y'all don't like it but it works for me.

Atomy Lotion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Z18KJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XE7GybPGFTQDQ

Eye Cream: ROC Retinol Correction Eye Cream

Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, 0.5 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009RFB76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0G7GybYV6JCAK

Hi! I suffered from oily sensitive skin problems too before! Here's the routine I followed and I noticed a big difference:

Face Wash (2 times a day): I used simple korean face washes and these worked wonders for me! You can find really cheap face washes at Marshalls/TJ Maxx or at Amazon. Here's a good brand: https://www.amazon.com/Etude-House-Baking-Powder-Cleansing/dp/B00819F4OO/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520014584&sr=8-1&keywords=korean+baking+soda+face+wash

Toner (2 times a day): SUPER IMPORTANT! I used alcohol free which is super important if you have sensitive skin. I highly recommend this toner I still use it to this day and my skin has calmed a lot and become so soft. You can get this on amazon or any local stores really like Sprouts or even Marshalls TJ Maxx. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B007HD570Q/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1520014674&sr=1-3&keywords=thayers

Moisturize (2 times a day): I know it seems weird to moisturize an oily face but trust me its needed. Sometimes your skin might be super oily since its not receiving enough moisture and thus overcompensates by producing a bunch of oil (I've heard this before I'm not a doctor though). You just can't use super creamy moisturizers. This is my go to really light moisturizer. I prefer gel moisturizers since they don't feel as heavy on my face and provide a good balance to my skin. Link: https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-Count/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1520014798&sr=1-6&keywords=mizon+snail

Face Mask (once or twice a week): Since you have sensitive skin I don't recommend using Charcoal as it might be too harsh. I instead use any exfoilating (or non exfoliating) masks with tumeric. It's a great anti inflammatory perfect for sensitive skin. I use this one personally: https://www.amazon.com/YLLO-Turmeric-Scrub-Chickpea-Exfoliant/dp/B0764M4MWT/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1520014932&sr=1-13-spons&keywords=tumeric+mask&psc=1

Again you just have to experiment with what works best for your skin. It's a difficult process but I'm sure you'll find a way. Sorry for the really long post but I hope this helps! :)

Haha yeah, it doesn't have a lot of slip, so it's hard to spread it out.

What moisturizer do you use? Try to find Vanicream. It comes in a large, inexpensive pump bottle and they sell it at most drug stores. That's what I use most of the time.

I wouldn't apply the oil yet, but that would be the first thing I would add on to your routine when it's time. The fewer things you apply at first the better.

You should always wear sunscreen. The sun damages and ages everyone's skin. The most effective thing you can do to improve your skin as you age is to wear sunscreen regularly.

Sunscreens in the USA are pretty terrible due to a classification issue that makes it difficult for new sunscreen ingredients to be approved by the FDA. I use Japanese sunscreens. They sell them on Amazon, but they ship from Japan. They are non-greasy and better at protecting skin from the sun. Many of them, even the inexpensive ones, include things like hyaluronic acid. They're awesome. Some examples: here, here, here.

Some things that might help:

Anything that goes near your chin (hands, chinstraps, jacket collars, pillows, etc) needs to be washed regularly and thoroughly. Try to touch your face as little as possible!

A good cleanser and chemical exfoliant can help you out. Some commonly recommended products here on SCA are CeraVe's foaming cleanser and Stridex pads (the red box, not green box). Both will help keep your skin clean and remove any bacteria that are causing you problems. It is important when using an exfoliant that you use a lotion afterwards so your skin doesn't get too dry, moisturized skin feels and looks better! Another common product here is CeraVe's lotion (there's a pump kind that's thinner, and a jar kind that's thicker and creamier).

Hydrocolloid bandages are a godsend if you have any active acne! If the blemish is 'open', cut off a small portion of the bandage and put that on the offending zit after you wash and moisturize your face for the night. By the time you wake up, most (if not all) of the fluid from the acne will be absorbed into the bandage, leaving the blemish flat and less red.

I hope this information is helpful to you! Acne can be so painful and embarrassing, but it can be managed and fixed. Best of luck! :)

Read simpleskincarescience’s compilation of research and product recommendations for fungal acne (Malassezia): https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure. I suffered from pityrosporum folliculitis for years. Taking fluconazole for a few months is the only thing that finally cured it. I recommend checking the ingredients in your skincare to make sure they don’t trigger/feed fungal acne. The products I use successfully are: Aquanil cleanser, Glaxal Base moisturizing cream, Differin, squalane oil. If you’re open to trying a pyrithione zinc product, I highly recommend Free & Clear Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, which is fragrance free and non-irritating https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WD8YQKL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BZJYCb873DHQV. You’ll wash your face with it, leaving it on for 5-10 min. and then wash off. Good luck, and I’m happy to answer more questions.

I just read about this product that seems to be exactly what you’re asking for on Buzzfeed! The reviews are stellar, it looks like it might be worth a shot :) Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl. Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B.DLDbMHYWP9Y

Also wow you’ve got a great skincare routine, I clearly need to take a page out of your book lol.

I'm not a professional so just know that this worked for me but might not work for you and might make things worse depending on what is really going on. The best thing you can do is talk to a dermatologist and try to get an actual diagnosis.

If you do try the cerave, hopefully it helps you like it has helped me. I use the cerave moisturising cream (different than the cerave moisturising lotion). I believe the cream is better suited for faces. It's also better to use it with the pump as opposed to scooping the lotion with a finger because you might be spreading any fungus or bacteria into the tub.

I'd recommend using it every morning and night and within two weeks, you'll know if it's making a difference or not. Hopefully everything works out!

I use the Dr Jart in the mornings and it really does reduce redness AND the appearance of redness at the same time. (Does that make sense? It both seems to reduce redness overtime, but it also covers any redness you have.) It wouldn't be sufficiently moisturizing for me for a nighttime moisturizer, but I love it for daytime - smooth without any shine.

I haven't tried the DE. Before you shell out for it, I would recommend trying the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Extra Dry. It MUST be the Extra Dry, because the regular one has a bunch of fragrance. It's so good and cheap. I love it. I also love Roche Posay Baume Cicaplast when my skin is irritated. I would personally buy those two over one DE product. Oh, and the Hada Labo Hyaluronic. https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA

Absolutely! I love recommending Canadian products! It is actually my favourite thing to do.

Here's the Ombrelle listing on Amazon.ca. Most of these are pretty good dupes for La Roche Posay (which, iirc, is the parent company to Ombrelle). Here's a LRP dupe to the super popular one. I use the mineral one because I prefer mineral sunscreens for my oily skin (and the planet, since many ingredients in chemical sunscreens are being banned in and near waterways around the world). But watch out! The mineral sunscreen only uses Titanium Dioxide. My understanding is that if you want truly effective UVA and UVB protection, you need both Zinc and Titanium Dioxides.

If you'd like to see less redness and overall more even skin tone I recommend this toner. I've only been using it two days and it has already slightly reduced my redness. It's also alcohol free so it shouldn't be a problem for your dry skin. I got this toner off a recommendation from my best friend who also struggles with pretty intense redness and has been using Thayer's Witch Hazel for a few months now and has seen fantastic results at reducing redness and evening out skin tone.

If you want to try some things before visiting a dr/getting a prescription/maybe save some $$$.

What worked for me:

Switching to sensitive skin cleanser like Cetaphil. Be sure not to over-cleanse your face, and be gentle.

Rubbing Aloe gel all over your face - to moisturize and heal.

Staying hydrated.

Taking a multivitamin - could be lacking certain vitamins- causing an imbalance.

Consider changing your pillowcase out more often/ replacing them if they are old.

If you’re down for a few more skincare items, you can try Aztec Secret Clay Mask - Amazon mix with Apple Cider Vinegar &/or water. Try once a week.

And last but not least Rose toner- Amazon

Hope it helps :)

What is the rest of your skincare routine? Exfoliating alone won't help retain moisture.

• Check your ingredient lists. Stop using products with "bad" alcohols and keep/look for fatty alcohols—especially in your moisturizer. Fatty alcohols help your skin retain moisture. I found this article informative on types of alcohols: http://www.justaboutskin.com/2015/01/alcohol-in-skincare/
  
  
• Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize should be your minimal routine. Here's what I use:
  
  Cleanser: Neutrogena Oil-Free Grapefruit cleanser http://www.neutrogena.com/product/mobile/cleansers/daily+cleansers/oil-free+acne+wash+pink+grapefruit+facial+cleanser.do
  
  Toner: Dr. Thayer's Alcohol Free Witch Hazel - Rose Petal. My friends and I, all with different skin types and sensitivities, love it. We buy in bulk and distribute to each other. Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera ~ 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VMJuyb6Z4TN06
  
  Moisturizer: A friend of mine gave me a spa gift pack from their trip to Iceland a few years ago. It mostly sat in my cabinet untouched until recently, when I started using the moisturizer on a whim. It has, by far, been the most effective product I have used on my skin that has retained moisture and reduced my acne. I will continue to use it until I find something comparable and more cost effective. http://shop-usa.bluelagoon.com/products/moisturizing-cream
  
  The effect that moisturizer had on my skin has completely changed the way I take care of my skin and what I look for in product ingredients.
  
  Ultimately, your skincare routine should be catered to you and your skin. Keep an eye on ingredients and introduce new products slowly—giving yourself 1-2 weeks between introing or removing products from your routine before moving on to the next one. Give your skin time.

Bag Balm. Not even kidding.
I used to suffer from cracked hands like you all the time as a kid (harsh NY winter.) One day, my Grandpa showed me the magic of Bag Balm lol.

It started as a product for cow udders and I use it on my dog’s pads but it works amazing for my hands as well. It is a cult classic for really bad dry skin, and skin with open sores. It has Lanolin which is very good for dry skin. It smells kinda like a farm but it’s the best thing that works on my chapped hands.

I'm assuming that you're looking for a LAA Vitamin C, instead of SAP/MAP/etc? For Vitamin C serums, personally I like SkinActives', which comes in a 15% and 20% formula. I've also been trying the Timeless Vitamin C for the past few weeks and have liked it - it's theoretically a dupe for the ultra expensive SkinCeuticals Vitamin C that is most people's HG.

For AHA and BHA, my HGs are from an Asian brand, CosRx. Both the AHA and the BHA are readily found on amazon and other websites. I think they are both amazingly formulated products - effective without ripping your face off. I use both on a daily basis, after building up my tolerance to the acids, and have no issues with overexfoliation.

Use Tend Skin Care Solution and then apply balmex. It will be cleared up pretty quickly. Do the 2 step process at night before you go to bed and put on underwear - it will be almost resolved overnight.

In the future, get your bum waxed.

Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns, 8 Fl. Oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQ7G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_t1VvDbKB7D258

The skin can be brightened by certain moisturizers. Korean beauty products work best in this type of situation. I had dark spots but they were brightened whenever I used snail moisturizer. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0797SXCYK

Check out Asian and European sunscreens that arent sold in the US because they are lighter weight(cosmetically elegant as they call it) and they have better filters. My favorite is Sun Aqua Moisture Gel SPF 50 PA++++ its a lightweight gel that is like there is nothing on the skin. It's my HG. Def not greasy at all! It even sinks in when I apply over my whole routine. And it works well under makeup

Even with tret and 8-9 hour days outside with no reapplying I dont burn. I've burned after 2 hours with other supposed SPF 50 high ppd sunscreens(looking at you Australian Gold)

It does sound like her skin is dehydrated. Does she have any other skin issues which could cause the dehydration? For me, it was rosacea. Once I got my rosacea under control, i was eventually able to deal with the dehydration.

What sucks is that everyone's skin is different. What irritates your gf's skin will be different from what irritates my skin. I would recommend that she tries using an oil cleanser or a cream cleanser (this one she massages it into her skin and then gently removes it with a cotton round), and finds a good moisturizer before focussing on the acne. If something causes her acne to get worse, though, she should quickly stop using it. She will have to figure out what ingredients don't work for her and move on from there.

I have a list of stuff that worked for me when my skin was at it's worse. The first two were my savior, the only products that moisturized my skin and didn't burn! They're like first step moisturizers that you pat in your skin and then apply a heavier moisturizer on top. The body shop products, I just feel that I'm lucky they worked for me because the ingredient list isn't good for me (it includes some things that usually irritate my skin) but the formula worked for my skin. They might be worth a shot. I'd recommend trying the masks first.

I also use a prescription sulfur and sulfacetamide face wash that really made a difference in my skin due to my rosacea. My skin would not have got better if it wasn't for this face wash, so if she does have an underlying skin issue, she will likely have to get a doctor to help.

Also, aquaphor/vaseline could be something useful to try on a day when she's not going out. It's difficult to wash off without regular face wash, but it could help with keeping her skin moisturized.

Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist

Caracolla Lotion

Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil

The Body Shop Aloe line

The Body Shop Aloe Cream Cleanser

The Body Show Vit E line

Argan oil

Macadamia nut oil

So what products or types of products do you recommend?

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

Get gentle unscented face wash and gentle unscented moisturizer. “For all skin types” these are the best available in my opinion.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 16 oz for Daily Face Washing, Dry to Normal Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5FT-BbB4EQP0B

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion 12 oz with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YJ2SLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zGT-BbD6A87PB

I have the same requisites as you and I love using Elta MD over my CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. The sunscreen is great by itself but I use rather drying ointments from my dermatologist so I've gotta use both. Hope this helps!

I had exactly the same problem! My CeraVe cream seemed to wear off after about 2 hours before feeling tight. If you want to dabble in /r/asianbeauty, try Hado Labo Hyaluronic Acid lotion - it's called a lotion but is more of a clear liquid so it goes on before moisturizer to boost the hydration.

I just bought this and it's better than any other moisturizer I've tried, because they all kind of sting a bit. It's hydrating but not oily or pore clogging. I cannot believe I am trying it so late, but better late than never!

http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

I've heard the creams are nice, but the one I use is this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NXU9ybXZ7WT8Q
And yes the first one is the Mizon I was referencing

Thayer's Witch Hazel toner (https://www.amazon.ca/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M). I've been using this for a couple months and it's helped a lot with my oiliness and acne. Plus it's alcohol free so it feels great on the skin. I'm not super good with ingredients so I can't speak to whether they're all natural or not, but there's a list pictured on the site.

this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA

Also, which one is it:

1. https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-fl-oz/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492577127&sr=8-3&keywords=Snail+mizon
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Black-Snail-Cream-Ounce/dp/B00B4PWEJU/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492577127&sr=8-4&keywords=Snail+mizon
   
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Repair-Perfect-fl-oz/dp/B00HKFCSNK/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492577127&sr=8-8&keywords=Snail+mizon
   
   

OH, and your post just reminded me I totally have a tube of the Mizon Snail Recovery Gel that someone once posted about on here. Might try that over my nighttime Pond's...