Reddit reviews COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, 100ml
We found 43 Reddit comments about COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, 100ml. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water 75%Glycolic Acid(AHA) 7%Begin with using the product once a week, and after the skin has adapted to it, increase the usage up to 2 to 3 times a weekIt is suggested to use COSRX’s chemical exfoliators with a cotton pad for maximum results.Leaves your skin clear and soft
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 failed to keep the mascaras I went through this year... my bad... But I always use Maybelline Lash Stiletto.
What have I learned? I should really tone down my purchases of products like eyeshadow palettes and blush palettes. It takes FOREVER to get through one. And yet I have so maaany.
Left row - Powders!
E.l.f. HD setting powder
Skinfood Peach Sake Powder x2
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
L’oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Powder x5
Urban Decay Ultra Definition Pressed Powder x2
Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Powder
Top row, left to right
SETTING SPRAYS
Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Setting Spray
Smashbox Primer Water x2
SUNSCREEN
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence x3
Second row, left to right
FOUNDATIONS
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte x2
Rimmel London, Lasting Finish Foundation x2
Giorgio Armani Luminous SIlk Foundation
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation
Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme - sample
BROW
L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara
Third row, left to right
PRIMERS
Kat Von D Lock-It Hydrating Primer
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Jumbo size
Too Faced, Primed & Poreless
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Apricot
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Green
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer
Coola, Daydream Mineral Primer
Benefit, Porefessional
Murad Invisible Perfecting Shield
Fourth row, left to right
EYE SHADOW PRIMER
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish
Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone
Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop
Maybelline master Hi-Light in Nude, discontinued, but still available on amazon
Fifth Row, left to right
SKINCARE
Vitamin C serum x3
Vitamin C serum
Mizon Black Snail All-in-One Cream
Mizon Snail Eye Cream
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream
Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream
Corsx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Corsx AHA Whitehead Power Liquid
Corsx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Caudaline Organic Grape Water - Guys I can’t find this shit anywhere. Did it get discontinued/ replaced?
Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner
Bottom row, left to right
LIPS
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, Stockholm
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm, Nourishing Nude
Buxom FUll-On Lip Cream, Mudslide
Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm
Buxom Full-On Lip Cream, Rose Julep
https://www.amazon.com/Merano-Medicinal-Intensive-Measures-Essence/dp/B00ITAP8P0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967163&sr=8-1&keywords=melano+cc
https://www.amazon.com/Missha-Time-Revolution-Treatment-Essence/dp/B00E4YYIY2/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967202&sr=sr-1&keywords=missha+first+treatment+essence
https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Whitehead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967215&sr=1-1&keywords=cosrx+aha
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Bha-Blackhead-Power-Liquid/dp/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967215&sr=1-6&keywords=cosrx+aha
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967246&sr=sr-1&keywords=cosrx+snail+96+mucin+power+essence
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&field-keywords=honey+scinic
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Shirojyun-Medicinal-Whitening/dp/B00BS3Q58Y/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967303&sr=1-1&keywords=shirojyun
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967355&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=cerave+cleanser&psc=1
These are some of my holy grail skincare products!
Night time:
** these products dry out your skin so I put on many layers of moisture after, and also don't do them everyday. AHA (and BHA too, I believe) makes your skin more sensitive to the sun so I also wear SPF 50 everyday underneath my makeup.
day time:
hope this helps! :)
these products all contain brightening properties. If you want to learn more about other people's experiences with these products you should search r/asianbeauty. If you search top posts there as well you should see lots of hg lists/reviews!
An AHA (chemical exfoliant) would be helpful in getting rid of whiteheads.
Here are a couple you could consider:
https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Whitehead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZ9WOD8/
https://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-SKIN-PERFECTING-Exfoliant-Combination/dp/B01N1QNHHA/
I had a problem super similar to yours! I had strictly closed comedones on my forehead (and regular acne on the rest of my face). The only thing has smoothed out my forehead has been using an AHA. There are several recommendations for AHAs on SkincareAddiction. Personally, I use one that's Asian, the Cosrx AHA.
Closed comedones take forever to go away, but after three weeks of using the AHA every second night, my forehead is much, much smoother. (:
You can try this: https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Whitehead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZ9WOD8
It's an acne/fine line treatment for your face, but it should work anywhere! Swipe it over the area with a cotton pad and try to give it 15-20 min of air time to sink in. Start with using it once a week, then slowly build up to 3x a week.
It might also help with the scarring, but if it doesn't you could try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Chemistry-769915090277-Retin-Oil-3-3-oz/dp/B00PEOTI00, following the same steps as the acne treatment above. But DO NOT use both of them at the same time! They both work by turning over skin cells, so if you combine them you risk getting bad skin peeling, worse acne, and a sensitive butt.
These also make you more sensitive to sunburn so if your bum is seeing the sun, make sure to apply and reapply sunscreen :)
This is good advice. A summary of my bacne treatment, learned from /r/SkincareAddiction:
​
If you're looking into skincare, then definitely start a basic routine and get a good cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen if you don't already have them. Here's a few recs I have: cleanser moisturizer sunscreen. If you're really serious about treating pimples, then look into AHAs, BHAs or maybe even trying Differin. Only thing is that you have to be committed to wearing sunscreen every day if you go that route, and your skin WILL purge (get worse before it gets better).
Amazon Flash sale on CosRx AHA
No, I use the Cosrx AHA about twice per week. It's a strong exfoliant, and I think everyday use would be too harsh for most people. It definitely is for me. I use BHA frequently, but not everyday. Probably once every other day.
I have both aging concerns (I'm 39) and breakout prone skin and early this year I started implementing a skincare routine with mostly Korean products and it has helped tremendously (thanks r/asianbeauty!) Prior to this the ONLY moisturizer I'd ever found that did not break me out in cystic spots was the Clinique DDM gel moisturizer which isn't really very moisturizing.
With the k-beauty stuff I added BHA and AHA which helps with both acne and aging.
Another important thing to consider is PH. High PH cleansers like your Neutrogena scrub or Cetaphil are really not good for your skin. Some great low PH cleansers are Cerave foaming cleanser (not Korean/Asian), Su:m 37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EIMU3NU/ref=sxts2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482935590&sr=2 ) and Hado Labo Gokujyn Cleansing Foam ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482935590&sr=1 )
My current routine is:
AM:
PM:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936697&sr=8-1&keywords=cosrx+bha+blackhead+power+liquid
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936735&sr=8-1&keywords=cosrx+aha
(Then wait 20 minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ATLVNIS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482936487&sr=8-2&keywords=missha+time+revolution
None of these products has broken me out. Since you are younger you might not feel the need for the anti-aging products I use (but it's never too early to start!)
As far as makeup: day-to-day I use powder foundation (Dermablend Intense Powder Camo) but for special occasions I use Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, it's the only full coverage liquid foundation that I have found that doesn't give me cystic spots OR totally break up on my nose from oil. It's pricey but a little goes a long way.
HTH! Good luck!
Here's a blog reading list for you: the venerable Fiddy Snails, Fanserviced, and Snow White and the Pear. These blogs have been INVALUABLE resources for me in learning about skincare and AB.
And here's a very, very, very, VERY loose shopping list, with one major caveat: PATCH. TEST. Don't just buy a new product and slap it on your face. Choose a spot on your face - somewhere where you break out easily, like next to your nose - and dab a little of that product there every day for 10-15 days. See what happens. This is how I learned that my beloved Hadalabo Gokujyun lotion doesn't break me out, but it does break out a lot of other people.
CLEANSERS:
You need two. An oil cleanser to use in the evening to thoroughly remove sunscreen and makeup, followed by a foaming or gel cleanser. I like Hada Labo Gokujyun foaming cleanser as a second cleanser (it's the only one I use in the morning). Kose Softymo is an affordable oil cleanser for the evening.
ACTIVES:
These are ingredients that Do Things to your face, such as exfoliants (BHA, AHA, vitamin C) and disinfectants (benzoyl peroxide). I am drastically simplifying. At the moment you're using two products that contain benzoyl peroxide, a disinfectant. It's time to round out your active diet, with the big caveat that irritation = redness. I'll say it again - ditch the astringent, it's only causing the redness you're trying to avoid. If you're going to add new actives to your routine, do it very gradually. Patch test, then start using it every other day.
Things you could try: I'm in love with C21.5 vitamin C serum. This is an affordable powerhouse of vitamin C, that promotes skin cell turnover and does a bang-up job of dealing with pigmentation. It does oxidise easily, though, so you need to keep it in the fridge and toss it when it starts to turn yellow. In terms of exfoliants, Cosrx BHA Power Liquid and AHA Power Liquid are fan favourites. They feel remarkably gentle on the skin, and do a great job of gently exfoliating. If I were you I'd start with the BHA, as BHAs are great at exfoliating within the pore, soothing redness and treating/preventing acne.
SUNSCREEN
I'm here to give you the greatest lesson you'll ever learn: the best anti-ageing treatment is sunscreen. You are 15. It's time to set up a lifelong sunscreen habit. And Asian sunscreens feel better than any western equivalent. RatzillaCosme is a goldmine of sunscreen reviews. The first Asian sunscreen most people try is the legendary Biore Watery Aqua, which is inexpensive and easy to snag on Amazon.
DA SNAILZ
Snail products are wonderful at reducing redness and inflammation. There are just... so many snail products out there. A great starting point is Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, which is a great final moisturiser at night if you've got oilier skin. I'm also partial to the all-in-one repair cream, which is actually more of a 'whipped' essence than a cream, but feels wonderfully soothing on my oilier skin.
Hope this helps!
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.
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:
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 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:
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?
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%.
I do the same thing as u/TherDerRinge right now, but I just bought some COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid and COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid so I can try fanserviced-b's spot treating method. I got both an AHA and BHA because I'm not sure which will work best for my skin/the types of blemishes I get yet.
You may want to look into an AHA (but you said you're using a peel already?), but I would also add a moisturizer so that you don't dry your skin out.
Pixi Glow Tonic is a cult favorite or Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid 100ml, another affordable option. Start with once every other day and increase or decrease depending on your sensitivity and dryness.
However you may also need to evaluate your African Black Soap to make sure this isn't clogging your pores and leading to the occasional pimple and these closed comedones. See he sidebar for the SCA routine for recommendations on cleansers and moisturizers.
> flakes
An AHA has worked well for me along with finding a dedicated moisturizer (but you already have that covered). A drugstore brand is Alpha Hydrox, but you can also order on Amazon. If you're going to go online I would order CosRX AHA 7. Start by using once a week, then build up. However, you will need a sunscreen with an AHA.
After exfoliating use a cleanser. You said your face is a bit oily, and I'm in the same boat there. Go with a foaming cleanser (i.e. something like this). This replaces the soap part of what you're doing now. Actually (physically) exfoliating will be better because of the size of the things actually doing the scrubbing compared to the looped fibers of the washcloth. Much smaller and will be much more effective without causing (significant) damage to your skin. Chemical exfoliation would be even better. I'll talk more about the cleanser here:
I saw some pretty decent success with this product. I only use it on places that are affected with recurring acne/closed comedones. So for me, my forehead, nose, chin, and around my hair line.
Depending on the specific products in the routine you have listed, I think you'd use it right after cleanser and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before moving on to toner. But double-check that you're not already using an AHA before adding this product. Hope that's helpful. :)
As a tip, the only benzoyl peroxide I can find that I like is the “moisturizer” in the AcneFree sensitive skin kit. I buy the kit for $20 and toss everything but the last step. I think Paula’s Choice makes a decent one but buy the 2.5% one. The clear series version is very harsh to start.
Here is my routine if it helps you. Please keep in mind that using an AHA and a BP might be really harsh on your skin. But after a lot of trial and error, this is my go-to routine.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
AcneFree 3 Step Acne Treatment Kit for Sensitive Skin - just use the 3rd step - Benzoyl Peroxide Lotion
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Seriously, /r/AsianBeauty saved my skin.
I wash my face with Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Foam Cleanser in conjuction with something called a Konjac sponge and then I follow up with the Cosrx AHA after. Then as a moisturizer -particularly under makeup- I use their Snail Mucen product. Also, sunscreen is super critical, it helps prevent your hyperpigmentation spots from getting darker. I'm not a fan of the western sunscreens, so I use Shiseido brand. The smell is different than the regular stuff we're used to but it's not unpleasant. And there's no need to buy the more expensive stuff, this works out really well.
The facewash I use has a slightly high pH level, and it's okay for me because I immediately put on the AHA after because it somehow cuts down the pH level. This lower pH face wash is what my daughter uses, and it does a good job, she started using it and the breakouts pretty much stopped, although she's apparently prone to blackheads on her nose so I got some BHA product for her, and I also got her a konjac sponge as well, so hopefully it provides her with some results. The sponge is super soft, but it does a surprisingly good job of exfoliating; without that feeling of scrubbing your skin with sandpaper. Heads up, with the konjac sponge there's lots of different ones out there and they pretty much work all the same; even the cheaper ones.
If you're gonna try exploring and experimenting with other products, be sure to try one product at a time, to make sure you don't have a reaction to it! Of course you probably already knew that, but I figured I'd throw that out there in case you didn't.
Trying to pick which one is better is a YMMV. Some people's skin likes glycolic acid more, some lactic acid. My SO isn't allowed to kiss me during my wait time for my AHA because glycolic acid breaks him out while my skin can't have enough.
If you're looking for an amazing AHA comparable to DE I'd recommend the CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid. Both are GA products but the CosRX is a twentieth of the price. It can be found on Amazon and I absolutely adore it.
It's not Amazon that can't ship it to you, it's the seller. I'm also a Canadian who shops on Amazon.com so I also get that a lot. Try your luck and buy it from another seller. Look at "More options available" and click on "other sellers". BHA and AHA on Amazon.com.
However, considering the current position of the CAD, ordering from Amazon.ca is actually a better deal right now. Jolse also sells on Amazon.ca! AHA. Sadly, Jolse doesn't currently have the BHA Blachead but they do have the BHA A-sol if that's what you're looking for. Here's the BHA from another seller.
Here you go. You could try those three! Total = $36
Cosrx AHA, Andalou Roses Foam, Mizon Black Snail.
Reminder that you need a sunscreen if you're using AHA, try this.
Omg! Def cross post to r/Asianbeauty, they may know of some awesome products you can buy over there. Mostly Korean products, but you likely can buy them there. I use a Japanese oil cleanser called Kose (the brand) softy mo oil cleanser. I swear my skin drinks it. And it melts makeup away.
You can order any of these on amazon though!
https://www.amazon.com/KOSE-Softy-Deep-Treatment-Pound/dp/B000V2FB88
And
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_12_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484358797&sr=8-12&keywords=aha+serum
Edit: def do some research on ingredients that work for or upset your skin. I can't guarantee these will be good for you, but my skin looked similar to that for my entire life and these products have completely changed my complexion.
I also swear by the Mizon snail moisturizer
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NTR9B6A/ref=pd_aw_sim_194_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=G404GDCA9SYR50YF08RJ&dpPl=1&dpID=61uEslCG8VL
Prices on Amazon seem to fluctuate a lot. I ordered the Cosrx AHA about a month ago for $17.68, and it's currently $15.19. Or other times, I'll have something in my cart that I'm considering buying, and I get notifications on my phone almost every day about the price changing.
This is not AB specific, but since the weather has become dry and my skin followed suit, I have started steaming my face in the morning before I use my products. That alone has made a huge, immediate difference, especially for moisturizer absorption.
I shower at night, which is why I do this in the AM. If you already take a hot shower in the morning, try adding the steam at night.
I also added this active into my routine because I get nasty whiteheads when my skin is dry. It brightened my skin and cleared up a lot of the small whiteheads on first use, but I haven't use it long enough to speak to the overall quality and effect yet.
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!
The dryness and tight feeling is normal after cleansing. There's been a lot of research published in dermatology journals about transepidermal-water loss. Anytime your skin comes in contact with water, it will start to evaporate, leaving your skin drier than it was before. That's why short showers are recommended, and that's why it's also recommended to moisturize as quickly as possible after cleansing your face or taking a shower.
Finding a good moisturizer you like will probably help the flaking. You could also very gentle exfoliate with a microfiber cloth or konjac sponge. Ahas (lactic, mandelic, and glycolic acid) are good at exfoliating flaky skin and they're also hydrating. Before you start using an aha you need to start wearing sunscreen every day, because they make your skin more photosensitive to UV light. Cerave AM, Neutrogena spf 35, and Olay spf 30 are good spf moisturizers. There are more recs here
Gentle ahas that would be hydrating and help your skin exfoliate include Silk Natural lactic acid, Cosrx AHA Whitehead Power Liquid, & Alpha 10% Glycolic. If you start an aha just incorporate it very slowly (once or twice a week at first) and increase usage if it doesn't irritate your skin.
My skin type is sensitive/acne prone, with some redness. My skin is generally combination. My general evening routine is:
Try adding an AHA (I really like this one) a couple of times a week (post-cleanse, pre-moisturizer) and see if it makes your skin smoother and brighter.
CosRX has their entire line on Amazon.
Exfoliation is what worked for me. I used a glycolic acid (AHA) from CoRX AHA Whitehead power liquid
And then followed that up with Goodal Waship Glacial clay mask about twice a week. Oh and whenever I use any chemical exfoliant I make sure to moisturize my skin. I only ever do the AHA at night since there is a risk of making your skin worse when exposed to sun. I moisturize at night with Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream and some sort of hydrating facial mist like Goodal Flower Infused mist. Pretty much all my stuff is Korean skin care stuff (I use a lot of goodal and cosrx. I had to do a patch test with the AHA thought because previous ones I tried made my sensitive skin hurt really badly. The Korean stuff is more gentle for me. You can always find something similar in Ulta though. I know Ulta started carrying some of the products I mentioned.
Want to incorporate glycolic acid and retinol. Which should I incorporate first?
Current routine:
Cleanser: cosrx low-ph good morning cleanser
Moisturizer: CeraVe PM
I use the Cosrx AHA Whitehead Power Liquid every morning which contains 7% glycolic acid.
asian skincare saved my ass last year lol nowadays i only get a one or two pimples a month
edit:
super basic stuff: cleanser, toner, moisturizer. that should probably be enough to at least save your skin.
cleanser: your og product. can make or break your skin.
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2TQOIB6N9ZQ3X&keywords=cosrx+good+morning+low+ph+cleanser&qid=1550461559&s=gateway&sprefix=cosrx+good&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Blueberry-Rebalancing-Cleanser-100ml/dp/B019IHFR62/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=330Y130ZBB6FW&keywords=soonjung+cleanser&qid=1550461748&s=gateway&sprefix=soon+jung+clea&sr=8-1
toner: this is it kiddos.
https://www.amazon.com/Preparation-Unscented-lightweight-essential-oil-free/dp/B07B65NJLV/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=LLIVWVM4DEIB&keywords=klairs+supple+preparation+facial+toner&qid=1550461458&s=gateway&sprefix=klairs+&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Goku-jun-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B00BS3Q0XE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3EN90P8W1S2AT&keywords=hada+labo+gokujyun+lotion&qid=1550461601&s=gateway&sprefix=hada+labo+&sr=8-3
moisturizer: goddamn important. just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you don't need a good moisturizing fix.
https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Cosrx-Oil-Free-Ultra-Moisturizing-Lotion/dp/B073P6ZPQ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1986BK07O07ZR&keywords=cosrx+oil+free+ultra+moisturizing+lotion&qid=1550461194&s=gateway&sprefix=cosrx+oil&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Green-Balancing-Cream-Product/dp/B07BDGBKGW/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=22706IGV0JMMU&keywords=innisfree+green+tea&qid=1550461327&s=gateway&sprefix=innis&sr=8-7
you only need one of these products from each step. i'm not the best at this stuff but i gave some links to help you guys. you just kind of slather the stuff on. sorry that the prices are kinda high but 'tis the price of skincare.
bonus: put this on after the toner and before the moisturizer.
https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Whitehead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=209JKXEVNL03V&keywords=cosrx+whitehead+power+liquid&qid=1550461861&s=gateway&sprefix=cosrx+w&sr=8-1
This and this one?
(I tried looking on Soko Glam but it looks like they didn't have it, so I looked it up on amazon.)
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?
Finished a full course of accutane and some of my acne is starting to come back. I've noticed it's a little bit linked to diet, such as high sugar intake, but I want to try chemicals on my face aswell. I have been using Vanicream light moisturizer each day and have recently introduced cerave pm moisturizing cream. This is because my skin is still red and the cerave has niacinamide. I am also using a vanicream cleanser each morning. That's my routine, I also use sunscreen as needed. I am thinking of switching over to the cerave for both morning and night and adding an aha. Was looking at this one. Is it a good idea? Also, what would my new routine look like? Thanks
Hello~ I've been stalking the Korean beauty industry for years, but have never committed due to random reasons. I want to try my hand at it next year (need to use up my stupidly expensive Sephora products). Here's a routine I created - mostly from Snow White & The Pear's reviews. For the record, I have eczema (thanks god, no flares right now) and sensitive (contact allergies), oily skin. I know. How can I have eczema and oily skin? OTL
I'm not sure if the order and frequency of use is correct, so please help me! And yes, these are a lot of products for a beginner, so I think I'll start with only one toner first then work my way up to using more essences. Suggestions for cleansers and toners would also be nice, since I'm not sure if the Clinique thing is intended as a cleansing toner. I also have a question about sebaceous filaments? Is it alright to get rid of them with nose masks? Would it make my pores bigger? I feel like my nose pores are huge and my buddies are EXTREMELY visible. Recommendations on peeling masks and other masks would be great too, as I'm not really sure what kind of masks I would need?
Try COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid since you have closed comedones. AHA helps with closed ones (whiteheads) and BHA helps with open ones (blackheads). This stuff is awesome, but start with 2x weekly and increase as sensitivity allows (or decrease to once a week if you have irritation).
It will take time (2 weeks to maybe notice a difference and up to 6 to see significant clearing) but that plus the prior recommendations of using moisturizer daily (one that doesn't cause clogging of the pores). You also could benefit from weekly or biweekly exfoliation using something like Neogen Dermatology Bio-Peel Wine Peeling Gauze. That product is pretty gentle but really clarifies congested skin (which keeps those comedones stuck in there for what seems like forever!)
I've tried every cream (Rx and OTC) and numerous meds including doxy and Accutane (twice), and honestly the only thing that changed my skin and cleared ALL of it up was when I began to use solely Korean beauty products. For me, they worked better on clearing my acne while keeping it soft and not irritated.
It took me 15 years to find these products that actually, for the first time since puberty at age 28, cleared up my skin, especially those pesky, stubborn whiteheads. Hope that helps!