Best facial cleansing washes according to redditors

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water: $22.99 - Lasts me ~3 months

Cereve Hydrating Cleanser $12.39

Thayer's Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Toner: $6.99 - Lasts me ~4 months

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum: $19.99 - Lasts me ~4 months

Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15: $8.11 - Lasts me ~5 months

Simple Quench Sleeping Cream: $9.96

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: $7.90

Jack Black Lip Balm: $7.50

I'm sure there's variations in price based on where you get it and if amazon is having sales/add ons etc. Total is about $110 if you went out and bought all the products at once or roughly $20 a month. Totally reasonable imo!

EDIT: Bad math, sorry, I needed to count the Micellar water twice since it doesn't last me as long as the other products. Totals are estimates.

EDIT #2: Forgot the CereVe cleanser so I added that in as well. Some of the items don't have estimated time frames of how long it takes me to use up because I've never used them up.

Copying from my previous comment from earlier in the thread:

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

My typical morning routine for my face is:

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

So I'll give some general skincare advice and some acne specific advice since many of the posters here are dealing with that. If the acne part isn't relevant, you can skip ahead.

Acne

Acne is caused by sebum (skin oil), the oil clogs pores and attracts bacteria, leading to inflammation, which causes pus formation and pimples. Tendency to develop acne is sometimes genetic, but you can still kill it.

Get the sebum under control first. Make sure you're washing your bedsheets and pillow cases regularly (at least once per week).

Wash you face twice daily with a gentle, non pope-clogging cleaner. You don't want to use harsh cleaner with fragrances because it makes inflammation worse. I used Cetaphil Daily when I had acne, it works great. Wash your face morning and night with the cleaner using your hands. Every few days or so, lightly use a washcloth to aid in using the cleaner. You want to exfoliate dead skin and gunk, but not inflame your skin. Do not use astringent products, EVER.

After washing your face, use Persa-Gel on your pimples. The stuff is no joke and it's been proven for decades.

General Skincare

For people that don't have acne or have it under control, you want exfoliating cleaner and moisturizer. I only use two products.

Body Merry Glycolic Acid Cleaner for the face and neck. I use it once per day about 4 times a week, but you might want to start out twice a week at first to build tolerance, it's a gentle acid. You want to scrub the product on gently with your hands. This shit will change your game, trust me.

For moisturizer, I use CeraVe Lotion. Rub a small amount onto your face and neck once per day morning or night after your face wash. If you'd rather use it at night or you don't need the sunscreen, I'd recommend getting the PM formulation at a drug store because it's super expensive on Amazon.

Nutrition

Not only are fruit and vegetables good for you and alleviate depressive feelings, but people that eat more fruits and veggies are objectively more attractive. The pigments from the veggies/fruits deposit in your skin and give you a glow that's similar, but more attractive than tanning. You don't have to go crazy, but try and implement sweet potatoes, berries, green leafy veggies and other produce into your diet. Ditch the soda period. Stay hydrated. Pick up a nice water bottle and use it like there's no tomorrow. Stay away from refined sugar and white bread as well, these things cause inflammation. Whole grain bread is your friend (and will also help you lose weight if needed).

Also you gotta control the heavy drinking. And if you smoke cigs, quit ASAP.

Hopefully this helps. I'm not a doctor but I have a science background and a degree in biological science from a well regarded school. Also I have a lot of Asian friends and a family who care about skincare. Good luck to you guys and keep me posted with any progress :)

Sorry it took me a while. I had some research to do for you. This is what I've found:
So I took a look at the ingredients of your face wash. The ingredients are fine, but one in particular makes me uncomfortable. Take a look here.
The moisturizer is okay, but has alcohol in it, which is recommended to avoid for dry skin. It also has isocetyl stearate, which flags as an irritant. I'm not sure exactly what it does, but I like to stay away from things that are flagged that highly. See here.
I've done some more research on dry skin and improving your type of skin texture, which is called 'orange peel skin', and here are some products I think may work for you. Remember, if you decide to go with any of them, introduce them one at a time, and give at least two weeks between each introduction to make sure they don't break you out or irritate you.

1. New face wash: in the morning wash with water or Garnier Micellar Water. I prefer the pink cap, but others like blue. In the evening, remove your makeup with the Micellar water, and then wash with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
   
2. New moisturizer: for the AM use CeraVe AM and in the PM use Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM. If you prefer only one moisturizer, just pick up the PM, but then you'd need a new sunscreen. If you feel as if it's not moisturizing enough, add a layer of Vaseline before going to bed.
   
3. Now we can treat the texture! Here is what I've found: it's very possible you've compromised your moisture barrier. If this is true, Stratia Liquid Gold will fix it. It's a moisturizer, but you can use it in conjunction with your others. I actually use this product after my toner but before my moisturizer, and I will repurchase it until I die. I seriously love it. You could also add in a hydrating toner. I personally use KLAIRS Supple Preparation Facial Toner.
   That's it! After about 3/4 months you should see an improvement. Make sure you're not exfoliating, scrubbing your face, or rubbing it really hard with a towel.
   

i started an ab routine about 2 years ago but i still havent found the perfect routine - but im getting there.

• double cleanse with mineral oil (pm only, still trying to find something like hada labo cleansing oil that wont break me out on my period)
  
• hada labo foaming face wash (hg - i will NEVER change this. ever.)
  
• (non ab) skinoren (azelaic acid 20%, currently on its way to hg status)
  
• naturie hatomugi skin conditioner (hg, helps with redness and gives dat glow)
  
• ceradan hydra cream (hg, gimme dem ceramiiides)
  
• skin aqua uv watery gel (am only, someday ill find the perfect sunscreen. but that day is not today...)
  
  you can check the routine megathreads for some people with full hg routines. all the best to you!
  
  edit: here is an amazon link to the face wash because idk how to upload pictures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are some of my holy grail skincare products!

Night time:

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

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

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

 

A quick breakdown with links (all from Amazon):


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

 

(Sk)intro and review

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

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

I've recently started oil cleansing and its both reduced the size of my SFs and made my pores look smaller. Like, noticeable difference in less than a week.

I use this stuff (some people just use regular mineral oil or what have you, but this is the only kind that's worked for me). I'll massage it into my dry face for about 2 minutes, then follow up by washing my face with my normal cleanser.

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 :)

if you're trying to maximize bang for buck washing off your actives is probably not the way to go. I'd switch to a gentle cleanser like cerave or an oil cleanser and follow with an exfoliant that I leave on-- maybe Corsrx AHA/BHA?

Ulta is currently having a sale on all Cerave right now: Buy one get one 50% off.
Normal price is $14.99, so the first bottle is $14.99, the second is $7.50, use two $2 off coupons from Cerave’s website, plus the $3.50 off $15 Ulta coupon and pay $14.98 for 2x 12oz ($0.62/ oz)
Target: Go to customer service/ price match at the register for Target.com’s price of $10.79 for the 16oz bottle. Then use a coupon for $2 off from Cerave’s website. Final price of $8.79 ($0.55/ oz)
Compare these prices to Amazon Subscribe & Save $11.39 for 16oz ($0.71/ oz)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm not Indian so I hope I can help but I tried so many cheap Indian skincare brands when I was in Nepal. My absolute fav for price and quality is Himalaya Herbals! Coming in here to rave about two products -

The is Neem Cleanser is cheap and non irritating. It doesn't dry you out either.

The Neem Clay Mask is amazing too, it really saved my skin when my origins charcoal mask ran out and I think did an even better job in keeping my skin clear!

Fyi amazon has a more than 2x price inflation on these products, so for anyone in Nepal or India, definitely check this brand out :)

First, I'd say go to a dermatologist.

If you don't have insurance, they will likely prescribe you something like this. Use it twice a day in the shower (you should shower ASAP after a workout) and things should clear up.

http://www.amazon.com/Topix-Benzoyl-Peroxide-Wash-bottle/dp/B001MA7QFO

This is pretty much it.

It's one of the original holy grail low pH cleansers on r/skincareaddiction and have been using it for a few years now. I just buy it from large asian stores like T&T or Ocean's (Toronto area), but sometimes amazon is cheaper. I stocked up on a few bottles when I was in Japan because it's only like $4 there or something 😭

Their hyaluronic liquid is also amazing if you have dry/dehydrated skin! You just pat a small amount over your face before applying moisturizer and your face just sucks up all the moisture.

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.

Shower normally with hot water; this will soften the hair. I generally shave only at the end of a shower as other products might clog my pores.

Exfoliate; this will remove dead skin and dirt, which will help keep it from clogging the razor, promote the release of any ingrown hairs, and further soften the hair.

Lather with a moisturizing shaving soap or if you run out of shaving specific products, hair conditioner works in a bind. Let lather sit for a minute or two; it will further soften the hair.

Starting from the base of your ankle, shave in short strokes (maybe 3-4 inches) upwards against the grain, rotating around your leg; longer strokes evidently can clog the razor faster.

Rinse the blade after every rotation; not rinsing will force you to take multiple passes, and that is something you want to avoid.

The backs of the legs takes practice. I contort myself so I can see for the most part. Calfs are easy to see, but hamstrings are not. If you cannot contort yourself, lift your knee to your shoulder so you can see your hamstrings and shave downwards against the grain from the knee to the butt.

Go slow. A woman's legs are one of her best assets; take care of them.

Do not neglect your toes, thighs, arm pits and knuckles. Arm hair is optional, but even ciswomen can have hairy arms and not give a shit.

Rinse with cold water; as cold as you can possibly endure. This will snap shut your pores and help mitigate bacterial invasions. It helps stops razor bumps, ingrown hairs and acne.

Pat dry with a clean towel; never rub dry because you will exacerbate any micro cuts and make them worse.

Moisturize wherever the blade touched you. Even pros get get micro cuts, so you might want to invest in a medicated moisturizer.

The reward for being diligent?
Rub your freshly shaved legs together; it feels like heaven. It's really quite addicting.

-----------

Edit: added stuff

Tosowoong's Enzyme Powder Wash (Amazon Link)

I actually didn't want to buy it because the package looks kinda cheap.

Yes! I use the Toleriane one for normal to dry skin. Honestly, I'd classify it for all skin types; since I do use it and I have oily to combination skin. I'm guessing it's because it's oil-free, too. It helps me a lot during the midwest winters when it's really dry and cold out. Here's a link to the Amazon page.

Why can't you just buy this product on Amazon US?

https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B01CE5P580/

I would like to preface this by saying this is what I would do for me personally knowing what I know now about my own skin. If I were making suggestions for someone else I think this list would be very very different.

Under $50:

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion [$11]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$9]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

This particular budget was actually a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I prioritized Sunscreen first, because that is an important product to me and it is a product that was difficult to find something I was happy using every day. I picked the cleanser next because I knew it was going to be pricey at this budget. I really think oil cleansing has done wonders for my skin. I especially like balms. I find them much easier to use. I occasionally like to use a straight oil, but on a daily basis using something with an emulsifier is just more practical. In reality if I had to stick to this budget all the time, I would probably sub out the Heimish for an emulsifying cleansing oil like Kose or the Simple one. I just haven't used either of those yet, I wasn't comfortable substituting that for the sake of this exercise.

I don't think I would be totally happy with this routine long term. It's not as hydrating as I tend towards and it doesn't have any actives. The CeraVe lotion is nice, but I wouldn't LOVE using it. I picked this over the CeraVe cream because I find that the cream does not actually sink into my skin. It's nice over other thinner formulas, but it tugs at my skin uncomfortably if used on its own.

Under $100

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

Stridex Maximum Acne Medication Pads [$4]

Dear, Klairs Supple Proparation Facial Toner [$22]

Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution [$15]

Holika Holika Skin and Good Cera Super Cream [$17] (this is discontinued, but as long as it's $17 at Amazon or CVS where I bought it I will probably keep using it)

Jojoba Oil [$8 @ Trader Joe's]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$3] [Travel Size]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

TBH this is making me realize how much money I actually spend on my routine. GEEZ I DIDN'T NEED THIS TODAY. Essentially I just took out the CeraVe lotion and added my HG Hydrating/Moisturizing Layers. The Klairs seems like so much of a splurge here, but it really truly is one of my favorite products to use. It is very hydrating and soothing to me. I also added the Stridex because it's cheap, effective, easy to use and this is one active I know I can tolerate if I keep up my hydration/moisturization.

I think the CeraVe Healing Ointment is a true workhorse and I would never be with out it, BUT I don't actually use very much of it. I mean I bought my first 3 oz. tube 9 months ago and I don't think I've even used half of it. With the smaller budget it makes more sense to get a bigger tube because it can be SUCH a multitasker, but since I have a few more items in the way of "moisturizing" here, I would probably purchase a very small tube of the ointment (mostly for my lips and the corners of my nose) and also incorporate Jojoba Oil. I love Jojoba for cleansing and for mixing into other products. My very chapped lips also DRINK UP oils like no one's business.

I am ashamed to say this routine is still short of some things I use pretty frequently, but I would still be happy with it. It has everything I actually need.

Under $200:

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser [$15]

Stridex Maximum Acne Medication Pads [$4]

Stratia Soft Touch AHA [$14]

Dear, Klairs Supple Proparation Facial Toner [$22]

Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution [$15]

Stratia Rewind [$16]

Stratia Liquid Gold [$24]

Holika Holika Skin and Good Cera Super Cream [$17]

Jojoba Oil [$8 @ Trader Joe's]

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm [$15]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$3] [Travel Size]

Raw Honey [$7ish]

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask [$5]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

Again these all the same products as before. The three additions I use frequently are the LRP B5, Stratia Liquid Gold, and Stratia Rewind. The Raw Honey and the Queen Helene are masks that I know work for me and are fun to use. I very rarely use the honey buy itself, but it is lovely as a mask mixed with the Klairs (thanks to u/LGBTQBBQ for that tip). I've also included the Stratia Soft Touch here because it is on my list to try. I'm pretty sensitive to actives and I think a 10% Mandelic is something I could handle.

I actually really enjoyed having to think about my routine like this. I really thought I had paired down my routine quite a bit and I suppose I have, but even the $200 budget would not be enough to repurchase everything I use on a monthly basis. This (mostly) doesn't even include things I want to try or things I have around just in case or just because. Realistically I would have a couple more wash off masks, and eye cream (even though it is not at all necessary imo), at least one other kind of sunscreen, and maybe one or two other moisturizers.

But I guess I'm that kind of extra bitch.

...and like its a hobby right? It's ok to spend money on a hobby.

At least that is what I'll tell myself.

Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser has been my HG for 4+ years. However, for the past few months, the price has been wildly swinging from $11 to $25.

I plan to purchase this Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser to replace it.

Yeah, someone on this sub turned me onto this as a face cleanser instead and I'm obsessed. Best I've ever used and it's only $10, y'all. Of course I've now graduated to $45 eye cream, daytime lotion and nighttime lotion, but that's because my adult skin is literally more prone to breakouts than my high school skin.

I get mine on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1474337581&sr=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BSNBO9O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1474337581&sr=8-1&keywords=hada+labo+hyaluronic+acid&pi=SY200_QL40

Links to all the products:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N1LL62W?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JF2VZG2?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PO7GKLM?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title



https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013GDK3SQ?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

Here is my unbiased, heavily researched answer. I'm a doctor and also struggled with blackheads/acne, and the below answers tend to work well for almost everyone.

Use a cleanser and a toner as directed on the bottles once in the morning and once before bed. In addition, the below advice works really well for clearing out and keeping out blackheads, as well as preventing and treating acne.

The reason products like Pro Activ tend to work is they force people into a schedule of doing something productive on a regular basis. You don't need to spend that kind of cash as long as you keep a good regimen going. So in addition to cleaner/toner, follow steps 1-2 below and consider adding #3 for a huge punch, #4 if you want to take it a little further and get rid of some scarring (over time) and really keep your skin looking young, glowing and cleared up. USE PRODUCTS AS DIRECTED when you buy them - don't let a peel sit overnight on your face just because you think it'll help more. That's like turning the oven on 500 degrees to cook your cookies twice as fast - it doesn't work out and you just ruin the cookies. Same goes with your face.

1. Use a pore strip (the Biore ones work well) to initially clear them out. You can do this 2x/week if you like. It's a way to remove without squeezing (squeezing = inflammation). This gets rid of most of the big ones. I use one on my nose and one on my chin.
   
   to prevent blackheads, follow remaining steps. Some product links at bottom
   
   
2. Use either a moisturizer with salicylic acid (Clean & Clear makes a great one - it's oil free) or benzoyl peroxide plus any other moisturizer on problem areas in the morning after you use a cleanser + toner. Problem areas are usually nose and chin. The acid eats up the blackhead a bit.
   
   
3. Clay based mask (any old kind, cheap, as long as it's clay based) once or twice every week for 15 min to 60 min (you don't have to be strict about the time). Do this far from the time you do the peel (see below). Yes, guys do this. My husband loves it. I do this right after I use a pore strip.
   
   
4. Consider adding a low to medium strength glycolic or lactic acid peel to your skincare every 3-4 weeks once. Follow the instructions meticulously. Don't get 80% stuff. Get lower percentages to try so you don't burn your face off. Don't do a mask within 3-4 days on either side of the peel. The next day or 2 your skin should be a little rough and dead-ish (because the top layer literally dies off faster than usual) and then boom your skin is brighter. This gets rid of the dead flaky stuff that encourages oils to stay in pores.
   
   
5. Finally, if these things aren't cutting it or you are getting to the wrinkle stage of life (or want to prevent them - usually mid to late 30s) consider a retinol based acne face serum or cream. This will increase your acne for a couple weeks because it pisses your face off. Get through it and then your acne should go down. Don't use this if you're female and in the child bearing stages.
   
   Pore strips:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Biore-Deep-Cleansing-Pore-Strips/dp/B0009EILKS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404574003&sr=8-2&keywords=pore+strips
   
   Moisturizer with salicylic acid:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-ESSENTIALS-Action-Moisturizer/dp/B000052YJM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404574034&sr=8-2&keywords=salicylic+acid+moisturizer
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Natural-Solutions-Moisturizing/dp/B0027TSO5A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404574053&sr=8-4&keywords=salicylic+acid+moisturizer
   
   Masks:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Logistics-Men-Cleansing-Ounce/dp/B000J4K0YI/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573858&sr=8-30&keywords=clay+mask
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Freeman-FREEMAN241620-Facial-Masque-Purifying/dp/B00005NFBD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573943&sr=8-3&keywords=clay+mask
   
   Lactic peels:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/LUMINEX-Skin-Brightening-Peel-Pads/dp/B00H8ZLVTE/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573483&sr=8-11&keywords=lactic+acid+peel
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lactic-Acid-50%25-Gel-Peel/dp/B006ZBP8NM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573664&sr=8-1&keywords=lactic+acid+peel
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lactic-Acid-40%25--Beverly-Hills/dp/B00CMBS70U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1404573483&sr=8-8&keywords=lactic+acid+peel

Also too lazy for pics, but here's mine!

Skin: Combination/normal, oily t-zone and normal elsewhere (somewhat dry/flaky if I don't use a BHA), hormonal acne on forehead and chin just before my period

AM & PM (One added step in PM: remove eye makeup before cleanser using store-brand oil-free makeup remover):

• Wash hands!
  
• Rinse face
  
• Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
  
• Paula's Choice Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution (After this, I brush my teeth while it sets. If I feel like it still hasn't set after this, I might brush my hair)
  
• Cerave Moisturizing Cream
  
• Chapstick Dual-Ended Hydration Lock: Moisturize and Renew
  
  After the moisturizing cream and chapstick, I'll do my hair or put together an outfit while the moisturizer sets in before I move on to makeup.
  
  Still looking for solutions to tame down oily skin besides powdering all the time, and also for how to keep out hormonal acne (probably not possible), so if anyone has suggestions I'd be grateful!
  
  Edit: Added in waiting time

Just AM:

• rinse face, slap on chemical sunscreen.
  
  Just PM:
  
  
• emulsifying oil cleanser. Great for a very gentle makeup remover and cleans well. Thanks, adult acne!
  
• Wash face with Cerave Hydrating. Does this do anything? Who knows.
  
• I throw this honey thing in. It really does a good job adding some moisture, but it's too sticky for the morning/takes too long to sink in.
  
• Almost last, rosehip oil. I am not a homeopathic gal, so I turned up my nose to all the promises. Dumb. I LURVE this. It soothes, it fights acne, it really helps with the dryness more than anything else. It will turn you into an Oompa-Loompa for about 2 minutes, though.
  
• At the end, seal the whole shebang with a sleeping pack or Vaseline. That definitely helps with the dryness and my face is softer the next morning.
  
  ::Whew!::
  
  What about you? My routine does super well at fighting the irritation-red part of the rosacea, but I wish I had something that blanched the actual-red-all-the-time part.
  

I have always been a fan of Cetaphil. It is very mild, has never dried out my skin and it doesn't have an obnoxious scent.

Second the Hadalabo Cleansing Foam pH of 5.5 too I believe.

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

I'm a bit older than your average SCA subscriber, so I'll chime in a bit. I have dryer, more mature skin and this is the basics of what I do and what has really improved my skin.

IF I were to start from scratch with the things I now know, I'd probably start with these things, in order of use.

An oil cleanser, like Hado Labo I've used straight oil and multiple oil cleanser. The ones that emulsify are a bit easier to use, and I prefer them, but I think most well regarded ones are pretty similar.

Second cleanser maybe, a ph balanced foam cleanser. I usually just oil cleanse, but use the foaming cleanser in addition every few days. This one is well regarded.

A toner. This isn't so much of a cleansing step as a first step of moisturization. Klairs supple prep tone

Holy grail product for me, Snail Creme. I love the Mizon one. It goes on before serums.

A Hyaluronic Acid serum, such as Paula's Choice

A night cream. I'd maybe use the Cerave here or another layer of the Mizon AIO. The Mizon is super light, sinks in and never greasy. It's not really a "moisturizer", so cream is a bit of a misnomer, but with everything else, it may be enough.

If you got her nothing else, I'd get her the Mizon snail creme. Seriously miracle product, IMO. I'd start with stuff like this and then maybe consider a retinol or other acid, if needed. Maybe some others can chime in with a retinol recommendation.

27, no acne, severe dryness, sun damage, aging skin. Here’s some photos! I’m sorry about my eyebrows, don’t judge me, I’m growing them out.

Big questions: I’ve tried a few moisturizers but never liked them as much as just replacing with actives. Do I NEED to? What would you recommend? Tried the CeraVe Night Cream, which was really great but I had minor break outs, CeraVe cream (in the tub) which is way too thick, the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion which was.... fine but didn’t wow me at all, and the Laniege Water Whatever, which my husband had a severe reaction to so I had to return so I could touch his face with my face.

I feel like I’m not super happy with the exfoliating portion here. I used to feel like the Glycolic Acid was so great but I’m just underwhelmed, same with the lactic acid, and the AHA is probably just way more than I need for my complexion. Any opinions on the La Roche Posay Toner that’s part of the Toleraine set?


In order of appearance:
Product: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (This is literally the only thing I won’t remove or replace, it is my personal HG)
Frequency: Used every evening, most mornings for Hydration/Cleansing
Buy from the La Roche-Posay Website, Amazon
Review: I flippin’ love it. It’s my favorite cleanser by far. Never any irritation at all, but no dryness either. No tightness. No obvious odor.

​

Product: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Frequency: 1 time a month, at most, as an exfoliant
Buy from the Deciem Website (I’m not going to bother linking Amazon for TO products, they’re not competitive in terms of pricing)
Review: Everyone loves it, for my needs it’s overkill but it’s worth noting that a sparse use doesn’t dry me out any worse or cause any tightening, which is impressive! Sometimes I use it because I worry I don’t exfoliate enough?


Product: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Frequency: 1-2 times a week, exfoliation
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: Low odor, minimal sting, no dryness. I used to feel like it was HG status but I don’t love the slight tackiness?

​

Product: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Frequency: 1-2 times a month, exfoliation
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: I’m a big fan of this product with sparing use, but it does sting a bit and I wouldn’t use it more than this.


Product: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Frequency: 1-3 times daily, after ever wash, for hydration
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: everyone’s obsessed with HA, and for good reason. I love to put on just the plain HA on a damp face, it feels like my face is drinking water.

​

Product: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Oil
Frequency: 1-3 times daily, after ever wash, with the HA+B, for hydration
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: This is my HG oil. I used to layer and try out so many, Marula, Argan, Rose Hip Seed, Sunflowed, Yadda Yadda, the Squalane performs better and looks better than anything else. If you don’t have SOME brands Squalane already then a) you must be newer here than me even and b) you need to get it

​

Product: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Frequency: 4-7 times weekly, as needed for extra overnight moisture
Buy from the Deciem Website
Review: it works and makes me feel less blocked up than other heavier oils (I had TO Marula and Argan that I ended up using on my hair instead), I don’t love the smell though, and it doesn’t sit on the skin well. It’s a night time only.

​

Product: Nuetrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen 100+ SPF with Helioplex
Frequency: anytime I go outside, I live in Florida
Buy from the Nuetrogena Website, Amazon
Review: It doesn’t feel quite as good as it could, but the sun is INTENSE here and as you can tell from my freckles, I can’t be messing around with that.

Edited for formatting

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It may have also been due to SLS or SLES! I recently switched over to Vanicream cleanser, $7 and 10% sulfur ointment, $8 as recommended as my curology provider and a lot of the irritation and texture is slowly beginning to fade from my face. Also, I read that snail mucin is excellent for hydration; Cosrx snail 96 mucin is only 15 bucks on Amazon. No fragrance or SLS for me anymore...

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

Skin Care (in order of application)

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam, 160ml

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

Klairs Unscented Toner

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

Time Revolution MISHA Essence

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

MISHA Time Revolution Night Repair AMPOULE

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

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

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

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

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb MOISTURIZER

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

​

Maintenance skincare masks:

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

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

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

\^ hands down the best face mask

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

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

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

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

Check out the ScA routine, which includes a sample routine and product recs. If you want a list of one product recs, I'd go for

• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser While the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is better for oily skin, I think you should start off with the Hydrating for now to cater to your non-oily cheeks. You can always try out the Foaming Cleanser later on if you want to kick it up a notch
  
  
• Exfoliant - Stridex in the red box. This is a BHA which can help with oil control, acne treatment, and treatment of blackheads or sebaceous filaments. If those blackheads on your nose are actually sebaceous filaments, remember that they are a normal part of the skin and will never go away completely, although a BHA like Stridex can help.
  
  
• Moisturizer - If you live near a Trader Joe's, I highly highly recommend their Trader Joe's Antioxidant Oil-Free Moisturizer. If not, I'd go for CeraVe Baby Lotion (review), which is a wonderful moisturizer for oily skin that dries down pretty matte and doesn't have that greasy feel other moisturizers can have.
  
  
• Sunscreen - CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sunscreen's a tricky one, but I think this product is a fantastic choice for getting some SPF in there without hunting down the perfect cosmetically elegant sunscreen. Plus, it can cut down on your AM routine if you want to skip your moisturizer and just use the moisturizer + SPF combo
  
  A routine with these products could look like
  
  AM:
  
  
• Cleanse - Rinse with water or use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
• Moisturizer (+ Sunscreen) - CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer with SPF 30
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cleanse - CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
• Active - Stridex in the red box
  
  
• Moisturizer - CeraVe Baby Lotion
  
  You can always switch out the Hydrating Cleanser for the Foaming Cleanser later one.
  
  When introducing the Stridex, remember to start slow - a couple times a week at first, slowly increasing in frequency to every other day, then finally once daily if your skin likes it. If you experience irritation or any other signs of overexfoliation, reduce the frequency of the Stridex.
  
  When introducing new products, do so one at a time and wait a week or two before introducing the next. That way if a product breaks you out you can easily identify and drop the culprit.
  
  You could use your BHA (Stridex) in the AM instead - this is what I do for added oil control throughout the day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you want something low pH that isn't drying, I'd go with this, it's such a good all around cleanser, very gentle, and it's cheap:

https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM

Hada Labo Gokujyun Foam

It makes my skin feel clean but chokchok

I had this issue as well and I learned that I just had to change the way I cleaned my face and I no longer get acne now. Btw I'm a 33 yo old man but sweating still gives me acne. First, after you exercise, clean your face with a mild soap and exfoliate. Really scrub your face with something slightly abrasive. I use these cleansing pads: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H36JIJM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4q0ZAb0SQW2SX

Next, after you're done washing your face, use a benzoyl peroxide based acne wash. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PO7GKLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Fs0ZAbG2FB9C1

After I started this cleaning regime I've gotten like 1 zit in several months and it was only when I skipped using the acne wash. Exercise does amazing things for your body heart and mind. Don't let acne screw it up for you.

RAVE: in the last month, this Neutrogena cleanser is my new purchase

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0081E6X1W/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1

I love it! It doesn't leave my skin feeling dry, it doesn't clog my pores, and it has great ratings on Paula's Choice. I highly recommend for a daily cleanser if you have oily to normal skin.

have you tried glossier milky jelly cleanser? i know glossier is an over-hyped brand, but their cleanser is really nice and it doesn't dry my skin out at all. i am a naturally dry skinned, acne prone person. i've been using it for a month and a half now and no breakouts -- it doesn't make my skin feel tight or anything. it retails for $18, with tax it was $22 i think? so it's right in your price range. if you're not interested in glossier, there's also:

• la roche-posay toleriane cleanser
  
  
• [stratia velvet cleansing milk] (https://www.stratiaskin.com/products/velvet-cleansing-milk)
  
  
• *fresh soy cleanser
  
  
• neutrogena ultra gentle hydrating cleanser for sensitive skin
  
  
• [avene's gentle milk cleanser] (http://www.aveneusa.com/gentle-milk-cleanser)
  
  
• phisoderm fragrance free cream cleanser
  
  
• thread from 4 months ago of someone asking a similar question to yours.
  
  *indicates that it's over $25
  
  
  i don't know what you're allergic to/if you're prone to acne, but those are some cleansers with a milky/creamy consistency that you could try.

Just bought Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - Creamy Formula. I'm super excited to try it out, right now I'm just patch testing it.

Feels like I'm one step closer to beautiful skin!

i've posted this a few times because i had reaaaally bad, really painful back acne and i found this routine posted on r/SkincareAddiction (which has more subscribers than r/SkincareAddicts so sometimes there's already an answer there)

I use humane acne treatment on a salux cloth AFTER rinsing out conditioner, dry body well, then apply paula's choice aha lotion on my back (i use a regular lotion on the rest of my body so i don't get too dry) and then I also sleep in a clean tshirt every night. I should say that I only shower every other day so if you shower daily, maybe ease into the routine in case it could be drying.

I haven't had any back acne since implementing this routine, that's why i always respond to back acne posts lol it changed my life!!!!

Issue: I need a good sunscreen, preferably one that dries matte (or as close as I can reasonably get).

Skin type: Dry and sensitive

Current Routine:

AM:

• Splash of water
  
  
• Sunscreen - I've tried Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer With Sunscreen (15 SPF) and La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Body and Face Melt-In Milk, but neither is quite what I'm looking for.
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Paula's Choice Daily Smoothing Treatment - 5% AHA
  
  
• Cerave Moisturizing Cream
  
  
  How Long: 1-2 years
  
  Location: Northeastern USA
  

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

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

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

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

The products I currently use:

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

CETAPHIL!!! You save at checkout on several of these. Cardholders also get 6% back instead of 5%.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (32 oz for $19) - hurry on this.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 (pack of 2 - $18.25)

Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream - $9.23

Ok, so here's the deal. I'm a dad and have had multiple kids go through the lice thing, including with my daughter about 5 years ago, a really nasty case that we just couldn't get rid of.

Then our pediatrician recommended Cetaphil. Yes, the daily facial cleanser, Cetaphil. Wash your hair, put in a liberal amount of Cetaphil, then brush your hair with it still in and leave it it.

It will make your (or rather, your GFs) hair a little greasy feeling while she's using it, but that's the whole trick there, too: the lice eggs can't stick to her hair, and within a couple of days, voila, no more lice.

The nice thing is that your GF won't be putting pesticides in her hair, and since Cetaphil is safe to use as a facial cleanser, it's safe to use on her scalp, too. And she won't be spending hours and hours on brushing and picking.

Best thing, resistant lice are killed off just as efficiently.

I can't tell you what a godsend this was for me and my daughter. We had spent weeks trying harsh shampoos, endless combing and picking, and near-nightly washing of her bedclothes. The Cetaphil trick restored sanity to my family life.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET79H8/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w?th=1

I put tumeric in my cooking, eat it because it's delicious, and it reduces acne inflammation on my face.

I also have tumeric as an ingredient in my cleanser, and that helps reduce acne too.

There's a product called Vicco Turmeric Cream that is supposed to be a great spot treatment (often mentioned here, I've not personally tried it).

Raw tumeric (/honey/anything edible) has never done any good for me if I wasted it by putting it on my face.

For PIH, you need other ingredients like Vit C, arbutin, and niacinamide. I don't personally have any PIH that I consider a problem, they usually fade off fast. My diet consists of low/no processed sugar, low carbs, and no grains.

Morning routine:

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

I use the HL foaming cleanser and it's definitely a holy Grail product for me. That whole hyaluronic acid line is just so amazing for my skin. I recommend it to everyone.

https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=asc_df_B01CE5P580/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312148100117&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17966616084980874174&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008535&hvtargid=pla-339720942951&psc=1,

Ok bro, I got you

• 1- cleanser (face washing )
  https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01MSSDEPK
  
• 2- moisturizer (lotion)
  https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Lotion-Hyaluronic-Ceramides/dp/B000YJ2SLG/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_194_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7F0NPVR5P9YHMBR8Y051&dpID=41NF6eg1QIL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail
  
  
• 3- exfoliator (chemical type, helps break dead skin from new skin ) Dont do this too often, start 2x a week.
  https://www.amazon.com/Stri-dex-Pads-Maximum-Strength-Pack/dp/B004WP0S74/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1523304611&sr=1-1&keywords=stridex
  
• 4 wash your face 2x a stay and moisturize 2x a day. On Monday and wedns , wash your face with hot water (always hot water to wash your face btw ), use your cleanser, wash it off, then apply the stridex, LET THAT BITCH DRY FOR 30MN, apply lotion. nothing is more unforgiving than a skincare routine, you have to be consistent daily. You miss one here and there , its not a big deal.
  
  Also, I am no expert, I dont know shit about shit, I got a lot of my help from /r/SkincareAddiction , those motherfuckers are great!
  

Hi! I have very dry, often dehydrated, extremely sensitive/reactive skin. Pardon the following infodump :)

I have had really great results with some Asian skincare! I have used the following products with great success:

Banila Co Nourishing Cleansing Balm for Dry Skin - Double cleansing has changed my life, no hyperbole. I don't get tiny blackheads any more. I use this first, and the idea is that it washes away any oil soluble stuff, like sebum, sunscreen, makeup, etc.

Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - Even if you only want to use one cleanser, I recommend this over Cetaphil any day. It is super gentle and does not dry out my skin AT ALL, even when I was using it alone before I started double cleansing. You only need the tiniest amount and it foams up into a rich, satisfying lather, so the bottle lasts forever.

Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner - I use this after cleansing and allow it to soak in entirely before any next step. If my skin is particularly dehydrated I do it a couple few times.

Hada Labo Japan Gokujun Premium - This is a serum type product that has 4 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid AND urea, both of which dry skin is severely lacking. Helps me get my glow on. (tip: HA works by attaching to water molecules, so if you live in a dry climate you will need to spritz your face with water after this soaks in and allow the HA to do its thing)

CeraVe PM - This is pricier than CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, but I have found that my face likes it so much more. It soaks right in.

I love Asian skincare because for the most part you can find reasonably priced products that are formulated to let the active ingredients truly shine with no excess nonsense. I never used anything but Cetaphil until this year because my skin is SO sensitive, I can't even use regular laundry detergent. Discovering Asian skincare has been wonderful and I am truly excited about my results! If you are interested in learning more r/AsianBeauty is an amazing resource.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=emc_b_5_t?th=1

the hydrating one

I like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for face wash. It's mild, and doesn't strip as much oil off as some washes (my face isn't overly oily, so I just get dry skin from tougher washes). Good for daily washes in the shower.

I also use their moisturizer with SPF daily after washing. It's not greasy, and absorbs well. No issues with clogged pores.

Check out /r/SkincareAddiction, they have good guides and product recommendations if you have acne or specific skin issues (even if you don't, the product reviews and wiki are great). Cerave is often recommended in the sub since it's cheap, and all their products have ceramides, a lipid/oil your skin needs for moisturizing that you produce less of as you age.

I'm actually thinking of narrowing down the number of products I use, though this list doesn't seem to indicate that. I love my Benton + MISSHA lineup but I'm getting older and thinking I need a little more oomph. In any case, things I'm looking at that I will probably not buy for a long time:

>Daytime Serums

• MyFawnie Oil-Free Stable Double C - With AA2G and EAA or
  
  
• SkinActives Collagen Serum or
  
  
• SkinActives Vitamin C Serum with LAA or
  
  
• Silk Naturals Awesome Sauce Anti-Oxidant Serum
  
  >Sunscreens
  
  
• Pratima Neem Rose Sunscreen or
  
  
• Uriage Bariesun SPF 50 Children Sunscreen or
  
  
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face with SPF 45 or
  
  
• Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ or
  
  
• Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46
  
  >Nighttime Cleansers
  
  
• derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Cleanser or
  
  
• Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam or
  
  
• MISSHA Super Aqua Fresh Cleansing Milk
  
  
• GoW Cleansing Oil (Blemish Prone) or
  
  
• GoW Cleansing Oil (Sensitive Skin) or
  
  
• Ayoko's Nourishing Rose Hip Seed Oil Facial Cleanser or
  
  
• Su:m 37 Skin Saver Melting Cleansing Balm
  
  >Nighttime Serums
  
  
• MyFawnie's Kin-Nia-Nag Serum
  
  >Nighttime Creams
  
  
• MyFawnie's Geisha Antioxidant and Fading Cream - I detest the "geisha" name/theme of this cream, btw. or
  
  
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Water Cream or
  
  
• Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream
  
  >Special Treatments
  
  
• GoW Get Your Glow Back Turmeric Mask
  
  
• Whamisa Organic Seeds & Rice Fermented Hydrogel Facial Mask - Pretty much all their hydrogel masks.
  
  
• Microneedle Treatment Serum Face MASK
  
  
• Soyedodam Organic Hydrogel Facial Mask
  
  
• Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

Rave: I'm still loving my Cheryl Lee MD Hydrate Lotion and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser combo. I can't believe how awesome my skin looks lately.

New Purchases: Since I liked the lotion so much, my husband and I picked up some of Cheryl Lee's lip balm during her black Friday sale. So far, it has been equally impressive.

I also just started using the new Elta MD sunscreen, Elta MD Elements. I have only used it 3 days so far, but my impressions are: it's gorgeous. I am praying this doesn't break me out or dry me out (super duper sensitive, acne-prone, dry and reactive skin with many allergies). Because I can't tolerate chemical sunscreens at all, I try to use physical ones - but while those don't irritate my skin, they do tend to dry me out horribly so I have been unable to use any consistently daily. If this sunscreen works in those regards though, it will be HG for me.

It applies like a dream, and is completely and utterly invisible on my skin tone. The tint is just gorgeous. It feels very smooth and not too heavy at all. It evens out any visible imperfections to the point that I don't need foundation, just concealer. The finish is dewy but not oily. It claims to be hydrating, but I don't necessarily feel that just yet - but it also hasn't dried me out so far. I love it! I'll update as I continue to use it.

New Purchase: I picked up the new La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser because of reviews indicating similarities to Glossier's Milky Jelly, but that it was more suitable for sensitive skin. I tried Milky Jelly and the texture and makeup removing ability were great, but it was SO fragrant.

I've only used it twice so far, but I really like the texture and the way my skin feels after. I remove my makeup first, so I haven't tested its ability to remove makeup yet, but I'm going to try that tonight.

It was also not badly priced for how large the bottle is, and I needed a lot less than I do with my current cleanser (Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating creamy cleanser). Also Walgreens had a special this weekend where if you spent $20 on personal care / beauty products you got 7000 points ($7 worth), and I shop there all the time for various things because it's half a mile from my house.

Rave: My skin really likes Vitamin C. I've been using the C21.5 serum by Wishtrend. I'm getting more of the accompanying face masks soon, I'm very excited because they're great.

Thank you ♥️ my doses were as follows:
Month 1:
20mg
Month 2 & 3:
40mg
Month 4:
80mg

Luckily I never really popped my pimples so I never got deep scars; only hyperpigmentation. I avoid the sun like the plague so that's going away on its own.

Extremely SENSITIVE SKIN FRIENDLY :D
Am:
Facewash
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Face Wash Cleanser, 13.52 Fl. Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7T7JKJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jX6pDb2H10DWV
Face lotion
Face and Body Cream Moisturizer - Nourishing Aloe Vera - Manuka Honey for Rosacea Eczema Psoriasis Rashes Itchiness Redness - Natural Organic Cracked Skin Relief - Anti Aging - Anti Wrinkle (4 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QUKS6NW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3Y6pDbEAPFED7
Sunscreen (face and body)
Vanicream Sunscreen Sport, Spf 35, 4-ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FCY95A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bY6pDbV1RGK27

& Dr Dan's and aquaphor

Pm:
Same facewash
Same manuka honey lotion (but now it's lotion #1!!)
Lotion #2 (face and body)
Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream - Full Body Lotion for Eczema-Prone Skin - 8 oz. Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DEXA0LY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M16pDb02HCR38
Lotion #3
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Cream, 13.52 Fl. Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QXZWYW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_226pDbJY250Q7

Aquaphor in my nose at night
Dr Dan's & aquaphor on my lips again

Also when I shower I have to use this or my skin will become lobster red and my arms will break out in an eczema like rash:
Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash with Oat to Soothe Dry Itchy Skin, Gentle, Soap-Free & Dye-Free for Sensitive Skin, 33 fl. oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X2KL5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_K46pDbAE4YF1S

I also use these eyedrops throughout the day because my eyes get super red & dry:
Rohto Cool Max Maximum Redness Relief Cooling Eye Drops, 0.4 Ounce, 3 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072V5LV6V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M56pDb5SM7GQH

I should be taking fish oil for joint pain but I'm not lol

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

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

2nd Cleanser: Cerave hydrating Cleanser

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

Medium Moisturizer: Cerve PM Moisturizing Lotion

Heavy Moisturizer: Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

Sleeping Pack: Cosrx Ultimate Rice Overnight Mask

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

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

Lips: Lanolin

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

So I had that problem bad before I got Laser (which completely got rid of it) but this is what I would do to help my legs before I got the laser -

• Use Cetaphil cleanser as shaving cream.
  
  
• When shaving - Shave with the grain of the hair once or twice, and then once against the hair. (So you would shave from your knee down first, and then from your ankle up to your knee once), this helps with irritation a LOT.
  
  
• Lotion immediately out of the shower with something like Aveeno Baby Lotion

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

The daily facial cleanser is closer to the foaming facewash OP is using, their gentle skin cleanser has fatty acids in it like the hydrating cleanser and may clog pores if you're acne prone. The Cetaphil moisturizing lotion is the closest to the lotion the OP is using.

BHA = Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid)

BP = Benzoyl Peroxide

SA Cleanser

SA Moisturizer

Biore Sunscreen

Normaderm moisturizer

Mandelic Acid

I have oily/combo skin, acne, sensitive/rosacea prone (getting the picture?) and I love using [Cerave's hydrating cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM). It's 8.38 on Amazon (great way to get it if you have prime). I don't like spending lots of money on a cleanser especially since you wash it right off. This cleans my skin, leaves it feeling hydrated (doesn't strip the moisture barrier) without making me more oily. Let me know if you have more questions, I love talking about skin care.

Also you can usually print off a $2 coupon from cerave's website. The cerave cleanser has last me over 3 months and I don't think I'm half way through yet.

UK based? Asos and BeautyBay.com sell The Ordinary. Useful if you have Premier with Asos.

I suffer from redness and a few scars too, out of their range I love the Advanced Retinoid & Rose Hip Seed Oil (Used both for 6+ Months). Just trying out VitC Suspension by them (for 2 weeks) and I do see slight improvements - was using their Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

(I'm also using a BHA Toner from CosRX - using my hands not a cotton pad, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF55 Sunscreen, and cleanser by Aesop or CeraVe)

Back to The Ordinary, I have tried their Niacinamide, Azelic Acid and Arbutin, they didn't play nice with my skin, and became really irritable...more than likely they reacted with the CosRX - which is my wonder product for AM I haven't broke out since using it (Retinoid is my PM godsend)...and I didn't think they worked well on alternating days - Also CosRX has some Niacinamide already so didn't want to overdo it.

For what it's worth, I'm male, with light brown skin (I guess in between 3 and 4 on Fitzpatrick scale)...and I have waffled on too much, I apologise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I recommend Cetaphil Cleanser and Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer.

They are both gentle products, and the moisturizer has a small SPF which is great. If you have oily skin, they also have the same products but geared towards greasy skin (I use these). Wash and moisturize in the morning and at at night.

My back will break out if I don't immediately come home and shower after the gym. I use this. My dermatologist recommended it. And if it gets really bad I have a spray I use. I this this on my face. They are lifesavers for me!

Non-mobile: Here

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Starting with the sunscreens on the right.

1.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007408QD2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q1WT58/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007408PIS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4.)http://www.amazon.com/Cure-Natural-Aqua-Gel-250ml/dp/B001ABLKK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425251492&sr=8-1&keywords=cure+natural+aqua+gel

5.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSNBO9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6.)http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-CP-Hadalabo-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000VSYBDI/ref=pd_sbs_bt_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0JJEE4XYH7P2Z5QBB82C

7.) PD

8.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BS3Q372/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

9.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MDUEM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

10.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BN4BT0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

11.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MDUE2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have combination acne prone skin. I see decent results. I don't much care for aha+bha cleanser, #10, because it leaves my skin feeling dry, and because it seems a bit gimmicky. I also don't care much for #6 because it makes my skin feel too greasy for the day, and not greasy enough for night.

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

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

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


My current routine is:

AM:

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

I just ordered a bunch of stuff!

I've always had an issue with acne. Early on I developed CSP (r/compulsiveskinpicking). Of course I didn't know this until recently and am working on it with my therapist. It's a small part of a larger issue.

However, my battle recently has been with my sebaceous filaments and blackheads. So I am going to follow this. I ordered the following:

• Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
  
• The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil 150ml
  
• Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 100ml
  
  So my current plan is this:
  
  Daily evenings:
  
  
• Remove make up with wipes.
  
• Wash face. With this
  
• Apply lotion (I have easily clogged pores so any recommendation on lotions would be appreciated)
  
  Daily mornings:
  
  
• Splash of water
  
• Sunscreen/lotion
  
  Every second morning:
  
  
• This
  
  I only wash my face in the evening otherwise it gets too dry. The less I touch (and pick) my face the clearer it is. It's a work in progress, but I'm excited to try my new supplies!

HL's cleansing foam didn't do me any good either. But I switched to Su:m32's Cleansing Rose Stick and it's been amazing since. (Please note: if you are allergic to coconut, don't use this.)

My BF is on the CosRX good morning cleansing foam and hasn't had any issues yet and he has more acne-prone skin than I do.

I don't wear foundation or heavy makeup usually, so I don't normally have to worry about getting my skin rid of all of that stuff. when I do wear it, I have a 50/50 chance of either just using my cleansing stick or using my oil cleanser which is The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright cleansing oil.

I haven't had any issues with the oil causing any clogging or acne issues. I'd look up reviews for both and see what you think. The cleansing stick is more expensive than the oil, but you use /so little of it/ for each cleanse that honestly it will last you a long long time even with daily use. I normally use one pump of the oil (1/2 pump at a time) but it does naturally seem to go faster than the rest of my stuff.

I think that no matter what products you get though, the initial cost for them is going to be over 20$ just because of shipping and all that.

I use Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil to break down makeup then the cleansing foam to remove the remaining remnants, then to be sure - I use Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water on a cotton square. I wear full-coverage foundation and I set it with powder so it's pretty hard to remove.

thank you <3

LORD JESUS GIRL DON'T RUB YOUR EYELIDS RAW TRYING TO USE MICELLAR WATER TO GET THIS STUFF OFF! get thee something like jojoba/almond/grapeseed/etc oil, or a cleansing oil! i personally really like the face shop - rice water bright light cleansing oil but simple also makes a cleansing oil. there are lots if great cleansing oils, don't feel constricted to the two i mentioned!

The Face Shop Cleansing Oil

Ulta stopped carrying the Burt's Bees cleansing oil, so I was looking for a replacement. I like the Face Shop one. It's cheaper and doesn't leave a residue or film after activating it with water. It also leaves your face feeling silky.

Their Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is pretty popular. I wasn't sure about it at first, but my mom's best friend is a dermatologist and he always recommends that wash for a daily cleanser. I've also seen the derms on PocketDerm recommend it for normal/dry skin.

I've personally been using it for about 3 months now and at first liked it well enough. It was gentle enough to use every day and did a decent job washing off dirty oil from my OCM routine. Lately, however, I've noticed that it's starting to irritate my skin near my eyes. It gets red and burn-y so I've actually started looking for a new daily cleanser, but that doesn't mean it's a bad face wash - YMMV of course.

Regardless of my recent skin irritation, it's definitely one of the more popular drugstore brands, but I don't really see them mentioned in this sub all too often.

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.

Disclaimer: Am a chick so I don't know shit about shaving the face/dryness from shaving/not shaving/whatevs.. However, the pimples with the whisker hairs man. I used to get this terrible ingrown hair pimple on my eyebrow. I think because I shaved those suckers off when I was a kid. ANYWAYS, a nice BHA cleared that right up. Also takes care of.. more delicate areas that are prone to those. I use the Cosrx BHA liquid once a day. You could try that and see if that helps. You def need to use a moisturizer every day if you use the BHA liquid. It's a little drying and can cause a brief period of purging where your skin breaks out.

Every single neutrogena product I've used has dried the hell out of my face/burned like the a thousand fiery suns. I switched to an Asian cleanser that is super gentle. It's about the only thing I can use without wanting to peel my skin off.

I also use a Japanese SPF because their SPF is so much better than American SPF. It doesn't have that funky sunscreen smell and feels like a lotion.

I don't use toner so I can't help with that one.

And my general go to recs for moisturizer involve snail slime and idk how you feel about that.

Skincare is a lot of trial and error in my experience. You kinda have to search for things that work for you.

I use Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. It's the only cleanser I've been able to find that's completely free of fatty alcohols, SLS, and fragrances! I think it's just straight fairy dust. It also comes in a bar form that I've been using for the last 3 - 4 days since my local store didn't have the pump and it seems to be working fine. I bought a little container for the bar to keep it clean.

Rave: Currently loving Hada Labo's Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. Also, it's currently on sale for $7 on Amazon! Such a great cleanser for a low price. Doesn't dry me out, and does a decent job removing makeup.

I would pick the popular [Hada Labo Gokujun cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B01CE5P580) (spelled wrong as Gokujyn on Amazon) instead, as it has a cleaner ingredients list and slightly lower pH than the Tokyo cleanser. Plus it comes in an awesome foaming pump bottle. If you want to, you could also opt for the [Hada Labo premium] (https://www.amazon.com/Hadalabo-Skin-Institute-hyaluronic-solution/dp/B013HHJV0C) version instead of regular Gokujun lotion, as it has 5 types of hyaluronic acid is much thicker and more moisturizing, but that is up to you

I was interested in the HL face wash, but $14 (used, incl shipping) is a lot considering it's $9.98 (new, incl shipping) on amazon. Even if someone is in NYC, amazon is still cheaper.

Cannot recommend Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam enough. Doesn't strip at all, right pH level, fun to use. Little goes a long way, and its refillable. YMMV, people on this sub tend to either love it or feel "meh" to it.

https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525878456&sr=8-2&keywords=hada%2Blabo%2Bfoaming%2Bcleanser&th=1

I have super sensitive, dehydrated skin and this is perfect for it. No fragrance either, big bonus.

The pimples around your chin. I almost never get them, but when I tried the hydrating cleanser my skin lost its shit in some areas and refused to find it until I stopped using it. It's odd because I too use CeraVe in the tub and found it bizarre that another of their best-reviewed products would nuke my face. I've been using this for a while and kinda love it.

Granted, that may not be your problem. Just thought I'd share my experience. :)

Here's my assessment and suggestions - you're basically OD'ing on oils. My guess is to combat dryness? But using lots of oils won't = hydration. It can caused congested skin.

Current routine AM - Potential Issues:
--Kiehl's ultra face cleanser = basic creamy cleanser. In theory, based on what I've researched, this should be fine for you to use. I believe it has has a pH of 5.5 (acidic) and looking at the first five ingredients, nothing offensive jumps out at me (I think a poster here said it was drying and had a high pH but that's not what I found on here). The marketing touts apricot and avocado oils which could be acne-causing but those are way down the ingredient list (apricot and avocado oil are high in "oleic" acid which acne-prone skin should stay clear from). I don't think this cleanser is anything special though so if it were me, I'd save my $ and put it towards effective actives (see below).

--lush scrub "Let the good times roll on" = corn, glycerin, corn oil. I’d stop using this manual scrub b/c it's full of corn oil and there more effective exfoliators out there, which is what you need right now to. Corn oil is moderate on the acne-causing scale. Too harsh, too much fragrance and there are more effective exfoliants out there.
--kiehl's reviving concentrate = oils. I’d stop using this b/c again, it's more oil.
--la roche posay tinted sunscreen = titanium dioxide, silicone, chemical sunscreens. Fine to use. Shouldn’t cause you issues.

Current Routine PM - Potential Issues = Oil OD!:
--Kiehl's cleansing oil = oils. I'd stop using this b/c I don’t think you need to double cleanse since you don't wear a lot of makeup. Double cleansing is helpful if you need to break down a lot makeup since cosmetics are primarily silicone/oil-based, oil breaks down oil. Just use a makeup remover where you where makeup.

--Kiehl's midnight recovery concentrate = a ton of oils. Some are good, some are iffy.
Too many in there. Definitely stop using this until you figure out what product is causing the comedones.

--Kiehl's ultra cream = emollient. Fine to use. It’s a great basic moisturizer.

--Paula's choice 2% BHA liquid = BHA. Definitely keep using this to keep your pore lining clean. This is an effective BHA. Won’t fix currently acne but will help prevent future.

 

Suggested AM Routine + Products:
--Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - $11. Save some $ and try this tried and true cleanser that I recommend to everyone. It's creamy, non-drying and has a pH of 5.5 pH. Any skin type can us it and you can find it anywhere.

--Active: BHA: Keep using the PC BHA.

--Moisturizer: Kiehl's ultra cream. Fine to keep using. If you want a cheaper alternative, [CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM - $10] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Lightweight/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1519077120&sr=1-4&keywords=CeraVe+Facial+Moisturizer+PM). You can use this day or night - ignore the PM marketing. This has a thinner consistency b/c it’s a lotion. If you like a thicker cream consistency, try [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - $12] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Cream-Daily-Moisturizer/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1519077377&sr=1-4&keywords=CeraVe+Moisturizing+Cream) in the tub (fine for face and body).

--Sunscreen

Suggested PM Routine + Products:
--Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
--Actives: BHA then AHA: 1. BHA: Paula's choice 2% BHA then 2. AHA: [Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum - $19] (https://smile.amazon.com/Mizon-AHA-8-Peeling-Serum/dp/B00F35GT0W/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1519076979&sr=1-4&keywords=Mizon+AHA+8%25+Peeling+Serum)
AHA can better penetrate your skin more effectively after a BHA is applied (AHA isn’t oil-soluble). They work synergistically together. Lots of folks will use an AHA immediately washing their face particularly in their oily T-zone and not see results. AHAs are non oil-soluble so they're not going to get results! Ideally, wait 15-20 min. between applications but no one has time for that!
--Moisturizer: Kiehl's ultra cream or CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM.

You should stop that. Hand soap will strip much needed oils from your face. Buy a gentle cleanser for your face like CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash | 16 Ounce | Daily Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin | Fragrance Free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UIRSCbR6WAQX2

That cleanser is only sold by Amazon, no third parties.

https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Toleriane-Hydrating-Gentle-Cleanser/dp/B01N7T7JKJ/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_3?

So there is no opportunity to buy from a third party or commingle.

Did you contact la roche to confirm it was fake?

If so, what did they say?

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

Fwiw, I was asking this a couple months ago.

Every morning, I apply a moisturizer,
cleanser, and sunblock to my face. At night, I apply the moisturizer and cleanser again.

Supposedly this, in combination with being an indoor neckbeard, will mitigate much of the toll of aging on my skin. We'll see.

"LA Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser for normal to dry skin" it's a 13.52 Oz. This is the one to get if your face feels "tight" after washing prior to putting lotion. Otherwise they have cleanser for oily skin.

I got mine at Target, but it's also on Amazon

I’m in the USA 🇺🇸 but this really helped my dry skin:

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_SEsYBbC7801XK

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

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

http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1419011060&sr=1-1&keywords=hada+labo+cleanser

I think this is one that most people will recommend for you

Edit edit edit

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

I haven't been to Japan, but from what I understand, it is a great place for amazing and inexpensive skincare. There's a whole sub dedicated to Asian products here: /r/AsianBeauty

I'll also link you the SCA routine page. The /r/asianbeauty subreddit also has tons and tons of info in the sidebar. Start with the basics in the SCA routine if you feel overwhelmed.

Here's some of my thoughts of the products you're using:

• Nivea Soft: contains denatured alcohol, which can be drying, irritating and cause that burning sensation. The may not be the reason for your issue, but do keep it in mind
  
• Clinique toner: I don't think this is intended to be a makeup remover. Also, does this one contain a lot of denatured alcohol too? If so, that will contribute to your issues. Instead, try using an oil cleanser to remover your makeup. This one for example should be in drugstores in Japan.
  
• Jason Apricot Scrubbie exfoliator: this is going to be very rough and irritate your skin. Chemical exfoliants are considered better than physical ones. There is a section about chemical exfoliants in the SCA routine link I provided.
  
• Acure Organics Seriously Glowing Facial Serum: this is an oil blend, which is fine, but I find that oils don't moisturize my skin very well. I need a mix of other emollient and humectant ingredients. This serum is also not going to do much for acne.
  
  You didn't mention how you wash your face; do you currently use some kind of cleanser or soap?
  
  So to redo your routine, I would add in an oil cleanser and/or foaming cleanser, a chemical exfoliant like this if you can find it, a new moisturizer (I'm really only familiar with Hada Labo, so maybe this, and preferably a sunscreen (Biore, Hada Labo and Nivea should sell cheap drugstore ones). The Hada Labo ingredient lists can be found here.

If you end up wanting to find a cleanser with a balanced pH, the lovely people at the AsianBeauty subreddit have a chart filled with tons of different cleansers and their pH levels. [Here's a link.] (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VqO_uF8m4oKBzzk5ass37gHcjIk-_2Tv4W2KgJJmUQc/edit) A favorite is the [Hada Labo cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482871523&sr=8-4&keywords=hada+labo) which contains hyaluronic acid and its pH is 5.5

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!

I think the Neutogena gentle one is paraben free. Check the beginner's routine in the sidebar if you haven't already. The Accure organics cleansers are a low ph. Finally, /r/asianbeauty has a whole spreadsheet of cleansers and ph.. Most people suggest you avoid Cetaphil because of the SLS. Also, use the oil cleanser first, and apply the oil to dry skin, then use the foaming cleanser. This is probably the most popular low ph cleanser on /r/Asian Beauty. edit see OCM directions in sidebar

Hi there guys newbie here, I read the guides and could use help making a simple routine.

Skin Type: Combo Oily (dehydrated?) and shade is closest to 'neutral tan' in this pic | Country/Climate I'm in: SoCal | Top Skin Concern: making it less oily

Current Routine/Products I'm Using: I use this Simple facial wash while I'm taking a shower, and CeraVe moisturing cream afterwards. Thats pretty much it. After reading the guides I'm thinking of making the following routine.

AM

• Oil Based Cleanser- Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
  
  
• Low pH water-based cleanser -Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
  
  
• Moisturizer - The CeraVe previously mentioned, this is ok right, or should I get a different moisturizer?
  
  
• Sun Screen - Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++
  
  PM I'm not really sure what I should use here besides moisturizer, I'm a guy, so I have no makeup to remove.
  
  
• The Simple face wash I already use, because I still have more than half of it left.
  
  
• The CeraVe moisturizer.
  
  
  Would a toner be worth it? I'm thinking of adding the Hada Labo Super Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. And this would go in between the 2nd cleanser and moisturizer right?
  
  And just to double check, I would use the cleansers while taking a shower, then toner and moisturizer after getting out, and waiting a bit before I use the sunscreen right?
  
  Anything you guys would add or remove, or just general comments? I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible so if there are any reduncies I'd be happy to take them out.
  
  Edit: buying these products off amazon is safe right, the all seem to be highly rated so I don't think there would be fakes

Have you tried Amazon? I ordered mine here for 15usd with free shipping to Norway. Was the cheapest option I found to me.

Ahh, I almost bought this just this morning. I'm glad I passed on it. That's disappointing! Maybe because it's the light version? I have a cleansing oil from the same brand that worked fine for my waterproof eye makeup. Did you let it sit for a few seconds before emulsifying it with adding a bit of water, then rubbing a bit more? Lathering it up by adding a bit of water helps.

If you read the review on amazon, they mostly say to get something else as eye makeup remover just cause it's so liquidy and might get in your eyes easily.

Also, I was kinda disappointed this wasn't about your dad. :P

Double cleanse is not washing your face twice with a cleanser. It's a two step process, the first step to dissolve and remove makeup, and the second step (cleanser) to remove any residual product from the first step and makeup. I like to followup with a toner to remove remainder of cleanser.

I would use a makeup remover type product first, there are so many options like cleansing oils, micellar water, makeup remover, cold creams, etc. and followup with your Cerave. I personally love this light cleansing oil - The Face Shop Light Cleansing Oil but have had great success with Pond's Cold Cream and Clinique Makeup remover. I prefer to save dedicated makeup remover for my eyes especially because they're typically more expensive.

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

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

wow - do you really use 3 cleansers at night?? my skin is feeling dry just thinking about that. I would switch to an oil cleanser, as was already suggested. I like the Rice Shop one: https://www.amazon.com/Facial-Cleanser-Natural-Cleansing-Moisturizer/dp/B00809ERAM

BACKGROUND: I'm new to the world of skin care. I've never had a serious skin care routine before other than applying some acne creams a few years back when my acne was pretty bad. Now my skin is not terrible, but at age 20 I've had it with any sort of acne and want clear skin.

My skin is oily. I don't know if its very oily or fairly oily because I don't know what really oily skin is like or what a fairly oily skin is like. If I had to make a guess I'd say fairly or decently oily...sorry if that's vague.

This is what my skin looks like on an average day.

[This] (http://imgur.com/a/fGqbn) is what my skin looks like when it breaks out just a bit.

I'm showing you these because I read the FAQ and Wiki and I've narrowed my choices for cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers but I'm not sure which one to buy. For each category, this is what I've narrowed it down to.

CLEANSERS

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
  
  
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
  
  
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  
  EXFOLIANTS
  
  
• Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
  
  
• Neutragena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
  
  
• Olay Age Defying Classic Night Face Cream
  
  MOISTURIZERS
  
  
• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
  
  
• Olay Complete Defence Daily UV Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+
  
  
• Paula's Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Fluid SPF 30+
  
  
• Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30
  
  
  MY QUESTION: Are they all sort of the same? Based on what I told you about my skin, which product from each category should I get? Should I get something that's not on the list? This list is based on the Recommended Routine, so maybe there's something that's not on it that you think would work better. Any help would be really appreciated. I'm trying to avoid having to go through too much trial and error since as a college student I'm slightly broke, so I'm trying to make an informed purchase. Also, sunscreen is highly recommended if you exfoliate, but if the moisturizer has SPF does that mean I don't need to buy sunscreen? Thank you guys in advance.

AM:

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Cleanser, sometimes on a konjac sponge if I need exfoliation

La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF if I'm going out

PM:

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water -- I use this as my standalone cleanser if I'm not wearing sunscreen. If I am, I follow it up with the LRP morning cleanser.

Tretinoin gel 0.1%

LRP Double Repair Moisturizer

LRP Cicaplast Baume B5 over my whole face as a final occlusive layer just like you use. One of the best skin purchases I've ever made and I'll never use vaseline again lol.

---------------

I feel like I've tried everything... Cetaphil and Cerave gave me the worst breakouts of my life, Vanicream dried out my skin, Sebamed didn't do anything, Eucerin made my face hot, FAB has the worst smelling products EVER (seriously why is nobody talking about that smell) etc. I've wasted so much money over the years. The biggest waste of time/money was trying to do a k-beauty multistep routine, I never saw any results from those products.

LRP is my HG but I know how expensive it is. My close second HG are the basic Neutrogena products, specifically this cleanser and this moisturizer, plus I like their sunscreens. If I'm ever having to budget more, I'll go back into Neutrogena's arms for sure lol. Garnier micellar water too, which I see you use.

I hope that helps, it sounds like we have similar skin reactions to several brands and less is more for us. I know how it is to be extremely frustrated, I've spent years researching and experimenting and blahblahblah almost nothing has worked for me but azelaic acid, tret, and now the cicaplast. I'm thinking of incorporating azelaic acid again a few times a week because it really does smooth out the skin, but otherwise that's it, I'm done lol.

According to this it's a good pH for a cleanser. For the dry-but-oily situation, a hydrating cleanser or cleansing oil might be good. Since you're already using Neutrogena, maybe this might be the one to test next.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is non-lathering, SLS-free, paraben-free, and super gentle. It also has a relatively small number of ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol.

I've been using The Face Shop's Water Bright Cleansing Foam It's gentle, subtle scent, and lasts forever.

PART II

Exfoliators:

• secretKey Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel - $7.59
  was $11.68
  Amazon NOT AVAILABLE
  
  
• NEOGEN Bio peel Gentle Gauze Peeling GREEN TEA - 30 pads $14.96
  was $23.01
  Amazon $16.77
  
  
• NEOGEN Bio peel Gentle Gauze Peeling LEMON - 30 pads $14.96
  was $23.01
  Amazon $17.03
  
  
• NEOGEN Bio peel Gauze Peeling WINE - 30 pads $14.96
  was $23.01
  Amazon $16.32
  
  Cleansers:
  
  
• Fresh Cleansing Stick Green Tea - $12.27
  was 18.88
  Amazon $12.85
  
  
• NEOGEN Real Fresh Foam Green Tea - $12.27
  was $18.88
  Amazon $17.45
  
  
• Hope Girl JAMONG CLEANSING BALM - $11.04
  was $16.98
  Amazon $15.98
  
  
• TOSOWOONG Enzyme Powder Wash (Enzyme Cleanser) - $6.44
  was $9.91
  Amazon $8.55
  
  Primers:
  
  
• touch in SOL No Poreblem Primer - $8.44
  was $12.98
  Amazon $15.76
  
  
• secretKey Snow White Cream - BB Cream/ Makeup Primer/ Moisturizer with Brightening effects $7.13
  was $10.97
  Amazon $6.40
  
  

Get some acne medication (salicylic acid) for the ingrowns. I'd go for a lotion like this. It's a lotion with a gentle amount of acne medication. It'll help with the inflammation from the hairs.

As with most of the CeraVe products, they do well for people on Accutane from everyone I've spoken with. Can you add CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser onto the list? It's a great moisturizing cleanser, and pretty gentle on your skin.

I'm going to throw CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser out there. It works wonders on my acne and also doubles as a great pre-shave soap for me.

Bonus: I like their Moisturizing Cream as an aftershave balm and face moisturizer. After I put it on I wait a few minutes then put on a splash for scent.

Wash face in morning( I use cerave hydrating cleanser), apply moisturizer (I use nivea creme)

Wash face in evening (same cleanser), apply stridex (red box) all over face, wait 30 minutes, moisturize (nivea creme)

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DEG8N9W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467953774&sr=8-1&keywords=nivea+creme&pi=SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=51FsMyVTMzL&ref=plSrch

Products I love!

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

You're right, there are lots of options! Here is a guide to the different lotions and moisturizers.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/3ir4zg/review_quick_guide_to_different_cerave/?st=J45S5XOE&sh=c33319b0

I personally like the pm lotion. I use it in the am and pm. It has ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Here's a link to it on amazon
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00365DABC

For a cleanser, I personally use the hydrating one because I generally find foaming cleansers too drying. But some people prefer the foaming. You can look at reviews to help make your decision

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YJ2SKM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497976232&sr=8-1&keywords=cerave+cleanser&dpPl=1&dpID=41-mjF-r-fL&ref=plSrch

Also, be sure to pay close attention to your skin when you start using them. Cerave is probably the most popular brand on this sub, but there are still a lot of people whom have skin that don't agree with it. If your skin does have adverse reactions, it will probably be due to the fatty alcohols or niacinamide. It's a great product but some people are sensitive to those ingredients

2 chu-lips for a CeraVe hydrating cleanser.. Or one chu-lip + a sun screen of your choice. (Plus random samples I have.)


....lol chu-lip black-market.

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

Edit: added links

Try CeraVe products - they have a Salicylic Acid (SA) line (Cleanser & Lotion) that would help with your acne, and they also have a Hydrating cleanser + amazing Moisturizer creme and moisturizing lotion too.

http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-SA-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00U1YCRD8

http://www.amazon.com/Cerave-Sa-Renewing-Lotion-Pack/dp/B009TWF80M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

CeraVe's moisturizing products are amazing if you have solely dry skin + no acne, but I've heard reviews about it helping clear acne too even without the Salicylic Acid. CeraVe has some sort of patent in their products that help encourage your skin to renew its cells and encourage natural facial oils to emerge and help moisturize your skin without causing pimples.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/
^ You can read more reviews about CeraVe and see if it works; it worked really well for my horrible dry face rash that I got as a result of radiation + my bone marrow transplant. (Face was basically peeling and couldn't breathe/felt "stuck" because I stripped all the oil away from my face using too many harsh cleansers to get rid of the dead skin and rash. I used the hydrating cleanser and noticed a difference in 3 days with the moisturizing creme + lotion - creme for the really extra dry/flakey skin and lotion for my hands/other dry skin.

I used these products:
http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Cream-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1453793769&sr=1-2&keywords=cerave

http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=dp_ccx_cts_image_beauty_1

http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Lotion-12-oz/dp/B000YJ2SLG/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1453793769&sr=1-1&keywords=cerave)

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/CeraVe/Skin-Cleansers/_/N-1z13ozbZ2794?categoryId=cat80170&ciSelector=leaf <--Read up the reviews here too for the different cleansers and see which ones would be best for your skin. You might be able to get a sample of these too if you went to a local Ulta store or contact CeraVe.

It's hypoallergenic and Dermatologist recommended for Eczema too.

CeraVe also has a $2 coupon on their website too :) I bought mine at a local CVS when they were having a great sale on it.

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

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

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

CeraVe hydrating cleanser

Mizon Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Intense Fast Healing Cream with Aloe

and really thick moisturizers like Vanicream or Cetaphil

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

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

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


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

About your age here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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




ORDER OF OPERATIONS

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

Cleanser: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-oz/dp/B000YJ2SKM/

AM/PM toner: http://www.paulaschoice.co.uk/resist-advanced-replenishing-toner-skin-remodeling-complex.html

AM treatment: https://www.victoriahealth.com/product/Vitamin-C-Suspension-23-HA-Spheres-2/12197

AM moisturizer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-AM/dp/B003WN1ELQ/

PM moisturizer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM/dp/B00365DABC/ or if your dry skin needs something thicker - https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Intensive-Stretch-Mark-Cream/dp/B00IFH3FIY/

PM treatment: https://www.victoriahealth.com/product/Advanced-Retinoid-2/12195

They're not all from Amazon, but they're all located within the UK so shipping charges should be minimal. I would also recommend waiting for a promotion (either free shipping or % based discount) from Paula's Choice before purchasing the toner.

> CeraVe Hydrating

Is this the correct product you mentioned? I'm new to this sub and keep hearing how awesome Cerave Hydrating is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YASSSS!!!

Ladies in your late 20s, what are the biggest skin changes you've noticed so far? Right now, I totally see my under eye area changing overnight -- it's scary! I have a skincare routine that I swear by now or else I am in panic mode:

FACE

AM:

• Wash face with Cetaphil
  
• Deep scrub with Charcoal/Sugar Scrub (every other day)
  
• Use Babyface Complete Eye Cream on my undereyes
  
• Use the ROC Anti-Wrinkle Two Step System
  
• Finish with Olay Regenerist SPF 50 Moisturizer
  
  PM:
  
  
• Wash face with Cetaphil
  
• Sheetmask for 30 minutes (I'm going to start doing this every night -- my skin loves it)
  
• Use Babyface Complete Eye Cream on my undereyes
  
• Use the ROC Anti-Wrinkle Two Step System
  
  
  BODY
  
  
• Daily exfoliation with St. Ives Sea Salt Body Wash in the shower
  
• 100% Organic Shea butter instead of lotion cuz ain't nobody up in here tryin to be ashy, okay? (I was using coconut oil before, but bf wasn't a fan)
  
• Monthly full body waxing
  

I've finally gotten the acne on my face to go away (after 15 years) but I'm still suffering from pretty moderately bad bacne. It's the bane of my existence. I can't wear most of my summer wardrobe.

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

Here's my routine:

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

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

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

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

Vanicream is cruelty free, I really like their Gentle Facial Cleanser. I don't find it drying or stripping at all, but I wouldn't call it a hydrating cleanser. Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser is gentle and cruelty free too.

I am loving my vanicream! It is creamy but it still gives a ladder so I can use it with my Clarisonic. I think the pH is around 5.5, from what I read on this very informative acne blog. And it's cheap!
https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Gentle-Cleanser-sensitive-Dispenser/dp/B00QY1XZ4W

Looks like the Cetaphil contains both a sulfate and fragrance. I'd suggest trying something like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.

I had this problem too!

​

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

​

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

​

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

​

I hope this helped! Good luck!

​

Hello!

I'm super new to skincare and I just wanted to know if this routine will be good enough for me. 20 year old male w/ acne prone skin for reference. Doc also prescribed amoxicillin for cystic acne


AM:

Cleanser: Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Sunscreen: SKIN AQUA Super Moisture Milk Pink (SPF50 PA ++++)

Clindamycin



PM:

Cleanser: Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

Wait 15-20 min

Tretinoin: 0.1%

Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream



Thanks :)

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

Current routine:

AM

Garnier Micellar Water - pink cap or Cerave Foaming cleanser

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

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

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

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

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

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

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

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

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

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

PM

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

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

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

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

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

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method.

All depending on how I'm feeling that evening:

LJH TeaTree 90 Essence

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule

SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule

Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream

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

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

Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream

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

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

Things I'm waiting on in the mail:

ROSETTE Aqua Ceramide Gel

Rumase BIFIDA Snail Toner

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam

It's Skin Power 10 Formula - PO Effector

Hoping the all work well for me too!

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

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

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

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

I am an African American guy new to skincare and AB in general. I built a plan and I wanted to get some opinions and suggestions on what I have before I follow through with buying everything. I have really oily skin, and I live in Southern California. I'm focused on wrinkles and tightening my pores and skin as a whole.

First cleanser: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Second cleanser: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser

Toner: Hada Labo Alpha Lotion

Moisturizer: Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion

No problem.

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

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

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!

Try Vanicream! Here’s an amazon link

If you try the Cerave Baby wash, and don't like it/break out, you could also try Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
I've tried it and it's somewhere between a hydrating and foaming cleanser. It is somewhat opaque like a hydrating cleanser, but it does foam up. It's somewhere in the middle, but more closer to a foaming cleanser. Plus its very good at removing makeup and has a perfect score of 0 on cosdna.com. The only downside is that it doesn't have any "beneficial" ingredients like how the Cerave Baby has ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. The Vanicream doesn't have any of that.

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

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

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

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

Daily:

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

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

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

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

You could try albolene or vanicream.

You should also read this thread

The dove soap bar is a cleanser and so is the panoxyl bp wash. I know this post is old and I really really hope you are doing well. It sounds like your skin is angry and being overworked. I would try vanicream cleanser, it's gentle. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for sensitive Skin with Pump Dispenser, 8 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QY1XZ4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_j8mBDbFHMKK6Z

I am a huge fan of hyaluronic acid, it's a humectant. I sweat easily especially from my face and when I have hyaluronic acid serum on my skin, it acts like a shield. Keeping in my oils and sweat and not letting anything into your skin except moisture. You just want to apply it to your face when it's damp after cleansing or you can use rose water. Then you can apply light moisturizer on top of it, if you want. I prefer water creams. Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin-- 100% Pure-Highest Quality, Anti-Aging Serum-- Intense Hydration + Moisture, Non-greasy, Paraben-free-Best Hyaluronic Acid for Your Face (Pro Formula) 2 Fl. Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090UJFYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ganBDbP79RSA0

Benzoyl peroxide really irritates my skin and doesn't help my acne. I think the reason you are producing so much oil is that your skin is trying to heal it's skins barrier. Don't use hot or cold water on your face, both can aggravate your skin. You need to go back to the basics and nuture your skin and yourself. https://www.getthegloss.com/article/sense-and-sensitivity-how-to-build-up-your-skin-barrier

Looking to add TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to my routine to help with PIE/PIH. Where in my routine would I incorporate it?

Current routine for the last few months:

• BIOSSANCE Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil (occasional, PM only)
  
• Vanicream gentle cleanser
  
• .05% Tretinoin (PM only)
  
• Klairs Supple Preparation Toner Unscented
  
• Hadalabo Gokujun premium hyaluronic solution
  
• CosRX Snail Mucin
  
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  
• Vaseline (PM only, occasional)
  
• Paula's Choice Skin Recovery SPF 30 (AM only)
  
  26F, dry skin, main concerns are dry skin from tret, closed comedones, PIE/PIH. Located in Canada/pacific northwest. No new shampoo, toothpaste, changes in diet/lifestyle, or medication recently. I drink plenty of water, exercise, etc.
  
  Thanks!

Hey everyone,

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


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


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


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


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


Thank you for any kind of help!

Anyone tried the Vanicream Gentle Skin Cleanser? I've recently tried the Cerave hydrating cleanser and Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser and both gave me a couple of hives. Not sure if they share ingredients that I'm allergic to or simply sensitive to. Anyway, I want to know if anyone has had luck with the Vanicream cleanser. I'm desperate for a truly gentle cleanser. I'd appreciate any recs

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


Amazon link

AM

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Pixi Glow Tonic

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea

TO Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

TO Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

COSRX Snail All in One Cream

La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid

​

PM

Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Pixi Glow Tonic

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea

TO 100% Organic Cold-pressed Rose Hip Oil

TO Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

TO Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

COSRX Snail All in One Cream

I like using Vanicream! It's been incredibly gentle on my sensitive skin, and it doesn't have tons of extra junk in it.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QY1XZ4W/

Ok, well; posted on Amazon and a customer answered that it's a perfect 5.5. But who knows...

So I saw the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash mention on the under-the-radar product thread and was wondering if anyone with dry skin uses it? A bunch of random online reviews said it was better for oily skin or that it dried them out.

I'm debating on getting it since Amazon has some sort of 20% off coupon going on right now here, but I consider myself more on the dry side than oily and don't wanna risk making my face a peeling mess again.

Sure! (Sorry, got caught up in amazing wig drama)

And here’s the Neem/Tumeric one

Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash

Dude you can do it, I did! I was pretty awful looking in my early 20s and in my mid thirties, I'm decently attractive now.

For exfoliation, I use this

And for moisturizing, I use this

Also you have a great head of hair, something that I struggle with in my thirties. Throw some conditioner in there and take advantage of that!

You are what you eat. The pigments in fruits and vegetables deposit in your skin and give you healthy color. So eat your spinach, sweet potatoes, berries, bananas etc. Eat lots of whole grains. You'll get the added benefit of losing some weight too.

It's possible for you to be better looking, but it's a commitment. I believe you can do it.

My all-time favorite cleanser is this one if you're interested. Don't order it right now though, it's usually $10 and the price will go back down

That Avene sunscreen is good on sun protection but has two major cons - it's expensive and it's gonna leave a white caste. If you have even a bit of melanin in you, trust me it's gonna leave a caste. Btw don't wear multiple sunscreens at once, there are some ingredients that don't work well together and can degrade each other. Pick one and apply liberally. A really great Japanese sunscreen that I recommend like this one is cheaper and will look much better on your skin. I also thought I couldn't access Japanese sunscreen because I didn't know I could order it on Amazon. I seriously couldn't recommend them enough. They're affordable, look better on the skin, and have FAR better sun protection.

Have you tried their gentle hydrating cleanser? It has hyaluronic acid, and I really like it.

I would take a second look at that Effeclar foaming cleanser too. It has SLS as an ingredient (makes the foam), which can cause a lot of irritation. If you enjoy La Roche Posay, they do make a hydrating cleanser which might be better. I like this one too.

can someone please help me confirm if this is the [current packaging] (https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E8%82%8C%E7%A0%94-%E3%83%8F%E3%83%80%E3%83%A9%E3%83%9C-%E8%82%8C%E3%83%A9%E3%83%9C-%E3%83%92%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AB%E3%83%AD%E3%83%B3%E6%B3%A1%E6%B4%97%E9%A1%94-160mL/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1474033028&sr=1-4-fkmr0&keywords=hada+labo+gokujyun+face+wash) to Hada Labo's foaming wash? A friend is going to pick up some stuff for me there soon and I want to be able to provide pictures for her so she doesn't have to hunt things down

also, what are the difference between these 3 Heroine mascara? One is the film version that's supposedly easier to remove, but I'm confused about the regular looking one and the one that says something like version 3?


version 3?


film


regular?

If you’re open to using Asian skincare products, they have tons of gentle/low ph ones! I use the Hada Labo Foaming Cleanser which I buy off Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LnKgDbPRZGDBE you can also head over to r/AsianBeauty and search for low ph cleansers if you’re interested!

On a side note for any New Yorkers and those visiting New York City...

I just heard about Teso Life from a post yesterday on this subreddit, and I checked it out today. It’s like a mini Mitsuwa marketplace!! Has all things Japanese — skincare, foods, etc.

Price wise, at least for Hada Labo products, there is a $1~$2 markup. I think this is fair considering NYC rent, and how shipping from Japan takes forever and usually costs money.

For example, Amazon Cleansing Foam Price , is $10. And it’s $11.99 in store.

Yeah... those are my two cents for anyone curious.

You want this:



Hada Labo Japan Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser 160ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p3XXDbHT4CYKW

I agree! I noticed this when I couldn't find my MJC for a week and noticed that my skin felt more ~dehydrated than usual. I recommend the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Foaming Cleanser or Senka Perfect Whip if you're on the lookout for something similar. Does a slightly better job with removing makeup too!

If it’s this one, I have been eying it up. It’s in my amazon cart and I am ordering it this coming payday 😜

I'm sorry to hear you had a reaction to the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Face Wash - I found it drying as well, but didn't have that same reaction. I did recently have a reaction to the Biore UV Watery Essence sunscreen (I'm thinking maybe it was the citrus extracts?), and it took me about 3-4 days to get back to normal-ish and about a week to 10 days to fully recover. I went super boring on my recovery routine:

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (non-foaming, pH 5.5)
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (both applied directly to skin and the cotton square masking technique, pH 5.5)
  
  
• Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel (pH 5.5)
  
  
• Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream (pH 5.5)
  
  
• Vaseline as an occlusive at night
  
  
• No actives and no sunscreen (partially because I was traumatized by sunscreen and unsure of what ingredient(s) gave me the reaction, and partially because I didn't think my skin could handle double cleansing to remove the sunscreen if I wore it)
  
  It can and will get better!
  
  I recently went through and re-pH-tested a bunch of my products, after reading Snow's blog post on the disappointment and betrayal of product reformulation, and I got the same result that you did on the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Face Wash! pH = 7, with or without water mixed in (my tap water has a pH of 7)! I'll have to go home and check the expiration date/location of manufacture, but I ordered my Hada Labo Foaming Face Wash on Amazon on October 18, 2017 and received it on October 24, 2017.
  
  When/where did you buy yours? I posted about this in the Daily Help Thread on November 15, 2017, hoping to see if anyone else had the same experience as me. I wonder if there are more of us...

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

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


AM

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

I’m going through the same thing with my cleanser and just switched to a low pH cleanser. Already helping a lot. Probably one of the most important steps. CeraVe has great low pH cleansers that I would suggest.

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_qU6KAbNFY8NMK

For for products with hyaluronic acid in it Hada Labo is your friend. They have a [hydrating hyaluronic acid toner] (https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA) and facial wash that is loved in this sub. They also have a HA sheet masks, sunscreen, moisterizer and oil cleanser so you could technically make an entire routine with products with HA in them!

I have the same skin type and when I was using foaming cleansers, I tried one of the favorites here, Hada Labo's Rohto Gokuyjyun Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Cleanser. Personally, I've found foaming cleansers to be slightly stipping and although this cleanser was gentle, I still noticed that when I switched away from foaming cleansers, I was much happier and less stripped of moisture after cleansing.

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

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

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

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

Cleanser Recommendations - NO niacinamide

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser

• This is a very popular gentle cleanser recommended here
  
  Avalon Organics Intense Defense Vitamin C Cleansing Gel
  
• I have used this one and find that it cleanses well without being stripping. It is my current favorite, but I keep meaning to try Neutrogena.
  
  I have not tried the HL Hydrating Cleanser. I have tried the HL Foaming Cleanser. It is VERY gentle. I suspect I might like it more come winter when I'm prone to dry skin, but this summer I just feel like even when I use it in the morning (no end of day grease or makeup) my forehead gets significantly more oily throughout the day.
  
  Edit: ridiculous formatting issues

Morning:

• Switch between these: CeraVe Foaming for Oily Skin and Hadalabo Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
  
• Missha Essence
  
• Lumene Vitamin C
  
• Ultra Repair Cream
  
• Shiseido SPF 50 Sunscreen
  
  Night:
  
  
• OCM with Baby Oil/Mineral Oil/ MeadowFoam Oil - (oh my nose grits!)
  
• Panoxyl
  
• Paula's Choice BHA or Paula's Choice AHA
  
• Vitamin C
  
• CeraVe and/or vaseline
  
  Like I said, I added BHA/AHA recently and the Missha essence about 5 months ago. I love Asian skincare products.
  
  Edit: I'll add in how long these last to people who might be scared of the prices.
  
  
• CeraVe in Tub - ~ 2 years
  
• Ultra Repair Cream - ~ 1.5 years
  
• Lumene Vitamin C - ~ 6 months
  
• Sunscreen - ~ 8 months (yes that tiny bottle lasts forever)
  
• Panoxyl - ~ 1 year

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

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

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

I hope this helps!

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


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



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



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


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

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

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

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

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

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

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

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

If you take a look over here you'll find a range of cleansers. Pick any below 6.

A very popular one is the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser.. Don't get the one in the tube or confuse yourself with the AHA&BHA (tube and pump).

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!

Is this one different than this one? When I scrolled down it says "there is a newer version of this item" so I'm wondering if the formulation is the same?

Is this the one that you're talking about?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM?cache=e4aa87e2a145aed4594c01ccd215fd3f&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1413564825&sr=8-8#ref=mp_s_a_1_8

Sure! Here it is, this shop uses prime so it's covered by Amazon in case you don't like it. They have other fun goodies too :)

I'm using this one! Sad to hear about the Cosrx one. :(

I use The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Oil to remove makeup, then I follow with Bioderma Micellar water to make sure everything's off.

Some people just don't react well to certain oils. Maybe patch test if you decide to try it again, or use a different oil. I use an oil cleanser that has emulsifiers in it so that it can be rinsed off with water. Amazon Link: The Face Shop - Rice Water Bright - Cleansing Light Oil. I've been using this for a few weeks and really like it for double cleansing (oil first to dissolve makeup and sebum, rinse, low-ph cleanser to remove any excess and balance ph).

You can also add emulsifier (polysorbate 80) to any oil at a 10:1 oil to emulsifier ratio to make your own. I haven't tried this myself, but I saw it in a post on either /r/asianbeauty or /r/skincareaddiction. The post, if I'm remembering correctly, recommended rice bran oil since it's pretty neutral and unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction.

The Face Shop Rice Water Cleansing Oil.

The Face Shop's Rice Water Cleansing Oil

It's cheap from Amazon (and though it's not prime from the seller that is linked, it doesn't take too long for shipping) and it feels really nice.

Nope, The Face Shop's page!

My routine as promised. It’s not set in stone, sometimes I am lazy and I just cleanse and moisturize but most times it’s as follow.
I have combo skin, was oily for years and now it’s getting drier as I am getting older. I am 45.

Am:

• Water wash. If I am feeling greasy, a lentil size of cleanser on T-zone and rinse. I use Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleanser, it’s very gentle and it doesn’t dry me out.
  
• Vitamin C. Right now I am using The ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8%. Meh! Not a big fan.
  -Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion
  
• Sunscreen. I have so many so it depends on the temperature and the activties I am planning. Elta md, Paula’s choice, Algenist to name a few.
  
  Pm:
  
  
• Oil cleanse with The Face Shop Oil Cleanser
  
• Second cleanse Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleanser
  
• Retin A for 2 days, Glycolic Acid 1 day, Break 1 day. I use Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Toner.
  
• Niacinamide
  
• Moisturize with [Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Lotion
  (https://www.aveneusa.com/skin-care/body-care/trixera-nutrition-nutri-fluid-lotion). It is too much for combo skin but I love heavy lotions for night time. And this one is very emollient and it doesn’t break me out.
  
• Oils. Rosehip, Argan, Marula, Prickly pear, whatever the mood strikes.
  
  Sundays is my “Spa” day. I exfoliate either with Laroche Posay Ultra Fine Scrub or use the Clairasonic. Then Moroccan Ghassoul Clay mask. Rinse and then whatever hydrating sheet mask I have.

I really like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright cleansing oil. It's light, effective, pleasant smell, decently priced, and works really well.

1. I had issues with the DHC oil as well. In fact, I had trouble with Shu Uemura's cleansing oils so much that I was breaking out in closed comedones all over my forehead. You should definitely ditch them and switch over to a lighter formulation. I suggest The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil. Additionally, if you're in the mood to try something new, I highly recommend Banila's cleansing balms. They even have a special formulation for sensitive skin called Clean It Zero Purity.
   
   
2. Seeing that your main concern is hyper pigmentation, I would up usage of the AHA serum. If you find that you're handling it well, up it to once every other night. Of course, seeing that you have sensitive skin, I would approach cautiously.

I've fallen in love with this Rice/Jojoba oil mix:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00809ERAM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I massage a couple pumps in before I get in the shower, and the jojoba oil has consequently helped my nails as well!

Rather than makeup wipes, here's my advice:

• Get eye makeup remover specifically for the eyes. This should be a liquid. This is advantageous because you can put it on a q-tip for precise fixes. Eg, if your eyelid flutters and messes up your eyeliner, you can remove just the bad part. Pretty much any brand works in my experience. It should be described as "oil free eye makeup remover".
  
• A gentle cleanser like this one works well for removing makeup while cleaning you. It's meant for usage at the end of the day, which is typically when you'd want to be removing makeup.
  
  Not sure if you noticed this or not, but you need eye maker remover specifically for the eyes. A lot of eye makeup is waterproof or partially waterproof. You need something specifically meant for it, as a result. I have to hold the bottom eyelid down to get the last bit off, which takes careful precision (I think when my eyes are closed that that area gets sort of crunched away).

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

​

​

Prime

• Alpha 10% Glycolic Lotion fave AHA, I have dry skin so I like that it's a lotion and not a serum or gel
  
• Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion This is a Japanese product and the term 'lotion' is misleading, it's very watery and I use it as a serum
  
• Neutrogena Hydrating Cleanser My go to cleanser
  
• Avene Thermal Water Spray The only facial mist I've found that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin
  
  
  Not Prime
  
• NuFountain 20% + Ferulic First (and last) vit c I tried

I'm a normal/combo skin type (although the more I work with my face, the more I think it's just normal) with rosacea. I'm also fairly pale with genetic dark circles, so I think we're a pretty good match.

 

My biggest piece of advice is to go to a dermatologist and make ABSOLUTELY SURE that the redness on your face is or is not rosacea. I didn't have rosacea before I began my skincare routine, only the genetic potential for it. Through not properly patch testing products, it was triggered and now I have to deal with it basically forever. So please learn from my mistake, and check with your doctor and patch test, patch test, patch test. You do not want to go from a type 1 to a type 2. As for dark circles, I also suggest finding out whether yours are genetic or nutrient /sleep related. Since mine are genetic, there's very little I can do to actually make them go away. I've managed to lighten then maybe two shades with The Ordinary's Caffine Solution, but that's about it.

 

My second piece of advice is a little bit triple fold. It all goes hand in hand with what should be a beginner routine - drink plenty of water, moisturize, and begin to properly wash your face. I'm a big fan of a double cleanse, that's using an oil cleanser to remove hard dirt/grease/makeup from your face and a foaming cleanser after to actually get into your pores. This is my oil cleanser and this is my foaming cleanser. For moistruzier, a lot of people love CeraVe here, but it breaks me out badly. I used [First Aid Beauty]
(http://www.ulta.com/ultra-repair-cream?productId=xlsImpprod13491031&sku=2295764&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=aud-334903466095:pla-195139242510&CAAGID=26652845550&CAWELAID=330000200000449142&catargetid=330000200000764940&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAus_QBRDgARIsAIRGNGg8YxccFl5WoVvaGeHKjHrhglPOQBNXz9NWnMZrTALnp28h5dZ9xy0aAhwLEALw_wcB) because it's heavy duty, and at the time I needed that, but have since moved on to the The Ordinary's moisturizer.


 

Once you get those things down the name of the game is prevention. There are plenty of products I would suggest to you if it turns out that you do have rosacea, but since you're very young and your skin is still going through some pretty awesome hormonal changes, I would suggest not overloading it. For the meantime, plenty of water, moisturizer, and properly washing should do the trick. I'm pretty certain you'll see added vibrancy to your skin with just this.
I'd top it off with a good, lightweight sunscreen. I buy Korean Biore UV Filter, but that's a personal preference of finish. If you're looking for inexpensive brands with quality products, I highly suggest The Ordinary. They fit about any budget, and have great staff that reply to almost any e-mail within a day or so.

 

Edit to Add: I used to have what I considered mild acne - redness, under the skin bumps, pimples on my face. They disappeared after about two weeks of double cleansing and moisturizing. A lot of my problems were stemming from clogged pores, and this basic routine basically eliminated that.

I don't use actives when I travel. I have dry skin, and it always gets super dehydrated on the plane, so I don't use stuff that could potentially worsen dryness or irritation.

If I'm traveling somewhere and staying indoors, I just take my normal face moisturizer, niacinamide serum, and sunscreen. The 50 mL Asian sunscreen tubes are very travel friendly, like this one. Body moisturizer gets decanted into a gotoob. I've used these for several years and they've held up well - but don't put anything too liquid-y in them because they'll leak. I don't have any issues just washing my face with water instead of using a dedicated cleanser. If I do want to take a cleanser in the future, I'd probably go for a powder wash or cleansing stick / balm.

If I'm going camping, I just take moisturizer and sunscreen. I'm not going to be showering or washing my face unless you want to count swimming into the river as a form of cleansing :D.

I've not heard much about the snowise cleansing foam, but if you are simply looking for a 2nd cleanser that will keep your skin clean and may even help your PIH, the Toosowoong enzyme powder wash may interest you. It has a pH of 5.5 and it has papain in it, which is papaya extract that may help gently exfoliate your skin as you cleanse.

if it is the same one i have it should. i know regular aquphor is a lil on the waxy side, but i use COSRX 92 AND CeraVE PM before i go to sleep and the Tosowoong has no problems getting the sleep film off my face.

Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash, 8 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PO7GKLM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I used acne.org BP gel for a long time and it worked really well for me, it’s a 2.5% gel product to be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

https://store.acne.org/treatment

I also use a 10% BP cleanser for my back from amazon from a brand called humane. I really like it and have used it on my face a couple times and didn’t feel it to be too harsh or drying

Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash, 8 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PO7GKLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kGUSAbN6KDZQF

Sorry, I didn’t see a notification for your comment.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is what I use.

It’s kind of weird as it feels like I’m washing my face with lotion since it doesn’t foam, but that’s a good thing as foaming cleansers are harsh and leave skin feeling dry. This is due to those cleansers generally having a higher pH level.

The CeraVe cleanser is pH balanced (around 5.5). This is important because our skin has a natural pH range between 4 and 6. Using a cleanser that’s pH balanced avoids temporarily raising your skin’s pH level. Bacteria thrives at the neutral pH of 7, so the lower the pH of your skin, the better off your skin is at fighting that bacteria.

Source: My girlfriend is an esthetician and she is always on me about taking care of my skin. Apparently there are a lot of terrible products on the market.

Here's a list of all of the milk cleansers I'm aware of:

• Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk
  
  
• Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser
  
  
• Ren Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk
  
  
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Face Wash Cleanser
  
  
• CAUDALIE Gentle Cleansing Milk
  

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

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

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 16 oz for Daily Face Washing, Dry to Normal Skin https://www.amazon.in/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4wRdBb2H2YZ2T


Here you go! :)

I always come back to La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. It is so gentle on my very dry skin (I'm also super sensitive to Fatty Alcohols.)

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

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

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

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

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

I'm not the other person, but all of Clean & Clear's products were tingly for me. Their face scrub, their cleansers, their astringent, their gel, their cream, really I used everything to try to get rid of my teenage zits — lol. Do you mean this, by the way?

Little did I know that meant it was upsetting my face, and not just making my skin feel all cool and tingly.

What kind of problem do you think is causing your acne? Too oily skin or too dry? Personally I had a mixture of both from the harsh treatment I used on my skin in various places.

I've been fighting Acne for 6 years now (22 years old) and have been on Minocycline 100mg twice daily for 4 years. Nothing seemed to work until recently.

I started putting Clean and Clears spot treatment on my acne areas and drying them out heavily.

http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Advantage-Acne-Treatment/dp/B00027DDOQ

Around 30 minutes after applying this I moisturized the dry parts of my face with Clean and Clears 2 in 1 moisturizing cream. The spot treatment has heavy BP in it so it WILL dry out your skin, and the lotion has some salicylic acid in it but the moisturizing effect makes up for it (for me).

http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-ESSENTIALS-Action-Moisturizer/dp/B000052YJM

On top of doing that routine 4 times a day (once in morning and at night, twice throughout day... probably a bit much but I'm obsessive) coupled with an exfoliate in the mornings and evenings and it totally cleared up after about 5 weeks. I feel ridiculous saying this because it's crazy to say but I haven't gone a day without at least 3 painful and hugely noticeable cystic pimples on my face in many years.

A lot of people will tell you that this is way too many times to wash your face a day, and for most people it probably is. but it's the only thing that worked for me after 6 years of trying different stuff people said to try online. Everyone's skin is different, I'm just recommending some products to try.

Pic below is current day, 7 weeks after starting this. still do same routine because I'm afraid to stop lol.

http://imgur.com/Nitkd6L

I've gone two weeks without a single pimple, and that's compared to 6 years without a single day away from the torture.

sorry to say I haven't used either one but if you're willing to try something else I have been using Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer for years and love it. It's nothing crazy and im sure there are other moisturizers with better ingredients out there, but this stuff has been a god sent for me. Hope you find something you like!

This is a great guide on Oil Cleansing. I personally use this Argan Oil and then CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser to wash off the oil and then proeceed with my routine.

EtA: Please ask if you have any more questions regarding this issue (including timing, etc.). My main concerns with my own skin is dryness + enlarged/clogged pores and my knowledge base reflects that.

/r/SkincareAddiction is the best thing ever. (Other than you guys, of course)

I use Cerave Cleanser and Moisturizing Lotion, and currently looking for a new exfoliate.

BEST. HELP. EVER.

amazon!

maybe the other option you're seeing is the foaming cleanser? this is the one I had- https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1483336379&sr=8-1&keywords=cerave%2Bhydrating&th=1

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, 12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0rckzb38X1HYF

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

I think my self care routine is more pamper-y, Ive been picking at my skin and eyebrows so much lately because I’m not feeling so good so for me its this cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, 12 oz. (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AzEzCbBT1BR2T

I've been using minoxidil for a couple months too.

When i started I didn't notice shedding on my face, but that may have been because I had nearly no facial hair at all. (I did also start applying it to my hairline, and I noticed shedding there)

No rashes, no itching, or anything.

For the first two weeks I kept shaving everything off, then I decided I to just let it grow. Now I just trim it to 4.5mm everyday. I make sure to rub in enough that it reaches my skin under the hair.

I plan on applying it until my beard looks something like this. Then I can be sure it will grow back if I cut it.

I use this foam. The foam is simple to apply and dries super fast. I rub it in the morning and at night. I also use this face wash because the alcohol in the foam started drying my face out.

it's been said to you already but a ton of people have success with CeraVe products. I was in a very similar situation as you, in terms of skin and what I wanted out of a product, and their hydrating cleanser and their moisturizing lotion have done wonders for me. 100% recommend them both.

For what its worth, I use Stridex Red exfoliating pads as well (after my shower, 20 minutes before I apply the lotion).

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.

Heyo, I recently swapped to the COSRX Low pH Good Morning cleanser after the Cerave Foaming Face Wash was found to be dehydrating my skin. However, when I initially started the switch, I noticed my skin seemed a bit sensitive and seemed to still be producing a good amount of oil. I tried using the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser and it seemed to get rid of the irritation and lowered the excess oil production, but does not feel nearly as cleansing as the COSRX or Foaming Face Wash did.


Do you recommend I continue using the hydrating cleanser until my moisture barrier rebuilds and then swap back? If you look at my last post, I'm following most of the steps suggested (including applying Vaseline at night), but am still struggling with CFs on my nose (hard ones) and clogged pores on my cheeks and forehead.

Any recommendations?

I use this every morning and night in the shower with Cerave cleanser.

Twice per week I use AHA renewing cream (10% concentration of Lactic Acid. Got the recommendation from /r/SkincareAddiction's wiki for my skin type).

After every wash, and sometimes during the day (especially during bad days) I use Cetaphil moisturizer with SPF15.

I still have bad days but this routine has given me the best results so far. SD sucks (not that I have to tell you of course). If it ever gets worse, I'll try adding an anti-fungal cream as well.

A quick note about how I use the ProX brush at it's highest speed, which isn't all that fast anyway. The brush is extremely soft, I even use it dry to get rid of flakes if I'm at home.

I have dry skin too and I'm currently using Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. It's really gentle and it doesn't leave my skin feeling tighter afterwards.

I didn't have too much scarring, but I use this every day in the shower: https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM?th=1

It definitely reduces redness and gets rid of most of the dryness caused by the Accutane.

Thanks for the help.

Fortunately, I have no other skin problems, I just get a lot of oil, specially in my nose and forehead, also I have a problem with my lips since I'm like 10, which is I have to use 1 or 2 chapsticks per month, otherwise my lips and all around it will become red and I get a burning sensation, it has gotten worse over the years, probably because of the shitty chapsticks I bought.

I will have to buy those products on Amazon, since I'm Portuguese, and I don't know if they are available here.

Yeah, I've just stopped writing for a bit, and looked on Google, and it's not available here.

I've got some links from Amazon, cleanser here amd moisturizing here.

It's seem expensive, but I'm tired of having this problem, and I'll make an effort to buy these, if these are worth buying.

The only thing I used when I was like 12 was Clearasil, but only for a few days/weeks, due to having a little bit of acne, nothing much.

I appreciate your help, seriously, I have been dealing with this for so long, I'm getting tired.

Thanks.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-oz/dp/B000YJ2SKM

I actually just had a bottle of cerave hydrating cleanser ship in today.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YJ2SKM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Make sure the product you're looking to buy is sold and shipped by amazon.com, and not a reseller.

Edit: This is where I bought the moisturising cream earlier this year http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V9SXXU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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

> shiseido perfect whip

I love Amazon's description of the ingredients: "This is Shiseido product, no risky material is not contained."

Found the actual ingredients on CosDNA and it looks reasonable. I've added it to my options!

My favorite facial cleanser is the Shiseido Perfect Whip because I have very sensitive skin, and it leaves my skin feeling soft but not tight. As a general rule, after you are done washing your face, it should feel clean but not like your skin is stretched. If you don't want to special order your face wash, PHisioderm also sells a pretty nice drugstore foam.

I do not like them one bit, let me tell you why. When your hair is waterlogged, it cannot properly absorb the ingredients in the conditioner. That's why most bottles of conditioner say (reading a conditioner bottle, I know right?) to towel dry the hair, apply conditioner, then wait a few minutes before rinsing. Two in one shampoo conditioners might function as a shampoo, but don't think it's doing anything a conditioner would do for the hair.

I use Shiseido's Perfect Whip foaming cleanser (it's like slapping marshmallow whip on your face, the foam is so thick) and I use Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask.

Location: California, USA

Skin Type: Normal

Skin Concerns and goals Moisturize, glow, anti-aging

Allergies/irritants to avoid: High fragrance

Morning:

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

For the rice enzyme powder, it's actually super alkaline so I'm surprised your skin likes it, alkaline cleansers can exacerbate acne in some people cuz acidic pH cleansers create an environment acne bacteria can't survive. This cleanser is a foaming cleanser with a similarly alkaline pH (so I wouldn't ordinarily recommend it) so your skin might not notice the difference, and Shiseido is another Japanese brand! Hada Labo Gokujyun cleansing foam is a pH-correct (5.5) foaming cleanser that is very affordable and my cleanser of choice, if you wanted to try something more acidic. Again, Hada Labo is actually a japanese company so you're not supporting the appropriation of Japanese culture that Tatcha represents!

For the oil cleanser, it's pretty much a fragranced oil cleanser with rice bran oil and some others so you could try Kose's Softmo Deep Cleansing Oil, which in it's newest reformulation is mostly mineral and rice bran oil. Orange oil is also included which could be a bit fragrant and potentially bother you, so you might like the Speedy Cleansing Oil from Kose which is fragrant-oil free but is mostly mineral oil. Again, another Japanese company!

You could also just buy rice bran oil off amazon and double cleanse with it instead if you think your skin likes the rice bran oil in particular.

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

My regimen:

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

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

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

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

gentle face wash

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

good, consistent moisturizing

overnight:

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

daily:

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

and sunscreen

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

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

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

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

This one. http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76EY/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1341935988&sr=1-1

I use both this: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Gentle-Cleansing-6-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B0009RFAPY?th=1

and this: https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76EY/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1478098040&sr=1-1&keywords=cetaphil+cleanser

with great results

American Crew shampoo / conditioner.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser facewach.

St Ives Apricot Scrub (might switch to the sensitive skin version, which IIRC doesn't contain apricot shell pieces which are bad for your skin).

Luffa sponge with Method Body Wash. The natural luffa is great; I just started using the Method body wash because my girlfriend hates Dr. Bronner's, which I was using previously.

Hello! I am having an issue with my sunscreen/skin that I need help identifying and resolving.

I have oily skin, and currently use these products in the morning: cleanser,
moisturizer, sunscreen. I use others at night, but they have nothing to do with my issue, so I won't mention them here. I have been doing this routine (in that order) for a few weeks. The problem is that by a few hours after I apply the sunscreen and am out the door, my skin looks very oily, it looks like there's a nice slick coating my face. I don't know if this is entirely because of the sunscreen, the moisturizer, the cleanser, or my skin, or any combination of those, but I would like to stay matte as long as possible so this is obviously a problem. Feel free to recommend new products or routines as this problem is kinda making me self conscious seeing as I look like I'm sweating my balls off even though I'm not. Thanks in advance.

Hello all! First off, I am so glad I found this sub. I am a 27 year old male, and I am a noob. All I used to do was just put on Neutrogena facial moisturizer, and wash my face in the shower with body scrub. Then I found this sub because I really realized that I need to take better care of my skin. I read the WIKI and FAQ and got my current routine from the helpful info on this sub.

The issue: Ever since I started this routine, I am breaking out in both my lower cheeks. I have maybe...9-10 pimples on my face. This is not normal as I usually only have 1-2 at most when breaking out, but normally I have none.

Skin type OILY!

Current routine:So I got all but 1 these product recommendations from this sub. Soo my routine is:

MORNING:
Wash face with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, for normal to oily skin

Afterwards apply CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and do this every 2-3 hours during the day

NIGHT:
Wash face with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, for normal to oily skin

Right before going to sleep, I put on Neutrogena® Men Age Fighter Face Moisturizer with Retinol. This is the only product that I did not get from this site. I used this product for months, and my skin never reacted bad to it. Here is a link in case you guys want to see what ingredients are in it:
>Ensulizole (1%), Octinoxate (6%). Inactive Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, BHT, Tocopherol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Titanium Dioxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Alumina, Methylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben.

How long:The age fighter with retinol I have used for almost a year. The rest of the products that I got from this subs HG thread, I have been using for about 9 days now

Anything new:Everything except the age fighter

Your location: Los Angeles

Other notes:I got this stuff from Amazon. The facial cleanser is supposed to be unscented.......however it defiantly has a sent. I got all my stuff from Amazon.com...is it possible I got fake/knock offs? I am looking at my Amazon history, here is the link to the one I got:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET79H8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I just also noticed that the latest reviews are horrible..

Also:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F97FHAW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. I kind of don't know what to do right now since both my cheeks are breaking out pretty bad. My face actually was a lot more clear prior to this routine. However because I never washed my face this much, IDK if this is "normal" or not.

Does anyone know how I would go about applying this product/have any comments on it? Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/Topix-Benzoyl-Peroxide-Wash-bottle/dp/B001MA7QFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421802390&sr=8-1&keywords=benzoyl+peroxide&pebp=1421805244711&peasin=B001MA7QFO

I do not know how I would apply this product. Also, can this product be used stand alone or should it be used with other products? It seems well regarded. I currently use Cetaphil Gentle skin cleanser, Cetaphile Moistorizer and the Stridex Strength pads but they are no longer working. Looking for advice thanks.

Hi everyone, I'm new here, and new to skincare in general. Hoping to get some help with my acne and blemishes.

For background, I am male, turning 22 in the fall, and I've never really had a standard skincare routine. I hate putting stuff on my face in general. I tend to avoid moisturizers and creams and lotions and all that. I don't like the oily feeling, but I'll try putting up with it to help my acne. Always thought it would start naturally clearing up around this time in my life and never worried about it too much or looked it up. It's gotten a bit better recently, but I still get a lot of breakouts and this chronic big one on my left cheek too.

Thanks for any help in advance!

Issues: Acne and acne-related blemishes. Occasional, but minor, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (Just learned that's what that is from reading through the sidebar stuff!)

Skin Type: I have no idea. I read through the link provided and still not sure how to classify. Combination I guess? I think my skin is slightly dry in general, but I tend to sweat a lot (especially with the hot Californian summer sun), so it gets oily sometimes.

Current Routine/How Long: I usually just wash my face with water pretty regularly. For most of my life (since I was about 15) I would use these two St. Ives acne-face washes (Apricot Scrub and Green Tea Scrub) anytime I showered. In the past couple months I've switched to this Neutrogena Daily Scrub and this Clean & Clear moisturizer, but I still use them pretty much just after showers. For about the last week or so, I've been trying to get into the habit of using them both daily. Was going to start trying twice a day for the scrub.

Anything New: Definitely a big increase in the frequency I use my cleaners. Using moisturizer more in this last week than ever before in my life too. Not a lot has changed so far though. My skin has just become a little softer I think.

Location: California Bay Area


I feel like it should also be known that I teach martial arts so I spend a lot of time running around getting sweaty and dirty and also a lot of time on the ground, sometimes facedown on the mat or getting other peoples' hands across my face. I've also been a terrible picker for a lot of my life, but I've been pretty good about it lately.

Here's some stuff I've been looking at trying from my research recently, including looking through this sub's awesome sidebar info.

1. Stri-Dex Maximum Strength Medicated Pads OR
   
   
2. Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Night Cleansing Pads
   
   
3. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel OR
   
   
4. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask
   
   
5. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
   
   
6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
   
   I also haven't looked into sunscreen at all because I have fairly dark skin and am pretty sun-resistant already. Other than Pokemon Go recently, I don't spend a lot of time exposed in the sun anyway. And when I do, it's usually early morning when it's not too strong, or around sunset when I go out after work. I hear it's kinda important though, so I would appreciate recommendations for that too.
   
   Please and thank you to anyone who can help me! Sorry for the long post.

Yea I also do sunscreen in the morning, other than that not much. Also I’m a guy so I don’t use make up haha. But would a deep cleansing oil still help? As for moisturizer it’s really hard for me to find something good because I have super sensitive/oily skin. I tried Cerave when I first found this sub but that only made me break it more. This lotion that I use now is thin, not oily and doesn’t make me break out and pretty much the only reason I use it. If there’s something better out there I’d gladly use that instead.

the lotion I’m using

hi there, I am a little overwhelmed by all the information that I see on this subreddit. I'm a 20 year old that lives in California that's been struggling with acne problem for the past 7 years or so. The frequencies of breakouts have been lessening every year but I still have lots of red scarrings and consistent 1-3 pimples that I am dealing with all the time. I have an oily, blemish prone skin.

here is my current routine that I've been using for the past 6 months or so:

Morning

• kaiser permanente benzoyl peroxide (5%)
  
  
• avene cicalfate restorative skin cream
  
  
• clean & clear dual action moisturizer
  
  
• Biore UV Aqua rich watery essence
  
  
  Night:
  
  
• Same as morning minus the biore uv aqua rich suncreen
  
  

I've been using this stuff by Biore and it's worked wonders for me. my skin has cleared right up. i also use a moisturizer by Clean and Clear

Hi /r/SkincareAddiction! I just started reading about skincare and after looking through the FAQ and product recommendations, I was wondering if it's unusual or incorrect to use an AM moisturizer at night. I'm a man so I was wondering if there is any concern behind using different products or different things I should prioritize? I have normal skin and am looking for budget products so I'm thinking of using the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture With Broad Spectrum Spf 35 Sunscreen as an AM/PM moisturizer and the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for Daily Face Washing, Dry to Normal Skin for the cleanser (because it was on the recommendations). Also, I hope my product names weren't unusual, I couldn't discern what was important and what wasn't in the titles so I just removed the amount of product listed.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - Love this stuff. It's so gentle and soothing and does a great job of removing my makeup. I have normal - dry skin.

Issue: Skin keeps feeling too "tight"

Alternative to CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser?

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

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

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

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

Also, for face I use this, the chemical isn't in it either


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_JzX6d6aLzX8WK

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

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

You may be experiencing a reaction to the alcohol in the wipes, which can be quite drying. Your skin type sounds like it might be dry, which can often become oily feeling due to the skin producing an overabundance of oil in order to accommodate the dryness (like after using wipes with alcohol in them).

I don't have any wipes specifically to recommend, I feel that they tend to leave films on the skin which can cause clogging. However, if you're looking for a wipe to use before cleansing there are these ones which appear to be non-irritating and good for dry skin. Are you specifically opposed to using a regular cleanser like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser? This cleanser would be my number one recommendation, and it's drugstore priced.

Thanks a lot. Is this the one?

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

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

I posted and got recommended to use the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the response! I've looked through most of the threads and they were extremely useful! Here is what I've decided on as my first haul:

• Oil cleanser: ROHTO Hadalabo Gokujun Cleansing Oil
  
  
• Low pH water-based cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
• Moisturizer: [MIZON] All in One Snail Repair Cream
  
  
  
• Sunscreen: MISSHA All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk
  
  
• Sheet mask: [Tosowoong] Pure Deep Sea Water Mask
  
  The Beginner Guide mentioned patch testing for 2 weeks to 1 month. Would I be able to patch test all 4 products at once if I'm using different areas of my skin (behind the ear and inside the elbow on both left and right sides)? Also, this sounds kind of dumb but are you supposed to patch test a sheet maks?

I use the same skincare products everyday at home, but I’ve bought different ones for travel. Is it okay as long they are the same quality?

Example: I use CeraVe Cleanser at home (http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM), but I use Cetaphil Cleanser Traveling (https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-Liquid-Travel/dp/B01HIGUJ7C). Is this okay?

Profile: 27 year old guy without any proclivities or skin issues

The CeraVe hydrating cleanser is a good alternative! Google “oil cleansing” and have a look if that’s for you. This blog about dehydrated skin might also be beneficial.

I have eczema and rosacea on my cheeks. My dermatologist gave me several samples of Cetaphil Restoraderm Calming Moisturizer for my eczema. It worked really well and I ended up buying the 10 oz bottle.

Also, I don't know what you use to wash your face with, but I was given samples of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and they have helped me tremendously with acne/eczema.

I'm on 0.04% and am a very fair skinned female (Celtic and Nordic descent) living in California. Even though I'm not typically outside for more than 20% of my day, I still wear a higher SPF/PA++++ because with the tretinoin the risk of sun damage is significantly increased. Any time you leave the house during the day or sit next to a window, you're being exposed to UV of some sort. Do you drive to work? Walk to the store? It may not seem like it, but all those little instances add up. Plus, if you're wearing a chemical sunscreen and not reapplying, it could be entirely broken down by the time you take your lunch break or leave work.

When I started on tretinoin, I had to go very slowly. Even every other night could get to be too much. I'd notice that with specific products (LaRoche Posay Helios sunscreen) my face felt like it was burning on contact, but there was no additional redness. I would also break out far worse when my skin was in that state. I'd damaged my moisture barrier by over-doing the tretinoin, not moisturizing enough, and not staying hydrated.

I also noticed that with the 0.04%, and recent hormonal changes, my skin didn't like oils anymore. A little Argan or Jojoba here and there is ok for me now, but I had to stop them entirely for at least a month before my skin cleared everything.

You're on 0.08%, which is twice the strength of my script. I think you may have dehydrated your skin and damaged your moisture barrier. The CeraVe PM may not be enough right now. From looking at your routine, it seems as though you're over-cleansing with the foaming wash and Clairsonic. Maybe try the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser in the AM or just rinse with water in the AM and use the CeraVe Hydrating at night.

Try stopping the Retin-A for two nights, then do every third night for a week or two, then every other night. I would also back off of the manual exfoliation (Clairsonic) and clay/charcoal masks until the breakouts clear up. With a higher concentration tretinoin in combination with the azelaic acid in the AM, your skin is probably really sensitive now.

I know I recommended the Biore Aqua Riche earlier, but after reading your routine I recommend a more hydrating sunscreen like Elta MD or my new favorite Korean Jelly Sunscreen.

I also highly recommend taking a D3 supplement with some fish oil supplements in the morning and a calcium supplement with dinner. These seem to have helped me a lot, along with taking a much more gentle approach to my skin.

Combination Skin/ Sensetive to Chemical Burns: | Canada: | Acne Prone/Red Spots :

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM:

• As soon as I wake up, I wash my face using CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
  
• Put on CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
  
  Post Gym
  
  
• Again, wash my face with the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
• Take a Shower
  
  
• Apply CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
  
  PM:
  
  
• Wash my face with the CeraVe Cleaner
  
  
• Dry my face very well, and wait for 30 minutes
  
  
• Apply LESS than a pee sized 0.05% Tretinoin Creme
  
  
• wait for an hour, then apply CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
  
  
• Take a 100mg Minocycline Pill.
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  My Main Concern
  
  
  CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion makes my face Itchy (especially while working out), and am suspecting that it's causing my face to break out in red spots ( Underneath the skin, without bumps).
  
   
  
  
  What am looking for:
  Is a recommendation for a non-clogging moisturizer, For sensitive skin. That won't make me itchy or break me out in red spots.

It is called CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

This one

Best cleanser I have used and I have tried quite a few. I use around three pumps from the bottle every time I wash.

Was thinking about trying their moistruisers but the one I am using at the moment seems pretty good.

Jojoba Oil: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GUESCAY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Garnier Micellar Water: www.ulta.com%2Fskinactive-micellar-cleansing-water-all-in-1-cleanser-makeup-remover%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod13531031&usg=AFQjCNHu2zF1BZb55iv1DwiZKCbg_-it9w&sig2=lr1uBNwa-NuK_J0BVyTIKQ
Cerave SA Cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-SA-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00U1YCRD8?th=1
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM
Ordinary Glycolic Toner: http://deciem.com/product/rdn-glycolic-acid-7pct-toning-solution-240ml
Ordinary Lactic Acid: http://deciem.com/product/rdn-lactic-acid-5pct-ha-2pct-30ml
Loreal Glycolic Pads (these might be a bit much for everyday, maybe 3x a week): https://www.lorealparisusa.com/products/skin-care/products/facial-cleansers/revitalift-bright-reveal-brightening-daily-peel-pads.aspx?shade=Bright-Reveal-Brightening-Daily-Peel-Pads

Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner: https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M

Loreal HydraGenius Serum: https://www.lorealparisusa.com/products/skin-care/products/facial-moisturizers/hydra-genius-daily-liquid-care-normal-dry-skin.aspx?shade=Daily-Liquid-Care-Normal-Dry-Skin

Dr Jart Ceramidin: http://www.sephora.com/ceramidin-liquid-P382355

Neutrogena HydroBoost Gel Cream: https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Hydro-Boost-Gel-Cream-Extra-Dry/dp/B00NR1YQK4

Eucerin Q10: https://www.amazon.com/Eucerin-Sensitive-Experts-Anti-Wrinkle-Creme/dp/B00005NAOD?th=1

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich (my preferred cream): https://www.glossier.com/products/priming-moisturizer-rich

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?

Its the Hydrating Cleaner, instead of the Foaming Facial Cleanser.

I personally use the foaming one, since I have oily skin, so I need the stronger cleanser. But it seems you may have dryer skin and might benefit from the gentler hydrating cleanser.
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492571421&sr=8-1&keywords=cerave+hydrating+cleanser

Routine:

• Cleanser: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
  
  
• Hydrating Toner: Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (Moist)
  
  
• AHA: Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion
  
  
• Serums: BENTON Snail Bee High Content Essence
  
  
  
• Moisturizer: Cerave AM Moisturizer
  
  
  
• Sunscreen: EltaMD SPF 46
  
  
  I only use the AHA at night, and only do it every few days. I feel like that is the cause for when my face gets more red (we're talking the very next night still) and stays warm.
  
  How is my routine looking though? I know I have mostly western products I apologize.

Hi!

Totally new to this skincare stuff :~). Love the wiki, but I'm still confused about selecting products. I have dry (a bit sensitive) light olive skin...sometimes I get acne when my skin dries out too much, but never had much of an issue (no makeup and have sensitive-skin soaps). Unfortunately I can't do fragrances either, since I have a really sensitive nose.

According to the wiki, there's basically 4 things I need to get for a routine: cleanser, moisturizer, exfoliant, and sunscreen. So far I've come up with:

• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, Creamy, or https://www.amazon.com/Avene-Extremely-cleaner-hypersensitive-irritable/dp/B002D48QWA
  
• Exfoliant: ???
  
• Moisturizer: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry/Sensitive Skin, or/and Vaseline
  
• Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen SPF 30+ or Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++???
  
  Could anyone maybe help me me choose an exfoliant & sunscreen? Don't understand the different types of acids for the exfoliants, and just want a simple sunscreen that doesn't have fragrance or alcohol. Advice on everything else would be appreciated too. Thanks! :)
  
  EDIT: I'm in Switzerland too, which limits products to the international ones suggested on the wiki. If anyone knows a good product in Europe, I'd be all ears!

it was for moisturizer. I haven't tried OCM. I do oil pulling for my teeth but that's as far as I've gotten for any kind of oil 'treatment'.

Current routine is in the morning I just wash with warm water in the shower, use Go 360 Deep Clean cleanser. Twice a week I use a microderm scrub. I finish with tea tree oil (which makes my skin feel insanely smooth and clean for about 5 minutes).

After my face dries I use Aquaphor moisturizer then let that dry before applying makeup. I have to reapply powder about 2 times a day because my face gets so oily.

At night I wash with soap and water and then use a Neutragina make-up remover wipe and then moisturize with a pore minimizing cream.

I wake up in the morning and everything looks exactly the same as the day before. I'm currently looking up some rosacea-specific creams to possibly invest in. The redness and huge pores have become the real issue. I get an occasional zit here and there, but it's nothing crazy anymore.

EDIT: I've been looking up some products to maybe look into and have come across these: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I've been using this Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for years. It is absolutely my holy grail. It is very gentle for dry and/or sensitive skin. It has ceramides and Hyaluronic acid, which are my 2 favorite ingredients. If your skin is sensitive to Cetearyl alcohol, stay clear of this one. If not, it is worth to to look into. Simple, good ingredients, cheap and effective.

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Packaging/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1502386484&sr=1-4&keywords=cerave%2Bhydrating%2Bcleanser&th=1

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Packaging/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=sr_1_4_s_it

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Can I get some feedback on my routine?

Skin type: Normal to dry

Acne: Minimal

Day

1. Cleanse with water
   
2. Thayer Witch Hazel Toner (do I even need toner?)
   
3. InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
   
4. Alba Botanica Very Emollient, Fragrance Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
   
   Night
   
   
5. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
   
6. Thayer Witch Hazel Toner (again, do I even need toner?)
   
7. Mineral Fusion Revitalizing Eye Treatment (but I use it on my whole face)
   
8. CeraVe PM Lotion

Dude get ceraVe http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM

This will change your life. Go to r/asianbeauty

I second the OCM suggestion. I had a large patch of dry skin that has responded amazingly to oil cleansing.

Additionally, I recommend Healin' Hollers Witness Oil as a moisturizer. It has hemp oil, jojoba oil, green tea extract and gotu kola.

My routine

Baby oil for the oil cleansing method
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
[InstaNatural Age Defying Serum]((http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s?k=insta+natural+age+defying)
Witness Oil

That was some awesome advice you got from daisyismydog. Now to put some of that into practice with a starting routine:

AM:
Spash water on face
Moisturize with this if you get dry
Sunscreen

PM:
Wash face with this if your skin is dry or this if it's oily. You could try both and see which you prefer.
Then use these
Moisturize with the same cream I recommended from the morning (CeraVe tub)

All the products except for the sunscreen can also be found at CVS and many other drugstores if you prefer to pick them up locally. If you wanted to buy everything locally a dermatologist recommended this a week ago or so, but I haven't tried it.

tub one

&

cleanser

Are these the 2 you're talking about?

Also, do you have a favourite lip balm? Sometimes the sides of my lips get a bit red/dry and are really annoying?

Cerave, same as you! I don't think it leaves muck on your skin, just make sure it's all off and your skin feels smooth and free of residue. I do recommend trying this, but patch test it: here. It's so worth it, I use such a small amount every time I put it on, so it's going to last me months.

CeraVe also has this cleanser for dry skin!

Hi :)

It sounds like you either have combination skin (when you have an oily forehead/nose and the rest is dry) or your skin is dehydrated (when your skin is dry but can overproduce oil to compensate).

To be on the safe side, I'd try a very gentle cleanser first, like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser or Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser; they're both very affordable. Be sure to patch test first.

A chemical exfoliant can help with clogged pores and acne, but I'd make sure you've got the basics down first: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen.

What moisturizer are you currently using?

Not affiliated with the amazon link, but Shisheido Perfect Whip.

I have dry skin and it is strong enough to get sunscreen off while at the same time not tearing up my skin. I buy it in bulk.

You only have to use a pea sized amount so a tube lasts me four or five months with twice daily use. It is just the right mix of gentle/gets my face clean.

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

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

Shiseido Perfect Whip. A tube goes a long way and cleans super thoroughly.

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

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

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

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

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

AM:

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

I've been on Acne.org's regimen since 2003 and it has helped me cleared my acne.

I use these products in the morning and before I go to bed:

• Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser
  
• Acne.org's 2.5% benzoyl peroxide
  
• Acne.org's Moisturizer with licochalcone
  
  It took me about 2 months before my skin got used to the regimen and see result.

Nope not acne gel. A cleanser will unclog your pores so you don't get as much acne. I've tried a few different cleansers, but Cetaphil seemed to work best for me. This is it. It didn't work as great for my sister though, so you should ask your dermatologist first.

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

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

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

I use Cetaphil face wash. It's a little pricey but it works great for all skin types.

Here is an amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76EY/ref=sr_1_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1421617780&sr=1-4&keywords=cetaphil+wash

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

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

I was also raised by wolves with limited beauty knowledge, so no judgement.

Hand soap is probably causing some of your dry skin, so you should switch to something like Cetaphil for your face that's been mentioned by others. It's a great starting point since there isn't anything extra in it for acne, so it won't dry your skin out any more. Wash your face in the morning and evening, and put the moisturizer on after. Just put a pump of face wash in your hands, lather it up a little and then you're ready to wash.

It may seem a little pricey if you're new to skin care, but the container is so big it will last you a long time.

Also, here are the moisturizers I mentioned before
CeraVe AM
CeraVe PM
Using body moisturizer in your face can be a little risky since it's usually thicker than face moisturizer, so it may make you break out.

This one right? Amazon.com

If it is the correct one I'll be sure to give it a shot!

Face wash - Cetaphil Liquid Cleanser for All Skin Types (used in the morning and evening every day)

Toner - Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner (used in the morning before moisturizer every day)

Moisturizer - Oil of Olay Total Effects SPF 15(used in the morning every day)

Night Cream - Oil of Olay Regenerist Serum (used in the evening every day before bed)

Exfoliator - St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub (used once or twice a week in the morning)

All of this can be found at your local drug store :)

Go here. It will tell you how many calories you burn on a given day. Eat less calories than you burn, and you'll lose weight.

A healthy pace is losing 1-2 lbs a week (3500-7000 calorie weekly deficit). I recommend taking vitamin supplements while you diet, just to make sure you're getting all of your body's requirements.

I also recommend going to a nutritionist and paying ~$200 for them to measure your body fat percentage. Make sure to ask them the margin for error on their test.

Edit: Here are some other things you should do:

1. Clothes - Get into fashion. Wear collard shirts at the least. Take your clothes to a tailor and have them fitted to your body.
   
2. Hair - Get a different hair cut (simple, short, straight). Your hair is making you look unkempt.
   
3. Skin care - It will make your skin look healthier, stay younger as you age, and will generally make you more attractive. Go here to learn the basics. Yes, he's gay. His skin is also fan-fucking-tastic.
   
   Cleanser
   Moisturizer
   Exfoliater
   
   Cleanse then moisturize every day. Exfoliate before you cleanse every 2-3 days. Rub it in gently, or you'll get red bumps on your face from irritation.
   

I'm brand new here. Previously used Cetaphil's facial cleanser as my only face product, but it was too harsh. I have relatively gentle skin. In the past, it has fluctuated between dry and oily.

Anyway, I bought the following products recently:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
  
• Thayer Witch Hazel Toner
  
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost
  
  I've been using all of them, in order, for both AM and PM routines. Is this a good start / should I add anything? Should I be doing something different for AM vs PM?
  
  My skin seems a little clearer already, although it gets worse whenever I shave (working on that).

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

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

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.

> But for me, it was way too trying to be used on my hair and face.

For shampoo, /r/HaircareScience recommends Organix South TheraNeem Shampoo Scalp Therape and Organix South - TheraNeem Gentle Therape Conditioner for people with sensitive scalps like my own. I think I'll roll with these.

> It's pretty basic (higher pH than 7) so it's pretty unideal in the face area.

For face, I've read nothing but great things about Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser.

I may just use Dr. Bronner's for my body.

THIS. I barely wear makeup anymore. I started moisturizing and my complexion evened out so much.

I use the Cetaphil Face Wash and the Cerave moisturizers

I'd appreciate opinions on my daily routine. Normal to oily skin based from this sub's tools/sources. 24 year old male White/Asian in the Southwest US.

I don't really breakout or have acne just trying to take care of my skin and look young. Here's the routine:

AM

• Cleanser - Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  
• Shave
  
• Moisturizer/Suncreen - Olay Lotion Moisturizer (SPF 15)
  
  PM
  
  
• Shower
  
• Cleanser - Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  
• Exfoliant - Paula's 2% BHA Salicylic Acid (Every night or 2-3 times a week?)
  
• Eye Cream - Neutrogena Skin Eye Cream
  
• (Optional - Eucalyptus Body Cream?)
  
  
  -Any tips/critique/recommendations are much appreciated.

Link to order: http://www.amazon.com/Topix-Benzoyl-Peroxide-Wash-bottle/dp/B001MA7QFO

I would recommend products with high concentrations of Benzoyl Peroxide- this stuff kills the bacteria causing acne. This is the one I use:

http://www.amazon.com/Topix-Benzoyl-Peroxide-Wash-bottle/dp/B001MA7QFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418016254&sr=8-1&keywords=benzoyl+peroxide+10

Or if you want results faster, you can try to get a prescription for minocycline- which is an antibiotic that is used for severe acne.

I used to use Cetaphil and Origins as well, but I find that these medicinal-smelling washes tend to work better for me.

No apology needed! I guess I kind of forgot that this is a real dermatologist and I'm a real patient to him, and what I say/think/feel matters, haha. It was just so easy a process that it seemed like an online quiz that pops out automated results and ships a package, you know?

I have oily skin, which I guess is a factor in this, too, and I forgot to mention in my original response to you :P

Lazy copypasta of his message to me:

1. Use a cleanser designed for oily skin. Panoxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Creamy Wash http://amzn.to/1mPHbrD is a favorite with my patients, as is Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser (5%) http://amzn.com/B002UC5ZVA. Topix Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Wash http://amzn.to/1tIUqAl is another more economical option, although higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide do not necessarily work better, and sometimes can irritate more.
   
   
2. Use an oil-free sunscreen. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 http://amzn.to/1mGsHz is a good option. If you want a mattifier, try Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 http://amzn.com/B001LNTNGC .

I use this BP wash in the shower and haven't noticed any issues with my clothing. The bathmat on the floor is slightly discolored though.

I don't know if its any more or less effective than a creme that stays on, but I am happy with it.

Lotion

Cleanser

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.

Have you tried this one? It's a Japanese cleanser, and I have super oily skin, but what made it nice for me was that while it still foamed, it didn't give me that "stripped" skin feeling, but still cleaned my face very well. I break out with a lot of stuff too, I just recently got rid of my cystic acne (unless I use something that breaks me out), but that's another story lol.

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.

Hi Everyone, I have a weird question.

What the heck is the difference between these two products? Is it just a case of the brand changing the name?

[This one says Cleansing Foam]
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MDUEM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3B0YH72AZETAU)

[This one says bubble cleanser]
(https://www.amazon.com/Hadalabo-Hyaluronic-Moisture-Foaming-Cleanser/dp/B00EWNK83U/ref=pd_sim_194_45?ie=UTF8&refRID=ZVXGX3AGW9CYH4CYPN5H)
I am honestly the most confused little potato.

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

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

Routine:

AM

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

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

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

SO

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

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

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

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

I'm talking about this one. Double checked last night. No scent as far as I can tell.

Not OP, but this one?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2X65NDH0Q5RGN&coliid=I2EEKYGMVD787O

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

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

I just heard that they reformulated this awesome low pH cleanser (https://www.amazon.ca/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459444508&sr=8-1&keywords=hadalabo+foam) into a high pH one and I am absolutely freaking out because I love this. I plan to stock up on it and wanted to ask if this refill was for this low pH foam pump cleanser or for the high pH tube cleanser? Also, since I plan to stock up, I need to know how long they could last for? Will they ever expire? Because I don't see any expiration dates. I heard something about it being okay for 3 years after manufacture date or after being opened. Please let me know!! Thanks!

this one?

Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam - 160ml (japan import) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_62UAzbDY7TQSX

What is the difference in these Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foams?

I've read they changed the formula to something more drying but which one is which?

First one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1QJI24W01BV7P&coliid=I39TMB5VKU9HCI&th=1


Second one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1QJI24W01BV7P&coliid=I2O5CCOKRBJYVS

I don't know much about the AHA+BHA one except for the fact that AHA+BHA needs to stay on your skin for a while for it to actually be effective, and with the cleanser it's not since you wash it off right away. Do try your best to get the one in the pump, though, it has hyaluronic acid which is good! I usually gets mines from Amazon, because the Japanese stores around me tends to mark things higher http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=M3BAOACN1RL9&coliid=I1GQEBLLE397QB

Within the same post is a link to the old list, which isn't complete but does still have western products. You could check there, if you want to expand your list. If you're looking for something cheaper than $13 US, I'm not sure the other Asian foaming cleansers will be cheaper (for example, for less product, the Missha Super Aqua ...Cleanser is more expensive)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is this the one you're talking about?

I was looking for Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Wash on Amazon and I saw that there were multiple versions with slightly different names. Can anyone point me at the most reputable seller/product? Here were the two I thought looked the best.

[Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam, 160ml] (http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM)

Hadalabo Japan goku jyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser 160ml

What is the different between these two products other than packaging?? Je suis confused. http://www.amazon.ca/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM

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 :(((

Ethnicity: White (Eastern-European)

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 & added in ethnicity in case that's useful??

I accidentally bought the old version of Hada Labo Gokujyn cleansing foam instead of the new version. Is the new one the preferred one or is it okay for me to still use the older version in terms of getting results?

Hi! I'm trying to buy the hada labo gokujyn foaming cleanser on amazon but i'm not sure which one to buy. There is this one and the "newer" version. The first one has 191 reviews and the newer one has 37 reviews. Is there really a difference between these two and which one should I buy?

I ordered it from amazon for $14: here!

It's available for prime too so I had it at my doorstep in two days, yay!! :)