Best facial serums 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.

Picture Album

This is the dermaroller I use

I started with the 1.00mm one and then upgraded to the 1.5mm]

Let me preface with saying: I am from the caribbean. I have abused my skin for 25 years by not wearing any sunblock and tanning CONSTANTLY. It was only the last 2 years where I became obsessed with my skin. Also, I am chain smoker. Sadly, with law school and all of life's stresses, I picked a really bad habit to have. I'm talking like a pack a day type of smoker for two years. I'm starting to quit and I started really taking care of my skin obsesively 2 years ago. I think 90% of why my skin looks the way it does (not saying it's the best thing out there, as you can see, I broke out this week because of stress and all ): ) is because of the derma roller and the hylauronic acid serum.


I tell everyone to use this. Everyone. The ONE person who followed my advice still thanks me to this day.

So I've been using a derma roller for about two years. I use it like once a month, sometimes I skip a month, sometimes I'll do it twice in a month. I'm not very good when it comes to routine sometimes, but I don't go more than 3 months without using it.

It works better than anything I have EVER used, ever, and I am a skeptic when it comes to skin care.

I am studying in the library right now, and I have makeup on, but once I go home and wash my face I can post a pic if you want.

I kid you not - my forehead wrinkles disappeared - completely. I used to have small but VERY visible ones, not very deep, but they were there, and they were visible. The only thing I changed in my skin care routine was the derma roller.

I use it all over my face, except around the eye area. The wrinkles in my crow's feet area went away (though my bigger problem was the forehead). Again, they weren't too deep or anything, but they were there.

The only thing that hasn't gone away 100% are my nasolabial fold wrinkles (smile wrinkles), but that's because I constantly smile. However, they have gotten a bunch better ever since I've been using the derma roller.

My routine with the roller:

• Oil cleanse to remove makeup or use a makeup remover
  
• Cleanse face with your cleanser
  
• use a dermaroller (instructions included with roller)
  
• this hyaluronic acid serum
  
• moisturizer
  
• vaseline over moisturizer
  
  
  I will say, you HAVE to do this at night time, so you won't expose your skin to the sun. You skin gets sensitive right after use, and it remains a bit sensitive for a day or two after. It is boosting up collagen to repair the micro punctures of the needles, and will absorb whatever you put on it moreso than usual.
  
  Also, the first time you use it, wait about 3 weeks (depending how sensitive your skin is). Like introducing new stuff to your skin, it needs to get used to it. The more I kept on using the derma roller, the more I could feel my skin getting used to it. It took a few days longer for my skin to fully heal the first time I used it (so about a week). Now it only takes about 2 days.
  
  You can use it once every two weeks, and I've read that if your wrinkles and/or scars are bad enough, you can use it once every week.
  
  
  
  Edit: a typo
  
  Edit 2: updates
  
  Edit 3: Picture updates and the micro needles I use.
  
  

As a start, you can use sunscreen to prevent further UV damage and use alpha hydroxy acid to reduce pigmentation caused by acne scarring. Note that sunscreen is an absolutely must.

When I was getting rid of discoloration i used AHA every night and sunscreen every morning. You don't want to use AHA in the morning because it makes you very sensitive to uv damage, source and most people can't handle application more than 1x/day anyway.

My favorite AHA

My favorite sunscreen

I failed to keep the mascaras I went through this year... my bad... But I always use Maybelline Lash Stiletto.

What have I learned? I should really tone down my purchases of products like eyeshadow palettes and blush palettes. It takes FOREVER to get through one. And yet I have so maaany.


Left row - Powders!

E.l.f. HD setting powder


Skinfood Peach Sake Powder x2


Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder


L’oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Powder x5


Urban Decay Ultra Definition Pressed Powder x2


Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Powder




Top row, left to right


SETTING SPRAYS

Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray


L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Setting Spray


Smashbox Primer Water x2


SUNSCREEN

Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence x3




Second row, left to right


FOUNDATIONS

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte x2


Rimmel London, Lasting Finish Foundation x2


Giorgio Armani Luminous SIlk Foundation


Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation


Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme - sample


BROW

L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara


Third row, left to right


PRIMERS

Kat Von D Lock-It Hydrating Primer


Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Jumbo size


Too Faced, Primed & Poreless


Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Apricot


Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Green


Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer


Coola, Daydream Mineral Primer


Benefit, Porefessional


Murad Invisible Perfecting Shield


Fourth row, left to right


EYE SHADOW PRIMER

Too Faced Shadow Insurance


Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish


Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone


Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop


Maybelline master Hi-Light in Nude, discontinued, but still available on amazon


Fifth Row, left to right


SKINCARE

Vitamin C serum x3


Vitamin C serum


Mizon Black Snail All-in-One Cream


Mizon Snail Eye Cream


Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream


Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream


Corsx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid


Corsx AHA Whitehead Power Liquid


Corsx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence


Caudaline Organic Grape Water - Guys I can’t find this shit anywhere. Did it get discontinued/ replaced?


Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner


Bottom row, left to right


LIPS

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, Stockholm


L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm, Nourishing Nude


Buxom FUll-On Lip Cream, Mudslide


Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm


Buxom Full-On Lip Cream, Rose Julep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are some of my holy grail skincare products!

Night time:

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!

https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Repair-Intensive-Ampoule/dp/B00B73SMFY/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1473801661&sr=1-3&keywords=mizon

I'm interested in this too!! The recent price update really bummed me out.

I've found a decent vitamin c serum that is comparable to C15 (and cheaper too!) It's NuFountain's C20+Ferulic. It doesn't cointain the antioxidants that Paula's does, but it does have a higher percentage of vitamin c!

I would love to find a substitute for her BHA 2% liquid too though!

I thought this sub was getting silent... Good thing for starting this thread!

Skin type combo/dry, acne prone

Concern adapting to tretinoin and taking it slowly, main concerns are sensitivity and dryness (mostly the latter).

I’ve been eyeing these 2 for my ‘toner’ step:

• Etude House SoonJung emulsion
  
• Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

The old version was my absolute HG. I used it for over 3-4 years. I haven't tried the newer version.

I was recommended this product on here as a replacement/dupe: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule. I read how a lot of people on here replaced the LJH with this one as well before I bought it. I've been using it for the past 2-3 weeks without seeing any negatives; so far it seems like it's replacing my LJH just fine! My skin type is oily combo and I mostly use it for hydration and calming redness.

The OP works for them. Here's their post from the Coupons thread:

Hi there,
We would be honored if you could take the time and review our Vitamin C Serum exclusively sold on Amazon.com.
Check out our amazon listing for more information at: http://www.amazon.com/Hyaluronic-Guaranteed-Anti-aging-Anti-wrinkle-Brightening/dp/B00G052NFE/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1395204855&sr=8-30&keywords=vitamin+c+serum[1]
Use this promo code at checkout: GCQM9JBT to receive the bottle for free.
We sincerely hope you wish to take part in reviewing or Vitamin C Serum.
Thanks, Petunia Skincare

The first thing I thought when I saw your skin was rosacea. If the redness doesn't go away, maybe ask your dermatologist if it might be that. I could be completely wrong; it's just that it looks exactly like my skin, and I have rosacea all over my face. I was one of those unlucky people who went from having acne as a teen straight to rosacea. In actuality, I may have had both at the same time, but I was diagnosed at around 20 years old. My redness is helped by azelaic acid and centella asiatica. I'm not sure if the azelaic acid is okay to use with your prescription meds though. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y15D1LH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

​

You look amazing, by the way! What a stunning "after"!

Skin1004 Centella Ampoule

HOLIEST OF GRAILS

Skin type / Climate: Normal/dry - Mostly dry weather (Southern CA)

Comments:

I have tried a bazillion serums/essences/ampoules over my days of skincare. And there is one that has never left my routine. Others come and go but the Centella Ampoule always stays and always gets used everyday. No questions asked.

Immediate redness reduction

Immediate hydration

Helps speed up blemish healing (scabs, picked spots)

Mixes/plays well with any other product I mix it with or layer it with

I cant say enough good stuff about this product. Its so simple, yet so HG for me.

​

You must be new to AB :) Snail mucin is simply Snail Secretion

[This] (https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K) is the specific product I am referring to

My routine:

MUAC Green Tea and Pomegranate Cleanser


Hyaluronic Acid mixed with Snail essence


100% Argan oil


Avene Recovery Cream

[Enzyme Protect 30SPF] (https://www.makeupartistschoice.com/MUAC-Enzyme-Protect--SPF-30_p_350.html)



In the morning, I'll use Vitamin C and in the evening I'll switch between using Tretinoin 0.05% and Niacinamide.

Once a week, I will do a 15% SA peel. I alternate between doing a weekly 55% Lactic Acid peel or a Fade peel. Then I'll give my skin a 2 week break where I straight up moisturize and then do a TCA peel (these are not for the faint of heart)

[Edit: formatting]

I use the Alpha Skin care 14% glycolic serum. I think jumping from 8% to 14% would be too big of a leap (it's a strong serum). They do make a 10% Glycolic lotion, which I used as an intermediate step up to the stronger serum and a 12% Glycolic cream, which I haven't tried.

For other AHAs, I've used the MUAC 10% Mandelic serum which is significantly less strong than the glycolic acid due to its penetration - mandelic acid molecules are larger and thus do not penetrate the skin as readily, and are also recommended for darker skin tones. I've also used their Fade Serum as a spot treatment. I dip a clean cotton swab into the serum and dab onto the melasma-affected areas of my face.

I haven't done a chemical peel in a while, due to starting a retinol, but I had good experiences with their 55% Lactic acid peel. Chemical peels require research, patch testing, following instructions, proper timing, and neutralizing, though, so you definitely shouldn't just jump into that pool.

Cool, I know you said you're flooded, but I'm the chance you see this, my derm recommended a product called HA5, a hyalauronic acid formula... for $180 dollars. I gagged and went home and bought:

Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin- 100% Pure-Highest Quality, Anti-Aging Serum-- Intense Hydration + Moisturizer, Non-greasy, Paraben Free, Vegan-Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Pro Formula) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090UJFYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-8-LzbXH5GPZ5

instead. Same thing? 90% less?

• The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%
  
• The Ordinary MAP
  
• SK II FTE I hoarded samples, I'm not made of money
  
• Cosrx racist essence when my SK II ran out, it takes longer to work but it does the damn job!
  
  Edit: the cosrx DOES have niacinamide in it, so I would be careful about using it if I were you. There are a lot of similar essences w/o niacinamide which might help you! I personally found that niacinamide did nothing for my PIH so it's definitely not necessary.

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum, 1 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036BI56G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PRGDAbRS12ZX6


Claire-ity 25% Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, Best Organic Anti-Aging Moisturizer Serum for Face, Neck & Décolleté and Eye Treatment (1 fl. oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKY87OS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3SGDAbDW006V9

Vitamin C 1 oz Serum with Organic Hyaluronic Acid - Lighten Sun Spots, Anti Aging, Anti Wrinkle - Light and Oxygen Stable MAP Vitamin C - ASTERWOOD NATURALS - Classic Formula Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GVUZODA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8TGDAbJ419E6C

I also get my B3 through [MIZON] Good Night White Sleeping Mask 50ml (1.69 fl.oz.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GB1E940/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4UGDAb45GG14N

It's approximately 50% Witch Hazel, 25% Hyaluronic Acid (1% serum), 20% Glycerin, & the remaining 5% is a dropper full of Argan Oil & 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil. I stick it in a little dark blue glass bottle & give it a shake before use. The percentages work well for me, but you can change it up to suit your skin. The more Glycerin you add, the more sticky it gets, so keep that in mind. Also, keep the Tea Tree oil to a bare minimum, too much it it can definitely irritate your skin. You can try adding other stuff, but this combo work well for me; hydrating & a bit anti-inflammatory. All the ingredients are finished products that can be used on their own as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M

http://www.amazon.com/Solutions-Glycerine-Vegetable-16-Fluid-Ounces/dp/B0019LWU2K

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Hyaluronic-Acid-Serum-100/dp/B003MJ7Z0O

http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Argan-Pressed-Virgin-Golden/dp/B00397SNMS

http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Tea-Tree-Oil/dp/B000ELP5KA

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

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

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

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

I love it. I don't know if it's HG worthy though, This elf product is an HG. It's also cheaper and I'm kinda trying to find the best stuff that also happens to be cheap. Snail products, if done correctly and not stressing the animal out, will be more expensive and at this point, I want the best at college student prices. Even when I graduate I want the best and sometimes spending less you get more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Various primers - various drugstore primers ofc

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

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

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

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

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

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

tru skin naturals!

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E, 1 fl oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_J316AbYMWYCDH

Hyaluronic acid is so good, I like using it as a serum, and then you can still use whatever moisturizer you like.

I've bought several different brands but this one is my favorite. I also put it on my face for hyperpigmentation. There's another brand that's popular in this sub that I keep forgetting to try, but I keep forgetting the name. There was a really popular post awhile back where this girl had a tattoo cut out of her finger and stitched up. She used a vitamin C serum that I'm itching to try because her scar vanished in like, 6 months.

I have been using beauty oils a lot more. I use Boscia Tsubaki beauty oil when I mix my foundations, and it is so moisturizing. Then I use NuFountain Ferulic C20+ after I cleanse my face. My skin feels so much softer and I feel like the elasticity is a bit stronger.

Dark circles can be genetic. I've had bad dark circles under my eyes for a really long time. Vitamin C serum helped a ton, other than getting more sleep.

Here's the brand I use, its relatively cheap and lasts a while.

The this stuff. No mice, just a pun on the name (which has been weirder before in the past). It's a fermented essence with galactomyces extract and niacinamide.

I used the Banish Acne Kit, it's $75. Since that is pretty expensive, I started looking for alternatives. I'm about to buy this Vitamin C serum that has been recommended many times in this sub and a derma roller, both from Amazon. Make sure you have a little tub or cup filled with rubbing alcohol to sanitize the roller before and after every use.


Serum: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_17K-Bb9D6M3FH

Roller: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B073CFR8R4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_M.K-Bb927EMBK

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

Basically everything has been a skincare fail for me lately.

• Fresh Black Tea Essence. Fail. I didn't see any results at all.
  
• Stridex green box. Major fail. I broke out all over and got an actual cyst, which has never happened before. This is at the 0.5% concentration so I can only imagine how bad red box would be.
  
• Konjac sponge. Not so much a fail, just had to stop using it after I wrecked my face with Stridex.
  
• Garnier Micellar Foaming Face Wash. Too drying.
  
  Some wins:
  
  
• CosRX 96 Snail Mucin. SUPER WIN. It's so hydrating!
  
• Radha Beauty rosehip oil. My friend let me try this and it's amazing! I have learned after 27 years I have combo skin, not oily, not (strictly speaking) dehydrated, so I'm quadrupling down on moisturizing.
  
  My goal is to go 30 days without introducing anything new into my routine, which is hard as I still have lots of little closed comedones and the occasional hormonal zit I want to zap with something harsh. But literally every acid I've ever tried (outside of glycolic, which I stupidly didn't think was working well enough so I quit using it, and azelaic, which I've yet to try) has devastated my face. After 30 days I may try glycolic again or order a low concentration azelaic. I quit r/skincareaddiction. It was too much.

For a few months I've been functioning on a lean routine:

Skin Type: sensitive | Country/Climate I'm in: UK | Top Skin Concern: dehydration

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
  
• Kohaku Hada Lotion Extra Moisturising
  
• Goodal's Mild Protect Natural Filter Sun Cream
  
  PM
  
  
• Kose Cosmeport Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
  
• Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
  
• Kohaku Hada Lotion Extra Moisturising
  
  I decided it was time to flesh it up in preparation for getting started on actives in the near future, so I decided to keep focusing on hydration. I have never tried any snail-based products, so I picked Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence as an essence/serum to incorporate after my Kohaku Hada lotion. This is the first product I will be trialling.
  
  In about a month, I'm hoping to integrate the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream which has had mixed reviews, but that I really wanted to try and that I hope will suit my needs and my skin.
  
  After that, the second-to-last step will be to add the Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack which also has mixed reviews, but I've read a couple of glowing ones by people with similar skin types, so I'm hoping it'll work for me!
  
  The last step, which isn't pictured here, will be to incorporate sheet masks. I'm waiting for a batch of My Beauty Diary Black Pearl sheet masks, and will be trying those out as soon as I'm happy (or unhappy!) with the Cosrx essence.
  
  This a UK haul, and I've managed to find all three items on Amazon Prime (links included). Thanks for reading! :)

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...

Vitamin C works wonders for me. I primarily started using it for my acne scars and that lightened it up big time but the one I have has other things too like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E + collagen boost. Here’s the serum I use I don’t use any products around my eyes to be honest so I can’t really comment on that. It’s different from person to person.

OK, you asked for it! I used to break out a lot. Not cystic, thank god, but still... zits.. zits... everywhere... Thanks to all this effort you'd never know I make all this effort ;P

Both anti-aging and anti-acne

• Retin-A - every night before bed. Can't recommend highly enough.
  
• Salicylic and/or glycolic acid peels - I used to do these once or twice a week, but with the TCA peels I've been doing more recently I've been kind of slacking. They're great, though. I might start doing these religiously again since I switched to a BCP that isn't as amazing for my skin as Yasmin/Ocella was.
  
• TCA peels - Monthly when I can, otherwise every few months. I probably wouldn't have started doing these if I hadn't gotten an Obagi peel (TCA is the active in this peel) first. The results are very noticeable (esp on freckles/photoaging), but cumulative - you have to do a series. So I decided to DIY it. Just be aware that when you're peeling it's pretty scary looking, so schedule accordingly. And if you DIY, follow the directions to the letter and START AT A LOW % (8% or 12.5%), and if then bump it up after you're confident you're not gonna melt your face off. I'm at 18% and am not going any stronger - that's PLENTY.
  
• Good diet, regular low impact workouts, plenty of water, and multivitamins and mineral supplements. This stuff wouldn't keep my skin looking good without all the other stuff, but it absolutely makes a difference.
  
  Anti-acne only
  
  
• Clindamycin foam - every morning. As with acne anything, YMMV, but this stuff is what got me out of tanning for good. Totally cleared up the chestne that nothing else had totally worked for (though the UV did tamp it down quite a bit).
  
• BCPs - Yasmin/Ocella was amazing for years but eventually the headaches were too much :( Now I'm on Yaz and it's OK... not as good as Yasmin, but better than Ortho was.
  
• Benzoyl peroxide topicals - while on the Yasmin I stopped needing this, but now I'm back to using it daily to every other day on my face.
  
  Anti-aging only
  
  
• Botox - Those inch-deep crevasses in my mom's mug that make her look like she's perma-scowling at everyone in the universe? (I mean she is, but, yeah.) Sorry genetics, you done been thwarted! :D
  
• Spot lasering on angiomas/little capillaries, etc - whenever I notice them, maybe every couple years. (NOT IPL Photofacial - did it once, crazy painful, the only noticeable result was a lighter wallet.)
  
  Honorable Mention
  
  
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum - I bought this stuff before thoroughly researching it, bc it was a main ingredient in a $$$ serum I bought in a moment of weakened mental faculties. As an anti-aging topical, it's apparently marketing bs-driven snake oil. But it's fantastic as a moisturizer! My face looks dewy and glowy when I use it. 2-3 drops cover my whole face & neck, to put $15 for the bottle in perspective.

I really like Mizon as a whole. Their snail ampoule radically changed my face, like nothing else. And it's really affordable!

Rant: It took me 3 weeks to figure out that using Aquaphor instead of Vaseline as an occlusive at night was doing bad things to my skin. I saw improvement the very next day after I decided to stop using it. :/ Just because you use it on your baby's skin does not automatically mean it will work for your face. Anyone know what in the Aquaphor may be causing problems? My skin usually plays nice with everybody.

Rave: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask. Ohmygod this is my new HG spot treatment. Hydrocolloids sadly did nothing for me, but I've been dabbing this stuff on any active breakouts or cysts I get and by the next morning inflammation and redness is drastically reduced if not gone. I may not need it as much since I've solved the Aquaphor problem, but now I know Queen Helene has got my back. And the tube cost less than $2 at my local grocery store!!!

New Purchase: I got a free sample of that Petunia Skincare Vitamin C Serum and have added it to my AM & PM regimen for the past few days in place of the Paula's Choice C15 (since that order got all FUBAR and I'm still waiting for it to arrive 2 weeks later). So far it seems great, but there is some marketing misinformation on the label so even though the ingredients seem amazing I'm not sure how much I can trust the product. Will be buying some litmus paper today so I can pH test today. Anyone else get this or have any thoughts?

Rave, Part Deux: I just love you guys and this community. Can we all be best friends?

Funny you should ask. Recently started really getting into products to take care of my tired, old, wrinkly face. This endeavor was directly related to getting into /r/wicked_edge and pampering myself with great products.

I live in Florida and need to moisturize and protect. I've added the following to my regimen:

CeraVe Cleanser - use it when I shower. This has replaced the facial scrub I would use pre-shave.

A Vitamin C serum - again...I'm an old man and trying to slow down some aging.

A hyaluronic acid lotion - hoping it does what it says and keeps my skin moisturized.

Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer - This is my final layer at the start of the day. SPF could probably stand to be higher, but I'll rock a hat and sunglasses if I think my sun exposure is going to last longer than the typical in and out of my car.

I use a different moisturizer at night that doesn't have an SPF component.

It's funny to me...the older I get the more regimens I have. Probably should have started taking better care of things a little earlier in my life, but was too busy thinking in the now.

Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence Amazon

Sidmool Fast Turn Over Rebuilding Concentrate Testerkorea

Innisfree’s White Tone Up Skin (Toner) Review

Cerave PM Tried and true.

Here is a spreadsheet for more options. It's better to layer products with niamacide than depend on one with a super high percentage.

So I had no idea SCA was all about TO/SkinCeuticals/Paula's Choice... I ended up scouring Amazon and got TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C. It's been working great for me, without any negative reactions!

(TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face, Organic Anti-Aging Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, 1 fl oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4vKEAb0797T1J)

As other's said it can itch and burn at first. Melazepam is stronger than others like GOW's or The Ordinary's 10%.

I started with one of those mixed with my moisturizer. I use either Hydro boost gel cream or meishoku ceracolla perfect gel and squalane. After a good time of that i now use it right after washing before toner.

With face redness it seems to be mostly about being soothing and gentle. I'm to the point now where i don't use soap to wash my face because the gentlest stuff was adding irritation redness.

I have also seen redness reduction using KLAIRS Supple Preparation Unscented Toner or Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner , Cosrx Snail 96, and SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule.

The redness battle is real. Of course sunlight is a major factor. If you do have rosacea some sunlight helps but then there's a "rebound" effect.

Still thinking about it myself but urea and sulfur are usually recommended too.

This vit c serum by TruSkin Naturals. I bought this on a whim when I was browsing amazon for skin care. I didn’t expect it to be that good but I really like it and I don’t want to try anything else.

Awww, I know that feel completely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best of Luck! <3

Same thing, $16.

I'm obsessed with this one, i keep it in my Fridge
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00PL3DK26/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494044202&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=vitamin+c+serum

I use one that I got from amazon I'll link it here. They recently changed their recipe so it is a milky yellow texture.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VNXQE94/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No, vitamin C pills you take orally will not do the same thing at all. Grinding up the pills and putting on your skin will also NOT do the same things at all. :P That's like your parent asking you to go pick up some oil from the store so they can cook dinner and you go to the automotive section and pick up engine oil. They're different!! :3

Also what kind of acne scars? Vitamin C won't do anything for depressions in the skin, but if you mean dark marks, it can help those. Don't forget to wear sunscreen EVERY. DAY. sunny or cloudy or else nothing will fade even with the vitamin c helping.

You are looking for a vitamin C TOPICAL serum with L-Ascorbic Acic as the main active ingredient.

THESE are the kind of vitamin C you want. :)


CSI Youth Serum 12% L-AA, $18 for 1 fluid ounce


NuFountain Celsignal 15% MAP with hyaluronic acid, & Niacinamide, $26 for 1 fluid ounce


NuFountain C20 20% L-AA, $17 for 1 fluid ounce

Check out the Nufountain brand. They have different %'s and are mixed to order

http://www.amazon.com/NuFountain-Vitamin-Youthful-Glowing-Complextion/dp/B001TAIFZM

I don't know anything about the products you mentioned, but these are possibilities for you:

• NuFountain is a great product and price! You can also buy 3 bottles at a time for the price of 2.
  
  
• Timeless is also another brand I've heard good things about!

I went out last night, and when I got home my drunkself managed to wash my face and even put on my vitamin C serum. Hooray!

However, drunkself forgot to tightly cap the serum once I was done. :( The cap was on the bottle but not screwed on, so the bottle was covered but probably not airtight. I'm a skincare noob, but I seem to recall that vit C serum is sensitive to air.

So my question is: Is it even worth continuing to use that serum, or should I buy a new one? I've been using the one that got posted with a discount code here - here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G052NFE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My skin seems to love this one by Amara Organics despite the pH being too high for an effective vitamin C serum (or so I’m told). It also contains HA and vitamin E, so maybe those are what my skin loves, but for under $20, I’m still happy!

EDIT: Oh, snap. I guess since this uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, the serum’s pH of 5.5 to 6 is actually right where it should be. Score!

I have been using this for about a month, if you are open to indie skin care. It is wonderful and the consistency is like a light gel. I have noticed an improvement for sure.

I have this issue, too! I usually shave because I'm lazy. For your face, you want to use less strong products (the skin on your legs is thicker) and more or less treat it like acne and keep the dead skin off it and moisturize the shit out of the area so the hair can do its thing without being trapped.

Use an exfoliator once a week and before shaving/plucking. Right now I'm obsessed with L'Oreal Paris' Pure-Clay Cleanser.

I also use the following products but just one should work:

• Benton's Snail Bee High Content Essence
  
• Claire-ity Vitamin C Serum
  
  They deliver a ton of moisture to your skin helping sooth it and keep it pliant so hair doesn't get trapped. I also like neutrogena's pore refining toner. It has a ton of alcohol and isn't great for your skin but it's the only stripping product I use and is amazing at cleaning out and reducing the appearance of pores and the only thing I've used that's worked for that.

If the scent of ferulic acid wasn't a migraine trigger, I'd use the Timeless serum. Their products are amazing. Since I want LAA 20% without ferulic acid, the best I've found so far is the NuFountain L-AA Serum.

I use this one:

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

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

This one! I’m a poor college student, and it’s highly rated on amazon.

This is what I use (the Missha First Treatment Essence). There are also non-AB options like the Estee Lauder Micro Essence. They all feel pretty similar and use ferments as their main ingredients.

Some other popular choices at different price points:

TonyMoly Intense Care Galactomyces First Essence 94.5%

COSRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome! :) Ceramide products are good at repairing your skin's moisture barrier and are good moisturizing products. If these sound like things you are looking for, I highly recommend getting some products with ceramide in them! A popular product is the Rosette Ceramide Gel.

Vitamin C is a good idea, just make sure you start slow, like once a week. Also, actives such as vitamin C are a form of chemical exfoliation. You want to make sure you have a few solid moisturizers at the ready to compensate for the drying nature of actives.

Snails are a great idea too, but they don't have the same mind-blowing affect for everyone who uses them. Its a very Your Milage May Vary (YMMV) sort of thing! A popular snail product is the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This product has 96% snail mucin, so it'd be a good way to see if snail is an effective ingredient for you. (because 10% snail in a good cream may give you good results, but it may not be because of the snail if you catch my drift!)

However! First and foremost, if hyperpigmentation is your problem and you have no routine, start with a sunscreen! If the word makes you cringe, don't worry, AB sunscreens don't tend to be as thick and sticky as Western suncreens.

Which brings me to two threads you should start with. The AB Beginner Guide is a good place for basic information. The Holy Grail Thread is a good place to see what products people with your same skintype swear by.

ALSO I wouldn't recommend using sheet masks meant for your face on the rest of your body. Sheet masks are usually a temporary fix for your skin issues and I would not rely on them to do any major skin whitening. I'd pick a product that you can use on the body and that will give you consistent results. Try products with niacinimide and arbutin, which are whitening ingredients.

That's what I have to contribute! Feel free to ask more questions and good luck!

I have relatively healthy skin, though it's prone to dehydration and occasional acne.

These are all subscribe & save items (in addition to being prime eligible), listing current price w/ 15% subscribe discount (need 5+ items to qualify)

Face:

Cerave PM 3oz $7.05

PC 2% Salicylic 4oz $24.65


Cerave Hydrating Cleanser 16oz $11.89

Nexcare hydrocolloid patches 36ct
$5.69

Alpha 14% glycolic aha 2oz $16.14

Body:

Cerave SA Renewing Lotion 8oz $9.20

Dove sensitive skin bar body soap, 4oz x 14 bars $11.88

I wouldn't write off the Accutane just because you have dry skin/wear contacts. Keep well moisturized throughout the day, and you will probably be fine. It's a miracle drug, for sure.

That being said, even if you're determined to avoid isotretinoin altogether, I would still recommend moisturizing your face more, at least once daily, though morning and night might work best. It's important not to allow the skin to become too dry/damaged, which allows for easier infection and consequent acne.

Unless you have extremely sensitive skin, I'd be doing your entire routine twice daily for optimal effect. Every other day or so, you might consider replacing one round of the salicylic acid with a higher concentration alpha hydroxy acid. I've had good results with this one.

You can also consider periodic face masks. Bentonite clay is pretty good, but you'll want to mix it with apple cider vinegar for the best results.

I have combination skin and Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence makes my skin super dewy looking without make it oily! Highly recommend.

There is always the Snail Recovery Gel that is a huge hit among many users here and for a very good reason. I would recommend using it as a spot treatment because of how thick it is unless your face likes that sort of thing.

A thinner alternative is the COSRX Snail Essence which is cheaper than the Mizon Ampoule that I use. I actually have my father using the essence because of it's cost and thinness.

I would however say to stay away from the Mizon eye cream as it did absolutely nothing for me and my other friends who used it. But we also haven't had much luck with eye creams in general.

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

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

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

I haven't seen anyone mention NuFountain's Vit C + Ferulic product, so I thought I'd just throw it out there. It doesn't seem too expensive.

I've been meaning to order it for some time but haven't gotten around to it.

I use 0.025 Tretinion cream (generic version of Retin-A) on my face every night to help with wrinkles and fine lines. I am working up to the 0.1 gel. I get it for $4/tube from All Day Chemist (Indian website that doesn’t require an rx, has worked for me 8 times now without issue).

You can also get a 'script from a dermatologist and pay about $200 for it at Walgreens (sometimes $80 with coupons). A tube last most people two to three months.

Apply sunscreen every morning and moisturizer twice a day (even on days you don’t use tretinoin). Use 0.025 once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times a week for three weeks, and then, only if you’ve had zero irritation thus far, you can apply it every other night indefinitely slowly working up to 0.10% strength if desired. It's worked wonders for me and even removed some of the teeny age spots in my cleavage. Also good for body acne. More instructions here.

The stuff you get OTC is not going to have much of an impact.

For a daily moisturizer I use a serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin c.

InstaNaturals Niacinamide lotion is really well reviewed. I just ordered some but I got a huge breakout so I'm trying to nurse that before I try using it.

Paula's Choice Skin-Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner. Another one that is well-regarded, I have a bottle that I haven't been able to use yet for the same reason as above. Can you tell I'm a bit of a skincare hoarder?? x)

Also EltaMD Clear is a great sunscreen that has niacinamide, if you're also in the market for sunscreen.

I am using this one from amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKY87OS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_C-zKAbSZ6FRN6

I've been using this vitamin c serum for a while and now that it's almost out I need to figure out what to buy next. I would love to buy it again because it's so cheap and the amazon reviews are good, but I'm skeptical that its like a 'real' vitamin c serum??? I hear so much about vitamin c being 'unstable' so I'm worried the one I'm using is a scam...like how could it be so cheap??? Also I've had this one for like a year and it's still completely clear, I've heard vitamin c naturally oxidizes so maybe that's another sign that it isn't a true vitamin c serum....

I bought a vitamin C serum on Prime Day and I really like it! My pores are looking smaller and my skin tone more even. Previously I was using the Mario Bedascu vitamin C and Juice Beauty antioxidant serum. Both of those were nice but I saw better results with the brand I bought on Amazon.

Here is the serum:
Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Eyes – Organic Skin Care with Natural Ingredients for Acne, Anti Wrinkle, Anti Aging, Fades Age Spots and Sun Damage - 1 OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1HIIUT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kDcRzb0CEYSTX

I have used and liked the LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C serum - I think it’s a great bargain for what it is:

Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Eyes - Organic Skin Care with Natural Ingredients for Acne, Anti Wrinkle, Anti Aging, Fades Age Spots and Sun Damage - 1 OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1HIIUT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pkBCCbVSC8MPY


I also really like the Sunday Riley CEO Serum, but it’s pricey.

https://sundayriley.com/products/c-e-o-rapid-flash-brightening-serum

I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and, though everyone's experience is different, my skin has completely changed throughout the process. I normally had regular hormonal breakouts around my chin/mouth area, especially around my period, around 3 to 4 at a time. I had the worst hormonal breakout of my life right around when our baby was conceived (looking at it in retrospect), which makes sense because there was a surge of hormones in my body.

Now, though, my skin is actually way better than ever. I still get a few breakouts, but it's much drier than normal.

I've stayed away from benzoyl peroxide because my OB recommended against it, but I've found that hydrocolloid bandages have helped when I do have a whitehead.

My pregnant skincare routine:

morning

• Splash face with water
  
  
• Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen
  
  
• Makeup (sometimes full liquid foundation, sometimes just concealer, sometimes nothing)
  
  evening
  
  
• I normally shower in the evening; if so, I just gently rub my face in a circular motion with my fingertips under the shower head
  
  
• If I do not shower, I cleanse with Cetaphil for sensitive skin
  
  
• Makeup removal: Almay oil-free makeup remover pads (mostly for mascara, since the majority of the makeup comes off in the shower or after cleansing)
  
  
• About 2x per week, I use a Vitamin C serum like this
  
  
• About 1x per week (maybe every other week), I use this chemical exfoliator, which really helps to remove dry skin (my cheeks, especially around my nose, have become so dry that they get flaky now)
  
  
• Every night: moisturize entire face with Cetaphil in the tub; depending on dryness, I spot moisturize with coconut oil
  
  
• If I have a breakout/whitehead (and now, they usually only arrive one at a time! Thanks, baby!), I pierce it with a sterilized tweezer (very fine tip) and use these hydrocolloid patches overnight.
  
  Hope that helps! Basically, you can try to plan your skincare for pregnancy but your body may react differently than you expect. Good luck on TTC! :)

You could've just looked it up...

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule (100ml or 3.38 floz) - Facial Serum - 100% Centella Asiatica Extract - for soothing sensitive and acne-prone skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y15D1LH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aVVUAbAEWZ17E

Has anyone used LilyAna Vitamin C Serum?

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!

Can you tell I hail from /r/Asianbeauty? ;-) I use this one

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

Here's some reading on the benefits of snail:
https://www.futurederm.com/is-snail-mucin-really-good-for-your-skin/

Esthetician in training here.

That was a shitty tip. Who tells a client that you're not moisturizing enough and that's it?

You may think your skin is hydrated but breakouts, sebum buildup, redness and oil slick indicate compromised barrier due to excessive exfoliation and lack of moisture. OCM will not change anything.

You need to cut back on exfoliators. Use Pixi Glow Night Serum or Pixi Glow Glow Tonic (it's 5% glycolic acid BTW) every other night or Pixi Glow Enzyme Exfoliator twice a week. Differin Gel isn't for spot treatment. It's a preventative treatment for acne and wrinkles. Don't use Differin and AHAs together. AHAs can deactivate retinol/tretinoin.

Stop using oil-free, oil control and matte moisturizers because it often contains silica, alcohol, salicylic acid and etc. It will cause your oil production to go into overdrive to compensate for the lack of moisture. Switch your moisturizer to La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer or Stratia Liquid Gold. They contain niacinamide which can balance sebum production, reduce redness and acne. Use Aquaphor Healing Ointment to seal your moisturizer in at night to prevent water loss and repair your barrier.

Use La Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Cleanser in the PM and drop La Roche Posay Effaclear cleanser from your routine. If you want OCM, please consider double cleansing with OCM and LRP Toleriane Purifying Cleanser or oil cleanser with an emulsifier to rinse off after washing. Wash your face with water in the morning. No cleansers because you want to preserve your natural moisture that rebuilds overnight. It's essential to keep your skin healthy.

You should consider switching your Thayers toner to one of the products in your routine to improve your moisture barrier: Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Toner or Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence.

What do you mean by "steam pretty often"? Just want to make sure that isn't an auto correct typo, but if it isn't, you really shouldn't be steaming your face. Hot water exacerbates redness in the face because it dilates blood vessels underneath the skin.

While you are on Accutane, you will want to stick with gentle but effective whitening ingredients such as niacinamide and licorice root, and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as snail mucin and green tea.

Here are a few products that I am currently using that contain these ingredients and work well:

Cerave PM - contains a high percentage of niacinamide and is relatively inexpensive. Also contains a variety of ceramides which help maintain a healthy lipid barrier, which often becomes compromised when using topical and oral retinoids.
CosRX Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceContains 96% snail mucin. This is incredibly calming and adds a bonus layer of moisture, something we definitely all need on Accutane.
Holy Snails Snowbang Essence This stuff is expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion. Of everything I use, this definitely has the most dramatic effect on my redness and irritation. It has niacinamide, green tea extract, ceramides, licorice root, and hydrolyzed oat extract.

Once you are have been finished with Accutane for a few months (you will want to get confirmation from your derm as to how long they recommend) you can start incorporating products like Vitamin C and topical retinoids which are highly effective, but far too irritating to use in conjunction with Accutane.

Hey all, a little overwhelmed, and if I'm missing anything that could help someone out please let me know. I have somewhat oily, sensitive, acne prone skin. Previously I was doing the following regimen:

AM: Cleanse with Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, use Cerave Moisturizing Cream

PM: Cleanse with Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, use Vitamin C Serum + Cerave Moisturizing Cream.

Out of nowhere I BROKE OUT LIKE crazy around my cheeks, and a little towards my mouth in my jaw and chin area. I did not have this problem before. Decided to switch around my regimen as I found the Moisturizing Cream too gloppy and made my face feel very oily and would leave small white heads or bumps.

Now I have AM Cerave (with 30 SPF protection), PM Cerave (moisturizing lotion), bought TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc, TO Alpha Arbutin with HA, TO 2% Salicylic Acid and also TO Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil. I also have this 20% Vitamin C Serum which I find works for me pretty well. https://www.amazon.ca/20-Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic-Moisturizer/dp/B00PL3DK26. I'm a male and I'm fairly new at this but my GF got me into all of this.

​

I'm struggling to find a way to incorporate these products effectively as I've done quite a bit of research and found out Vitamin C doesn't work well with acids, specifically the Niacinamide(?) excuse me if I'm wrong. I do know I should be using the Rosehip Seed Oil at night but could anyone recommend me a good regimen? Currently I've been doing

AM:

Cleanse with Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser

Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide + Alpha Arbutin + PM Cerave (If I'm staying home) or AM Cerave with SPF (If I'm going out)

PM:

Typically shower, cleanse again with Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser

Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide + Alpha Arbutin + Rosehip Seed Oil + PM Cerave.

​

I shave typically every 2-3 days and usually at night, or in the morning when I'm back from the gym. After, I'll do my AM or PM regimen. I've been using the same shaving soap (Proraso White for sensitive skin, and Nivea MEN Sensitive Skin Aftershave). Never had any issues with either.

​

Again, any and all advice is appreciated!

My under-eye area has been bumpy, irritated, and itchy for the past few days.

Current routine:

• Non foaming cleanser
  
• BHA: The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid (PM, AM occasionally)
  
• AHA: The Ordinary 10% Lactic Acid + HA (PM occasionally)
  
• Vitamin C Serum: 20% SAP
  
• HA Serum
  
• Eye Serum: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (AM only)
  
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Moisturizer
  
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask (PM only)
  
• Vaseline (PM only)
  
• SPF (AM only)
  
  For the past week, I've been using only cleanser, HA, and moisturizer, as I noticed this irritation flaring up. It doesn't seem to be getting any better, though. It stings when I apply any product - normally my skin isn't this sensitive. The rest of my face is fine.
  
  Newest product introduced was the eye serum in early january, used it for about 2 weeks then stopped when I noticed this irritation. Did this serum trigger eczema or something???
  
  26F, dry skin, main concerns are closed comedones, located in canada/pacific northwest
  
  Thanks!

Vitamin C serum.

I like this one from Amazon because it has worked really well for me, priced well, reviews are great, and Amazon is so easy

Edit: I've tried C20 but didn't see any anything amazing from it.

On mobile, sorry about the link below, but this vitamin C serum has always cleared up my skin, usually within a day or two of a morning application. It’s the shit if you don’t have a ton of acne and need a solution.

Eva naturals vitamin c serum

This is the one I chose. It has good reviews, and my skin is just as soft and smooth and non-irritated as when I was using the DE sample.

If you don't want to research I would recommend Curology. It's a 20USD a month prescription that comes with someone with some sort of medical-related degree to act as a dermatologist. Mine's a PA, and no where near qualified to be dermatologists, but for this purpose I find it's good enough. You upload photos of your skin and fill out a quick survey of your goals and you receive a 1 oz/30mL topical prescription with their recommended ingredients for you (e.g. mine's azelaic acid/clindamycin/niacinamide to target PIH and acne) that you apply once a day at night and usually follow up with a moisturiser. Because Curology is technically a prescription, you will also have access to tretinoin, which is one of the most studied retinoids for addressing anti-aging issues and can't be bought OTC in the US. If you want to add anything on top of your prescription, like a Vitamin C serum, you can also talk that over with your derm and they can recommend you products and talk about what to look for or tell you it's unnecessary. If 20USD a month is too expensive for you, then you can sign up for one month, receive the prescription topical treatment, and then cancel your subscription until you run out and then start the trial again when you need more product. The downside of this is that you won't have access to your dermatologist when your subscription isn't active.

If you're not interested in Curology, then to answer your questions

• Sunscreen: Yes, especially for anti-aging. I'm preferential to the asian beauty sunscreen recommendations. Just pick a random one--that's what I do. Biore Watery Essence is popular and available on Amazon.
  
• Moisturiser: CeraVe PM is a solid, no-fragarance no-nonsense moisturiser. I would apply twice a day.
  
• Retinoids: I don't know where you live but in the US most retinoid products by popular brands like Olay have very low concentrations. I would recommend Curology for this.
  
• Vitamin C: I recommend a 20% serum applied in the morning every 1, 2, or 3 days. This product is more effective if you apply it right after washing your face (your face should be dry though) and wait as long as possible, up to 30 minutes. Timeless is a generally effective one. Toss it it turns dark orange.
  
• Other Products: Some people like alpha hydroxy acids for anti-aging purposes. You could try out Alpha Hydrox lotion; it's got 10% glycolic. Nip+Fab is often recommended but it's like 2% and didn't do shit for me.
  
• Cleansers: I don't use a cleanser in the morning but I would wash your face with a washcloth/your hands in the shower. All you did was sleep so it's not like your face is that dirty. I would recommend washing your face at night though, so it's clean and the following products can work more effectively. CeraVe Foaming and CeraVe Hydrating are plain, effective cleansers.
  
• Other Products: If you have a slightly larger than drugstore budget I would check out Paula's Choice products. They make lotions/AHA's/Vitamin C/everything I listed above and people seem to find their products effective.

CeraVe PM has Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Niacinamide - it's also a great light moisturizer that doesn't leave face looking greasy or shiny. That can cut a few of your extra steps out, plus it's perfect for daytime wear too, as long as you add in sunscreen. I think it might do more for dryness (and definitely for redness) than Neutrogena.

Here's a highly rated (and sidebar recommended) AHA at a good price:

https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Skin-Care-Fragrance-Free-Paraben-Free/dp/B01D2M4G0C

Good luck!

NuFountain C20+Ferulic. It's inexpensive and also effective. And orderable on Amazon!

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

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

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

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

I've been using it since the beginning of october. I started w/ once every three days. After three weeks, I added back in my vit C, then had to switch up my cleanser, so I only just went up to once every two days.

Skin-type: Sensitive. What sensitive means for me: sometimes my face will just burn and sting even with the same routine i've had for months. I can get really dry on my cheeks no matter how much I moisturize.

AM:

1. Wash: Simple Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash I prefer this to Cerave Hydrating cleanser because I felt like Cerave just wasn't washing my face. I could wash my face three times with Cerave and still have makeup come off on my towel. Simple doesn't do that. It also doesn't dry out my cheeks like other cleansers have.
   
   
2. Clindamycin topical on affected areas (prescription)
   
   
3. Vitamin C I like this one because it's made fresh when you buy it (they even write the date on the label). I keep it in my fridge. It was made on Aug 31 and it has yet to oxidize.
   
   
4. Cerave Moisturizer
   
   
5. Silky and Light Sun Milk sunscreen So far the only Asian sunscreen that hasn't broken me out. It's a bit shiny, has a fragrance, but is really easy to apply and makes my skin feel soft. No white cast.
   
   Morning Routine usually takes about ten/fifteen minutes
   
   PM:
   
   
6. Wash
   
   
7. Tretinoin on a tret day (buffer w/ moisturizer on cheeks only right after wash, then wait 15 min prior to applying)
   
   
8. Moisturize
   
   
9. Petroleum jelly (thin layer) on tret day
   
   Night routine takes less than five minutes on a regular day, +15 min on a tret day

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

So I'm considering:

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

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0039LZW78 this! I find that a lot of vit c serums have vitamin e oil in them, which makes me break out. This one my skin has no problems with :)

Generally blessed to have good skin, until I started breaking out like mad a few months back on my forehead and upper lip area.

Upon the advice of a friend, I tried AHA/BHA to clear myself up from Paula's Choice and Drunken Elephant's Babyfacial but it seemed to make everything much worse.

I finally went to HeyDay and my facialist berated me for following the advice that wasn't right for my skin type. Her theory was that my pores were getting clogged and irritated from being extremely dehydrated (NYC winters) and suggested that I use a gentler cleanser, an exfoliant, and an intense healing balm.

My skin is SO much better now with the extra moisture so my regimen is as follows:

Grown Alchemist Gel Cleanser - Half pump to remove make-up, half pump to cleanse. Day and nighttime.

[Naturopathica Healing Balm] (https://www.amazon.com/Naturopathica-Gotu-Kola-Healing-Balm/dp/B01H60XAH6) Mix with HA and/or MH Vitamin C serum to make it less thick. Use higher concentration at night for healing and less in day because it can be a bit shiny.

[Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid] (https://www.amazon.com/Hyaluronic-Pure-Highest-Anti-Aging-Non-greasy-Paraben-free-Best/dp/B0090UJFYI/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522688559&sr=1-4&keywords=hyaluronic+acid) Honestly, just the Amazon default HA and suits my purposes to mix with the Naturopathica Healing Balm.

[Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum] (https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Hippie-Vitamin-Hyaluronic-Ferulic/dp/B00DKF7XPW/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522688609&sr=1-1&keywords=mad+hippie+vitamin+c+serum) Mix with Naturopathica Healing Balm. I bought this on a whim and my skin got worse when I ran out so I re-introduced this back into my regimen as an HA alternative.

[Grown Alchemist Exfoliant] (https://www.amazon.com/Grown-Alchemist-Polishing-Facial-Exfoliant/dp/B00G3J8J96/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522688670&sr=sr-1&keywords=grown+alchemist+exfoliant) Use 2-3x a week to gently exfoliate at nighttime after cleansing.

[Mad Hippie Sunscreen] (https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Hippie-Products-Facial-Broad-Spectrum/dp/B018E92YAC/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522688706&sr=1-1&keywords=mad+hippie+sunscreen) Terrible at using this daily, but that is the goal!

Weekly:

This face wash
Mon,
Tues,
and Wed morning and night.
Then normal,
mild soap Thurs,
Fri,
Sat. Then the saylic wash again Sun morning, followed by
this saylic acid peel for four minutes (and no more! You'll burn yourself!) Wash acid away with cold water. This made deep, dark acne scars disappear over the span of two years (but started in as little as a few weeks) and cured chronic hormonal adult acne where no medicine or soaps would otherwise. I swear by it now.

Daily:

Wash face, apply toner, let dry. Then apply hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin and pat thoroughly, let dry. Then apply retinol serum and let dry. Lastly, apply the best can't-go-wrong moisturizer to top it all off, let dry, and get on with your day.

 

Seems like a lot, but I had to embark on a "fix your fucked up skin" routine a few months ago, and I gotta say, this routine has done the trick. My pores are tiny, my color is even, my skin is soft, wrinkles have either lessened or disappeared completely, and I feel healthy, and in reality it doesn't take any longer than about five minutes to do.

 

Oh, and wear sunscreen. Sun isn't bad... but a lot of sun is bad. 15 minutes is good. 50, not so much.

I want to start using hyaluronic acid. Should I be looking for anything specific. I'd like to buy from amazon to save money. Is this one okay or do you recommend something else?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090UJFYI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1N3LKFNP2WNVP&coliid=I2E5HIVQ82U1O0&psc=1

Issues: PIE :( I've been getting teeny breakouts around the corners of my mouth/chin and red/pink spots that won't fade for months. I also need to work on not touching my face. Just got a job after being unemployed for 2 months so I think that will help with stress.

My shampoo could be irritating my face. Lush Jersey Bounce which has sodium laureth sulfate. I just love that it makes my hair nice and doesn't irritate my dry scalp, but definitely open to suggestions!

Skin type: I guess it's in between oily/dry. I have very sensitive skin that breaks out with many products.

Current routine:

AM
Cerave Cleanser, Hydrating, for Normal to Dry Skin
Cerave PM
Sunscreen - have been switching between Cerave AM & Biore Sarasara UV Watery Essence

PM
Cerave Cleanser, Hydrating, for Normal to Dry Skin
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
Cerave PM

*Edit: Sorry, I've been using this routine for probably a solid 2-3 years now. I use Cerave in the tub in the winter sometimes when my skin feels drier (apply with a cotton pad I swoop through the tub...). Other relevant details: I use one washcloth each time I dry my face, lightly patting it dry. And I try to change my pillowcases at least once a week. I use a sensitive skin detergent but might need to spring for a new one.

For awhile I used Oz Naturals Vitamin C serum and I felt like it helped, but after reading more in this sub, wasn't sure it was "legit" vitamin c. Thoughts? Should I spring for Paula's Choice?

Any advice is much appreciated!

I have been shopping around for a new vitamin C serum (I use OST's C20. Nothing wrong with it, just curious of what else is out there) and I came across the Oz Naturals one: http://www.amazon.ca/OZ-Naturals-Hyaluronic-Neutralizing-AVAILABLE/dp/B00DPE9EQO/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417015694&sr=1-2

It has glowing reviews (though some of them look suspicious...) but I cannot find any other information, like the pH, elsewhere, not even /r/SkincareAddiction.

I emailed them asking for the pH and a nice lady emailed back saying the pH averages 9.7 since they use Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which converts to LAA once absorbed and it needs the high pH to do that and remain stable. Does anyone know if this is true? I am so used to vitamin C serums being below 4 so 9.7 seems high to me!

Has anyone tried any Oz Natural products?

Specifically the Vitamin C Serum. The price seems almost too good to be true. But, I am a bit worried about the "stabilization" as well as the pH level.

This isn't exactly a routine trouble shooting question, but I'm hoping someone has a suggestion:

I ordered the vitamin C freebie that was posted here a few weeks ago. I've been using twice a day instead of my homemade vitamin C serum, and out of curiosity I decided to test its pH last night to see how close I've been getting my homemade stuff. Well, unfortunately the freebie's pH is 5--a hundred times less acidic than the recommend pH of 3 for a vitC serum.

Can I add some of my powdered vitamin C to the store bought version to lower the pH? Would that have other effects that I'm not aware of?

I saw this product here, in another post about PIH. I have the same PIH problems that you do, due to my lovely Indian coloring. Adding this into my arsenal (retin-A, sunscreen) has helped over the last month. I'm anxious to see what it looks like in another couple of months, as well. I'm also thinking of adding a Vit C serum, once I work out what point to insert into my routine.

http://smile.amazon.com/Niacinamide-Moisturizing-Naturally-Pigmentation-InstaNatural/dp/B00J5N0Y4U/ref=pd_ys_sf_s_rp_a1_1_p?ie=UTF8&refRID=1M4KBEQ5P1M3NFDC8PRB

Like this one?

Vitamin E seems to break me out as well, so I've been using [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TAIFZM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) with no issues.

Ingredients: Water, 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Glycerin.
And it has a pH of 2.5

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

So it sounds like Melano isn't working that great for you if you're still concerned with PIH and increasing brightness? Have you ever tried a 20% Ascorbic acid serum? It really helps to decrease pigmentation issues and increases brightness for me. I used to use 15% Ascorbic acid serum but I really got effects when I switched to 20%. I would recommend a 20% Vitamin C serum especially if you can't use ferments.

Here are some 20% Vitamin C serums that seem to fit your needs with not having any aloe, carbomer, fatty alcohols, denatured alcohol, or ferments. (I don't think I missed anything if I did I apologize. The ingredients lists all look to be without the ingredients you mentioned). One of these is on Amazon and all are under $40:

-Nufountain 20% Vitamin C serum: https://www.amazon.com/NuFountain®-Ferulic-Vitamin-Ordered-Shipping/dp/B0039LZW78

-C21.5% serum but it's from Wishtrend: http://www.wishtrend.com/skin-care/1215-pure-vitamin-c215-advanced-serum-by-wishtrend.html

Then I would also recommend a 5% or higher Niacinimide product to help lighten PIH and increase brightness. Here is one of my favorites that seems to not have any of the ingredients you can't use: https://www.stratiaskin.com/products/rewind

Otherwise here is a good resource for high % niacinimide ab products:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/4gck4u/spreadsheet_of_commonly_suggested_high/

I would also recommend considering adding ginseng into your skin care regimen to increase brightness. I've found ginseng to help increase my skins brightness and glow, similar to ferments but more "lively" of an effect.

This is my new favorite ginseng product, also from Wishtrend and it's under $40 and doesn't appear to have any of the ingredients you mentioned: http://www.wishtrend.com/skin-care/1669-ginseng-serum-iam-from.html?search_query=Ginseng&results=14

They also have a ginseng mask: http://www.wishtrend.com/skin-care/1671-ginseng-mask-i-m-from.html?search_query=Ginseng&results=14

ETA: wait, can you use propylene glycol, caprylyl glycol or butylene glycol or are those also off limits? I'm not sensitive to fatty alcohols so idk if it's particular ones you're sensitive to or literally all of them. God they're in everything wtf?!

If you're sensitive to all then it looks like the C21.5 is your safest bet for high % Ascorbic acid serum? And you can also look at the ab products with Niacinimide resource link I gave as well. High % Ascorbic acid serum and high % Niacinimide should help to lighten PIH and increase brightness :)

You got a bunch of great suggestions already, but if you really want to try a fancy serum, I'd recommend vitamin C. I use this one because vitamin C degrades as it ages, and these guys say they make it fresh when it's ordered. It's got decent scientific evidence for anti-aging, unlike most of the stuff out there that's trendy but lacking evidence and probably snake oil. It's an exfoliant, but it supposedly doesn't leave you more vulnerable to UV damage like most chemical exfoliants do. And something about free radicals, idk.

I use that after I rinse my face in the morning, just a couple of drops in your palm then spread it all over your face neck and chest. Then I top it off with CeraVe AM for a moisturizer + SPF. Exfoliate, moisturize and sunblock are the heavy hitters of skin care, as far as I can tell. Those two guys touch all three bases.

I can't even pretend to help with the other there, I suck at all those. But I think I got skincare pretty well figured out; I read a lot anyway. lol

Thanks for replying🙂 I read about Timeless but haven’t tried it yet. Was debating between that or NuFountain C20 and using it layered with retina a. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0039LZW78/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

A lot of the CeraVe lotions/creams have hyaluronic acid, but they might be thicker than you like. You can also get a hyaluronic acid serum and mix it into whatever lotion you like. http://www.amazon.com/Original-Hyaluronic-Acid-Serum-100%25/dp/B003MJ7Z0O/ref=sr_1_10_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1463545348&sr=1-10&keywords=hyaluronic+acid

Would something like this do?
http://www.amazon.com/Hyaluronic-Acid-Serum-100-Pure/dp/B003MJ7Z0O

I've never asked for samples from Sephora. It's kind of socially awkward for me - but, do I just say something like, "I've heard about this face cream, is there a sample I could take home with me?"

I use this great stuff and affordable.

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

I use Paula's Choice Clear line, the "Daily 5% Benzoyl Peroxide" and the "Anti Redness 2% Salicylic Acid Toner", I have tried the Skin House pore control serum as well. The third product I use that does something for my pores is pure hyaluronic acid.

Paula's Choice Clear Pros

• Makes pores tight! like so freaking tight I can't even believe it, like do I have pores anymore tight.
  
  
• Stops most blemishes and helps them heal.
  
  Cons
  
  
• Flaky peeling peels me all over. Within an inch of application area skin gets peely for a few day so this CANNOT be an everyday product.
  
  
• Makes skin painful when using it for more than two days in a row.
  
  It's so intense I cannot use it as often as I would like so I have to go through cycles of having tight pores and then mildly clogged pores. The fight continues...
  
  
  The Skin House Pore Control Pros
  
  
• Keeps pores in what ever state you apply the serum
  
  Cons
  
  
• Keeps pores in what ever state you apply the serum
  
  This one is really just ok, I intend to buy more AB pore serums but I wouldn't recommend this one.
  
  Pure Hyaluronic Acid Pros
  
  
• Keeps things pretty clean
  
  
• Doesn't hurt or cause peeling
  
  Cons
  
  
• Not super pore tightening but that's not really what it's for...
  
  I started using this stuff for the hydration (so moist!) and noticed it working well on my pores too, it's pretty cheap too.
  

Skin Type: Combo, some slight aging (I'm 31 and right on track)

Country/Climate I'm in: Pacific Northwest

Top Skin Concern: Large pores, under eye bags, general dullness

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:


AM

• splash of water
  
• CeraVe in a tub
  
• generally skin-friendly primers/makeup (ain't nobody got time for more stuff in the morning, particularly anything with wait times...I also find that Mizon Snail Gel, for example, pills up a bit as I layer makeup over it, so I don't trust putting more than lotion on before I paint my face)
  
  
  PM
  
  
• mineral oil cleanse
  
• CeraVe foaming cleanser
  
• P50 toner
  
• Hyaluronic acid serum
  
• Retinol serum
  
• Super C serum (wait 15-20 minutes)
  
• PC AHA (wait 10 mins)
  
• Mizon Snail Recovery Gel
  
• Innisfree White Tone Up eye serum
  
• Mizon Good Night White sleeping mask
  
  
  About once/week or so
  
  
• Innisfree Volcanic Clay mask OR Elizavecca Foaming mask OR Skin Food Black Sugar Strawberry mask, followed by
  
• Benton Snail Bee sheet mask OR MBD Black Pearl sheet mask
  
  
  I specifically want help with:
  
  
• Wait times. In particular, should I be waiting after the P50 toner? Right now I'm just using it in rapid fire along with some other stuff.
  
• Routine in general - I'm slowly transitioning over to more AB products...what do I have room to add at this time?

I find a listing on Amazon where there aren't any FBA sellers (or maybe just one) - there are many to be found. Then I go out and buy one of that product. If it sells I buy more. I'm talking common items you can buy from anywhere. If more people start selling it, I drop it from inventory.

Well here's one that didn't work.
Best-Selling Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin

When I found it there were no FBA sellers. I bought one from Amazon (I don't usually do that, I usually buy elsewhere). Repackaged it and sent it back in. Unfortunately the one seller (there was only one seller originally and they were MF) decided to put the product on FBA. So I stopped selling it.

I think I priced it at $25 or $30, but when I saw the other person selling it for $14.95 I lowered my price to $20 and sold it (at a slight loss). But if the other seller wasn't doing FBA I could have sold it on FBA for $25 or $30.

Sometimes it does happen that there is only one seller but a week or two later when my product reaches the warehouse there are other sellers.

There was another product I bought from Costco for $6. I thought I could sell it for $29.99. The listing was up and there were no sellers. I bought 10. But many other people bought that product from Costco and now there are 20 sellers and the lowest price is $12 (they really won't make a profit at that price). So I will sit and wait for others to sell out.
This often happens with Costco products and as long as it's not food with best before dates I can sit and wait for it to sell. BTW I've also listed it on eBay because it will be a while before mine sell.

There was another product I bought from Costco for $9.99 and sold for $35. I bought 3. I was the only seller. I sold 3. I went back and bought another 6 and may go next week to buy more. Although this is a Costco product no one else is selling it. That is rare.

IMHO Costco is not really the best place to source for FBA because so many people buy at Costco and resell, although most of them are MF and not FBA. Costco is best when a product is new and limited.

I have combination skin. Best addition to my regime has been this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0090UJFYI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521929976&sr=8-1&keywords=hydrolaunic+acid+serum&dpPl=1&dpID=41n61pI8iaL&ref=plSrch

I use it after washing and then follow it up with this. https://everymanjack.com/skin/sun-protection/face-lotion-spf20.html

yeah, i've definitely noticed a difference in fine lines! the ones i'm using are:

• mizon original skin energy hyaluronic acid 100
  
• mizon original skin energy collagen 100
  
• mizon multi function formula snail repair intensive
  
  i'm interested in trying the mizon original sum skin energy peptide 500 (the green bottle) also.
  
  i pat the hyaluronic acid ampoule onto my forehead, my undereyes, and on the outside nooks of my nose (my driest areas). then, i repeat with the collagen and snail ampoules, but leave my nose alone.
  
  my skin is normally super dry, and i really think these have made a huge difference!
  
  i apply them at night for a few nights to a week in a row, then stop for a week or two. my skin is somewhat sensitive, so i need to apply the ampoules in smallish doses so my skin doesn't freak out.
  
  i hope this helps!
  
  
  

MIZON Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B73SMFY?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Thank you! Is this the one you’re referring to?
Mizon Snail Ampoule

> What snail ampoules do you like?


I personally use Mizo Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule. Other people may have a better recommendation. This is the only one I’ve tried and it works for me so I keep using it.

It's not AB, but I love using CeraVe PM as my moisturizer under makeup. It plays very well with my makeup and my sunscreens.

When I'm in a time crunch and need a routine that dries quicker than my usual routine, I use ampoules instead of a regular moisturizer. On days that I do that, this is what my routine is before sunscreen/primer/makeup:

• Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin
  
• Mizon Marine Collagen Ampoule
  
• Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule

This is the one I use! It's inexpensive and I think it works well. :)

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

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


AM:

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

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

I just started using this. It absorbs very fast and will last a while. Vitamin C also increases collagen production which is a plus. Most drug store vitamin C products are worthless as they either dont contain enough of the vitamin or come in a clear bottle. It comes with a dropper so dont leave it off for too long bc of the air contact.

Ulta has a Vitamin C section with Murad products. I got the sample pack; it comes with good products: vitamin C face wash, hydroquinone which is an alternative lightener, some kind of radiance serum, and vitamin c p+++ spf 30 sunscreen. However, after learning more, i didnt see the sodium ascorbyle phosphaste (vitamin c) in any of the ingredients and found it uses the hydroquinone to lighten which works a bit faster but lacks collagen benefits. The face wash and sunscreen came in clear bottles. Anyways, i would just buy actual vitamin c serum like that i previously mentioned and use a good sunscreen/lotion on it afterwards.

Here's my line up:

AM:

CeraVe hydrating face wash

Secret Key Snail +EFG toner

Stridex maximum strength

Petunia Skincare Anti-aging serum

Missha Marine Stem cell emulsion

CeraVe creme lotion

Neutrogena 60spf

Tonymoly Latte morning pack (I use this as a primer because it is slightly sticky- your makeup should go on evenly over this and not run)

For makeup I am using up a few bb creams by mixing them. I don't use powder over them lately, but when I do, I user the Innisfree no sebum mineral powder.


PM

Baby oil to remove makeup, wipe off with toilet paper

CeraVe foaming cleanser

SecretKey toner again

Tretinoin

SecretKey Snail repair emulsion

CeraVe creme lotion again

Tonymoly Aquaporin Sleep Pack


I do masks on the nights I don't use the tretinoin (every other night).

Good luck!

Edit: I gave you links, but it's all Amazon - do NOT pay these prices for the Korean products. It was just a convenience to me. I bought ask of mine on eBay for half the cost in most cases.

I'm not sure, but here is the listing on Amazon. I skimmed quickly but it didn't jump out at me.

In the directions, it said to cleanse, tone, then apply the serum. But everything I've read on this sub says to cleanse, then apply the serum, and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before applying anything else.

i really like the Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum, and you can't beat the price! https://www.amazon.com/Amara-Organics-Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic/dp/B00G2TQNZ4/ref=nav_signin?ie=UTF8&qid=1496439467&sr=8-2&keywords=amara+organics+vitamin+c+serum&

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I do actually oil cleanse in the evening to make sure I get the sunscreen off! I just use a mixture of castor and mineral oils.

For night time moisturizer I'm currently using Ole Henricksen Sheer Transformation on the nights I use the Vitamin C serum, and Ren ClearCalm3 on the nights I do Tazorac (I switch them every other night). I didn't realize there were different types of Vitamin C serums; I'm currently using Amara Organics Vitamin C with hyaluronic acid.

I've never heard of Arbutin, but I'll look it up!

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

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

Definitely have a look at /r/SkincareAddiction in the sidebar about PIH.

In short:

Red marks can be faded over time, that is PIH. You will have to take some time to find what works best for you, but many people find daily application of an AHA (example), or retinoids (example), or niacinamide (example) expedites the fading process.

For thick scars, I believe the same treatment can help improve the appearance, but don't expect it to completely go away. A dermatologist is likely to provide more help than OTC things.

Good luck!

Should I stay away from products that say brightening and/or lightening? I've been considering buying this, but the 'lightening' in the title is throwing me off.

I found a less potent but still super effective one on amazon. It’s only 5% and 1% but it has aloe and HA added in. I really fucking love it, honestly. It helped toughen up my skin to use the TO! I think it was pretty inexpensive let me get the link.

It shouldn’t burn though. None of that shit is worth being in pain 😭

5% niacinimide hashtag not affilated

Paula's Choice has a lot of really really nice toners. Any one of them would be a great addition, really, unless you had a negative reaction to one. I use this one, and am going through my second bottle of it. It's slightly hydrating and has some anti-inflammatory an antioxidant properties.

I've used this as a toner, too, and liked it. It's got some brightening properties, and I usually can't use products with niacinamide, but I was able to use this.

• Skin Type: Combination + Redness | Country/Climate I'm in: Dry Southern California | Top Skin Concern: Redness/Whitening/Filaments
  
• Current Routine/Products I'm Using:
  
  AM
  
  
• CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
  
• Klairs Supple Toner
  
• PC 2% BHA Liquid
  
• Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Essence
  
• OST C20 Serum
  
• It's Skin WH Effector w/Arbutin Serum
  
• CeraVe PM Lotion
  
• Nivea SPF50/PA++++
  
  PM
  
  
• Have yet to do, but am thinking same as AM minus sunblock, and maybe minus BHA liquid also
  
  I'm new to skincare and did a bulk buy of the above products based on what I've read in this sub. I'd appreciate advice on...
  
  
• Are the products in the correct order of usage?
  
• How much time should I wait between using each step? (cleanser --> toner --> essence --> serums --> lotion)
  
• During my first run through the above products, I experienced redness and a bit of a burning sensation. I will start the process of elimination with PC BHA liquid.
  
• Am looking to replace WH Effector serum with Benton SnailBee Essence. Yay/Nay/KeepBoth?
  
• Thanks! :)
  

He recommended in another comment the vitamin C serum www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M4MCUAF

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E, 1 fl oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fmSWBb2YJ12ZZ

Is this a good vit c serum? Seems to have amazing reviews

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4MCUAF?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I started using this 2 weeks ago and I notice a huge difference in hydration. It has vitamin e and c as well as hyaluronic acid. I also use the hydrating treatment lotion from Aveda under the serum. And FAB ultra hydrating creme over top of everything once it’s all absorbed. Good luck!

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

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

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

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

https://imgur.com/gallery/RYK8f

Hi guys. I have combination skin. I suffer from occasional acne breakouts. But in general, my skin texture is not smooth. I think I have large pores too. I wanted your opinion on this Tea tree Oil Face Creammoisturizer. My current face routine includes:

1. Cleanser
   
2. Exfoliator
   
3. Toner
   
4. Serum
   
5. Moisturizer (switching to a new one)
   
6. Sunscreen
   
   Any comment on other products is appreciated too. Thanks!

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

​

Morning:

Cleanser: Trader Joe's All-In-One

Toner: Witch Hazel

Serum: Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin

Vitamin C Serum

Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free

Sunscreen: Neutrogena Clear Face

​

Evening:

Cleanser: Trader Joe's All-In-One

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

Toner: Witch Hazel

Serum: Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin

Retinal: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

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

Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free

​

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

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 bought this one! But I think any other one would do, there’s some cheaper ones with good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic-Acid-Face/dp/B01M1HIIUT/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=vitamin+c+serum&qid=1558195919&s=gateway&sprefix=vitam&sr=8-6

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

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

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

Try using a glycolic acid toner. (Pixie has a good one).

It also depends on your budget. I have some disposable income because I work in stem so I use Creme de la Mer, Sunday Riley Good Genes and Luna Oil, and Dr Dennis Gross daily peel pads. These all help a lot with scaring.

If you’re on a tighter budget there is a great vitamin c serum on amazon (link below).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M1HIIUT/ref=mp_s_a_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520575855&sr=8-7&keywords=vitamin+c+serum&dpPl=1&dpID=61NyTJFxmtL&ref=plSrch

Yes I did see noticeable improvement, however it's no miracle cure and I do still have dark circles, just not nearly as dark as they used to be. The SAP serum I'm currently using is TruSkin Vitamin C Serum which I got off Amazon, however I bought this serum before really getting into skincare and therefore bought it because it was convenient and had great reviews, not necessarily because it was the "best" as a result of extensive research :) I think next I will try the Mad Hippie vitamin C serum because that also uses SAP and has the vit C listed much higher on its ingredients.

I will say that I also bought Truskin's Eye Gel and, when used together with their SAP serum, I think gave me the strongest results (like stronger than the SAP serum alone). I'm not 100% on this because it's been awhile since I've used it and I might be mis-remembering, but I wanted to mention it just in case. I do feel like my circles have re-darkened a bit since I stopped use, but that might be due to it being winter or something. I noticed at the time I was using it that the Eye Gel alone without the SAP serum did not nearly give me the results as the Eye Gel with the SAP serum, hence why I repurchased the SAP serum and didn't bother with the Eye Gel (I thought all my results were from the serum... Which they might have been... Ah now I need to repurchase it and test again :P).

By the way, have you ever heard of laser treatments to lessen under eye circles? In my area you can get them for $400 per treatment and it takes 3ish treatments to fully treat. I haven't done it but was seriously considering for awhile. Might be worth it in the long run when you think of all the products you buy looking for the answer. I still might do them.

Also, the BEST cover up for super dark circles is Dermablend Leg and Body Cover. It is meant for covering up bruises and tattoos, so not only is it high-coverage, but is a little orange-y to counteract the bluey-purple of the dark circles. I usually apply a tiny amount just to take the dark out from under my eyes and then put another layer of a better-matching foundation on top. Since it's meant for body wear, it does not wear off throughout the day. I only use it for special events now because my dark circles have gotten better, but back in the day it was my HG for covering these suckers up. It makes it look like you don't even have dark circles.

Hopefully this helps!

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

AM

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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



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


SKINCARE ROUTINE



AM

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

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

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

Aaannd Part 2^(the links made it too long ;_;)



On the 11th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me eleven Yeasty Essences, ten Brightening Essences, nine Ceramide Gels, eight Melting Lip Tints, seven Warming Eye Masks, six Donkey Sheet Masks, five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

On the 12th day of Christmas, my Snailer snailed to me twelve Green Tea Serums, eleven Yeasty Essences, ten Brightening Essences, nine Ceramide Gels, eight Melting Lip Tints, seven Warming Eye Masks, six Donkey Sheet Masks, five Sleeping Masks, four Berry Bombs, three pH Strips, two facial oils, and a Kikumasamune.

Phew! It'd be so lovely if Christmas were like this :P

Edit: Formatting^(I knew I'd mess up somewhere! lol)

Where does a "Essence Toner" go into a routine? I'm so confused. Is it the "hydrating toner" step? In that case, is it after the "First Essence" and before the essence? What's the difference between a first essence and essence? @ _ @ What if the product just says essence?


Is the Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence a "First Essence"? And would the Corsx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence, and BENTON Snail Bee High Content Essence just be normal essences that go after the first essence and hydrating toner?


And what would this be classified as?


o w o; Sorry for all the questions. I've read dozens of product order posts but they're always slightly different, and it's hard to keep track of what products go where since they all kind of seem different.


edit: added links and changed formatting.

the coconut oil is usually in a solid state in cool temps so I mix it with the mineral oil in a small bottle to keep it dissolved. Then I just rub it all over my face to remove makeup dirt and grime. I leave it on for about 4-5 minutes while I hop in the shower and take it off with the neutrogena. Also /r/skincareaddiction has great sidebar material on it.

The essence I use is this.

Yes I rotate the aha and bha because they do different things.

Yes after all the lotions and stuff I put the oil that i used from step one as a thin coat to seal in all the lotions.

That is exactly the snail mucin I use.

I have noticed a very huge difference in my skin. It feels fuller, softer, brighter, and more youthful.

The only thing on my mind is this.

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

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

A little background:

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

Good old Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_n.VJAbBHR1P5G

This one in Amazon? - the english on the real bottles is bad. I would say most of those 'fake' reviews are from people scared of non-Roman alphabets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is long. Sorry!

Disclaimer that there are different types of rosacea and everyone responds to medications a little differently. What works for me may not work for you and I am not a doctor. Check out /r/skincareaddiction as they have a lot of resources for most of the stuff listed below. Also, sometimes rosacea is actually caused by mites called demodex. (Gross I know!) Treatment for that is a prescription for ivermectin. I don't know how to verify if that's what causes yours, but asking your derm couldn't hurt.

I was diagnosed with mild rosacea about 10 years ago and had the metro gel prescription (same active as in your metro cream) and honestly it did not help me. My flare ups are the the result of temperature, exercise, and strong emotions, so diet changes didn't do much either. I recently went to try a new dermatologist and they said that the only thing they think would have any significant impact is laser treatment. That's out of my price range so I've just been working on keeping it from getting worse, and using skin care products that make it less noticeable. I've been happy with my routine which includes the following products.

Things that have helped to keep it from getting worse and in general make me less red:

• Azelaic acid. This is my holy grail, the absolute best skincare product I've ever used. If you only use one thing on this list, use this. It's helped both my cystic acne and the occasional rosacea specific breakouts. I responded so well to the OTC stuff my derm recommended against a prescription which has higher % of active ingredients than the OTC. I really like Malezepam because it's cheap and lasts forever. Be warned, it can sting and be itchy. The Ordinary has some too that works almost as well, but their tube is small and doesn't last as long. Use this at night because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. This is my last step after my moisturizer has sunk in.
  
• Vitamin C serum. It both seems to calm down my redness in the morning, and also boost the effectiveness of sunscreen, which is helpful because with rosacea you're extra susceptible to burns. I have used a couple, but am currently using Avalon Organics and like it ok, the fragrance isn't my favorite. Do research on this if you get Vit-C serum as it breaks down quickly and not all formulations are useful. Simple Skincare Science is a gold mine of good research on skincare products, and I like this write up on Vit-C. Use this in the morning before you put on sunscreen/makeup.
  
• Cicapair. This is supposed to help calm skin down during flare ups, but I've not really experienced that. It's just a green tinted moisturizer with SPF that nicely tones down redness for me. The link above is a dupe of Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment that they sell at Sephora for far too much. :) I use this in the morning as sort of a BB cream.
  
• [A313 Retinol] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GLZY90A/) non-prescription strength retinol. Feels like petroleum jelly, but helps reduce redness. Use at night after your moisturizer has sunk in. I only use this once or twice a week to replace the azelaic acid.
  
• Snail mucin. I like the stuff from Cors RX but there are a bunch out there. This helps your skin stay hydrated, (after flare ups my face gets really dry) and helps lessen healing time after breakouts. It supposedly has anti-aging properties too, though I haven't noticed any specifically. A lot of snail mucins are paired with bee essence. Those made me flush, so be careful with those. I use this right before nightly moisturizer.
  
  Good luck. Rosacea can be so demoralizing so I hope at least something here will work for you. <3

-teepees fingers-

Literal snail slime.
1, 2

Cleanser > BHA (let dry) > Snail Slime 1 > Snail Slime 2 > SPF after it dries.

I use a lot of things, but if I were stranded on a desert island, I would want the 2 snail slimes and SPF. I'm 31 and my family all aged very quickly, so far I only have one forehead wrinkle from making the o_O face a lot.

Well, I use an r/Asianbeauty moisturizing routine which usually consists of:

1. An essence: Corsx snail Mucin or sinic honey all in one or hadalabo premium hyaluronic solution which has 7 weights of hyaluronic acid!
   
   
2. Argan oil or fortify which is a perfect blend of all 3 omega fatty acids
   
   
3. Liquid gold which is a ceramide based serum
   
   
4. My night pack, which is occlusive heavy. Something like cerave in the tub or aquaphor.
   
   Essentially for optimal hydration from a moisturizer you want:
   
5. Emollient 2. Humectant 3. Occlusive
   
   And make sure your cleanser is PH balanced and gentle!

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

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

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

Ahh hydrating toner recommendations-

Dear Klairs

Corsx essence

Missha essence

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

​

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

Skin type: dry/dehydrated (I think), pores, redness
Country: USA
Climate: hot and humid

Current routine: I just started so bear with me! My AM and PM are basically the same except I occasionally use AHAs or BHAs.

-splash face with water OR wash with Fresh soy face cleanser if I feel gross
-*in PM, I occasionally use stridex red box or pixi glow tonic and wait 20 min before continuing.
-hada labo gokugyn moist (just got this yesterday)
-missha geum sul first essence booster
-Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence
-Cosrx propolis light ampule (I honestly don't know what this is for lol)
-Cerave PM or FAB ultra repair cream
-aquaphor on lips and occasionally really dry spots.


My question: my skin tends to get red (like flush, not really get irritated) really easily. I want to even out my complexion and work on PIE. What can I do to help this?

Edit: I don't use sunscreen only because I'm chronically ill and on IV therapy, so I hardly ever see the sun :( and I do use Itcosmetics CC cream which has SPF 50 in it.

I bought mine from Amazon from Cosrx and it has the same label. The image on SokoGlam also has the same bad english description.
Looks like Soko Glam's ingredient list is also the same just in a different order.

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence

If you find that your face ever feels dry maybe it would be useful to add a hydrating essence or serum of some sort. I am a fan of this CosRX product for some simple hydration. I do have dry skin though.

I have also heard that Niacinamide is helpful for pore size, fine lines and skin tone. If you like the PC brand they have a Niacinamide booster or there are some other more affordable types. A lot of the time searching within this subreddit or /r/AsianBeauty can be really helpful if you are looking for something to address a particular concern or a product type.

I purchased Snail 96 from Amazon here at the beginning of the month and they seem to still have some in stock.

Hi, I'm in Canada and bought through Amazon.ca. Specifically https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00PBX3L7K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
Edit to add: you'll likely find other sources discussed in /r/AsianBeauty/

I recently ordered mine off of Amazon and had no issue with it being a fake! I got it from this seller https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBX3L7K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 NVM. I was hasty and only read good reviews, pretty sure I got a fake. I had no idea this was even a thing so thanks for bringing it to my attention ;;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help me! :)

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

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

24 yo F | Skin Type: oily | Country/Climate I'm in: cold and dry (Canadian East Coast) | Top Skin Concern: oiliness, acne, large pores, blackheads, SF

 

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser (soon to be replaced by a SLS & paraben free cleanser)
  
  
• Thayer's Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Toner
  
  
• 1 drop tea tree oil, 1 drop eucalyptus oil, 2 drops argan oil/1 drop each argan oil & jojoba oil (depends on if the temperature is below zero degrees)
  
  PM
  
  
• African black soap
  
  
• Thayer's Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Toner
  
  
• 1 drop tea tree oil, 1 drop eucalyptus oil, 2 drops argan oil/1 drop each argan oil & jojoba oil (depends on if the temperature is below zero degrees)
  
  In the last month, I have also started to alternate between strong glycolic and salicylic acid peels every Friday evening.
  
   
  
  I have purchased the Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner and BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and am wondering where to insert them in my current skincare regimen and if I need to wait between applying each product. Also, if I were to start using a 20% Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) & 11% hyaluronic acid serum, where in my regimen would I use that?
  
   
  
  And finally, can anyone recommend an oil-free, non-greasy sunscreen that can be accommodated by a student budget? I have tried all the supermarket & drugstore brands, which are all lying liars, as well as the Biore ones in those little blue and pink bottles. I HATE sunscreen. I can't stand the smell, feel or texture. I need it to really be lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comodogenic.
  
  Thank you all so much!

In Canada we have a Vit C serum, not sure of the quality, maybe someone else can share their experiences

I get mine from Amazon it’s very reasonably priced!
20% Vitamin C Serum - 60 ml / 2 oz Made in Canada - Certified Organic + 11% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E Moisturizer + Collagen Boost - Reverse Skin Aging, Remove Sun Spots, Wrinkles and Dark Circles, Excellent for Sensitive Skin + Includes Pump & Dropper https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PL3DK26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NlVWAb1QP8E6R

I've been using [this vitamin C serum] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vitamin-Hyaluronic-Moisturizer-Sensitive-Wrinkles/dp/B00PL3DK26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454085670&sr=8-1) since early December, and I'm really happy with it. I haven't been keeping it in the fridge and it hasn't oxidized at all (it comes with a pump so you don't have to constantly open the bottle).

20% Vitamin C Serum - 60 ml / 2 oz Made in Canada - Certified Organic + 11% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E Moisturizer + Collagen Boost - Reverse Skin Aging, Remove Sun Spots, Wrinkles and Dark Circles, Excellent for Sensitive Skin + Includes Pump & Dropper
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PL3DK26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xU.RCbZ51RQGD

• cerave facial cleanser
  Foaming Facial Cleanser - Normal To Oily Skin by CeraVe for Unisex - 12 oz Cleanser https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J0IPCb46RTP22
  
  
• thayers witch hazel toner
  Thayers Natural Remedies Witch Hazel Toner, Rose Petal, 12 fl. Oz. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B007HD570Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_g2IPCbDH2BAVP
  
  
  
  
• all natural advice 20% vitamin c serum
  20% Vitamin C Serum - 60 ml / 2 oz Made in Canada - Certified Organic + 11% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E Moisturizer + Collagen Boost - Reverse Skin Aging, Remove Sun Spots, Wrinkles and Dark Circles, Excellent for Sensitive Skin + Includes Pump & Dropper https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PL3DK26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_c0IPCb5SGGMPX
  
  
• brickell eye restoring cream
  Brickell Men's Restoring Eye Cream for Men - Anti Aging Eye Balm To Reduce Puffiness, Wrinkles, Dark Circles, Under Eye Bags - .5 oz https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00QL67MY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_m1IPCbD5SEVN4
  
  
• all natural advice daily moisturizer
  All Natural Advice Daily Moisturizer with Peptide and Hyaluronic Acid | Canadian Made | Organic | Age-Defying Skincare for Face and Neck | Anti-Aging Complex for Natural Skin Tone and Healthy Radiance | 120 ml | Double the Size https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XVZDGGR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8YIPCbGEHFHYF
  
  i also ordered elta md broad spectrum sun screen
  EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30+, 3 Ounces https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MTJ02SX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_42IPCbABTWHS5
  
  .
  I've read some sunscreens have a matte finish so hoping this might.
  
  I'm a guy fwiw who just recently went down the skin care rabbit hole after getting an essential oil diffuser and reading they have skin benefits as well, so this is all new to me
  
  

Yes! It's very drying, so you have to take extra care to prevent breakouts. My skincare:

Toner: Fresh rosewater toner
Serum: vitamin c & hyaluronic acid serum
Moisturizer: Fresh rose deep hydration face cream

I hope this helps!!

I found this to work really well https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNXQE94/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_CdOMyb8TGXX52

I just clean my face at night with ceraVe foaming cleaner and then apply the vitamin C serum to the face via the dropper they provide.

I've dealt with acne all of my life, trying different things, eventually got on Claravis, which really did the trick to eliminate the cystic acne, but I'm always getting white heads and some black heads on my nose still.

The above suggestion hopefully will be some help.

This serum has been working great for my acne scars and frown lines, or if you don't trust it, just straight up Vitamin E oil is good for my skin as well. I also use the Biore Aqua Riche sunscreen which is perfect for my oily skin. I also found this toner to work much better with my skin than the Kate Somerville one. I now only use the KS one when I have a breakout.

I just picked a random one with good reviews and prime shipping on Amazon based on this post

http://www.allure.com/story/scar-treatment-vitamin-c

I use

https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Face-fl-Hyaluronic/dp/B00VNXQE94

Cosmedica Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AH4MJ02/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ft2MzbM4MXV89

or this stuff is really good

Vitamin C Serum Plus 2% Retinol, 3.5% Niacinamide, 5% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Salicylic Acid, 10% MSM, 20% Vitamin C - Skin Clearing Serum - Anti-Aging Skin Repair, Supercharged Face Serum (1 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BT02Q88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wx2MzbCG17N30

I used both.

I picked up a MUCH better routine so day-to-day it’s better than when I was younger, but I have some residual sun spots that I want to zap off in the near future. My frown lines also started to settle, so hiiiii forehead Botox (zero ragrets).

Here’s my routine:

*****

AM

Moisturize:

Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Replenishing Moisturizer http://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-recovery-replenishing-moisturizer/186.html?cgid=category-moisturizers#start=5

Sunscreen:

EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000PHRIYE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_a_it/130-7876967-3039938?ie=UTF8&qid=1511363261&sr=8-4&keywords=elta+md+sunscreen&dpPl=1&dpID=317QwX2tu3L&ref=plSrch

If I’m putting on makeup, I try to use a primer to protect my skin and give me a lil glow:

COVER FX Illuminating Primer https://m.sephora.com/product/illuminating-primer-P392107?icid2=skugrid

PM

Wash off makeup:

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017PCGABI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511363325&sr=8-3&keywords=garnier+micellar+water&dpPl=1&dpID=415AdUVVeSL&ref=plSrch

Treat spots:

Paula’s Choice RESIST BHA 9 Treatment http://www.paulaschoice.com/resist-bha-9-treatment/773.html

Nightly AHA:

Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum, 14% Glycolic AHA https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Skin-Care-fragrance-free-paraben-free/dp/B01BW71W4W

If I’m breaking out:

SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant http://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-lotion-exfoliant/205.html

Otherwise:

Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Replenishing Moisturizer http://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-recovery-replenishing-moisturizer/186.html?cgid=category-moisturizers#start=5

The occasional OCM:

Johnson's Baby Oil With Shea & Cocoa Butter https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WEBVM5U/ref=mp_s_a_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511364971&sr=8-14&keywords=Johnson%27s+Baby

I agree that adding an AHA could help. I use a 14% glycolic serum from Alpha Skin mostly, but I also have a bottle of the Cosrx AHA 7.

I find the Cosrx kind of meh, but it's good for a break a couple times a week from the stronger stuff, and I honestly think my opinion of the Cosrx might be what it is because I've been using stronger acids for so long. I would definitely not recommend anyone start with a 14% or really even a 10% or 12% to be honest. Again, do not buy the serum I linked above if you're starting AHA for the first time because it will likely cause a lot of issues. So I think the Cosrx could be a good thing to try to start.

An AHA won't get deep into the pores like BHA will, though. I've had good success with Fiddy's pore-clearing method. It's actually the only time I've ever gotten "grits." I do this about once a week. It's not a permanent solution, but keeping up with it keeps my pores looking nicer than they've ever looked before.

> Alpha Skincare glycolic acid

This one?

Damn australia

sure!

https://www.ulta.com/intensive-renewal-serum?productId=xlsImpprod13762037 ulta

https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Skin-Care-Fragrance-Free-Paraben-Free/dp/B01BW71W4W/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=alpha%2Bskincare&qid=1556042353&s=gateway&sr=8-4&th=1 amazon

​

I believe Walgreens also sells them but that was a year ago when I last checked.

Hmm. Hmmmm! So, here are a few suggestions (no affiliate/referral links):

Swanicoco Fermentation Snail Skin Toner

I've used this before and it's really nice. It's so different from a Western toner. Semi-opaque, with an oddly thick texture. It's so hydrating and soothing, and smells fantastic.

Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin

I haven't used this one, but I WANNA SO BADLY. It's been well-reviewed by a lot of trusted beauty bloggers, and sounds amazing.

cosRX Whitening Power Essence

I'm currently using this and it's fantastic. The short, but effective ingredient list means there's less chance of irritation/ingredient your skin doesn't agree with. Super popular on this sub.

Klairs Supple Preparation Toner original reformulated

Hello! At age 31 and after years of struggling with acne I think I have things more or less under control (BP cleanser, followed by stridex in the red box wipes and P50). My skin can take a lot of acid, and totally freaks out with moisturizer, so I always try to be careful and avoid any potential clogging- in the AM I use LJH Propolis Ampule before makeup and at night I have been using Renee Rouleau Skin Correcting Serum, which I like and hasn't broken me out, but its WILDLY expensive for a tiny amt. I have been looking for dupes with at least some of key ingredients (below) and would love advice on what could be a good replacement. I was thinking about getting Niacinamide from the ordinary and maaaaybe even CosRX Galayctomites Essence to mimic the Saccharomyces Lystate but change is scary! At the same time, my skin isn't actively breakout out and what I really need is moisture and brightening. Should I stick with what's working or is there a better option out there?

• Beta Glucan - strengthen skin's immune system to lessen sensitivity
  
• Superoxide Dismutase - antioxidant to ease inflammation
  
• Saccharomyces Lysate (Tissue Respiratory Factors)- cell-energizing, stimulates oxygen consumption and combats irritation
  
• Phospholipids - balances hydration within the skin
  
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - fades discoloration from breakouts, regulates oil production, lessens blemish activity
  
• Biosaccharide Gum-2 - balances microflora to reduce blemishes

Hello! I am a beginner to all this routine stuff, so I'd like some input before I buy a bunch of stuff.

Usually oily, sometimes combo | SE United States/humid | Top Skin Concern: Blackheads, brightening, evening skin tone

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
  
  
• CaraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  
  PM
  
  
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
  
  
• Stridex pads
  
  
  What I've come up with:
  
  Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
  
  Cosrx Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence
  
  Hada Labo Shirojyun Albutin Medicinal Whitening Lotion
  
  Biore UV Aqua Rich Smooth Watery Gel
  
  I'm not sure if I am missing any important steps, but please let me know if I should change anything.
  
  I have also seen many great things about Benton Snail Bee Essence. Would it be worth adding in?
  
  Thanks!
  
  

Hey all,

I've been a lurker of this sub for a few months and am finally beginning to incorporate AB products with my fairly extensive green beauty line up. I've been using several Dr. Jart products for the last few years and finally made more AB purchases in the last few days based on extensive research:

• Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
  
• Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
  
  I also went a little sheet mask happy at the Honolulu Duty Free Beauty Store on my way home from Hawaii (whoops):
  
  
• SNP Birds Nest Aqua Ampoule Mask
  
• Dr. Jart Dermask Water Jet Soothing Hydra Solution
  
• MediHeal Collagen Impact Essential Mask
  
  
  Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive
  
  Country/Climate I'm in: NYC [typically humid AF, cold cold winters]
  
  Top Skin Concern: Anti-Aging (Hello early 30's), Hydration
  
  Current Routine/Products I'm Using:
  
  AM:
  
  
• Splash of Water
  
• [Moroccan Rose Water](https://www.amazon.com/Elma-Sana-Moroccan-Water-- Ounce/dp/B003XKW8RM/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1483909400&sr=8-7&keywords=rose+water)
  
• Pixi Glow by Petra - Every 2-3 days, HG product for me
  
• Pai Organics BioRegenerate Rosehip Oil
  
• Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (I want to replace this since the main ingredient is mineral oil.)
  
• Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++
  
  PM:
  
  
• Dr. Jart Dermaclear Micro Water - This is only usually used in the summer or when I have to take off a lot of eye make up
  
• One One Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil - HG product for me, use it throughout the fall and winter
  
• Pixi Glow by Petra - Every 2-3 days, HG product for me
  
• My Own Face Oil Blend [Jojoba, Vitamin E, Seabuckthorn, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Geranium]
  
• Dr. Jart Ceremidian Cream - Fall/Winter mostly since $$$
  
  I also have a rotation of balms and masks that I use as necessary:
  
  
• One Love Organics Skin Savior
  
• Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Face Mask - Total HG product, saved my skin after a horrible sunburn from wakeboarding one day
  
• LATHER honey moisture mask
  with propolis extract - Discovered this brand during a long layover at the Atlanta airport. Really amazing products with great, natural ingredients
  
• Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask
  
• Dr. Jart Premium Firming Sleeping Mask - I am just realizing this product is no longer available
  
  
  My biggest concern is anti-aging and the puffy bags under my eyes. My skin also responds beautifully to natural ingredients and has completely changed after incorporating an AHA and Ceramides. Any recommendations on what I can do to better my routine would be very helpful! Really curious what everyone here thinks about the addition of Retinol, Vitamin C or any other hydration steps. How can I best use each product? Am I going in the right order? Help! Thanks :)
  
  
  Edit: I can't figure out formatting. Sorry this may be difficult to read. NAILED IT.

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

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

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

I use this snail essence

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

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

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

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

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

My face.

Combo/Oily - NW United States (Oregon) - Main skin concern is acne/acne scars and combatting oiliness/dryness (it's gets uber flaky when it's colder out).

AM:

• FAB Exfoliating Pads
  
  
• Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture SPF 35
  
  (I've tried washing my face in the morning and it just dries out my skin really bad, so I just use the toner pads)
  
  PM:
  
  
• 1st step: Sephora Cleansing Oil
  
  
• 2nd step: Boscia Charcoal Cleansing Gel (Note I did just start using this a week ago. Before I used Lush face wash in Dark Angels)
  
  
• FAB Toner Pad
  
  
• It's Skin VC Effector
  
  
• Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence
  
  I use the VC in my under eyes and oilier places, then use the Cosrx on my drier/more acne affected areas.
  
  
• Ole Henrikson Sheer Transformation
  
  I sometimes (like once a week) use a random sheet mask to try but I never noticed and difference with my acne.
  
  My main issue is the acne on the sides of my face. They're not huge or cyst-like and a lot of them are mainly scars and just tiny bumps. How in the ever living shit do I get rid of them?! The sides of my face don't get oily or dry and are pretty much normal. The toner pads have helped a lot with bringing them down, but I haven't noticed much of a difference other than that. Is there anything I'm missing?

I like these products that I regularly use:

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

It's this one. https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523149263&sr=8-1&keywords=cosrx+96

Here are the products pictured:

Etude House bubble tea sleeping pack

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

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

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

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

Ah thats what I was scared of.

I bought mucin skin snail : https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K

Will this do anything?

Sorry, kind of a long winded post based off of inexperience.

Skin Type: I believe I have dry skin, the only issues I have with my skin is flakey patches every once in a while, especially on my forehead and in between my eyebrows. I've also noticed under my eyebrow hairs! Ew! I've never had a problem with oil. Never MAC matched, my current foundation is Naked Skin 1.0 and it's way too dark.

Country/Climate I'm in: Illinois- weather changes all the time. Recently it has been very cool here.

Top Skin Concern: Dry skin. I consistantly have hormonal acne breakouts on my chin which are usually deep and don't have a head. I have a tendency to pick which I know is bad! :( I am currently on birthcontrol. I have redness on the sides of my nose. I also have dark circles under my eyes. The darkness may be caused my having thin skin under my eyes. I can literally see a blood vessel running under my eye!

Current Routine/Products I'm Using:
AM
Cerave knock off moisturizer in the tub

PM
yes to blueberries age refresh smoothing daily cleanser
Cerave knock off moisturizer in the tub
Yes to blueberries age refresh softening facial exfoiliator about once a week
yes to tomatoes clay mask when i remember (once very few weeks usually)

Occassionally I wear a face mask. They're usually cheapies from an asian grocery store. :)

I specifically am interested in incorporating a few more impactful products into my routine. I am almost done with my Cerave knock off moisturizer!
I lurked around and think I am going to get this sunscreen (Biore SARASARA UV Perfect Bright Milk SPF50 + pink bottle). I think I'd like to add 1 or 2 more products and see what I think.
Perhaps this eye cream for my dark under eye circles?

And perhaps this to replace my moisturizer.
I picked these out based off of HG posts, let me know what you guys think! I am interested in masks as well but the prices of the ones I've seen that are recommended kind of scare me off! :(

I have been looking at BB creams and am intersting in MISSHA #13 as was recommended from PaleMUA because I have strong pink undertones! here

So this and this? Super interesting! I've always assumed I needed a cream of some sort because my face is so darn flaky and eats up anything with a watery feel to it. I'll have to try something like this. Do you do this for both your AM and PM routine?

I'm slow to reply (I went away for the weekend and had this tab open before I left), however I think it's important to note that in some cases the snails could be stressed from the procedure. However, animal testing is illegal in Korea, and animal abuse is highly frowned upon. I personally trust and recommend COSRX and Benton.

​

Here is a great article about snail mucin, and it highlights COSRX's procedure:

>How is snail mucin collected?
>
>For Cosrx products, snails are placed over a mesh net in a dark and quiet room. As nocturnal creatures, the snails prefer this environment. For about 30 minutes, the snails are left alone to freely roam the net, leaving mucin in their trails.
>
>Throughout the process, there is no external stress applied to the snails or the mesh net to force mucin production. This is due to two reasons. First, animal testing is illegal in Korea, and animal abuse is a huge topic that has sparked many controversies. Second, optimal mucin production occurs when snails are well-rested and comfortable in their habitat, which is why Cosrx’s manufacturer tries their best to make sure that the snails are healthy and comfortable. 
>
>After 30 minutes, the snails are transferred back to their homes to rest and regain energy while the mucin is collected and processed for cosmetic use. The collected mucin is then processed to properly stabilize the product and make it suitable for cosmetic use before being sent over to Cosrx.
>
>https://theklog.co/beauty-products-with-snail-mucin/

I'd recommend reading the whole article.

here it is
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K

I’ve done oatmeal baths when itchy. You don’t have to put the actual oatmeal in the tub just the milk of it. To make you can use 1 part oatmeal to 3 parts water, just soak it for 5-10min then wring out the solid bits with a cheese cloth or strainer. If you’re trying to stay on a budget. Otherwise you can just buy colloidal oatmeal.

I’m part of the r/AsianBeauty group and have used snail products for itch like mosquito bites and a quarter sized bite would heal within a day. I’m not sure how it would work with hives, typically Benadryl will knock out both me and the hives. If you’re interested look in the snail goo I use Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (Amazon Link)

I hope your baby feels better soon!!

ordered it yesterday

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

I have extremely sensitive skin and can only shave every second day at the most.

This aftershave makes a massive difference:
https://www.fendrihan.ca/collections/aftershave-gels/products/anthony-shaveworks-the-cool-fix-aftershave


It contains alcohol in addition to a number of other ingredients. My skin dries out a little bit, but not that bad.

After the after-shave dries, I put on snail mucin.. Yeah, sounds gross, but makes it heal much faster and seems to help significantly with dryness.

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

Thank you, do you suggest cleansing, then hada labor hyulonic acid followed by [Cosrx] Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_m6dOzbRZFBST3 you think that would be the way to go? Or is a toner different than the hyulonic acid hada labo? Thank you.

Yep.

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

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

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

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

Current routine:

Morning:

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there!

I just wanted to let you know that Automod has removed your comment because it contains Amazon referral links, which we don't allow in the sub.

Could you please edit the URL so that everything from (and including) "tag=" is removed? That way, the product page will still be visible - but no one can make a profit from the link.

Alternatively, copy these:

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06/

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

If you've done that, please reply to this message so I can approve your comment. Thank you!

I also have rosacea and snail mucin does wonders to my skin. Makes it supple and helps with dehydration. I have no clue about diying beauty but this one is my holy grail.

did they discontinue Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, 3.4 Ounce ???

aaaah what do I do my skin works best with it! is it time to switch to kikumasamune/SK II??

or should I try another snail essence? advice pls

So this is the [oil cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V2FBAQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), this is the [low ph cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NRXO06/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and an essence is like a serum but less concentrated. This is the [essence] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBX3L7K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I use. It has snail secretion which sounds gross but is believed to stimulate collagen and elastin and to improve the skin's texture. There's a lot of debate about it's effectiveness but I personally believe it has helped my skin retain moisture greatly. Overall, I use the oil cleanser to remove any makeup and sunscreen on my face. The low ph cleanser is basically to bring acidity to my skin which the toner balances out. Always remember to patch test every product you use especially if you have dry skin because it tends to be more sensitive. Also, check out the asian beauty sub reddit. There's a lot of great information.

Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBX3L7K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/20%25-Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic-Moisturizer/dp/B00PL3DK26/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466798707&sr=8-2&keywords=All+Natural+Advice this is it, right?

Thank you so much for this amazing list! Can anyone comment on the quality of the All Natural Advice Vitamin C serum {link}? I picked it because it is (by far) the most popular on Amazon Canada. Now I'm thinking of replacing it with the Timeless serum or one of the options from TO.

Here are the ingredients:
Aqua (Deionzed Water), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Hamamelis Virginiana Water (Witch Hazel), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Plan Based Hyaluronic Acid), Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Organic Aloe), Ferulic Acid, Glycerin (Kosher, Vegetable), Simondsia Chiensis Oil (Organic Jojoba), Centella Asiatica Extract (Organic Gotu Kola), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Dandelion), Geranium Maculatum Extract (Wild Geranium), Arginine,

28M, scandinavia, combo skin(oily T). Over the last 6 months, I've gotten a lot of weird, vertical creases on the forehead.

Some of them seem to be naturally occurring others I have no idea where come from. I've tried taking a few pictures, but my camera's quality isn't that great: https://imgur.com/a/K9Xaifa

The things I've noticed, which you might also see in the pictures:

• All the way near my hairline, I have a number of small vertical creases. If I run my finger firmly over that area, it feels like my skin is a bit like a sinus curve. From what I can tell, I do not wrinkle this area naturally with facial expressions.
  
• I have a big vertical crease on the right side of my forehead(think it's visible in the last picture). I do not wrinkly my skin here either with facial expressions.
  
• Two vertical creases have begun around the center of my forehead. I think these can be partially attributed to facial expressions. The thing is that I rarely make facial expressions on day-to-day basis. However, I'm worried that I wrinkle my forehead while sleeping. I work at a screen all day. My doctor has recommended getting an eyesight test.
  
• I seem to be getting a horizontal furrow. Possibly as a results of my eyes being furrowed/protruding somehow.
  
  A redditor here kindly helped me out with some recommendations for products, and I read about over-exfoliating and transepidermal waterloss. I stopped using all actives for a while, because my skin on the forehead felt really, really tight. I ended up buying a CeraVe cleanser and moisturizer, which helped my skin feel more comfortable again. Afterwards I've gone back to my normal routine, although I've made a change by adding retinol in the evening:
  
  AM
  
  
• Foaming Cerave cleanser for normal to oily skin
  
• COSRX AHA BHA CLARIFYING TREATMENT TONER
  
• Benton - Snail High Content Essence
  
• C-Vitamin Serum
  
• Tatcha - The Water Cream(probably will buy something cheaper next time)
  
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Cream SPF50
  
  PM
  
  
• Foaming Cerave cleanser for normal to oily skin
  
• Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Resurface
  
• Tatcha - The Water Cream

The deleted post on pigmentation subreddit by /u/zenona was asking about a dubious vitamin C he/she bought on Amazon

***

i had a look at the ingredients for you and uploaded it to COSDNA.
Click here to view it.

• The product uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), a vitamin C that is effective and stable.
  
• MSM is added to aid penetration
  
• Based on the ingredients, it looks good. I recognise many beneficial ingredients like witch hazel, ferulic acid, good preservative (no paraben), Centella asiatica etc
  
  I am concerned about the "green washing" of this product ingredients. I do not believe the ingredient list is complete as some ingredients like emulsifier are required for a formula like this.
  Also SAP is the only vitamin C i see and they claim all natural. Rubbish. SAP is synthetic. 20%? i like to check that as the Recommended percentages for SAP is:
  
  

• Daily skin care 0.2-2%
  
• Sun care products 0.2-1%
  
• Lightening products >3%
  
• Solubility: It is possible to prepare solutions of up to 64% in water,
  
  I have seen many products sold over the internet that claims to have certain actives that are questionable. Personally i have bought a claimed "30%" vitamin C serum on eBay that was bullshit. i did Vitamin C test and found it contained very little and based on the ingredient list and understanding of Ascorbic acid, the retailer is lying. I have requested the seller to contact the manufacturer and requested they removed the misleading product description that it contained 30% vitamin C. lol i am no cosmetic cop though.
  
  hope this gives you an insight and perhaps buy from more reputatable companies in the future? I am not located in US, so i am not sure the regulations in USA. In Australia, the rules for ebay/etsy is more lax and i have seen such products on ebay/etsy. These companies may not be completely honest in their disclosure.
  
  
  i think you should email the manufacturer and clarify the % of Vitamin C. 20% SAP is seriously dubious.
  
  i came across this on beauty brains and i want to share with you regarding your Vitamin C serum.
  
  >gingerbread June 24, 2015, 11:24 am
  There is definitely something stinky about this InstaNatural company. They use Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) as a vitamin C and they claim 20% of Vit C on the label, but SAP is supposed to be used at level up to few %. And 3% water solution of SAP has pH ca. 9-10!
  
  ... check it out.
  
  fishy like your Vitamin C 20% SAP serum
  
  
  
  Reply photo
  
  >ah, forgot to tell you miss cosmetics police :P I msged them about their claim of 20% Vit C, and they say their product is an 'equivalent' to that ! Can you believe it ? Never again am I buying from unknown brand :/
  
  Source

First off thank you for these amazing wikis, it’s been really educational to read up on how to revise my routine.

What’s the minimum SPF that should be used when using Glycolic acid? I’ve been using a 11% Hyaluronic Acid Solution for over 6 months now and have just bought my first Glycolic Acid Night peel. My Clinique foundation is SPF 15 but I’d like to confirm if/how much stronger an SPF should be used if I’m incorporating Glycolic into my routine.

For the Derma E one, one of the reviews mentions a "neurotoxin". Is that a concern or not?

I think Ill get the Derma E then. Ill use the hydro boost for the night cream for now as well, and see if that works.

So in total:

-20% Vitamin C Serum - 60 ml / 2 oz Made in Canada - Certified Organic Ingredients + 11% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E Moisturizer + Collagen Boost https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00PL3DK26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-Derma E you linked above, or a chemical one to find

-A ++++ SPF 50 + Sunscreen

-Neutrogena for moisturizer


Anything Im missing? Edit: how about this instead of derma e for exfoliant: https://www.amazon.ca/Ordinary-Glycolic-Toning-Solution-240ml/dp/B071914GGL/ref=sr_1_10?crid=27FVBSHOC0Z28&keywords=chemical+exfoliant&qid=1559343757&s=beauty&sprefix=chemical+ex%2Cbeauty%2C152&sr=1-10

Hello everyone good evening.

I am looking for an affordable vitamin C serum.

Has anyone tried this one from Amazon? by All Natural products.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic-Moisturizer-Sensitive/dp/B00PL3DK26/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1503520022&sr=8-5&keywords=vitamin+c+serum+20

Thought I had tried that one but I've been using this one https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00PL3DK26/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1459447673&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=all+natural+advice&dpPl=1&dpID=51OlNqLf9ZL&ref=plSrch for about 2 months. It dries nicely but don't have anything else to add.

I assume these products are quite similar. Same size bottle, both made in Canada.

Hi, just wondering how much vitamin c serum should I use,like how many drops off the dropper for the entire face.Also should I only use it at night every night?

Been using this Radha one.
https://www.amazon.com/BEST-VITAMIN-Serum-Face-Professional/dp/B00VNXQE94/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1473898839&sr=8-5&keywords=vitamin+c

Is there a specific way I should be using it? i've just used a cleanser first. then dry my face and put vit. c.

Acne scars question, my scars isn't that bad unless its on right angle and light it doesn't really noticeable. Mostly boxcar scar types.

if I just use vitamin c serum on my skin during night + moisturizer.

Am I just gonna wasting my time, or it is at least helping my acne scar?

I found mine on Amazon - Radha Beauty Vitamin C Serum . I'm almost finished with the first bottle I purchased last year and plan on repurchasing again.

Does this product seem ok? It includes salicylic acid

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vitamin-Retinol-Niacinamide-Hyaluronic-Salicylic/dp/B01BT02Q88/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=salicylic+acid&qid=1562774293&s=gateway&sr=8-14

what is your opinion on this:
https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Retinol-Niacinamide-Hyaluronic-Salicylic/dp/B01BT02Q88/ref=sr_1_17?keywords=bha+exfoliant&qid=1567529321&s=gateway&sr=8-17

it is a large combo of things listed that are beneficial, and has many good reviews. I think

Or this one: https://www.target.com/p/unscented-eb5-vitamin-c-serum-concentrate-1oz/-/A-49139889

and when do I apply the serum? morning, night, both? after cleansing, after exfoliating? after moisturizing? lol

Eva Naturals products destroyed me. Particularly this one Vitamin C Serum Plus 2% Retinol, 3.5% Niacinamide, 5% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Salicylic Acid, 10% MSM, 20% Vitamin C - Skin Clearing Serum - Anti-Aging Skin Repair, Supercharged Face Serum (1 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BT02Q88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5FiVDb155S7ZG

It made me terrified of Vitamin C for quite a while.

Thanks! Any suggestions as far as retinoids go?
I found this on Amazon but that seems like way too many products in one bottle, right?

Vitamin C Serum Plus 2% Retinol, 3.5% Niacinamide, 5% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Salicylic Acid, 10% MSM, 20% Vitamin C - Skin Clearing Serum - Anti-Aging Skin Repair, Supercharged Face Serum (1 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BT02Q88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0v.sybK8SA49V

links added:

https://www.amazon.com/Orlette-Retinol-Serum-2-5-Professional/dp/B07SZGYN8X/

https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Retinol-Niacinamide-Hyaluronic-Salicylic/dp/B01BT02Q88/

https://www.amazon.com/Retinol-Serum-2-5-Hyaluronic-Vitamin/dp/B01HXV90BS/

https://www.amazon.com/LilyAna-Naturals-Retinol-Cream-Moisturizer/dp/B01ES349CY/

Hi I just bought this Vitamin C serum, just wondering where should I put this in my routine? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BT02Q88/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Is it after the water solution and before the moisturizer and creams?

Ah well thanks. Does this look like a good product? It also has niacinamide in it which I recently read can work for PIE.

The issue: New to this subreddit but not to skincare. Looking to finally incorporate something into my routine for my hyperpigmentation/ acne scars. Not sure where to start since all this info can be overwhelming--retinol? AHA? BHA? Vitamin C? A combo of some? Where do you recommend to start? I was thinking of getting this serum: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BT02Q88/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=AYBNWO8ZGP63G&psc=1 or this lightening cream: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E919LU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AVLVA0V0U8GZR&psc=1
Skin type: mildly oily, hormonal cystic acne on chin, lower cheeks, and jawline but its almost gone, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, large pores, some blackheads.
Current routine: AM; Cetaphil daily cleanser, Thayers witch hazel toner, Neutregena spf. PM; Cetaphil daily cleanser, Thayers witch hazel, drying lotion (looking for moisturizer suggestions as well) also just started using indian healing clay mask
Location: Oregon, USA

A very popular drugstore go-to brand is [Alpha Skin Care](Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum with 14% glycolic AHA, 2 Fluid Ounce (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BW71W4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oAV5ybBTMW1GV), sold at Walgreens, BBB etc. I used to use it and liked it, but then got on The Ordinary bandwagon for their 10% serum. (Got Paula's Choice AHA as a gift, liked it but ridiculously overpriced--see the other thread today about that :-)

I'm a big Target fan and while I'm unsure if they sell Alpha, I'd bet they sell many other reasonably priced AHAs.

I use Alpha Skincare 14% glycolic acid serum.

Thanks! I'll try it

Edit: I wonder if this is the same stuff? It is cheaper

Hi there! So excited to start a journey to a more reward SC routine and get that glow!

• The issue(s) hormonal acne and incredibly sensitive skin. Didn't start getting acne until I went off of birth control to try and have a baby—struggled with infertility but am now a momX2 (yay!)—just finished breastfeeding my second but am hoping to find a skin care solution vs. jumping right back on the pill.
  
• Skin type. Oily in the t-zone, gets oily bc it's over-dry but doesn't respond well to any moisturizers.
  
• Current routine
  
  AM: acne.org cleanser, acne.org BP, acne.org moisturizer, eye cream
  
  PM: KOSE SOFTYMO Speedy Cleansing Oil, acne.org cleanser, alternate between acne.org BP and Alpha Skin Care - Intensive Renewal Serum, 14% Glycolic AHA. Occasionally use Dr. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil and/or Blume Meltdown.
  
  
• How long — Some combination of this for the last 4 years. Sometimes my skin is blemish-free, other times there are angry, inflamed, deep blemishes. It's almost always red and irritated.
  
• Anything new — No, considering birth control again.
  
• Your location — USA, North Florida
  
  ​
  
  Thanks in advance for the help! Love the SME I've been reading.

Hello-- I've never used Reddit before, but am so desperate for advice that I thought I'd dive in. I have what I consider to be "very bad" closed comedones, and hormonal/premenstrual cheek and chin acne. I believe I have combination skin...it seems like I'm very prone to be super oily, but I dry out if I look at salicylic acid.

My routine has been all over the place; I've seen a dermatologist, but she was pretty unhelpful. She had me on a long-term antibiotic that showed some results, but also caused my hair to fall out, so I went off of it. I can't afford the EpiDuo cream she wants me on (488$?!), and I refuse to use Accutane. I am not on any birth control pills to control my hormone levels.

Current routine:

Morning:
Wash with Tea Tree Therapy Vegetable Base Soap (>2 weeks)
Apply undiluted tea tree oil (~1 month)
Moisturize with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Evening:
Wash with Tea Tree Therapy Vegetable Base Soap (>2 weeks)
Apply undiluted tea tree oil (~1 month)
Moisturize with Herbivore Moon Fruit Night Treatment

That's it. I've tried a plethora of OTC/cheap products in the past. My issue with the closed comedones is new to the last two years. I'm curious about thoughts on the following products:

Differin Acne Treatment Gel
Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum, 14% AHA
Herbivore Blue Tansy Mask
Herbivore Blue Clay Mask

Do you have any recommendations for a better morning moisturizer? Could my foundation, Tarte, be causing any issues? I live in Indiana, USA.

Thank you very much for any help!

I'm trying to get in AB - currently using an American skincare routine thanks to /r/skincareaddiction. I'm currently thinking about buying the MIZON All In One Snail Repair Cream since it's going to be about two weeks of having added AHA back into my routine.

So, based on my current routine, at which step would I add it in and should I do both AM and PM or just one?

Top Skin Concern: PIH and (minor) acne

AM

• Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser
  
• 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel
  
• Olay Moisturizer spf 15
  
• sunscreen spf 50
  
  PM
  
  
• Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser
  
• Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% Glycolic AHA
  
• Olay Moisturizer spf 15
  

The glycolic acid I'm using is from Alpha Skin Care...it is 10%. I don't use it regularly but trying to use it every other day or so.


The Niacinamide is from Amazon as well. It is insta-natural. I've used another from Skinlex (10%) I believe but it honestly broke me out but this product was much gentler. I pair it with hyaluronic acid from Trader Joes and it is very gentle and moisturizing on my skin. Finish it off with some Argon or Jojoba Oil.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D2M4G0C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Niacinamide-Face-Serum-Hyperpigmentation/dp/B00J5N0Y4U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8


Thank you so much!

Found out about AHA (Alpha hydroxy acid) on sca. Completely changed my skin! I even added dairy back into my diet. Got this one off amazon because the few products available in Canada are $$$.
https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Skin-Care-Essential-Glycolic/dp/B01D2M4G0C/ref=dp_ob_title_hpc
Warning: it can make your skin more sensitive to light, so wear your sunscreen. I also only apply it once at night.

Yeah I'm looking for a cyst spot treatment. I'll look into the alpha beauty glycolic one!

edit: is this the right one?

I used to use these Glycolyx 10% Glycolic acid 2% Salcylic acid AHA/BHA pads recommended by my dermatologist. Now I use this Alpha 10% Glycolic Acid lotion AHA and Strydex Red Box BHA in the morning. So far I like the product, I wouldn't say it's my holy grail. I'm sure there are better ones out there but it was pretty cheap and I was just getting into my skin care routine ~6 months ago. Bottle is still about half full. There are also a ton of other recommendations posted around here.

I used to have this problem until I added a chemical exfoliant to my routine, especially around my nose. I use the Alpha skincare (formerly Alpha hydrox) 10% glycolic acid (not sure why it's so expensive right now, I think I paid $12) and then cerave pm because it has hyaluronic acid, which is great for dry skin. If my skin is really bad, I'll put Vaseline on top of the lotion. Since I started using that, I haven't had any flakes, even in the dead of winter. If you decide to try it, check out the section on ahas under exfoliants in the side bar and be sure and introduce it slowly so your skin doesn't get irritated (and don't forget to patch test!)

I tried a sample of this recently and it is pretty nice!

So the Drunk Elephant serum has a bunch of fancy ingredients in it. The most popular of these ingredients is the vitamin c. And there are TONS of vitamin c serums out there to choose from. They won't, however, contain the other "fancy" ingredients that the Drunk Elephant does (the ferments or licorice extract, for example). But vitamin c on its own is very effective. You can find serums for about $20. Timeless sells a serum and so does Nufountain.

I agree with everything that /u/prynceszh said! I am in my 40's and have stepped up my skin care game recently. I started using a Vitamin C serum in the morning under my moisturizer, I found this one to be much more cost effective than the Paula's Choice one. I also added a sunscreen after my moisturizer in the morning.

At night after I take my makeup off I alternate nights using an AHA and a Retinol. I tried to use them together every night but my skin did not like that at all. I don't have acne so your mom might prefer the BHA to the AHA which helps with acne more. The AHA I use is this one. Then I also use her Clinica Retinol treatment which I like a lot. It takes a bit of time for your skin to adjust to it so she needs to go slowly and follow the directions. I also use this serum around my eyes because it is gently enough to use there. I have found this routine is working well for me and I have seen some benefit to fine lines, but I don't have any deep wrinkles. Yet. :)

nufountain

I use NuFountains Vitamin C serum. Its sold on Amazon for $22 with free shipping. It was listed in the SCA routine because it has a low PH. I really like it! I haven't used it but only a couple weeks, so I haven't noticed too many changes, however my skin is looking/feeling more hydrated and plump, and also my dark circles seem less obvious.

I've read that a 0.05% tretinoin cream (available on amazon or via prescription) and 10% vitamin C applied daily reduces the appearance of stretch marks and helps restructure the underlying skin.

This one.

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

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

I really like the NuFountain C + Ferulic serum.

I like that they date it and its always been fresh. One time I got a bottle of Timeless and it was already yellow when I got it. Plus I feel like my skin is clearer when with the NuFountain than with the Timeless because of the Vitamin E.

To keep it fresh longer I usually keep the main bottle in the fridge and fill up a .5 oz dropper bottle halfway that I keep in the bathroom and refill as needed.

L-ascorbic acid does, however, the serum has to either be at a pH of less than 3.5, or it must be in a waterless serum, like The Ordinary's.

I'm currently using this one. After cleansing, I apply 6 drops to my face, wait 15 mins, then follow with the rest of my routine. It lasts me about 4 months, which is about how long it takes for it to start oxidizing. I've also used NuFountain and Timeless in the past. I just never found them to give me the results that Paula's Choice has.

Also, it will take about 3 or so months for you to start seeing improvements. The same thing goes for starting a peptide serum.

I'm receiving some new products and struggling to figure out how to fit them into my routine. I'm also wondering what's the best way to consistently continue using my retinol prescription alongside so many other things!

Skin Type: Normal/sensitive/slightly acne-prone

Country/Climate I'm in: East coast USA (we forgot how to December...but winter is around the corner)

Top Skin Concern: Preventative care and daily maintenance


Current Routine/Products I'm Using:

AM

• CeraVe foaming wash
  
  
• Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion (light) (in light - regular gave me some fleshy bumps a year ago... I might try to reintroduce it again though)
  
  
• CosRx snail 96 mucin power essence
  
  
• CeraVe in the tub
  
  
• Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel
  
  
  PM
  
  
• Banila Clean It Zero sherbert
  
  
• Hada Labo foaming cleanser
  
  
• CosRx AHA or BHA (depending on how things feel, not every night)
  
  
• Adapalene 0.01% (not every night)
  
  
• CosRx snail 96 mucin power essence
  
  
• CeraVe in the tub
  
  
• Too Cool For School pumpkin sleeping pack
  
  
  NEW PRODUCTS
  
  
• NuFountain C20+ Ferulic serum - I used this earlier in the year and loved it, although it turned the undersides of my nails kind of yellow... it worked really well and I'd like to reintroduce it.
  
  
• SCINIC Honey AIO - I have this coming soon, I've used raw honey with massive success and my skin seems happy with propolis products
  
  
• CosRx Rice Mask bought on a whim and on its way, I couldn't say no to the sale
  
  
• Joseon Dynasty Cream - I've been lusting after this since it first started generating buzz earlier this year, so it's my Christmas gift to myself. Not sure if I should try to replace the CeraVe with it? Will its ingredients not play nicely with my other products?
  
  
  THE QUESTIONS
  
  
• Where in my routine would these sorts of products fit best?
  
• Why does my Vitamin C serum often discolor the whites of my fingernails?
  
• Will the Scinic AOI honey ampoule make my Hada Labo lotion redundant?
  
• Should I use the Cosrx rice mask as a sleeping pack?

I have three suggestions for you. Since it's one spot and it's on his body, not his face, he can use a higher concentrated spot treatment.

1. You can get him a high percentage AHA treatment, like the 10% AHA Body Lotion by Paula's Choice. AHA works well to fade sun damage and discolorations but its drawback is that it makes your skin sun sensitive so it's very important to be diligent about applying sunscreen. If you don't, you might end up with a burn, and/or worse sun damage. Sunscreen use should be continued for about two weeks after the last application.
   
   
2. You can get him a Vitamin C serum. Properly formulated ones are absolutely amazing at fading sun damage and other discolorations. Using one has made the biggest difference in my sun damaged skin. They can get expensive, and the market is oversaturated with absolutely SHIT formulations that do nothing, so it's important to know what to look for. 95% of the vitamin C serums on Amazon are crap, for example. However, I can recommend NuFountain's C20 serum. It uses L-Ascorbic Acid, which is the most effective form of vitamin C, has a minimal ingredient list, includes ferulic acid to stabilize the L-AA, and is made fresh when you order. The reason these things are important is that L-AA is very finicky and prone to oxidizing and becoming ineffective. It's also the cheapest well-formulated L-AA serum I've found. The downside to using a Vitamin C serum is that it has to be kept in the fridge if you want it to last long enough to be able to finish the bottle. Otherwise it'll eventually turn orange and stain your skin.
   
   
   
3. You can also get him a 2% hydroquinone cream. I don't have any experience with them, so I don't have any specific recommendations. But they are also effective for discolorations of all sorts. The downside to them is again, photosensitivity, meaning your dad will have to be careful about applying sunscreen every day.
   
   
   I know for sure that you can can combine options 1 and 2, but I'm not sure about combining hydroquinone with other products. I just haven't done any research on that.

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039LZW78/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426191308&sr=8-1&keywords=NuFountain

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

Hi. Looking into getting my first Vitamin C product and Amazon led me to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0039LZW78/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_2_4?colid=1F6GBJALG22I7&coliid=I2YY50E1LZXXB1

It has some good reviews but isn't AB. I'm new to this sub and have been reading about Vit C but would love some advice on this particular product. Thanks!

Ingredients:
"Purified Water, 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, DL- Panthenol, Glycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid. pH of 2.5-3."

The Cerave AM have low UVA (responsible for aging) protection.

Look for higher UVA protection/PPD, usually found in Asian and European sunscreen.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0039LZW78/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426191308&sr=8-1&keywords=NuFountain

This one?

EDIT: Will it also resurface my face? I just noticed my face is bumpy and is pretty uneven compared to my summer-fall face.

The ones that I buy come in a little bottle with a dropper so I just drop a few drops in my hands and rub it into my face- it soaks in pretty fast. Depending on which one you use, it may just feel like rubbing water on your skin or an actual serum. Or you can just add the drops to your moisturizer and mix it in your hand before applying to your face. You can look on amazon for moisturizers that already have added hyaluronic acid too!

This is the one I used to use: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Hyaluronic-Acid-Serum-100%25/dp/B003MJ7Z0O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418061075&sr=8-2&keywords=hyralonic+acid

And this is the one I'm using now: http://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Face-20%25-Hyaluronic/dp/B00G2TQNZ4/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1418061132&sr=8-11&keywords=hyralonic+acid

EDIT: My boyfriend has the same regime as you- he uses BP and Clindamycin daily every night/morning. He only uses hyaluronic acid to moisturize his face (because he has naturally oily skin- he doesn't want to put moisturizer on his face)- seems to be working just fine for him.

Just a few easy tips.

1. Stop touching your face! Especially if you have nails. Because if you scratch, pick,itch,rub of any of the like you're going to leave a small build up of dead, inflamed, infected, dirty skin under the nail and continue to spread those icky skin cells wherever you decide to scratch next.
   
   
2. No more big name acne fighters..They're mostly just alcohol or similar and only serve to inflame and irritate your skin.
   
   
3. Exfoliating your face is stoooopid! Works fine for the rest of your body..But not your face..."Hey, lets rub sandpaper on our face!"...Yea, not cool..
   
   
4. Oil cleansing works! Learn as much as you can about it!
   
   The whole idea is to keep things simple. Promote healthy skin, not scrub, rip, tear, bombard with chemicals and left wondering why our face hates us?
   And clean hands and fingers are a "HUGE" deal. People don't realize just how often they touch they're faces every day with filthy fingers and nails. Use a toothpick or something if you have an itch.
   
   As for oils..Castor oil is my go to cleanser..Wet down face with hot water, massage castor oil in for a couple minutes, let it sit for another couple minutes, use clean washcloth and as hot of water you can stand without burning yourself..Soak cloth, place on face and MASSAGE the excess oil off, do NOT scrub. keep rag wet and hot and repeat until excess oil has been melted or absorbed. Then pat dry with clean towel and let dry..Buy some Hyaluronic acid and use it as a moisturizer. And yes, castor oil takes off makeup like a champ.......Remember, nurture don't destroy your skin!

I'm sure you could just use Hyaluronic Acid and Argan Oil to get the same results. Both which you could easily purchase for fairly cheap off of Amazon (~$15 USD).

Literally just ordered the squalene oil! Good to know where to add it into my skin care routine now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003MJG19K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1510074300&sr=8-3&keywords=squalane+oil

What form of hyaluronic acid should I use? Is a serum by Timeless good? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003MJ7Z0O/ref=pd_aw_sim_194_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=E4FV33DBH9EGPBNBKX4D&dpPl=1&dpID=41EcwCmBtwL

I sort of threw caution to the wind and just slathered it on my face starting two days ago, so there's a possibility that I could still break put, but I've always tolerated it well in moisturizers, so I'm not too worried. This is the ONLY time I've not patch tested or very slowly worked something into my routine (which now consists of three things).

I got this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003MJ7Z0O/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525836582&sr=8-3&keywords=timeless+hyaluronic+acid&dpPl=1&dpID=41EcwCmBtwL&ref=plSrch

Ugh I hope that link looks better when I submit this comment than it does now...

Edit-- no. No it still looks like garbage. Sorry!

Wow, what a crappy friend. :(

Not sure how much these products will help, but I use hyaluronic acid on my skin after I wash my face, before I put on moisturizer. I also use eye cream/gel and it seems to help.

Hyaluronic Acid

Baebody Eye Gel

Check out /r/skincareaddiction! They'll be able to help for sure. :)

I have rosacea and really sensitive skin, which can get dehydrated and also super oily if I'm not taking proper care. I like using a couple drops of hyaluronic acid serum while my skin is still wet from cleansing, letting it soak in/dry and then using moisturizer. I have this kind from Amazon.

Do you not use a moisturizer at night after cleansing?

I've been using this one for the past week and I like it so far! I haven't seen drastic results, but I do notice my skin feeling plumper and softer. I think if I had more of a dehydration/dryness problem, I might see more dramatic changes.

I'm sensitive to a lot of ingredients that are commonly in serums, so I was looking for one that is pretty barebones. This one only has three: distilled water, hyaluronic acid, and benzylalcohol (0.5%).

My routine is still under construction. I am working to reduce redness, Melasma and PIH as well as improve my complexion overall.

AM

• Cleanse: DIY cleansing oil (3:1 sweet almond oil to castor oil) applied prior to shower. This gives the oils time to work and also protects my face from shampoo and conditioner.
  
• Cleanse: Remove oil with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and a microfiber cloth.
  
• Cleanse: Once every week or two I'll use Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.
  
• Brighten: Hyaluronic Acid
  
• Protect: Nivea Protect Water Gel Sunscreen
  
  
  PM
  
  
• Cleanse: Wash with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, a Konjac sponge and a microfiber cloth.
  
• BHA: Stridex in the red box
  
• AHA: Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion 10% Glycolic AHA
  
• Brighten: Hyaluronic Acid
  
• Moisturize: Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
  
  The next thing I want to add is a vitamin C serum in the AM. Beyond that I'm not sure.
  
  Apart from the oils and sunscreen, most of these represent the first brand I've tried for a given product. I am undecided if I'll switch brands when the ones above run out. I'm not looking forward to patch testing and starting over but how else will I know if something else works better?
  
  I soak my Konjac sponge in white vinegar weekly and use a new microfiber cloth each day.
  
  
  
  
  

> Hada Labo Gokujun Lotion Moist

Ah, oh no. My Amazon Prime was (and now is) expiring, so I just ordered something. How does this Cosmetica brand serum look?

Thank you! I’m between the one you use and this one. I’ll make sure to experiment with wet/dry to avoid pilling. I have a body lotion that pills horribly on me and I keep forgetting to replace it.

I purchased this serum and have been really loving it. I rub it in, then pat once it starts to get tacky.

Check out the recent review of the Clarisonic posted here a few days ago - it was pretty glowing! If it's out of your budget or you think the exfoliation will be too much for you though, maybe try a Konjac sponge for a gentler physical exfoliation. God luck!o

Hi All,

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

AM

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

I've recently gotten some bad breakouts, and went to my GP and was given some new prescriptions. I was also warned about potentially overtreating my acne.

Now I don't really have too many pimples and what I do have benzoyl peroxide takes care. Rather, its generally red patches I have over my face, as well as a few scabs.

Here is my routine. I've just started on Retin-A, but I had been using Differn for a few years now, so I assume my face is used to it. As well as the glycolic fix pads. Am I overtreating? Are there any suggestions for improvement with this routine?

AM:

Wash Face (micellar water)

Glycolic fix night pads (salicylic acid+5% glycolic acid+lactic acid+lactic acid)

Vitamin C serum

Take antibotic

PM:

Wash face (micellar water)

Retin-A

Moisturize Nivea cream


Thanks guys!

Ok, I'm coming back to you after reading the side bar because I'm still confused (sorry, literally never heard of most of the terms used before).

When the post refers to using "vitamin C" do they mean taking a vitamin supplement orally or applying it directly to your face, like this:

http://www.amazon.com/OZ-Naturals-Hyaluronic-Neutralizing-Satisfaction/dp/B00DPE9EQO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1407766608&sr=8-4&keywords=vitamin+c

Just because it's a pretty mild problem, I don't want to get on a prescription or anything too harsh for it, so I thought I'd try the more homeopathic stuff first.

thanks!

I've been using OZ naturals for about 6 months, with very good results.
http://www.amazon.com/OZ-Naturals-Hyaluronic-Neutralizing-Satisfaction/dp/B00DPE9EQO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407841514&sr=8-1&keywords=oz+naturals

Very in depth and thorough, thanks!

Would you think any of these might be beneficial to me?

http://www.amazon.com/OZ-Naturals-Hyaluronic-Neutralizing-Satisfaction/dp/B00DPE9EQO/ref=sr_1_16?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1414371176&sr=1-16&keywords=scar+removal

http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Obsession-Glycolic-Scars-Spots/dp/B0018ZRTZA/ref=sr_1_19?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1414371176&sr=1-19&keywords=scar+removal

Edit: Which product that you mentioned would be best for the scarring?

Is it okay to buy vitamin c serums from Amazon? I was specifically looking at
http://www.amazon.com/OZ-Naturals-Hyaluronic-Neutralizing-Radicals/dp/B00DPE9EQO and http://www.amazon.com/Botanical-Hyaluronic-Moisturizer-Ingredients-Gradually/dp/B00G75X158/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420219876&sr=8-7&keywords=vitamin+c+serum

Thank you for replying, and I believe that my scars are pigmented and I made a new list on the products mentioned in that PIH info

1. http://www.amazon.com/OZ-Naturals-Hyaluronic-Neutralizing-Radicals/dp/B00DPE9EQO/ref=zg_bs_3760941_1
   
   
2. http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Hydrox-Enhanced-Anti-Wrinkle-Exfoliant/dp/B000052YM3/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1427500062&sr=8-4&keywords=alpha+hydrox
   
   
3. http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Hydrox-AHA-Souffle-Glycolic/dp/B00BE3FLCY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1427500062&sr=8-5&keywords=alpha+hydrox
   
   
4. http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Hydrox-AHA-Enhanced-Lotion/dp/B000052YM7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427500062&sr=8-1&keywords=alpha+hydrox

Curious, does anyone have any thoughts on the Oz Naturals vitamin C serum?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DPE9EQO/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_6?colid=27WUO0POP80AS&coliid=IH1F6506DNJEK

Has anyone tried Petunia Skincare Vitamin C Serum? The Amazon reviews are all stellar which has me suspecting they could be fake.Link I've never seen it mentioned on SCA except for some people mentioning getting it for a freebie but they never reviewed it themselves. If you have any knowledge about it please let me know.

Sure! I haven't quite tackled my acne yet, but the recent changes I've made to my routine have really seemed to help. And my skin is super soft and not as dry anymore :)

Here it is:

AM:

1. CeraVe hydrating cleanser
   
   
2. 2% PC BHA, wait a few minutes
   
   
3. Vitamin C serum (this one), wait a few minutes
   
   
4. A mixture of PC Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 30 and PC Hydralight Shine-Free SPF 30
   
   
5. Makeup (since my sunscreen is tinted I just use a bit of setting powder, then do my eyes)
   
   PM:
   
   
6. Mineral oil cleanse
   
   
7. CeraVe hydrating cleanser
   
   
8. PC 8% AHA gel, wait a few minutes
   
   
9. Vitamin C serum, wait a few minutes
   
   
10. CeraVe moisturizer in the tub
    
    
11. Aquaphor (if my skin is feeling a bit dry)
    
    I generally spot treat with tea tree oil, or if it's a particularly monstrous zit then I break out the Persa-Gel 10. But since I perfected the above routine, I haven't had to use either!
    
    Edited for formatting 'cus I can't reddit.

It looks like it's unavailable :(

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G052NFE?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

It's this product https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G052NFE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Do you think the BHA exfoliator would react with the vitamin c? Also is it fine to use any of those products with retinol? Thank youu so much for the replies :)

I really like this one from Amara Organics that someone on SCA recommended to me. I’ve been using it for a year or so now. It absorbs super quick, and doesn’t feel greasy or gritty. Pretty cheap too.

Does anyone know of a cheap and effective VitaminC serum (preferably with HA)? I don't think I want to spend $45 for PC's c15. Relatively, has anyone tried this?

I dunno if this warrants a whole lost so i'll just post it here initially
So im a 15 y/o (m) ,And acne has been plaguing me since i was 12 (hormonal acne i assume)
I've never tried any skincare or acne products EVER ,not even cleansers or moisturizers ,which i just realized is pretty terrible
What are your suggestions ? What are the necessary things i should include in my routine and what products do you recommend ? (I have easy access to aloe vera leaves,so putting that into my routine would be nice ,and i was hearing a lot of good things about this serum )

I was suggested to add a Vitamin C serum with Rosette Ceramide Gel to help it absorb better into your face. However based on a couple articles posted, there are different types of Vitamin C Serums that have higher or lower pH content.

Is that due to a beginners' serum like https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Technology-Antioxidant-Brightener/dp/B019D6WNJM/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1488089764&sr=1-5&keywords=Vitamin+C+serum+10%25 to a regulars' serum like https://www.amazon.com/Amara-Organics-Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic/dp/B00G2TQNZ4/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1488089507&sr=1-4&keywords=Vitamin+C+serum ?

Also are these two serums a holy grail? I'm trying to figure which Vitamin C Serum would be a good start for me.
Thank you!

I use Amara Organics. I just started using it and so far it has not made me break out (and I'm pretty break-out prone). I would recommend using Vitamin C serum in the morning and AHA in the evening if you're going to use both.

Hi, i'm new here and recently asked for advice in a separate post with not many answers, so i thought i ask here: i have red, bumpy acne scars from 1 or 2 month ago, i picked on them, and now they won't go away. I don't have a routine yet, but i read the guide so i ordered these:

facewash: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P1S0NI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

exfoliant(?): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O1KP1O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

moisturizer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LEJ5MSK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

i plan to use these twice a day, but i'm not sure if these will do the trick, so i was looking into https://www.amazon.com/Amara-Organics-Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic/dp/B00G2TQNZ4/ref=sr_1_13?crid=3DSL6CW00OCE4&keywords=vitamin+c+serum&qid=1554331845&s=gateway&sprefix=vitamin+c+se%2Caps%2C476&sr=8-13 . Any advice, suggestions or observations? I really wanna get rid of the general redness and the scars redness. If you check my post history you can see the picture. Thanks

I've been using this one from Amazon and my skin has never been drier!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2TQNZ4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AYIB3FS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these two, do they have L-AA?

Hope people see this, I need help...

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

Hey fellas,
I am a 21M with oily skin with a couple of skin problems (mainly due to stupid shit I did in the teen and of course genetics). My current routine is below -

AM

• Salicylic Acid Facewash link
  
• Salicylic Acid Toner [link] (http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Rapid-Clear-Fight-Toner/dp/B003156NL6/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463841322&sr=8-2&keywords=neutrogena+toner)
  
• Garnier BB cream [link] (http://www.amazon.com/Garnier-Miracle-Perfector-Combination-Packaging/dp/B00B0QJC6Q/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1463841421&sr=1-2&keywords=garnier+bb+cream)
  
• Sunscreen (SPF 30)
  
  PM
  
  
• Salicylic acid scrub [link] (http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Control-Daily-Scrub-Fluid/dp/B00UOLGG0S/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463841537&sr=1-2&keywords=neutrogena+all+in+acne)
  
• Salicylic Acid Toner [link] (http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Rapid-Clear-Fight-Toner/dp/B003156NL6/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463841322&sr=8-2&keywords=neutrogena+toner)
  
• Vitamin C serum [link] (http://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Vitamin-Serum-Face-Hyaluronic/dp/B00W2B4TQG/ref=pd_sim_194_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41exQDfDyHL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1H2PRZH7Y784H07KKN5W)
  
• Niacinamide serum [link] (http://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Niacinamide-Face-Serum-Hyperpigmentation/dp/B00J5N0Y4U/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463841778&sr=8-1&keywords=vitamin+b3+insta)
  
• Retinol Moisturizer Cream [link] (http://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Retinol-Moisturizer-Cream-Appearance/dp/B00Q5ERAWQ/ref=pd_sim_194_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41zWYBZjMOL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=08TZQ0A5BK9X3SKBVEWQ)
  
  Weely
  
  
• Mandelic Salicylic peel [link] (http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/MandelicSalicylic-Peel_p_131.html)
  
  My questions are
  
  
• I have some PHI scars that I need to reduce
  
• Improve the overall skin complexion (I have quite brown skin on face but on covered area from sun, like chest the complexion is quite yellow. I haven't been wearing sunscreen :( )
  
• Improvements to the routine (or any other products I should research about)
  
• I have indented scars on both sides of my cheeks ( what options do I have other than laser surgery?)
  
  Thanks

I'm exactly like you. Its been about 10 months since my skin looked like pure shit, this stuff is what ultimately helped me

Hi! I found this
[5% Niacinamide serum.] (http://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Niacinamide-Face-Serum-Hyperpigmentation/dp/B00J5N0Y4U/ref=pd_sim_194_14?ie=UTF8&dpID=412B7gsJPDL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1W59TKJPZPDK1TZ29CQF) Has anyone tried this? I am aware that many companies provided free or discounts for reviews (which would typically be positive). I am super excited to try it since ive been searching for products with more niacinamide for my redness.

Instanaturals Niacinamide serum

Ole Henriksen vitamin C serum is amazing for redness! I also love using Mario Bedescu rose water spray.
I recently bought a vitamin B3 serum to test out (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5N0Y4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ffRKBbKF17SF7) and so far I'm liking it for keeping my skin moisturized & helping with the redness.

I highly recommend any brightening serums if you want to target darkness and redness. For blackheads, I like to use Freeman brand facemasks (very affordable & not harsh on my sensitive skin) once or twice a week - something like a de-stressing clay mask or a skin-calming peel off mask, etc.

[EDIT] My skincare routine currently is:

1. SheaMoisture rosehip oil cleanser
   
2. Mario Bedescu rose water spray
   
3. Serum (right now B3 serum - usually the vitamin C serum)
   
4. IT Cosmetics confidence in a cream moisturizer

I finished this 2 ounce niacinamide serum:

Niacinamide Vitamin B3 5% Serum - HUGE 2 OZ - Anti-Aging; Diminishes the Appearance of Acne, Dark Spots & Hyper Pigmentation - Lightens, Hydrates And Plumps Skin - Guaranteed Results https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5N0Y4U/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5joLub05PMGQT


Between this and starting Pocketderm, my skin's looking excellent. I bought a different serum (cheaper and also has vitamin c) to replace it.

I don't know that I've ever finished a serum bottle.


I almost finished a mini bottle of Josie Maran that I got with points at sephora, but I stated getting a cystic breakout so I think the last like... Eight... Of it is getting tossed. :/ oh well. It feels so nice but I don't want that acne.

No other empties to report. But I'm so close on a bunch of other skin stuff. Not close on much makeup.

I use this everyday. It's my HG. I've been using it for over a year, I've changed cleansers, toners, exfoliants, and lotions but never this. It made such a change in my skin I cannot go without it.

Thank you!

I got it from Amazon, this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5N0Y4U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Let me start by saying I have never used either of the products you mentioned.

I used a home made vitamin c + mango butter mix that worked quite well. I saw results after a week or so so I decided to look for something more legit cause I was hoping for similiar results. I bought this Vit c serum twice a day for about a 45 days and it did nothing. It was a decent primer cause it made my foundation stick to my face more but it did nothing for my PIH. I got pretty discouraged after that so it was the last vitamin c product I tried.

I was ride or die for Ponds B3. It didn't clear up the scaring but it made my skin tone more even but the biggest impact it had was on my acne as it really helped clear up the cc i had on my forehead and the active whiteheads on my cheeks. That being said, it didn't fix anything 100% so I decided to make my own serums.

Right now I'm trying out an serum made of aloe vera, magnesium, zinc, shea butter, niacinamide, colloidal oat, and an herb complex which has worked better than anything I've ever purchased. Bonus: it heals my skin faster after I pop a pimple and now the pimples I pop do not leave scars if I apply this right after.

Hi, I bought this one cause it has a pump so I dont have to open it cause I read about the air thing Claire-ity 25% Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, Best Organic Anti-Aging Moisturizer Serum for Face, Neck & Décolleté and Eye Treatment (1 fl. oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKY87OS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l61CAbN7TRY99

And oh oh im not sure if im using niacinamide .... 😱😱

I am on my second bottle of this. I really really like it. Claire-ity 25% Vitamin C Serum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKY87OS?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

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

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

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

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


Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask

LUSH Mask of Magnaminty

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

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OKY87OS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AJEX40L1EE1DV
I was looking for a vitamin c serum on amazon. There are so many and I'm not sure if this is a good option. Any input or product suggestions would be great. Thanks!

I've had good luck with a number of different brands, this is the one I'm currently using.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OKY87OS/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've also heard really good things about niacinamide serum for tone correction so I've got this coming in the mail to try. I can keep you updated on how it works for me if you'd like!
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0147PDMYY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been using this one by Claire-ity as of late, and after switching from one by Ganique, I can't say that I see a difference. It works pretty well, basically like my old one, and it's 25% Vitamin C.

Thanks guy!

I use these two for cleansing:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V2FBAQ/?ref=idea_lv_dp_vv_d
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CE5P580/?ref=idea_lv_dp_vv_d&th=1

And this for moisturizing:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H4GOAZO/?ref=idea_lv_dp_vv_d

Though for moisturizer, you're gonna want different products depending on whether your face skin is dry or oily. Mine is oily.

This is the toner I used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECQCVK0/?ref=idea_lv_dp_vv_d

And this is the essence I used (I'm pretty sure it's meant for people with super fair skin, so heads up): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZE57XW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dunno if this'll work for everyone, but it helped in my case.

Honestly, I see skin... I'm not sure what you are trying to diminish. As far as discoloration, personally, I love niacinimide (look for in your lotion) and galactomyces- I use this one


Vitamin C is also helpful for treating pigmentation.

Yeah, don't get that, that seems like it would have a high likelihood of breaking you out - it broke me out and my skin doesn't break out anywhere near as easily as yours seems to. I'd look for a serum or asian essence or toner with few ingredients to minimize the chance of it breaking you out. Most niacinamide products are targeted to lightening hyperpigmentation/melasma spots, so that is something that can tip you off that a product is likely to have it. Studies have also shown it to be around as effective as clindamycin in treating acne, and it can also help your skin produce ceramides, which aid in skin barrier function. idk it has just a lot of good benefits, these aren't even all of them. If you can, try to patch test on an area that you know breaks out when you use lotions but is out of the way - I patch test on my right temple because it reliably reacts to stuff, doesn't scar easily, and my hair swoops over that side of my face so if I do break out, it is easily covered, lol.

Some options:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2450045 - all of the olay regenerist line have it. I have never used their serums, but they're easily available

http://www.amazon.com/INTERNATIONAL-SHIPPING-IOPE-Intensive-Conditioning/dp/B00C99NJNA - I have used this, it has basically the texture/feel of water. It does have some plant extracts in it which could be irritating but none of those fatty alcohols that often break people out.

http://www.gardenofwisdom.com/catalog/item/7463739/9867792.htm - I have used other GoW products and liked them but I've never used this. It has very few ingredients though so seems pretty unlikely to break you out. They also have a sample size: http://www.gardenofwisdom.com/catalog/item/7463739/9867788.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Galactomyces-White-Power-Essence/dp/B00OZE57XW/ - some people have said this breaks them out, this is a thicker texture and has butylene glycol. The name has actually changed to whitening power essence on account of, you know, how racist the first name sounded, which the Korean company didn't realize until it was pointed out.

http://holysnails.storenvy.com/products/15121374-shark-sauce - this is made by someone on /r/asianbeauty and a bunch of people over there love it. I've never tried it.

http://www.amazon.com/CelSignal-Hydrating-Nufountain-Youthful-Complexion/dp/B0038AA4S2/ - haven't ever used this either but apparently it has a very watery texture and absorbs quickly

Tbh, I started using a ton of AB products all at once. I can't tell which is doing what but my skin saw such a huge improvements after 2 weeks that my entire family noticed it and literally shoved money in my hand so I can get them on a similar regime. According to the reviews on Amazon, it has helped with hyperpigmentation in addition to an all around brightening effect.
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Galactomyces-Whitening-Power-Essence/dp/B00OZE57XW

PURITO Centella Green Level Recovery Cream 50ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HKHYT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TZ4YCbDTPSJEZ

I usually put this on after my serums. It absorbs quickly and has a very very light herbal scent. Its like a light moisturizer.



Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule (100ml or 3.38 floz) - Facial Serum - 100% Centella Asiatica Extract - for soothing sensitive and acne-prone skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y15D1LH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_R04YCb8S83Y40

This kind of has the texture of a thick toner? No scent
Super soothing.


Both products have worked amazingly. I even put them on my bad sunburn recently and it helped the redness within 1 day! I have put them on my ezcema spot with no burning! I have sensitive skin and this hasnt caused a reaction for me. But as always check the ingredient list :)

This has been recently mentioned in the Rosacea sub as being helpful with redness. You should check there for recommendations too.

I've just purchased this Vit C serum:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1HIIUT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-v3hAb7PMKR68

I emailed them to ask about the pH level of this product and they said it's 7. I read some people here saying that it should be around 3 or less to be effective. Should I just return it? Is it useless? I've only been using it for a couple of days, I can't really tell if it's doing anything yet. I have a lot of dark spots and some freckles especially around my lips (kind of looks like mild melasma).

It's this one: https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Anti-Aging-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1510864340&sr=1-4&keywords=truskin%2Bvitamin%2Bc&th=1

It says Vitamin C 20% E & Hyaluronic Acid.

I'm currently not using any other actives.

I was going to hit up Stratia's black friday sale and get the AHA.

Check out Centella Asiatica: https://www.amazon.com/Skin1004-Madagascar-Centella-Asiatica-Ampoule/dp/B06Y15D1LH/

is it this one? if so, it uses SAP, and it would be ok to use in the am after stridex, since SAP works at a higher pH and wouldn't be too harsh

LilyAna Naturals makes a nice one that doesn't break me out.

More of an r/skincareaddiction question but here I go....that all depends on your skin type. I've used the 50 step Korean beauty routine for a while and didn't notice much of anything.

I use a foaming cleanser/makeup remover, vitamin c serum, 15 minutes later I use this serum and another 15 minutes later, a night time moisturizer. I don't have any issues with my skin. I could probably do without the second serum but I got a good deal on it \^_\^

A good cleanser, vitamin c serum, and night cream are generally everyone's friends.

Here's my recs for scarring/hyper pigmentation:

Vitamin C (keep in the fridge so the vitamin c stays potent & last longer. Vitamin C serums should typically be in dark bottles and must be kept in a cool area)

TruSkin ($20) - https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Topical-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=29YY60EW3IXPN&keywords=truskin+vitamin+c+serum&qid=1562455855&s=gateway&sprefix=truskin%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Cosrx Vitamin C ($30) - https://sokoglam.com/collections/serum-ampoule/products/cosrx-triple-c-lightning-liquid

​

AHA/BHA -

Drunk Elephant serum (pricey...but this is good stuff) - https://www.sephora.com/product/t-l-c-framboos-tm-glycolic-night-serum-P392246?skuId=1679307&om_mmc=ppc-GG_1165716884_53825925580_pla-419441939211_1679307_257731949183_9032185_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&ds_rl=1261471&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl-Hv6Lih4wIVk7fsCh1xRQlUEAYYAyABEgJ4YfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I keep hearing things about vitamin C serums and the like, but I can't really figure out what they're used for. I've tried looking over the sidebar, but I can't find anything aside from product recommendations for vitamin C. Can anyone point me to more resources or give me a TL;DR version?

I saw this on Amazon and thought it was interesting: https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic-Acid-Face/dp/B01M1HIIUT/ref=sr_1_35_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1504716468&sr=1-35&keywords=serum

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M4MCUAF/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525962394&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=vitamin+c+serum&psc=1

Okay, do you think I could just stick to a foaming facial cleanser, the same alcohol-free toner I'm currently using, and then the Differin moisturizer and gel?

I tried a Vitamin C serum with Ferulic Acid and it made me breakout a ton, I was thinking of using this one but I don't know if hyaluronic acid is right for my skin. Any thoughts?

And thanks for such a helpful comment!

https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Topical-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=vitamin+c+serum&qid=1574543661&sprefix=vita&sr=8-3

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

Summer / humidity causes breakouts along U-zone.

.

.

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

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

​

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

AM:

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

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

I use this one and think it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Topical-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=oh_aui_i_d_old_o0_img

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

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

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

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

Apply TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

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

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

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

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

• Skin Type: Oily & Dry | Country/Climate I'm in: Southern California Desert | Top Skin Concern: Filaments, Redness, Lightening/Whitening | Age/Sex: 28yo Male
  
• Current Routine/Products I'm Using:
  
  AM
  
  
• CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
  
• TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
  
• It's Skin Power 10 WH Effector Serum
  
• Aveeno Eczema Moisturizing Cream
  
• Neutrogena Men Eye Reviver (no longer avail..last tube)
  
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 100
  
  PM
  
  
• CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
  
• TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
  
• It's Skin Power 10 WH Effector Serum
  
• Aveeno Eczema Moisturizing Cream
  
• Shiseido Bio-Performance Eye Cream (was a gift.. too expensive for me to restock)
  
  Background: I used to have psoriasis and eczema all over my body and face, but thanks to biologics (Humira), my psoriasis patches have regressed into hyperpigmented spots. I live in a hot and dry desert, which not only dries out my skin, but I also sweat a lot. Combination of dryness + sweat causes my face to redden.
  
  Picture of Face:
  https://i.imgur.com/4rAEHSG.jpg (Ignore dry lips)
  
  I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]...
  
  
• General routine advice
  
• Reduce those small dots on my face, especially nose (pores/filaments?)
  
• Products to help control oil/sweat/redness but also won't dry my skin
  
• Products to help lighten/whiten facial skintone
  
• Can my face handle BHA/AHA products?
  
• A less heavy moisturizer for AM, perhaps with sufficient daily SPF?
  
• I am willing to replace any of my current products (Tiam C20, Benton Snail Essence...)
  
  Thank you Thank you and Thank you! Can't believe it took me this long to find this site/community!

My goals have changed and I think I need to make some significant changes to my routine. I am now focused mainly on:

1. Reducing hyperpigmentation. I have freckles which I love, but I definitely don't love my melasma and sun spots.
   
   
2. Wrinkle prevention. I get Botox so I don't have many wrinkles, just some light crepiness.
   
   
3. Preventing collagen loss in my lips.
   
   Here is my current routine. There are a few products that I love, but quite a few that I feel really "meh" about and could improve. I'm looking for suggestions on how to amp up my routine. I prefer a shorter daytime routine, and more inexpensive products when I can, but I'm willing to splurge for holy grails!
   
   AM
   
   
4. Timeless Hyaluronic Acid. This feels great on my skin, but because of how cheap it is I worry that maybe it's not actually hyaluronic acid...
   
   
5. Say Yes to Grapefruit Under Eye Creme - LOVE. Instant brightness. Surprisingly effective for a drugstore brand.
   
   
6. Mason Natural Collagen Creme - LOVE
   
   
7. Sunscreen. I alternate between Biore Watery Essence and Innisfree Perfect. I feel they are both a little weak for me. I had better results (but so much white cast) from Neutrogena SPF 70+
   
   PM
   
   
8. Cleanse with Dermalogica Pepto-Glyco Cleanser. LOVE. Like a mini chemical peel every day. I sometimes use my husband's Cerave if my skin is feeling dirty or sensitive. Or I just use a Neutrogena makeup remover wipe when lazy...
   
   
9. Biologique Recherche P50. - LOVE
   
   
10. Hyaluronic Acid Serum (same as AM)
    
    
11. Naturalico Vitamin C 20% Serum
    
    
12. Instanatural Niacinamide Serum w/ Avocado Oil. I'm wondering if the avocado oil is too occlusive and messing up my later steps.
    
    
13. Innisfree White Tone Up Eye Serum - New, but loving so far.
    
    
14. Good N Natural Retinol Cream. - Really like, but again, I wonder how good it can be with how inexpensive it is.
    
    
15. Alternate between mixing Finacea into my retinol, and Retin-A into my retinol.
    
    
16. Laneige Lip Mask - LOVE.
    
    
17. Seal it all with Argan Oil. - LOVE
    
    MASKS and GIMMICKY PRODUCTS
    
    Innisfree Acai Sheet Mask (love), Donkey Milk Aqua, TonyMoly Banana Sleep Mask (love), 2 Minute Peel (love), Aztec Clay Masque, Glycolic Acid Peel (I suck at doing this and end up giving myself a small chemical burn almost every time), EPL facial (HATE!), mirconeedling
    
    Mainly I need help finding a better, super strong sunscreen, upping my serum game, and finding some additional masks and peels that can help with hyperpigmentation. Also does anyone have any strategies or products for increasing collagen production in your lips?!
    

Source please?

SAP recommended usage rate is 0.2-3% for antioxidant activity, 10% for skin lightening (Source: https://www.makingcosmetics.com/Vitamin-C-sodium-ascorbyl-phosphate_p_1040.html). However since Vit C SAP is a synthentic C, its conversion to usable ascorbic acid is lower than that of a natural L-Ascorbic Acid. 15% L-Ascorbic Acid is typically the "gold standard" % for use in serums (think SkinCeut CE Ferulic). Therefore a concentration of 20% Vit C SAP is ideal.

Here are some links to successful commercially-made Vit C SAP serums that use a 20% concentration: https://www.amazon.com/Amara-Organics-Vitamin-Serum-Hyaluronic/dp/B00G2TQNZ4/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506308000&sr=1-4&keywords=amara+organics ; https://www.amazon.com/TruSkin-Naturals-Vitamin-Anti-Aging-Hyaluronic/dp/B01M4MCUAF/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506308515&sr=1-4&keywords=vit%2Bc%2Bserum&th=1 ; https://www.amazon.com/Seoul-Ceuticals-Korean-Skin-Care/dp/B072K1LNNY/ref=sr_1_12_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506308515&sr=1-12&keywords=vit+c+serum

Please don't shoot me, but this is a KNOCKOFF PRODUCT. I was researching this product on Amazon, people have shared the true label vs the knockoff label causing allergic reactions and inflamed skin. The true label should say, "Formulated with 96%..." NOT "Being 96%..." like yours.

I'm just trying to save you from the heartache and disappointment. <3

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, 3.4 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kwPPAbNGWXMXN

Edited to add link. Sorry!

Oh I realize that, but still, I would never pay over $50 for any beauty product, and even $50 is way high for me. I used to buy SkinMedica, which is also super pricey, but I'm so done with throwing away my money like that now. There are a ton of reasonably priced skincare products that do just as fabulous a job in comparison to those with jacked up pricing.

"Galactomyces ferment filtrate (Pitera)" is the main ingredient in this product: (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid), with water ("Aqua") being fourth. Butylene Glycol and Pentylene Glycol are humectants. There are many Galactomyces ferment filtrate products with similar and even better humectants that cost far less than SK-II FTE, so what makes their product worth the price of $190?

SK-II product supposedly contains 90% of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, so a far less expensive dupe to this product would be CosRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence (Previously known as Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence). Ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Panthenol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine.
Cost $17/100 ml versus about $58/100 ml ($190/~325 ml)

And also, here's a good analysis which views "Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence" as far better than "SKII Facial Treatment Essence," based on the ingredients and price.

And here's another article from a person who tried both and also found "Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence" to be far better as well.