(Part 4) Top products from r/SkincareAddiction

Your skin is very sensitive and you should never use scrubs or vinegar, they only act as irritants will make your skin irritated and flare up with more acne.

With combination skin this means you are both dry and dehydrated. Basically this means that you need to moisturize the fuck out of your skin.

Don't go anywhere near anything with alcohol in it as that is going to act as an irritant as well. Rehabilitating your skin needs to be handled gently and will take a bit of time but trust me, the patience is worth it.

You want to start out with a gentle cleanser and a gentle, hydrating moisturizer. Cetaphil products have alcohol in them and will only harm your skin.

Try the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, or Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (you can use it any time). My preference is for the Cosrx as it has some tea tree in it that is super soothing for the skin. Both can be found on Amazon and depending where you are, you may be able to find CeraVe in a drug or grocery store.

For a moisturizer I would definitely check out the Cosrx Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap for the mornings and the Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion for night. The Cosrx is going to keep you hydrated during the day without feeling heavy on the skin which is perfect if you're using makeup. The Hado Labo is basically the best thing on the planet for anyone. It's great for all skin types and the addition of the hyaluronic acid is great for trapping moisture in your skin overnight and it helps with anti-aging. Both can be found on Amazon.

If you're wearing makeup you need to find a good cleanser that isn't going to strip you of the natural oils you need or be too rough on your skin. Oil cleansing with Jojoba oil is good, but I really think you should look into using Rice Water. It's super gentle and takes the makeup off without stripping your skin and won't leave you feeling dry and tight. Some people like to cleanse with the oil and just wipe everything off, but I like to gently cleanse to make sure I'm getting all the oils, make up, and general dirt that accumulates on your skin throughout the day.

There are other steps and products you can add that will help but this is a good starting point.

Please check out Renee a.k.a. Gothamista on Youtube. She discusses products that are best in each category, and most importantly what's best for each skin type. My skin has been absolutely perfect ever since finding her:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-X4BAoKxwGYIKrKfqk7yug


PRODUCTS(pretty much everything in my skin care routine comes from Amazon but they can be found elsewhere):


CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522612169&sr=1-6&keywords=cerave&th=1

Cosrx Good Morning Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NRXO06/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cosrx Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CLTKI4A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Lotion:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KSS993I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

The Face Shop Rice Water Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00809ERAM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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

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

Always recommend the cera ve SA renewal cleanser. It’s amazing and events your skin and brightens it. I actually use the SA renewal body wash, you get a lot and I can use it on my face as well. The Cera Ve SA body lotion is also love, sometimes I use it on my face. Makes body super smooth, these two are dream team.

I think the dream routine:

Am:

• cera ve SA acid cleanser
  
• Son&Parks Beauty Water Toner
  
• niod multi-molecular HA serum 15 types of HA.
  
• stratias liquid gold
  
• shishoedo mineral uv gel SPF50++++
  
  Pm:
  
• Sunday Riley Blue moon cleansing balm Blue Tansy for redness OR if you like oils, KOSE softymo SPEEDY cleansing oil
  
• cera ve SA cleanser with Clarisonic
  
• biologique Recherche pm400 or regular p50 toner or cheaper alternative tarte knockout tingle treatment
  
• niode HA serum
  -melazepam 20% important and alternate between this and Retin a, but not everyone can handle either of these. But it goes to say these are anti-aging power horses
  
• Holy Snails Sauce Di Mois in Hangbang/spooky shark or whatever works for you.
  
• an oil, Squalene, seabuckthorn, rosehip, jojoba, rotate what works.
  
• an occlusive, like embroliysse concentrated lait creme , cera ve healing ointment , skinfix 12 hour miracle ointment All of these are better than basic Vaseline or squalor.
  
  Great products:
  
  
• to 10% lactic acid in spheres
  
• skinceutics vitamin c in feurlic acid (super $, results worthy).
  
• timeless vit c serum (affordable)
  
• to 30% bha peel
  
• avene Blue Tansy Oil (knockoff of lapis Blue Tansy Oil for $12 vs $72) helps redness/moisturizes
  
• dr. Jart cicapair serum for redness
  
• Dr. Jart ceramidin serum plus the cream (use together for best results on rebuilding skin barrier if using actives).
  
• hada labo HA lotion/milky lotion or Hada Labo premium HA lotion (more moisture, not great for warmer months).
  Benton snail bee essence (the masks, steam pacts, everything..)
  
• peter Thomas Roth pumpkin enzyme mask (great chemical exfoliating and physical exfoliate mask that works)
  
• niod flavonne mud mask (super detoxing good for congested skin)
  
• kanebo soap powder (good ph, enzyme powered soap powder)
  
• aquaring ampoule mask (good ab face mask)
  
• Paula’s choice bha liquid
  
• cosrx bha blackhead liquid
  
• cosrx aha whitehead liquid
  
  Just a few products to think about. I am by no way saying jump and add any of these to your routine instantly. I’ve looked around and found a lot of, what I’d consider to be talked about products and decided to make it easier and list them for you.
  
  
  I think a basic SA cleanser like cera ve would be a good place to start, a good spf that is non-irritating. Find a moisturizing Oil thst your skin likes and then maybe start trying actives. Don’t go jumping in until you find a routine that calms your skin and that your skin really likes. Then start testing the waters with maybe azelic acid like melazepem (strongest you can get in us is on amazon) or vitamin c. Possible acid peel pads. We kind of have to know your skin type and current routine. Things that have worked and have not, and what you want out of a new skin routine— in order to give you better direction.

My acne is not as severe as yours, so I don't know if what I do would help you but we can give it a shot, right?

• I use CeraVe Foaming Cleanser in both mornings and nights to wash my face
  
• I don't use a BHA anymore
  
• I do use AHA, Alpha Hydrox 10% Glycolic in both morning and night
  
• I use a Salicylic Acid Peel 20% once a week, so far it has helped, I've only used it for two weeks
  
• After the peel, I use a MBD Black Pearl mask, mainly because it's soothing and very moisturizing, which is perfect after a peel.
  
• I moisturize with Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. People here vastly recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream because it has ceramides and it's pretty good.
  
• For sunscreen, I tried Cetaphil Dermacontrol, it's too oily and I didn't like it because it stung my eyes. I tried L'Oreal Ideal Moisture with SPF, didn't like it because it was heavy. I tried both Biore Aqua Rich and Biore Perfect Face Milk I loved both thoroughly; they are light, milky, smooth, they feel great on the skin and stay matte like it's nobodies business.
  
• I use the Thayer Cucumber Witch Hazel toner. No reason in special for the cucumber aside from me loving how it smells. It has helped me some with redness and inflammation.
  
  My routine is as it follows:
  
  AM
  
  
• Cleanse with CeraVe
  
• Apply Witch Hazel toner
  
• After it dries, apply AHA, wait for it to absorb 20 min
  
• Apply Cetaphil Moisturizer
  
• Apply sunscreen
  
• Makeup if any
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  PM
  
  
• Remove makeup and sunscreen with Pond's Cold Cream cleanser
  
• Wash with CeraVe
  
• Apply witch hazel
  
• Apply AHA
  
• Moisturize
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  Every Friday night each week
  
  
• Wash with CeraVe
  
• Clean face with rubbing alcohol (my face is super oily)
  
• Apply Salicylic acid peel for 2:00 min
  
• Rinse acid
  
• Apply my beauty diary sheet mask for 20 min
  
• Moisturize with Cetaphil
  
• Apply thin layer of Aquaphor
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  And that's it, my skin has gotten way better and something that has also helped millions is that I went on the pill, since my acne is hormonal.
  
  Remember to patch test and to not abuse your skin, the gentler the better!!!! There are things that might or might not work for you, it takes a while to find what's best for your skin. If nothing works, you can always try PocketDerm or a dermatologist around your area, don't be afraid to ask for professional help. Good luck!
  
  

There are a variety of ingredients, methods, and products that could potentially help you. The problem is everyone is different, so it will have to be a careful trial and error (and patience over a period of time) before you can pinpoint the right solution for you and what the original cause was.

If you're going to try products, I highly recommend you buy small sample sizes if possible and try them out one or two at a time. Be careful and start small, especially with active ingredients. They're quite potent, which means they give powerful positive results, but you can also risk overusing them or using them in a dangerous combination. So do your research about correct application and be careful.

• BHA (salicylic acid), such as Paula's Choice or Stridex. A very popular ingredient with a great track record in preventing/clearing acne, clearing acne scars, and generally improving texture, tone, and color. I would recommend getting sample sizes of these to start.
  
• Azelaic acid is another great way to tackle both acne and scars. Paula's Choice has a great azelaic acid + salicylic acid combo that I highly recommend.
  
• Vitamin C. Can help greatly with acne scars. Paula's Choice, The Ordinary.
  
• Sulphur is known to be antibacterial and a mask containing sulphur can help suppress breakouts. But most likely will not help with scarring. Sunday Riley Saturn mask helped a few people I know with cystic breakouts.
  
• Differin. Contains adapalene which is known to clear and prevent acne. Be really careful and don't use with exfoliants.
  
• Benzoyl peroxide. Pretty commonly used to clear and prevent acne, but it has the unfortunate affect of bleaching clothes/pillows/etc and can be pretty strong. Paula's Choice.
  
• Aquaphor/vaseline/hyaluronic acid. It's possible your moisture barrier is not doing so well right now. Counterintuitively, being too dry can exacerbate acne. Also, if you're using exfoliants or other active ingredients, you'll want to make sure to stay hydrated and moisturized. Aquaphor, HA. Also recommend this Hado Labo HA cleanser and oil cleanser for a very hydrating double cleanse.
  
• Sunscreen. You don't mention it but you should be wearing a daily sunscreen that's non-comedogenic, especially if you are trying any of the products above. La-Roche Posay, Elta MD, Neutrogena.
  
  The list goes on and on but you can start your research here.
  
  To eliminate causes, pay attention to when you have breakouts. Make sure the products you're currently using are a good pH and aren't breaking you out to begin with. Don't eat dairy for a long while until you know it doesn't cause the breakouts.
  
  Hormonal acne is most often clustered on chin and jawline, is often cystic, and often flares up once a month (aka period). If that describes you, you might want to talk to a doctor or dermatologist about whether it's hormonal or not, because there are treatments for that, such as birth control or spearmint tea.

Sorry in advance for the length of my comment but speaking from personal experience, your acne could be caused by fungus/yeast, not bacteria. It's called Malassezia Yeast and we all have it on our skin, but it can cause issues when it becomes overgrown. This overgrowth is called Pityrosporum folliculitis and looks almost identical to other forms of acne.

Other evidence that points towards fungus is the fact that you're breaking out on other parts of your body. The fungus spreads easily, especially if you give it a nice environment to thrive, like sweaty workouts!

I had perfect skin until I was about 22, and suddenly developed acne on my face, chest, and back. It was so bizarre and none of the traditional acne treatments were helping because, as I later figured out, most products are geared towards bacterial breakouts, including benzoyl peroxide. In fact, overuse of these products can cause fungus/yeast to take over the balance and cause all sorts of issues!

So, after months of research I came to the conclusion that I did indeed have fungal acne, so I started a routine to combat it. I was desperate at first, so I bought an anti-dandruff shampoo (because dandruff is commonly caused by fungus). [This one is great because its SLS free!]
(https://www.amazon.com/Regenepure-Shampoo-Treatment-Supports-Growth/dp/B0032FSDOA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485317432&sr=8-1&keywords=dr.+regenepure) In the shower, I slathered it all all over my face and body, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinsed it off. All of the breakouts started disappearing overnight, literally.

I felt strange using shampoo on my face so I decided to do more research and discovered that zinc is an amazing natural antifungal. So, I purchased this bar of soap, which contains 2% Pyrithione Zinc (an antimicrobial) and it was also very effective. I only use that about every three days now, and only on my body, because I have super sensitive skin and it is too drying for my face.

For my face, I now use Curology because they offer Zinc Pyrithione as an ingredient! My current formulation is .25% Zinc Pyrithione, 1% Clindamycin, and 4% Niacinamide and it is AMAZING. I'm now free of any and all breakouts.

I also use this mineral sunscreen because it uses zinc oxide - another form of zinc that is an antifungal!

For me, I have to maintain a routine or else the overgrowth returns, so I also take zinc picolinate supplements.
So, yeah, I hope this helps give some insight on your skincare journey!!

*EDIT!

I also want to point out the necessity of being super gentle on your skin, in general. I always think "kill it with kindness" when it comes to skin issues. You definitely don't want to make things worse by over-exfoliating (chemical and physical), using harsh cleansers that strip your natural oils, and above all you must keep your moisture barrier in tip top shape because it will protect you from excess fungus and bacteria!

I decided to give you my whole routine as an example, so here it is! I focus on moisture.

AM:

• Rinse face with water
  
  
• Apply Thayer's Witch Hazel Lavendar Toner on cotton ball and wipe face
  
  
• Apply Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum, pat dry
  
  
• Apply Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, pat dry
  
  
• Apply Paula's Choice SKIN RECOVERY Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
  
  
  PM:
  
  
• Wash face with Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Cleanser - extremely moisturizing cleanser
  
  
• Apply Thayer's Witch Hazel Lavendar Toner on cotton ball and wipe face
  
  
• Apply Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum, pat dry
  
  
• Apply Curology, let dry for ~10 Min
  
  
• Apply Mizon Black Snail All In One Cream, pat dry
  
  
• Apply Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask, keep on overnight
  
  ONCE/TWICE WEEKLY:
  
  I loooove sheet masks. Especially the Benton Snail Bee Essence one. Head over to r/AsianBeauty for more recs on these and SO MANY MORE THINGS. warning: it's addicting.
  
  
  

It's my birthday today and went on a purchasing splurge!

New Purchases:

Refillable Atomizer Bottles - Came in 6 pieces and a little soft bag! Originally I was gonna use this for my colognes and perfumes; easily fits in pockets so I can spray on the go (also bonus point quick air freshener for bathrooms cuz some men's rooms be rank af.....); but then I was on the hunt for misters for my toners and realized I could use these perfectly for them! It's color-coded too so I don't mistake one of my scents for a toner!

-I filled the pink one with Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion
-the red one with Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner w/ Rose
-the blue one with Secret Key Milk (new)
-and the gold one with Secret Key Aloe (new)
The secret key ones are new purchases im trying out B) giving them about 2 weeks trial runs each before I rotate them in my routine!

Benton Snail Bee Essence - I enjoyed using the sheet masks once a week beforehand, and figured I'll up it to a more frequent usage so I went ahead and got the essence bottle! \o/ Dipped my toes with sheet masks first cuz I wasn't too sure about the bee venom ingredient (especially considering I get a bad reaction from stings) but it's gentler than I thought and no allergic reaction!

Etude House Sunprise Airy Finish SPF 50+ PA+++ - Received this 2 days ago! Previously I used Cerave AM and disliked the pilling and white cast on just a beige skintone! This is my first time using a sunmilk and the consistency is really nice! Goes on smoothly and can layer easily, with no whitecast after absorbing! If I wanted to, I could layer a moisturizer underneath without worrying about it pilling as well! Since I'm oily enough I'm not as concerned with it's lack of moisturizing and I find just toning layers is enough for me underneath! Great for oil control so far!

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face SPF 50 - Got this about a week ago! Since summer is around the corner, and the etude house isn't a waterproof sunscreen, I went with this that I bought at ulta! This matched my skintone pretty well so there was pretty much no whitecast. If it's a really sweaty day or I'm gonna be somewhere where there happens to be water/rain, this waterproof sunscreen was perfect! (and reef-safe for ocean trips)

Rohto Melano CC - On the way in the mail but excited to try this out since I was looking for a vitamin C, but wanted to start out gently!

Kao Success Scalp Washing Brush (Normal Type) - Sort of skincare since it has to do with the scalp, this is also on it's way on the mail. I'm a fan of scalp brushes since my hair is pretty thick (and also dandruff woes). The tips of it has little bumps on them and there's 3 types of tips on a single brush for that jam packed scalp action, so gonna give it a whirl and see how different it is from the standard silicone scalp brush!

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

Repurchase:

Tony Moly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream - I realized using stridex as my gentle BHA exfoliator and a Cerave SA cream on top of that meant I technically had 2 BHAs in a night routine, so I'm returning back to chok chok! Good point to change tbh since the cream is too heavy for summer. The tony moly one is pretty light and had good oil control!

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads - Bringing back AHAs into my life for my PIH; I'm gonna rotate them with my BHAs. I prefer low %s so the 2.8% was perfect!

I'm a little older than you; I also have combination skin on the dry side. Here's my usual routine right now:

AM:

• Wash face in shower with whatever bar soap I have on hand (usually an indie soap from a brand like Villainess or Arcana). This isn't really an ideal facial cleanser, but my skin is pretty compliant.
  
• Wipe any areas with pimples or clogged pores (usually just my T-zone) with a Stridex pad (I use the wipes in the red box and cut them into quarters to make them last longer; don't usually need more than 1/4 wipe for my oily areas). The BHA helps cut the oils and unclog pores.
  
• Wait a few mins, then pat a little water on my face to dampen it, and apply a few drops of Garden of Wisdom cranberry hyaluronic acid serum mixed with a few drops of maracuja oil or argan oil as a moisturizer. I used to just use the oil, but find that adding the serum helps keep my face hydrated and happy much longer. This particular HA serum smells really nice, which is the main reason I use it.
  
• Sunscreen, either Elta MD UV Clear (what I use most days, but the PPD rating isn't as good as some, so if I'm going to be out in the sun for a while, I might use the Shiseido instead; I do always use this on my eye area since it doesn't sting) or Shiseido Hada Senka UV Gel (all chemical, so it stings my eyes, but has a higher PPD; I think it may also be better for flash photos). Both sunscreens rub in quickly without leaving a white cast or shininess/greasiness/stickiness on my skin.
  
• Lip balm (currently using Nuxe Reve de Miel, which I bought after reading rave reviews but I think is really overhyped)
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cleanse with Kose Softymo deep cleansing oil. My HG cleanser--takes off all makeup without any rubbing, and since it's oil-based, it gives the benefits of oil cleansing, but rinses off clean without needing a washcloth.
  
• Stridex wipes as needed
  
• I alternate actives at night somewhat randomly: currently rotating between Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C, E, and White Tea serum as a vitamin C product (I like this, but I'm going to try their simpler Majik C serum next to see if it's something that can be used during the daytime--this one advises use only at night), Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream as a retinol product, and Alpha Hydrox AHA Gel as an AHA for exfoliation. Retinol and AHA make your skin more sensitive to the sun and/or break down in sunlight, so I only use these at night. The vitamin C serum suggests only using at night, so I only use that at night as well.
  
• I also spot treat hyperpigmentation at night with Garden of Wisdom Light 'n' Brite serum dabbed on just the areas that need it.
  
• Lip balm
  
• I rub rosehip seed oil on my eyes and lashes (combination lash conditioner, moisturizer, and gentle retinol product for my eye area, since I avoid using most active products around my eyes)
  
• Then I moisturize my whole face with the maracuja or argan oil and sometimes the HA serum. I have a drugstore knockoff of Cerave in the tub that I occasionally use, but I feel more moisturized if I use oils. The rosehip seed oil feels a bit heavier than the others, so I usually only use it on my eye area.
  
• Occasionally I use masks or spot treatments: Neutrogena salicylic acid gel or Clearasil BP cream for pimples, Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask if my pores are clogged (though it's drying, so usually just on my T-zone), Dr. Jeffrey Dover Skin Effects Glycolic Mask for extra exfoliation, or a honey/yogurt/turmeric mask; I also have a jar of C-Brighter maracuja eye cream that I got kind of by accident and use this sometimes on my eyes as well, but I wouldn't repurchase this because it seems overpriced/overhyped.

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!

This week I turned 30 and got a haircut, looking at the selfie I took after I thought my skin finally looks like its in a better place so I thought I’d share my routine! As a guy that has lurked this sub for a while I thought I’d try and help the other dudes here who feel a bit lost at trying to look our best.

Been trying to find the right regime I can stick to for years - started using my moms and various SOs face stuff, using just about every trick in the book that we all know only makes our skin worse. The routine I’ve settled on now is…


AM:

CeraVe Foaming cleanser in the shower - Been using it for years. Works well. I can only use it once a day though, dries my skin otherwise. - https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01N1LL62W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=168GZIOVSWILM&keywords=cerave+foaming+facial+cleanser&qid=1569373936&sprefix=cer%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1

TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - Started using this a few months back and it seems to be helping a lot. Blemishes fade faster, are less apparent throughout the morning, I like it - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-niacinamide-10pct-zinc-1pct-30ml?redir=1

TO Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - The first day I used this was the first day in years I can remember not having an oil field on my face at the end of the workday and not seeing pools of oil on the bridge of my glasses when I take them off, I think having properly hydrated skin has really help keep my acne at bay and skin clearer - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-hyaluronic-acid-2pct-b5-30ml?redir=1

TO Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - Favorite moisturizer I’ve used and I’ve tried a handful - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-natural-moisturizing-factors-ha-30ml?redir=1

Sunscreen - currently using a mineral sunscreen from CVS, unclear on brand. Not the best, not the worst. Going to give TO’s Mineral UV Filters a try next.

PM:

OCM with Snow River Mineral oil - Used it for about 4 years now, works extremely well, wipe it off with microfibers I get from Amazon in bulk - https://www.amazon.com/Snow-River-7V03389-cutting-boards/dp/B0000CFSV9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3428RJM9PZTOA&keywords=snow+river+wood+oil&qid=1569374251&sprefix=snow+river+%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

TO Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution - I use this every other day, sometimes every 2. I was using it every day but since stopping that I’ve found my skin feels a bit better - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-glycolic-acid-7pct-toning-solution-240ml?redir=1

TO Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - Again, see above!

**TO Vitamin C Suspension 23%

• HA Spheres 2% - Use this daily, the first few days I used it I woke up with noticeably better skin - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-vitamin-c-suspension-23pct-ha-spheres-2pct-30ml?redir=1
  
  TO Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - Again, see above!
  
  Once a week:
  
  TO Salicylic Acid 2% Masque - This stuff makes my skin feel amazing afterwords. Like, washing it off and my skin feels noticeably different. Since using it I’ve been more blemish free. Generally use this Wednesdays once a week - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-salicylic-acid-2pct-masque-50ml?redir=1
  
  TO AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution** - This stuff gives me a very similar experience to the Masque but I feel the differences the next morning. My skin looks more even and healthier. I use this typically on Sundays but may skip a week if I’m feeling dry. - https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-aha-30pct-bha-2pct-peeling-solution-30ml?redir=1
  
  Happy to answer any questions about the regime or products! I'm planning to add a few more TO products to my regime soon and can update any successes later on. So far, everything above will be a constant part of my regime - I'm even about to bulk order most of the TO stuff so I don't run out anytime soon haha.
  
  Hope this helps others! :)
  
  E: I posted this earlier this week but it was removed as it was a selfie and not Friday, so I'm reposting today so anyone interested in it can see.

My skin isn't perfect and I still have a lot of work to do but I love the routine I have now.

So, here are the products and my review.

KOSE Softy Mo Deep Treatment Oil, 7.8oz

So, this is my first oil that I've been using for a double cleanse . I've really enjoyed it and I often feel like it can clean my skin on its own, it doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy either. This was also my first Asian skincare product , specifically from Japan. Love it !

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser, 6.76 Fl. Oz.

I like this BHA SA wash because it doesn't completely strip my skin of its' oils but does leave it drier than usual. Personally, I think it's one of the better SA washes on the market but obviously YMMV.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer for Dry Skin, 1.7 fl. oz

This was a huge game changer in terms of moisturizers. Most moisturizers are way too occlusive to me to the point that I actually break out because my pores can't breath or so light, I remain dry and unaffected...and thus break out from dryness. This is the happy medium for me. My only issue is that the amount you get in the tub can make you run out quickly, luckily, a little goes a long way.

Village 11 Factory Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, UVA/UVB Protection for Sensitive Skin, Moisturizing Hydra Sun Fluid

This is a Korean product. This is probably the only sunscreen I'll be using until something happens to the company LOL ! Its consistency is very close to the hydroboost so it just glides into the skin. It smells very similar too. One thing I noticed about this sunscreen is that it contains chemical ingredients as well as mineral ingredients. As someone who has only ever used American sunscreens before, I find this hybrid very unusual (and welcome). Perhaps it's a Korean skincare thing ? Let me know.

The other two are very well known products.

I use TO Niacinimide + Zinc . This was also a game changer for me and I'm just so glad I learned about it. It really helped regulate my oil production and helped the inflammation I get whenever my face get's too hot and sweaty or too dry. I've tried going without it for a month, just to see if perhaps it was just my imagination. Well, I think it's safe to say that it wasn't my imagination , this stuff really works.

I also use TO AHA + BHA chemical peel once or twice a week. I mostly use it for my hyperpigmentation . I know that the SA from my la roche posay is a BHA by itself but I like the extra "oomph" that the AHA does to my skin .

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!

Ugh! These marks are so frustrating, aren't they? Acne is crappy enough, but then I get these red marks and they take forever to go away. It's totally unfair, and I empathize with you. Luckily, I actually do have some advice! Now, these products aren't miracle workers, and it didn't cure my spots overnight. However, I have found my recovery time has been shorter.

1. Mizon Snail Recovery Ge & Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream: I attribute some of my success with conquering red marks to these other products below, but I think it's mostly the snail products. They've been super gentle on my skin and are pretty affordable. If you're going to go with just one of my suggestions, make it the Snail Recovery Gel. I like the Repair Cream, but I think the Recovery Gel is what's made the most progress with my spots. Bonus, I have a very pink skin tone, and it helps take a little of the redness out of my face as well. Also, keep in mind that the Recovery Gel is not a moisturizer, so you'll still need to use one with it.
   
   
2. Paula's Choice - Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol: Retinol is a good choice for long term minimizing marks, and I haven't had any trouble with this product burning my face or making it dry. (I have quite dry skin, and that's a real issue for me.)
   
   
3. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA & Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel: I'm sure you've probably already heard of these products. I know they're big on this sub, but I just wanted to throw it out there because I do think that chemical exfoliation has helped some with my marks.
   
   Good luck with your skin! I've been going through a bad breakout right now which is leaving new red marks on my skin, so I'd love to think that this sucky experience might help someone else even just a little.
   
   Edit: I was reading some of the other comments, and I just want to second the sunscreen comment. Super important!

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

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

Beginner Level

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

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

I've used oil cleansing with both Paula's Choice BHA and AHA with no adverse effects. Because the oil wipes your face clean, and then you use the acids afterwards on fresh skin.

Here's another great resource for more information on OCM, and it's what convinced me to jump in. She outlines the basic reason behind why OCM is so popular and gives some great recommendations on how to start. It's worth noting that many cultures around the world have used oils on their faces for centuries if not longer. It's really only within the last 100 years that we started formulating all these different types of products which are vastly different from what humans have used for hygiene purposes before the rise of modern industrialization.

I've become a huge proponent of OCM, and at first I did mess around with a bunch of different blends but I've realized that I can just slather on olive oil or whatever I happen to have around the house without any sensitivities or pore blockages (with the exception of coconut oil, which can be highly comodogenic for some people, and I just don't want to risk it). Basically you have tons of choices with lots of room for customization to your skin type and skin concerns! You could also buy an oil blend like this one by Hada Labo, which is what I'm currently using and I've almost emptied it. I really like this formulation because the oil emulsifies very easily, so I can just rinse it off with water and not have to bother with a wash cloth. I use it everyday, and almost nothing else has been so effective for removing my sunscreen and makeup, even waterproof mascara.

Here's my PM step-by-step routine if you're curious:

• Without splashing water on my face, use one pump of the Hada Labo cleansing oil to gently massage all over my skin, loosening sunscreen and makeup. I like to do this for at least one full minute. I used to do the oil massage and then place a warm wet wash cloth over my face, which gives a nice spa treatment effect by softening the makeup even more and allowing the oil to penetrate more deeply. Now, I find that's not really necessary. I rinse off with water, and sometimes repeat with another pump of oil just to be safe. I don't use a toner or anything because the oil just gets every speck off.
  
  
• If I have any active breakouts, I'll spot treat with diluted tea tree oil.
  
  
• Then, I spread one pump of Paula's choice 8% AHA over my face but avoid the areas where I just dabbed tea tree oil, because that's too harsh all at once. I use the AHA at night because it increases sun sensitivity, and I use the BHA in the mornings.
  
  
• Wait 15-20 minutes for product to sink in. While I'm waiting I usually pat on some eye cream and moisturize the rest of my body.
  
  
• Use a nice moisturizer. Even for oily-skinned people, I cannot stress the importance of moisturizer. Despite being oily skinned at the beginning of my skin journey, I can use OCM and then use a rich cream as moisturizer or another kind of oil as a moisturizer without feeling overly greasy. My skin has never been more balanced, I haven't had to use anything to blot in ages. I don't powder either, and I don't use any kind of oil controlling product.
  
  Feel free to PM me for more info, anecdotes, or recommendations if you like! It seems that we started at a similar place, and I did TONS of research to get where I am now, so I love passing on that knowledge to others. Hopefully you find it helpful.

This is my first post, so I hope everything's right.

• The issue(s) - bought a bunch of products and not sure if I'm using them right. Would love feedback on what I'm doing wrong and if I'm missing anything.
  
• Skin type. Mostly normal, prone to hormonal cystic acne (controlled by meds from my derm) and slightly dry skin, some sun spots and starting to get some crows feet, some hyperpigmentation due to acne, 37 years old
  
• Current routine (I got sucked in at the Trish McEvoy counter at Nordstrom about 2 years ago)
  
  • Face Wash
    
    • Normally use Cetaphil with a Clarisonic Radiance brush head, but currently using Trish McEvoy Gentle Cleansing wash because it was a GWP and I didn't want to throw it out
      
  • Serums
    
    • Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Serum
      
    • Trish McEvoy Eye Serum
      
    • Boots No7 Lash Impact Serum
      
  • Moisturizers
    
    • CeraVe moisturizing cream
      
    • Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Anti-Fatigue Cream SPF 30
      
    • Trish McEvoy Even Skin Vitamin C Cream
      
    • Arcona Eye Dew Plus
      
  • Acids
    
    • The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
      
    • TATCHA Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA
      
  • Oils
    
    • Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Oil
      
  • Masks
    
    • Glamglow Super Mud (once a week)
      
    • Mario Badescu Super Collagen mask (every few days)
      
      How I'm currently using things:
      
      AM Face wash, Tatcha serum, Trish McEvoy Serums, Arcona Eye Dew Plus, (if my skin is feeling really dry) Cerave + Trish McEvoy BB cream, if feeling normal than just the Trish McEvoy BB cream, Beauty Booster Oil, Boots lash serum
      
      PM Remove make up and stuff with a MAC face wipe, same as morning, but then replace Tacha with The Ordinary Retinoid, no Trish McEvoy BB cream and only Trish McEvoy Vitamin C cream
      
      
• How long About a month
  
• Anything new all products above in bold have been added in the last month
  
• Your location American living in Europe, so it's easy for me to get products from both continents
  
  Thanks so much!

Morning routine:

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

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

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

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

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

Current Routine / Products I'm Using:

AM

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

Thank you for reading it! I wouldn't suggest buying the sunscreen in the US however, since LRP has to reformulate because of the dated FDA regulations that don't allow the effective UVA filters (Tinosorb S) that are in it and some L'Oreal holds patented (Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX). I purchase mine from a local pharmacy or order online since I live in Europe. Try Amazon UK but I don't think it'll be worth ordering since it can get very pricey with the import tax and shipping. I'd rather suggest looking into better, more accessible options like the Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion SPF 50, which is mineral based, matte, fragrance free and affordable. I haven't tried it but it reads very well on paper and it's definitely worth giving it a shot if it's accessible for you. My experience with adapalene has been pretty solid for me and I had no trouble using it every day without irritation from the get go. I don't recommend doing this for everybody it's definitely smarter to build up tolerance. I'd definitely recommend it as an introduction to retinoids since tret can be quite harsh even at lower concentrations for most people and takes some time to get skin used to it. I was afraid of purging as well when I started using adapalene but i didn't get any,quite the opposite, it started clearing up. YMMV. Before adapalene I was using some chemical exfoliants with lactic acid which worked best for me, but I don't feel the need to use them now and they are quite subpar to prescription med. Hope this helps and thank you again! <3

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

ok here's what's worked for me and my dry/dehydrated/sensitive/acneprone skin! i broke out in closed comedones and small whiteheads mostly around my chin/mouth area mostly, had constant redness and flakiness was common. my skin isn't perfect but much more clear, moisturized, and healthy. little to no scarring and any spots that come up leave quickly.pretty normal skin after years of experimenting, 1 year of experimenting on SCA. hope this helps anyone!

cleanser: cerave foaming cleanser at night, sometimes in morning. i use cool water when using the sink. 12 oz bottle lasts forever, i use it for body in shower too.

moisturizers: alternate between Avene trixera emollient Cream & Balm. can do reviews on these if anyone would like since they are not well known. both contain several oils, but cream is more oily/dewy while the balm is thicker and seems to dry/set more. enormous ~13 oz bottles can be purchased through amazon so these will each last me a year at least.

sunscreen: hada labo uv creamy gel. contains alcohol but not as high up as other comparable sunscreens. also contains hyaluronic acid. similar alternative for those wanting to avoid alcohol is Hada labo uv whitening gel- contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin c. small bottles but relatively affordable.

exfoliants: paula's choice 2% bha liquid and 8% aha gel. i use the AHA most nights and 1-2x a week use the bha instead. i no longer use exfoliants in the morning (used to do bha in AM and aha in PM but found it was too much for my skin type, and reducing frequency helped without sacrificing results). may seem expensive upfront but i'm still using the 2 original bottles- the bha i bought around august and will still last me another couple months so between the size & referral codes it's a bargain.

makeup remover: Almay oil-free makeup remover pads. been using these for a decade. use them to remove eye makeup so that when i cleanse my face, my mascara isn't running over my skin. very gentle on eyes.

makeup- NARS radiant creamy concealer and more recently purchased the new Bare Minerals complexion rescue gel. NARS- does a great job at concealing without causing any skin issues. BM- pretty sheer coverage that does not break me out, and i do believe it helps keep skin moisturized and calm.

so essentially AM: avene trixera emollient balm/cream, hada labo sunscreen, Bare minerals complexion gel

PM: almay makeup remover pads over eyes, cerave foaming cleanser, nightly 8% AHA or 1-2x week bha liquid, avene balm/cream.

extras: nexcare acne patches to help heal any spots and try not to pick!

edit: added links

Products:

Cerave hydrating cleanser

Serious skin care cleanser (Much harsher cleanser, but skin has gotten used to it. I use it if my skin hasn't been feeling dry lately because I feel like it's better at clearing up my acne which I've never gotten rid of)

serious skin care repairz-it

Serious skin care clearz-it (Spot treatment)

Neutrogena clear face Sunscreen spf 55

Stridex in the red box

Garden of wisdom fruit acid 10%
exfo pads

In case the prices of the serious skin care stuff makes you cringe, I get it about 12x cheaper. It's the best stuff I've found so far for my skin. The moisturizer isn't always moisturizing enough, and I have to reapply it an extra time that day. My skin still hasn't cleared up, but every other moisturizer I've tried has definitely caused me to break out or just made my skin even more dry.

Morning:

Cleanse

Moisturize, wait to dry

Sunscreen

Night time:

Cleanse

Stridex in Red box, wait to dry

Garden of Wisdom exfo pad, wait to dry

Moisturize

Spot treat


If I were to add in a wash after a workout, I would just use cleanser + moisturizer or just water and moisturizer.

Ooo, I'm addicted to both Amazon and skincare so this thread is my jam.

• Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream! My skin is dry and very prone to dehydration so I can't use a lot of the popular AB sunscreens that have high amounts of alcohol. But most of the alcohol-free sunscreens I've tried never seen to dry down so they're hard to wear under makeup. This one is happily in the middle ground, it does have some alcohol in it but it's halfway down the ingredient list instead of at the top so it doesn't dry me out, and it manages to actually dry down enough to wear makeup over it.
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion is another favorite of mine. The "premium" version is a major upgrade from the regular version IMO. I've used them both extensively and the thicker texture of the premium version is so much nicer. Fifty Shades of Snail's review convinced me to upgrade and I've never looked back.
  
  
• Elta MD UV Pure is a really nice physical only sunscreen - good for when your skin is overly sensitive or recovering from a peel or overzealous use of actives.
  
  
• Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers are excellent for putting over whiteheads and/or zits you couldn't restrain yourself from popping.
  
  
• Packs of microfiber cloths are excellent if you like using a washcloth in your skincare routine but want something softer than terrycloth. I bought two 12-packs, I have a big pile of them next to my sink, I use a new one each night and then toss it right into the laundry to keep things super sanitary. Just learn from my mistakes don't put them in the wash with new terry cloth towels because the new towels will shed all the fuck over them and you will be picking fuzz off of them for weeks.
  
  
• Less skincare related than the rest but still sort of: this unscented Alaffia Shea Butter Bubble Bath is excellent if you have sensitive skin.
  

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)

If you can get him to wash his face every night his skin will improve. My brother liked the Clinique facial bar soap, and just using that improved his severe cystic acne. but any facial soap he'll use will be good.

Spot treating with benzoyl peroxide helps. If he is oily getting him in the habit of using stridex every night will pay off. I purged for a solid six months, but now I use it almost every night and notice a difference if I don't. I'm a minimalist and washing my face at night, then using stridex is a really simple skincare routine that could work for a lot of adolescents.

Also, there has been dermatology research that shows salicylic acid is effective in face washes, Cerave has a SA face wash, Neutrogena has one, and I love the Clean and Clear Deep Action Cleanser

If your son ever really gets into skincare routines, and is responsible about it, then Differin will give him results. He'll just need to use a sunscreen every morning. My dad recently got a precancerous mole removed, and still hasn't developed the habit of using sunscreen in the morning (So I know it can be tough to get people in habits of using sunscreen), so I would only get him Differin if you see evidence he can be responsible about sunscreen use. It's a worthwhile endeavor, because it could prevent him from getting skin cancer down the road. Blue Lizard, Olay Complete spf 30, & Purpose spf 15 are good non comedogenic sunscreens

edit: I just read you think he has sensitive skin. In that case I do not recommend Neutrogena (their products contain too much fragrance). Vanicream is good (no fragrance or parabens). They have very good facial cleansers.

There are a lot of brands in this offer I know nothing about, but there are a few things I can recommend:

La Roche Posay sunscreen, such as the Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen or the Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen. These American LRP sunscreens still aren't as great as the European versions, but they still work very well and I like how they sit on my skin.

I also love the LRP Toleriane moisturizer, but it is much cheaper where I live; I'm not sure it is worth the money with all great, cheap moisturizers available in America.

Mario Badescu buffering lotion is HG status for me. Nothing, not even prescriptions, work as well as this lotion on my cystic acne. I've never tried the drying lotion, which is for non-cystic acne, but I've seen it recommended here a number of times.

Also, seriously, the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. Technically, this is a skin care line for men, but who cares? I've read some good things about their moisturizers here, but never tried one. I maybe own the lip balm in every flavor....

What I actually use regularly:

• CeraVe Hydrating facial Cleanser
  
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (in the tub)
  
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum
  
  • Only on my eyes at night, it has retinol which isn't good in the sun
    
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
  
  • At night as a sort of night mask
    
• Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent Toner
  
  • as a spot treatment for pimples
    
• Heritage Rose Water and Gylcerin Spray
  
• Cure Natural Aqua Gel
  
  • This is the best product I own. I use it once or twice a week, all those "grey snakes" just roll right off your face.
    
• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
  
  • I use this as body lotion
    
    Remaining items on bottom shelf: picture
    
    
• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  • Not a fan of this for my face so now I use it to clean my Make up brushes
    
• CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
  
• Bite Agave Lip Mask
  
• Ancient Healing Clay
  
  • Just bought this after reading good things about Benonite Clay but it dried out my skin so I'm not sure how I like it
    
• Peter Thomas Roth Poten-C Power Serum sample Packets
  
• Jade Facial Roller
  
  • I got this as a gift at work, not sure if it actually does anything
    
    Remaining Middle Shelf: Picture
    
    
• Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
  
• Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
  
  • So I don't use this and I just remembered that it's because the last time I did my sensitive skin was not happy with it at all, my whole face turned red and puffy. I will be throwing this away.
    
• Peter Thomas Roth 6 Piece Mask Kit
  
• Clearasil Rapid Action Vanishing Acne Treatment
  
  • My Clean & Clear Toner seems to work a lot better than this stuff
    
• Prescriptives All You Need Moisturizer Sample
  
  Top Shelf: Picture
  
  
• La Mer Samples: My mom got me these for Christmas and I do like it all but I've been trying to save them for a special occasion where I can feel like I'm glowing because I have hundreds of dollars of skin care slabbed onto my face. Not exactly sure if the results live up to the reputation.
  
  • Replenishing Oil Exfoliator
    
  • Cleansing Oil
    
  • The Eye Concentrate
    
  • The Cleansing Micellar Water
    
  • The Regenerating Serum x2

I live in the USA, but I found these on European websites, so maybe you can find it where you live.

Cotz tinted sunscreen
This stuff is amazing! It has zinc in it which is one of the best ingredients as far as sun protection goes.

I also love Neutrogena Clear Skin sunscreen
This doesn't appear white on me once I rub it in and has a wonderful finish.

Also, I recommend putting sunscreen on the back of your hands as well as neck,chest to protect from prematuring aging due to sun exposure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Hyaluronic Acid serum, such as Paula's Choice

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

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

Lol

Toners:

• Fresh- Rose Deep Hydration (the one I’m currently using)

• Klairs- Supple Preparation Facial Toner (great for layering, you can almost get a serum-y effect)

• Pyunkang Yul- Essence Toner (also layerable)

Out of the three toners, the fresh one is the most water-y feeling. However, you can’t use it as a serum-y or mask like product because of that. It doesn’t lend itself to layering if you want to do a quick super burst of hydration.

Moisturizers (specifically watery or gel-like feeling, not heavily occlusive; please bear in mind that these are over $50 and boogie af but I love them, if you’d like heavier recommendations please let me know):

• Tatcha- The Water Cream (the lightest and most watery out of all of them)

• Fresh- Rose Deep Hydration (~$40)

• Drunk Elephant- Protini (gel-like but still fairly water-y)

• Sunday Riley- Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream (also fairly watery, it comes in smaller ~$20 size if you want to make a smaller purchase before fully investing)

Again, sorry the moisturizers were expensive. The better water-y and gel-like moisturizers that I’ve found and liked for oily skin were always on the more expensive side. If you test them (you can get free samples from your local Sephora for almost any product) and find that you need something heavier, please let me know! Also, sorry if the formatting sucks. I’m trying to link and do this all on my phone.

I wholly empathize with you. I had severe cystic acne for 12 years, and no one understood what it was like. It was a living hell, and no matter what I did, there never seemed to be an end in sight. It was overwhelming to say the least.

The first thing that stuck out to me was that you avoid moisturizers. Your routine should include a light moisturizer so that you don't dry out your skin. You want gentle but effective treatment, not collateral damage. I have oily skin, and someone gave me this moisturizer as a gift. It seems to work well, and I'm guessing it's water-based.

I completely understand your frustrating lack of funds. I have almost no income and have no health insurance at all, so I know first0hand how hard that is. Maybe you can save up for certain products or research cheaper options. Try researching moisturizers for oily skin and see what you can find. Just don't give up!

You do need to see a very knowledgeable dermatologist. If you look into it now, it may be worth the wait. I emphasize "knowledgeable," because the dermatologist you choose must know how to treat your acne as well as identify the underlying cause.

In your case, your cystic acne could be hormonal. If you have excess/unwanted hair growth, thinning scalp hair, irregular periods, weight gain, and the acne, you could have polycystic ovarian syndrome, and treatment includes a medication called Spironolactone. But, if I'm not mistaken, even if you don't have PCOS, your acne can still be hormonal.

There are other causes, too, of course, and a good dermatologist will know to dig deep and really search for good answers. Research the dermatologists in your area and look for ratings and reviews online.

Push forward. Keep going with this. And be nice to your skin! No baking soda cleansing (as this throws off the pH balance of your skin), no overly-gritty exfoliants (looking at you, St. Ives apricot scrub!), and try not to pick. Oil cleansing and micellar water cleansing can be good methods for removing every speck of makeup at bedtime.

You are in the UK, so I'm not sure what products you have available. But research, research, research! Another tip: With Google shopping, you can sort your search results from lowest to highest price.

Good luck!!

they can be a bit of a pain in the ass to hunt down, but I exclusively use asian sunscreens for my face, as they have some of the most cosmetically elegant formulas (aka little to no white cast or greasy, sunscreen-y feeling), plus they have very high UVA and UVB protections that are better than the majority of western offerings. the biore blue tube sunscreen is a perennial favorite over in /r/AsianBeauty because of how good it feels on the skin and how relatively cheap and easy it is to find.

EDIT: also forgot to mention, if you start using sunscreen (which you should!!!!) then you might want to start double cleansing at night as well, because it's the best way to make sure that you get all the sunscreen off so it doesn't clog pores. again, asian skincare companies have western companies beat (at least IMO) when it comes to first/oil cleanser formulas. r/AB will have a ton of suggestions, but personally I like the kose softymo deep one.

Me personally, I use cleansing oils. I used the hydrating makeup remover wipes from Neutrogena for years before I found cleansing oils. I tried micellular water and I’m not a fan. I don’t like the tugging feeling of cotton on my face and I didn’t feel like it removed all of my makeup.

Cleansing oils on dry skin followed by gentle cleanser has been amazing for me. I use the hydrating cleanser by La Roche Posay and it’s HG for me. Love love love it.

For cleansing oils, I’m still in the process of finding my HG. I have used the neutrogena one and wasn’t a big fan. I tried the one by Simple and also wasn’t a huge fan. So far Burts Bees oil has been my favorite. Trader Joe’s sells an exact dupe for $6. That one is nice too. Also, The Face Shop sells one that is really light. I got it on amazon and I’ve been using that for the last month or so. I actually just picked up a new one today made by Palmers. So I’m gonna try that out tonight. Links ;

The face shop;
https://www.amazon.com/Facial-Cleanser-Natural-Cleansing-Moisturizer/dp/B00809ERAM

Burts bees;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0151RHR3E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-1&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=41ygSRlXfhL&ref=plSrch

Trader Joe’s;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06WP1W6FQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495277&sr=8-1&keywords=trader+joes+cleansing+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=314w%2Bv8HeEL&ref=plSrch

Simple:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IR8W0UE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-2&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil

Palmers:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00W2CTHT4/ref=mp_s_a_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-7&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=31u9ea3--FL&ref=plSrch

Neuteogena;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U2VQZC4/ref=mp_s_a_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523495135&sr=8-10&keywords=burts+bees+cleansing+oil

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Oil cleanse

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

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

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

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

2. Acid exfoliation

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

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

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

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


3. Hydrating toner

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

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

4. Ceramide lotion

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

5 (Daytime). Sunblock

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

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

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

5 (Night). Occlusive

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

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

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

Good luck, and happy moisturizing!

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to give a detailed response. It's sort of sad knowing that people here care more and will give details about things more than PAYING a dermatologist who just wants to give you harsh products and send you on your way.

I will definitely be taking a peak at r/AsianBeauty as I think you're very on track with how my skin is and acts. Heck, I'm with most Asians as well when it comes to alcohol, my face will become even more flushed instantly!

I'm really liking the routine you have suggested and well try this as I look around on the other sub. I think an issue I have to curb is my lack of motivation after so many years to do something. I try things, they fail, I get depressed and give up and just moisturize/clean once a day and that's it with products probably not helping me or even possibly causing issues with my skin (no doubt my cleanser as non-harsh as it is, still causes my skin to inflame and get little patches of red irritation).

May I ask if:

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_1_s_f_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493512665&sr=1-1&ppw=fresh&keywords=Cerave%2BFacial%2BMoisturizing%2BLotion%2BPM&th=1

was the lotion you were talking about? I only could find this one with all 3 important compounds you mentioned and this one which as SPF with zinc (good for red skin I hear?)

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=sr_1_10_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1493514062&sr=1-10&keywords=Cerave+Facial+Moisturizing+Lotion+PM

Lastly, if you don't mind answering:

1. Are you familiar with stuff like evening primrose oil, hemp seed oil ect.? High omega 6 fatty acid stuff, supposedly anti-inflammatory? I used primrose oil to no avail besides getting some moisturizing effects from it, and I think my heavy use of it over two months led to some blowback with more redness and odd patchy dry scaling occurring that lasted a few days, but I'm not sure that was the cause. If primrose didn't work, could hemp work, or most of those types of oils doing basically the same thing and isn't worth looking at any further if I already used one?
   
   
2. In addition to the routine, are you familiar with products like:
   
   http://www.ulta.com/travel-size-your-skin-but-better-cc-cream-with-spf-50?productId=xlsImpprod11001537
   
   It's categorized as a female product, but it seems like something that can perhaps help mask/tone down the redness a bit while providing some SPF. Seems to have things such as peptides, niacin, vitamins A, C, B, E, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen along with anti-oxidants and exotic natural botanicals. I've never worn this type of stuff before, and although it seems to be for girls maybe just a light bit that matches my skin tone and remove a few shades, while not being harsh on skin and giving SPF would be beneficial while helping me not feel so bad when my face flushes when I'm out and about from spicy foods, or heat ect.
   
   Anyways, thank you again, your help means a lot.
   

Well, everyone's skin reacts differently but I'll let you know what I've used and had success with.

The Face Shop Light Cleansing Oil - really great and affordable for starting out w/ a cleansing oil

Pond's Cold Cream - love but required me to use microfiber wash cloths and made too much laundry because it didn't emulsify and rinse easily

Fresh Seaberry Cleansing Oil - currently using but I bought some off eBay bc of the cost

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - probably what I will try next; receives a lot of love around this sub

All the steps you're taking are in the right direction, but let's talk about product recommendations. You should start off with a basic skincare routine.

Cleanser: Cosrx Low Ph Morning Gel Cleanser - A good cult favorite, gentle cleanser.

Toner- Stri-dex Pads Maximum Strength - I have yet to find anything else that keeps my acne at bay as well as these do, holy grail status.

Moisturizer- [Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream] (https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-fl-oz/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=pd_sbs_194_49?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00NTR9B6A&pd_rd_r=GQARJSYA37GYHK6DDA84&pd_rd_w=xTj7a&pd_rd_wg=Anz1Z&psc=1&refRID=GQARJSYA37GYHK6DDA84) - This will moisturize and take care of acne scars.

Additionally, what helps me is to exfoliate twice a week, and I use Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off Exfoliator.

I would suggest wearing sunscreen, though this step isn't specifically to help your acne, it's just good to protect the skin from premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Assuming you have combo to oily skin I would recommend Etude House Airy Finish Sun Milk.

**Skin type and skin concerns:**

Main concerns: Dryness, acne (cystic and general acne all over chin and cheeks), and splotchy discoloration all over my face (my dermatologist said it was melasma). My skin is consistently congested and breaking out, yet my entire face is sensitive, dull, itchy and flakey. After years of reading tips here, I've finally gotten to the point where redness and the majority of flaking is gone and products don't burn when they touch me, but my skin remains dull and feels tight.

​

While the products I've selected are relatively affordable, they add up. Plus I'm worried I'm doing more damage than good by overwhelming my skin with all these product. Mostly though, I'm so jealous of all your minimalist routines I see on here, and I want to create one that would work for me. I don't know where to start. What are your thoughts?

​

**Skincare routine with full product names**

AM

1. Wipe face gently with Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes
   
2. Spritz face with rose water to re-moisten (currently using Leven Rose Rose Water)
   
3. Eva Naturals Vitamin B3 5% Niacinamide Serum(daily)
   
4. Spritz face with Kikumasamune Sake High Moisture Skin Lotion Tonerbefore skin dries completely
   
5. Moisturize with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
   
6. Spritz face again with Kiku to keep moist
   
7. Warm two drops of The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalanein hands and pat all over face (I just added this to my routine and I have high hopes)
   
8. Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
   
9. Coola Liplux Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30
   
10. 1-2 times per week, exfoliate face with Baiden Mitten Exfoliator Glove
    
11. 1-2 times per week exfoliate lips with Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub
    
    PM
    
    
12. First cleanse with Illiyoon Total Aging Care Cleansing Oil (I'm finishing up this bottle and then I'm going back to using Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil).
    
13. Second cleanse with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
    
14. Saturate cotton pad (White Rabbit organic cotton) with Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner and gently wipe face and neck
    
15. Spritz face with rose water to re-moisten
    
16. Elizavecca Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic acid Serum(nightly)
    
17. Spritz face with Kiku before skin dries completely
    
18. Moisturize with Elizavecca Milky Piggy Retinol Cream
    
19. Spritz face again with Kiku to keep moist
    
20. Additional moisturizer layer with Mizon Black Snail All in One Cream (I'm sure this is unnecessary, but I feel like the snail cream has done more for me than any other product and I'm emotionally attached to it now lol)
    
21. Warm two drops of TO squalane oil in hands and pat all over face (NEW)
    
22. Hanalei Lip Treatment
    
23. Cover any cystic acne with spot treatment patches
    
24. Once a week, spot treat dry problem areas with Origins drink up intensive overnight mask(it looks like they recently changed the formula for this, so I'm going to have to find something new when this runs out)
    
25. Once a week, spot treat acne problem areas with Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask
    
    ​
    
    **Daily behaviors possibly impacting skin:**
    
    My diet is crap. While I don't eat a lot of processed food, I eat too much sugar, too much oily and fatty foods, too much red meat and not enough vegetables. Because of my family, it's going to be difficult to make adjustments, and honestly I'm not sure where to start. Caffeine consumption is pretty high, while I only have the occasional coffee, I drink a TON of green tea and oolong tea. Water intake is fair, and I usually refill my 32oz water bottle 2 times a day (yes, I have to run to the bathroom at least every 30 minutes). I pretty much stopped wearing makeup a little over a year ago, now I only wear for special occasions and the occasional eye liner.

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

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

I've been alternating between Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel and Biore Perfect Face Milk depending on if my skin feels dry that day and if I need a sweatproof/waterproof sunscreen or not. Perfect Face Milk can be drying (especially on my dry-ish skin) so I need to use tons of moisturizer underneath, but it is also sweat and water-resistant which is handy when I'm going to be walking around and sweating a lot. UV Creamy Gel is very moisturizing and doesn't require extra moisturizer underneath, but is not resistant to anything.

I also own Rohto Mentholatum Sunplay Super Block and Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen but I don't use them nearly as often. Sunplay is a bit too moisturizing for my liking and Aging Care smells like baby powder and makes my pores look larger after wearing it all day. I have Biore Bright Face Milk coming in the mail right now as well so once I get that I will probably do a comprehensive review of all 5 of those sunscreens.

And no, I am not Asian. I'm Russian (Russian-American? That sounds kinda weird haha) but just really into Asian skincare products.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just started Accutane (Claravis), 60mg/day yesterday, and have changed up my routine recently based on lurking around this sub and r/Accutane. Any general comments/feedback would be much appreciated!

Skin type: Oily for sure, but I am positive it's about to become dry with the Accutane. In changing up my routine a few weeks ago, I tried to pick products that seemed to work for people with both skin types generally (maybe just with different frequencies of use) so I could use them before and after I finish the course.

Current routine:

AM

Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser to cleanse

Klaris Supple Preparation Facial Toner for toner

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Balm Cream for moisturizer

Sun Bum SPF 30 fPVNM Sunscreen, Original Face Stick -- I know it's not the best, but I live in Portland/Seattle so the need is not as dire as in other places

PM

Lush Ultrabland to remove makeup
Remove makeup

Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser to cleanse

Usually after cleansing I use a mask -- I had been using more acne-targeting masks, but since I am switching to sheet masks, which I used to only use occasionally. Right now, I have Benton Snail Bee High content Sheet Mask Pack and Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, but I also really like Origins Drink Up-Intensive and Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask. When I need spot treatment, I am obsessed with Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

Then I go back and do -- Klaris Supple Preparation Facial Toner for toner

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Balm Cream for moisturizer

Edit: I used to use (and still have left some) of Lush's Herbalism. I am not sure I should keep using it on Accutane, since it exfoliates, but any commentary on that would be appreciated!

With physical sunblock containing zinc, it's gonna happen. With the US-approved reactive sunscreens, they also react with many soaps and turn red instead of white. I second the suggestion for Biore sunscreens from Japan. I used the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence for my face and their slightly cheaper Watery Gel for my tattoos. No zinc to white cast and none of the reef-killing reactives to ruin my clothes in the wash. They can be found on Amazon or eBay, sometimes with two day shipping and sometimes with month-long shopping.

[Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Essence on Amazon](http://www.Biore.com/ UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence 50g, Sunscreen, SPF50+ PA++++, Latest Package, Set of 2 with YUMERIA Original Sakura Compressed Hand Towel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D8QMBPS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3tWqDb6QA94TK)

[Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Gel on Amazon](http://www.Biore.com/ UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel 90ml, 2019 Renewed Sunscreen, SPF50+ PA++++, Set of 2 with YUMERIA Original Sakura Compressed Hand Towel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P94RZQD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cvWqDbYJTJ3KV)[Shiseido Japan sunscreen which dries faster than the Watery Gel]

(Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6DXICO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8vWqDbCHVQ3K8)

[Cosrx Sunscreen with aloe, it's t h i cc ](http://www.COSRX.com/ Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++, 50ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBX3FLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SwWqDb3RPY48S)

Edit: Forgot to write that I haven't dried my face with a towel during these three weeks. Just soaked it up with soft napkins.


I took 750 mg Niacin supplements every day & ate a mostly vegan diet. Went from greenish, sickly pale to a healthy pink tone (the pics above were taken in the same room, same tone of lighting). Under eye line & forehead lines disappeared with BHA & hydration!


I don't tan, smoke or drink. My routine (I noticed a difference overnight with BHA & the snail gels):

AM:

• ACO Face Refreshing Cleansing Lotion
  
  
• L300 Fresh Hydration Cleansing Toner
  
  
• [Sporadically] TonyMoly The Fresh Phytoncide Pore Essence
  
  
• [Started 3rd week] Mizon All-in-one Snail Repair Cream
  
  
• [Started 3rd week] Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
  
  
• L300 Fresh Hydration Face Cream+
  
  
• Kao Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Essence (I need to switch this out for a physical as my eyes get red)
  
  
  PM:
  
  
• ACO Face Refreshing Cleansing Lotion
  
  
• L300 Fresh Hydration Cleansing Toner
  
  
• [First 2 weeks: every night, 3rd week and beyond: every other day] Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel
  
  Wait 20-30 minutes
  
  
• [Started 2nd week] ECO Modern Essentials Vitamin C Serum (not sure if this has any effect, will use it until I run out)
  
  
• [Started 3rd week] Mizon All-in-one Snail Repair Cream
  
  
• [Started 3rd week] Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
  
  
• L300 Fresh Hydration Face Cream+
  
  
  I hopefully won't be needing Botox for years. And my brother is now also a believer. :)

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

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

Skin type OILY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything new:Everything except the age fighter

Your location: Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

Have you tried gel-based moistuirizers? I hate how heavy cream feels on my face cause I have oily skin so I only ever wear gel moisturizers. Garnier's Moisture for normal/combo skin was pretty good for me, but I've started using more AB products now, such as Mizon Snail Recovery Gel. Check out oily skin moisturizer recommendations over at /r/AsianBeauty. Also, YMMV but alcohol is actually my friend. Alcohol in my moisturizers help control oil productions. What works for me may not work for you though! Remember to patch test whenever you're trying something new.

Maybe your cleanser is too stripping and your skin is overcompensating by producing excess oil. Do you double cleanse? What cleanser do you use? I use a mild cleanser in the morning and double cleanse only in the evening.

Innisfree no sebum mineral powder is a really good oil-control powder btw! I love that stuff. My face feels so smooth after.

Hope this helps!

I don't really follow, is the product a face wash? You said your routine is lotion, the new product, an exfoliant, then moisturizer? Are you using it as a wash or leaving it on your face? Sorry, maybe I'm just misreading what you wrote.

Perfume sticks out to me in the ingredient list. Fragrances can be very irritating for a lot of people. You can plug it into CosDNA and see if there are other red flags. The site isn't perfect and everyone's skin is different, but it can be a good place to start.

If that face wash is drying and causing problems for you, I would look for something else. This sub loves CeraVe, either hydrating or foaming. A hydrating or creamy cleanser may be better than foaming since your current one is making you feel dry and your skin is normal. I use Vanicream which is pretty minimal. It lathers up a bit so you feel like you're getting clean but it's not stripping or drying.

Here is the HG cleanser thread with a lot of good options too. You'll find something that works!

I'm looking into the Hadalabo cleansing oil and have found 2 on Amazon, so I'm wondering if they're the same with different packaging or if one is a different formula or..?? This one is the original link that I followed off 50 Shades of Snail's blog and it links to this, which it says is a newer version of the item. I would just go ahead and buy the first linked item, as it seems reputable with many many reviews, but it's gone up in price to $25 and the second one is $16. Really hoping someone can help bc Google wasn't very helpful when I searched for things like "hadalabo cleansing oil new packaging" "new formula" etc lol.. Thanks in advance for any help! :)

wow your skin is so glowy!! i'm jelly! A starter kit I would recommend:

-oil cleanser: Kose Speedy Oil Cleanser (washes away clean, non-stripping, takes errrthang off)

-regular cleanser: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser (non-stripping, no frills)

-exfoliating toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid toner (can help with your issues described, sounds like closed comedones)

-essence: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Rose Edition (plumping, even skin tone over time)

-anti-aging specific: The Ordinary Buffet (or buffet+peptides wow good stuff!)

-moisturizer: Peach Slices Honey Aqua Glow (lightweight gel moisturizer that packs a punch!) or The Ordinary NMF (no frills, does the job)

-SPF: CosRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen(no white caste, dries to a natural finish, non-drying)

Would you say your skin is more dry-combination, or oily-combination? My skin got a lot drier once I started a regular routine.

A cleanser: CeraVe - you could try the Hydrating or the Foaming. I started with the foaming, and then switched because I found it too drying. But the foaming one has better ingredients, so if you can tolerate it, go for that.


an exfoliator: Don't go crazy with this right away. Maybe once a week to start, then every other day. Get Paula's Choice 2% BHA LIQUID, or you could try COSRX blackhead power liquid (lots of people like both these products). PC has a sale right now with free shipping plus 20% off.. I'd get the trial/travel size to start!

A moisturizer: If you go on the Clinique website you can do a pretty involved "skin quiz" and it will recommend the right moisturizer for you. It told me to get the DDML+, but there is also a gel and a cream. People generally like these products, and I have found them to be pretty good.

Something to spot treat blackheads (Do I need this?): see "exfoliator".

sunscreen: its really up to you. This can be the hardest part to figure out. Do a lot of research! This is a well-liked one that doesn't cause too many people issues.

You should get a physical/mineral sunscreen if you're going to be outside all day because you have to reapply chemical ones every two hours. You'll still need to reapply the physical if it sweats off but it should last longer. I would recommend this one since you'll be in Europe so you can find it really easily - http://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Mineral-Sunscreen-Resistant/dp/B004W55086/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1459179953&sr=8-1&keywords=la+roche+posay+anthelios+mineral

Good SPF and PPD protection.

Gentle cleanser rec: Avene extremely gentle cleanser. Also European. They also have good moisturizers.

Thanks so much for the write up.

>Dupes are Clinique moisturizing gel and Nuetrogena oil-free lotion sensitive skin. Apply a little and rub in circular motions to damp skin so cells can soften and desquamate/shed.

I moisturize first thing after washing my face and I do wash my face in the shower quite often. Thanks for the recommendations/tips.

>If you have oily skin, other options are Cerave in a huge lotion bottle, NOT the pm one.

Do you know what the difference is between Cerave and Cetaphil? I'm having a hard time finding cerave AM without spf. Can I use a cream or face and body lotion without it feeling too heavy?

I don't think I'm stripping my skin, I don't use much on my face in regards to toners or exfoliating. I don't wear make up, only eye shadow primer and gel liner. The eye primer is so important bc without it, my eyeliner starts to smudge from oiliness (it is also from having monolids). I've been planning on getting back into make up this year but that's another thing I'm a noob at right now.

I go back and forth between 2 face cleansers, [Neutrogena Neutrogena Oil-Free] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ECVMWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wtoRDbEQVGMPT) and garnier Mercier water Foaming Face Wash - it says foaming on the bottle but it does not foam at all. I wash my face with either of these in morning and before bed. I even bought a silk pillowcase last year to protect my hair and skin bc cotton was drying my face out and messing with my baby hairs.

My main moisturizer is the Neutrogena hydro boost. Before this I used the plain oil free Neutrogena. I stopped using moisturizer with spf (Aveeno) bc it felt too heavy for me and made me oiler. My boyfriend uses aveeno with spf 15 and he's never oily. once in awhile I'll use Derma E Tea Tree and Vitamin E Relief Cream.


I've started using a small amount of Paula's Choice bha for blackheads on my nose, in between my brows, and inner cheek area (next to my nose) once or twice a week for blackheads.

I get a few sporadic pimples here and there. I get small bumps on my jawline that get really itchy but it never gets red. It happens so often I think it might be hormonal.

The main problem that I need help with is how oily my nose is. Like an hour after I wash my face, my nose will have small bumps of oil. I feel like it's never clean. By night time if I don't touch my face, you can see oil on my forehead, nose, and in between my brows. My forehead somehow looks dry and oily though.

Have you thought about a tinted sunscreen? Physical sunscreens tend to always have some type of a white cast, but tinted ones have coloring in them that hides the whiteness. I have used this EltaMD one in the past and it's pretty nice.

Also heard good things about this one from LRP.

FWIW, it's fine to use a chemical sunscreen on top of moisturizer, and some of them have some pretty nice moisturizing ingredients themselves.

I haven't tried their other products. I was briefly considering their AHA+ because it's very cheap, but I have heard many report on this sub that the pH is a bit on the high side, rendering it less effective. I can recommend the Alpha Hydrox 10% Oil-free treatment for use in conjunction with Benzoyl Peroxide to refine skin texture and heal pimples. Highly recommend the acne.org treatment, you won't be spending enough to get free shipping, but the price is still way better than anything else that's available, even with shipping for a solo item :)

1. Cleanser -link - Remove dirt, really powerful. It has gotten rid of my blackheads, and I had a lot.

2. Exfoliator -link - Only whenever my skin can handle it. Will get rid of all of that flakey skin you have for a smooth finish. It'll make your skin 100% smooth without flakes after 1 use.

3. Essence -link - Skin treatment after exfoliator, replacement for toner. Repairs damaged skin as well and is good protection.

Finally, any Korean BB Cream that goes well with your skin tone. A good BB cream is protective tinted moisturizer to hide your imperfections. Asian BB Cream products are way superior than the American versions.

I would recommend this for you as good BB Creams if you're ever interested:

Choice One - Link - Whitening, Wrinkle Repair, Moisturizer, Tinted, Sunblock. This one is a bit stronger.

Choice Two - Link - Whitening, Wrinkle Repair, Moisturizer, Tinted, Sunblock. This one is more popular.

As someone who suffered from razor bumps my whole life, let me help!
Ok so the solution to razor bumps: Kill germs + exfoliate

You can do this in many different ways. There are lots of products out there (TendSkin, Bliss Ingrown Hair pads, etc) that are to treat razor bumps and they are all generally a mixture of alcohol and a chemical exfoliant (some type of AHA/BHA) You can try these products but Ive found it much easier to use my own.

My process:

1. Cleanse/exfoliate my legs with CeraVe SA Cleanser and a scrubby glove
   
2. Shave with a clean razor and a nice shave gel. I use Aveeno Sensitive Skin
   
3. After shower I use Witch Hazel toner w/ Alcohol to kill germs and soothe microscopic cuts
   
4. Follow that up with my CeraVe SA Body Lotion
   
5. MOST IMPORTANT STEP: Is to repeat exfoliation DAILY until your next shave. This means applying your AHA/BHA product each day.
   
   Immediate bumps are caused by germs getting into your pores, which could come from your razor, your towel, your shower, really anything. This is why sanitizing with some type of alcohol immediately after shaving is important.
   
   Bumps which appear later (especially next day after shave which was always when it happened for me) are caused by the hairs inability to push back through the surface of the skin properly. This is where exfoliating comes into play. Exfoliating after shaving and each day until your next shave helps the hairs come back through the skin with minimal irritation.
   
   You can use any combo of products to kill germs and exfoliate. Ive used just pure alcohol and stridex pads before. The stridex pads work really well for this, actually. But I like using the SA lotion instead since its a lot more moisturizing and seems to work just fine. If you understand what you are trying to accomplish, then it doesnt really matter the products you use to achieve it.
   
   I hope this helps! Hang in there!

I have long days and long nights so I usually go to the gym around 3pm while not doing my skincare routine till 11:30pm.

Here’s my gym routine:
Olay Daily Facials . Holy crap these things are amazing. They’ve been endorsed by a bunch of youtubers and I caved and bought them. They are great. They claim to remove makeup, cleanse, tone AND mask. I don’t think it does all of those things but they do remove makeup very well and do moisturize. I prefer this version b/c I have dry skin but there are other versions to fit a variety of skin types. I can’t recommend these enough. Mini review: 12/10.

Mario Badescu Rose Water

Klairs toner

And the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream .

This is after the gym but if I’m wearing makeup, before the workout, i wash my face with a cleansing balm. then I follow up with mist and moisturizer.

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps!!

This stuff is amazing - expensive as HELL but really amazing: CV Labs Skin Balm I've also had great luck with the Bite Agave Lip mask, although that is just as expensive and is less versatile in terms of using it on other dry patches. I'm also ordering some of the Lansinoh balm, which I've heard good things about and which is much much cheaper.

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

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

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

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

It's actually not very different (in terms of consistency) than any other serum/emulsion! A lot of people like Benton's Snail Bee essence, I haven't tried it myself though. /r/asianbeauty has a very informative sidebar with product recs if you're interested in trying them out!

As far as what I use, I (sadly) am still on the hunt for an AHA and vitamin C Serum that I like. Next on my list to try are the Mizon 8% AHA and OST Vitamin C Serum. I tried sample sizes of the Paula's Choice 8% AHA gel and liked it well enough but I didn't like how sticky it made my skin feel.

A lot of folks here really like the C-15 Super Booster from Paula's Choice. I tried a sample size and didn't notice a difference but perhaps that's because I didn't use it long enough. I am trying the OST vitamin C serum next, mostly because it is much cheaper, but if it doesn't work for me I will be switching to the Paula's Choice.

I love this one:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It looks like a mix of folliculitis caused by malassezia (fungal acne) and bacterial acne. I'm not sure but all products below are safe for skin with fungal / bacterial acne.

• Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QY1XZ4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_F4ORDbN34AQZ3
  
• Moisturizer: Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NTJJR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_VaPRDbV6B26M7
  
• Bacterial Acne Treatment: Acne.org Treatment (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00164FKWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_C5ORDbPX8TS6X
  
• Sunscreen: Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_j6ORDbKK7ZG7W
  
  ------
  
• Fungal Acne Treatment: Selsun Blue Selenium Sulfide Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UGL84U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_qlPRDbJMXEP5N - once a week only, use like a facial wash, leave on the face for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly

Hey all!

Issue: Acne

Skin type: Sensitive/dry

Current routine:

Morning:

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Mattifying Toner
It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Moisturizing Cream
Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel SPF 50

Evening:
Castor Oil + Sweet Almond Oil (a la http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com) 3-4 nights a week, the CeraVe Hydrating cleanser on the non-OCM nights
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion on OCM nights, CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin on non-OCM nights

Occasionally used:
ReShape+ Dark Spot Corrector Cream
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Length: I've been using this routine for roughly a month, the newest things I've added are the It Cosmetics moisturizer and the OCM. I know with the OCM they say your skin gets worse before it can get better and to do it consistently for 3 weeks for results but I feel like I've done it that long and my cheeks and around my mouth are still red and bumpy.

Other facts: I'm in the process of decreasing the amount of fast food and greasy food I eat, which is a lot right now but hopefully soon will be none. I think that will clear up my skin a little bit but I feel like poor diet isn't the only thing causing this. With the routine I currently have the bumps on my face tend to go away for a day or two but the redness persists and then the actual bumps return.

Location: Southern California

Any advice/suggestions are welcome; thank you for reading my post!

Edit: https://imgur.com/a/8bVpE, thought I attached a pic of each side of my face, whoops!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I don't think it's possible to wash your hands 30 times a day and not have it be irritated at all. When you go to bed could you wear gloves filled with lotion, maybe a creamy aloe or oatmeal based one. Snail gel cream as an initial layer, covered with a creamier hand lotion, and possibly a layer of vaseline to seal it in? You'll almost definitely need to use fragrance free stuff to avoid additional irritation.

Also, it's currently sold out online but I have seen them in stores, forever21 has these which are basically sheet masks for your hands.

I think you might want to try this lotion, which is fragrance free, creamy but soaks in quickly so you can layer it, and lanolin rich. I have seen travel squeeze tubes of it at the dollar tree if you would rather not use a tub. I really like it when my hands are at their most irritated (my skin cracks and bleeds in cold, dry weather) because it doesn't hurt the way a lot of lotions do.

The snail gel cream I referred to is by Mizon, you can find their snail gel recovery cream on amazon and I find it to be incredibly good at soothing irritation and that it helps with healing. It's made a huge difference on my face, could help your hands.

Also, you need preventative measures. Use lotion before your hands are so irritated the pain makes you want to cry, that way it hopefully doesn't get quite so bad.

My current routine:
wet face

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

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

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

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

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

I put together a mini version of my daily skin routine because I am in my early twenties and spend a lot of nights not at home.

Left to Right

1st: [Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil](r/https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OQHZ2M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1): a few pumps of my favorite oil cleanser in this [miniature airless pump](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C5ZN2WY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Works to get off my night makeup and pull the gunk out of my easily clogged pores.

2nd: [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser]( r/https://smile.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Skin-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00OK1NEX0/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1535926471&sr=1-1&keywords=cetaphil+face+wash+travel+size) in a travel size container. My preferred second cleanser that doesn’t get me as dried out as a Cetaphil Foaming cleanser does.

3rd:[Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen]( https://smile.amazon.com/Sarasara-Essence-Sunscreen-Package-Cosmetic/dp/B071X4W74G/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1535926564&sr=1-1&keywords=biore%2Bsunscreen&th=1) The biggest item in my travel case, but half used up so it’s easily folded in half. For application the morning after.

4th: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://smile.amazon.com/Tonic-Ginseng-100ml-Travel-Toner/dp/B0199EBC0Y/ref=sr_1_cc_1_a_it?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1535926715&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=pixi+glow+tonic+travel). I use this as a substitute for my preferred nip and fab glycolic fix extreme- works just as well in a pinch but doesn’t have the added salicylic acid/isn’t a convenient pad.

5th: Curology in another airless container. I only wanted to spare a few pumps of product for travel as it’s the most expensive item in my routine.

6th: [Bliss Drench n Quench]( https://smile.amazon.com/Moisture-Hydrator-Hypoallergenic-Dermatologist-Non-Comedogenic/dp/B016IXPWO6/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1535927003&sr=1-1&keywords=bliss+cream+to+water) sample size. A sub in for my Neutrogena hydro boost gel- works well enough, but not enough to persuade me to switch.

Does your skin flake or feel dry/tight? Rather than layering moisturizers, you could try adding in a moisturizing toner. A few that I like are

• the one's for dry skin from Paula's Choice
  
  
• the "Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture" which you can buy from amazon or ebay. It smells kinda weird, but really does wonders for most people who use it.
  
  
• Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is also great and you can find it on amazon or ebay
  
  I personally think exfoliating and using retin a and maybe even niacinimide is what's going to make the difference in your skin rather than layering on moisturizers. But if you are really dry, you should try playing around with moisturizing toner under your creams and maybe adding a face oil (or Vaseline) at the end of your routine. You can find a better way to get beneficial ingredients into your skincare rather than moisturizers and personally think you should cut back on using so many.
  

Hi there.
I could really use some help getting started with a routine; I've read the sidebar and been on skincare-addiction.com and read quite a lot there about my skintypes and such - but I still feel that this is quite a jungle with a lot of different pitfalls.

Some basic information about me: 21 year old, male, combination skin.

My current routine:

AM: Use a cleanser (with a cotton pad) after waking up, to cleanse my face.

PM: Same as in the morning - clean my head with a cleanser (using a cotton pad).

This is the cleanser I've been using: TEA TREE FACIAL TONER from TheBodyShop

So, obviously my current routine is not enough, as my skin is acting all crazy and has been for quite a few months now.

Can anybody help me on the right path here? Maybe tell me what products to avoid and which one that would suit me?

I've been looking at this:

Clean the skin: [Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution]
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZGGPDU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005ZGGPDU&linkCode=as2&tag=thdewi-20&linkId=T7GNQK4BIRV3OHSQ)

Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Exfoliater: Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Formula

Moisturizing: Moisturizing Cream from CeraVe

Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 30, 3 Fluid


How does that look? Any advice is greatly appreciated!


Thanks!

I had this issue! It's so frustrating. I too have combination skin, for reference. The things I've found that have helped me are the Cure Natural Aqua Gel (this made the biggest difference I think) and religiously using Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel. I've also been moisturizing a ton and have found that using the Hada Labo Gokujun Lotion helps my skin absorb moisture better, and/or helps combat some of the dehydration that I think causes flakiness for me.

Some other things I have tried and found helpful: using a sheet mask at least once a week, and gentle exfoliation using something like a konjac sponge once a day. Make sure none of the cleansers you're using are too harsh/drying for you skin too!

This sounds weird, but the cheapest easiest way to get this stuff is nipple cream for women who are breastfeeding. They use it because it’s awesome for moisturizing but it’s safe if baby accidentally gets some. Lip moisturizer with lanolin will be like three times the cost of nipple cream and it’s the exact same stuff. I recommend this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Lanolin-Breastfeeding-Soothing-Essentials/dp/B005MI648C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=nipple+cream&qid=1564173135&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Hi, tortie, you might like this web site, lots of background info/science stuff:

http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/imperfect-protection/

So, you want chemical free (sunscreen chemicals burn my eyes big time) and fragrance free.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Lizard-Sunscreen-Sensitive-Fragrance/dp/B0019MT7SY/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1472837567&sr=1-4&keywords=sunscreen+zinc+fragrance+free

https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Pure-Faces-Sunscreen-Ounce/dp/B0067H6KQ8/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1472837567&sr=1-6&keywords=sunscreen+zinc+fragrance+free

https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Sensitive-Sunscreen-Lotion-Fluid/dp/B013QNAUOS/ref=sr_1_27_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1472837567&sr=1-27&keywords=sunscreen+zinc+fragrance+free

"About the Product

No.1 Dermatologist recommended sun care

Fragrance-Free

Oil-Free"

This one does not bother me, but may bother you:

https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Ultra-Light-Sunscreen-Sensitive/dp/B004W55086/ref=sr_1_32_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1472837567&sr=1-32&keywords=sunscreen+zinc+fragrance+free

Also, #1 line of defense: good hat, good clothes:

http://www.sunprecautions.com/

If you have tried the above and they are a no go, let me know.

Neutrogena: lots of people with very sensitive skin have very good results with it.

Not sure of your skin type but given the tret, assuming you have some dryness. If that's the case, I would suggest [Cosrx] Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ 50ml . It's very moisturizing and soothing, but light enough for daily wear. CosRx is a popular brand with some solid products.

You can also check the sidebar for HG sunscreens, a lot of people like the La Roche Posay or Biore Watery Essence as well.

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

​

Morning:

Cleanser: Trader Joe's All-In-One

Toner: Witch Hazel

Serum: Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin

Vitamin C Serum

Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free

Sunscreen: Neutrogena Clear Face

​

Evening:

Cleanser: Trader Joe's All-In-One

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

Toner: Witch Hazel

Serum: Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin

Retinal: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

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

Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free

​

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

Yeah, I haven't used the Simple cleansers myself, but they were recommended to me by a friend. I used to use the Boots Botanics Hydrating Booster Cleanser up until a year ago, before I switched to my current cleanser, and I think it was pretty good.

If you feel all soapy cleansers dry you out, then maybe try some oil cleansers or cleansing balms?

To begin, I have extremely sensitive skin that is very prone to acne so exfoliating is always very tricky for me. It is also very dehydrated unless I coat it in aquaphor healing ointment day and night (which is amazing).

RAVE: 2% Hydroquinone Fade Cream Dark Spot Corrector & Melasma Treatment - Also Contains Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid -

I've started using this serum because I needed something with hydroquinone to help fade my dark spots left from where I had acne. The chemical exfoliants in this cream are definitely a bonus and have been kicking ass!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXLF8TY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mDxByb8D8YRPK

RAVE: Natural Aqua Gel Cure 250ml

This stuff is crazy awesome. I thought I was exfoliating gently and effectively with a konjac sponge but after using this stuff one time, it got rid of all of the dead skin cells sitting on top of my face that I didn't know were there. I'm sure this dead skin has been a cause of acne for a long time. Anyway, this stuff is very gentle and makes your skin looks so bright and soft. Highly recommend. My skin couldn't be happier.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ABLKK2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bHxBybYYQKJQV

RAVE: Aquaphor healing ointment.
This stuff has saved my dehydrated and acne prone skin. Can't believe I didn't try it sooner. It's like instant and lasting relief for irritated, inflamed, or dry skin and my pimples have never healed faster.

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

gentle face wash

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

good, consistent moisturizing

overnight:

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

daily:

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

and sunscreen

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

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

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

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

Thanks for such a long and detailed response! I have a few questions, if you don't mind.

I wasn't familiar with sebaceous filaments until you posted this comment. I think you are right, they are not blackheads, but they are sebaceous filaments. Thanks for noticing this. What do you make of the Hada Labo oil cleanser and Hada Labo foaming wash combo? (i.e. this oil cleanser + this regular cleanser).

I will investigate those things relating to vitamin/mineral deficiencies, cleaning products and hard water, thanks for the suggestions. Off the top of your head, would you happen to know of some scientific literature that has studied these things? I have found some myself, I'm just interested in what you've read specifically.

Are these colloidal oatmeal and honey masks pre-made by some cosmetics manufacturer, or do you mix this yourself with ingredients from a shop?

​

I use a lot of Paula's Choice products. The Hado Labe Sunscreen I found on Amazon although the hydrator I can get at my local Ulta.

OTC Vit C Serum and the Mizon Snail Repair (which is actually more of a serum) were also both on Amazon, both of which I was referred to on the asian beauty reddit page.

Good luck! :)

So I use this sunscreen that's specifically for use on the face and works well with acne. Feels just like a lotion. It feels a touch funky as it's drying, but I think that might be because of my exfoliate lol. It's perfect after it dries, though. I don't even remember I'm wearing it.
Edit: Yes, it's Neutrogena. No, it's better than the one you posted. My mom uses that Ultra-Sheer-Dry-Touch stuff but I'm not a fan

Unless you're very dehydrated (and hardly anybody is), just drinking water probably won't do much. Try using a gentle lip scrub in the shower, and then a really thick layer of some kind of balm. I flip between Cerave's healing ointment in a big tube, and plain [lanolin nipple cream] (https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Breastfeeding-Salve-Lanolin-1-41/dp/B005MI648C/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485505327&sr=8-3&keywords=nipple+cream), which has a cult following as a lip balm for a reason - it's cheap and very good for chronic chapped lips. And changing your toothpaste to a super gentle one might help too - the sodium lauryl sulfate in some toothpastes could be irritating your lips.

One thing though: no matter what you do, the problem isn't going to go away immediately. When my lips would get like this, it takes at least a week or two of constantly applying lanolin (and a thick layer at night) and a gentle scrub to make them feeling good again. The skin needs time to heal. And if you're ever outside, I'd recommend Aquaphor's lip treatment with SPF - even minor sun damage can make it harder for the skin to heal itself.

Yeah, it is fragrance free and rinses clean. Here is another good one is one by Hada Labo. They're both great for sensitive skin!

https://smile.amazon.com/ROHTO-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Cleansing-Oil/dp/B004OQHZ2M/

I've been using Softymo Oil Cleanser with great luck. $10 gets you a HUGEEEE bottle of the stuff. It's very emulsifying and removes makeup like a dream. I don't think it would be best by itself, but with double cleansing, it's great.

Looking great man!
Since you are looking for a replacement sunscreen and I am a bit passionate about that; I would advice you not to get near The Ordinary’s Sunscreen. It will make you look like a ghost, unless that is the look you are going for :)

I have a couple of suggestions that you will like; they are light, airy, no white cast and better filters:

• PURITO Comfy Water Sun Block SPF50+ PA++++
  
  
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++.

Rant: Ok, I know that this is probably going to be surprising to some, but I just bought Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence, and it made my skin break out in tiny pimples. Not over a large area, but isolated pimples all over my face. I used it for about a week and a half, and thought maybe my break out was just hormonal. I stopped using it for a couple of days because I was out of town, and just forgot to bring it. My skin cleared up almost immediately. I just thought, ok, my period is over, that must have caused this. So, I started it back and within 2 days the tiny pimples returned. I have since stopped using this product and my skin is much clearer. I have NEVER had a problem with pimples. I know this works wonders for many people, so this is likely a me thing, but I still want people to know that this is a possibility, and may not be the miracle working product you want it to be.

Rave: Cailyn Dizzolv'it Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm. I got a sample of this in my Birchbox a while ago and really loved it. So I bought a gigantic tub of it the other day. It's a solid balm that turns into oil as you massage your makeup off. It works SO well. My waterproof mascara doesn't stand a chance. And, it makes my skin very soft after rinsing it off. Well worth it.

The Paula's Choice Vitamin C Serum has really helped even my skin tone. I added this product to help with some spots on my face, but wasn't expecting the complexion evening that I got. My cheeks have always been prone to redness, but this really helped calm them down. I also recently added the Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence to my routine which has evened out my skin tone a little bit, as well, but I'd probably be the only to notice as it's subtle and the Vitamin C has been doing such a good job of that already.

Are you familiar with using snail products? (I guess I assumed because you mentioned a couple of Asian beauty products.) Anyways if you're not, snail "slime" is really soothing and fairly hydrating if your skin is more combo/oily - it wouldn't suffice on its own for hydration if you're more dry. Here's the snail recovery gel cream that I love; another popular option from Mizon is the "All in One Snail Repair cream" that's a bit thicker!

Here is a thread from r/AsianBeauty about using the Mizon Snail Recovery as a moisturizer.

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

Shower Routine (every other day):

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

As a newbie to ScA, I'll start out here instead of a new post...

Picture here

Previously, my skin has been pretty decent. Some acne to deal with but nothing like this. I'd say it first cropped up about 5 months ago. It felt like a bug bite because there was a definite bump. It kinda went away, but now it's come back again with what feels like it's bigger and still kinda has a bump to it as if it's filled with pus or whatever.

I have relatively dry skin and I don't really use a whole lot.

Face Wash - But I've used this for a year+ now so I doubt it's that...

In addition to what the heck caused this, what's the quickest/best way to remove the discoloration?

Thank you!

This thread will probably be more helpful than I can be https://www.reddit.com/r/AusSkincare/comments/3nfk95/sunscreen_for_oily_skin/, but as the thread says, Neutrogena is a good cheap option, and the other best cheap option is Asian sunscreens, of which I swear by Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel SPF 50, it's a famous Japanese sunscreen that's a light, hydrating white cream that melts into skin and lasts for hours. IT's on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Creamy-Gel-SPF50PA/dp/B007408PIS or $10-$13 on ebay

Yeah the oil I use is facial cleaning oil from the face shop. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00809ERAM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U6V3CbEH3RG7D I love the way this and the cream cleanser combined make my soon feel smooth at least at night. I'll definitely have to check out your recommendations as they seem pretty well priced.

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

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

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

I use this tinted version for face, with the blue/green plant. $10 and prime shipping...Lol, I get a little paranoid if I'm running out.

Doesn't break me out or sting my eyes, and it's pretty good under makeup. Good luck :)

Edit for rambling

Olay Renewal Cleanser.

What would you recommend for gentle cleanser and moisturizer? Is this something I should experiment with? Can you help me decide which of the following products I should use? If not I can just try all of them. I think it's worth it to throw away some money for experimentation.

Possible moisturizers I might buy:

1. https://www.amazon.com/Radha-Beauty-Retinol-Moisturizer-Cream/dp/B015ORL3B8/ref=sr_1_11_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139128&sr=8-11&keywords=moisturizer
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Cream-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139128&sr=8-4&keywords=moisturizer
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/St-Ives-Timeless-Moisturizer-Collagen/dp/B000UVZU1S/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139128&sr=8-6&keywords=moisturizer
   
   Possible cleansers:
   
   
4. https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494139507&sr=8-9&keywords=gentle+cleanser
   
5. https://www.amazon.com/Biore-Deep-Charcoal-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00L2BSI64/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1494139574&sr=1-9&keywords=facial+cleanser
   
6. https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Gentle-Cleanser-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001ET76EY/ref=sr_1_12_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1494139574&sr=1-12&keywords=facial%2Bcleanser&th=1
   
   A quick search for chemical exfoliation shows me this. Should I try this later on?
   
   Edit: I noticed some of these products have acids in them. I guess I can use regular hand soap for a couple days until my skin recovers. Then I can start using these products.

I have the similar issues and the only sunscreen I've had success with is La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 mineral:

http://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Mineral-Sunscreen-Resistant/dp/B004W55086

It's also sold at Target. It doesn't irritate my skin at all and isn't drying, but it does leave a very slight white cast. I personally like a little bit of white cast as it brightens my skin and washes out my redness, but I know it's a deal breaker for some people. Also it's pretty pricey.

I was about to recommend Clinique Dramatically Different Gel when I saw the title.
You can stop by Clinique counter at any major mall and ask for a sample, I think they'll be more than happy to give you. I asked for a sample before I bought the whole bottle, which btw lasts for a reaaaally long time. I got mine August last year and I still have 1/3 of the bottle left.
Anyways, your best bet would be gel moisturizers since they absorb better and tend to less greasy. A couple recommendations I have in mind:

• Mizon Snail Gel Cream - it says "cream" but it's actually clear gel.
  
• Mizon Water Cream - personally I don't use this one, but I received a sample and it's a lot like the Clinique Gel.
  
• Benton Aloe gel - it's not thick, just a bit sticky, but it's not that visible.
  I don't know if you're familiar with sleeping pack (like this one) or not. If you're not, you should give it a try. One perk of it is that you only need to use it once at night (before you go to bed and leave it on all night) and it's supposed to moisture your skin for the following day.

Is it beneficial to use both an AHA exfoliant like Paula's Choice 8% AHA gel AND another exfoliant like Cure Natural Aqua Gel? Or is just one or the other optimal (considering cost, too, which is expensive for both)?

I was lucky enough to be satisfied with the first thing I tried,

Alpha Hydrox Oil Free Treatment 10 Percent AHA

I haven't experimented with other exfoliants, so there may be something better out there. I'm not really the best person to give recommendations :)

Spam much appreciated! Here's what else I've got in my cart:


Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Sunblock (SPF50+/PA+++) 50ml


Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel SPF50PA+++


Biore Sarasara Uv Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++

And that's it because I apparently can't count :>

Yes, it's a cleansing oil (Kose - Deep Cleansing Oil). But alright, I'll stop using it in the morning. Would it be okay to use a vitamin c serum while using the retinoid or do I have to alternate them? And yeah, the lotion (Hada Labo - Premium Lotion) is actually just a bunch of hyaluronic acids I think. But thank you, I'll try to find everything you mentioned at the mall :)

I've been using La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser for a little while now, and haven't had any adverse reaction so far. It seems to calm my skin better than any cleanser has as of yet. All of Cerave's products have broken me out, and I believe the tub is giving me some texture issues.

I'm doing a bare bones routine at the moment while I try to build a better one, so I just use the LRP and then Klairs Supple Preparation Toner, followed by Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel Cream and Biore UV Watery Essence Sunscreen.

I know the LRP doesn't have any fatty alcohols, I don't know about the Klairs or sunscreen but I know the Neutrogena does have fatty alcohols.

Not exactly drugstore, but I felt that the LRP cost $15 for a pretty big bottle, and seemed worth it to me.

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.

I've decided to get more serious in trying to combat by PIH and need some help in formulating a new skincare routine. I usually do my routine every 2 days after I shower and am treating PIH primarily on my chest, back and shoulders. Whatever I plan on using on my face I was also planning on using there too.

My main problem is trying to figure out when to apply a Brooklyn Botany Vitiman C Serum, TO Niacinamide, and Rosehip Oil. My theorized routine is as follows:

-----

CeraVe SA Body Wash

Eucerin In-Shower Body Lotion

Alpha Skin Care Body Lotion, 12% Glycolic AHA

To Ordinary Arbutin

CeraVa Moisturizing Cream (for face, back, shoulder and chest)

Some other generic lotion for everywhere else

Sunscreen

-----

Where should I fit the Serum, Niacinamide and Rosehip Oil, and why? I've been reading that the Serum could come after AHA, but it interferes with Niacinamide, which I have no idea where that would go and why it interferes. I also read that the Rosehip Oil can be mixed with my Moisturizing Cream; just add a few drops.

edit and addition - My current routine is a simple body wash, Alpha Skin Care AHA 10% and some Hydroquinone cream (both on face, shoulder, back and chest), Moisturize then Aloe Vera. My skin type is also pretty normal, it didn't break out or anything when I first ever introduced the AHA, and with age my skin has seemed to become stable; I don't break out very often anymore, just recovering.

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

Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel SPF50PA+++ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007408PIS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_YbRPub0MAHYRE

I've been using this for a few weeks and LOVE it! I wear it under makeup every single day without issue. No bad smells, feels wonderful, no white cast and it's SPF50 and PA++++! HG for sure.

FYI, not sure if this is the product you use but it's pretty darn cheap with free shipping on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BQM3S3C?pc_redir=1405945775&robot_redir=1

I know this isn't exactly cheap (sorry!) but this is the best exfoliator I have ever used, and it is very gentle.

Hydration is key- but you may also need an occlusive/moisturizer to help get them better. I use a lanolin based lip balm but anything with lanolin (try a nipple balm for breastfeeding moms ) or petroleum jelly will help.

I have not used it, but there are plenty of sunscreens out there you could try. EltaMD is still expensive, but it is a great brand that you might want to try. Also check out this La Roche Posay sunscreen for a purely mineral sunscreen like Tizo 3.

I have only 1 recommendations because my country don't take in a lot of sunscreens because of strong regulations.but i would look into mineral sunscreens. This is one of the few i have tried and really love. My 1 recommendation is Cosrx mineral sunscreen without whitecast, few ingredients and aloe vera. https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Aloe-Soothing-Cream-SPF50/dp/B00PBX3FLW

It does However have an addition of fragrance, its not heavy but If you have very sensitive skin i would be aware of that. I have combination/oily skin and very acne prone, and I love this one.

Here are my suggestions:
AM Cleanse: [La Roche Posay Toleriane DermoCleanse](https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Toleriane-Cleanser-Sensitive-Glycerin/dp/B000IOBEG20 or, my favorite Glossier Milky Jelly
Hydrating Toner: Thayer's Rose Petal
serum: The Ordinary makes awesome serums and explain a lot in the description boxes
moisturizer: Neutrogena HydroBoost Gel Cream
SPF Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid
Oil/Balm Jojoba Oil, this one's currently unavailable, but any will do.
Micellar Water Garnier Micellar Water
Tougher Cleanser I prefer Cerave SA Wash because I always feel like I need a bit more oomph. Avoid foamy stuff, they'll dry out too much.
chemical exfoliant I like The Ordinary Glycolic Toner but I'm dry. The Generic of these Salicylic Acid (BHA) pads work better if you're oily.

I really like this stuff. I'm pretty darn oily, especially in my t-zone, and also fair as fuck, so it's been a lifelong struggle to find something to wear everyday with spf that won't make me look like an oil slick. For years I've been trying different face moisturizers that have spf added, with 45 being the highest I've ever been able to find. And they'd usually still make me greasy looking, although not as bad as regular sunscreen. But this stuff actually dries really smoothly, my skin feels better after using it. Doesn't leave me greasy. I just put it on a little while after my regular (non-spf) moisturizer. Let it dry, then apply makeup if I'm wearing it. Haven't had any issues with breakouts, although ymmv, but it's ~$10 pretty much everywhere (Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS). Worth a try.

Haha the rest of me is going through a rough time as well xD Should I switch up my cleanser as well? I was just looking at this CeraVE cleanser

Maybe something like this. It's not to replace a moisturizer but rather its a treatment that helps heal the skin. It's RAVED about on the Asian Beauty subreddit.

Hi there!

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

Could you please edit the URLs 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 links:

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-Cleanser-Salicylic-Rough/dp/B00U1YCRD8/

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-protection-Hyaluronic-Ceramides/dp/B00F97FHAW?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Moisturizer-Nighttime/dp/B00365DABC/?th=1

The same goes for your comment here.

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

Right now it's pretty much like this:

Morning:

Wash with cold water then put on Aco Fae 3+3 Day Cream.

Evening:

Wash with only cold water or Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (depending on if I use makeup), twice a week I use Aco Face Cleansing Scrub and then I put on Aco Face Nourishing Night Cream. Sometimes I use AHA and BHA from COSRX but I feel like it dries out my skin quite a lot and makes it too red....

I tried using sweet almond oil and it only helped with the redness and kept my skin moisturized but it gave me those small white bumps so I stopped using it yesterday.

I like Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 for everyday use.
> Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%.

For exercise I like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen because its waterproof. My old sunscreen (CeraVe) used to burn my eyes, and the skin around my eyes, especially if I was sweating so I switched to this I have been loving it. I wouldn't like it for everyday wear though because it does leave more of a white cast and is difficult to wash off.
>Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 11%

Pretty much, I sometimes use OLAY complete care day UV fluid SPF 15 normal/oily as a moisturizer if my face is dry.

I don't mind sticking to Paula's choice. I'll invest in the Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant?

or http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000052YM8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2C1YOU0IROA58

Hmm as far as suggestions for moisturizers and cleansers, perhaps look at the HG sidebar! I am unfortunately (fortunately?) in Europe so my selection is probably quite different from yours! I have heard good things on here about the CeraVe AM lotion for a moisturizer
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-AM/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522921150&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=cerave+am+facial+moisturizing+lotion+spf+30&psc=1

and Vanicream gentle cleanser https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Gentle-Cleanser-sensitive-Dispenser/dp/B00QY1XZ4W

and you can definitely do stridex every other day or even less to start with until you can see what your skin tolerates :)

Are you using any other moisturizers?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) usually draws moisture from the air and into the skin. Living with high humidity is actually better since there is moisture for it to draw from. If you had lived in a dry climate, the HA would dry your skin by pulling moisture from your own skin instead.

Try applying onto damp skin and then sealing it with a good occlusive. I use the Mizon Snail Recovery Gel, which is highly recommended over at r/asianbeauty.

After reading fiddy's page it seems you are kind of using an oil cleanser to do OCM? could you just quickly tell me why using an emulsifying cleansing oil is better/different to say using jojoba oil?

I am pretty certain I want to try this to but thought i had better ask as OCM with stand alone oil's has never worked for me.

Also is this the oil you use?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Cleansing-Oil/dp/B004OQHZ2M/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1462147195&sr=1-1&keywords=hada+labo+oil

thanks

My skin almost never gets new blemishes or acne, but I can't get the redness and bumps already there to go away.

My potato camera makes it look worse than it is, but it's still intolerably annoying.

Current routine is kinda flipped because I work at night, so I cleanse with Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam in the mornings, then moisturize with CeraVe in the tub. At night before work I just rinse with water (from my filtered showerhead) and just have a touch of the CeraVe.

My skin seems both oily and dehydrated. I don't use sunscreen often because I'm mostly just out at night and have yet to find a new one since learning I should be using alcohol-free sunscreen. I had been using Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.

Thanks for your help. :)

I know it sounds crazy, but nipple cream. Yes- cream for chafed nipples which happens when breastfeeding (apparently?! And sounds no bueno). It’s lanolin has a vaseline consistency, and comes in a purple tube. Holy grail for super dry and chapped lips:
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream, 100% Natural Lanolin Cream for Breastfeeding, 1.41 oz Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MI648C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sxLvCbVHBEY2Z

Definitely use sunscreen. Sunlight can darken your PIH and increase the fading time. I would recommend glycolic acid and vitamin c. The one you have linked from the Body Shop seems a little shady because they don't list the percentage and the ingredient itself seems pretty far down the list.

Is Stridex a bad idea? I'm either getting it or this PC bha, I have oily-ish skin and i use Cerave Foaming Cleanser then Coconut oil to moisturize. My main concern is acne on my face/chest/back (not that bad and i've never had scaring of any sort)

• Also i don't think coconut oil helps my acne much but it works better than my Cerave pm so im using it for now, i wanted to order a new moisturizer (not expensive hopefully) but i can't find anything, someone suggested argan/jojoba/rosehip but idk which would be best. Any suggestions???
  
  EDIT: Hows this snail gel cream

I really like the Cosrx sunscreen. It does have a light fragrance which is not my fave but on the other hand it's very moisturizing, protective and non-greasy, it gives a new healthy glow.
https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Aloe-Soothing-Cream-SPF50/dp/B00PBX3FLW

Biore UV Bright Face Milk is PA++++

I really loved this stuff but unfortunately it's too drying for my skin :( I have a bottle that's still pretty full, if you like I can send it to you! If you're interested in trying it out of course.

I'm trying Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel next, it's supposed to be more moisturizing.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | 19 Ounce | Daily Face and Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TTD9BRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nQJkDbM7KP82F This one with hyaluronic acid is amazing! I don't use it on my face because it's too heavy for my oily skin. But it works great on my hands especially in the winter.

I'm guessing you are talking about the two Moisturizers? I only have two because one of them says it is for PM and for going to bed. So I was worried that it meant I couldn't use it in the AM after using a cleanser. Is the PM thing just marketing?

Edit: Fixed a Typo.

P.S. After looking at the AM they sell, it looks like they just added SPF. So I guess I'll just use the "PM" In the mornings with sunscreen. Instead of buying another moisturizer with SPF added.

Thanks for the tip on using SA for Acne over AHA. I might get both and play it by week for which one i'll use.

​

Another Edit: Do you think this SA is good enough ?

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser 8 oz Salicylic Acid Body Cleanser Normal Skin

https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-Cleanser-Salicylic-Normal/dp/B00U1YCRD8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1538267576&sr=1-1&keywords=CeraVe+Renewing+SA+Cleanser+8+oz+Salicylic+Acid+Body+Cleanser+Normal+Skin

Most lotions/creams break me out, as well, but otherwise I'm not acne prone, unless it's hormone related. My fave every day moisturizer, since I'm a bit on the oily side, is a nice blorp of Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion (liquidy gel consistency, very hydrating) mixed with a drop or two of my fave facial oil (my personal prefs are seabuckthorn, argan, hemp, or rosehip seed).

I've also been able to use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask (says mask, but its really just a moisturizer) without any reactions.

For the dullness you mentioned, have you ever tried out some AHA toners? AHAs have done wonders for my complexion. I've used both The Ordinary's Glycolic Toner and Pixi Glow Tonic.

​

This isn't drugstore, but it's around 12 dollars on Amazon: Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel PA++++. Excellent UVA/UVB protection, chemical/physical combo. It does have alchohol, but not as much as other Asian sunscreens. I have dry/sensitive skin and it never flakes or irritates me. It's actually a little hydrating. I will be reordering soon!

Hi! I am newly in love with the La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral sunscreen as a physical sunscreen for my ultra sensitive skin. Bonus: it's tinted a medium shade.

Note that I'm ultra pale so YMMV

Coconut oil is known to be clogging for a lot of people, while some people can use it just fine. If you're worried, you could use plain mineral oil (fragrance free baby oil) instead. Otherwise, look for a proper cleansing oil online or at the drugstore. There are lots of affordable options. For example, [this] (https://www.amazon.com/KOSE-Softy-Deep-Treatment-7-8oz/dp/B000V2FB88) is one that is pretty popular

I don't use Aquaphor, but I do use Vaseline (from what I understand, they are pretty much the same) and at night I'll put Lanolin on my lips, as per a recommendation from this sub. I just use Lansinoh Lanolin (it's a nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers). You can find it here -> http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Lanolin-Breastfeeding-Mothers-Grams/dp/B005MI648C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404659636&sr=8-1&keywords=Lansinoh


As a recovering lip balm addict, it seems to really help. I don't find it necessary to be constantly applying lip balm.

I find the same thing with coconut oil. It makes everything seem dryer, and it doesn't absorb very well.

Yes! Two actually! The one I’m actually using rn is sold out but should be back in stock next week for sure! It’s from acwell! I’ve been looooving it! The reason I know it will be back in stock is because i contacted sokoglam who is the only people to sell other than Korea itself. I’m trying to stock up. It’s always sold out and youll go through it really quickly!

https://sokoglam.com/products/acwell-licorice-ph-balancing-cleansing-toner

The other recommendation would be Kklairs hydrating toner that is ph balancing as well. Only thing is it has essential oils in it which many people are sensitive to. I heard they are in the process of reformulating it. But it’s a HG item for many in Korea.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGOFYG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IpoDAbSJA66C8

Is this milia? I am talking specifically about the little bumps below my eye.

I think I have finally found peace and harmony with my current routine, which is a blend of Asian beauty products and my long-standing "American" (I guess?) method.

My skin type is fairly balanced and my usual AM routine is

• micellar water to remove makeup
  
• Dickinson's witch hazel as toner (this smells terrible btw)
  
• Cosrx AHA BHA toner
  
• Cosrx soothing aloe spf 50 which is very emollient and doubles as a moisturizer
  
  At night I do the same thing, but I skip the AHA / BHA toner and I use CeraVe in the tub.
  
  I do get milia on my cheeks occasionally, though the AHA / BHA seems to have drastically cut down on that. Perhaps I should start toning just below my eyes, but I always thought that area to ber very sensitive!
  
  Also, any tips on getting rid of these blackheads without popping? I have considered working a regular second cleanser into my routine, but my skin has mostly behaved so I wasn't sure it was necessary. That said, I used cetaphil for years and found it slightly drying, but not too irritating.
  
  So, to recap: how do I get rid of the bumps below my eye, and my blackheads on my cheeks? Thank you!

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 19 oz Daily Face and Body Moisturizer for Dry Ski

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TTD9BRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6crMBbWZSDVD3

Linkining in case ops never doesn't know we call it "in the tub" lol.
I also think this would be his best bet. It has hyaluronic acid in it too!

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

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

I'm not too familiar with that brand. If you can (and if you haven't yet), think about giving the new Cerave SA Cleanser a try. I have a similar skin type to yours, and the other versions of Cerave were either too drying (the foaming one) or didn't clean well enough (the hydrating one), but this one seems to work pretty well for me.

I HIGHLY recommend [Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream]([MIZON] Snail Recovery Gel Cream 45ml (1.52 fl.oz.) Pack of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_B5ksybXT6G127) I use it on scars and pre scars all the time. It's amazing.

Don't mind snail mucin at all! Already use a few things with it (Benton essence, some sheet masks), and I think they work great.

Is this the one you meant?

And thank you for the reply!

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

The Mizon snail recovery gel is amazing. Asian beauty has made a huge difference in my skin, in every way. Low pH face wash, acids, elegant, light sunscreens, occlusives that don't break me out...

Hydrating toners really helped me out, you can find a ton of suggestions on the /r/asianbeauty sub, some you can get on Amazon like hada labo gokyugin , or klairs supple preparation

Also it may sound counter intuitive, but putting straight water on your face and letting it air dry can be more drying to your skin, dry your face well after you wash it!

Hydrating toners we're a game changer for me, I won't be without one anymore!

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.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleanser is a great emulsifying oil cleanser - it rinses clean, so I personally don't need to double cleanse when I use it. It is olive oil based, not mineral oil (which my skin doesn't like).

This is the next regiment I'm phasing in (as in one or two new products every month) after a month of lurking on here. Please feel free to throw suggestions at the newbies guys!

In the morning:

• CeraVe facial cleansers (I've ordered both the foaming and gel kind to compare and for travel) to replace my Burt's Bee's Radiance face wash.
  
  
• A month after starting CeraVe, starting at once a week, then working my way up, the Green Cream as a strong, non-prescription retinol.
  
  
  
• The [CeraVe SPF50 sunscreen] (http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Sunscreen-Face-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00BGBUQXS/ref=sr_1_7?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1396217386&sr=1-7&keywords=cerave+face+cream). I know the amazon reviews say that it leaves a film, etc, but I really want to avoid the silliness of layering product upon product in the morning. Everyone's going on and on about CeraVe and the importance of SPF 50, so voila I'm getting this product.
  
  
  Starting at twice a week, after work:
  
• [The Cure exfoliator] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ABLKK2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AI7FJRPU7LRRY) to replace my Angels on Bare Skin physical exfoliator from Lush. Chemical exfoliation sounded scary for the longest time, but after some research I kind of see why it would be more effective and less damaging than manual exfoliation. This product seems to be one of the gentlest and most effective.
  
  
• A DYI face mask: ground oatmeal, milk, aloe vera gel, honey.
  
  At night:
  
• CeraVe face wash
  
• My old Lush Eau Roma toner and Skin's Shangri-La cream until they run out,
  
• After which I would switch to CeraVe in the tub both for my face and as body lotion--this makes some people break out, but with my skin type I can risk it. I think I'm going to skip toning entirely.
  
  As for shaving "down there", I've been advised to just use those electric buzzers they use for hair cuts. Leaves a stubble but worth not having ingrown hairs. (Sorry for the gross imagery). Otherwise, I would imagine the same rules apply as for men avoiding ingrown hair on their face, which comes with a plethora of articles and products. Not wearing tight jeans/pants two or three days after shaving helps (men are advised to not wear tight collars after shaving to avoid ingrown hair), as does using shaving cream. Also, those round electric shavers are supposed to be better than razors because they don't "dig" at the hair under the follicle and facilitate ingrown hair.
  
  Not using a shaving cream allows the razor to irritate your skin, and following that with a body wash, no matter how gentle and natural, will likely cause your skin to itch. Source: I stubbornly refused shaving cream for years. Still skip it sometimes out of laziness, but life is so much better when I at least remember to shave my legs before rinsing off my soap lather in the shower.
  
  Oh and I started drinking 3 liters of water a day. Absolute game changer for my skin. Yay!

Hey all, I was hoping to get some opinions on my daily routine. I've been sticking with a CeraVe routine for about a year now but my skin has hit a point where it's not improving, so I've decided to try Stridex. I'd consider my skin type to be combo. Here's my routine!

Morning

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  
• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion (with SPF)
  
  
  Night
  
  
• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Stridex Maximum Strength Pads
  
  
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (in the tub)
  
  
  

How long do purges last? I never realllly used sin care stuff and after like 2 and a half weeks withthe weird sponge and the cerva thing for oilly skin my forehead and cheeks look worse than they ever have?

I just had a couple pimples and oilly skin before nowwwww i look like i need skin care.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 16... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1LL62W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It seemed fine until i started just using it in the shower instead of re washing my face in the sink after my shower

Kinda at a loss here :/

First, sorry to hear about your diagnosis!


I was going to recommend a similar product to ignoretheyam.


From the wiki: Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid-Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55 - a Holy Grail sunscreen with no white cast.

​

I'd recommend experimenting with Japanese sunscreens like Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel until you find one you can tolerate. There's a lot of sunscreens out there that don't feel nasty at all!

Hooooollyyy crap that's expensive! I pay like $10 tops.

I've never tried it, but I've heard good things about this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000V2FB88/ref=pd_aw_sbs_6?pi=SS115&simLd=1

I've been using Neutrogena Clear Face and it has been good so far!

I used to have really intense oily skin, and I've found double cleansing to help immensely! I use The Body Shop cleansing oil to remove my make up and then Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser to actually wash my face (since it doesn't take off make up completely). My face is really sensitive to all those foaming cleansers. No matter how "gentle" those things claim to be, my face always sting and feel way too tight afterwards. The Glossier cleanser is very gentle, and I used it when I first switched to tretinoin and it made my skin really sensitive.

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

It's a huge bottle. I've been using a generous amount twice a day for two months and I think I can go another two months.

I used that cetaphil one too, and it was WAY too drying for me. I got that same dry, tight feeling. I use the CeraVe hydrating one now, and it works very well. It seems like your skin might not like foaming cleansers, so that one might be a good fit for you. If you have a problem with oil, an emulsifying oil cleanser instead of just oil would be a good idea. This is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Cleansing-Pound/dp/B004OQHZ2M
but Neutrogena and Burt's Bees also have ones that you can find in the drugstore.

I've ordered the Oil Free formula, i'm probably only going to use it every few days as it's 10% where as I could use the Nip + Fab serum every night. I did like the Nip + Fab but I wasn't keen on the fragrance so wanted to try something else.

I'm using Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera which seems to say it is pH balacing, to 5.5.

Thanks for the L-AA news. I was using it before the lactic acid until recently and will now switch back.

I'm definitely not mixing the mizon with sunscreen. I put on mizon, wait 5-10, then put on cerave AM, which has sunscreen plus other good stuff. Sorry I didn't type that clearly.

It's sheep sebum, basically. It can help a lot with chapped lips (and nipples).

You can get lanolin in products like this or in fancier balms by the brand Lanolips.

I have tried CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, is this what you'd recommend? I could try it again, it has been a while. I also have Cetaphil Exzema Calming Body Wash.

You can find other great stuff on their Amazon store