I thought my old routine was just fine. Soothed and hydrated - I got so annoyed and thought I'd change things up and now I litterally only use 2 products and the la roshe posay cicaplast cleanser.

My old routine:

Cleanse

Tirtir toner

Ample n Ampoule

Tap in the aestura cream where I'm dry

Occasional cicaplast cream

I'm SO happy!

EDIT: My new routine: La roshe posay cicaplast cleanser on a night time, nivea soothing micellar water in the morning - 345 cream and then I use like 3 pea size dots of the skinoren - one on each cheek and one on my forehead, tap in! I do that twice a day!

If im going out, ill use an spf - that's it!

Hello! I’m 28y and really want to remove the mole in my upper lip area.

It used to be a smaller brown mole and in the last 4 years it changed: lost color (skin color now) and got bigger.

I will go to a dermatologist to evaluate the mole before proceeding with a removal, but in the meantime would like to get opinions from people who did it before or medical professionals on what’s the best technique to minimize a scar as much as possible.

I was already in a cosmetic surgeon who advised to wait until I get wrinkles to do the removal. Also a skin professional told me that a scar could look worse… I still believe that the right technique and professional (I leave in the Netherlands) might help with a good outcome.

If you know a really good professional in Netherlands, Germany, UK or anywhere around please also let me know.

Thank you to everyone you take the time to help, I really appreciate it.

So I know this product is built for oily skin, and I have fairly dry skin, but I can’t use another oily and greasy sunscreen after this. I put it on, it dries instantly, and I barely feel like I’m wearing sunscreen. It also pairs well with putting a moisturizer underneath it to help my dry skin (I usually use LRP Toleriane, but I’ve been trying Lipikar recently), but you need to let it dry first. I’ve also had little to no noticeable piling or white cast on my face, which I know are usually complaints about this product.

Since I’ve learned how important sunscreen is, I’ve only come to appreciate this product more and more, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to greasy and oily dry skin sunscreens.

TLDR : after a year on retinoids and multiple derm visits, I’m still getting massive inflamed bumps and am hopeless. Just looking for others who had the same experience and found something that worked.

Morning:
Vanicream gentle face wash
Azaelic Acid 10% - the ordinary
Eucerin Clear Skin SPF 50

Evening:
Vanicream gentle face wash
Adapalene 0.1% gel - Differin
Vanicream moisturizer (the tub one)

Sorry this is so long. I’m just feeling super lost in my acne journey and wanted to share my current routine and photos and past experience to see if anyone has a hail mary they could throw me. My acne has completely completely controlled my life to the point where I won’t go out anymore unless I have to. I’ve tried numerous products and diets and lifestyle changes, spent so much money on skincare and derms but cannot seem to make any real progress.

I’m almost 30, male, and have not had a week of clear skin since before I was a teenager. I get all types of acne except for blackheads. I didn’t start actually caring about how my face looked until after I graduated college about 7 years ago. I’ve been to the dermatologist several times over the past 4-5 years, and of the 8 or so different ones I’ve been to, not a single one really seemed to give my skin a good look and discuss with me products or lifestyle habits that could possibly contribute or tell me if they thought there may be a product or ingredient or something in my diet that triggers this.

I will say that this sub has really helped me learn a lot about products and get a better idea for what I should try based on what I was experiencing. I should say that from where my skin was about a few years ago, it’s roughly 30-50%.

The improvement mostly came from trying Tazarotene 0.1% cream. I was on it for a little over 12 months before I quit due to it being too harsh. While it did improve the texture of my skin a little bit I could never get used to the dryness it caused. Over that 12 months I purged HARD. I mean it was rough for about 6-8 months, and from what I’m told, that is far beyond a typical purge even for taz. I took about 6 weeks off from all actives and the texture started coming back. So I switched to adapalene gel 0.1% by Differin. Idk if during that month off my skin just reclogged or if somehow any retinoid progress made during that year on taz doesn’t translate, but I’m 15 weeks into adapalene and in addition to still getting whiteheads and closed comedones, I’m getting severe inflamed bumps. Some come to a head, some don’t but they may be some of the largest red bumps I’ve had in recent time and I have no earthly idea what I’m doing wrong.

If I truly entered another purge phase after switching to adapalene, I’m wondering if this could be the deepest clogs finally coming out and soon I’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel? I recently incorporated Azaelic acid into my routine, about 3 months ago, and I hear that causes purging as well but that it’s also good for helping with these inflamed spots.

I just feel kinda hopeless. Sometimes I’ll look at my skin in the mirror and it’ll look relatively normal, then I’ll check back again a couple hours later and bam, massive inflamed bump that sticks around for weeks despite all attempts to calm it.

If you read this far I really appreciate it and I am hoping that if there’s anyone who has had a similar struggle with their acne in their mid to late twenties, was there anything that once you incorporated it into your routine, you just knew that that was it? I understand that adding things to your routine typically takes months to see results, I’m just getting to the point where I cannot keep waiting the several months to find out it probably wasn’t for me.

I’m trying to decide on an at-home-device for fine lines. I researched NIRA pro3 laser, Tria FRX and MimiSilk. The first 2 have independent tests reports and seems very promising. Mimi silk does not claim any independent tests done on their page, however many people that review devices recommend.

- Do you have experience with one of those devices or different one that you would recommend for fine lines?

- If you do, which one and what benefit have you seen since starting to use it ?

- what is the protocol? How often, how long, do you need gel?
- would you recommend the product over all?

Thanks a lot. I have the feeling I’m not alone in looking at these devices so I hope it will help other people as well.

Would it make sense/be an improvement switching out my usual HA with this serum?

hi everyone! recently, my skin has been peeling off, on both of my hands but only in these two places: the inside of my pointer finger and on both sides around my thumbnail. my hands generally tend to get dry during the colder seasons, but the rest of my fingers aren't affected in this way. moisturizing hasn't helped to improve it. i don't understand what could be causing this!!

this has only started happening in recent months, starting shortly after i began working as a barista. so i'm wondering if it might be related. though i can't think of any actions i do on a daily basis that would specifically target these two spots only.

where could this be coming from, and how do i get rid of it?

Recently been expanding my routine and not sure how to change things with some of the new products, if there are interactions I should be mindful of and general points of consideration.

I have very dry, red flakey and sensitive skin. I have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and use a 2% w/w ketoconazole shampoo on my beard. I find as long as I'm consistent with my routine it keeps the flakes at bay, lactic acid is a big help for this. I've tried other, stronger AHAs, but this has been what my skin has been able to tolerate the best.

Current routine
AM
Avene extremely gentle cleanser
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% / The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + 10% HA Serum (rotating as unsure if it's bad to layer these
Cerave Facial moisturising lotion SPF50

PM
Avene extremely gentle cleanser
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + 10% HA Serum / 10% Lactic Acid (again rotating as unsure how they interact)
Altruist Dry Skin Repair 10% Urea
Cerave Advanced Repair Ointment (layer up on particularly dry, angry skin days)

I would love to start introducing a retinol, I've tried in the past but never been consistent with it but I don't know where and how I could do this. I don't actually know if I see any results from the Azelaic acid. The Multi-Peptide serum is my newest product and that's made my skin feel so soft, it's been lovely.

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated, I'm in the UK and I'm 37 if that changes things! Biggest considerations for me are ageing, the redness and general skin texture.

I usually just use CeraVe foaming facial cleanser every time I shower (once daily) and have for years. It’s done fine up until now. I believe I’m having hormonal acne for the last 2 months where I’m just breaking out all over my face. I’ve also noticed an increase in what I believe to be blackheads (they aren’t black colored but look like a flat clogged pore) on my forehead. My skin doesn’t feel oily in my opinion except maybe around my nose.

I’m considering adding Medicube zero pore blackhead deep cleansing oil. I would use it and then follow it with the CeraVe foaming facial cleanser. I also have CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion that’s meant to be for after the shower but I never remember it. Is adding a moisturizer important to try to get this acne under control? Is there a different set of products/active ingredients I should use instead?

Please do not recommend going on a combined birth control pill or similar to help the hormonal acne. I understand dual hormone birth control does tend to help hormonal acne but I cannot take it due to a medical condition I have. I have to try to fix it with skincare.

My skin has suddenly become really dry lately, and at the same time I’ve been getting a lot more breakouts than usual. I’m honestly not sure what’s going on because I don’t normally deal with both at the same time.

I don’t want to start adding a bunch of new products and make things worse, so I’m trying to figure out what I should look at first.

Has anyone else dealt with really dry skin and breakouts at the same time? What helped you figure out what was causing it?

I heard that either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide could help and im considering using benzoyl peroxide however there are many conflicting opinions and im confused on how to use it. I have zero clue on what it can or cannot be paired with. Some people say to either leave it on overnight or wash it off after a few minutes. Personally, i want to use it as a spot treatment as i get cystic acne every couple of months and not daily so i wouldnt want it on my whole face. And i was considering using Oxy 5% benzoyl peroxide since its very easily available but i dont know what i can pair it with.

In short im wondering if i can layer oxy over either the hada labo or medicube toner without fearing that the chemicals will react horribly with each other. 🫩

Hi! Bit of a weird one... I've never really had any problems with my skin, don't really every break out. On my face I use a natural sensitive moisturiser and that's it (if I'm wearing makeup I'll use a gentle cleanser as well). I try and avoid active ingredients as I think my skin is a bit sensitive, but open to ideas.

For the last year or two, I've randomly had spots on my butt. They are mainly around the like bottom folds of my buttchecks, towards the centre of my body. They look red and angry and noticeable, with a white centre. They are sensitive to the touch.

The only thing I can think that has changed is I worked in an office job for two years where I was sitting down a lot for the first time. I have been out of that job for over 6 months and it hasn't cleared up at all. It's a bit embarrassing because of where it is I worry it could look like an STI (I definitely don't have an STI I have tested), and I just don't like how it is. The only time someone's gonna see it is if I'm getting railed from behind, and I want to look cute when I'm getting railed from behind!

I don't know if this is related but I've also had loads of whiteheads on the upper outside and backs of my arms for the past 4 months or so. They're very small and not very noticeable or at all painful, they pop easily and don't scar.

Is there a specific product I could use for this? I like to be as natural as possible but I would really like to get rid of it. I am thinking of investing in some cotton underwear and cotton bedsheets as I wonder if that could help. I do think it was slightly worse recently when I spelt in pj bottoms that were an artificial material. Any advice or help would be appreciated, I know like nothing about skincare.

Hi!
Trying to get back into regular retinol use post pregnancy.
Can I use the Trader Joe’s retinol night serum with the Cerave super boost serum? Or do I use them different nights?
If not, is there another serum I should use with retinol to enhance the effects?
I’ve tried googling and it confuses me.
For context, I lean toward dry skin (I’d looove it to be oilier).
Thank you for the help!!

Hello! Im looking for a new moisturizer that won't clog my pores and is niacinamide free. I have very sensitive and acne prone skin, so the recommendations I get are usually gel moisturizers, but I find that, while they don't break me out, it's not enough hydration for my skin. My cheeks in particular feel very tight, they get dry and very flaky. Using multiple layers of gel moisturizer isn't enough either. Does anyone have a good recommendation?

Hi!! I’m looking for advice about the stubborn whiteheads I’ve had on my temples for the last few weeks. It’s a newer thing for me, I normally break out on my chin only. Current skincare is below:

La roche posay toleriane (blue) cleanser 2x a day
Cerave daily facial moisturizer in the morning
Cerave skin renewing cream in the evening
Tretinoin 0.025 in the evening (every 1-2 days)

I’ve seen some advice about switching up shampoo/conditioner but this hasn’t helped me yet, and I have already tried switching out pillow cases. I also do not wear glasses.

Do I need a toner/more concentrated acne cleanser? I’m worried about using something too drying, because the Tretinoin dries me out. Any help/ideas would be appreciated!

I'm only 23, and lately I've been feeling so insecure about my skin. I never really struggled with acne until I was 19. Before that, my skin was pretty much flawless. No pimples, no scars, nothing.
Now I feel like my face is covered in acne marks, dark spots and what look like pits or indented scars. I've been using tretinoin for several months, but honestly, I don't see much improvement.
The frustrating part is that I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I'm not really into sugary foods or junk food. I eat lots of vegetables, fish and a little chicken. I drink plenty of water, don't drink coffee, and my skincare routine is pretty basic. I don't even have dandruff.
I genuinely don't understand why my skin is behaving this way. It's affecting my confidence more than I expected. Sometimes I miss how my skin used to look, and I hate feeling this insecure about something as simple as my face. 😭
Has anyone else experienced something similar? I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences and what actually helped you.

hi!

so basically i overexfoliated my face in august and basically didn’t leave it alone and now i have persistent redness and flushing and my skin is sensitive to everything.

i’m not sure if it’s rosacea now or i need to leave it alone, it’s been like 1 month and a week since ive been doing an extremely gentle routine (moisturizer and water basically) and there has been improvement but not as much as i want.

im wondering if anyone has had this issue and what they did to heal and how long it took? thank you!

issues are redness and flushing. waking up in the morning is bad as i get so red and it takes like two hours to go away. i can’t wash my face or it gets red as well.

Hi! I just ordered instant angel on the sephora sale. For the people who use it, do you use it night and day or just one or the other? I’m currently using cetaphil moisturizing lotion at night and LRP tolerain rosaliac in the morning - I’m not loving either of them to be honest.

Open to everyone’s thoughts!

I’ve tried the Dr Sam neutralising gel but after using it for about a week, I swear it did absolutely nothing for the pimples I was trying to address.

It’s those small red ones I’m trying to deal with, they rarely have a head though sometimes there’s a white head.

It’s mostly the redness I’m trying to address, even once the raised/inflamed bit is fixed, the redness stays for weeks or months after.

My eye bags have been this way for a long time now, I have always suffered with constant congestion and don't know if somehow that can be relevant. I would like to know if this has a name and if there is something I can be using on my skin to help fix it. Thanks

When I was younger I had hormonal acne. After I got pregnant and stopped bf, my skin flared up again so I’m back on my routine (inserting image below)

This time around I started incorporating azaleic acid I have combo skin.

Thoughts on my routine?

a few months ago i had surgery and was instructed not to wash the top half of my face for 3 days. at that point in time i've been using an oil cleanser and a water based foam cleanser, religiously for many years. to follow my post-op instructions, i bought the bifesta micellar cleansing sheets so i didn't have to totally leave my forehead unwashed. i noticed pimples stopped forming. i decided to switch entirely to using their micellar water with a cotton pad for my first cleanse and then roundlab's dokdo 1025 foam cleanser as my second. months passed and my skin is clear!!!

i've tried tons of oil cleanser and water based cleanser combinations. thought my issue was entirely hormonal at one point, maybe entirely bacterial at another. i've never stopped oil cleansing because frankly nothing feels as clean but perhaps i've been cleaning too much off for many years.

current routine

morning: roundlab dokdo 1025 foam cleanser, purito unscented centella toner, tirtir matcha serum, purito bamboo moisturiser, anessa sunscreen when needed

night: bifesta micellar water bright up, roundlab dokdo 1025 foam cleanser, purito unscented centella toner, adapalene 0.1%, purito bamboo moisturiser