Best facial skin care products according to redditors
We found 12,201 Reddit comments discussing the best facial skin care products. We ranked the 3,471 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 12,201 Reddit comments discussing the best facial skin care products. We ranked the 3,471 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Antioxidants:
Hydrators & Oils:
fatty alcohols, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, all the good stuff, and it dries down matte and very cosmetically elegant. review
More Molecules:
Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience...
Edited to add sunscreen info/advice. TL;DR Using Banana Boat on your face is fine.
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SPF is a broad spectrum (primarily UVB) rating. For most activities, SPF 30 is more than enough.
It’s impossible to know what the UVA protection of a sunscreen is, if it’s not listed on the product as a PA rating. PA ++++ is the highest rating given.
PA rating refers to UVA and SPF rating is mostly for UVB. UVA rays are the ones that age you. The penetrate into the deepest levels of skin and mutate your genes. They’re the ones that cause toughness and wrinkles. UVB rays attack and burn the surface of the skin. They’re the primary ones that cause skin cancer. It’s hard to say that one is more important than the other. But I suppose I’d rather be ugly and look older than I am than have skin cancer. .. maybe lol
The FDA does not require a PA rating. You’ll find this most often on European products, Asian products, and products marketed to skin care enthusiasts.
My personal HG (holy grail) sunscreens are Supergoop! SPF 30 PA++++ Anti-Aging City Sunscreen Serum which you can pick up in any Sephora store in the States and works for pretty much everyone and ROHTO Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF 50 PA ++++ which is about 1/4 of the price but ships from Japan and is excellent for sensitive/dry skin. Neither leave a white cast, for those curious.
That withstanding, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all. Using Banana Boat (or almost any brand) on your face is fine.
Final note: Your hands and chest / décolleté are the next most telling of your age, after face. You should be moisturizing your hands and décolleté almost as religiously as you do your face. Same with sunscreen in those areas.
Same, even on cloudy days.
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I am 40 and no one believes me. Very little wrinkles. I have been taking care of my skin for years and always wear sunscreen.
In fact, I see women sunbathing with their face exposed, and I cringe.
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Edit for routine:
Look, I take extra precautions to take care of my face from the sun. When I drive in the evenings/golden hour and the sun is hitting the lower part of my face, I always wear this to protect my nose, chin, and cheeks. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071HLFHX8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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But always with zinc!
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Here is my routine:
Morning:
​
Nighttime:
https://www.samsclub.com/p/genes-vitamin-e-creme-16oz/157674
then I go to bed.
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Lifestyle is also has a huge effect on your face and how well you age. Sleeping well, exercise, drinking water, eating healthy are all factors to that help maintain a youthful appearance. If you smoke, well, your skin is going to look like shit.
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And please for the love of god, stop tanning/baking in the sun. My mother-in-law used to sunbath and tan all the time to get tanned and now she is in her 60's and her skin looks like shit. Her legs are all wrinkled af, her arms, and her back, her chest... wrinkles, so many wrinkles!
Even if you are wearing sunscreen when you sit in the sun, your skin is going to look like shit in the long run. Just stop doing it.
My mom is in her 70's and never sunbathed and took care of her skin, she looks like she is in her 60's. Sure her body looks older but not as bad as my mother in law that baked in the sun.
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!
Hello,
First, I apologize for these english mistakes I will probably make in my post.
For the context I'm in my mid-twenties. And It didn't take me 5 years to cure from my acne but 8 years. (Because the oldest photos on my acne face have been taken 5 years ago.)
Album with B&A and products.
FAQ :
When did my acne appears ?
My acne appears during my last year of middle school. And it followed me until my master’s degree.
What's my skincare routine and what have I try before ?
I have tried many stuff.
1 - Roaccutane : Only few months, it was very difficult to stand this treatment.
Dry lips, random nose bleeding, tired etc. Very effective but as soon as I stopped the treatment my acne came back.
2 - Cutacnyl : Not very effective, at least for severe acne like mine.
3 - Honey mask : Not effective.
4 - Aloe vera : Not bad but I had to use it very consistently.
5 - Antibiotics : Acne came back after the treatment.
6 - Pills : pills like MSM, zinc, vitamin B, chromium picolinate. It worked quite well, to be honest they reduced my acne a lot but it came back when I stopped to take these pills so it wasn't the solution I was looking for.
My morning routine : I use a sulfur soap to clean my face and then I moisturize with a Cerave facial lotion. During the summer I use the Biore UV Aqua rich essence to moisturize and to use it as a sunscreen.
My afternoon routine (back from work) :
I wash my face with the same sulfur soap.
After the shower : Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Before I sleep : Cerave lotion + tee trea.
Once a week : Green clay mask
What's my diet :
I completely stopped dairy stuff. I also stopped to drink soft drinks ( except when i'm eating something that have to be accompanied with a soft drink, like burgers, pastas ). So let's say a soft drink a week or a soft drink every two weeks at best.
I started to work out, bought a bench press bench, some weights and started to build a new body.
I started bodybuilding not only because I knew It could help me to reduce my acne but also because I had (and still today) some confidence issues. I'm proud to have made this decision (since i'm quite a lazy guy IRL).
And because I followed a meal plan, I ate more "green" stuff. Bunch of fruits everyday, like bananas, apples, tomatoes etc. Less sugar, more water.
I also drink green tea matcha and green tea with lemon on a daily basis.
Nothing new you can learn from me in this thread. Eat less dairy and sugar. More fruits, vegetables and tea. More sports.
I just wanted to let you know that even though you think it's impossible to get ride of your acne, because no matter what you do you don't see any improvements, all you need is consistency and having the desire to heal. Having the desire to heal is important because your psychology plays a big part in your healing. It will sound like some anime bullshit but you have to believe in yourself.
I had to deal with acne for 8 years, the first 3 years I thought It was just some temporary situation because every teenagers have that. But the years go by and I see no progress. I had no confidence in myself and It was very hard to go outside, even when I needed to buy groceries. Each day was difficult to live. In the subway, in the bus, when talking to people, to girls, all I wanted was to stay at home and cover my face with a green clay mask and tea tree and hoping that my acne would dissapear during the night. Everywhere outside of my home was a test that I had to face. Sometimes I asked a day off because I didn't want to go to work with my shitty face.
TL:DR : Green clay, Cerave lotion, Chromium picolinate, sulfur soap, working out, fruits, vegetables and tea and (trying) to enjoy life.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to ask me questions if needed.
I know everyone’s joking about r/popping but seriously some zits need to be lanced.
5 Sunscreen Swatches on Dark Skin
SWATCHES HERE
About my skin:
Featured sunscreens:
Mini Reviews
Shisheido Senka Aging Care
Missha All Around Safe Block
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
Josie Maran Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
Elta MD UV Clear
Edits: formatting and added links
2nd edit: Thanks for the gold, kind stranger!
HYDROCOLLOID BANDAIDS. Trust me, I get these suckers all the time. Stick one on and it will suck the white head out. I buy these acne bandaids, but since you need something ASAP -- just go to Target (or CVS, etc.) and buy Hydrocolloid Blister Bandaids. Cut it up into whatever size you need (I cut it so it's a bit bigger than the pimple so I can peel it off afterwards). Stick that bad boy on and wait. If I'm in a rush, I wait an hour. If I'm not in a rush, I stick that on all day. Peel it off before I take off makeup/jump in the shower. It'll either suck the puss out or make it so you just need to push out the puss a bit. Trust me on this. They're a godsend.
*EDIT: You don't need to poke a hole in it. I'd say 90% of the time it just sucks it out for you. Some times it takes an extra day. Someone else said Mario Badescu Drying Lotion -- it does work, but not all the time like Hydrocolloid Bandaids work. I get huge cyst acne. The most I've had is 5 whiteheads on one cyst acne. I've pretty much controlled my skin.. for now.
It looks like dishydrotic eczema, which I've had for years.
For me, if I eat a lot of bread/gluten or potatoes I can break out or it aggregates it.
I found the rubbing witch hazel into my hands before bed and about halfway through my day helps considerably.
I provided a link to the stuff I use.
I failed to keep the mascaras I went through this year... my bad... But I always use Maybelline Lash Stiletto.
What have I learned? I should really tone down my purchases of products like eyeshadow palettes and blush palettes. It takes FOREVER to get through one. And yet I have so maaany.
Left row - Powders!
E.l.f. HD setting powder
Skinfood Peach Sake Powder x2
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
L’oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Powder x5
Urban Decay Ultra Definition Pressed Powder x2
Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Powder
Top row, left to right
SETTING SPRAYS
Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Setting Spray
Smashbox Primer Water x2
SUNSCREEN
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence x3
Second row, left to right
FOUNDATIONS
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte x2
Rimmel London, Lasting Finish Foundation x2
Giorgio Armani Luminous SIlk Foundation
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation
Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme - sample
BROW
L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara
Third row, left to right
PRIMERS
Kat Von D Lock-It Hydrating Primer
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Jumbo size
Too Faced, Primed & Poreless
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Apricot
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Green
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer
Coola, Daydream Mineral Primer
Benefit, Porefessional
Murad Invisible Perfecting Shield
Fourth row, left to right
EYE SHADOW PRIMER
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish
Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone
Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop
Maybelline master Hi-Light in Nude, discontinued, but still available on amazon
Fifth Row, left to right
SKINCARE
Vitamin C serum x3
Vitamin C serum
Mizon Black Snail All-in-One Cream
Mizon Snail Eye Cream
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream
Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream
Corsx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Corsx AHA Whitehead Power Liquid
Corsx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Caudaline Organic Grape Water - Guys I can’t find this shit anywhere. Did it get discontinued/ replaced?
Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner
Bottom row, left to right
LIPS
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, Stockholm
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm, Nourishing Nude
Buxom FUll-On Lip Cream, Mudslide
Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm
Buxom Full-On Lip Cream, Rose Julep
I've finally resisted the temptation to spend money and change my routine that works. I am 22 y/o guy with very oily skin & I sweat a lot - which is usually what causes my breakouts. I also love these products because they're (mostly) readily available from stores in Australia.
Derma Sukin Daily Hydrating Wash - AM & PM. This stuff is so cheap, and very gentle. It has an almost identical texture to Cetaphil, only makes me feel less dry.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil - PM, before Sukin cleanser. My holy grail oil cleanser. This stuff is liquid gold, it's excellent for blackheads and a really deep clean. I feel like wake up with noticeably softer skin.
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum - AM/PM after cleansing. It's a very hydrating serum that I feel has reduced a lot of the redness from my acne scars. It's kind of expensive-ish so if you guys have any alternatives hmu!
The Ordinary, The Buffet - AM, after serum. This is stuff of miracles. This stuff has really helped the texture of my skin, and I only use a drop each morning.
Neutrogena Water Gel - AM/PM, mixed with TO Hyaluronic Acid. Cheap, doesn't break me out, good for Australian heat, and my sweaty face. I don't think I need much more until it gets dry and cold eventually.
The Ordinary, Hyaluronic Acid + B5 - AM/PM mixed with Neutrogena moisturiser. Cheap, hydrating, effective & mixes really well with my moisturer. I tried the Marine Hyaluronics one and thought it did nothing. The Hada Labo one was also good but harder to pick up in stores.
[The Ordinary, 30% AHA + BHA 2%](https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-aha-30pct-bha-2pct-peeling-solution-30ml) - PM, once a week. I prefer this stuff over the stridex pads or any other AHA/BHA I've used as it's less irritating on my skin. Really helped with acne scarring and prevents cystic acne breakouts. Kind of annoyed you can't get it in stores in Australia anymore though.
[La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50*](https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/78816/-la-roche-posay-anthelios-xl-ultra-light-fluid-facial-sunscreen-spf50-50ml?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwtYXmBRAOEiwAYsyl3PLG911c4JVNh4t-jo8k4XUHcs72rWstFPR8y-HsDsd_lnJ4OUn3FhoCLXwQAvD_BwE) - AM, final step. I feel like I'm yet to find a sunscreen my skin LOVES, but this one does the job and doesn't break me out. It's kinda expensive but it lasts for a while.
Wall of text incoming, along with the products that work for me. YMMV with individual products, of course!
All of these are just what I use, and all have alternatives that may work better for you and/or be cheaper. This has evolved over the past two years, I didn't just pick all this up at once and start throwing it on my skin - start slow, and see how your skin adjusts to each step for a week or so before moving onto another product.
I do my "skin routine" morning and evening, with some variations depending on how much time I have and what time of day it is.
First, hydration. Looks like you've taken care of that one! Water, water, and more water is what helped the most. I go through roughly 3L of water at work if not more, plus more once I get home.
Second, I never use foaming cleansers. I cut out anything with foams, and went with a two step cleansing process: first, oil cleansing (I use Banila Clean It Zero) to get rid of the bulk of my makeup. Then I follow with a cream cleanser (Guerlain Lait de Beauty, but there are MANY more affordable options out there).
Then I use a toner. But not the stripping, Sea Breeze type toner, a moisturizing one. Currently using HadaLabo Hyaluronic Lotion. Don't let the "acid" fool you - hyaluronic acid is extremely moisturizing.
Every 3-4 days in the evenings, I use a chemical exfoliator (NEVER physical, my skin can't take it) in the form of a BHA and AHA. BHAs remove gunk from pores, AHAs strip dead skin. Both mine are from cosrx:
https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-bha-blackhead-power-liquid
https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-aha-7-whitehead-power-liquid
Some people leave them for 20 minutes, I don't have the patience, I just go right into the next step and add a sheet mask. If you're new to actives, this will be too often - do them once a week, max.
Then the fun part - sheet masks. I looove sheet masks. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Anything with Hyaluronic acid is my go to. My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid is a staple. I let that sink in while doing whatever around the house. I do one of these a few times a week, every night if I can.
Then I go onto moisturizing. I have a variety of serums, essences, and oils that I use depending on how dry my skin feels, but my basic routine goes:
If my skin is extra dry, I add in an extra moisturizing step here. I use Miss Flower and Mr Honey in summer, Scinic All in One honey ampoule in winter. Or sometimes I use Guerlain Face Treatment Oil.
If my skin is red, I add in CosRX Snail 96 to help control it.
Separate eye cream, ALWAYS. Right now I'm loving Clarins Super Restorative eye cream.
Then the big moisturizers:
History of Whoo Jinyul Essence
History of Whoo Jinyul Cream
Final step for day, sunscreen - Biore Watery Essence SPF50 for daytime. Skipped at night for obvious reasons.
For the night routine, before bed I apply one of these masks:
CosRX Honey Mask
CosRX Rice Mask
Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Mask
These give extra moisture at night while you're sleeping.
Again, this is not something that happened overnight - I can almost guarantee if someone takes this list and throws it all at their face at once, they'll end up a mess. I added things slowly.
If I was going to recommend an order, I'd go with this:
Wait a week.
You could swap the above two if you have a lot of cleanser left.
Wait a week.
Once you're used to those, add an essence. Something very moisturizing and rich.
Wait a week.
Look at adding in a sleeping pack.
From there, pick what you'd like to address and add them in.
I know it's a lot to take in, so if you have specific questions about any of this, just ask.
https://www.amazon.com/Merano-Medicinal-Intensive-Measures-Essence/dp/B00ITAP8P0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967163&sr=8-1&keywords=melano+cc
https://www.amazon.com/Missha-Time-Revolution-Treatment-Essence/dp/B00E4YYIY2/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967202&sr=sr-1&keywords=missha+first+treatment+essence
https://www.amazon.com/COSRX-Whitehead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967215&sr=1-1&keywords=cosrx+aha
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Bha-Blackhead-Power-Liquid/dp/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967215&sr=1-6&keywords=cosrx+aha
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524967246&sr=sr-1&keywords=cosrx+snail+96+mucin+power+essence
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&field-keywords=honey+scinic
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Shirojyun-Medicinal-Whitening/dp/B00BS3Q58Y/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967303&sr=1-1&keywords=shirojyun
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1524967355&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=cerave+cleanser&psc=1
These are some of my holy grail skincare products!
Night time:
** these products dry out your skin so I put on many layers of moisture after, and also don't do them everyday. AHA (and BHA too, I believe) makes your skin more sensitive to the sun so I also wear SPF 50 everyday underneath my makeup.
day time:
hope this helps! :)
these products all contain brightening properties. If you want to learn more about other people's experiences with these products you should search r/asianbeauty. If you search top posts there as well you should see lots of hg lists/reviews!
Assuming you were using 'CeraVe in the tub' (I had awful clogged pores with it too), their PM moisturizer is actually wonderful!
Yes! I second hyaluronic acid. I've been using Hada Labo in the mornings after cleansing and before moisturizing. It makes a world of difference!
My everyday products are
Clean It Zero
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Also sometimes Su:m 37 Miracle Rose Stick Cleanser
Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
.05 Tretinoin Gel
Mizon Black Snail All In One Cream
My Beauty Diary Sheet Mask - (Or something similar)
Too Cool for School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack
MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++
Other popular products that I sometimes use:
Benton Snail Bee High Content Lotion
Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream
Just like you, my first foray into sheet masks from Amazon was the tonymoly I'm Real 11 pack. They were enjoyable but I found some of them to irritate my skin slightly and others to be a little disappointing efficacy-wise. I initially got them because they were paraben free but I've since stopped worrying so much about parabens.
Then I found the Freeset Donkey Milk Aqua 10 pack for $18.62 being sold directly by Amazon (about $2 more than other Prime eligible sellers but this was worth it to me to not have to worry about potentially old products/bad seller experience). These are <$2 a pop even when buying directly from Amazon. *Note: I didn't spring for the $30 "newer" version and I am perfectly happy with whatever "old" version I got.
Holy moly these are the real effing deal. I accidentally dozed off during my first one and will admit I got one tiny zit that went away in <24 hours but otherwise my skin was so plump, so bright, so smooth and my pores were GONE. I had to rub my eyes after waking up to verify how small my pores had gotten because I thought my eyes were still adjusting or something. NOPE. Pores gone. Skin so plump I couldn't believe it.
Honorable mention: Dermal Korea Collagen Essence White mask. Found in a Prime eligible 10 pack here for $9.99, or included in a $9.88 16 combo pack add-on item. I have only ever used the White version (and it was in a heated salt room) but it did wonders for my skin from a plumpness, even tone/texture perspective. Highly recommended! Full disclosure: the white one I used at the spa had a Snowflake logo (found in the 16 pack) and the 10 pack has a slightly different snowflake logo. As far as I can tell, these are the same mask and one has slightly updated packaging.
Product name: Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion PM
Price (range): AUD23.22 | $7.87 |
USD15.49
Country of purchase: Australia
Skin info: Combination, acne prone
Ingredient list: COSDNA ingredient list analysis
Special info: Contains Ceramides which are great for skin health and barrier repair, also contains niacinimide
Experience & opinion: Like all acne prone combo to oily folk I was suspicious of moisturisers. After flirting around here and r/asianbeauty I finally asked my mum to pick me up a bottle while she was in the states and I haven't looked back since
The product is very light, almost more gel like than creamy. It moisturises well for my combination skin and sinks in very fast as well. I also find it makes a killer base for my makeup in the evening as it really preps the face without adding extra slick. It doesn't break me out and really helped to get rid of flakey patches on my face as well as helping my skin bounce back from some minor exfoliation. I fond with regular daily use, my skin just looked happier. It's hard to get more detailed than that
So I've been a long time lurker and reader and thought I'd introduce myself and my new routine to the community. Special thanks to /u/mynomdeplumeisplume for the amazing guide that finally got me to pull the trigger!
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A quick breakdown with links (all from Amazon):
Type | Product
---|---
Oil Cleanser | Banila Co. Clean It Zero Purity
Water Cleanser | Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
Moisturizer | Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Sunscreen | Biore Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence
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(Sk)intro and review
I'm a 24 year old male in the UK with light olive/brown skin that is pretty resilient but can be prone to spots. I have some PIH on my upper cheeks and forehead and dark circles under my eyes. Generally speaking I've gone for products that are formulated for sensitive skin and pretty "mainstream" from what I've seen in AB circles so far. They've been working great and my skin has never looked so good.
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Special shout out to the Biore UV for being the first sunscreen that I actually don't dread using. I've not used sun protection much in the past because of how greasy it feels but this has been a dream. I'm going to stick to it for another week before adding a toner and my first essence - any suggestions for brightening/hydrating/PIH tackling would be great and also where to buy the Biore that isn't amazon. That's all for me, thanks for reading any questions and critiques would be welcome.
have you checked out /r/AsianBeauty much yet? their philosophy might be a good fit for you as AB routines often involve layering of several moisturizing/hydrating products, many of which are not necessarily cream or lotion but more gel-like. so i'd poke around there as well! for instance, the Hada labo gokujun lotion is a popular product for holding in moisture due to the hyaluronic acid. although if you definitely can't use butylene glycol without issue, that specific product may not be good for you. unfortunately its a very common ingredient in skincare products :( i'm sure there's some good options without it though!
in the meantime, if you're really that flaky, i'd personally cut back on the aha/bha/retinol/tretinoin and get back to applying your oils after cleansing more often to give your skin a break. you could even add something like vaseline over the oil to act as an occlusive.
Here is the Skincare Addiction sunscreen guide post, although it's a bit confusing. I found this Skinacea page to be much more helpful and to make much more sense when I was looking into sunscreens. Also look at the related links at the top of the page for more descriptions about what you need in a sunscreen. You should have something that's at least SPF 30.
I have skin that's really difficult to please with sunscreen. Sunscreen either clogs my pores or burns my sensitive skin. My skin is also combination/oily and acne prone. There are chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens, and ones that use both chemical and physical blockers. Here's a helpful side-by-side comparison. The combination ones are generally suggested as the best for skin protection, but sometimes people react badly to various ingredients and the most important thing is the sunscreen provides broad spectrum, photostable protection. It's mostly about trial and error until you find something you like.
As far as the ones I've personally tried...
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen in SPF 55 felt really good going on. It only got a little greasy around my nose, but otherwise was dry. It seems like a number of people here like it for a drugstore sunscreen, but I broke out after a few days of using it.
I like MaryKay's SPF 30. It goes on dry and has a bit of a fragrant scent, so it doesn't smell like sunscreen. I've used this at the beach for many summers, though I'm going to try out some other sunscreens because I'm worried that it'll clog my pores if I use it daily. I think I may need an only physical sunscreen.
A lot of people here like the Elta MD sunscreens, which are a little pricier. People tend to recommend the UV Clear SPF 46 on this subreddit. I just ordered their UV Physical SPF 41, though I haven't tried it yet. It's important to note that the physical one is tinted, so it probably works best on more fair skin.
I'm no expert on sunscreens, but this is the info that I've researched and that's been provided by the subreddit. Thank goodness for /r/SkincareAddiction, amirite?
Skin
I'd recommend for skincare to start with the basics : cleanser, moisturizer, and spf.
Cleanser is to clean the dirt, sweat, and sebum off your skin.
Moisturizer is basically to put back into your skin what you took out when cleansing (cleansing removes some good stuff with the bad) and helps keep your skin healthy, a lot of moisturizers contain things that are important in your stratum corneum (the skin that we see) like lipids and ceramides (don't worry too much about this, it's just the sciency stuff, all you really need to know is that moisturizer restores good stuff to your skin).
SPF is to protect your skin from the sun, there are UVA and UVB rays. The SPF rating on a sunscreen is a rating on how well the product protects your skin from UVB rays (rays that cause a burn) and broad spectrum on american sunscreens means that it protects you from UVA rays as well (rays that age you and I believe can cause skin cancer). If you're looking at asian sunscreens, they rate protection from UVA rays with a PA+ rating, and I believe UK sunscreens use a PPD rating although I'm not sure how that works exactly. (basically you want broad spectrum, PA with 3 or 4+ signs, or a high PPD rating depending on where you're getting your sunscreen from).
For product recommendations, I'd say try cerave, they're a good brand and have quite a few options. I'd say try their hydrating or foaming cleanser, and either Cerave PM moisturizer or Cerave moisturizing cream (I'll leave links). Sunscreen is up to you, I prefer physical sunscreens (meaning they contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) but they can leave a whitecast. You can try some neutrogena sunscreens, I've heard good things about those too. So I'll put what your routine should be pretty much :
AM
PM
(don't use SPF at night lol)
Once you've got this down and you feel comfortable with it and you're seeing some improvement, you can add a treatment for acne/blackheads (those black spots on your nose, although they could be sebaceous filaments, I can't tell you for sure without pictures). If you want to focus on your blackheads, I'd say try a salicylic acid treatment (look at the ingredients on the back of the products, they should say salicylic acid as the active ingredient, if you need a suggestion, there's always stridex, it's what I use and I like it a lot) Salicylic acid is also a good acne treatment so that may help you clear up your acne too. If you want to focus on your acne, I'd say either try curology (worked wonders for me), or get a 2% or 5% benzoyl peroxide gel, and put it on your acne spots at night.
Hair
Generally what you want is a shampoo and a conditioner. Shampoo cleans your hair, and conditioner helps put back the nutrients in your hair that you stripped out with your shampoo (basically a moisturizer for your hair, it makes your hair feel soft and look nice) I'm guessing the white stuff is dandruff, so for right now I'd go for a head and shoulders shampoo and conditioner, be sure it says anti dandruff, and see how that goes for you.
Chapped Skin
Get aquaphor, or vaseline, or petroleum jelly and slap it on those suckers. It works wonders on cracked knuckles, chapped lips, pretty much anything of the sort. I love it (I personally use aquaphor)
Oily Skin
Oily skin isn't necessarily bad, just a lot of people don't like feeling oily/greasy during the day and try to combat it. A lot of people like the "dewy" look, which is different from oily, it's more like wet skin/glowing from within kinda look. I think your oily skin should calm down once you get a skincare routine set in place tho.
Harmful stuff
From what I understand, there aren't a lot of products that are "toxic" to the skin. There are just things that can irritate your skin or dry it out, which can cause acne or redness and a whole buncha other not so fun stuff. One of the things to avoid is sodium lauryl sulfate in your cleansers bc it's super harsh on your skin and can dry it out. That's an example more along the lines of things you would avoid and why, its just because it's too harsh for you skin. I don't really know of anything toxic and most of it is just stuff made up by companies to get you to buy their products.
I've helped with most of the stuff I can help with, but feel free to run anything by me if you need to, I'm always here to help! You can pm if you need to btw, especially if you plan on getting skincare products other than the ones I suggested bc I can look over the ingredients/reviews for ya and let you know what I think of them without having to teach you all the sciencey stuff lol which can get kinda boring
Links
Side Notes
Be careful when using the stridex pads if you do choose to use them, start with once a week and increase usage from there, as they can dry you out or cause irritation. Same with the benzoyl peroxide. Here is where you'd use either in your routine btw
PM
Hope this helps!! :)
Unfortunately, for most people who have sensitive skins, there is rarely a single product that solves all. Here are several habits I develop to cope with my troubled skin.
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In Camp care
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Outfield care
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Route March Care
Friction rash
Source: History of oily skin, cystic acne & eczema.
Based on the Beginner's FAQ, I started using the Cerave foaming wash and moisturizing cream and my skin is doing MUCH better. I have oily, somewhat acne-prone skin. I was also using the apricot scrub but I don't miss it AT ALL. The Stridex pads and occasional use of AHA pads pads a couple times a week have served to exfoliate and treat breakouts better than St Ives scrub. I feel like a bit of a success story so I recommend trying out some new products if you feel like your skin condition could improve.
If you don't want to apply new products without testing, you could use sterile lancets and then pop a hydrpcolloid bandage over it. /r/skincareaddiction may have some feedback too. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Oh gosh that routine sounds quite drying.. The tea tree oil could be burning your skin and I'm not sure about using vinegar straight in your skin... Water doesn't dilute the tea tree oil or the vinegar, it's just floating around it. You are basically putting household cleaner on your face. The excess oil your skin is producing could be because it's stressed and dehydrated and you've damaged your moisture barrier. I'd stop both of them immediately and start looking for some soothing healing products and try and baby your skin back to health. If you want to learn more about your moisture barrier and why it's important this is a super in depth and helpful article - http://skinandtonics.com/the-importance-of-fatty-acids-ph-moisture-barrier-how-i-eliminated-my-acne-decreased-my-skin-sensitivity/.
To address each of your concerns:
-blackheads and sebaceous filaments can be helped with BHA products BUT these will only damage your skin further, I'd get it back to good health before adding this in. Eventually you could try something like this routine (which I do once a week) - https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/03/28/how-to-shrink-pores-temporarily-plus-3-pore-myths/ but seriously it will make your skin worse for now, it's better to wait till its in a better condition.
-spots around your mouth I'm really not sure about sorry. Ingredients like niacinamide (sp?) or alpha arbutin could help but I'm really not sure.
-small bumps could be fungal acne, try googling a bunch of images and see whether any look familiar. If you think it is fungal acne here's two good resources on what ingredients/products to avoid - https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/6ohgsx/discussion_fungal_acne_my_experience_and_how_i/ and https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure/.
-sensitive skin - as you start trying new products keep track of what makes you more sensitive so you can pinpoint your triggers and learn to avoid. It'll be a painful process but you'll get there in the end I promise. I have a very basic spreadsheet to track what I buy, how long it lasts and how my skin reacts. If there's a few different things flaring up your skin you can cross check ingredients to work out exactly what sets you off and avoids products with that in it. It'll be a long process but you've got many more years to live in your skin & it'll be worth it.
Now in terms of what I suggest you should do here's my two cents... Stop everything you're currently doing and focus on gentle hydration, hydration, hydration. Take it all with a grain of salt though, I'm no expert, just a gal trying to get her skin looking good and staying healthy. As you've got sensitive skin you might find it quite hard to find your holy grail products so I'd recommend getting sample sizes and patch testing excessively to try and reduce the effects of products your skin disagrees with. I put a small dab on my neck, cheek & eyelid for at least a week, although two weeks is the gold standard.
Specific things:
Coconut oil has a reputation for breaking people out, but if it's working for you keep going. If you want to try something else mineral oil is supposedly pretty non reactive. I personally use the pricey shu uemura cleansing oil which is my to die for product if you can justify the $$ (££) - https://www.shuuemura-usa.com/Cleansing-oils/skincare-cleansing-oils,default,sc.html
I think a more hydrating moisturiser would make a big difference, the stratia liquid gold is known for helping repair damaged moisture barriers - https://www.stratiaskin.com/products/liquid gold. The Dr Jart+ ceramidin cream is also super hydrating, I'm working up to dropping the $s on that again - http://www.yesstyle.com/en/dr-jart-ceramidin-cream-50ml/info.html/pid.1035926021. The Cerave PM is very highly regarded as a gentle moisturiser too - http://www.cerave.com/our-products-moisturizers-pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion. I also tried this brand once when a friend had it and it was very gentle - https://helloskinshop.co.uk/products/zeroderm-ointment?variant=24620997383.
You could also consider adding in another hydrating product after oil cleansing before your moisturiser. Hyaluronic acid is super hydrating, it's molecules can hold like 6 times their weight in water. Hadalabo is a popular brand with a few variations on a HA "liquid" this is the most popular one - https://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA. There's a premium one that is more hydrating that I'm about to start using once I'm done with the regular one - https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2016/03/26/hail-hydra-hada-labo-gokujyun-premium-lotion-review-hada-labo-lotion-tips/.
Snail is a nice soothing product if your skin doesn't react to it (it might! Get a sample and patch test) this is a nice one I slather all over my skin - https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence.
Honey is another nice soothing ingredient, there's lots of options you could try some regular ole honey on your face to see if it reacts. I'm using this product at the moment although I think it might be breaking me out so I'm taking a few weeks off in case - http://www.holysnails.com/2015/07/scinic-honey-all-in-one-ampoule.html. I don't have oily skin though, so it might be too much for you.
Facial oils could work for you, rosehip gets a generally good rap. You can use on its own or mix into a moisturiser to make it more hydrating. Google facial oil and try out ones that seem like they'll suit your skin.
I talked about niacinamide earlier, the ordinary has a nicanimade + zinc serum which is quite nice and VERY good value - http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-niacinamide-10pct-zinc-1pct-30ml.
Sunscreen is always critical in skin health, you might struggle to find one for your sensitive skin, but if you can find a moisturiser try a sunscreen in that range. And if in doubt try Japanese, they do the nicest. I use this one which is alcohol heavy but very light overall - http://www.refinery29.com/biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-review.
If I was you I'd stop everything but the oil cleanse and find a veeery gentle, very soothing moisturiser and just do the two of them for a few weeks and see how that goes and slowly add in other things. You only need to oil cleanse at night, in the morning a splash of water should be fine. If you're not wearing make up its still worth cleansing off your sunscreen and the general pollutants of the day, go for a low PH cleanser to be more gentle with your skin. I use this foaming one - https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM. I've seen other redditors with sensitive skin prefer milk cleansers eg https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/674uya/discussion_favourite_creammilk_cleansers/. Please no more tea tree!
As you can probably tell from the products I've suggested I use a more Asian skin care regime which really works for me. It focuses on hydration and being gentle with your skin. It can get very complex but doesn't have to be. I started with an oil cleanser and now two years later I have a hydrating toner, essence, serum and ampoule... not all necessary but all I enjoy! If you want to know more here's a good start: https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/wiki/new_user_guide.
Good luck with your skin! No quick fixes unfortunately just lots of trial and error and eventually you'll get there. I think without the stripping tea tree and vinegar & with a repairing moisturiser you should see some improvements pretty quickly. Stick with it even if it doesn't. Research other people's routines, learn about what different ingredients do, how your skin works etc. Definitely not wasted time, eventually you can help others on reddit :)
if you're trying to maximize bang for buck washing off your actives is probably not the way to go. I'd switch to a gentle cleanser like cerave or an oil cleanser and follow with an exfoliant that I leave on-- maybe Corsrx AHA/BHA?
Yay, dehydrated skin buddies! My faithful standby is Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, a hyaluronic acid packed liquid that you pat into your skin after cleansing, also my gateway drug to Asian beauty products. The moisturizer I've been liking the most for summer is Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer, which has a lighter texture than you'd think from the name. In winter when my skin is more dry I really like Clinique DDML because it's a bit more emollient. I also use a face mist of about 5% glycerin in 95% distilled water between skincare layers or during makeup application if my skin is feeling extra dehydrated. It helps everything to sink in nicely. Oh, and sheet masks! The other AB gateway drug. :) They're like a drink of water for your face.
If you're interested in more information about specific humectants, take a look at the dehydrated skin link under skin concerns in the sidebar.
> CORSRXs BHA power liquid
Is that this?
I've been dealing with this for I don't even know how long. I do the worst thing and take a needle and push it out because it annoys me that much and I don't notice any scaring and whatnot (after a few days), but I'll gladly use an alternative to putting a needle right next to my eye.
for spf to be effective you need to apply 1/4 tsp of sunscreen product.
this amount of sunscreen is ok for most but that amount of a moisturizer with spf can feel too greasy or heavy especially if you have oily skin. most people using moisturiser with spf won't end up using enough so won't get enough protection.
I recommend using a lightweight gel moisturiser and a separate sunscreen like la Roche posay Shaka fluid, etude House sunproof, or biore watery essence
Make a dermatologist appointment, but in the meantime try these: https://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Cover-Drug-Free-Gentle-Breathable/dp/B00BRGUNV2
If you have Amazon Prime, you can get a 16 variety pack of Dermal sheet masks for ~$8.50 each here and here. I find these to be the cheapest decent quality masks I've tried so far! Cheaper ones I've tried tend to be irritating for my skin or just useless.
You can also get "free" sheet masks at Skin18, you just have to pay for shipping (by weight) so if you buy a lot of them at once it is more worth it.
(UPDATE: turns out you can only get one freebie at a time on Skin18, so maybe not so great for bulk sheet mask buys.)
If you're looking for straight up just hella bulk and inexpensive sheet masks for daily usage, KOSE sells them in a giant pack of 1/2 lb but I haven't actually used any of them myself since I have my own stash of 200+ sheet masks LOL. They have Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen.
Innisfree also really often has BOGO free deals for their sheet masks. They're more expensive than the other options I've listed but if you buy a lot at once it'll be cheaper per mask.
LASTLY, (sorry long post) there's also Korean buying services where companies will locate the items you want to buy at a lower price in Korea and ship it to you for a fee. This service is super worth it if you're planning on a HUGE haul. However it's also more complicated than just adding stuff to your cart and checking out like you would on other online stores. There's a guide on how to use the big buying services in the sidebar here if you're interested!
Honestly, there's tons of resources to buy bulk sheet masks, and if you buy a crap ton at once, they're even cheaper :P
Sorry, what's TCA? A tca peel? If you're new to skincare please don't try a TCA peel to start with!! They are very strong and deep, I honestly don't recommend anyone do them at home ever. But especially not someone w/o extensive experience with peels. A gentle lactic acid peel is a great way to start out with them.
MUAC is a great choice for peels (I promise this is legit!) This is a good one to start with I recommend purchasing the sample kit, in my experience they last a super long time and you get to see if it'll work out for you.
And this is a good HA serum. You can check out the reviews on amazon too. Others might have more recommendations as well.
I'm more combo / normal and oily.. mainly my nose. It can turn into an oil slick in the summer quicker than I can finish my face. This Etude House 'sunprise' is the best one I've found! It doesn't make the perimeter of my face too dry and actually helps my nose / cheek area control themselves.
Sure thing! I wear very little makeup myself and like to think good skincare is a way to avoid "needing" makeup since the whole idea of makeup is just to enhance what you've already got going on.
Just for your consideration, I am 27 and white with normal to oily, fair/freckled skin. I am also about to sound like I am sponsored by CeraVe. Sadly I am not, but I fully enoucourage everyone to try them as they are a very gentle, high quality, and affordable line of skincare products.
Morning Routine
Night Routine
Sorry for the novel.
TLDR: Cleaser, toner, vitamin C serum, moisturizer. Aspirin mask at night, always SPF in the day. Try CeraVe.
Edit to say holy shit, gilded for nerding out over skincare? Thank you!!
i worship at the altar of skin aqua uv moisture milk. cosmetically elegant with a non-greasy texture that absorbs fully into my skin. asian sunscreens offer the broadest protection against uva light. ulta md and la roche posay are not asian beauty brands, but they carry excellent chemical and physical sunscreens i see recced here often due to their non comedogenic formulations.
The gospel from /r/skincareaddiction is that chemical exfoliation will help. A good place to start is BHA (beta hydroxy acid) - a popular drugstore product that contains this exfoliant is the Stridex medicated pads in the red box. At night, you would wash your face, pat dry, swipe a Stridex pad over it, wait for it to dry, moisturize if necessary, then go to bed.
Warning that BHA and other chemical exfoliants can make your face more sensitive to sunlight; SPF is a must. I use Cerave "AM" moisturizer that contains SPF 30.
I have combination skin.
I wash my face with Cetaphil Cleanser in the morning and then I put Shiseido Matifying Moisturizer, after that I put Biore Sunscreen (I'm still new to this product, I've been trying out alot of sunscreen products because my skin has been overly sensitive and for some reason I might be allergic to sunscreen lotion T_T), before this I just use Skin79 BB Cream and an umbrella whenever I go out, after the bb cream I put on shiseido foundation and then mascara and lip gloss.
For night: I use Neutrogena make up remover wipes, and then Pond's Cleanser, Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner and then Neutrogena Moisturizer And then Shiseido Eye Cream.
I also use Pierre Cardin Peeling Gel maybe 3 times a week after cleansing my face and then I put on Neutrogena Moisturizer, Shiseido Eyecream and then finish it with a Collagen Essense Mask.
Edit:words
The main thing you need to concentrate on is hydration, once that issue is tackled, you might find that your skin doesn’t need all those actives but that’s for the future. For now your routine (according to your skin state right now) would look like this:
Am:
Pm:
Hope this helps a little.
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%
Here is a post on hyperpigmentation and how to fade it. For all the things I'm about to recommend, wear sunscreen with them! Other than niacinamide, everything here will make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
For over the counter products my favorites are:
St. Ives Exfoliating Pads - a very gentle lactic acid wipe
MUAC 40% lactic acid peel - a really good starter peel. If you've never done chemical peels before, you should start with something more gentle (like the St. Ives pads) to get your skin used to AHAs
Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Sunscreen - prevents dark spots from getting darker, and has 5% niacinamide to help fade them
Garden of Wisdom Niacinamide Powder - I bought this but haven't used it yet, actually. It needs to be dissolved in distilled water, and you can mix it with glycerin or aloe to make a DIY niacinamide serum.
If a doctor's visit isn't a huge financial burden for you, prescription retinoids like Retin-A (called tretinoin in generic form) or Tazorac are the gold standard for fading hyperpigmentation. They cause your skin to turn over really quickly, so dryness, redness and irritation are frequent side effects. Skinacea has great info on how to minimize the side effects by starting to use them gradually.
Edit:
Here's a before and after (separated by a couple of months) after using said products - Tazorac/St. Ives Pads/sunscreen daily and chemical peel weekly.
You can try using a BHA. Paula's Choice has some good options. An SCA/AB favorite is Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid. I'm no expert on this, but this is just what I've learned from lurking here and r/AsianBeauty
You must be new to AB :) Snail mucin is simply Snail Secretion
[This] (https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K) is the specific product I am referring to
My routine:
MUAC Green Tea and Pomegranate Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid mixed with Snail essence
100% Argan oil
Avene Recovery Cream
[Enzyme Protect 30SPF] (https://www.makeupartistschoice.com/MUAC-Enzyme-Protect--SPF-30_p_350.html)
In the morning, I'll use Vitamin C and in the evening I'll switch between using Tretinoin 0.05% and Niacinamide.
Once a week, I will do a 15% SA peel. I alternate between doing a weekly 55% Lactic Acid peel or a Fade peel. Then I'll give my skin a 2 week break where I straight up moisturize and then do a TCA peel (these are not for the faint of heart)
[Edit: formatting]
I've been ordering from this amazon seller and haven't had any problems... but if anyone has any reputable non-amazon sources, I'd be interested in hearing them.
This is pretty much it.
It's one of the original holy grail low pH cleansers on r/skincareaddiction and have been using it for a few years now. I just buy it from large asian stores like T&T or Ocean's (Toronto area), but sometimes amazon is cheaper. I stocked up on a few bottles when I was in Japan because it's only like $4 there or something 😭
Their hyaluronic liquid is also amazing if you have dry/dehydrated skin! You just pat a small amount over your face before applying moisturizer and your face just sucks up all the moisture.
Hi! Okay let's see hereee. Gather 'round, friends. I imagine this is going to get quite long.
My Skin: Oily t-zone, dryish cheeks and one weird dry half of my chin. I also deal with eczema on random parts, depending on what my body decides with be most annoying that particular time. Random things will make me break out, and basically if I don't cleanse with mineral oil at night I break out. I rarely break out anymore, than goodness.
Morning routine!
Night Routine!
Body!
Things I do sometimes!
Wonk Jr's Ultimate Skincare
Why was I appointed to the SOMC? Well, others will tell you it was CSS, but the TRUE reason the deep state saw my necessity was because when the inevitable neoliberal renaissance happens, y'all better be pretty for it. Our most beloved leaders are often the most prettiest, have you seen Macron, Trudeau, and Obama. Hot damn, but it's not as if their skin is good by itself.
Skincare is a long-term investment. Although the initial costs are high, a well-crafted routine can lead to high returns in life. Why? Better skin gives you a renewed sense of confidence, leads to better judgement from others, and generally allows you to look better.
Skincare does not care about your gender, anyone can use the tips in this post to improve their look.
The Stuff
Here, I'm using an American approach to skincare with high usage of acids and liquids, while a more Asian approach would be with heavy amounts of cream. Check out /r/SkincareAddiction for the former and /r/AsianBeauty (or maybe not? I heard there was some drama) for the latter.
I have dry skin that is relatively acne-free, so my requirements may differ from yours. I highly recommend you read the FAQs in your subreddit of choice, this post is intended to be a tl;dr.
Core
Moisturizer: Moisturizer is the fundamental pair of skincare. If there's only one thing you get out of this post, it's that one must Moisturize. Moisturizing gets your skin plump and nice, and is overall the best thing you can do for the lowest cost that is guaranteed for good returns. All skin is different and different moisturizers work for different people, but I recommend CeraVe Mousterizing Cream; it's generally regarded as one of the best choices you can make with a high success rate.
Cleanser: Cleanser cleans your skin, and is the other half of fundamental pair of skincare. Although cleansing can be down with just water, I highly recommend you use a specialized cleanser. There are multiple types of cleansers that work differently, but I'm just going to stick to the basics. I highly CeraVe Foaming Cleanser; however, it can be a bit rough on some skin, so some people may benefit from the Hydrating Cleanser.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is very important for skincare. As Bill Wurtz said it, the sun is a deadly laser. Exposure to the sun, no matter how minimal, can leave permanent effects on the skin such as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and skin cancer. A good sunscreen is always in your best interests; I recommend Paula's Choice 50 SPF. Anything under 50SPF is worthless, and anything over ~80SPF is a scam. Even if you have brown skin like myself that doesn't burn, you should still use sunscreen; in an older age, your skin will remain fresh.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin on your face, which can lead to a renewed "glow". There are two times of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical is highly discouraged for two main reasons: physical exfoliation is rough on the skin and can cause more problems than they fix, and they often employ microbeads which is harmful to the environment. Chemical Exfoliation is the better by a large margin, although there are some outliers.
BHA: BHAs are used to tackle Acne. BHAs penetrate deep into the skin, dissolving all the gunk that lies under the pores. There are several forms of BHAs, but Salicylic Acid is the most common. I recommend Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA. Note that if you use a BHA, you must use Sunscreen; BHAs increase sensitivity to the Sun.
AHA: AHAs help repair hyperpigmentation on the surface of the skin by tackling the top layer of the skin. I recommend Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA, an universally loved option.
Note: AHAs and BHAs are not mutually exclusive, they can be used together. Some recommend you use a BHA in the morning followed by an AHA at night. Personally, I use a BHA followed by an AHA; the BHA loosens the skin, thus increasing the efficiency of the AHA.
Aztec Face Mask: This is a personal favorite, and a good example of why Physical Exfoliation can be beneficial. Aztec Clay has amazing properties, when it comes in contact with bacteria it literally rips it apart. To make the skin mask, you want to use a 1:1 Ratio of Apple Cider Vinegar and Aztec Healing Clay. I will explain how to use this later.
Extras
Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a so-called "miracle vitamin", it benefits the skin in so many ways that its quality cannot be overstated. I reccomend The Ordinary.
Caffeine: For all the students out there or people with persistent black bags under their eyes, topical caffeine can have huge benefits in reducing their appearance. I recommend The Ordinary.
Oil: An Oil can have crazy good effects on the skin (and elsewhere), but everyone has a different type of oil that works best. It can be used to cleanse, or to add a lot of good stuff to your skin. Personally, I use Almond Oil.
Toner: Toner is a catch-all term referring to a generic item applied to the skin with some property that is beneficial. There are many toners that do many different things, but I use Thayers Witch Hazel with great success; it "tightens" the skin and provides a fresh look (and smells amazing!)
The Routine
Ideally, skincare is done in both the AM and PM. The time commitment at first can be hard, but as you settle into your routine the time commitment will decrease.
Example Routine (mine)
Note: Most of the stuff detailed requires gradual buildup. If you try everything here at once, you'll push your skin into overtime and cause acne outbreaks. Ideally, just start with a moisturizer and cleanser and work your way up in the process of ~2 - 4 weeks.
AM:
PM:
Subroutines
These are some skin-care routines I do weekly.
Weekly Clay Mask
This process takes 30 minutes and can completely refresh your skin.
Also, why this post came up late
I will be that person for you, lol. For reference, I have normal to oily combination skin and am prone to occasional breakouts.
AM routine:
PM routine:
Once per week:
Also once per week:
Three things to note:
Dupe for the Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial:
http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-aha-30pct-bha-2pct-peeling-solution-30ml?redir=1
Dupe for the Marula Oil:
http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-100pct-cold-pressed-virgin-marula-oil-30ml?redir=1
There are also minis of some of these products at Sephora or on the brands’ own websites — that way, you don’t have to invest too much money off the bat if you’re not yet sure. Sephora also has a great return policy (which I will be utilizing for that retinol) and will give you samples of any of their products if you just go into a store and ask! (Somehow I did not know this until just recently.)
Hope that helps!
If you're new to HA, I would try another (cheaper) product first to see whether or not you react negatively to it. I'd recommend Hada Labo HA lotion which is very popular and loved by many over at r/AsianBeauty.
There's something exciting about seeing improvement!
I have combination skin that gets oil through the day but also has dry patches, especially on my forehead.
My skincare routine is cleansing every night with [Paula's Choice Cleanser] (http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/cleansers/_/Skin-Balancing-Oil-Reducing-Cleanser/), afterward once I week I use the Paula's Choice 4% BHA foam as a chemical exfoliator, and the last step is Cerave Moisturizing Cream. I also use Elta MD Sunscreen under my makeup on days where I'm going to be outside for more than a few minutes.
My skin's not perfect but it's a lot better and using /r/skincareaddiction helped me tremendously in getting a basic understanding of skincare and finding a routine that I feel works well for me.
It didn't break me out but made my face beat red the next day. The niacinamide is at a high percentage in TO niacinamide. I got into diy and niacinamide was on my list of things to make and read a good study about niacinamide showing great results at 4% when its formulated with 2% NAG. It's suggested use is between 2-5%. I didn't use any vitamin C when using it either, because it can turn niacinamide into niacin (I think). My skin handled the serum I made just fine and it actually helped with inflammation.
If you decide to try it from TO, it's cheap. But there are a lot of other niacinamide products out there with a lower percentage. Cerave has a moisturizer with niacinamide and ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. It's in my cart, I definitely want to try it. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM | 3 Ounce | Ultra Lightweight, Night Face Moisturizer | Fragrance Free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00365DABC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HoWIDb8ZF0QSC
A month ago I was reading about niacinamide and azelaic acid because people seem to have good results with one or the other, or both. I have cystic acne and have been looking for something to help. I have read that niacinamide increases keratinocytes, and azelaic acid decreases the production of keratin. I made a post about it, but nobody ever had an answer. I get nodules and cysts on my jawline and neck, so I don't put as much niacinamide in that area. But I wish I knew more about this because so many people do use niacinamide and if it makes acne worse, that's not good.
Eltamd is really nice and wears well under makeup. /r/SkincareAddiction has a ton of threads on sunscreen, too -- just run a search! And the order of application is moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, foundation.
This is my go to:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_q6KODb7Y119EM
Probably the Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion (bear in mind lotion refers to a hyrating toner here). People also use Kikumasamune toner for similar purposes.
There are so many points that need to be addressed...
In sum:
And one last trick for dealing with acne: hydrocolloid bandages. By the non-acne geared kind or the acne geared kind. But if you pop and pick at your acne, this will help more than anything else. Stick it on, leave it on overnight, and have all the gunk and goop sucked out by morning.
Agree with the suggestion to try an Asian sunscreen. I use Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++.
It's approximately 50% Witch Hazel, 25% Hyaluronic Acid (1% serum), 20% Glycerin, & the remaining 5% is a dropper full of Argan Oil & 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil. I stick it in a little dark blue glass bottle & give it a shake before use. The percentages work well for me, but you can change it up to suit your skin. The more Glycerin you add, the more sticky it gets, so keep that in mind. Also, keep the Tea Tree oil to a bare minimum, too much it it can definitely irritate your skin. You can try adding other stuff, but this combo work well for me; hydrating & a bit anti-inflammatory. All the ingredients are finished products that can be used on their own as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
http://www.amazon.com/Solutions-Glycerine-Vegetable-16-Fluid-Ounces/dp/B0019LWU2K
http://www.amazon.com/Original-Hyaluronic-Acid-Serum-100/dp/B003MJ7Z0O
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Argan-Pressed-Virgin-Golden/dp/B00397SNMS
http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Tea-Tree-Oil/dp/B000ELP5KA
Not OP but this is my holy grail facial sunscreen. Not greasy at all, absorbs super fast, no weird chalky cast, no scent, affordable, and my makeup sits on it beautifully!
it's actually $12 here :D my HG toner.
Speedy oil $10 :D
I realized a while ago that I have to apply my moisture in layers. So yes I do use a ton of moisture products, but my skin has proper hydration and a consistent moisture barrier that no active has ever been able to penetrate.
OP I would stop washing your face unless maybe once at night, and only oil cleansing. Oil cleanses oil. Your face doesn’t need extreme cleansing or other cleansing products.
I would spray with a moisturizing toner (there are a million, choose one that you like) then layer 1-2 layers of a hyaluronic Acid over your face when it’s wet with Toner. I like Korean brands, like this one and this one. Then layer that with a snail mucus which sounds awful but it’s crazy hydrating, like this one. Layer that with a gel, like this. Then a cream like this one and finally a sleeping mask like this one. Bonus points for applying a wet sheet mask over it for 30 minutes.
It seems absolutely extra and I personally wish I could slap on a moisturizer and call it a night but it’s the only way to truly hydrate and nourish the moisture barrier.
I stumbled upon this subreddit, and am so excited to discover Asian beauty. I live outside the U.S. and had someone coming to visit, so everything I purchased was from Amazon Prime so that I could get it in time. Also, being such a newbie here, shopping on other sites is a bit intimidating for me. I thought this would be helpful to others that are just starting out with Asian beauty.
[Etude House Tint My Brows Gel #3 Gray Brown] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B732GT6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MWI2IS0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Skinfood Dark Circle Concealer Cream no.1 salmon] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KR392E0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, 16 Combo Pack] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BAM7F8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00STAV016/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQM3S3C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[C 20 Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WWLIN9U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WE3XGAC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45 PA+++] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ENTM3FY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ILUH7E8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask 10 pcs] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WASFDOI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[INNISFREE GREEN TEA SLEEPING PACK] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJGI0VW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[KOSE Softy Mo Deep Cleansing Oil] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V2FB88/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCHME3G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Hadalabo Japan goku jyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EWNK83U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
[Etude House I Need You Mask Sheet 15pcs set] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NPNUTNW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
My SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule is in plastic because the lid came loose in transit and spilled everywhere, but there is still half of it in there. So far I have tried a few face masks, and I am in love. I am so excited to try it all! :)
What helps me is covering them up with hydrocolloid bandages - you can either use those blister band-aids they sell at the store, or they make some specifically for acne. Not only does it help heal stuff I've picked at, it keeps me from picking anymore, because I don't want to peel off the band-aid and disrupt all the pus-sucking it's doing.
The best bet would be to go with Japanese or Korean sunscreens. If you're in the US, you can find good quality ones for cheap on Amazon (or through Amazon global on the AmazonJP site). The Biore UV Watery Essence is really popular on /r/AsianBeauty. Personally I've tried the Nivea Sun Protect Watery Gel (this is my absolute favorite sunscreen, but definitely leaves a shiny look on your face that is easily covered by makeup), and the Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen which both are great. For me personally, I've found the Shiseido Senka one irritates my eyes, but I haven't ever heard of anyone else for whom that happens. But I have very sensitive eyes and skin (well, kind of). For a Korean brand, the Missha All Around Safe Block Sun Milk is also a huge favorite of many on /r/AsianBeauty. This is the one I personally want to try next, as it's also sweat-resistant and I burn like no other, so it's a good combo for this summer. :)
Also, these all have SPF 50 and at least PA +++. I hope you find one you like! From my experience, the two I've tried sit well under makeup, and I've heard the other two also sit well under makeup. I hope this helps!
E: words
I didn't realize they made blister bandages, I've been using these and love them!
Ooo, I'm addicted to both Amazon and skincare so this thread is my jam.
I’ve heard caffeine is great for underneye puffiness and bags. Also people don’t realize but it is caused by fluids and if you massage, you tube facial lymphatic massage, you can literally drain that fluid and massage it down into the rest of your circulatory system.
You will see better results with massage from removing that built up fluid (allergies, poor sleeping positions, etc.) than creams... though creams help. Caffeine creams help with puffiness but can be drying, thus you’d need a good moisturizing undereye cream.
Some recs:
That’s all I’ve got for now, some detox masks and maybe a good basic toner like thayers alcohol free witch hazel (rose, aloe, or cucumber are your only alcohol free options and you find them at target for $10-12).
I wish I could give you a facial and let you see just how big of a difference getting that fluid out of there can make. !!
Rose petal witch hazel as a post-facewash toner. I have sworn by witch hazel for years and will never buy the 'regular' stuff again after having used the rose petal kind.
This is hands down best extremely cheap sunscreen I’ve ever tried. It’s great for oily skin - slightly matte finish, dries slightly powdery, it’s super light and NO sunscreen scent.
Etude house sunprise mild airy finish
I’m not sure if the amazon product is old, here it is from the etude house website
From YesStyle:
https://www.yesstyle.com/en/etude-house-sunprise-airy-finish-spf50-pa-55ml-55ml/info.html/pid.1039258908?rco=D8KHKA
I personally hate the tatcha sunscreen, it is very pricey and smells so strongly of sunscreen.
I also have ones I love from Hada Labo, missha, and skin aqua, but they are more moisturizing.
[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_4N.pyb8NCAE44
This was the price I paid for one tube in October =/ BUT.. at least now I get two for the same price! Happy Shopping everyone!
In this case if you don't think it's milia, you should consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis - just in case!
To me though, it really does look like milia. Just speculating because I had the exact same thing in the exact same spot recently when I had neglected my skin for a few days. I had also tried a new eye cream (CeraVe eye cream) and I think that may have contributed to the area getting bumpy and clogged.
Now this isn't a for-sure, but it might help. I got a couple tubes of RoC brand retinol moisturizer to see if I could gently exfoliate the area. It definitely did help over a couple of weeks and the bumps are pretty much gone now. The only real side-effect for me was that my skin felt a tad bit sensitive a few days after I stopped using it.
Now I'm using Hada Labo brand moisturizers to keep the area moisturized.
Here's some links if you want to give any of them a shot, though I would suggest getting them from a local drugstore when they're on sale, especially someplace that has a good return policy in case they don't work for you. I got mine at CVS when they had a buy 1 get 1 for 50% sale.
RoC retinol correxion night cream
RoC retinol correxion eye cream
You will definitely need a sunscreen if you decide to try these, or they also make a day cream with SPF:
(the one with SPF in the combo pack) (I haven't tried this one so I can't attest to its effectiveness like the other two)
The moisturizers I'm using that don't clog my incredibly clog-prone skin:
Hada Labo clear "toner" lotion
Hada Labo "milky" lotion
I really like these since they only require about 3 drops each and keep my skin nicely moisturized. I tried the thicker creams from the brand but found they were more suited to super-dry skin. Also they dry to almost-matte and have no added scent.
Again, worth a try, but definitely try to get an appointment with a derm if you can, just to be sure it isn't anything serious.
You should check out r/AsianBeauty. It is a skincare subreddit and it has changed my life! I also recommend an oil cleanser (one without coconut obviously) I love this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Softy-Facial-Cleansing-Speedy-Pound/dp/B000V2FBAQ
It's cheap and comes in a huge bottle. I also have sensitive skin and this has really helped. It has mineral oil as the main oil so it might work for you! Good luck!
Not a problem. I use Thayers alcohol-free rose petal witch hazel toner with aloe vera formula. My girlfriend recommended it after I saw her put it on after getting her eyebrows done. It helps with redness. They also have an unscented version but I've grown to like the rose petal smell
&nbsp;
I got mine from iHerb but it's also on Amazon
Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46 This is the shit! My skin finally cleared up, used this for a week straight when I went to Florida and absolutely no breakouts! A little pricey, but a bottle seems to have more than I originally thought because I slather this on multiple times a day.
Apparently it's $5.80 for subscribe and save
CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM, 3 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00365DABC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-QcGyb6PSD4EM
So just three things?
Konjac Sponge
Eye Moisturizer (what brand?)
Hadarabo Gokujyun Lotion
I swear by stridex in the red box (a long time favorite over at /r/skincareaddiction, as well). Nothing really ever worked for me until I started using these daily.
I love it. I don't know if it's HG worthy though, This elf product is an HG. It's also cheaper and I'm kinda trying to find the best stuff that also happens to be cheap. Snail products, if done correctly and not stressing the animal out, will be more expensive and at this point, I want the best at college student prices. Even when I graduate I want the best and sometimes spending less you get more.
Sure!!! In my opinion, the differin makes the most significant difference in my overall skin appearance and texture and the rest of the products are there for "support" so to say, but are no less important to my routine! I'll also try to include some mini reviews when possible so this might get long. I'd get a snack, lol.
AM Routine (note: this also depends on time in the AM, and whether or not I plan on leaving the house and/or apply makeup) --
PM Routine --
OTHER RANDOM BITS:
I will also layer the CeraVe Creamy Oil onto my skin under the Avene Skin Recovery Cream in the PM if I'm feeling extra dry/irritated and skip the acids. I like the My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid Sheet masks. I'll usually take a bubble bath once or twice a week and use those on my face during that time.
Feel free to ask me any questions! :)
If you have oily skin, the Biore Milks are great.
Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen would work well for oily or dry skin types.
Nivea Super Water Gel is lovely too. This one is pretty hydrating.
sheet masks are TRANSFORMATIVE. i'm sure CC only has the super-expensive ones, but i order cheap K-beauty combo packs from amazon and they're amazing :) legit give you instantly glowier skin!
I mean this in the nicest way possible, but you have so much to learn! That's a really good thing, because it means there are probably easy benefits available to you! And it can be overwhelming, but it's sooo worth it to learn this stuff. =)
For example, that cleanser contains glycolic acid (exfoliant) and tea tree/rosehip oil (potential irritants). These ingredients are fine for lots of people, maybe you're one of them.
But best practice, especially while "learning your skin", is to use a cleanser to just cleanse, then use other stuff for treatments. This is so you can learn what the different ingredients do to your skin.
A cleanser with an exfoliant like glycolic acid makes it a little riskier to use other acne treatments, because most of them ALSO contain acid and you really run a risk of "over-exfoliation" (google it, worth knowing about). "Over-exfoliation" and "regular" breakouts are hard to tell apart, so this creates a real problem for a lot of people! Not to mention, what if you're sensitive to those oils?
Also, you need to stop the new breakouts before worrying about texture and discoloration. Your skin looks REALLY dehydrated to me. That will CAUSE breakouts.
Read up on dehydration and the skin's "moisture barrier." Just getting that in order MIGHT help a lot.
If you were my IRL friend, my goal would be to get to hydrating your skin using Asian-style "watery" moisturizers - check out /r/asianbeauty!
These sheet masks are a cheap, great way to start. I'd use one a few times a week. I'd also consider getting some watery toner or essences.
Switching to an non-stripping, oil-based cleanser saved my life. Stripping your skin also damages that moisture barrier.
The DIY oil cleansers broke me out. Go to a Sephora and get a sample of the Shiseido Perfect Oil.
Accutane is generally considered a last resort, it has really serious, potentially life-long side effects, including crohn's disease. Just search this sub for accutane and you'll see people sharing. Your acne doesn't even look that bad to be - widespread, but shallow, not the deep, cystic stuff I normally think of for accutane.
Anyway, this turned into a bit of a novel, but Accutane is really heavy stuff, and you just seemed a little overwhelmed!
I promise you can make a lot of progress just learning more about products and skin - but you do have to learn!
Can't just try stuff randomly and expect it to work! =)
This shit right here is the bomb: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
I grow roses and make my own, just buy witch hazel in bulk and add tons of rose petals to it.
To add on to this, I added Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion to my routine as a hydrating toner under my regular moisturizer and it really helped with my dehydrated skin.
It just looks like some blocked pores/small whiteheads. Id start a really simple routine. Just absolute basics in case you're a newbie:
Morning
Don't skip moisturiser! When skin dries out after being cleansed it can feel all tight, then starts to actually produce more oil day to day to compensate (and more whiteheads!) But moisturiser stops that from happening.
Night
Never pick or pop the whiteheads, it's tempting but they will hang around longer. The stridex pads will help release them, as Salicylic acid essentially dissolves the glue in between the dead skin cells holding the plug there.
If your skin feels tight or itchy/dry on this routine try stridex only every second day. You'll still get results. Don't skip the Cleanser or moisturiser if you're using a BHA (that means something like Stridex with Salicylic acid)
Change your towels and pillowcases often, don't touch your face too much, and be patient, it'll take a couple of weeks to see results
TL;DR - try buying these 4 and using them:
http://www.cerave.com/our-products-cleansers-foaming-facial-cleanser
https://www.amazon.com/Stridex-Daily-Care-Maximum-Strength/dp/B000NUN8BK
http://www.cerave.com/our-products-moisturizers-am-facial-moisturizing-lotion
http://www.cerave.com/our-products-moisturizers-pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion
Everything was Prime at my time of purchase and when I posted this so hopefully they will stay that way!
All the Cerave!!
Cereve in a Tub-new product for me...mostly use when skin is dry from night usage of prescription trentinol cream
Cereva SA Lotion-really helped with my acne
Cereva Foaming Face Cleanser-loving this face wash but might have to switch to the hydrating face cleanser come the dryer winter months
Other than Cerave:
Hada Labo Moist Lotion-great for quick-drying non-sticky moisture on the go, especially under make up or when I am rushing out the door
Biore UV Watery Essence SPF 50-love everything about this sunscreen except how quickly I go through it!
Mizon BHA/AHA -every other day exfoliation toner applied with cotton pad
REN Glycol Renewal Mask - weekly exfoliation, always makes my skin glow
I found three things really helped with my body acne, which I had on my chest and back. It was never terrible, I only had mild - moderate acne on my body, but it was definitely annoying.
Hope that helps!
Also too lazy for pics, but here's mine!
Skin: Combination/normal, oily t-zone and normal elsewhere (somewhat dry/flaky if I don't use a BHA), hormonal acne on forehead and chin just before my period
AM & PM (One added step in PM: remove eye makeup before cleanser using store-brand oil-free makeup remover):
After the moisturizing cream and chapstick, I'll do my hair or put together an outfit while the moisturizer sets in before I move on to makeup.
Still looking for solutions to tame down oily skin besides powdering all the time, and also for how to keep out hormonal acne (probably not possible), so if anyone has suggestions I'd be grateful!
Edit: Added in waiting time
How is he with putting thicker creams on his face? My husband is really sensitive to the feeling of a thicker cream, so I got him a moisturizing sun block that's more liquidy-feeling and sinks in faster. It's this one - [Amazon Link](http://www.ROHTO.com/ Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++) 40mL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRBST6H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hXY2AbSVGX0RD) - it's an asian brand called Rohto. He also likes mine, which is from Shesiedo [Amazon Link](http://www.Shiseido.com/ SENKA | Sunscreen | Mineral Water UV Gel SPF50 PA+++ 40ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Q1WT58/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MYY2AbN2A4XXV).
We both use Cerave lotion, the basic blue topped pump bottle. My husband has dehydrated combo skin, and even when it's swampy outz none of this breaks him out!
They are, but I've found that the American retailers of Hada Labo charge a lot more than it costs to get the Japanese version from, well, basically anywhere.
Case in point, Ulta's Hada Labo Hydrator is $9 when it's half off for 1.7 fluid ounces of product.
Amazon Prime has the Hada Labo Gokujyun Moist for a little under $12 for 5.7 ounces of product.
I have super dry skin that's also super sensitive. I have dry scalp and some scaly patches on my face that I've dealt with by being super gentle with my skin. First, I would recommend finding moisturizing products for sensitive skin. I highly suggest a hyaluronic acid based lotion, but you'll likely have to layer moisturizers to get what you want. It may also be helpful to use a hydrating cleanser or a good cleansing oil.
Basically, what i suggest is to try layering multiple simple products, based on what your skin needs.
What's worked for me when nothing else would:
Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Moist lotion Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. My skin requires this in the dry winter.
Ceracolla Super Moist Lotion This has ceramides that are super awesome for "unhealthy" skin.
Cremo Moisturizer This has Urea which is a mild exfoliant in small amounts... I love this stuff.
Burts Bees Sensitive Night Cream Generic night cream with ingredients that don't burn my face. It's not super moisturizing on it's own, but is great when layered.
Ceracolla Perfect Gel If your skin isn't super dry, this could work for hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Boots Expert Sensitive hydrating serum This is super moisturizing, but breaks out my chin. It's actually the most moisturizing feeling of the bunch, but doesn't have a lot of "benefits"
Aquaphor: A thin layer overnight can make your skin feel great in the morning, and especially if you're not wearing makeup, it won't need to be washed off.
Bare minerals has a purely nourishing moisturizer which has great ingredients, except for lavender essential oil, which my skin does not like. It's in my skincare drawer for when my skin is healthy, but I'm nervous about considering using it.
Also: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue tinted gel cream has been wonderful for my super dry skin. I apply it in the morning and do not apply powder (which never worked for me before) and it gives just enough coverage and leaves my skin looking nice. Also, I do find it quite moisturizing for a tinted moisturizer/foundation. The only issue is that it doesn't last on my chin so much, but I'm putting some in a bb cushion test out!
I get mine on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1474337581&amp;sr=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BSNBO9O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1474337581&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=hada+labo+hyaluronic+acid&amp;pi=SY200_QL40
Yeah, it can be hard to track down, I think because different vendors' translations of the name vary? Here is the one I buy.
Most products do not list the niacinamide content and those with a high percentage are likely not the cheapest ones, I suspect most cheaper products contain 1-2% - effective for some goals but not what you asked for. Check out the /r/skincareaddictionUK/ ingredients Wiki and niacinamide mega review thread (sidebar).
Off the top of my head the cheapest is SR Skincare Lumineux Blemish Reduction Cream (inexpensive shipping to Europe). Do clarify with the company that it is 4% niacinamide with 2% glucosamine, the 'details' tab intimates that it does and the order of the ingredients list is consistent with that. If you find out for sure please message me and I will edit the SCA UK ingredients Wiki.
http://www.sr-skincare.co.uk/lumineux-blemish-reduction-cream-538-p.asp
If you want a well formulated DIY serum check out Skin Essential Actives KinNiaNAG kit (does three serums) which is 5% niacinamide. You also need a scale accurate to 0.01g. They ship worldwide from China (run by US citizen).
http://stores.skinessentialactives.com/kinetin-diy-kit-seakinnianag-serum-with-sea-lsilk/
There is CeraVe PM lotion on UK Amazon which the company say is 4% niacinamide. It is not the cheapest but it is a 90g pack size, whereas a lot of moisturisers are 50g and serums 30g.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM/dp/B00365DABC/
Olay use a lot of niacinamide but the higher percentages are in the pricier lines.
THIS MY MOTHERFUCKING SHIT
My face reacts badly to every sunscreen I've tried besides this: EltaMD. I believe what I'm reacting to is Avobenzone, a common "chemical" sunscreen ingredient. This stuff is "physical" sunscreen.
CVS ran a similar 30% deal a week ago. I got excited and stocked up on things, then realized Amazon had the same items for much less than the CVS sale price. Example below.
Cerave PM at CVS (before 30% discount)
same product on Amazon
It honestly sounds like you could have dehydrated skin and you should check out /r/skincareaddiction and /r/asianbeauty
Asian beauty was extremely helpful to me as I have almost completely restored my skin and it is so much better, plumper and brighter. I find that there are great, drugstore friendly priced products that you can use with an AB skincare routine, although the sometimes it might be harder to get products as quick, as most ship from Asian countries. One thing that has helped me is using a hyaluronic serum before I use a hyaluronic face mask. I use these twice a day (when I have the time, which is almost daily). I also use the hyaluronic serum before my mask, let it sink in for a couple minutes, put the face mask on and keep it on until it starts drying out (about 45 min, which seems long but I prioritize it). I then take the mask off and let it all soak into my skin for a couple mins, use the hyaluronic serum again, let it soak in and then out my moisturizer on. I've only been doing this for the past month and the intense change in my skin is absolutely ridiculous. These are the two products I use. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_ and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK8E6CC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_1Pq3wbJQ8VPVV
If you're worried about the price, you can buy bundles of sheet masks on Amazon for low prices.
::Deep breath::
AM & PM:
I live in Canada too, but I actually order them online because I have yet to find them in a store. I don't know if you have a target where you live in Canada but as someone said below, this is also the same thing just a different brand and you cut them up yourself.
I have some suggestions. None of these have been moisturizing enough for me in the past though- I'm currently using products with both that irritate/break out my skin minimally. Please double check!
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel
Cremo creme
Ceracolla Perfect Gel
Ceracolla lotion
Have not tried:
Oilatum natural repair cream
Asian beauty is where it's at mostly:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/3d18iq/cream_without_any_alcohol_fatty_alcohols_or/
Like the other user said, I use this one from
Etude House https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE3XGAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ClhCDbTH6S16M
I apply it to my upper eyelids and there’s no white residue or eye burning at all
Second the Hadalabo Cleansing Foam pH of 5.5 too I believe.
Hi! Due to the recent drama around here, a lot of the sidebar links take us to nowhere right now. The sidebar is usually a lot more welcoming! I think the mods are working on finding alternative sources of info, but in the meantime, here's a really good breakdown of how to evaluate your current routine to see how you might want to go about changing it, and here's sort of a crowd-sourced list of things the members here recommend, separated by skin type.
Until the beginner guides routines get retooled and put up, the search function might be a good place to start looking for recommendations, as well as sister subs like /r/AsianBeauty, /r/skincareaddicts, and /r/skincareaddictionuk, and outside sites like MakeupAlley and Beautypedia (although be aware of the bias towards Paula's Choice products here).
Now, as for your specific routine, you have a few options: you could look for a new cleanser and/or moisturizer, or you could add a few steps to your routine to level up on moisturizing. Which of these you choose to do and why is completely up to you, but here are a few common considerations among those whose skin feels dry or irritated.
Anyway, this has turned into a comment of gargantuan proportions, but I hope this helps you in some way, shape, or form. In general, I really recommend using the search function, as there are droves of information on products, on pH-related stuff, on emollients/occlusives/humectants and what products contain which, etc. Don't forget to patch test any new products before putting them on your entire face, just to make sure they play nicely with your skin. I'd also be remiss if I didn't suggest adding in a sunscreen, but that's a topic for a whole different novel-sized comment.
*Edited to add in a missing link
The blue pouch on the right is a refill of [Hada Labo Shirojyun Milky Lotion] (http://amzn.com/B0171FCX5Q)
I haven't used this particular product, but I've used the watery version called Hada Labo Shirojyun Albutin Medicinal Whitening Lotion, and the regular, much lauded Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion Moist. I love the regular Gokujyun.
It should be quite hydrating, and brightening. =) Use it directly after cleansing as a toner/first treatment essence unless you're using actives, and then use first after actives.
edit: formatting
sunscreen
What's your skintype? And is this the one? https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Skin-Super-Moisture-SPF50/dp/B01MRBST6H
$7.98 on Jolse
$12.00 on Ulta
Not Available on Amazon
$7.98 on Jolse
$12.00 on Ulta
$12.00 on Amazon
$4.26 on Jolse
$3.50 on Ulta
$19.99 on Amazon for a 5 pack
$6.39 on Jolse
$6.50 on Ulta
Not Available
$5.58 on Jolse
$12.00 on Ulta
Not Available
$5.98 by Jolse
$9.99 on Ulta
$10.00 on Amazon
$5.98 on Jolse
$9.99 on Ulta
$10.00 on Amazon
$15.20 on Jolse
$21.00 on Ulta
$14.07 on Amazon
$16.80 on Jolse
$22.00 on Ulta
$14.82 on Amazon
$12.80 on Jolse
$17.00 on Ulta
$12.22 on Amazon
$20.00 on Jolse
$26.00 on Ulta
$17.64 on Amazon
$15.20 on Jolse
$20.00 on Ulta
$9.00 on Amazon
$19.20 on Jolse
$28.00 on Ulta
$21.70 on Amazon
$8.80 on Jolse
$12.00 on Ulta
$9.57 on Amazon
Shipping is free on Jolse, however it is shipping from Korea so expect longer ship times.
Shipping is free on Amazon, if you have Prime. Amazon prices fluctuate wildly.
Shipping is free on Ulta with orders over $35.
Shipping is free on Sephora with Flash, or on orders over $50.
Since OP didn't post it, this is the link on Amazon. And for those who are Prime members, it's 3 days to ship.
It's cheaper than eBay by $0.99 :D
This is my favorite brand of hydrocolloid bandages! I started out with the Nexcare Acne Patches, which were WAY too small to stick to anything (they ended up falling off within an hour or two).
Picked these up at Safeway and was blown away by their performance! They stick amazingly well, and pull out a ton more garbage than the Nexcare HCBs. I cut each bandage in half to maximize usages.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BRGUNV2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1480284349&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=hydrocolloid+bandages&amp;pi=SY200_QL40
I finally have my acne under control after 20 years. Here's what worked for me:
They absorb moisture, oil, pus, from trouble spots without chemicals. I wear mine overnight, many people will wear all day, depending on your preference. They seem to work better on surface acne than cystic but still reduce the timeline of my cystic acne a lot. I buy mine from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRGUNV2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
I think it is. :) If you don't find it hydrating enough, try something with hyaluronic acid; like this.
The right one appears to be the Milky Lotion and the left one appears to be the Lotion. Maybe you can double check to make sure you ordered the right one? I've occasionally had Amazon product photos that do not match the product description.
Omg, currently living here! In general I'd recommend checking out the Cosme rankings. However I have a lot to say so I'm going to list my recommendations in descending order of importance haha.
The hada labo lotion (note: it's actually a thin liquid that westerners would call a toner) is quite good. (looks like this). However I have really really dry skin, and I personally prefer their "milky lotion". These products (and their equivalents in Hada Labo's "premium" line are popular enough that you can get a good price on them on amazon, but I'd really recommend taking this opportunity to go try them all on the back of your hand at a drugstore. Like, literally any decent-sized drugstore in Japan should have them all :)
There are a lot of really good japanese sunscreens that you should look into. Plus with your skintone, you probably won't have to worry a ton about whitecast. I think the Biore UV bright face milk would be a nice place to start, especially if you have oilier skin! It's also quite nice under makeup.
In my experience, Japanese mascaras tend to be lengthening and clump-proof, but often aren't too volumizing. If, like me, that isn't an issue for you, I highly, highly recommend the Heroine Long and Curl.
Japan also does really great false lashes, if that's your thing. Miche Bloomin makes some really natural looking ones, but I know people also like the ones Dollywink and Dup make.
I really love the CEZANNE UV Clear Face Powder. It takes the shine down without totally mattifying. Other people really like the Canmake Marshmallow finish powder.
The naturie hatomugi skin conditioning gel and/or lotion are really well-reviewed, and fairly cheap here. I see them in a lot of little cosmetics shops and some drugstores. I personally haven't tried them because it didn't seem like they'd be moisturizing enough for my dry skin, but it sounds like they might be a nice fit for you.
The classic DHC lip balm in the pink tube is kind of pricey but also my favorite lip balm, and the lipsticky shape makes me feel ~fancy~
All my japanese girls are currently into Excel's eyeshadow quads. They're great for getting that really shimmery japanese eye look, if you're into that. The Opera tint rouge is also really popular here.
DHC and Kose (the pink softymo, in particular) make good oil cleansers, but they'd be a nightmare in a suitcase so I don't recommend you buy them here.
A lot of japanese makeup shops also currently stock [the SAEM] Cover Perfection Tip Concealer, which I like a lot and is pretty popular.
Speaking of south korean brands, if you're in a big city (ie: Tokyo, Osaka) there will be some standalone South Korean stores (eg: Etude House, Innisfree, Skinfood). The Etude House store in Umeda is closed this week, but if you can find one, you should try the soon jung line! CREE`MARE by DHOLIC stores also stock a lot of south korean makeup, especially cushions.
Anyway, have fun! And feel free to message me with questions about confusing packaging/whatever while you're here :)
Edit: grammar haha
I've fallen into an Asian Skincare hole lately, and absolutely LOVE Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Lotion Moist as a moisturizer for oily skin. It's super lightweight, makes my skin so bouncy and hydrated, is cheap and you can get it with fast shipping from Amazon.
Does anyone have recommendations for a toner that's good for oily skin and <$30? I'm currently using the last of my Thayer's rose petal but would like to branch out
I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to toners so I haven't used many outside of the Thayer's and Proactiv's when I was a teen ^shudders
Okay, so I think you need to build a routine based on moisture. Some products I recommend that are easily available at Target/Walmart/Amazon/drugstores:
Cleansers:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion *
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Toners:
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist *
Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
Moisturizers:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream *
Cerave Moisturizing Cream (aka Cerave in the tub)
Actives for texture/acne improvement:
The Ordinary Azealic Acid Suspension
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
I provided two options for each product. Note that the products with a * next to them are products I personally use and really love. The others are ones that I've seen highly recommended on this subreddit (and I also really want to try that Azealic Acid lol). I honestly think that with a simple routine like this your skin will clear right up and look really lovely, because your acne is minimal. All of these are non-comedogenic and gentle. Make sure to add only one product a week to make sure they don't break you out, and patch test on your wrist to make sure you aren't allergic to them. I hope this is helpful!
This is nice and doesn't break the bank...
Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FrYHzbW05WWRM
Hada labo hyaludronic acid moist toner.
http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA/
Not a mist, but chock full of humectants and fragrance free.
I've used the niacinamide + zinc serum, buffet peptide serum, and the matrixyl + HA, which are all like improving skin texture/anti-aging serums. I think they have a concentrated H Acid serum that would be good in conjunction with moisturizer for hydration, but have heard that [this one] (http://deciem.com/product/multi-molecular-hyaluronic-complex-15ml) from another of the deciem brands is a better H acid serum.
edit: I feel like you could also use the really popular [hado labo h acid lotion too] (https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA). I personally feel like for my skin, the peptide serums and moisturizer, after a long continued use, built up my skin well enough that I don't have my usual winter dryness, but skincare is really YMMV
Oil cleanser --> Foaming cleanser --> hydrating toner in the moist or light version --> emulsion --> cream
The Gokujyun range gets translated in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways, so it can get a little confusing. The name 'Gokujyun' simply means 'super hydrating', all of the products contain hyaluronic acid, and the range consists of the clear, hydrating 'lotion' (what is known in Western countries as a 'toner'), an emulsion/milk, which looks and feels like a thin Western moisturizer (it's white, and comes in a smaller bottle than the lotion) and then the gel-cream hybrid 'cream'.
Edited to add: you don't have to use every step from the range. You can use them in conjunction with products from other brands/ranges.
It's a Japanese pharmacy brand, Rohto. I got mine on Amazon, not sure if Canadian Amazon would have it but it's worth looking.
The biore uv milk works well under makeup for me, it’s almost like a primer. The skin aqua milk works okay under makeup but if I don’t wait long enough for it to dry down (which happens often because of the longer dry down time😅), my base makeup doesn’t go on smoothly
Edit: forgot to reply to your second question - I got the biore sunscreens in my local drugstore and the skin aqua tone up essence from a friend who went to Japan! I get my skin aqua milk on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRBST6H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Sorry, but I still absolutely would recommend Japanese one, but from Amazon Prime
Cerave PM is usually just around ~ 7/8 usd on Amazon per bottle (3 oz). You can check on:
https://camelcamelcamel.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/product/B00365DABC?context=search
Anyway, cerave in the tub has no niacinamide.
It largely depends on where you live and how quickly you need the items. As a general rule, if you're willing to wait a bit, you can find items much cheaper from non-Prime sellers on Amazon and overseas sellers on eBay. Also, if you're just purchasing a few things and they are heavy items, I find it's usually cheaper to stay away from sites with high shipping charges by weight, like Testerkorea and RoseRoseShop.
I usually do a lot of research when I make a new product purchase to find the lowest price from a reputable seller that I can. Partly because I just like shopping online for AB stuff and partly because I make it into a sort of game to see how cheap I can find something. It's like a hobby for me.
I recommend the Honey browser extension for Amazon. If you're looking for something it will tell you if there's a cheaper price available from another seller. It also goes through available coupon codes on many other online sites to see if there's one in the database that works for your order.
Anyway, I'm not sure where you live, but I did a bit of looking (I'm in the U.S.), and this is what I came up with. I can't guarantee these are the best prices out there -- just what I found from a bit of quick looking at a few different places.
Hado Labo foam for $9.40 with free shipping on Amazon (not Prime) here
The Face Shop Cleansing Oil - $9.58 with free shipping from Jolse here or $10.20 on Amazon Prime here.
Shiseido Aging Care Sunscreen on Amazon for $8.20 with free shipping (non-Prime) here.
Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel - $12.45 with free shipping (non-Prime) on Amazon here.
If you want something low pH that isn't drying, I'd go with this, it's such a good all around cleanser, very gentle, and it's cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
Hada Labo Gokujyun Foam
It makes my skin feel clean but chokchok
Basically everything has been a skincare fail for me lately.
Some wins:
My goal is to go 30 days without introducing anything new into my routine, which is hard as I still have lots of little closed comedones and the occasional hormonal zit I want to zap with something harsh. But literally every acid I've ever tried (outside of glycolic, which I stupidly didn't think was working well enough so I quit using it, and azelaic, which I've yet to try) has devastated my face. After 30 days I may try glycolic again or order a low concentration azelaic. I quit r/skincareaddiction. It was too much.
For a few months I've been functioning on a lean routine:
Skin Type: sensitive | Country/Climate I'm in: UK | Top Skin Concern: dehydration
Current Routine/Products I'm Using:
AM
PM
I decided it was time to flesh it up in preparation for getting started on actives in the near future, so I decided to keep focusing on hydration. I have never tried any snail-based products, so I picked Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence as an essence/serum to incorporate after my Kohaku Hada lotion. This is the first product I will be trialling.
In about a month, I'm hoping to integrate the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream which has had mixed reviews, but that I really wanted to try and that I hope will suit my needs and my skin.
After that, the second-to-last step will be to add the Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack which also has mixed reviews, but I've read a couple of glowing ones by people with similar skin types, so I'm hoping it'll work for me!
The last step, which isn't pictured here, will be to incorporate sheet masks. I'm waiting for a batch of My Beauty Diary Black Pearl sheet masks, and will be trying those out as soon as I'm happy (or unhappy!) with the Cosrx essence.
This a UK haul, and I've managed to find all three items on Amazon Prime (links included). Thanks for reading! :)
It may have also been due to SLS or SLES! I recently switched over to Vanicream cleanser, $7 and 10% sulfur ointment, $8 as recommended as my curology provider and a lot of the irritation and texture is slowly beginning to fade from my face. Also, I read that snail mucin is excellent for hydration; Cosrx snail 96 mucin is only 15 bucks on Amazon. No fragrance or SLS for me anymore...
Despite not typically being greasy/oily, what's your skin type generally? I'm very oily especially during the summer, and what's helped me immensely since adding it to my routine is Etude House's Sunprise mild airy finish sunscreen. It's SPF 50, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a white mask, and leaves me matte all day! I'd apply early morning on a hot day, and I'll go at least until late afternoon without too much of an oily shine if any. Without it I can clear a blotting sheet after a couple of hours easily, but with it on I'd be damned if I clear at least half of one. And it's $10 on Amazon :)
I'd also keep a pack of blotting sheets on hand, preferably something paper (not the waxy Clean & Clear ones, but that's just me). A bottle of toning lotion that specifically targets shine and oiliness to spray on throughout the day also helps (I use Lush's Tea Tree Water).
Oil Cleanser: Holika Holika Soda Pore cleansing B.B Deep Cleansing Oil
This stuff takes off ALL my makeup with a gentle massage. Every ounce of waterproof eyeliner and mascara comes off in under 10 seconds. When it comes in contact with water it emulsifies, leaving your face clean and soft with no oily residue. Magical stuff.
Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
My skin has improved leaps and bounds after introducing CeraVe to my routine. Both the cleanser and moisturizer are gentle and have improved my skin texture greatly.
BB Cream: Lioele Triple Solution BB Cream
Amazing coverage, great tone-matching and leaves my skin looking fresh and flawless. With skin brightening ingredients and SPF30, this is my go-to skin product.
Mascara: Clump Crusher
'Nuff said.
Eyeliner: Cailyn Gel Liner
A great find from Ipsy! This stuff is totally smudge-proof and with the applicator brush (included in the packaging), it goes on smooth and crisp. Perfect cat-eye every time.
Everyday Lip Colour: TONYMOLY Petite Bunny Gloss Bar in Juicy Apple
Even not including the beyond adorable packaging, I adore this lip balm. It gives a gorgeous sheer pinky hue to my lips. The formula is SUPER moisturizing and creamy. It goes on like butter, no stickiness at all. And less than 4 bucks a pop? Amazing.
I love that y'all are okay with asking about budget friendly options! I've been buying what are basically Dermal masks from stores here and there and then i search for cheap masks
AND BAM, I get this awesome deal, 9 dollars for 16 masks :O
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAM7F8C/ref=cm_sw_su_dp#customerReviews
Y'all the best \^_^
^ formatting that was fucking hard .-.
http://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Absorbing-Cover-Sizes-Count/dp/B00BRGUNV2 Looks like there's some moderately priced patches available now that are already shaped for acne. When I cut down the sheet the edges are too blunt and can be rubbed off easier. The precut ones have edges that thin out to allow a better bond. They also talked about the white stuff in the product info. "Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers visibly indicate that they're working by turning from translucent to white. This means they've absorbed pus and oily secretions.
"
Sure!
Step 1: steam your face or a hot steamy shower. Open the pores up! Refrain from any harsh cleansers or scrubbing other than gentle gentle gentle.
Step 2: swipe a stridex pad or any other salicylic acid based toner over the spot. Wait 15 min. It gently dissolves the dead skin layer that is clogging the pore, and begins to break down the layer of oil and crud that is keeping all of the fluid and pus inside.
Step 3: spot treat with Aztec clay mask, mixed with apple cider vinegar. You must mix the betonite clay mask with the Apple cider vinegar, to balance the pH and avoid burning your skin. It smells funky as hell but it is an acne killer, every single person on this thread will agree that it’s amazing for acne. It will draw it to a head quicker. This is great as a full face mask, be aware that it will pulse and tingle intensely as it dries! Your skin will be bright red for 30 min to an hour after removing it.
Step 4: wait 10 min until it dries and carefully peel it off the zit. It may even take the clogged pore top with it, opening it up for extraction — use an extractor tool or pore vacuum and do NOT just go squeeze it. If it does not come to a head repeat this again tomorrow! Do not do the full mask every day, the spot treatment is ok daily only on blemishes. As a full mask it’s best to use it once or maybe twice a week at most, or you risk compromising your lipid/moisture barrier and going through some seriously not fun times. Always follow up with a good oil free moisturizer.
This is the best way to completely drain this blemish, without forcing the pus further into your skin and creating even more breakouts down the line.
All of these products are easily obtained on Amazon, or any major grocer that has a health food section or oriented towards health. I know for a fact that Gelsons, Whole Foods, Erewhon, sprouts all carry the Aztec betonite clay mask and apple cider vinegar. Any chemist or pharmacy will have stridex wipes and benzoyl peroxide & maybe even the extractor tool as well. If they do not have the extractor, pick up some Hydrocollegial bandages as well as small diabetic lancets (Tiny needles used for blood sugar testing) if you don’t have anything you can use at home to poke it with.
Now steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes to open your pores then see if you can gently lance the pimple with a lancet or sterilized small needle. (It must be sterilized and rubbing alcohol for a few minutes first, or you will get an infection.)
Gently pierce it, then allow it to drain and very carefully apply pressure straight down to the sides of the blemish. Do not squeeze directly into it, again super bad. Once you’ve gotten as much out as you can, slap a hydro colloidal bandage on it and sleep with it on. The bandage will suck all of the fluid and pus out, leaving you with a flattened bump in the morning that you can apply a little dab of benzoyl peroxide on. Benzoyl Peroxide is an anaerobic substance, it penetrates all the way to the base of the skin through multiple layers to target acne bacteria. It’s best used as a spot treatment and will fry the crap out of your face. Always use sunscreen after using these medicines!
Products mentioned:
Stridex, Single-Step Acne Control, Maximum, Alcohol Free, 90 Soft Touch Pads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GF1PNL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uGWFDb3Z0AY3M
Aztec Secret - Indian Healing Clay - 1 lb. | Deep Pore Cleansing Facial & Body Mask | The Original 100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay - New! Version 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014P8L9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8GWFDbDHXR0ZP
Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 oz (1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3B30WW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xHWFDbXYZFBTS
CHIMOCEE Professional Surgical Blackhead Remover Tools, Blemish and Splinter Acne Pimple Removal Kit, Come Done Extractor Tool for Whitehead, Pimples and Zit Popper Leather Case with Mirror, Pack of 6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KK5J8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VHWFDbRHCCA6C
Nexcare Acne Cover, Hydrocolloid Technology, Invisible, 36 count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-KWFDbZBFA91H
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel with Maximum Strength Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Medicine, Pimple Cream for Acne Prone Skin with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, 1 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NR1YVYU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xLWFDbMR0TMZ0
Clean whatever you use to apply your makeup. With hibiclens. It’s on Amazon if your local CVS/Walgreens doesn’t have it.
These hydrocolloid bandages are what I was referring to. Wear them overnight (no epiduo underneath, you risk chemical burns if you do that). Check the reviews and pictures.
Edit: sun/saltwater combo used to work for me was a teenager. Once I hit my early 20’s, it made me break out, like you. I got on a good retinoid, paired with Cetaphil cleanser, and finally have my skin more or less under control.
I use the Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist. I find that if I apply it before a sheet mask the hyaluronic acid really helps my skin absorb the sheet mask essence. You can also use the Hada Labo lotion to make your own sheet mask with puffs like these. There are step-by-step directions in the first review on the Amazon page.
Ok, so firstly, do better than I have and remind yourself not to do this again! It's always worth just waiting for pimples to heal on their own, and if you absolutely cannot (like me), lance them with a sterile needle (insulin needles are cheap and sterile), and put a hydrocolloid bandage over until it gets everything out.
Ok, so with prevention out of the way, my #1 product in this situation is snail based products. Snail mucin is one of the few ingredients that's been clinically shown to help repair skin (admittedly not extensively, but in my personal experience, it does help). This is the one I get. In lieu of that, keep them clean, but not overdried. Moisture can help prevent and reduce scarring. I recommend a lotion with HA since it has the potential to help PIE clear up more quickly. I like CeraVe's HA+ceramides lotion.
Hang in there, we've all been there.
been looking through r/asianbeauty as that region has great skincare products. from what i’ve gathered Kracie Ichikami is a great sulfate free shampoo. this is a great face cleanser and this is a great face toner/moisturizer.
Ah i see. This is the one I refer to as standard
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_364_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=BMKHX23T4R6X1MRBVZ1F
I didn't mean to do it a disservice, only used the word 'standard' as I thought it is the more widely used HA. It's awesome, but the premium one is better in my opinion.
Funny you should ask. Recently started really getting into products to take care of my tired, old, wrinkly face. This endeavor was directly related to getting into /r/wicked_edge and pampering myself with great products.
I live in Florida and need to moisturize and protect. I've added the following to my regimen:
CeraVe Cleanser - use it when I shower. This has replaced the facial scrub I would use pre-shave.
A Vitamin C serum - again...I'm an old man and trying to slow down some aging.
A hyaluronic acid lotion - hoping it does what it says and keeps my skin moisturized.
Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer - This is my final layer at the start of the day. SPF could probably stand to be higher, but I'll rock a hat and sunglasses if I think my sun exposure is going to last longer than the typical in and out of my car.
I use a different moisturizer at night that doesn't have an SPF component.
It's funny to me...the older I get the more regimens I have. Probably should have started taking better care of things a little earlier in my life, but was too busy thinking in the now.
For the most part, the salicylic acid in a cleanser doesn't stay long enough on the skin to help with blemishes. It takes 4-6 weeks for the skin on your face to renew itself, so you should have seen some improvement by now.
I would try a leave-on salicylic acid product, like Stridex pads and switch to a more gentle cleanser. If Aveeno products didn't make your face worse, I would stick with them until you were sure that Stridex or whatever BHA product you chose didn't break you out.
Are these hydrocolliod bandages?
http://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Absorbing-Cover-Sizes-Count/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hpc_3
Cleanser
Toners
Moisturizers
Sunscreen
It is and it's on sale at the moment. It was $18 yesterday and today it's ~$19, usually $23. Not exactly $15 but I've heard great things about it. :)
I've been using CeraVe PM lotion, and that works well for me. It's not like, OMG AMAZING, but it keeps me moisturized without being greasy/oily, and it doesn't break me out. (PSA: this stuff is apparently like 80% off the normal price right now on Amazon if you get it in a Prime Pantry box.)
I tried the Hada Labo gel cream before the CeraVe. I liked it too, but it left me feeling a little bit ... stickier? So now I've just been using it for my hands and neck.
Also, if you haven't already, you should definitely check out r/skincareaddiction. There's tons of great product recommendations and helpful people over there!
I prefer a little less intense BHA to use daily, so I like the Cosrx BHA Power Liquid and the Clinique Mild Lotion (the new formulation took out the alcohol).
Both are lower concentrations of BHA, but when used consistently you'll see results. I've been using the Cosrx for a few weeks now and haven't even been all that diligent-- but I'm already noticing a difference in my enlarged pores around my nose!
Hope that helped!
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.
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!
If you're looking into skincare, then definitely start a basic routine and get a good cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen if you don't already have them. Here's a few recs I have: cleanser moisturizer sunscreen. If you're really serious about treating pimples, then look into AHAs, BHAs or maybe even trying Differin. Only thing is that you have to be committed to wearing sunscreen every day if you go that route, and your skin WILL purge (get worse before it gets better).
Issue: I need a good sunscreen, preferably one that dries matte (or as close as I can reasonably get).
Skin type: Dry and sensitive
Current Routine:
AM:
PM:
How Long: 1-2 years
Location: Northeastern USA
>do you think any of the positive benefits you achieved would be bad
Absolutely--making distinguished wrinkles disappear and brightening your complexion is TOTALLY not masculine, blech!
Kidding, kidding. I can't see any downsides to focusing on the care and keeping of your skin...except maybe becoming a bit obsessive over it and enjoying it too much (hence this subreddit).
Lurk around and check out some of the discussion threads in this sub, and read the sidebar links. You'll learn a lot. There's a very large focus on understanding the why and how things work (particularly in regards to ingredients) and the science behind them. It's really hard to get into that mindset in the beginning because it's so easy to be swayed by sexy advertising, attractive packaging, and tempting claims, but if the ingredient list doesn't back it up, none of that matters.
The products I currently use:
Since the products I buy last me a long time, the cost doesn't seem very large to me. Some products, like the healing clay mask or certain oils, are only used in small quantities, so they'll last a long, long time.
When I first got started in revamping my routine, I very slowly introduced new products (started with a new cleanser, then after a few weeks tried a moisturizer, etc). This is good because it's easy on your wallet AND it allows you to get an accurate feel for what works and what doesn't.
If you want to try some things before visiting a dr/getting a prescription/maybe save some $$$.
What worked for me:
Switching to sensitive skin cleanser like Cetaphil. Be sure not to over-cleanse your face, and be gentle.
Rubbing Aloe gel all over your face - to moisturize and heal.
Staying hydrated.
Taking a multivitamin - could be lacking certain vitamins- causing an imbalance.
Consider changing your pillowcase out more often/ replacing them if they are old.
If you’re down for a few more skincare items, you can try Aztec Secret Clay Mask - Amazon mix with Apple Cider Vinegar &/or water. Try once a week.
And last but not least Rose toner- Amazon
Hope it helps :)
I have very oily sensitive skin which can be hard to deal with since you need some pretty intense astringent to deal with my oil problems. I found this on amazon and it has changed my damn life. It's suuuper nice for sensitive skin and helpful for oily skin. I also use this from Lush, I know it's expensive but it is what helps me the best.
Good luck!
Hello:3
You really need to add more hydrating steps[Hydrating Toners(US)/Lotions(Japan)/Skins(Korea)] to your routine. You can not change the size of your pores, but if you add enough hydration and moisture then you can make them look less noticeable.
I would look around this sub and search for watery layer/Hydrating steps. Some popular ones around here are Kikumasamune High Moist, Cezanne Skin Conditioner High Moist and Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
Hope this helps!:3
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk is supposed to be moisturizing. I haven't personally tried it, but you can read the reviews on Amazon.
Yep, /r/skincareexchange!
Would you rec purchasing this from Amazon? It looks like it retails for $10ish https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Skin-Super-Moisture-SPF50/dp/B01MRBST6H
this Japanese sunscreen is amazing. Doesn’t leave a white cast and doubles as a daily moisturizer. It leaves my skin looking very glowy and healthy.
All inspired by much research at /r/AsianBeauty!
edit: oops, forgot my cleansers.
PM:
AM:
Morning
Night
Saturday
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Rest of the week
I cheated though. The Neutrogena has cetyl and cetearyl alcohol, so I might try out MUAC Retinol 0.30% after I finish it.
Seconding Biore, it's one of my favorites!
Another great, affordable option via Amazon is Shiseido Senka Anti-Aging.
Here's a mega-thread on /r/AsianBeauty with a plethora of information.
I've been using this one for years:
https://www.amazon.com/Shiseido-Senka-Aging-Sunscreen-SPF50/dp/B00IG12XLO/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Shiseido+PA%2B%2B%2B%2B&amp;qid=1557794610&amp;s=beauty&amp;sr=1-2
It should only cost about 7-8 bucks each. Not sure why there's a price increase right now.
It's available on Amazon.de:
http://www.amazon.de/CeraVe-Foaming-Cleanser-sch%C3%A4umender-Gesichtsreiniger/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1419265357&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cerave+foaming
Bought 5 bottles right away.
There's a message on their website saying that they plan to soon stock their products in Australia, but I emailed them about it and they said it's not true (wtf?).
However, if you are open to buying online, I was recently linked to an Amazon seller where the CeraVe products are reasonably priced, and the shipping was affordable.
You can find it here.
I am now the proud owner of the Foaming Cleanser, Hydrating Cleanser, and moisturiser in the tub. I can't speak for the cleansers yet, but the moisturiser is quite good but the texture takes some getting used to.
These have helped me so much!
The less you touch your face, the better! I use these at night, even on blemishes that haven't fully erupted but feel coming on. Seriously a miracle product.
It is SO SATISFYING to see the patch in the morning, it turns white with the absorbed oils, and honestly, pulling it off my skin, seeing the contained puffy white goo, and knowing I haven't destroyed a larger area of skin trying to extract a zit, feels even better than popping. (And to be gross, yeah, I'll poke the patch with my nail in awe.)
Couple other tips that are helping me stop the break-out cycle-
When you have a pimple that has fully come to a head and you just have to pop it, wash your hands first, and better yet, use one of these tools, and make sure it is sanitized (I use rubbing alcohol) before you use it, and after!
Okay YOU appear to be somewhat factually incorrect. Why does no one share sources?
https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA is the dominant tanning ray/aging ray and UVB is the dominant burning ray.
So the best question is, what sunscreen protects against both? Broad-spectrum protection sunscreen. I searched Amazon and this one seemed the cheapest and most highly rated.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M7bCCb9FMHCP8
I have the same requisites as you and I love using Elta MD over my CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. The sunscreen is great by itself but I use rather drying ointments from my dermatologist so I've gotta use both. Hope this helps!
I use Elta MD and love it, no plans to switch :) It is expensive though.
If I can offer my holy grail sunscreen Elta MD
It’s not greasy, dries very quickly and evenly, doesn’t have a strong smell, and doesn’t leave a white cast on typical Caucasian skin. However it is a tad pricey.
This is what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1417529201&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=hada+lobo
I see "crows feet" and I think "dehydrated". So.
I usually get a couple Brazilians during the summer, and I actually find the pain to be way less jarring than getting my eyebrows threaded. I'm super hairy with incredibly sensitive skin and very thick, coarse hair.
Pop a couple Tylenol before you go to reduce your sensitivity to the pain. And make sure you remember to breathe. It's easy to just get into this weird rhythm of holding your breath, but the mechanism of breathing is a great pain and stress reliever.
Easier said than done, but try to forget that a stranger is looking at your labia. It's like going to the gynecologist. This is what they do for a living, they've seen a million labia that look a million different ways. You're just another labia in her salon.
And no one told me this, but if you do a Brazilian she'll have you flip over to wax the hairs aaaall the way up your crack. You're warned!
I'm supppppeeeerrrr prone to ingrown hairs. Always have been. I get them even when I do absolutely no hair removal.
I do a combo of physical and chemical exfoliation. I have a Turkish scrubby mitt, and I use that pretty much every time I shower with a really thick shower gel. I usually use Moroccan black soap, but it's really expensive in the States (it's cheap as shit in Morocco and way better).
A few times a week I use Stridex pads in the red box over the area.
Make sure you give your skin a couple days off to recover after waxing. I usually start exfoliating a week afterward.
If you get itchy, taking a Benadryl or spraying on some topical antihistamine and some vitamin E oil can be helpful. Just try to avoid scratching!
Good luck! You'll be A-OK.
Went through the same thing recently. It was actually what brought me to this sub. At first it was just damage control but eventually I started an actual routine and saw a major improvement.
For now invest in hydrocolloid bandages they were and still are my saving grace.http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRGUNV2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 I actually have these set up to auto deliver every other week. These are basically blister bandages, search this sub for them and you will see they are a little plastic miracle. Basically they suck the gunk out of zits, I use them on deep under the skin hormonally charged beasties and they REALLY make a difference, in severity, duration, and healing. I am very pale so any and every spot or bump sticks out like a spotlight. I put these zit stickers on every single spot that even looks like it may even think about being a zit someday.
I also snagged a 2.5% bp to spot treat, I have dry skin so I can't go slathering this stuff just anywhere.http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/targeted-treatments/_/Clear-Regular-Strength-Daily-Skin-Clearing-Treatment/ I got the trial size in June and I still have oodles left. I put a dab on a qtip and apply only to the zit itself.
Stay moisturized, this may seem counter intuitive but slather yourself in lotion. The better the hydration the quicker the healing. I don't have any oily skin suggestions as I am SUPER dry, but if you search this subreddit there are plenty of solid suggestions for oily skin.
Definitely check out OCM(oil cleansing method) there is a link to this in the side bar, it can feel overwhelming when you first read about it but this stuff really helped my skin. I use evening primrose oil mixed with other moisturizing oils. Evening primrose sounds like witchy hoodoo but it has made such a huge difference in my skin. I am super, super fair skinned. The girls in sephora run away when they see me coming and this has helped with redness and scarring SOOOO much. Give this a search as well.
Try adding a BHA and AHA, BHA is great for acne as it exfoliates inside the pore. AHA exfoliates closer to the surface of the skin, great for surface issues such as discoloration and scarring. My trick for remembering this in the beginning was
BHA isBeneath the skin andAHA isAbove. Personally I use both. Check out paulaschoice.com they have a cult following for good reason, they offer sample sizes of everything they offer so go sample crazy before investing in the big sizes. I use their 2% BHA liquid and 10%AHA liquid and love them both. I started with BHA to tackle my acne and a few weeks later I added paulas choice 8% AHA gel to help with scarring and dry skin issues. I loved it so much I eventually moved up to their 10% option.You will want to add the oil cleansing, BHA, AHA and even your moisturizer one at a time. Make sure to test each on a small patch of skin first, nothing worse then jumping head first and having a bad reaction because then you have no idea which item caused it.
Feel free to message me with questions and what not :]
[Here you go] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRGUNV2/ref=rcxsubs_mys2_product_title)
Amazon usually has good sellers.
Hada Labo Lotion: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSNBO9O/
Sunscreens: https://www.amazon.com/Biore-Sarasara-Watery-Essence-Sunscreen/dp/B00LA6QEOE/
I've bought both and as far as I can tell, they're legit!
Awww, I know that feel completely.
I've never tried any Tatcha products, however... I have been in the market for an enzyme cleanser lately, and the one I'm looking at is often cited as a great dupe of the Tatcha Rice Enzyme Cleanser in the Amazon reviews- the SRB Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Cleanser, $25 on Amazon or Peach & Lily. I first saw this in a Liah Yoo video and I guess due to the kinda bland packaging it's not very popular, but the reviews on Amazon and Amabie are excellent. Apparently the product is extremely gentle and the ingredients list is pretty short, so it might be ideal for you. :)
https://www.amazon.com/Rice-Bran-Cleanses-Brightens-Exfoliates/dp/B01DZDIJSS
Honestly, I'm kind of an AB noob myself, because although I research many products, I don't really have that much $$ to spend on products and try them. Since you have sensitive skin, maybe try a balm cleanser? They're apparently very nourishing and the Banila Co Clean It Zero Sensitive formula has great reviews. Renee from Gothamista has also recommended the Heimish Cleansing Balm (it has donkey milk and she's butter, oh my gosh) and I believe her skin type is also dry-sensitive.
https://sokoglam.com/products/banila-co-clean-it-zero-sensitive-skin
https://www.amazon.com/Heimish-Clean-Balm-Cleansing-120ml/dp/B01CJ639SM
Looking at the ingredients in the serum and cream, they seem somewhat similar to the Nature Republic Royal Ginseng line, all the way from the rice, royal jelly, ginseng, sodium hyaluronate, and silk extracts to the 24k gold. This line is very expensive as well, but may be less problematic to you.
The top, likely active, ingredients in the Serum are Algae Extract and Rice Extract and in the cream the Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate is the number 1 ingredient, so I think you should start looking for serums and creams high in those actives, as those are the highest concentrated ingredients in the Tatcha moisturizing products.
I couldn't find much with Algae Extract that was a moisturizer, except one Nature Republic Eye Cream, the Collagen dream eye cream.
https://www.amazon.com/NATUREREPUBLIC-Collagen-Dream-Cream-Korean/dp/B00H4HD25W
The second ingredient, the Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, is very interesting because it actually used to be the active ingredient of the famous SK-II Essence, before it was replaced by the very similar Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. This Ingredient is likely going to be much easier to find in an essence rather than a moisturizing cream. I know that the Missha First Treatment Essence has Saccharomyces but I'm also including a link/list of SK-II dupes that contain either Galactomyces or Saccharomyces as they are very similar, and because many of the other SK-II dupes are actually cheaper (the Missha is around $50), including the CosRx Galactomyces which is only $15.
http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2016/01/sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence-dupe.html?m=1
https://sokoglam.com/products/time-revolution-first-treatment-essence
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Galactomyces-Whitening-Power-Essence/dp/B00OZE57XW
The last ingredient, Rice Extract, is present in an insane 65% potency in the CosRx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Mask, which is also a cult favorite on Reddit. And, it's less than $15.
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Ultimate-Nourishing-Rice-Overnight/dp/B01518D84U
Lastly, I saw sodium hyaluronate, or hyaluronic acid, in both the serum and cream, so if I were you, I'd invest in the cult favorite, Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion. I have the Premium version, and it really is wonderful and leaves your skin firm and hydrated, and is a great way to get in extra moisture before your cream.
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, 5.7 fl. oz. (170ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EZa8ybAC6S473
A final note: since your skin is sensitive, I would stay away from any artificial fragrance or irritants in any products. Hada Labo and Cosrx are both fragrance free companies that only use what they need to make the product effective. Again, check your ingredients at CosDna as well as reviews. Also many of these products are available cheaper on some other websites, I just chose who came up first. Generally, SokoGlam is a safer bet than Amazon because you won't get a fake product, but it's also slightly more expensive.
I know this is a long post but I also know how daunting the search for good, affordable skincare can be. Also, don't forget to wear sunscreen. There's no point in getting so many products just to negate their effects with UVA damage.
Best of Luck! <3
So if I have a massive whitehead that I don't feel like walking around with for the world to see I go ahead and pop it. Yes picking is bad BUT it makes zits disappear a lot faster. I generally do it at night after my face is clean. Then before I put in my moisturizer I put a hydro colloid acne patch over it.
Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_Vs.EzbT5A23G9
Ever pop a zit and then wake up to find it has filled up and gotten even more gross over night? Well these patches absorb the crap oozing out of the popped zit. And when you wake up the zit substantially less swollen and has not "refilled" itself again. Seriously it's the best 8$ you'll ever spend.
Is it these?:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_oiARub0T42V8W
Just about anywhere that sells regular bandaids. They are often marketed as blister bandages, because they are designed to manage wound fluid.
Here's an example from Target, and if you want little rounds ones just for acne, you can order them online.
Hydrocolloid bandage for the pimple. It will make it go down overnight.
Like this.
Even these don't say that word on them, so I wasn't 100% sure I was buying the right thing:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRGUNV2
Everybody gotta be all scientific up in here using fancy words.
I picked up some Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid lotion when I was in Asia and I love it! I pat three drops' worth all over my face and neck before I apply my daily moisturizer. It's done wonders for my dry patches.
I recommend using a hydrating toner. This stuff helps the moisturizer sink in better. A popular recommendation is Hada Labo gokujyun lotion. I'm on my second bottle and I will keep repurchasing it. It's also fragrance-free.
Another recommendation would be using an occlusive after moisturizer. It locks in the moisture so it doesn't evaporate from your skin. There's good ol' Vaseline, Aquaphor, and CeraVe healing ointment (which is my personal favorite). They're all fragrance-free. You only need a small amount to cover the face. I use like... a dime size amount.
Clinique's products are fine, but you may just be using the wrong ones for your skin type, or maybe Clinique's fomulas just don't agree with your skin. It happens. Either way, I'm close to a teenager (22) and also had dry, dull skin full of blackheads and acne. So I'm going to post what helped me and I hope it helps you too.
But remember that taking care of your mental health may be half the battle won on its own! Stress and insomnia is a big underlying factor for troubled skin.
My basic routine for dry skin (plug for r/AsianBeauty which is a great resource):
Don't forget to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily too.
If you really can't drink more water, which is understandable as after a few gulps plain water takes a real nosedive flavour-wise, trick yourself by making the water delicious. Put honey in it. Some tea. Make jello! Eat fruit. Anything reasonably healthy that's high in water content. Or my personal favourite: Eat something so spicy you HAVE to drink fuckin gallons. Water tastes like the dew of the gods when you're dying of capsaicin overdose.
Dark circles wise, pretty much everyone has them and everyone conceals them. There's not much you can do about it but keep patting on the concealer. Primers don't work much for me either. Pixi Brightening Peach concealer followed by powder followed by Skindinavia's Bridal Makeup Setting Spray does!
Not sure if makeup advice is allowed here but while I'm at it, dull yellowy-white skin is called sallow skin, and can be colour corrected with some nifty purple primer! E.L.F makes a good one.
Welcome! :) Ceramide products are good at repairing your skin's moisture barrier and are good moisturizing products. If these sound like things you are looking for, I highly recommend getting some products with ceramide in them! A popular product is the Rosette Ceramide Gel.
Vitamin C is a good idea, just make sure you start slow, like once a week. Also, actives such as vitamin C are a form of chemical exfoliation. You want to make sure you have a few solid moisturizers at the ready to compensate for the drying nature of actives.
Snails are a great idea too, but they don't have the same mind-blowing affect for everyone who uses them. Its a very Your Milage May Vary (YMMV) sort of thing! A popular snail product is the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This product has 96% snail mucin, so it'd be a good way to see if snail is an effective ingredient for you. (because 10% snail in a good cream may give you good results, but it may not be because of the snail if you catch my drift!)
However! First and foremost, if hyperpigmentation is your problem and you have no routine, start with a sunscreen! If the word makes you cringe, don't worry, AB sunscreens don't tend to be as thick and sticky as Western suncreens.
Which brings me to two threads you should start with. The AB Beginner Guide is a good place for basic information. The Holy Grail Thread is a good place to see what products people with your same skintype swear by.
ALSO I wouldn't recommend using sheet masks meant for your face on the rest of your body. Sheet masks are usually a temporary fix for your skin issues and I would not rely on them to do any major skin whitening. I'd pick a product that you can use on the body and that will give you consistent results. Try products with niacinimide and arbutin, which are whitening ingredients.
That's what I have to contribute! Feel free to ask more questions and good luck!
Etude House Sunprise Sun Milk; matte, pretty sure it's mineral only and relatively cheap, with no white cast. You can get it on Amazon.
I don't know I'd 100% trust this as a sunscreen, but also The Inkey List's Zinc moisturiser. It's got zinc in for a mineral block, but I think it also contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) which is a chemical sunscreen and banned in Hawaii for environmental reasons. It's matte, pretty cheap and no white cast. However, The Inkey List don't advertise it as a sunscreen, they advertise it as a moisturiser and kind of talk around the sunscreen properties - likely to get around any extra testing that sunscreen has to go through.
I love Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy. SPF 50, very silky, extremely low white cast (but like all physical sunscreen, some), love it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE3XGAC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I use this sunscreen, and I absolutely love it. It goes on really easily, doesn't bead up, rubs in well (and doesn't leave a white tint/film like some do), and it even smells like lemons. It also doesn't break me out and convenient for carrying around.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WE3XGAC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1525621867&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=etude+house+mild+airy+finish&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=415tlCbrA-L&amp;ref=plSrch
This is the one I use!
Product name: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (Amazon [CAN] (https://www.amazon.ca/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1473115500&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=low+ph+good+morning) | [USA] (https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1473115559&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cosrx+low+ph))
Price (range): $8 - $15
Country: Canada
Skin type: Oil-y, acne-prone, hormonal
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Special info: pH is about 3.5, smells like tea tree, a much loved skin cleanser in the [AB Community] (https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/)
Experience & opinion: I like the smell, I love that it makes my skin feel so clean and is non-drying (for me), I love that the pH is appropriately low, I've had no negative/adverse reactions
Not sure about RRS, but you can find it on Amazon Prime for only $10.90
http://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06
Everything I'm recommending can be bought on Amazon fairly cheaply:
1st Cleanser (PM only to get rid of sunscreen or makeup): The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Rich Oil Dry Skin
2nd Cleanser: Cerave hydrating Cleanser
Hydrating Toner: [Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner] (https://www.amazon.com/Preparation-Alcohol-Paraben-Cruelty-Eco-friendly/dp/B00PGOFYG0) or
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
Medium Moisturizer: Cerve PM Moisturizing Lotion
Heavy Moisturizer: Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream
Sleeping Pack: Cosrx Ultimate Rice Overnight Mask
Sheet Mask: Benton Snail Bee High Content Sheet Mask, illi masks, MBD masks (these might be out of your price range as they are between $1-3 per use).
Sunscreen: [Biore Kids Sunscreen] (https://www.amazon.com/Japan-Health-Personal-Care-carefree/dp/B019IDQ57G)
Lips: Lanolin
Makeup
BB: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream #13 (RP), Mizon Snail Repair Blemish Balm
Cushion: Innisfree
Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Hi! I have very dry, often dehydrated, extremely sensitive/reactive skin. Pardon the following infodump :)
I have had really great results with some Asian skincare! I have used the following products with great success:
Banila Co Nourishing Cleansing Balm for Dry Skin - Double cleansing has changed my life, no hyperbole. I don't get tiny blackheads any more. I use this first, and the idea is that it washes away any oil soluble stuff, like sebum, sunscreen, makeup, etc.
Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - Even if you only want to use one cleanser, I recommend this over Cetaphil any day. It is super gentle and does not dry out my skin AT ALL, even when I was using it alone before I started double cleansing. You only need the tiniest amount and it foams up into a rich, satisfying lather, so the bottle lasts forever.
Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner - I use this after cleansing and allow it to soak in entirely before any next step. If my skin is particularly dehydrated I do it a couple few times.
Hada Labo Japan Gokujun Premium - This is a serum type product that has 4 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid AND urea, both of which dry skin is severely lacking. Helps me get my glow on. (tip: HA works by attaching to water molecules, so if you live in a dry climate you will need to spritz your face with water after this soaks in and allow the HA to do its thing)
CeraVe PM - This is pricier than CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, but I have found that my face likes it so much more. It soaks right in.
I love Asian skincare because for the most part you can find reasonably priced products that are formulated to let the active ingredients truly shine with no excess nonsense. I never used anything but Cetaphil until this year because my skin is SO sensitive, I can't even use regular laundry detergent. Discovering Asian skincare has been wonderful and I am truly excited about my results! If you are interested in learning more r/AsianBeauty is an amazing resource.
I'm actually thinking of narrowing down the number of products I use, though this list doesn't seem to indicate that. I love my Benton + MISSHA lineup but I'm getting older and thinking I need a little more oomph. In any case, things I'm looking at that I will probably not buy for a long time:
>Daytime Serums
>Sunscreens
>Nighttime Cleansers
>Nighttime Serums
>Nighttime Creams
>Special Treatments
I use Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. Twice a day, seems to work pretty well for me.
As for post-acne, look into mild chemical exfoliators. I don't have acne but I use Stridex Pads every other day.
Generally scrubs are not 'good' to use every day. And you can't scrub away black heads or any blemishes. It simply doesn't work that way. Scrubs = physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation (like Stridex in the red box) is the preferred method here.
I'd recommend getting a gentle cleanser like CeraVe foaming.
Also I'd recommend reading the Beginner's Routine and this post on sebaceous filaments. Your blackheads are probably sebaceous filaments, Stridex (which I linked above) could be beneficial for you if you want to minimize the appearance of these.
If you decide to buy multiple products, only buy ONE at a time! & use it for 2 weeks before buying the next thing.
I forgot to mention that Mizon and Shiseido Senka were 2-packs!
Mizon is actually selling for that price ($8/2) right now for anyone interested! Senka is also now cheaper. You can also use camelcamelcamel or the honey chrome extension to monitor prices.
Hey! I have super sensitive, dry, breakout prone skin with some intense hair growth on my chin. Before I got to this routine people were asking me what was wrong and someone told me it looked like I must wear a chin strap (charming!), and now I have little to no breakouts or irritation.
I've found shaving to be the least irritating method (I'm prone to ingrowns so plucking, waxing and threading made for even bigger problems). I use a 5 blade razor that is ONLY for my face and gets switched out to be my pits/legs razor as soon as it starts getting dull at all. I'll also rinse it with alcohol after every couple of shaves, every time if I've been having skin problems (note: let it dry completely, the drying process is what kills everything).
My best tip is to shave with a super mild face wash. I really like the hada labo hydrating face wash, it's extremely mild and really thick and foamy so it makes a nice cushion for the razer (like a men's shaving soap does).
After shaving I pat my face dry and slap on some BHA - huge game changer right there. BHAs exfoliate and reduce redness and inflammation and I find them to be waaaaaay more effective and less irritating than any manual exfoliation. I really like The Ordinary's salicylic acid but it's pretty heavy duty, they recommend using it as a spot treatment (I slather my whole face with it, but my skin loves acids). If my skin has been feeling dry I'll do Cosrx's BHA power liquid, it's a milder form of BHA combined with niacinamide, a holy grail ingredient for many, it brightens skin and reduces acne (and I think it's anti-aging? I lurk on /r/asianbeauty but I don't have it all down!), though it can interact badly with some forms of vitamin c (causes flushing)
Next steps are all about hydrating and soothing. My skin breaks out from being sad and dry, and it makes any irritation or ingrowns a million times worse. I've found I get my best results from layering my products. I really like cosrx's snail serum, and right now I'm topping it with 2 moisturizers (again, very dry skin, plus it's a very dry winter where I am). First moisturizer is The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors, then Cerave in the tub.
I then top it with sunscreen, either clinique super city block, biore water essence, or cotz sensitive depending on how my skin is feeling.
Sometimes I'll wear makeup too, I've found bareminerals hydrating gel and any of dermablend's products go over my freshly shaved skin just fine (as long as I use a good makeup remover in the evening!)
Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions :)
I wouldn't use Stridex ever because it's a LOT harsher on the skin due to the other ingredients in there (mostly menthol).
4)Do it, but be very cautious. Don't immediately do once a day. I would stop BHA when starting a retinoid, then after your skin has become accustomed to a retinoid (~a week or two) add in your BHA, going once every 2-3 days for a while then going back to once a day if your skin can tolerate it. You can also do BHA in the morning (with lots of sunscreen after) and retinoid at night, but I'd still not immediately do both every single day just because both can be a little intense if you're new to them.
This is my understanding+experience anyway! And smearing aquaphor on my face at night alleviated some of the dryness I experienced when I did bha+retinoid together for a while
No problem! If you like it and want more, it’s Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil. I’m interested in trying it out myself, so let me know how it’s working for you!
The Neutrogena cleansing oil is one of the least expensive cleansing oils I've seen on the US market. I use a mineral-oil-based Japanese cleansing oil that I can get off Amazon for a bit less per ounce. It's the Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing oil, which is fragrance-free and mostly mineral oil. If you're sensitive to jojoba oil, though, be aware that it does contain jojoba a bit further down the ingredients list. It's about $8-9 if you wait for it to ship from Japan or $11 with Prime shipping, but it's almost twice the size as the Neutrogena bottle, and you can get refill pouches for even less: https://www.amazon.com/Softy-Facial-Cleansing-Speedy-Pound/dp/B000V2FBAQ
TBH the S.W. Toner is too expensive for the quantity
Here's the custom recipe I've created for it.
Total= $60
S.W. Basics contains 4 ounces of this mixture and cost $25
With the I ingredients listed you can make
36 ounces for $60 and that's only limited by witch hazel running out first
This comes out to 9 times the amount of the S.W. basics toner. To equal 36 ounces would cost $225 vs $60 for homeade stuff just as good and all organic.
Organic Grape seed Oil I Recommend: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I46BBE0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 ($10)
Deciem Hylamide Primer:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FQR9A3Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 ($22)
Oil Cleanser:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V2FBAQ/ref=ox_sc_act_image_7?smid=A2MHJA5QAEGGNV&amp;psc=1 ($10)
The double cleanse, I just read all about that on /r/AsianBeauty! I got this low pH cleanser to use after this oil cleanser.
I can't say if it'll work either, I'm on day two. But that sub can, and does.
How big/ where are the patches? I have pretty severe facial eczema I keep under control with Hado Labo Moist Lotion. That stuff doesn't burn broken skin when it goes on (even on eyelids!). I comes out like a liquid and isn't greasy in the least, but it works very very well for me.
Hi there! You might consider that your skin is a bit dehydrated (lacking water) as well as dry (lacking oil). Mine certainly was! I would consider adding a hydrating toner to your arsenal rather than jumping right in to large number of active products (you can always add them more slowly later once you've decided on what you want try first). Especially as you are quite young, it might be an easy fix rather than a long active journey waiting for results.
The idea will be to keep your skin plumped, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Hydrating toners are terribly useful in that they are light watery layers full of humectants which draw and hold water to your skin. Plus, you can do multiple layers one right after the other (sometimes called the '7-skin method') if your skin is feeling extra dull that day without risking the addition of more ingredients.
They are usual in the realm of Korean or Asian skincare, but lots are becoming super popular. Here are the classics: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion - the OG!, Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion - contains fermented ingredients for brightening and is a HUGE bottle, Klairs Supple Preparation Toner - Recommend the unscented, has licorice for brightening, Benton Aloe/BHA Toner - BHA acts as a humectant here, no exfoliation, Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner - Super light, 6 ingredients for sensitive skin, Etude House SoonJung 5.5 Relief Toner - Just like water, very soothing, many others!!
(just ignore that in Japan toners are called 'lotion'. Yes it is confusing!)
Also, Gothamista has a great video on hydrating toners which goes over several of the ones I mentioned plus others.
One more easy thing to consider is a raw honey mask. If you can get real honey, just slather than on your face! It's a humectant and will help with water levels in your skin. Another point is to apply your routine onto damp skin after cleansing.
Hope this helps!
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion in rich/moist? It's super hydrating and marketed as slightly-acidic, good for sensitive skin, fragrance free, oil free, and alcohol free (although it contains butylene glycol). They also make an emulsion/milk as well.
OP, your skin sounds similar to mine and for the longest time I couldn't figure out what to use/do to hydrate my skin. I've been tying out Asian skincare brands/methods and have found a huge success in using a hydrating toner with the Korean 7 skin method. It's basically taken a toner and layering it on your face as many layers (or skins) as you need after cleansing.
I haven't had any issues with these two:
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
The Hadalabo lotion has a thicker consistency so it takes a bit longer for the skin to absorb vs the Pyunkang Essence is of a thinner consistency. If you end up doing this method in the future, I would suggest choosing toners that do not have water listed as the first ingredient.
Doing the 7 Skin method has basically changed my skin where now it's not dehydrated, less oily and not flake-y. I hope that's a bit helpful and unfortunately I don't have any advice or suggestions on rough skin texture. Best of luck!
I did. I got the moist.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSNBO9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Mineral Veil Primer has both titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide. I suggest you find a primer without those ingredients.
Sunscreen is a very important part of skincare! In a few decades, your skin will thank you! I actually did some sunscreen research a few days ago and found 2 that I liked: Shiseido Senka Mineral Water and Shiseido Senka Anti Aging.
The Anti Aging sunscreen offers better protection but the first is almost as good and has no parabens. I haven't tried either but have placed an order. From what I've researched, both sunscreens don't seem to cause flashback issues.
Seconding /u/maplebee92 suggestion regarding the Innisfree no sebum powder - both the compact and the loose form. I have also tried Mamonde Cotton Veil and Tony Moly Cats Wink and none perform as good as Innisfree, plus the Mamonde pact desintegrated after a few weeks and became loose instead.
With sunscreens for oily skin in particular I use Nivea Waterproof Milk or Nivea Milky Essence with great results and staying power. None give me irritation around the eyes unlike the Shiseido Senka Q10 which made my eyes sting quite a bit.
YMMV of course.
rave: i've started patch-testing the shiseido senka uv sunscreen and i think i've perhaps found my HG pa++++ sunscreen?! currently use biore aqua rich which is only pa+++, and the hada labo uv creamy traveled on my face into my eyes which made the burn :(
my only rant right now is that i had been going too crazy on my skin with different actives (tretinoin, azelaic and clindamycin from pocketderm, vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin, BHA, AHA, etc. etc.) and i've had to scale back to the basics. hada labo, benton snail bee essencee, and pocketderm. less is always more for me, which is kinda sad :(
Do you use a toner? An extremely popular vegan, cruelty-free, soy-free and alcohol-free toner is [Thayer’s Witch-Hazel Rose Toner](Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LfM3AbAWMQ4HZ).
I use this stuff everyday... it’s amazing and gentle. It has a PH of 5.5-6. You can use this after cleansing and before creams/serums. Target sells this toner with the spray nozzle which is also nice as a mid-day refresher or make-up primer. You can find the travel-sized toners on Amazon as well.
I also second trying Pacifica. My faves: seafoam cleanser, kale micellar water, coconut body butter, passionfruit/guava perfume! But seriously, everything is amazing!
I highly recommend that subreddit, it has helped tremendously in dealing with my sensitive skin and irritations due to bad shaving techniques/products. As for shaving soaps I would recommend trying Mystic Water Soap's Sensitive Skin and Proraso White, I have very sensitive skin and those soaps have worked very well for me. Also for aftershaves try using Thayer's witch hazel. Hope this helps!
I'm pre-HRT, but here's my skincare routine, with links to the exact products I use. I tried my best to define any skincare terminology. I recommend doing this before bed. Make sure to do the steps in the order listed.
Night time skincare routine
1) Exfoliate. This removes dead skin and other crud. Without exfoliating, you'd be applying skincare products on top of your layer of dead skin, which wouldn't be as effective. I use a Salux brand exfoliating cloth in the shower, lathered with Dove brand bar soap. You should only exfoliate and shave 2 to 3 times a week because it's abrasive. Other steps can be done every night. Side note: if you've never exfoliated before, I highly recommend trying it once. You will feel cleaner than you've ever felt after showering.
2) Shave. If you need to shave, now is the time to do it. If you've had laser hair removal, or simply don't have much body hair, move on to the next step. I don't have specific recommendations for shaving products. The most important thing is to use a clean razor. If you are reusing a razor, wash it with soap and hot water, and use rubbing alcohol to kill any leftover bacteria. Exfoliating before shaving can reduce razor burn because you're cleaner, and therefore less likely to get dead skin and bacteria into the "micro cuts" caused by shaving. Even if you don't cut yourself deeply enough to bleed, dragging a metal blade across your face is always slightly irritating. (Side note: I can't effing wait to get laser.) If you cut yourself shaving, you may apply some 70% rubbing alcohol, only to the cut. I've seen sources that recommend applying rubbing alcohol everywhere after shaving, to kill bacteria and therefore reduce irritation. I don't recommend this because rubbing alcohol is harsh and will dry your skin.
3) Toner. This step cleans your skin further. Similar to exfoliating, the idea is to remove as much dirt and dead skin as possible, so that the skincare products can actually absorb into your skin. I pour some Thayers brand alcohol-free, rose scented witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply to my face and neck. Another reason why the order of the steps is important: This toner contains witch hazel, which is an astringent. This means it tightens your skin. Using witch hazel after shaving may reduce irritation by causing any micro cuts to contract. Let your skin air-dry before moving on.
4) Serum. Now that you're clean, it's time for products that will actually be absorbed by your skin. There are many types of serum available. I typically use retinol, which tightens your skin and prevents wrinkles. I apply a few drops of retinol serum to my face and neck and rub it in. I wait a few moments to let the serum dry before the next step.
5) Moisturizer. Last step. This hydrates your skin and keeps you looking young. I use CeraVe moisturizing cream. It comes in a white tub with a blue label. Most nights I just apply to my face and neck. On the nights that I exfoliate, I use moisturizer on my whole body. The main reason is that it can be time consuming, so I only moisturize my whole body after exfoliating, when my skin will better absorb the moisturizer. Additionally, I use this moisturizer on my hands several times throughout the day (especially after washing my hands because soap can be drying.) This makes a significant difference in reducing dry skin, especially noticeable in the winter. If you only get one skincare product, I recommend this one.
Other important things
That's my nightly skincare routine, but wait, there's more! Any day there's a chance you'll spend time in the sun, wear sunscreen!! This is probably more important than all the other steps put together. You can apply sunscreen on top of your moisturizer, or use a moisturizer that includes SPF. Recently I've been experimenting with using this SPF moisturizer on my face every morning.
Last thing: some people think skincare is all about applying products to your skin, so they'll buy fancier and more expensive products. This is like pulling harder on one lever without realizing there are many other levers available. Diet, exercise, hydration, sleep, having fun, and avoiding stress are all important too. Drink water!! Like, drink a little more water than you think you need.
Edit: Can't believe I forgot this. Don't smoke, and don't use hard drugs. Please don't drink alcohol at your age because it can cause brain damage. When you're older, if you choose to drink, do so in moderation. I don't want to come across as "no fun allowed," but please learn from my experience. Binge drinking is not only bad for your skin, it will make you feel like complete poop the next day. Not worth it.
Edit 2: Fixed formatting, and added details.
Good luck, sis!
Items bought:
Edwin Jagger De89bl,
Blade sampler,
Toner,
Alum Block,
Shave Set,
Soap
Edit: links
I decided to check out the COSDna on Chanel's Hydramax line of products. Seems the biggest part of them is glycerin, a lovely humectant that also makes the application feel smooth and wonderful, while being relatively lightweight (not greasy feeling.) It also has hyaluronic acid, some jojoba esters... I think if you keep looking for products that are higher in glycerin content (you can even get glycerin from your pharmacy) or perhaps use a hyaluronic acid lotion a la Hada Labo, you'll get that same feeling for a lot less.
Overall, I see why you loved that cream, but I can also see that the parts you loved about it are much less than $85 combined :) I'll let others chime in with ideas on what specifically you should buy, but I hope that gives you an idea of why you loved that product.
ROHTO Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++) 40mL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRBST6H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_M8U9BbFWMNKBN
yeah i was just about to recommend the skin aqua super moisture sunscreen. it's silky, not oily, doesn't leave a white cast, and my bf loves it.
the reformulated Skin Aqua Super Moisture in the gold tube is a sleeper hit. I've been using it all summer and haven't tanned, it sinks in quickly, it has no alcohol so it isn't drying, and it is waterproof. It's so good that even though I started using a pretty heavy duty retinoid for anti-aging purposes, and thus my skin is now way more sun sensitive, I haven't had any issues with burning or peeling or sensitivity. Ratzillacosme recently added it to her Best Pick list. She's right that it isn't mattifying, it leaves a sort of dewy finish, but it isn't oily, sticky, shiny or greasy on me. I have no qualms about wearing it with no makeup, but it looks great under makeup too.
I've tried the watery essence, it's quite heavy with the alcohol so
I'm personally not a fan. It is quite popular though. this is my holy grail alcohol free. It's a milk but it goes on so well and leaves no white cast.
You can try Hada labo. I think their lotion feels like a toner but it's pretty moisturizing.
It looks like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA
Are you talking about this? http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FQUGXA?pc_redir=1395345202&amp;robot_redir=1
The reason it works is because it contains salicylic acid. I'd recommend just getting a skincare product with salicylic acid instead, since as /u/Lykkekat says, it is made for skin and not ingestion. The red Stridex is a favorite over at /r/SkincareAddiction since it's cheap, alcohol free, and effective.
Read my original comment, CeraVe and Stridex products are available from Amazon.DE for 15€ and 17€ each, so it's certainly cheaper than to order from the US considering cheaper shipping and no taxes, that's what I meant.
Stridex for example:
http://www.amazon.de/Stridex-Single-Step-Control-Maximum-Alcohol/dp/B000O1KP1O/ref=pd_sim_194_8?ie=UTF8&amp;dpID=515af7Lh%2BLL&amp;dpSrc=sims&amp;preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&amp;refRID=0JAFP3G301297N00Q5ER
Cerave cleanser:
http://www.amazon.de/CeraVe-Foaming-Cleanser-sch%C3%A4umender-Gesichtsreiniger/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=pd_bxgy_194_img_2?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=0JAFP3G301297N00Q5ER
You will have to find out what products are best for you! Cetaphil (very drying) broke me out horribly, but I recently found Cerave Foaming Face Wash and it is amazing! Moisturizer is also very important. I use Nivea Creme but a lot of people like Cerave in the tub. It breaks some people out (me) but a lot of people love it.
Spearmint, berberine and omegas have been great for me. Look into supplements to lower testosterone/androgens. Sugar free and dairy free diets work extremely well. My acne has been so intense and painful that I've had days when I don't leave the house.
Supplements combined with a skincare routine developed from using r/skincareaddiction
My top products for topical use are:
Face wash - https://www.amazon.ca/Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Normal-CeraVe/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542126993&sr=8-2&keywords=cerave+foaming+cleanser
Toner - https://www.amazon.ca/Cosrx-CLARIFYING-TREATMENT-Toner-150ml/dp/B073P6BPF5/ref=sr_1_7?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1542127029&sr=1-7&keywords=cosrx
Acid - https://www.amazon.ca/Pixi-Glow-Tonic-Ginseng-100ml/dp/B0156XE3RQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1542127080&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=pixi+glow+tonic&psc=1
and moisturizer - https://www.stratiaskin.com/products/liquid-gold
I'm also a big fan of clay masks for clarifying the pores, sheet masks for moisturizing and night oils.
You can get a ton of affordable products from "The ordinary"
my favorite is: https://theordinary.com/product/rdn-100pct-organic-virgin-sea-buckthorn-fruit-oil-30ml?redir=1
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Note! Topicals are great but fixing the hormones is the best cure for pcos acne. Topicals are best for management and prevention.
I'm glad that I started and consistently used a skincare routine with lots of moisture because it helped to reduce scaring and pigmentation associated with acne.
Please keep in mind that my face was a tiny bit angry in the pictures from last night as I had just finished OCM. The morning pictures are from right after I woke up, before doing any of my morning routine. :)
My skin type: Pretty dry, acne-prone (obviously), prone to redness. I also have dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking) which creates a lot of scabs/scars.
PM Routine:
And done!
Seriously guys, I feel like a superhero with amazing healing powers! Thank you all so much for the advice and guidance. <3
Ranked from most favorite to least favorite
Garnier SkinActive
Website & Ingredients
Avatara
Website & Ingredients
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Website & Ingredients
Masque Bar Pretty Animalz
Website & Ingredients
Slice Mask Sheet
Website
SpaLife
Couldn't find any ingredients
Avatara Lip Mask
Website & Ingredients
Shea Moisture Mud Mask
Website & Ingredients
Other Sheet masks that I've used
Dermal Sheet Mask
Amazon
Yes To Sheet Masks
Website & Ingredients
That's it. Let me know if you've got more questions.
For reference, I have normal skin. Somewhere in the middle. Not extremely dry and not oily. I don't have severe acne but get occasional hormonal breakouts.
I usually use a face mask every other night, sometimes every night. It mostly depends on how tired I am or how gross my face feels.
Oh man, I have so many ideas. Just ideas though, you can take them or leave them.
First, your skin looks fairly irritated to me, dryness is a part of that. It can make your skin vulnerable and inflamed like you're seeing - mine was similar. A really easy, idiot-proof way to test this is to use some sheet masks nightly for a few days and look for improvement. I love these. And it feels nice. =)
Another super nourishing ingredient is niacinamide, which I'm completely obsessed with and bought for all my friends. I prefer the Paula's Choice ($40), but the Ordinary stuff ($7?) is also well received (made me break out though). I feel pretty hopeful about the sheet masks and niacinamide for you!
Glycolic acid is typically considered a stronger acid, and might be irritating. I'd maybe leave that out for a while and experiment with some mild 2% salicylic acid, just make sure it's not loaded with alcohol. I use Paula's Choice for that as well, I think the sample size is like $9.
I also learned to start giving myself gentle at-home acid peels through MUAC (amazing customer support). My oily/combo skin got a lot less oily after I switched to an oil cleanser (Banila or Shiseido are great). I just started using azelaic acid for redness (Melazepam), with good results so far, but I'd get the moisture thing figured out first.
Also, FYI, Sephora (and I think Ulta) will give you samples AND have a super generous return policy (check your local store), and I'm pretty shameless about trying new stuff out/returning it. Shit's expensive. =)
Let the hivemind know if anything works!
Edit: I learned so much from https://simpleskincarescience.com/, I can't recommend it strongly enough!
Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, 16 Combo Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAM7F8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_akXMAbFDYJ5D8
This is what I got!! Such a good deal cause each one comes out to less than $2 a piece!!
Two products I can confirm significantly helped my rosacea in a short amount of time are The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and Sunday Riley's Good Genes (literally changed my entire face in 2 weeks!) If the pricetag is too high on GG, apparently The Ordinary's 10% lactic acid serum is a dupe - which I've been using the past few days and loving!
If you're looking for more of a routine to use moving forward, I've found Clinique's redness solutions collection has been AMAZING and also great to have (I specifically use the cleanser and moisturizer and will vouch for those two - they have a number of other products but haven't used them).
Another thing someone mentioned is that winter/cold weather is always the worst for rosacea, so definitely pile on the moisturizer (unless you have very oily skin). I highly recommend these moisturizing sheet masks to everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Dermal-Korea-Collagen-Essence-Facial/dp/B00BAM7F8C?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1
Cheap and moisturizing! They also smell nice. Great to use at night before putting on your moisturizer.
Hope this helps!
Talk to your OB about azelaic acid. I didn’t use it, but it’s the only thing I’ve seen other posts talk about using that was deemed okay for them by their OB.
My OB is super cautious and I keep getting shot down whenever i ask what I can use, so I just did a simple routine (Neutrogena foaming cleanser) and sometimes I will oil cleanse with Argan oil and a drop or two or tea tree oil. I haven’t asked her about the tea tree oil, but I haven’t seen anything related to it being a problem and I’ve probably only used it twice and I’m 20 weeks now.
Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean, make sure to wash your face morning and night, moisturize and try not to pick. You can use hydrocolloid bandages to help overnight (I like the nexcare ones you can find on amazon, also called acne patches or blister bandages). nexcare on amazon
Head over to r/skincareaddiction too for more posts about pregnancy/hormonal acne and the side bar include info on oil cleansing. There isn’t much we can do about it overall, but mine did ease up a lot throughout the 1st trimester and now I hardly get any. Hopefully you’re able to find something that works!
Try a hydrocolloid bandage on the pimple. Nexcare makes some specifically for pimples
Pus filled pimples will eventually go away on their own without being popped, it just takes a little while. Hot compresses also help. And putting a little benzoyl peroxide on it can help as well (do not put BP on under a hydrocolloid bandage... Put it on for a half hour or so, wash off, then use the bandage)
Google the "Danger Triangle of the Face" to understand why you shouldn't pop pimples on your nose.
Listen to LizzieDane. Chemical peels and Botox are invaluable tools and have their place in this world, read this guide Botox 101: What You Need to Know Before Getting Botox and know it's something to consider. But really, a prescribed retinoid is going to be your new best friend. Just a heads up that there is an online dermatology service that is getting very positive reviews from /skincareaddiction and other respectable beauty bloggers. It's called Pocketderm and for $20 per month, you and a board certified dermatologist will customize a topical medication that will address any acne/age-related issues. Informative review over at /skincareaddiction. If you decide to go for it, go here before signing-up and grab a referral link for a 1-month free trial. Seriously, get some retinoids, it is the only anti-ageing treatment in the U.S. that has been backed by the FDA. Secondly, please wear SUNSCREEN, and do so EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! Rain or shine, UV damage is the #1 cause of premature aging and protecting yourself from the sun is something you can do for yourself tomorrow. Good guide here about how to choose the right sunscreen. EltaMd is highly recommended with adequate UV protection. Now my personal favorite, the AHAs and the BHAs or 'acids', they'll help with the fine lines, brighten up the complexion and even out skintone. They are seriously great and will give you almost immediate results . Basic explanation of AHA/BHA exfoliates. My BHA product rec to you would be Paula's Choice BHA 2% products, $10 referral code here. Do it! Once you've got the retinoids, the sunscreen, and the acids, incorporating a well-formulated antioxidant serum will round out a solid, 'anti-ageing' skincare routine. Hope this helps and be good to yourself :)
Me too, and this stuff is the best. :)
I've gone through several containers of this one. That's the "Clear" line, which just means it blends in the easiest. The regular line actually blends in fine too, and lastly I've also used up a "Tinted" which is decent coverage actually but if you're paler than say (in MAC terms), N20, I think it'd be too dark for you.
What are the exact features that attracted you to the Glossier sunscreen? If you're looking for something "clear" I know EltaMD have a clear sunscreen too.
http://www.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=pd_bxgy_bt_img_y
Excellent sunscreen for under makeup. Let it set onto your skin for a while (20+ mins) before applying your makeup for the best protection.
I really like Cerave Moisturizer PM It was around $8 on Amazon.
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence (specifically the 2015 version)! It is a Japanese sunscreen, but it's available on Amazon Prime. It's a fantastic sunscreen that dries very matte with no greasy feel and no white cast. It does have alcohol in it, although I have very dry skin and still have had zero problems with it. A definite holy grail for me =)
I also liked EltaMD UV Clear, but it's much pricier, pills a ton, and in general doesn't feel as nice on my skin. The niacinamide is great though.
Edit: Will add though that the Biore is meant for daily non-sports use. So if you're planning on using this for physical activity, it probably won't be the best choice. The same company also sells versions of that sunscreen that's more sweat/water resistant that I've heard good things about (this and this) , but I've never actually used any of them. I have heard that these tend to be a bit more drying than the Watery Essence though.
Here's my assessment and suggestions - you're basically OD'ing on oils. My guess is to combat dryness? But using lots of oils won't = hydration. It can caused congested skin.
Current routine AM - Potential Issues:
--Kiehl's ultra face cleanser = basic creamy cleanser. In theory, based on what I've researched, this should be fine for you to use. I believe it has has a pH of 5.5 (acidic) and looking at the first five ingredients, nothing offensive jumps out at me (I think a poster here said it was drying and had a high pH but that's not what I found on here). The marketing touts apricot and avocado oils which could be acne-causing but those are way down the ingredient list (apricot and avocado oil are high in "oleic" acid which acne-prone skin should stay clear from). I don't think this cleanser is anything special though so if it were me, I'd save my $ and put it towards effective actives (see below).
--lush scrub "Let the good times roll on" = corn, glycerin, corn oil. I’d stop using this manual scrub b/c it's full of corn oil and there more effective exfoliators out there, which is what you need right now to. Corn oil is moderate on the acne-causing scale. Too harsh, too much fragrance and there are more effective exfoliants out there.
--kiehl's reviving concentrate = oils. I’d stop using this b/c again, it's more oil.
--la roche posay tinted sunscreen = titanium dioxide, silicone, chemical sunscreens. Fine to use. Shouldn’t cause you issues.
Current Routine PM - Potential Issues = Oil OD!:
--Kiehl's cleansing oil = oils. I'd stop using this b/c I don’t think you need to double cleanse since you don't wear a lot of makeup. Double cleansing is helpful if you need to break down a lot makeup since cosmetics are primarily silicone/oil-based, oil breaks down oil. Just use a makeup remover where you where makeup.
--Kiehl's midnight recovery concentrate = a ton of oils. Some are good, some are iffy.
Too many in there. Definitely stop using this until you figure out what product is causing the comedones.
--Kiehl's ultra cream = emollient. Fine to use. It’s a great basic moisturizer.
--Paula's choice 2% BHA liquid = BHA. Definitely keep using this to keep your pore lining clean. This is an effective BHA. Won’t fix currently acne but will help prevent future.
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Suggested AM Routine + Products:
--Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - $11. Save some $ and try this tried and true cleanser that I recommend to everyone. It's creamy, non-drying and has a pH of 5.5 pH. Any skin type can us it and you can find it anywhere.
--Active: BHA: Keep using the PC BHA.
--Moisturizer: Kiehl's ultra cream. Fine to keep using. If you want a cheaper alternative, [CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM - $10] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Lightweight/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1519077120&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=CeraVe+Facial+Moisturizer+PM). You can use this day or night - ignore the PM marketing. This has a thinner consistency b/c it’s a lotion. If you like a thicker cream consistency, try [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - $12] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Cream-Daily-Moisturizer/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1519077377&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=CeraVe+Moisturizing+Cream) in the tub (fine for face and body).
--Sunscreen
Suggested PM Routine + Products:
--Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
--Actives: BHA then AHA: 1. BHA: Paula's choice 2% BHA then 2. AHA: [Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum - $19] (https://smile.amazon.com/Mizon-AHA-8-Peeling-Serum/dp/B00F35GT0W/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1519076979&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=Mizon+AHA+8%25+Peeling+Serum)
AHA can better penetrate your skin more effectively after a BHA is applied (AHA isn’t oil-soluble). They work synergistically together. Lots of folks will use an AHA immediately washing their face particularly in their oily T-zone and not see results. AHAs are non oil-soluble so they're not going to get results! Ideally, wait 15-20 min. between applications but no one has time for that!
--Moisturizer: Kiehl's ultra cream or CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM.
Is the redness just general redness in your skin, or is it redness leftover by acne? Either way:
I would start by finding a new cleanser, both AM and PM. Scrubs are very harsh and bar soaps are stripping and typically not the right pH for skin. Both off these things can compromise your skin barrier and make it look and feel worse, as well as inhibit it's ability to protect itself and heal. Your skin is your largest organ, don't think of it as something that needs to be dried out and stripped, it needs to be hydrated, moisturized, and healthy. I think this could definitely be contributing to your redness, at least in part. The most popular recommendations are listed in the holy grail cleanser thread, but CeraVe Hydrating, Neutrogena Hydrating, or Vanicream are good places to start.
I couldn't find your moisturizer, so I've got nothing in it specifically, but yet again, there's a holy grail thread for that. If you're concerned about redness, you could look for one that contains niacinamide, which helps a lot in reducing redness. CeraVe PM is a good drugstore moisturizer that contains ceramides, hylauronic acid, and niacinamide, all of which are very good for your skin.
The last thing you need for a good basic routine (and before you should start adding anything heavy duty like chemical exfoliation) is a good sunscreen. Wearing this everyday will help a lot with your redness. Oh look, a holy grail thread for that too!
Since you're relatively new at this, don't forget to patch test new products. And wait at least a week or two before adding the next new product. This can be time consuming but it makes it much easier if you start to break out to pinpoint which product is causing it.
Sorry, I realize this is very long, but getting a solid basic routine of cleanse, moisturize, and SPF is the most important and beneficial thing you can do. If you're getting into skincare and adding lots of things, you really need a baseline to fall back on if you need to. I'm glad you posted! Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, this subreddit is very helpful and only wants you to succeed!
Edit: I totally neglected to mention the side bar in this sub. Not sure If you've checked it out yet, but it is full of fantastic information that is very helpful.
Thayer's Witch Hazel toner (https://www.amazon.ca/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M). I've been using this for a couple months and it's helped a lot with my oiliness and acne. Plus it's alcohol free so it feels great on the skin. I'm not super good with ingredients so I can't speak to whether they're all natural or not, but there's a list pictured on the site.
My husband uses this immediately after shaving and swears by it. It also comes with an unscented version.
I don't personally use it, but I think a lot of people here like [Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner] (http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M).
Also, I noticed that you're using an AHA so you may want to think about adding a sunscreen to your routine since AHAs make you photosensitive :)
Be very, very, very patient. Improvements will probably not be seen until after 6 weeks. Also take it slow.
I use Cetaphil Gentle Facewash in the morning, followed by a couple of layers of Hada Labo Lotion/Toner, then a gel moisturizer, then SPF. I don't wear anything less than SPF 50.
In the PM, I use an oil cleanser, then Cetaphil, then tret. Then I use a few layers of the same Hada Labo toner before sealing in with my evening moisturizer mixed with a few drops of rosehip. I also usually apply a layer of Papaw ointment (basically fruity vaseline) which helps a lot
i reccomend heading over to r/asianbeauty
a common thing glosses over in western skin care is the use of layers for moisturizing. The one and done technique works for some, but not everyone. Asian skin care focuses on layers of light hydration from different hydrating toners, essences, serums and a final heavier cream. Using serums or hydrating toners before your main moisturizer like cerave is a great option to boost moisture content in your skin.
Ingredients like Hyaluronic acid is something to look for- its a humecant that can hold 1000 times in it weight in water- as a result instead of just keeping existing moisture in your skin like many moisturizers- it brings more moisture into the skin from the lower part of the epidermis or the environment around your skin.
For you however- if you do not want to go that route- i strongly reccomend a 5% urea cream like Euricins
urea will do the best job at getting rid of those flakes and scalyness- as a it helps dissolve keratin overloads.
If you want the best of both worlds - you could combine that moisturizer with a hydrating toner or essense underneath- like this Hada Labo Lotion or this Hada Labo Gel
that could also layer nicely under your thicker moiosturizer
in asian skin care the word lotion is used instead of toner. Toners(aka lotions) in asian skin care are not like western astringent ones- they are slightly liquidy and offer a great calming boost of moisture under your main moisturizer.
Sorry for the wall of text!
tl;dr
Moisturizing doest just have to be one step- using layers helps alot through serums, essences and toners.
I am looking for a new routine. I have ACNE prone skin and OILY skin. I am going to get CeraVe Foaming Wash and someone recommended to use the CeraVe pm moisturizer which is this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00365DABC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?qid=1465227509&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=cerave+moisturizer&amp;pi=SY200_QL40
But what about a moisturizer for the day? The CeraVe Moisturizer for the day has spf15 and I feel like that's too weak so is it ok to apply a stronger moisturizer after it such as the Eltamd UV Clear spf 46 or is there a better sunscreen that isn't oily and has spf as high as that? And I have acne prone skin so I was thinking of getting Keeva Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment Cream, 30gm since it has good reviews and it's a natural. And lastly I was planning to get Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads. Thank you for reading and for your time.
Non-mobile: Here
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
Starting with the sunscreens on the right.
1.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007408QD2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
2.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q1WT58/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
3.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007408PIS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
4.)http://www.amazon.com/Cure-Natural-Aqua-Gel-250ml/dp/B001ABLKK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1425251492&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cure+natural+aqua+gel
5.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSNBO9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
6.)http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-CP-Hadalabo-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000VSYBDI/ref=pd_sbs_bt_4?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=0JJEE4XYH7P2Z5QBB82C
7.) PD
8.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BS3Q372/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
9.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MDUEM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
10.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BN4BT0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
11.)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MDUE2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I have combination acne prone skin. I see decent results. I don't much care for aha+bha cleanser, #10, because it leaves my skin feeling dry, and because it seems a bit gimmicky. I also don't care much for #6 because it makes my skin feel too greasy for the day, and not greasy enough for night.
I have both aging concerns (I'm 39) and breakout prone skin and early this year I started implementing a skincare routine with mostly Korean products and it has helped tremendously (thanks r/asianbeauty!) Prior to this the ONLY moisturizer I'd ever found that did not break me out in cystic spots was the Clinique DDM gel moisturizer which isn't really very moisturizing.
With the k-beauty stuff I added BHA and AHA which helps with both acne and aging.
Another important thing to consider is PH. High PH cleansers like your Neutrogena scrub or Cetaphil are really not good for your skin. Some great low PH cleansers are Cerave foaming cleanser (not Korean/Asian), Su:m 37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EIMU3NU/ref=sxts2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482935590&amp;sr=2 ) and Hado Labo Gokujyn Cleansing Foam ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482935590&amp;sr=1 )
My current routine is:
AM:
PM:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482936697&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cosrx+bha+blackhead+power+liquid
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482936735&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cosrx+aha
(Then wait 20 minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ATLVNIS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482936487&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=missha+time+revolution
None of these products has broken me out. Since you are younger you might not feel the need for the anti-aging products I use (but it's never too early to start!)
As far as makeup: day-to-day I use powder foundation (Dermablend Intense Powder Camo) but for special occasions I use Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, it's the only full coverage liquid foundation that I have found that doesn't give me cystic spots OR totally break up on my nose from oil. It's pricey but a little goes a long way.
HTH! Good luck!
On my grimey days:
AM
-Cleanse with Oil mix (Sunflower/Neem/TeaTree)
-Wipe and wash that off with CeraVe Foaming (Just trying to finish it)
-Few drops of oil mix on damp face
-MUAC Oil free sunscreen
PM
-Oil cleanse again, wipe off with microfiber cloth
-Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel
-Nivea Creme
-Aquaphor
Most days I only cleanse at night, but I have been really inconsistent with my routine.
I just ordered a bunch of stuff!
I've always had an issue with acne. Early on I developed CSP (r/compulsiveskinpicking). Of course I didn't know this until recently and am working on it with my therapist. It's a small part of a larger issue.
However, my battle recently has been with my sebaceous filaments and blackheads. So I am going to follow this. I ordered the following:
So my current plan is this:
Daily evenings:
Daily mornings:
Every second morning:
I only wash my face in the evening otherwise it gets too dry. The less I touch (and pick) my face the clearer it is. It's a work in progress, but I'm excited to try my new supplies!
Why not try a hydrocolloid bandage? I had one that was sitting on my cheek for the longest time and it flattened that sucker out.
You can get them at your local Walgreens/CVS (if you're in the US) or possibly Shoppers if you're in Canada. Alternatively, I use these and I can't get enough. It comes in two sizes - one that's about 1 cm and one that's about 2.5-3 cm (just guesstimating).
Checkout this thread where another user who was tight on cash used an online derm and the $20 fee went towards the RX.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/ctoim2/acne_just_had_a_great_experience_using_an_online/
Not sure if you're limited to spending the Amazon gift card or if it could be fungible.
Edit:
You may want hydrocolloid acne patches to help speed up healing the spots you have. This is one option:
Nexcare Acne Cover, Hydrocolloid Technology, Invisible, 36 count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uFtODbYTY7H38
hi! warning: long post ahead, but i understand its always frustrating when you're used to your skin being one way then changing so just wanted to share what's helped me. i personally went through cystic acne hell and back.
also just wondering what face wash do you use, is it the micellar cleansing water?
anyway, here's some products that were all under $20 each, but were really effective in getting my acne under control:
number 1 recommendation is retinol. i use differin and it's made a world of difference. it's about $12 at the drugstore in the states and you don't need a prescription!
another thing that's worked for me is the oil cleansing method and just incorporating oils in my skincare (after some troubleshooting and learning more about oils). here's a good article:
http://www.minimalistbeauty.com/oils-specifically-for-acne-prone-skin/
another thing that's helped is making my own toner with ACV + water. super simple, but it's one of the most potent things that's worked with making my acne less inflamed and skin less oily. here's an article about that:
http://coconutsandkettlebells.com/diy-apple-cider-vinegar-facial-toner/
a clay mask once a week also does wonders for calming any redness and inflamed acne. or as spot treatment. i recommend the aztec clay mask + a bit of ACV / water:
https://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-Cleansing/dp/B0014P8L9W/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1505341329&amp;sr=sr-1&amp;keywords=aztec+clay
lastly, this acne patch has magically helped suck up the puss (gross, but satisfying) and helped me pick my acne less:
https://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Absorbing-Cover-Sizes-Count/dp/B00BRGUNV2/?th=1
overall, sounds like you're experiencing some hormonal changes (being a woman is great!) and that your skin's needing some more TLC, exfoliation, and moisture.
Blister bandages(hydrocolloids) or other acne patches (there are 2 kinds, tiny hydrocolloids, and little patches with acne medication on them) really help me with not picking. I use sterile lancets to gently poke a small hole in any whiteheads that I have, then I put the hydrocolloids on them and leave it on overnight or longer if I can. The hydrocolloids draw out and absorb fluid, so normally by morning they've absorbed most or all of what was in there.
For acne that isn't a whitehead I tend to use the other kind of acne patch to help keep from messing with it, the medicated acne patches are not good for absorbing fluid from whiteheads though. Also links are just for examples so you know what I'm talking about, I'm not recommending any specific product.
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O
I had the same issue and added the Hada Labo Hyaluronic lotion ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ztmgAbHNM2K9Z ) to my routine and they’ve disappeared. Maybe your skin just needs more hydration :)
You might be dehydrated. Have you tried more humectant hydrators, like a hyaluronic acid serum?
Thin one is kinda the gold standard:
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O
Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion, 140ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BS3Q0XE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_C50YxbYWK5767
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, 5.7 fl. oz. (170ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_c60YxbZS0KXWA
I am in a similar boat to you where a lot of things left me dry and flaky and I used cerave for the longest time before realizing it was actually causing some issues. I found those two lotions which are great. They are light and you don't notice them on your face but they relieve dry feeling and visible dryness and don't break me out. Added benefit of them being cheaper than some other similar things. Also wanted to throw in some personal experience. For years I went to a derm who always made changes that would be harsh on my skin but might fight acne but being so harsh they cause my skin to be irritated and get acne. I finally had enough and stopped going after they added epiduo Forte to my routine when I complained my tretinoin prescription was too strong (it was 4 times the amount I saw anyone else on here had) and they agreed to lower it if I added that which was super strong as well and things got worse. I did end up switching to curology (although I'm in the process of weaning off of that which is actually going really well) and switching off of the harsh antibacterial bar they recommended. Now I just wash my face with a good cleanser and use a bha and aha a couple times a week (I had tried them before and found exfoliating much too harsh while doing the rest) and moisturizer and my skin is the least dry and clearest I've had in the last 8 or so years. Basically I found that less is more and to focus on using things that help my skin be healthy rather than specifically targeting acne which is often drying. Now I'm not saying to ditch your derm. I did go on Accutane, twice actually, and it did help but I think, especially while on it, to just focus on skin health stuff since Accutane will dry it out more. Obviously everyone's skin is different but I thought I'd share this in case it might be helpful to you. Good luck.
I used to be very inconsistent with my tret when I was first prescribed it in high school and I got okay results, when I started using it regularly (after building resistance due to using it sporadically for that first year), that's when the really good results kicked in. I second what the above comment stated and pick one day of the week that you give it a break and use it consistently the other 6 days of the week!
My tips to reduce irritation:
I use a layering method and start with The Body Shop Tea Tree toner personally, non AB product that I found myself going back to again and again while I ventured through finding my routine. Tea tree oil is one of my favorite ingredients that helps keep my skin feeling fresh and aid in any hormonal breakout. I follow it up with Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist. A cult fave for AB is Klairs Supple Toner, Kikumasamune sake high moist lotion, and Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid.
Word from the old and practiced though? BUY SAMPLES before you spring for a full sized. u/gothickornchic sells a plethora of decants to sample before you commit to a full sized. It takes 2-3 weeks to see if your skin is going to respond well to a product, and it's awful to buy a full sized and find out that it's a dud, or worse, breaks you out.
It's super fun to buy new stuff but it eventually bites you in the ass. I used to just slather stuff on my face and wish myself luck. It back fired horribly on me back in May and I'm JUST now coming around to clear skin again. Now I test half my face for a week for a break out then another week to really see results.
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&amp;pd_rd_i=B00NTR9B6A&amp;pd_rd_r=GQARJSYA37GYHK6DDA84&amp;pd_rd_w=xTj7a&amp;pd_rd_wg=Anz1Z&amp;psc=1&amp;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.
I'm 39 too, with sensitive skin, and have had similar struggles with chemical sunscreens my whole life. I finally wound up picking up a physical suncreen from Korea before my last vacation (this one) and it made a world of difference. No sunburn, no reaction!
If you want more in depth advice, I highly recommend checking out r/AsianBeauty/.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++
It's only $9 on Amazon!
> have also heard 'CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM' might be good?
YES. It has niacinamide in it. I usually use this (lasts forever) before using CeraVe PM because of how harsh the weather has been here lately.
Just be cautious because some people are sensitive to ceteareth-20 and cetearyl alcohol, which can cause breakouts.
[Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist] (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zWGMzbKC9PY6M)
Loads of companies make hyaluronic acid. This one is my favourite.
I believe it would be this one - the Hada Labo Gokujyun (or Gokujun) lotion.
My skin has greatly improved on Nature Throid (the T3 does it, I'm sure).
I use Yes To Carrots fragrance free daily cream cleanser in the shower and Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ after.
I oil cleanse at night with jojoba oil and baby oil. The cream cleanser is the first one ever that doesn't make my skin feel tight or stingy after I rinse it off and the sunscreen is super moisturizing by itself. I used to use night cream and moisturize in the morning too but I haven't needed to do that in months now.
*Edit to add: I don't wear makeup except for mascara and lip gloss. My goal has been to make my skin as nice as possible so that I don't need foundation. If I really needed/wanted I've got some eyeshadows I sort of like but it is the foundation that I have always had problems with. I've tried L'Oreal, Cover Girl, Boots, Physician's Formula, and a couple other drugstore brands, but nothing ever lasts or sits right on my skin. So I just avoid it all. :/
This one definitely doesn't have zinc oxide: http://www.amazon.com/Shiseido-Senka-Aging-Sunscreen-SPF50/dp/B00IG12XLO
I use Shinseido Senka Aging Care
Asian sunscreens, like Japanese or Korean. American sunscreens are greasy as fuck.
These are pretty popular among my friends:
1
2
3
I am sure you can find them cheaper in Japanese or Korean online shops.
If you have an invasive skincare routine (AKA more than moisturizer and maybe a micellar water, you're inevitably making your skin more sensitive, and it needs SPF.
Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth, and it's SPF's job to prevent sun damage, not just to prevent sunburns, but the long term effects sun exposure on your skin. Aging, sun spots, rashes, discoloration, and exposure damage (sun and possibly blue screen light, though it's yet to be entirely proven it's something to be concerned about, better safe than sorry!), and if you weaken your skin from skincare things like acids, serums, and essences. It's important to sunscreen all exposed skin, especially if you work in front of a window, drive a lot, go for a ten minute walk, ect. I always put on sunscreen, personally, regardless of what I'm doing, and i do it on my hands, chest, neck, and face, minimally. Your moisturizer and foundation aren't going to be an enough of a concentrated even layer to properly protect you, nor the rest of your body. I highly recommend AT LEAST 30 SPF. SPF 30 keeps out 97 percent and SPF 50 keeps out 98 percent of UVB rays.
I use asian sunscreens on my face, and right now i'm using this on my face, and this on the rest of my body. The facial sunscreen has been working well, not even my nose has gotten sun touched this summer, and I find it isn't really dewy or matte, so it doesn't effect my base layer. (I have dry skin for reference). Whatever you decide to use I recommend avoiding non-facial sunscreens, and ones with high zinc levels (since they are typically prone to making makeup break up and causing break outs). Coola also might be worth looking into, since they make a variety of sunscreens for various skin types, though it is a wee bit more expensive. Both last a really long time, so it's not a seriously heavy cost investment, but so worth it. I hope you come around to appreciate a good sunscreen!
How much are you paying for Mizon? That brand is pretty cheap in my experience. CosRX has a similar snail cream, but I'd expect both to be around the same price point.
If you want the cheapest of the cheap you could go for the snail repair gel in the pink tube. Mizon's black snail AIO tends to be a little cheaper than the regular AIO; it has kind of an old lady smell, but I find it to be extremely soothing and still use it because I haven't found another product that works quite as well for immediately calming irritated skin.
If you're willing to move away from snail products, I've heard good things about the Rosette Aqua Ceramide gel and the Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel.
Hey,
I'm pretty new to AB (and skincare in general), and I've doing the generic 1st 2nd cleanser into toner + moisturizer for a month or two now, and I'm thinking of adding BHAs and AHAs into my routine.
I just wanted to ask how often should I use BHA and AHA.
Can I use them together?
I was thinking I should alternate days between them.
After toning and putting on the AHA/BHA, I read that I should wait 20-30 minutes before putting on moisturizer. Is that true?
This is my current routine.
I just purchased the Corsx BHA Blackhead Powder Liquid.
Does anyone have a good recommendation for an AHA product? Is the Mizon 8% Peeling Serum any good?
Oh, and I have this lying around the house. Is this a BHA product?
edit: Also, I also read that the Corsx BHA Blackhead Powder Liquid had higher than expected pH levels. Do I need to be worried about that, or has it been fixed?
You can order AA off Amazon. Melazepam Cream and here's a really informational blog post about it. I have been doing 2 nights tret alternated with 1 night AA for a few years and now and have great results, but my skin is on the sensitive side so you might be able to do it more frequently. Just remember you're using a strong active and go slowly.
I've also found that using a gentle BHA like theCosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid really helps. It's like the tret brings everything to the surface and then the BHA clears it out.
Disclaimer: Am a chick so I don't know shit about shaving the face/dryness from shaving/not shaving/whatevs.. However, the pimples with the whisker hairs man. I used to get this terrible ingrown hair pimple on my eyebrow. I think because I shaved those suckers off when I was a kid. ANYWAYS, a nice BHA cleared that right up. Also takes care of.. more delicate areas that are prone to those. I use the Cosrx BHA liquid once a day. You could try that and see if that helps. You def need to use a moisturizer every day if you use the BHA liquid. It's a little drying and can cause a brief period of purging where your skin breaks out.
Every single neutrogena product I've used has dried the hell out of my face/burned like the a thousand fiery suns. I switched to an Asian cleanser that is super gentle. It's about the only thing I can use without wanting to peel my skin off.
I also use a Japanese SPF because their SPF is so much better than American SPF. It doesn't have that funky sunscreen smell and feels like a lotion.
I don't use toner so I can't help with that one.
And my general go to recs for moisturizer involve snail slime and idk how you feel about that.
Skincare is a lot of trial and error in my experience. You kinda have to search for things that work for you.
You're doing well to moisturise after cleansing - keep doing that - but if your acne got worse after you started your routine, you might not be using the right products for your skin. Unfortunately it's a process of trial and error to find out what your skin likes, but cosdna.com is a good place to check if you think your products might be breaking you out.
I don't know what pore cleanser you're using, but you might want to try exfoliating with a product containing BHA/salicylic acid like CosRX Blackhead Power Liquid - you put it on after cleansing a couple of nights a week, and leave it for 20 minutes before putting moisturiser on top. It gets rid of dead skin and helps to unclog your pores. Check the sidebar of this subreddit as well for product recs and tips.
There is always the Snail Recovery Gel that is a huge hit among many users here and for a very good reason. I would recommend using it as a spot treatment because of how thick it is unless your face likes that sort of thing.
A thinner alternative is the COSRX Snail Essence which is cheaper than the Mizon Ampoule that I use. I actually have my father using the essence because of it's cost and thinness.
I would however say to stay away from the Mizon eye cream as it did absolutely nothing for me and my other friends who used it. But we also haven't had much luck with eye creams in general.
I love Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Power Essence! My skin also has a tendency to be a little dry too. I want to add that this in place of moisturizer may not be enough, especially if your SPF contains any drying ingredients.
Have you tried any gel moisturizers? They are much lighter and may work better in a hot and humid climate. On days where I am not doing all my normal steps, I will layer my products like so (after cleansing): Toner > Essence > Gel Moisturizer > SPF. Hope this helps!
If you like mineral oil as an oil cleanser I would also suggest Kose Speedy Cleansing Oil! It's a mineral oil based cleanser but washes off totally clean. I loved it and then tried to use plain mineral oil (aka from the laxative aisle) but hated how it wouldn't wash off clean even sometimes with a second cleanser.
Is it a good idea to reuse the packaging of the KOSE SOFTYMO Speedy Cleansing Oil? I bought it some time ago and realized it contains some ingredients that are bad for me, so ever since then it has just been lying around.
Right now I want to make my own Mineral & Cromollient SCE mix and I am currently looking for a decent pump dispenser. It's only that everyone I come across seems to have one or another issue, like leakage, rust and so on.
Since I had the Kose Softymo lying around I gave it a try and it is perfect. No leakage, it uses the stuff up all the way to the bottom and I especially like the white plastic thingy that prevents it from accidentally pumping. That way I can simply put it in my backpack and don't have to worry about anything.
The only thing is, is this really a good idea to reuse it over and over? From what I know people are pretty careful when it comes to plastic, since from what I know it sort of degrades and some of it could end up in the product you are using, which is why reusable packaging is often advertised as being BPA free and so on. I couldn't find anything on the Kose Softymo packaging.
Alternatively, I am also open to suggestions about other pump dispensers!
I have oily/combo skin, acne, sensitive/rosacea prone (getting the picture?) and I love using [Cerave's hydrating cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM). It's 8.38 on Amazon (great way to get it if you have prime). I don't like spending lots of money on a cleanser especially since you wash it right off. This cleans my skin, leaves it feeling hydrated (doesn't strip the moisture barrier) without making me more oily. Let me know if you have more questions, I love talking about skin care.
Also you can usually print off a $2 coupon from cerave's website. The cerave cleanser has last me over 3 months and I don't think I'm half way through yet.
UK based? Asos and BeautyBay.com sell The Ordinary. Useful if you have Premier with Asos.
I suffer from redness and a few scars too, out of their range I love the Advanced Retinoid & Rose Hip Seed Oil (Used both for 6+ Months). Just trying out VitC Suspension by them (for 2 weeks) and I do see slight improvements - was using their Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
(I'm also using a BHA Toner from CosRX - using my hands not a cotton pad, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF55 Sunscreen, and cleanser by Aesop or CeraVe)
Back to The Ordinary, I have tried their Niacinamide, Azelic Acid and Arbutin, they didn't play nice with my skin, and became really irritable...more than likely they reacted with the CosRX - which is my wonder product for AM I haven't broke out since using it (Retinoid is my PM godsend)...and I didn't think they worked well on alternating days - Also CosRX has some Niacinamide already so didn't want to overdo it.
For what it's worth, I'm male, with light brown skin (I guess in between 3 and 4 on Fitzpatrick scale)...and I have waffled on too much, I apologise.
Tiny Bumps and Redness on Forehead, as well as Puffy, Reddish Skin (and large-ish pores) Around the Nose
I've been dealing with tiny bumps on my forehead (along with redness in the middle of the forehead) and puffy, red skin around my nose (between the nose and the cheekbone). Plus, the pores around my nose seem larger than on the rest of my face. It's not terribly severe, but it's enough to knock down my confidence a peg and it's a touch uncomfortable. I've taken three pictures, though they aren't great due to the camera.
Here are two after a morning workout and before a shower;
1.
2.
Here's one about a half hour after my shower;
1.
The redness and bumpiness is worse than the pictures show. Not by too much, but by a bit. Enough to where that section of my face looks noticeably redder than the rest.
I've dealt with this issue for years. Longer than I can remember. I've never had terrible acne and what I did have stopped after 21. So, it's just mostly this. Here are some other details;
About a month ago, I started using Cerave Moisturizing Cleanser during my daily shower. I think* I noticed a small improvement in the quality of my skin. To deal with dryness, I tried using a St. Ives Moisturizer but it wound up making my skin burn and causing other problems, so I ditched it.
Whew, that brings me to now. I don't know what's causing this problem. It's not terribly severe, but I want to fix it. And I figure asking you guys would be the best way to do that. My main questions are: What is causing these two issues? And how can I fix them?
I hope to hear something good.
Hello.
I'm trying to surprise my wife for her birthday with some AB products. My only reference point is that she has sensitive to breakout oily/combination skin and has pinned some items on Pinterest.
Here's what I have so far:
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_2OMmraOvVHpYA
belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb [Korean Import] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H4GOAZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_E8213xrgbYSfV
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, 1 fl. oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017SWIU4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_TBxTTig7H3qSs
Elizavecca 24K Gold Waterdrop 2hsam Cream Mask https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZDKOVE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.5mNzb3QFYZMG
Also some Stridex pads (she loves to use mine)
Is this enough to create a routine? If so what would the routine be? If not what am I missing?
Any and all help would be appreciated.
I've had that exact pack on my wishlist for a few weeks and keep hesitating to buy them... maybe it's time. The price is so unbeatable.
I think you are confusing the terms hydrocolloid and occlusive. Petroleum jelly is an occlusive, which is explained in "Classes of moisturizers" in the side bar, while hydrocolloids are a completely different thing. Hydrocolloids are bandages that absorb wound exudate, or in other words the icky stuff that comes from a wound like the pus from a pimple. You can buy fancy ones like these that are already in a circle shape or most drug stores will carry hydrocolloid bandages like this that you can cut into smaller sizes. I'm suffering from a bout of hormonal chin acne too and I find that hydrocolloids stop me from touching my chin as well. I don't find my chin acne to be "itchy" though since mine just feel sore and painful. Do you think the itchiness is from dryness?
That image on the box doesn't look like a plain hydrocolloid bandage. They don't have that "netting" material part.
I order the 3M Nexcare ones from Korea. Nothing else works as well for me. 3M knows what they're doing.
I am about to start month 2 on Tuesday. I experience moderate peeling lips as some dry skin, but I’m very good at keeping both in check. (EDIT: When I skip any part of my skin routine, the full force of my dry skin comes to surface. But with diligence, you can moderate it!) Neither have become a real problem for me since my skincare routine is so meticulous.
One sunscreen I really love and recommend is Skin Aqua because it is mineral oil- and alcohol-free, plays very well with makeup, and is moisturizing. It dries with a clear, satin finish— no white cast. I’m a huge proponent of sunscreen and have been wearing it daily for a few years, but I’m going EXTRA hard given how sensitive my skin is on Accutane.
You should take a look at r/asianbeautyexchange and r/makeupexchange for sample sizes on sunscreen so you can test ones for super cheap without committing to something you may end up hating!
DOUBLE EDIT: Back and joint pain is VERY real for me. My job is physically demanding and this just compounds the issue for me, but I am now taking joint supplements which do help some. Also I noticed my bruising is off the charts! Emotionally, I’ve been all over the place but now that month 1 is coming to a close, it has been better. I also started therapy when I started Accutane to keep myself in check and this has been a huge help to me.
Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk is an FA-safe chemical sunscreen. (I also use it and haven't had any issues.) And this post on r/AsianBeauty includes a list of FA-safe sunscreens.
if you dislike the greasy one asian sunscreen might be a better choice. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRBST6H
I am so pleased for you with the progress you have had! Keep in mind that there are different formulas of the Biore watery essence sunscreen based on the year of release with some being very impressive and others less so. If you are wanting to keep with an asian beauty sunscreen that is less expensive I would recommend either A'PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++ or ROHTO Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++) 40mL.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRBST6H/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2YIRF40Q2TAPK&amp;psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J2Q5MSS/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=A3CSJO25HB80UV
u/Munashii The green Italy towels for physical exfoliation are the friggin shit. Get them at your local asian/korean store though. Amazon is expensive. The "large" size barely fits my tiny hands. I also use Stridex Red Box and Kiku. All this has almost eliminated my KP completely. KP isn't going to go away forever so you'll have to keep up with this routine to keep them at bay.
What??? I live in England, and got 110 for £8.99? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NUN8BK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_rcJJub1BGFND4
Are you in the UK? from that comment it sounds like you are.
I second adding a BHA product like Stridex Maximum Strength Pads. The BHA here is salicylic acid, which is like roto-rooter for your pores (an aesthetician told me that once and I liked it).
The biggest game changing secret though is an oil cleanser. You can't go wrong with this one. Video here. It's an extra step, but it transformed washing my face into a relaxing experience I look forward to.
I see Stridex in the red box for $3.59!
Edit: Also GlamGlow Bright Mud
Mint Julep Masque
Alpha Hydrox Souffle
Alpha Hydrox Intensive Serum
Aura Cacia Argan Oil
Alpha Hydrox Night Replenishing Cream
Alpha Hydrox Sheer Silk Moisturizer
Clinique Dramatically Different Gel
You might want to consider a BHA chemical exfoliant. It's helped my black heads and evened my skin tone. The two popular ones are Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid or Stridex Red. Both can be a little drying, so start with using it once a day, maybe every two to three days, and then slowly increase usage.
It really depends on your skin and how intensive your workout is. Some people are very prone to sweating; combined with make-up they end up with clogged skin/pores. However, if you feel like you won't sweat too much/not prone to skin clogging then you should be fine. I personally would never exercise with make-up on (then again I don't really exercise, period. lol).
If I am actually to get off my lazy ass and exercise I would do something like this:
My skin is very oily and I have hormonal acne and PIH due to the cysts. I've seen a derm and she prescribed me some things that I'm combining with others I've found and tried for the last months. So far, the things that aren't expensive and are improving the general look of my face and controlling oiliness are:
Good luck, btw, I'm a girl not "sir" lol.
For flaking skin, I love to read /u/Sharkus_Reincarnus 's blog posts. She is on tretinoin too and talks a lot about hydrating skincare products. Here is her routine specifically for tretinoin, and another post about tretinoin skincare.
For me, I have heard great things about rosehip oil added into nighttime creams to boost moisturization(I made this word up). I use it sometimes but sometimes I think it is TOO heavy but YMMV.
I do think AHA is better for surface exfoliation, and is usually the best product for CC's. Especially good for a tretinoin face to consider yourself dry-skinned anyway.
For PIH, introducing more products with niacinamide would be great for skin, and hydrating! I use the Scinic AIO Honey Ampoule and Cerave PM, both are economical products that contain niacinamide at the same time!
Ooo and as for Hada Labo I use their Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion and like it a lot! I use it a hydrating toner after doing all my actives. I (like to) think it plumps my skin up and makes product absorption easier in the rest of my rotuine
Potentially Dumb Question here
Is there a difference between
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion?
&
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist?
I have Hashimoto's and really dry skin (my scalp is horrible, too). The digestive issues could be a factor, if you're not really absorbing nutrients properly. Paleo is good for you, in-general, but I think it moreso works with "clearing up" skin, like with acne, rosacea, and so-on. I recently started getting into Asian skincare, as they focus on lots of light layers of hydration. My skin used to scale and flake, but now it's nice and soft!
I use a low PH face wash only once a day. Too much cleansing can rid your skin of it's natural oils. I swap between this Cerave cleanser and this Hada Labo one. Then I use this lotion (which is more of like a serum) and this gel moisturizer.
I'd suggest reading into the science behind humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Example, you can use a lotion, but if it doesn't have any type of occlusive ingredients, the product and all the moisture will just evaporate/dissipate; it needs something to seal it in. And as much as Asian skincare seems like a million steps, you can really work with just 3 or so products.
Not AB, but Avene Cicalfate is my dry skin HG product (I feel like I should be getting a commission from them...). Also really love Missha's Time Rev Essence mask - but it's pricey for a mask IMO.
I also totally second the hada labo gokuhyun lotion recommendation. Total game changer when paired with Avene Cicalfate.
That's fair. It is pretty overwhelming and there are a lot of good products out there, but they won't necessarily all work for you.
If you bought one of everything in the actives list, you'd probably a) end up spending way too much money and b) end up with really unhappy skin.
So, with that in mind, here's my personal recommendations from where I'd start if I was in your shoes (i.e. decent skin, no routine to speak of, but looking to make some anti-aging protection moves).
AM:
PM:
If you want to add some actives (which it sounds like you do!) you need to add them one at a time once you're sure the cleanse/spf/moisture routine is working for you (i.e. you're not breaking out or anything, and your skin feels happy). Even if you think your skin is good and tolerant, it can still not like something, and it's easiest to know what's what if you add them one at a time.
For actives, good options would be:
Vit C is a bit more on the expensive side. I just bought the Paula's Choice C15 serum - which RRPs at $49 (I managed to get it at $39 with a referral code and discount when I was making an ordeR) - but it's a popular, good forumulation serum that is recommended for anti-ageing / blemish reduction etc. http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/targeted-solutions/_/Resist-C15-Super-Booster/
I still haven't found a retinol product that I like, but I have been using the Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night which isn't too expensive and is at least moisturising (for me, at least, some find products like this drying).
OK. So, you've now actually roughly got my routine as my own personal recommendations. :) I have dry, pretty tolerant skin, no acne, but also working on anti-aging (I'm about to turn 34).
edit: fixing some stupid reddit formatting. :D
You can buy the red box Stridex on Amazon!
A lot of people here love the Sridex pads: https://www.amazon.com/Stridex-Med-Pads-Size-90ct/dp/B000NUN8BK
Don't use a BHA yet myself, but this brand gets a lot of love.
Hello and welcome! I just want to tell you that I'm pretty sure every single person in this sub is freaking adorable so I'm sure you will meet all sorts of entertaining and awesome people here. :) I'm so psyched for you!
In terms of exfoliation, speaking very broadly (i.e. there are always exceptions to what I'm about to say), AHAs are generally recommended for dry skin, while BHA is recommended for oilier skin types. I think things will work better for you if you attempt to tackle one problem at a time. For instance, for pimples, Paula's Choice BHA 2% liquid is my absolute holy grail product, but a drugstore BHA such as Stridex may work equally as well, and perhaps would be something to try first since it's more easily accessible. Speaking of Stridex, try to make everything you use as gentle (checkmark on the Cetaphil) and as alcohol-free as possible - your skin is dry and we don't want it to get even more dry. :( My skin gets dry in the winter and the itchiness can just drive me up the wall.
And yes, start moisturizing every day, morning and night - just a pea-sized amount, I promise it won't be greasy. And if it is, we'll figure something out. If you're still feeling dry after that, we can think about changing or supplementing your moisturizer. :)
Welcome again!
Edit: I just saw a pattern in your description of pimples! Scalp, forehead, shoulders and upper back? Check your shampoo/conditioner/other hair products for clogging ingredients!
Any hydrocolloid bandage will work. Hydrocolloid is a type of bandage not a brand. I've bought some from Shoppers, sometimes they even have the ones specifically for acne. Look in the skincare section.
For stridex I think amazon is the only place. Link Here
Using a 2% salicylic acid topical would help diminish the appearance of your pores. Personally, I've been using these - they're extremely cheap whether you buy them online or in drug stores
>As stated below look into /r/SkincareAddiction[1] . They'll probably you using an AHA exfoliant to get clear out the darker pigmentation.
This guy is right, and as a browser of SCA, you are most likely going to be recommended Stridex Red Box You can get a smaller box for about $3.55 at the store. Don't expect to see results right away, probably a few months before you notice anything.
Might be a minor form of ingrown hairs. Official derm name: Pseudofolliculitis Barbae - "Razor bumps are a common skin condition that occurs as a result of shaving. The condition is more common in men and usually occurs on the face."
BHA (beta hydroxy acid or salicylic) can help clear out and prevent them and reduce redness. Paula's Choice BHA 2% liquid is a popular choice here.
But a much cheaper option is Stridex pads, you can pick them up at your local Walgreens or CVS
Also here is a old thread with people discussing how stridex helped people get rid of their ingrown hairs
Good luck!
Hey! I'm just an SCA lurker so I hope someone with a wealth of experience comes in to give you some more specific recommendations. For now I'll just give a comment to get you looking in the right direction until someone comes along to give more specific help.
First off, for acne, most people here recommend using Stridex in the red box. There it is on amazon but you can usually find it cheaper in drug stores. It's good because of the 2% salicylic acid which helps dissolve dirt & dead skin in your pores without damaging the healthy skin.
What is your current routine? Do you use a cleanser? If you can share that information it will help everyone understand how to help much more.
I do not live in Australia, I didn't mean to make it sound that way, my bad! I just know Cetaphil is easier to get and im pretty sure it's sold in your guy's stores too.
After reading around this sub for a few days, I realized that using those neutroegna scrubbing exfoliants may have been adding to my dryness, so I switched over to just exfoliating with stridex pads instead. (rubbing my face enough to get the dead skin and stuff off).
So basically my routine is just
I'm still pretty new to this stuff, so apologies if this routine is really bad! The people here are usually pretty good about weighing in and correcting bad info.
I don't have pics to show, but I just thought I'd share my skincare routine that has worked perfectly for me over the past year or so.
Mornings:
Clean & Clear Continuous Control
[Cerave Foaming Face Wash] (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1484241816&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=cerave)
[Some sort of gentle anti-fatigue/illuminating moisturizer] (https://www.amazon.com/Garnier-SkinActive-Anti-Fatigue-Hydra-Gel-Moisturizer/dp/B016855X98/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1484241883&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=anti+fatigue+moisturizer) (I use this one now, but have used others in the past)
Evening:
Stridex in the Red Box
Bio Oil
Cerave Moisturizing Cream
On Occasion:
Something with Retinol
Aztec Clay Mask
And when it's sunny/if you are spending a lot of time outside, make sure to use a morning moisturizer with SPF in it.
This product has worked wonders for me. You can read more reviews for it here.
Also, I highly recommend visiting /r/SkincareAddiction if you haven't already.
Why don't you suggest a BHA or AHA? These chemical exfoliants accomplish the work of physical exfoliants without harming your moisture barrier and skin in general. A common, inexpensive BHA is Stridex in the red box (maximum strength, alcohol free). One AHA is glycolic acid, I've seen nip and fab pads that contain this.
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.
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.)
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 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!
So just got into skincare. I'm a male and I train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (lots of sweat, chafing, mat burns, other people's sweat) and go to the gym, 6-7 times a week combined.
Skin type: normal to dry, have dermatitis on my head (red spots) and face (left and right, 1cm from my nose). My skin has a reddish color after I've used Roaccutane for 6 months to battle back acne.
Routine: Cerave hydration facial cleanser and moisturizing lotion (the cream is a bit too thick/sticky).
Also, I've bought the cetaphil soap bar for my face, and stridex 2% pads to use after training.
Issue: Specifically, after BJJ I've noticed that my skin is damaged. Just using moisturizer for now. Also, maybe something to restore my natural color (white) instead of the reddish hue?
Location: Ukraine (Slavic skin)
Hope you find something that's right for you!
Besides The Ordinary's line of chemical exfoliants, Paula's Choice, COSRX and Stridex are examples of some other well-known brands that make AHAs and BHAs that a lot of users here seem to like.
However when it came to AHAs, one that I personally preferred using over the other more popular recommended ones was the Glycolic Acid Facial Toner by Reviva Labs since it's only 3% glycolic acid as opposed to 7%. The 3% was just right for my skin, while the 7% would irritate it.
Some things that might help:
Anything that goes near your chin (hands, chinstraps, jacket collars, pillows, etc) needs to be washed regularly and thoroughly. Try to touch your face as little as possible!
A good cleanser and chemical exfoliant can help you out. Some commonly recommended products here on SCA are CeraVe's foaming cleanser and Stridex pads (the red box, not green box). Both will help keep your skin clean and remove any bacteria that are causing you problems. It is important when using an exfoliant that you use a lotion afterwards so your skin doesn't get too dry, moisturized skin feels and looks better! Another common product here is CeraVe's lotion (there's a pump kind that's thinner, and a jar kind that's thicker and creamier).
Hydrocolloid bandages are a godsend if you have any active acne! If the blemish is 'open', cut off a small portion of the bandage and put that on the offending zit after you wash and moisturize your face for the night. By the time you wake up, most (if not all) of the fluid from the acne will be absorbed into the bandage, leaving the blemish flat and less red.
I hope this information is helpful to you! Acne can be so painful and embarrassing, but it can be managed and fixed. Best of luck! :)
Hello,
Thank you for the great thread. I am just building my kit at the moment so wanted to get some suggestions. My background:
I am a 24 year old male who has had acne since I was a teenager. I used to have Moderate acne but it has reduced to a mild case of acne mainly on cheeks and forehead. I believe I have oily skin as well. I have been using Proactiv most recently and found that it was working. I typically use it once a day with the three step process. I am considering moving to the following set up based on the post:
I am planning on following the AM/PM routine mentioned by OP. My question is that is this a good place to start? This kit will be costing me close to $50 so just wanted to get some suggestions before i purchase. Thanks for the help!
I added some Asian skincare stuff to my routine and it's helped greatly. It's more about layering on moisture vs using one super hydrating product. For more info visit /r/AsianBeauty and check out the sidebar. Here's what I use:
I use Thayer's alcohol-free toner year round, twice a day which helps keeps the flakes away. Also, I use Stridex red pads for chemical exfoliation, but I can't use them more than once a week now that it's winter. I normally use those every other day in the summer.
You may want to try only washing your face in the evenings, and just using water to cleanse in the mornings. Some days I need to wash my face before applying sunscreen, especially if it's a greasy day.
Sorry I have a lot of questions...
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
Is it recommended to double cleanse? I don't wear makeup either. If so, any inexpensive but effective oil cleansers? I heard about Banila Co Zero Purity but it's kinda expensive....
EDIT: Do you recommend the [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V2FBAQ/ref=cm_wl_huc_continue](Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil)? The price is low so I'm sorta skeptical..
Do you recommend the CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser? I looked on Soko Glam and it says it has a pH of 8.9 so I'm kinda curious..?
Should I get the Mizon Recovery Gel Cream or the Mizon Black Snail All in One Cream?
For a toner, should I get something targeted towards my skin or something just hydrating...? Because I was thinking of getting the famous Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion?
What are effective spot treatments for acne?
Thank you~ <3
I'm so tempted by the Mizon Black Snail AIO Cream because I can't stop seeing recommendations for it! But I've also been looking at the Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream because it's even more affordable. Thoughts?
Actually no, the most common one people use is less than $10 on Amazon :)
edit: the link in my comment is actually for a pack of 2, if you only want 1 it's even cheaper.
Hi! I suffered from oily sensitive skin problems too before! Here's the routine I followed and I noticed a big difference:
Face Wash (2 times a day): I used simple korean face washes and these worked wonders for me! You can find really cheap face washes at Marshalls/TJ Maxx or at Amazon. Here's a good brand: https://www.amazon.com/Etude-House-Baking-Powder-Cleansing/dp/B00819F4OO/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1520014584&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=korean+baking+soda+face+wash
Toner (2 times a day): SUPER IMPORTANT! I used alcohol free which is super important if you have sensitive skin. I highly recommend this toner I still use it to this day and my skin has calmed a lot and become so soft. You can get this on amazon or any local stores really like Sprouts or even Marshalls TJ Maxx. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B007HD570Q/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1520014674&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=thayers
Moisturize (2 times a day): I know it seems weird to moisturize an oily face but trust me its needed. Sometimes your skin might be super oily since its not receiving enough moisture and thus overcompensates by producing a bunch of oil (I've heard this before I'm not a doctor though). You just can't use super creamy moisturizers. This is my go to really light moisturizer. I prefer gel moisturizers since they don't feel as heavy on my face and provide a good balance to my skin. Link: https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-Count/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1520014798&amp;sr=1-6&amp;keywords=mizon+snail
Face Mask (once or twice a week): Since you have sensitive skin I don't recommend using Charcoal as it might be too harsh. I instead use any exfoilating (or non exfoliating) masks with tumeric. It's a great anti inflammatory perfect for sensitive skin. I use this one personally: https://www.amazon.com/YLLO-Turmeric-Scrub-Chickpea-Exfoliant/dp/B0764M4MWT/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1520014932&amp;sr=1-13-spons&amp;keywords=tumeric+mask&amp;psc=1
Again you just have to experiment with what works best for your skin. It's a difficult process but I'm sure you'll find a way. Sorry for the really long post but I hope this helps! :)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AgPzybW9HN778
This is the one that I ordered, which I think I originally saw linked in a random text thread here on MUA as well, lol. I hope you see results with it! :)
Hello everyone! I was in the market for a lightweight gel type moisturizer as summer approaches. Heard lots of good things about the Mizon Snail Gel Recovery Gel Cream in the pink tube. Peach & Lily is sold out of it at the moment - does anyone know if this seller on Amazon is legitimate or has had experience with them? Their store is called "Mod My Beauty". Their price for a two pack is so reasonable it makes me raise an eyebrow but I am new to the AB game.
Thank you all for any insight!
I hope this helps - here is a link to Hellocos's listing for Mizon Snail Gel Cream. Scroll down a ways and the discounts are listed under "special offer" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NTR9B6A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=A1PDWBZRML2LBW
https://www.amazon.ca/Cosrx-Blackhead-Power-Liquid-100ml/dp/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1485629273&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cosrx+bha+blackhead+power+liquid
It is gentler than the PC one, but still works well for many people.
I like Clean and Clear spot treatment. Since the concern is for the majority of your face, I'd recommend the CosRX BHA Power Liquid
I LOVE AZELAIC ACID. So I pretty well thought I would live with a red face forever along with a severely damaged moisture barrier. The biggest thing that helped me was azelaic acid. I use Melazepam from Amazon. Cheap and works! It's thick at first but smoothes into my skin leaving it kinda matte. At first it itched like crazy and I wasn't using it consistently enough. Then after more research, I decided to use it up and give it a chance. Along with anything high in ceramide, my skin got used to the 20% AzA. Maybe around the 10th day of twice daily use, my skin finally started to look normal. I also switch my oil cleanser to an olive oil based one and saw even more improvement in my redness. I've just added in Vit C to my under eye area and continuing to use Melazepam around the rest of my face and neck and my ENTIRE COMPLEXION is EVEN NOW! Would never have believed that was possible. Melazepam has also minimized my SFs on my nose, has finally stopped this ingrown hair on my neck from forming (I've had it for years!!!), and has cleared all the CCs on my forehead. I repeat: I loooooove azelaic acid, specifically Melazepam!
Current routine:
AM
Garnier Micellar Water - pink cap or Cerave Foaming cleanser
Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner
BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks
Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose. Sometimes I wait after the Vit C but not usually since I don't use them in the same spots.
I do wait 15-20 minutes after my actives step.
SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method. My face loves this more than the Missha FTE.
SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule or SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule depending on the day.
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
A'PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++ I don't see much sunlight at all but when I do, this one keeps me from turning beet red imediately upon application.
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Derma Green-Cure Solution Recover Cream This is the best thing I've found for redness and skin barrier repair! My skin loves ceramides so much and this soothes like nothing I've found yet.
Medela Tender Care Lanolin Tube on my lips. Yes it's nip cream. I couldn't use it all up while nursing and it causes my skin to redden so it's perfect for a little lip color.
PM
ROHTO Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil My skin reacted to Holika Holika Soda Pore B.b Deep Cleansing Oil so this is my second one to try and I'm really enjoying it.
Cerave Foaming cleanser with a konjac sponge but waiting on
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam in the mail.
Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner
BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks
Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose like the AM.
SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method.
All depending on how I'm feeling that evening:
LJH TeaTree 90 Essence
SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule
SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule
Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream
Petitfee Black Pearl and Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch Not sure if I like these or not honestly...
Some or all of these layers followed by CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and
Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream
Pretty sure my shower filter, Mermosis, has also helped my skin and hair.
I also use sometimes REVITABOOST PEEL Anti-Aging Peel Pads or Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid but I skip my AzA on those days and just go back to my regular routine the following day. These are rare for me though because they make me ridiculously red again.
Things I'm waiting on in the mail:
ROSETTE Aqua Ceramide Gel
Rumase BIFIDA Snail Toner
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
It's Skin Power 10 Formula - PO Effector
Hoping the all work well for me too!
Hey everyone... I have decided I'm going to try the CORSX Blackhead Power Liquid as my BHA, and I am wondering where to purchase CORSX products online (preferably with free shipping)
...Ulta seems to be sold out of them online. Can I purchase them on Amazon? I've seen it here but just wondering if it is legit. Or is Sokoglam the best place to purchase them?
Here's a blog reading list for you: the venerable Fiddy Snails, Fanserviced, and Snow White and the Pear. These blogs have been INVALUABLE resources for me in learning about skincare and AB.
And here's a very, very, very, VERY loose shopping list, with one major caveat: PATCH. TEST. Don't just buy a new product and slap it on your face. Choose a spot on your face - somewhere where you break out easily, like next to your nose - and dab a little of that product there every day for 10-15 days. See what happens. This is how I learned that my beloved Hadalabo Gokujyun lotion doesn't break me out, but it does break out a lot of other people.
CLEANSERS:
You need two. An oil cleanser to use in the evening to thoroughly remove sunscreen and makeup, followed by a foaming or gel cleanser. I like Hada Labo Gokujyun foaming cleanser as a second cleanser (it's the only one I use in the morning). Kose Softymo is an affordable oil cleanser for the evening.
ACTIVES:
These are ingredients that Do Things to your face, such as exfoliants (BHA, AHA, vitamin C) and disinfectants (benzoyl peroxide). I am drastically simplifying. At the moment you're using two products that contain benzoyl peroxide, a disinfectant. It's time to round out your active diet, with the big caveat that irritation = redness. I'll say it again - ditch the astringent, it's only causing the redness you're trying to avoid. If you're going to add new actives to your routine, do it very gradually. Patch test, then start using it every other day.
Things you could try: I'm in love with C21.5 vitamin C serum. This is an affordable powerhouse of vitamin C, that promotes skin cell turnover and does a bang-up job of dealing with pigmentation. It does oxidise easily, though, so you need to keep it in the fridge and toss it when it starts to turn yellow. In terms of exfoliants, Cosrx BHA Power Liquid and AHA Power Liquid are fan favourites. They feel remarkably gentle on the skin, and do a great job of gently exfoliating. If I were you I'd start with the BHA, as BHAs are great at exfoliating within the pore, soothing redness and treating/preventing acne.
SUNSCREEN
I'm here to give you the greatest lesson you'll ever learn: the best anti-ageing treatment is sunscreen. You are 15. It's time to set up a lifelong sunscreen habit. And Asian sunscreens feel better than any western equivalent. RatzillaCosme is a goldmine of sunscreen reviews. The first Asian sunscreen most people try is the legendary Biore Watery Aqua, which is inexpensive and easy to snag on Amazon.
DA SNAILZ
Snail products are wonderful at reducing redness and inflammation. There are just... so many snail products out there. A great starting point is Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, which is a great final moisturiser at night if you've got oilier skin. I'm also partial to the all-in-one repair cream, which is actually more of a 'whipped' essence than a cream, but feels wonderfully soothing on my oilier skin.
Hope this helps!
Here's a link to the BHA. It's not actually Prime but the delivery is free and took maybe a week. https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85Z%C3%95%C3%91&amp;qid=1483966717&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&amp;keywords=cosrx+bha+blackhead+power+liquid&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=31bX%2BCFCZeL&amp;ref=plSrch
If you look at the related articles, there's actually a whole bunch of stuff available.
Can you tell I hail from /r/Asianbeauty? ;-) I use this one
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Advanced-Snail-Mucin-Essence/dp/B00PBX3L7K
Here's some reading on the benefits of snail:
https://www.futurederm.com/is-snail-mucin-really-good-for-your-skin/
I would think it should help with dry skin post-shower - it feels pretty moisturizing. If you're using it at the end of the day though, you might want to find a face cream that is more night-oriented (since you won't need the SPF). This lovely subreddit has turned me on to CeraVe, and I've been using their PM moisturizer (http://www.amazon.com/Cerave-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1375644665&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=cerave+pm) for a few days now and am so far pretty happy with it! (:
An excellent moisturizer with excellent ingredients that won't break the bank is [Cerave PM] (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_beauty_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1478021646&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=create+pm)
Heres a good routine to start in the AM:
PM:
Happy to answer any specific questions :) Good luck!
Cleanser: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-oz/dp/B000YJ2SKM/
AM/PM toner: http://www.paulaschoice.co.uk/resist-advanced-replenishing-toner-skin-remodeling-complex.html
AM treatment: https://www.victoriahealth.com/product/Vitamin-C-Suspension-23-HA-Spheres-2/12197
AM moisturizer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-AM/dp/B003WN1ELQ/
PM moisturizer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM/dp/B00365DABC/ or if your dry skin needs something thicker - https://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Intensive-Stretch-Mark-Cream/dp/B00IFH3FIY/
PM treatment: https://www.victoriahealth.com/product/Advanced-Retinoid-2/12195
They're not all from Amazon, but they're all located within the UK so shipping charges should be minimal. I would also recommend waiting for a promotion (either free shipping or % based discount) from Paula's Choice before purchasing the toner.
In terms of cleansers, Hada Labo certainly has some good ones. This one has been a hit with my sister, who deals with both acne and sensitivity. I love the toner that /r/sca recommended, but you may want to try it in person. Hada Labo offers different kinds of hyaluronic acid toners, with this "Moist" one being the heaviest/thickest one. They also have a lighter version that you may prefer (I know my sister thinks the Moist version is too heavy).
I hope you enjoy Taiwan! Taipei is a wonderful city, lots of good food and fun.
http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1419011060&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=hada+labo+cleanser
I think this is one that most people will recommend for you
Edit edit edit
3). I've never personally tried secret key! Maybe the holy grail list. Can help? What I do know, as far as 3 in 1 products go, hada labo perfect gel http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hada-Labo-Koi-Goku-Jun-Whitening-Perfect/dp/B00BQV36BM I have heard only good things about. (try searching the product name in this subreddits search function and are what people say!) None of those 3 are exfoliants. Here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F35GT0W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420455918&amp;sr=8-1&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=31IYRNG-byL&amp;ref=plSrchπ=AC_SY200_QL40 is an aha exfoliant (for exfoliating dead skin), here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_3_5?ie=UTF8&amp;k=Ciracle+bha&amp;sprefix=Cosrx are a few bha exfoliants (for exfoliating inside the pore). I personally have only ever used bha and aha exfoliants from paulas choice, also found on amazon, and have only good things to say about it. If you don't want to pay that much for their products, stridex pads are a good non-asian beauty alternative for a bha and st ives exfoliating pads or nip + fab glycolic fix are good non-ab options for an aha. all found on amazon. Please also note that exfoliants don't typically go on third. They go on first, and are generally allowed to sit on the skin for a half hour at least to work uninterrupted before beginning the rest of your routine.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EHAXCUY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420457337&amp;sr=8-1. I use and love this essence http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_17?k=benton+snail+bee+high+content+essence&amp;sprefix=Benton+snail+bee+ , very popular. The first two products on this page http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_?ie=UTF8&amp;k=Missha+time+revolution+ aka the missha essence and ampoule... So. Many. Good. Things. Have been said about it.
If you end up wanting to find a cleanser with a balanced pH, the lovely people at the AsianBeauty subreddit have a chart filled with tons of different cleansers and their pH levels. [Here's a link.] (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VqO_uF8m4oKBzzk5ass37gHcjIk-_2Tv4W2KgJJmUQc/edit) A favorite is the [Hada Labo cleanser] (https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482871523&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=hada+labo) which contains hyaluronic acid and its pH is 5.5
I think the Neutogena gentle one is paraben free. Check the beginner's routine in the sidebar if you haven't already. The Accure organics cleansers are a low ph. Finally, /r/asianbeauty has a whole spreadsheet of cleansers and ph.. Most people suggest you avoid Cetaphil because of the SLS. Also, use the oil cleanser first, and apply the oil to dry skin, then use the foaming cleanser. This is probably the most popular low ph cleanser on /r/Asian Beauty. edit see OCM directions in sidebar
Hi there guys newbie here, I read the guides and could use help making a simple routine.
Skin Type: Combo Oily (dehydrated?) and shade is closest to 'neutral tan' in this pic | Country/Climate I'm in: SoCal | Top Skin Concern: making it less oily
Current Routine/Products I'm Using: I use this Simple facial wash while I'm taking a shower, and CeraVe moisturing cream afterwards. Thats pretty much it. After reading the guides I'm thinking of making the following routine.
AM
PM I'm not really sure what I should use here besides moisturizer, I'm a guy, so I have no makeup to remove.
Would a toner be worth it? I'm thinking of adding the Hada Labo Super Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. And this would go in between the 2nd cleanser and moisturizer right?
And just to double check, I would use the cleansers while taking a shower, then toner and moisturizer after getting out, and waiting a bit before I use the sunscreen right?
Anything you guys would add or remove, or just general comments? I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible so if there are any reduncies I'd be happy to take them out.
Edit: buying these products off amazon is safe right, the all seem to be highly rated so I don't think there would be fakes
Have you tried Amazon? I ordered mine here for 15usd with free shipping to Norway. Was the cheapest option I found to me.
BACKGROUND: I'm new to the world of skin care. I've never had a serious skin care routine before other than applying some acne creams a few years back when my acne was pretty bad. Now my skin is not terrible, but at age 20 I've had it with any sort of acne and want clear skin.
My skin is oily. I don't know if its very oily or fairly oily because I don't know what really oily skin is like or what a fairly oily skin is like. If I had to make a guess I'd say fairly or decently oily...sorry if that's vague.
This is what my skin looks like on an average day.
[This] (http://imgur.com/a/fGqbn) is what my skin looks like when it breaks out just a bit.
I'm showing you these because I read the FAQ and Wiki and I've narrowed my choices for cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers but I'm not sure which one to buy. For each category, this is what I've narrowed it down to.
CLEANSERS
EXFOLIANTS
MOISTURIZERS
MY QUESTION: Are they all sort of the same? Based on what I told you about my skin, which product from each category should I get? Should I get something that's not on the list? This list is based on the Recommended Routine, so maybe there's something that's not on it that you think would work better. Any help would be really appreciated. I'm trying to avoid having to go through too much trial and error since as a college student I'm slightly broke, so I'm trying to make an informed purchase. Also, sunscreen is highly recommended if you exfoliate, but if the moisturizer has SPF does that mean I don't need to buy sunscreen? Thank you guys in advance.
They're $10 on Amazon.
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?
My routine is as it follows:
AM
----------------------------------------------------------------------
PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Every Friday night each week
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
I use it, and it has it's pros and cons.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, I like it because it doesn't feel greasy and doesn't have a strong smell.
Oops my bad for not reading the text underneath your title, have you tried any physical/chemical combos? That way you get the best of both worlds usually - no white cast, cosmetic finish, etc. Skin Aqua has a popular one a lot of AB's like. Elta MD this one I experienced no white cast with, but I've heard darker people might. Also you might want to consider this La Roche Posay one. Its PPD is awesome.
I think three things can be really helpful:
Sold by Amazon
Sold by another seller (potentially fake)
What kind of skin type do you have in general? I for sure got little bumps over time when I wore some generic Neutrogena sunblock I got from the drugstore* (but it was 100 SPF and that's what makes it more effective right, the higher numbers?? oh foolish, sweet summer child, pre- r/asianbeauty me) but I also tried this LRP and my face didn't really take to it kindly at the start.
If you have very sensitive skin, Elta MD is the way to go. It definitely sinks in lightly and just doesn't feel like anything on your skin after maybe 2-4 minutes.
I really liked my Biore UV Aqua when I had it but I just went through it way too fast. It's the HG for a lot of people in terms of face sunscreen, but I personally can't justify the price, and don't require something with ~superb texture necessarily, since I don't wear makeup often and never wear foundation.
If your skin isn't too too sensitive I would just try different stuff Asian brands out! I've been wanting to try out this COSRX one next.
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* Also, make sure to wash it off every night! Doesn't matter if you wore makeup or not, sunscreen you had on all day and got covered in dust/grime = no-no for sleeping with overnight. That's the reason I got little bumps, anyway!
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I think it might actually be classified as PIE (post-inflammatory erythema). PIH is usually classified at brown spots, or melanin hyperactivity -- this is where using skin lighteners that specifically target melanin production can help (such as hydroquinone). However, erythema is a different beast. Once I added niacinamide into my routine, I saw results almost instantly.
What toner are you using? You want to make sure that it's alcohol free and contains at least 4% niacinamide.
I don't see a sunscreen mentioned. Sunscreen is pretty important in reducing PIE, as the sun can exacerbate the red pigmentation and/or negate the effects you are trying to accomplish. You also become more susceptible to sun damage whilst on tretinoin.
I would suggest EltaMD UV Clear as a sunscreen for you -- it has niacinamide and zinc (zinc is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the look of redness).
Hi, first off. I recommend checking out /r/SkincareAddiction. They know a lot about the ins and outs of products. But here's my little bit of wisdom; as someone (F23) who has been struggling with hormonal acne these past few months, I noticed the biggest increase in my skin appearance when I changed my diet. I started this elimination diet called Whole30 just over 2 weeks ago and have seen dramatic improvements in my skin this past week. You may not need to go on a 30 day cleanse, but I recommend cleaning up your diet as much as you can and then re-introducing certain foods to see if it triggers a breakout. Maybe try giving up things like dairy and sugar, and then bring them back after a few weeks to see if they may be throwing your hormones out of whack (because no doubt, your acne is a hormonal issue). Some bits about makeup and products; I stopped using a primer (Benefits POREfessional) and liquid foundation (Urban Decay Naked foundation). I don't know if these products were clogging my pores, but I feel better taking a break from them. I started to just use a set of Bare Minerals powders instead. I also use a micellar water to take my makeup off. Garnier SkinActive Micellar water (pink cap) works great, followed by a cleanser (CeraVe), toner (Thayers Witchhazel), and moisturizer (YesToCarrots Daily Moisturizer) -- this is my pm routine, as it involves makeup removal. In the morning, I use the cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and follow up with EltaMd SPF 46 sunscreen. This sunscreen is specifically made to reduce current redness from past/present acne and protect you from the sun. You need to wear it everyday. Hope this all helps! And good luck. Having bad skin can really take a toll on your self-esteem, but just remember that it's never permanent!
Edit: added links
I've been using the Alpha Hydrox 14% swipes for about a month and a half now. Two weeks ago, I moved from one use per week to two and everything seemed fine. I added EltaMD UV Clear to my routine this week and it seems a little drying, but I haven't had any bad reactions or anything. I go to use a swipe last night and it burned like holy hell. I had to wash my face three times to calm it down and was afraid to even use Cerave before bed. Is it just too much aha or could it somehow be related to the dryness from the EltaMD? Or is it something else entirely?
My Routine
Morning:
When I get home from work:
Before bed:
**Edited to add that I have really stubbornly dry skin and mild hormonal breakouts. I work in the sun several days a week (necessity) and I'm mostly trying to decrease SFs and combat aging.
EltaMD UV Clear has actually helped clear up my acne thanks to the zinc. I've had zero issue with white cast and works well as a primer for makeup!
edit: Oh, it also has 5% niacinamide!
I have sensitive skin and have found this sunscreen EltaMD is not as greasy as most and I don't break out as much. Found out about it on /r/SkincareAddiction.
I'm fair skinned and burn super easily, and my dermatologist recommended Elta MD's sunscreen - doesn't really smell like anything, and feels really light when it's on! And it's on Amazon Prime :)
I was just diagnosed myself -- July 2017, so I'm trying to figure things out too. The way your rosacea presents itself sounds like mine.
I'm currently taking brand Oracea, but I used to take the generic Doxycycline IR-DR. I changed health insurances and the one I have now doesn't cover the generic. Weird, right? Anyway, I also apply Metronidazole Gel 0.75%. It took almost a month to clear my face. Even my acne was gone.
Triggers vary from person to person. If you can identify them, then you can avoid them or take the necessary steps to manage your symptoms. For example, you can't avoid the sun unless you want to be holed up in a windowless room for the rest of your life. So apply some sunscreen! I'll get more into that later.
Establish a skincare regimen for yourself. It doesn't have to be fancy or long and extensive. Just cover the basics. If you can't get yourself to follow it daily, then it's no good. I've read that niacinamide is great for rosacea as it alleviates the symptoms amongst other benefits. The products I use containing niacinamide are Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, and Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (which I use in the morning too, not just at night).
If you're not using a sunscreen already, what are you waiting for?! Even before I was diagnosed with rosacea, I was already applying sunscreen to my face as the last step of my morning skincare regimen prior to applying makeup. I use Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45/PA+++ or Innisfree Perfect UV Protection Cream Triple Care SPF 50+/PA+++. Both are Korean brand sunscreens. The Missha one has witch hazel extracts which can be a trigger. It doesn't affect me though. The Innisfree one has niacinamide. Definitely check out /r/AsianBeauty/ and /r/SkincareAddiction/ for more recommendations.
For some people, spicy food is a trigger and should be avoided. I am one of those people. Story time! (You can stop here if you don't want to read my story. :P) I don't really like spicy food, so I usually avoid it anyway. Well, last week, I bought 8 pc. fried chicken from the grocery store. I thought I had dinner covered for the night and leftovers to eat over the course of the week. It turns out the guy gave me spicy fried chicken. I didn't want to go back to the grocery store nor did I want to throw it away, so I sucked it up and ate the fried chicken anyway. The following morning, I woke up to dry, red, irritated skin on my face. I attributed it to the cold weather and decided to bust out some heavier moisturizers. It wasn't until the next time I ate the fried chicken that I remembered spicy food can trigger rosacea flare-ups. I didn't want to waste the fried chicken, so I finished it. My skin was angry with me, but it's starting to subside now.
Hi, I know you haven't asked for other recs, but do you use sunscreen? SPF would help a ton with both reducing and eliminating your dark spots, plus adding extra protection for your skin.
Assuming that you want to eliminate dull skin and dark spots, sunscreen and chemical exfoliation are the best options, but I'll stick to what you've asked for now :)
As for moisturisers, there are hundreds, if not throusands, of options, so more info would be great! e.g., do you like thick moisturisers, gel types, thin lotions? There are products with added ingredients that can help with dark spots and be hydrating at the same time, e.g. Cerave PM Facial lotion, a gel-type moisturiser, which has niacinamide. You can also get moisturisers that just do that one thing, e.g. Nivea Creme, Clinique DDML, etc.
More info would be great!
You're right, there are lots of options! Here is a guide to the different lotions and moisturizers.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/3ir4zg/review_quick_guide_to_different_cerave/?st=J45S5XOE&amp;sh=c33319b0
I personally like the pm lotion. I use it in the am and pm. It has ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Here's a link to it on amazon
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00365DABC
For a cleanser, I personally use the hydrating one because I generally find foaming cleansers too drying. But some people prefer the foaming. You can look at reviews to help make your decision
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YJ2SKM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1497976232&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cerave+cleanser&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41-mjF-r-fL&amp;ref=plSrch
Also, be sure to pay close attention to your skin when you start using them. Cerave is probably the most popular brand on this sub, but there are still a lot of people whom have skin that don't agree with it. If your skin does have adverse reactions, it will probably be due to the fatty alcohols or niacinamide. It's a great product but some people are sensitive to those ingredients
Ah I made a post but perhaps it is better to just comment here instead
I'm a guy in his mid 20s and my current routine is REALLY simple but has some problems and I would also like to expand it a bit...
Current routine:
AM - Wash face, Apply lotion, Put on tinted sunblock (need it cus of darker skin)
PM - Same as AM sans the sunblock and using St Ives exfloiating pad (AHA) before applying lotion.
So off the bat there are two problems with my routine. First is that there are days when I go to the gym mid-day which requires a shower. Problem with this is that I must wash my face 3 times on certain days (how else would I remove the sunblock?). Second is that I shave using a double-edge razor which actually serves to exfoliate the parts of my face that I shave so what ends up happening is that my entire face is not being exfoliated equally (my cheek look so much better than my forehead), I have no idea how I would go about solving this... It should be noted that I do not use the St Ives pads on night when I shave (I shave every other day).
I want to change my routine to account for these two issues while also expanding it a bit to lessen stuff like wrinkles and dark spots (my complexion sucks, esp my forehead).
I was looking at some products and found some that looks promising? interesting? but honestly, I'm not too experienced in this area...
For the eyes
For the wrinkles
Possible regular moisturizers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
You can see that I prefer gel moisturizers because I don't like that feeling of putting on lotion and my face being sticky even after like an hour (Aveeno does this).
Face wash - my current face wash isn't sustainable (kinda niche) and it doesn't wash away my sunblock all that well either... I had the same problem with SCA's favorite Cerave hydrating cleanser.
I can't say I've noticed real improvement from using St Ives's pads? Not sure if I want to try anything stronger though because I am bad with sunblock reapplication.
Even the sunblock is not the best because it has such a strong flowery smell. But I need a lightly tinted one to not look like a ghost... Hmm maybe this one?
What do you mean by "steam pretty often"? Just want to make sure that isn't an auto correct typo, but if it isn't, you really shouldn't be steaming your face. Hot water exacerbates redness in the face because it dilates blood vessels underneath the skin.
While you are on Accutane, you will want to stick with gentle but effective whitening ingredients such as niacinamide and licorice root, and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as snail mucin and green tea.
Here are a few products that I am currently using that contain these ingredients and work well:
Cerave PM - contains a high percentage of niacinamide and is relatively inexpensive. Also contains a variety of ceramides which help maintain a healthy lipid barrier, which often becomes compromised when using topical and oral retinoids.
CosRX Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceContains 96% snail mucin. This is incredibly calming and adds a bonus layer of moisture, something we definitely all need on Accutane.
Holy Snails Snowbang Essence This stuff is expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion. Of everything I use, this definitely has the most dramatic effect on my redness and irritation. It has niacinamide, green tea extract, ceramides, licorice root, and hydrolyzed oat extract.
Once you are have been finished with Accutane for a few months (you will want to get confirmation from your derm as to how long they recommend) you can start incorporating products like Vitamin C and topical retinoids which are highly effective, but far too irritating to use in conjunction with Accutane.
Always wear sunscreen. A glycolic acid or mandelic acid peel should help. Then follow up with a treatment, such as Vitamin C or products with niacinamide. Check out the Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) link on the sidebar for additional product recommendations.
I also recommend Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel.
I think your skin may be reacting to over exfoliation, hence the new spots. You mentioned that your skin was clearer without the AHA. Try using Stridex once every 3 days, and see if new ones stop forming. I would be gentle with your skin. (I speak from experience--I was using too much Differin a few days ago and had two very large cystic spots form on my cheeks. Plus my face was burning whenever I put anything on it, like Cerave PM...after I stopped using Differin for 2 days, my face would no longer burn when I moisturized. I will only be using Differin once a week now.)
Since you're in a desert/dry climate, first and foremost focus on keeping your skin moisturized. Your moisture barrier needs to repair before you introduce actives to it. It could be breaking out because its so irritated. Here's a link on Reddit about the importance of maintaining a healthy moisture barrier!
If your skin is oily/dehydrated (my skin type), focus on layering light layers of hydration. After you wash your face, gently pat dry with a clean towel, and apply a hydrating toner like Thayer's Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel and following up with a hyaluronic acid moisturizing toner/lotion/serum. Hada Labo products are very popular amongst the /r/AsianBeauty community. The hyaluronic acid will help draw moisture to your skin. More on the science of HA here.
I do want to state that as always, your mileage may vary (YMMV) with these products. But since we have similar breakouts, I do think irritation and lack of proper hydration may be at the root of your breakouts. Patch test the products above to see if you react to them. Good luck!
I've been using Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel quite recently as a pre-makeup application toner and it's been doing a great job with keeping my skin more balanced, which then keeps my foundation in place. I'm obsessed with this stuff.
P.S. Keeping an eye out for future answers in this particular thread. I've had the worst luck with primers and setting sprays, so I'm curious to see what others have to recommend.
Thayer's is what I use. I think you can get it at health stores, too! I also use it occasionally throughout the day if I am feeling greasy when I am not wearing makeup around the house but don't want to dry out my face by washing.
Thayers witch hazel with rose water love this stuff
Yes! Stick to non-alcohol witch hazel. I've recently added it to my routine and am very happy with it. I use Dr. Thayer's: Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera ~ 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cBJuybE62AG3Q
You can also try Tend Skin or Thayer's Witch Hazel.
I tend to use some leftover ProActiv Revitalizing Toner because it has witch hazel, aloe vera, and glycolic acid (for exfoliation).
It's more like a slightly thicker water. I'm on mobile so excuse the ugly link
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
You can definitely try that. This is a good starting toner if you want to try the method I'm using now. You can get cotton pads in any drug stores, but I personally prefer the Japan muji cotton pads (available on amazon) - they feel a lot nicer/softer than the typical western pads (which always feel too scratchy).
I've always liked this toner
Witch hazel
The actual glycerin I have is from Garden of Wisdom, but it should all be the same (NOW Foods on Amazon)
Oh, dear. I have a few questions.
Until you find something, I would use your PC's invisible finish moisture gel mixed with some drops of oil. Sunflower, safflower, and hemp seed are supposed to be noncomedogenic. It just may be moisturizing enough when you top it with Vaseline.
Or you could try layering a moisturizing serum or toner before hand as well, like Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
or Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion or Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Otherwise...you could try
JOSIE MARAN Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil
FRESH Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil or really just some of any oil for that matter...
I tried my best...I realize now how few options you have! Hope you figure it out! Update us when you do! :)
Maybe your exfoliator is too rough? Sometimes I find that a gentle chemical exfoliator is better for removing dry skin. Have you ever used asian skincare? Those products are usually effective and frequently affordable. I use the Secret Key Lemon D Toc peel and it's great for taking off dead skin without leaving damage. As far as a moisturizer, I tried this one today and really liked it. As you can see, its very highly rated.
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1496991226&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=hado+labo+gokujyun+lotion
Lemon Peel:
https://www.amazon.com/SECRETKEY-Peeling-GelKorean-Cosmetics-Korean/dp/B00R295FPC/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1496991393&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=secret+key+lemon+sparkling+peeling+gel
Exactly that - I find it works best over a face mist so that it can use the moisture from the mist. I used to have very flaky skin in winter and a.combination of mist/hylauronic acid and a gentle chemical exfoliator have pretty much stopped that altogether.
There's lots of hylauronic acid products out there. I really like the Hada Lado one: https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA
After cleansing in the morning I spritz my face with a mist and then wipe some of the Hada Labor lotion over the top with a cotton wool pad before applying moisturiser. I haven't used The Ordinary's HA but it gets good reviews and could be a cheap way of trying it out.
Esthetician in training here.
That was a shitty tip. Who tells a client that you're not moisturizing enough and that's it?
You may think your skin is hydrated but breakouts, sebum buildup, redness and oil slick indicate compromised barrier due to excessive exfoliation and lack of moisture. OCM will not change anything.
You need to cut back on exfoliators. Use Pixi Glow Night Serum or Pixi Glow Glow Tonic (it's 5% glycolic acid BTW) every other night or Pixi Glow Enzyme Exfoliator twice a week. Differin Gel isn't for spot treatment. It's a preventative treatment for acne and wrinkles. Don't use Differin and AHAs together. AHAs can deactivate retinol/tretinoin.
Stop using oil-free, oil control and matte moisturizers because it often contains silica, alcohol, salicylic acid and etc. It will cause your oil production to go into overdrive to compensate for the lack of moisture. Switch your moisturizer to La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer or Stratia Liquid Gold. They contain niacinamide which can balance sebum production, reduce redness and acne. Use Aquaphor Healing Ointment to seal your moisturizer in at night to prevent water loss and repair your barrier.
Use La Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Cleanser in the PM and drop La Roche Posay Effaclear cleanser from your routine. If you want OCM, please consider double cleansing with OCM and LRP Toleriane Purifying Cleanser or oil cleanser with an emulsifier to rinse off after washing. Wash your face with water in the morning. No cleansers because you want to preserve your natural moisture that rebuilds overnight. It's essential to keep your skin healthy.
You should consider switching your Thayers toner to one of the products in your routine to improve your moisture barrier: Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Toner or Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence.
I have! What worked for me was topical zinc and a DIY tea tree oil/ACV face spray for the fungus. For dehydration, a [hylauronic acid ](Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, 5.7 fl. oz. (170ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KCEyyb61ER67J) twice a day then a thin layer of Vaseline at night.
Looks like the same one, but the older version. This one would be the newer version. I'm not sure what the differences are between the 2 though :/
Great, you're ahead of the game then.
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The Hada Labo Gokujyun Moist is the Hylauronic Acid one... "lotion" is just what the Japanese call hydrating toners. I'm talking about this one, is that what you have? I'd try applying it with a mist and some other hydrating layers and the right moisturizer to seal it in, but you could be sensitive to one if the ingredients too.
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Is this the honey you have from Trader Joe's? That's mine, I love the texture of it but any raw honey will do. Someone else actually asked me below how I used it, go take a look there I explained in detail how I use it :)
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Have you read Snow White and the Asian Pear's post on what I think she calls "the shell." It's what some dehydrated skin types have, it's this dead layer of skin that keeps products from absorbing. AHA and BHA are your best friend for that. In the meantime, I'd order a konjac sponge to use if you're just going to be using water for now. It'll provide some really gentle exfoliation and help cleanse your skin.
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My current hydrating products for daytime are the Tosowoong Green Tea Facial Mist (it's awesome, like a essence in a spray bottle), Cosrx FTE (will be trying a different FTE next though), Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Oil,HL lotion, Tosowong Propolis ampoule, Scinic Aqua AIO, HL Shirojyun Milk, and Benton Snail Bee Steam Cream to seal it in. I was using the Enprani Moistfull Booskin but I didn't find it very hydrating and I may cut out the Goodal Water Oil due to fragrance.
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I sheet mask at least once a day and I use sleeping packs during the day also if I'm just hanging out at home. I've just started sheet masking regularly but I've tried quite a few masks and have a ton more on the way too. So far the ones I would repurchase are the LJH Tea Tree Masks, the Enprani Pearl Masks, the MBD masks in Black Pearl and Imperial Bird's Nest, and the Lovemore masks in Pearl Barley & Milk and Rose Hybrida because they smell amazing and they're super sheer. I also would buy the Tony Moly Pureness 100 masks in Hylauronic Acid and Pearl again, they're good cheap masks to have around. I expect my sheet masks to be super hydrating or brightening otherwise I'm not interested.
This is great, I can make better recommendations now. Dove bar soap is great if it doesn't dehydrate your skin, you don't really need a expensive soap; I'd also compare Dove to Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash to see which is cheaper. You said your skin types "dehydrated" so I'd stick to using your CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser only on your face, but make sure this isn't the reason your skin is dehydrated (I don't know if your cleanser foams, but foaming cleansers can further dry out people with sensitive skin). Ultimately, your skin shouldn't feel tight or dry after showering.
If your skin is just dehydrated then you don't really need to add an exfoliant because, yeah they are priced way higher in Canada. Chemical exfoliants are more for evening skin tones and cleaning out pores, but you can check out SN AHA Toner, they should ship internationally. (Even in the US chemical exfoliants can be super pricey)
I personally don't really see a problem with deodorant with aluminum, but I know Lush carries aluminum free deodorant bars and powder that're reasonably priced in Canada, Arm & Hammer has their Essential Deo line, and a lot of vegan deodorants are aluminum free, I have no idea how well any of these products work though :(.
Applying lotion after showering can be really good, doing this seals in moisture. I don't know what CeraVe product your using as a moisturizer, but CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is really good at rehydrating skin due to it having ceramides. If you think that's too expensive/already using it, you can just use it to focus on areas that are really dehydrated; but I'd also check out this lotion. HadaLabo Lotion is a reasonably priced Hyaluronic acid thats great for dehydrated skin and if you use it for full body it should last awhile.
The cocoa butter is more of a cheap alt. for a deep thick moisturizer. Just a warning, I'd be careful with finding a high concentration glycolic acid; those are AHAs and over 15% they verge into chemical peel territory, constant use without having a tolerance can really mess up your moisture barrier. For reference I use Alpha 12% lotion a glycolic acid 2-3 times a week, but it's way more expensive in Canada and this is after using lower concentration acids for about 6 months^^super ^^good ^^for ^^my ^^scars ^^though . My skin types definitely not like yours though so if you can find something cheap I don't want to discourage you, I'd say go for it.
Last thing, I'd look up on humectants and occlusives, you said you use vaseline so I think you have that covered though. I use something akin to vaseline at night after everything else to seal all the moisture in.
I really tried to curate this to you so nothing would be too expensive, but if you use anything recommended it should help a lot. Focus on moisturizing, don't get discouraged we're our own worst critics, post to the sub if you have anymore questions-everyone heres pretty friendly, and good luck!
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Smooth
Ulta's Hada Labo Anti Aging Hydrator
Thanks, lovely SCA'ers! Hope you all have a great weekend!
edit: I swear I typed 2 not 1 for the second question but it keeps showing up as 1..... weird!
Hello, I'm trying to find the correct ingredients list for this product .The Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist to be precise(according to amazon) and I found a cosdna ingredients thingy that has a pretty similar name, is [this] (http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_4471106531.html) the correct ingredients list?
Okay thank you! That confirms what I thought. This week has been brutally cold and windy and I want to step up my moisture game but only saw the Tokyo line available at Walgreens and Ulta. I will be patient and order the Gokujyun online.
One more question for you: Are these the same products?
http://www.drugstore.com/hada-labo-gokujyun-lotion/qxp406852?catid=182918
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSNBO9O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=A26O8TOJFTP2IL
Also as someone with very dry skin ont he Asian Beauty Hype Train this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSNBO9O?psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
changed my life. I use it after toner and before moisturizer and it takes away a lot of the flaky dryness. In the morning I use my moisturizer a Nyx primer and the Sephora Perfect Air Brush Foundation and I have no flakes and my makeup feels light, but stays on. The foundation is $28 and looks great in photos and feels very light.
Asian sunscreens are my jam! I like them much better than western sunscreens. IME, western sunscreens are too dry and make my face look ghost white. I mostly use the Biore Watery Gel but I also use Shiseido Senka. I wall say this though, I liked the older version of the Biore sunscreen much better. Now it smells too much like alcohol. I have had no issue of Asian sunscreens getting into my eyes. You may need to cleanse your face thoroughly at the end of they day as they are quite waterproof. I use an oil cleanse and then I follow up with Cerave foaming cleanser.
Head on over to /r/AsianBeauty for more info! They have mega threads with people listing their favorite sunscreens.
Hey man - I have been using [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Shiseido-Senka-Aging-Sunscreen-SPF50/dp/B00IG12XLO/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1491683900&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=shiseido+senka+aging+care+uv+sunscreen+spf50+pa) since February and its been an absolute game changer.
Do a search of "sunscreen" within this subreddit and you'll get all the info you could ever want and more.
I use Shiseido Senka Mineral Water UV Essence.
I also avoid the sun like the plague but here's a funny anecdote. I started noticing this weird splotch on my left hand. At first I thought it was a raised oblong nickel-sized spot on my hand. Maybe it was irritated or having an allergic reaction because I swatch on that hand a lot. But then I looked closer at it and I realized, it's not raised. It's lighter than the surrounding skin, and it looks and feels smoother, which is why I thought it was swollen. That is the spot where I squeeze my sunscreen every morning before I smear it on my face. It's also the spot where I squeeze all my moisturizers before I apply them.
That was a wake up call to me that like ~2 months of extremely consistent application of products can have an actual, noticeable effect. I am very vigilant about applying sunscreen and moisturizer to my face, but I'm trying to be more vigilant now about applying it to my hands as well!
I still have some.. (all open, sorry) but since it has alcohol I've stopped buying that particular one and replaced it with Shiseido.
I use Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ underneath my makeup, though I'm going to try out Biore UV Aqua Rich silky water re essence cool type SPF50 + / PA ++++ 50g with 'cooling' effects next! (In case you're horrified by that price know I can get it locally for about $8 haha) I'm still searching for my HG spray that withstands the insane humidity where I live. Here are some articles with reviews.
1
2
3
And if you're interested in falling down a rabbit hole, /r/asianbeauty has so many more life changing products and advice that has revolutionized my face and makeup. Join us on the dark side ;)
I'd recommend starting slow. Start with a mild foaming cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and a sunscreen. If you want to add more stuff on for your acne, check out /r/SkincareAddiction and /r/AsianBeauty. Their sidebars are seriously amazing.
But for a cleanser, you can't go wrong with CeraVe foaming cleanser. It's cheap, easily available, and gentle for any kind of skin. There's a bunch of theories on which kinds are best, but I've seen all sorts recommend this cleanser.
Moisturizer is really key as well. Dry skin can cause acne just because your skin is craving moisture! CeraVe and Aquaphor as well as natural stuff like Jojoba oil or Coconut oil have been talked about a lot as good options here. I'm still in search for a really good one I gel with. I do use as a light moisturizer Mizon's Snail Recovery Gel as it also clears up small cuts and inflammation as well. Be patient with this step, as some moisturizers can break you out.
Sunscreen is honestly like 100% of skincare, I'm convinced now, after plunging head first into the two mentioned subs. I use This Japanese one cuz it's cheap on Amazon and has one of the highest pH ratings out there. This Korean one is also highly praised online.
But the fun part I really like? MASKS! OMG MASKING! I love wash offs like Origins' Charcoal Mask (great for acne!) and Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask are both awesome choices! I'm also a big fan of sheet masks (they put the good-for-you goop on a piece of fabric so it's easy to apply). These are the ones I usually buy because it's a great value and they work amazing. You usually only mask for 15-20 minutes and it's like a mini me-time spa-time for me. Doing this like twice a week has done wonders for my skin!
Have some fun with your skincare journey! I'm having fun with finding my perfect self pampering routine. It's more a form of self care for me now, so I feel a little sad if I miss any steps at this point. Hope that helps some! :)
Start with the vitamin C at night. Begin using it every 3rd night for a month, then every other night for a month, and continue adding it in slowly until you're using it every night. After you're using it every night you can begin the same steps of incorporating it into your morning routine too, if you wish.
So your new PM routine on nights you use vitamin C is:
Cleanse
Vitamin C
Wait 20 minutes
Epiduo
Moisturize
Vaseline
I adore vitamin C, but the biggest factor in fading my PIH is a strong sunscreen (I use this one but it can leave a slight sheen on your skin. No whitecaste though) and incorporating AHAs.
Once the vitamin C is in your routine come ask how to use AHAs and we'll get you going on that road too!
I second this! I alternate between Biore Watery Essence and Shiseido Senka Aging Care. Biore is thinner and quite good as a matte primer, but is more strongly scented. Shiseido is thicker and more moisturising. Both are SPF 50 and under £8 on Amazon.
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:
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.
$9.49 on Amazon with Prime. :)
[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_xb3XxbHJX918Y
After it comes to a head if you put on of these on it after you pop it, it takes away so much redness and clears it up super quick! These things are life savers for me, it's like a vacuum that just sucks all the gunk out.
Check this out, it works wonders especially for cystic acne- it’s actually made from the same stuff they use on ulcers.
https://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Cover-Drug-Free-Gentle-Breathable/dp/B00BRGUNV2
Actually have an aloe plant and just break pieces off and rub it on my face. It’s a great plant because it hates direct sunlight, and you only have to water it like once every 2-3 weeks. Plus it puts off a ton of oxygen so it’s a great, low maintenance indoor plant that’s also great for your skin.
And as far as hydrocolloid bandages go, I buy the nexcare dots off amazon. And the lancets
Nexcare Acne Cover, Drug-Free, Gentle, Breathable Cover, 36 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7utOBbJ279PJX
Care Touch Multi Colored Twist Top Lancets 30 Gauge, 300 Lancets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07199BSMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bwtOBbCNMF6M1
You sound like you have sensitive skin like me honestly. Try to avoid hot water and harsh products and try focusing on healing your skin for a little bit.
These are a lifesaver if you have big spots or whiteheads. Also, blister bandages work just as well. They work on blisters by sucking the liquid out, I guess? And they do the same thing with your face. Sleep with them on, wear them as long/as often as you can. They only take like 2 days to work so it’s a great immediate fix if you can’t woek out anything with a dermatologist! Good luck, and no matter what you’ll look great. You’re more than just your skin!
ETA: these are the type of bandaids I’m talking about. And you could find these at Walgreens or target or wherever. They are a lifesaver.
You might want to add the 3M Nexcare ones to the list. I see that a couple of other people mentioned them and I think they're pretty popular.
Does Nexcare have bigger ones? The ones that are the size of a nickel (http://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Absorbing-Cover-Sizes-Count/dp/B00BRGUNV2) just fall off if I wear them to bed.
I believe you can get them at Walgreens, yes! They look like this - they're see through. The clear ones for blisters work exactly the same.
I usually use these dot ones They work overnight and come in a couple sizes.
You can get them from:
Just got mine and love it! :D
Try not to beat yourself up about it. Use this as a reminder of why you had to quit in the first place and why you won't do it again. As for the self conscious part, everyone gets the random zit & no one really cares as much as you think they will. People on here talk about something they put on their spots, I think it's these things -> http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BRGUNV2/ref=pd_aw_sims_3?pi=SY115&amp;simLd=1
i personally use the cosrx acne master patches, but i think you're more likely to find the nexcare version at your local pharmacy. if you can't, you can usually find a large sheet version and cut them to size. i wear them at night if i've been a lil too rough with my skin and i find they really speed up the healing process vs. keeping them uncovered. good luck & congrats on graduating!
Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion Moist. It's this one.
yeah lol.... your skin looks pretty damn good to me. I zoomed in, which no one does in real life, but maybe i'm seeing you have some dryness on the right side of your nose? Personally I have not liked the CeraVe moisturizers (this sub loves them tho). I found that it made my face feel kinda greasy so i thought i was moisturizing but it wasn't exactly sucking into my skin so i had dry flakes still. after hours on this sub i settled on this Hada Labo "lotion"- it's hyaluronic acid which you can read about further here but it's more like a serum than a 'western' lotion but it's incred for me. idk if you even have a dry skin issue but... imho
I'd say keep your lips, beard, and face moisturized and try maybe and under eye patch with collagen-- they are fun and idk if they work but i feel like a diva doing it and i think it's probably a placebo but i like it. below i saw recs for vitamin c and drinking water which are good suggestions too
If you mean this one then it's a toner. It's really just super thin, watery moisturizer that you use before your regular moisturizer though. It's really nice and hydrating.
Yup it's the gold bottle. Here are some links for your reference.
This is the Premium one in a gold bottle with the much thicker consistency.
This is the Hada Labo Moist which is less thicker than the Premium
I'll also include the Hada Labo Light since people often get confused between this and the moist. As its name implies, this toner/lotion is just like water, light enough to easily ne absorbed by the skin.
Dry-skinned people would tend to go for the moist while oily-skinned people could benefit more from the light. I could also see myself using the light one during humid summer days.
Yay! I’m glad to hear that.
I use Cerave! But when my skin was super dry/dehydrated I started also using Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid lotion and it saved my skin and made it more normal than dry. If you’re interested, you can buy it on Amazon and should use it after you cleanse while your face is still a little wet. Then let it soak in - no rinsing required! Follow with moisturizer. On amazon here: Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, 5.7 fl. oz. (170ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8K4YBb80CSH1B
Shiseido speedy perfect whip. It's great because it foams up without a net and isn't drying like many other cleansers. It's something like 500~700yen at any pharmacy. Follow up with some Hadalabo gel/lotion and you're good to go.
Your face sounds like mine, and I had been messing with my moisture barrier for too long. These two moisturizers have been a godsend for me:
(1) Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion This isn't really a "moisturizer" per se, but it helps bring and keep moisture to the surface of the skin.
(2) Rohto Hada-Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Milk This is an emulsifier, technically, but on top of the hyaluronic lotion, it works as an amazing moisturizer.
Just to check: are these the same products you're using? I'm mostly looking for moisturizers at the moment!
Gokujyn
Nature Republic
I also am not able to use aloe - it causes bumps like you say, and tiny little zits everywhere.
Products that I use:
Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
MUAC Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask w/5% Glycolic Acid
Biore Sarasara Uv Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen
Vaseline
MUAC PhytX Peel (just the acid)
Persa-Gel 5
>I recently stopped by the Grand Asian market (Cary NC)
Could you report back what other brands they carry when you go back? That store has been there since before I moved to Cary as a child ( pre 1995 omg). Only went in there once or twice but when I come back for a visit definitely making a shopping trip (also for the food) there.
As for Hada Labo,the Gokujun Lotion is super popular on the sub as well as in Japan. Also, the moisturizing perfect gel has started to get some love on this sub as well which I think would be good for you as a moisturizer.
Whaaat? I'm seeing it right here with Prime 2-day shipping.
I bought mine off Amazon and it was prime, heres the listing
Hiya I too suffer from extremely dry thick skinned feet (oh the sounds when then touch my bed sheets ;-;) and just using lotions never worked for me.
I started adding hada labo gokujyun lotion moist ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_.4gXub1G44X3B) to my routine to help my moisturizer on my face and said 'hmm why not put it on my feet to help that lotion work better?' And it really did help :D
So my night time foot routine goes like this
-pumice stone scrub on rough callous in the shower
-apply hada labo gokujyun lotion moist to my feet(rub 1or 2 drops in your palms and then pat it on)
-apply a generous amount of nivea cream and rub it into the skin as much as possible(using it as an excuse for a foot massage from a SO is acceptable and recommend :p)
-put on thick(personal preference fuzzy) socks
-pass the fuck out
YMMV but I hope you find something that works for you good luck!
I second the dehydrated skin mention. Looks and feels dry but is oily on top?
Are you exfoliating? Stop it right now, for at least a few weeks. I know it makes your skin smoother but that if you are doing that it is definitely a contributing factor to the oily/dry skin in the middle of your face. You can probably find a method of doing exfoliation that works for you in the future, but right now your skin cannot handle it.
Do not underestimate the amazing healing powers of aquaphor. Slather it on at night and your skin will feel better in the morning/makeup will go on better (once you wash it off of course)
If the cera ve isn't cutting it, try adding in a serum or something. I too find that cera ve cream isn't enough for me, i've found that using these products have helped a bit (plus aquaphor)
http://www.amazon.ca/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1421857295&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=hada+labo
http://www.amazon.ca/Hada-GOKUJYUN-Hyaluronic-Moisturizing-140mL/dp/B00OHV2W8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1421857309&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=hada+labo+milk
Alternatively there are other moisturizers that are like cera ve but stronger. The only one I know of is the Cheryl Lee cream but that one is much more expensive. I haven't tried it yet but I've ordered some.
When you say the cera ve isn't cutting it, do you mean it doesn't moisturize enough? or that it interferes with your foundation application?
I don't wear foundation everyday, but when I do, I use this one.
http://www.coverfx.com/cc-cream.html
I bought it at a drugstore though it is admittedly not a typical drugstore price. However its very dense and a small size is all you need.
Sure! (FYI, these are not affiliate or referral links):
Kohaku Hada Lotion Moist
Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion Moist.
To get the most effective results, they're best applied to a damp face, so apply it right after washing. Just pour a few drops into your palm, rub your hands together and pat it into your skin. Then put on your moisturizer and pray to the benevolent alien overlords for swift skin justice!
Well hey there, fellow Southerner. ;)
Isn't mineral sunscreen the same as physical sunscreen? That was my impression, but I'm no expert so someone correct me if I'm wrong.
If they are the same: I personally prefer physical sunscreens too. My favorite AB one is Missha's All Around Safe Block Sun Milk. I believe that Etude House's Sunprise line: All Proof ~US$10 and Airy Finish ~US$12 are also physical sunscreens, although I haven't tried either.
I've heard good things about the mineral options from CeraVe and Neutrogena.
Also, you might consider DIYing your own sunscreen, in your situation. I know of a lot of people who have done it quite successfully, usually in order to avoid all of the chemicals and additional ingredients in most sunscreen products. And it's pretty easy to get zinc oxide affordably. I've considered it myself!
Do you think the red spots are PIE? https://simpleskincarescience.com/pie-pih-acne-scar-treatment/
If your skin is causing emotional distress, schedule a doctor's appointment. If that's not an option right now, check out Curology, it's an online dermatology service that's very popular on this subreddit.
Right now, I think you should just focus on putting together a base routine of cleanser/moisturizer/sunscreen. Here are my recs for each category:
-Cleanser: Check out Vanicream. Almost nobody reacts to this, and it's very affordable.
-Moisturizer: Check out Cerave PM or Vanicream Lite. They're often recommended for oily-skinned folks. Cerave PM also has 4% niacinamide, which helps with oil control and reducing redness.
Sunscreen: Check out Cerave Ultra-Light SPF 30, Biore Watery Essence SPF 50, or Etude House Sunprise SPF 50.
I have so many! LA Girl Pro Conceal HD, Essence Shine shine shine clear gloss(I've been using the ELF clear gloss but I like this one more and you get more product for the price), Maybelline Dream BB Fresh, Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, ELF Baked Highlighter - Moonlight Pearls, and Peripera Velvet Cheek #6. These are all essentials in my "no makeup" look.
This one's not make up but on Amazon the Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++ is super cheap for a mineral sunscreen and doesn't break my skin out.
And my one and only HG status liquid eyeliner that I'll ever buy for my oily ass lids, HEROINE MAKE Smooth Liquid Eyeliner. I've seen it in Japanese specialty stores in my area for $20, on amazon it's only $10.49. All other eyeliners get crusty and flake off within a minute of application. This eyeliner has been a game changer.
Oh and the peripera ink velvet and tint water gels for lips, just wish they had more shades besides red and mauve.
I do wash right after. I use this cleanser. I'm female but I'm sure this would work for a guy too!
I also have oily skin! I love Cosrx low ph good morning cleanser. It does contain tea tree oil, so if you are sensitive to that, I would skip it. It is light on my skin and removes grime from the day really well without stripping my natural oils/moisture. I highly recommend it
For Tokyo ABers:
Does anyone know if any stores in Tokyo have these Korean products? I tried a few stores in Shin Okubo and none had them.
Sunscreen - Innisfree Triple Care
https://www.amazon.com/Innisfree-Perfect-Protection-Triple-RESISTANT/dp/B01GHO4I00
Moisturizer 1 - MIZON Black Snail All In One Cream
https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Black-Snail-Cream-Ounce/dp/B00B4PWEJU
Cleanser 1 - Banila co Clean It Zero Purity
https://www.amazon.com/Banila-Clean-Zero-Purity-Ounce/dp/B00FOTIV8U?th=1
Cleanser 2 - Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Good-Morning-Cleanser-150ml/dp/B016NRXO06
Sheet Mask - Tosowoong masksheet Propolis
https://www.amazon.com/Tosowoong-masksheet-Essence-Blueberry-Propolis/dp/B00K6XVYLK?th=1
Sleep Mask - Corsx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Ultimate-Nourishing-Rice-Overnight/dp/B01518D84U
Patches - Corsx Patch
https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Acne-Pimple-Master-Patch/dp/B00PBX3TN6
I've found r/asianbeauty to be life changing. Basically, you need a SUPER gentle face wash and tons of moisturizer. I can tell that my skin is a lot oilier now, but because I know how to manage it and my hormonal acne, I haven't had many breakouts. When you use too harsh of a face wash, your skin freaks out and over produces oil (simplified explanation).
My super simple AB routine:
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NRXO06/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1)
These are somewhat on the expensive side, but r/asianbeauty can point you to more options that are dupes for these products. I have hormonal acne normally and somewhat normal to oily skin.
For my body, I like using pre-soaked exfoliant pads, 'cause I'm lazy and cheap. Right now I'm using these Nip+Fab ones and they're pretty decent, but I'm planning on picking up these lactic acid ones next. If you're looking to dip your toes into the waters of AHA for facial use that you can also use on your body, then I'd recommend the CosRx AHA, which is great, but much gentler. (obligatory mention that if you begin using an AHA on your face, then daily sunscreen use becomes mandatory)
Undereye circles are genetic, so there's not much you can do topically to get rid of them. I know there's some people who anecdotally believe that products with caffeine in them can help with their appearance, but I've never tried any, so I can't really offer any specific advice there.
And yep! I alternate between the CeraVe foaming and the CosRx Good Morning cleanser, both of which are great low pH options.
When I was dealing with damaged skin the biore sunscreen started to kill my face and burn. I switched to ROHTO Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++) 40mL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRBST6H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_I0UHAbFRM0S93 and it’s been great
ROHTO Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF50 PA ++++ but I gave up on it because it's not cruelty free. I bought it while in Japan based on a recommendation I saw on this subreddit and it's incredible. Absorbs so quickly and certainly makes a small difference in my dry skin. It's not oily at all, and it just feels great to apply evenly, nothing difficult about it.
I've switched to PC Hydralight Shine-Free daily mineral complex. It's working out great. It's not a chemical sunscreen as you can tell based on the name (I'm not sure what the difference is or why it matters) but it certainly doesn't leave a white cast on my face. It's only 30SPF though so maybe I'll be trying another one of theirs next time I order. It's also very moisturizing so I'm really enjoying it. I watched a youtube review of all the suncreens and this one just sounded like it would mesh the most with my skin type.
Is this gold bottle the one you use: https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Skin-Super-Moisture-SPF50/dp/B01MRBST6H/ref=cm_wl_huc_item
Or do you use the gel one in the pump bottle?
(I also like Canmake Mermaid so I think we may have similar criteria. Alcohol-Free and Relatively Unscented are must-haves for me.)
for some people yeah, it does cause more acne, depending on what ingredients are in it; but take it from someone who has learned the hard way: use sunscreen, especially if you're using actives/acids. if one breaks you out, try another one until you find one that works for you. american sunscreens are for the most part inferior compared to european and asian sunscreens. i'd recommend you go over to r/asianbeauty and search 'sunscreens' to see the highly recommended/holy grail sunscreens. a lot of people here and over in the asian beauty subreddit like biore watery essence because of it's cosmetic elegance. i tried it, but it stung upon application/is too drying. if you're sensitive to alcohol/fragrance, there's a few others you could try, like skin aqua uv moisture milk.
[here's]
(https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/5iltlr/what_are_your_favorite_alcoholfree_sunscreens/) some more recs for sunscreens w/o alcohol. here's an entire page of reviews just for asian sunscreens, what they do, etc. here's a thread for european sunscreens (hard to get unless you live in europe).
Hey thanks for the recommendation! I found the skin aqua uv super moisture milk which is water resistant. https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Skin-Super-Moisture-SPF50/dp/B01MRBST6H/ref=dp_ob_title_hpc#customerReviews
The only problem is these sunscreens leave more of a shiny finish but I guess that's what you sacrifice for not having alcohol...
I've been having sunscreen woes since getting into AB (fungal acne makes life hard, man) and finallyfinallyfinally found an HG in Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF 50 PA++++. :)
I know it sounds heavy, but it's honestly the most lightweight, pleasant sunscreen I've tried, and that's coming from someone who's oily AND living in a sub-tropical climate. There's no white cast. No greasy sheen. It just looks like my skin and ba da ba ba ba, I'm loving it. lol :P
Here it is on Amazon. :)
Skin Aqua super moisture milk. It’s alcohol and fragrance free, has anti-aging ingredients and hyaluronic acid, AND it’s water/sweat proof. Also it’s great for my dry skin, and I use it as my daytime moisturizer. I always order 2-3 bottles at a time bc they’re small (40ml), and shipping takes forever.
I also use Suncut super waterproof sunscreen but only for my body since it has a lot of alcohol in it, and it seems to work great too.
https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Skin-Super-Moisture-SPF50/dp/B01MRBST6H
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MZIMHPL/ref=pd_aw_fbt_194_2?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=WKB5Y5SBBHD2X9JJD94A
I haven't heard of that sunscreen, but if alcohol is what bothers you, this [Skin Aqua sunscreen] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRBST6H/) is pretty popular around here and alcohol free
Nah it doesn't have alcohol in it thank goodness. I get mine on amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRBST6H/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Takes about 1 month to ship (lol) but I repurchase when my current bottle has 1/4 product remaining, I always have a backup.
I got it from Amazon! This was the listing. It's a new product (this year) so not surprised there aren't many reviews.
My fav seller is Toy Shop Japan Hobbyone. Super fast shipping. I get other things from them as well.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil seems to fit all of your requirements. I use it and really like it, though I do double cleanse.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil - fragrance-free, cheap, and effective.
Foaming cleansers are second cleansers. You can use it in the shower if you want when you wash your face probably won't make much difference plus it is less messy and saves water.
Other recommendations:
As with most of the CeraVe products, they do well for people on Accutane from everyone I've spoken with. Can you add CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser onto the list? It's a great moisturizing cleanser, and pretty gentle on your skin.
I'm going to throw CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser out there. It works wonders on my acne and also doubles as a great pre-shave soap for me.
Bonus: I like their Moisturizing Cream as an aftershave balm and face moisturizer. After I put it on I wait a few minutes then put on a splash for scent.
Wash face in morning( I use cerave hydrating cleanser), apply moisturizer (I use nivea creme)
Wash face in evening (same cleanser), apply stridex (red box) all over face, wait 30 minutes, moisturize (nivea creme)
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DEG8N9W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1467953774&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=nivea+creme&amp;pi=SY200_QL40&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=51FsMyVTMzL&amp;ref=plSrch
Products I love!
Products I didn’t love
2 chu-lips for a CeraVe hydrating cleanser.. Or one chu-lip + a sun screen of your choice. (Plus random samples I have.)
....lol chu-lip black-market.
Try CeraVe products - they have a Salicylic Acid (SA) line (Cleanser & Lotion) that would help with your acne, and they also have a Hydrating cleanser + amazing Moisturizer creme and moisturizing lotion too.
http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Renewing-SA-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B00U1YCRD8
http://www.amazon.com/Cerave-Sa-Renewing-Lotion-Pack/dp/B009TWF80M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
CeraVe's moisturizing products are amazing if you have solely dry skin + no acne, but I've heard reviews about it helping clear acne too even without the Salicylic Acid. CeraVe has some sort of patent in their products that help encourage your skin to renew its cells and encourage natural facial oils to emerge and help moisturize your skin without causing pimples.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/
^ You can read more reviews about CeraVe and see if it works; it worked really well for my horrible dry face rash that I got as a result of radiation + my bone marrow transplant. (Face was basically peeling and couldn't breathe/felt "stuck" because I stripped all the oil away from my face using too many harsh cleansers to get rid of the dead skin and rash. I used the hydrating cleanser and noticed a difference in 3 days with the moisturizing creme + lotion - creme for the really extra dry/flakey skin and lotion for my hands/other dry skin.
I used these products:
http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizers-Moisturizing-Cream-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1453793769&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=cerave
http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Cleanser-12-Ounce/dp/B000YJ2SKM/ref=dp_ccx_cts_image_beauty_1
http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Lotion-12-oz/dp/B000YJ2SLG/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1453793769&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=cerave)
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/CeraVe/Skin-Cleansers/_/N-1z13ozbZ2794?categoryId=cat80170&amp;ciSelector=leaf <--Read up the reviews here too for the different cleansers and see which ones would be best for your skin. You might be able to get a sample of these too if you went to a local Ulta store or contact CeraVe.
It's hypoallergenic and Dermatologist recommended for Eczema too.
CeraVe also has a $2 coupon on their website too :) I bought mine at a local CVS when they were having a great sale on it.
I got prescribed clindamycin + tretinoin (mine is lower than yours, at 0.025%) for moderate/severe acne more than two years ago. According to my doctor, I was put on a "medium" dosage and wanted me to try the combination out first before we decide if we want to amp up or go lower, perhaps you can look into the option of switching to a lower concentration for the tretinoin if possible and slowly work your way up. The doctor also told me that if my skin was getting excessively dry/irritated, I could reduce the application of it from every night to every other night.
None the less when I first started, my skin freaked out and was patchy for weeks-months mainly in the area around my mouth, nose, and above my lips. I felt that no matter how much I try flake off the dry skin with a cotton pad and toner in the morning, my face looked like it was falling apart by the end of the day. What I ended up doing for a while was just putting foundation on my forehead and cheeks and avoiding all the patchy areas as much as I could. I kept a little tube of lotion everywhere I went and made sure that those problem areas were moisturized at all times - they looked red because they were irritated and not concealed by makeup but I know for sure that looked a lot better than flakey patchy skin barely clinging on. I also switched from Lancome Teint Idole Ultra (more of a matte finish) to Estee Lauder Double Wear (dewy finish)
I've also added a few more steps into my skincare regime such as the:
CeraVe hydrating cleanser
Mizon Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Intense Fast Healing Cream with Aloe
and really thick moisturizers like Vanicream or Cetaphil
My typical skincare regime at night involves ~10 different products but the ones I've listed really stands out to me. I also make sure that I give each product some time to absorb before layering on the next one.
Once times a week, I will also use chemical exfoliate on my face, currently using the Boscia because I got some with point perks but those peels are more or less all the same to me. 2-3 times a week I also use Raw Honey from Trader Joe's as a mask (I just slather it all over my face and wait for 20-30 minutes) and the My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Sheet Mask. They have many different kinds but black pearl and hyaluronic acid are my two favorites. Make sure you gently pat the remaining essence into your face after you take it off!
And lastly, I was really self conscious about my face as well in college. I was on and off of birth control for the most part and it really wrecked my face to the point where I felt that makeup wasn't a luxury I entertained myself with but rather a necessity in order to present myself to others. But towards the end of it, I felt more comfortable with my skin regardless of improvements in my acne because I realized that nobody in a 300+ people lecture hall probably gave a crap about what I look like. I'm sitting next to different people everyday and I'm probably never going to see them after the class ends. I don't sit around school scoping out people to judge (at least I try not too) and even if I do for example encounter someone with really bad acne or hair or whatever walking around, I'm probably not going to remember her/him the next day - so no one that mattered was going to be judging my face either.
Also sorry if my amazon links are kinda weird, I have an extension that defaults them to amazon smile, just take it out when you browse.
About your age here!
I have pretty difficult skin... it's sensitive and gets rashes in response to all sorts of things, I have PIH (every time I get a pimple, after it heals, a dark mark stays on my skin for weeks and weeks), it gets oily and dry, the works. I ended up on this subreddit seeking help, and though I'm still experimenting with some things, it's DEFINITELY getting better.
I usually shower twice a day just because gym time works out in the middle of my schedule. I do my face washing in the shower, and I have the generic Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle body wash. It's actually pretty good on your face. I also have the Cerave hydrating face wash, but I'm not sure lately if it adds anything. Maybe. For now the Tea Tree Tingle seems to be doing just fine.
Every few days I use the St. Ives Pads. I know a lot of people on here recommend the Stridex, but my hyper-sensitive skin had a conniption about those.
By day, my moisturizer is the Cerave in the tub and they are NOT KIDDING. Of all the products I've tried courtesy of this sub, this is the #1 most helpful thing I've discovered yet.
At night, in hopes of treating my PIH, I've been experimenting with Retinol. They say it takes a long time to notice any difference. They're right. I've noticed no difference. BUT thus far, my skin hasn't broken out, gotten blotchy or rashy, or otherwise freaked out over this stuff, so... I'll hang in there.
Oh, and Sunscreen. I use Neutrogena Sensitive Skin. I recommend starting with VERY LITTLE and working it in one section at a time. It's easy to go overboard and end up with caked-on white face.
PROTIP WITH SUNSCREEN: you guessed it: there have been cases of melanoma in my family and I freckle out a lot and have a high risk (I told you my skin was difficult). ALWAYS remember to put sunscreen all over your ears (front and back) and on the tops of your feet/toes. People don't think to cover these areas and don't check for melanoma there in time, usually.
Oh, and last: I've tried the Aztec Healing Clay twice now as I've needed to get rid of blackheads or calm things down a bit. Definitely use Apple Cider Vinegar, that stuff is the best.
ORDER OF OPERATIONS
I'm pretty new at this myself, but so far it's working out pretty well. I started with the Beginner's Skincare Routine as a rough guide and otherwise lurked around figuring things out (which is still pretty much how I'm handling it). So far, awesome sub, and found a lot of this has been really helpful!
> CeraVe Hydrating
Is this the correct product you mentioned? I'm new to this sub and keep hearing how awesome Cerave Hydrating is.
Alright, first...Happy Early Birthday!!!
Now on to face things.
Skincare
First of all you should check out r/skincareaddiction. Even if you don't want to join the community the FAQ is great.
What I do for my normal/oily skin is every morning and every night I wash with CeraVe Foaming Face Wash which is recommended for oilier skin. So you might want to check that out.
Every 3 days or so I exfoliate with Epicuren which is just from my mom's shop but it's a nice deep scrubs without being too abrasive. You don't want abrasive like with say St. Ive Apricot scrub because you're actually tearing your skin and that's just not very nice. You want to gently exfoliate.
Once a week I use a LUSH face mask. My favorite is Love Lettuce because it's refreshing and exfoliating. Second favorite is definitely Cupcake. I feel so clean and bright after it.
Wipe off your makeup before you go to bed. It's bad for your skin and bad for your sheets. Whatever you do to take it off, just get it off. I use vaseline. It's cheap and easy on my sensitive skin.
Clean your brushes. Clean them. Seriously. What I do is after every makeup application I get a tissue and something with and edge like the edge of my dresser and I wipe the brush over the tissue over the edge to get all the excess makeup out. Then every 2 weeks I do a deep clean. Get a bar of some kind (towel rack, clothes hanger) and rubber bands. Get some warm, running water, and either some baby shampoo or some brush cleaner (though honestly I just use shampoo) and wet your brushes, bristles pointing downwards always. You don't want to get water trapped inside the little metal/plastic attaching ring thingy. Add a dot of shampoo to your hand and swish that brush around. It'll be gross. Good. You'll always remember to do it now that you know how gross your brushes get. Rinse bristles down. Dry bristles down by wrapping the rubber band around the handle and attaching to your rod/hanger.
Makeup
This is what I cannot live without
Makeup For You
So if you're just starting out again you don't want to go spending a stupid amount of money before you figure out what you like. So here are my suggestions for you specifically.
Anyway, I think you look really great and that's the best start is being confident and having a natural beauty. Also I love your hair. But if you have any questions just let me know :)
This would be just over $100:
Sorry about you being laid off. That really sucks.
The routine isn't anything special--it's a simplified version of some advice I found over at /r/SkincareAddiction. You should go there if you're looking to really get into it. I intentionally kept it simple just so that I more easily keep up with it.
I mostly concentrated on my face, since I'm really prone to getting acne. In the evenings, I'll wash my face with Cerave Foaming Cleanser and exfoliate with Stridex pads. Wait for that to dry while I brush my teeth and then moisturize with Cerave cream. Wait for that to set in while I floss and put my hair up, and then I use a spot treatment on whatever acne I'm developing. Change my pillowcase every other day. In the mornings, it's the same thing minus the exfoliating pads and spot treatment. For the rest of my body, I just moisturize with cocoa butter lotion twice a day.
Like I said, it's not much. But it's a big step forward when you used to just wash your face once a day and leave it at that. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Check out /r/skincareaddiction , they will probably recommend this for oily skin.
This is not true. You should clarify that this is speculation on your part. Amazon does update prices, like all retailers, but it's not to trap people to subscribe and then raise prices on them. These items are also sold separately (non-subscription), and SnS is just a discount over whatever that price happens to be at the time.
As a heavy SnS user, I've found the prices do fluctuate sometimes (I've also seen them go down from my subscription price). But even when they increase, I find that Amazon still has it for the lowest or close to it online. For instance, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YMJJSK is right now $9.57 at StocknGo, $11.99 on Ebay, $16.18 at Drugstore ($10.19 + shipping), $18 something at Rakuten, etc.
I have the Dermal set in my cart right now - looks like a pretty good value.
These are cheap af and I like them so far
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAM7F8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Dkb0AbR8E06BR
I’ve been downvoted for this before but I really enjoy Sephora brand sheet masks. They’re constantly running a promo if you add 4 to your cart one is free so they’re only $4.50 each. I love the algae one the most. Green tea and rose are also nice.
I also bought this pack from amazon and really liked them Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet, 16 Combo Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAM7F8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bRG1CbN3MS6HM
I’ve tried both, but I’ve been applying before and after the past week or so and have cut down to using it 2x a week. Dermal face masks also seem to be helping a bit. I’m just concerned Differin may be a bit too drying for me during the winter.
You can try out the basically the whole lot on Amazon for ~20$. ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073W43QGZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_doFMzbRNF8SAG) However, there are much better much less expensive masks. I remember buying my tonymoly bundle for ~12$, before they were in ulta or sephora. Try innisfree, my personal favorite, ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LSEEA4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RrFMzbKZ4GFFQ ) or even dermal ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAM7F8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GsFMzbAZ59XNB ) Both give the same type of results. Or if you're still set on Tonymoly, go to r/asianbeauty to find places that sell them cheaper than 3$ a mask.
My first sheet mask purchase was a Dermal Korea combo pack. While none of these are my HG masks, they're decent and inexpensive and trying the different types helped me to figure out which ingredient masks I tend to prefer.
I didn't see them mentioned but definitely check out Kose, Kracie Hadabisei and MJ Care!
Kose and Kracie are the types with multiple sheets in one pack, you get 30 masks for about $15. And MJ Care has a bunch of variety bundles at a little less than a dollar each mask. But my two favorites are Vanedo and Dermal, mentioned by runlizzyrun. You can get a pack of 25 Vanedo sheet masks for $15!
My favorites:
Kose
Kracie Hadabisei
One of the MJ Care bundles
Vanedo
Dermal
And that's the story of how I bought over 300 masks in one week.
Edit: the link prices are a little higher than what I've bought them for about a month ago, but they dip sometimes.
Well, they're really supposed to draw out all the liquid from the pimple, which they do great. Here's a couple brands (I think the Nexcare ones work better but the CosRx ones are cheaper):
Nexcare
CosRx
They cover the whole area, so you're also prevented from picking at it. You can see it working, the patch is translucent and when it has drawn out moisture it gets opaque and bulges a little. They really, really work and are non-medicated so not as drying as some ointments.
I'm not the person you're responding to, but I've seen these - Nexcare Acne.
Firstly, ditch both the Apricot scrub and the Garnier. You're better off using nothing at all rather than those. It's like saying, "I'm trying to start drinking more water, but I'm going to get through this bottle of vodka first to save money." It's counterproductive.
I hope this has helped! Let me know if you need clarification or if you have any other questions! <3
For under-the-skin breakouts I always use stickers like these. I don't normally put anything on my skin underneath them (lotion and such will make them slide around) but these always either bring it to a head or make it go down for me.
Is this the same thing?
I use the Nexcare ones from Amazon, haven't seen them in any stores (USA). They work for me, but are the only ones I've ever used so I'm not sure how they compare to other brands.https://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Cover-Drug-Free-Gentle-Breathable/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=sr_1_12_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542208461&sr=8-12-spons&keywords=hydrocolloid+bandages&psc=1
edit: typo
Hi everyone! I need a new clenser, I used to use this and it worked great but my skin felt tight after application, so I switched to CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, which didn't make my skin feel tight but now I get more acne than I did with the old clenser. What should I do? I have quite oily and acne prone skin, by the way.
After exfoliating use a cleanser. You said your face is a bit oily, and I'm in the same boat there. Go with a foaming cleanser (i.e. something like this). This replaces the soap part of what you're doing now. Actually (physically) exfoliating will be better because of the size of the things actually doing the scrubbing compared to the looped fibers of the washcloth. Much smaller and will be much more effective without causing (significant) damage to your skin. Chemical exfoliation would be even better. I'll talk more about the cleanser here:
Would the Cerave foaming cleanser also work? this one?
Morning:
Night:
Like I said, I added BHA/AHA recently and the Missha essence about 5 months ago. I love Asian skincare products.
Edit: I'll add in how long these last to people who might be scared of the prices.
I'm basing this on what I already have these in stock and I'm just replacing what I already have. Anything I don't spend in one month, I will bank for the next month. I don't use AB products exclusively and I cannot use retinol, so I will be staying away from products that contain it. I also live in the UK so $25 in American stretches differently in the UK.
Oil cleanse L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Facial Cleansing Oil 150ml It's around £5.29 and lasts me ~3-4 months
Regular cleanse Cerave Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12 oz This bottle lasts a whole year....or I shall say I'm still using the bottle I purchased over a year ago. £14.99
Hydrating Toner/Essence Whamisa Natural Fermentation Organic Flowers Skin Toner - Deep Rich / 120ml At $35 USD, one of the most expensive, but for me it's toner AND essence AND ferments. I consider this three products in one and lasts ~4-5 months
Serum Shark Sauce or Sauce du mois At $29, it's one of the more expensive items on the list. One bottle lasts ~2-3 months, although I use a lot more than I probably should.
Face Oil A'kin Rosehip Oil I have found this on sale in the Holland and Barrett store during specials, so although it's listed for £16.45, I have never paid that price for it. Trilogy is phenomenal as well and will often go on sale too.
Eye Cream I cannot recommend an eye cream in this price range with my specific concerns. All my recommendations are above budget. I have yet to find a satisfactory eye cream that tackles wrinkles, fine lines, and sunken black circles (genetic condition). For me, I need to go above budget. What I can recommend is using the rosehip oil gently around the eye area at night. Another recommendation are Koelf Gold Royal Hydrogel at around £12. If you have time to put them on after the serum and before a lotion/moisturizer first thing in the morning, they will work great.
Moisturizer/Lotion/cream A few in this category to include Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream at £24 or Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Age-Defying Fragrance Free Moisturiser 50ml at £20.99. I use the Kiehl's during the winter months and can recommend Olay any time of the year. A jar lasts a good 4 months. The original Olay is great for the warmer summer months (and has sunscreen in it)
Face Mask So many great ones out there - hard to choose.
Nice but not required (your mileage and needs may vary
Clay Mask Any of the L'oreal new clay mask range £5.99 a pop and a month's usage - if you want to use them.
BHA Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant As much as I detest their business practices, I think the 2% BHA is worth the bother. £25 a bottle, but used twice a week the bottle really does last.
AHA Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant same as above. I use this roughly once a week, lasts a LONG time. £25
Lip care Aquaphor, Vasaline, cocoa butter....All under £5
Heyo, I recently swapped to the COSRX Low pH Good Morning cleanser after the Cerave Foaming Face Wash was found to be dehydrating my skin. However, when I initially started the switch, I noticed my skin seemed a bit sensitive and seemed to still be producing a good amount of oil. I tried using the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser and it seemed to get rid of the irritation and lowered the excess oil production, but does not feel nearly as cleansing as the COSRX or Foaming Face Wash did.
Do you recommend I continue using the hydrating cleanser until my moisture barrier rebuilds and then swap back? If you look at my last post, I'm following most of the steps suggested (including applying Vaseline at night), but am still struggling with CFs on my nose (hard ones) and clogged pores on my cheeks and forehead.
Any recommendations?
I usually use the Aztec clay mask after I wash my face with CeraVe
I don't exfoliate on the days I use the mask, as the mask cleans my pores out really well. I also find that chemical exfoliates are the best to use, like BHA's found in Stridex red pads.
A good place to go to learn more is /r/skincareaddiction
**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.
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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?
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**Skincare routine with full product names**
AM
PM
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**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.
Foaming Facial Cleanser - Normal To Oily Skin by CeraVe for Unisex - 12 oz Cleanser https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J0IPCb46RTP22
Thayers Natural Remedies Witch Hazel Toner, Rose Petal, 12 fl. Oz. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B007HD570Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_g2IPCbDH2BAVP
20% Vitamin C Serum - 60 ml / 2 oz Made in Canada - Certified Organic + 11% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E Moisturizer + Collagen Boost - Reverse Skin Aging, Remove Sun Spots, Wrinkles and Dark Circles, Excellent for Sensitive Skin + Includes Pump & Dropper https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PL3DK26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_c0IPCb5SGGMPX
Brickell Men's Restoring Eye Cream for Men - Anti Aging Eye Balm To Reduce Puffiness, Wrinkles, Dark Circles, Under Eye Bags - .5 oz https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00QL67MY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_m1IPCbD5SEVN4
All Natural Advice Daily Moisturizer with Peptide and Hyaluronic Acid | Canadian Made | Organic | Age-Defying Skincare for Face and Neck | Anti-Aging Complex for Natural Skin Tone and Healthy Radiance | 120 ml | Double the Size https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XVZDGGR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8YIPCbGEHFHYF
i also ordered elta md broad spectrum sun screen
EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30+, 3 Ounces https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MTJ02SX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_42IPCbABTWHS5
.
I've read some sunscreens have a matte finish so hoping this might.
I'm a guy fwiw who just recently went down the skin care rabbit hole after getting an essential oil diffuser and reading they have skin benefits as well, so this is all new to me
Mine is the second week. Stupid hormones. All the products I use are the very basics, they're plain without fragrance or any other frills. I'm afraid of frills...fragrance...dyes...anything my skin could be sensitive to. And I'm lazy so I buy everything on Amazon Prime.
uncoated aspirin
face wash
face lotion
paulas choice bha 2%
I found that using a gentle cleanser helped tone down my skin a lot because it didn't strip my skin. But the most important part was to
moisturize! This is the one I use. Any lightweight moisturizer should be fine so definitely find something that works best for your skin.
Issue: Getting on the wagon, need help and recommendations/etc.
Skin Type: Oily, Blemish-Prone (Not completely sure, pics attached below can give more info/etc. I sweat like a pedo in daycare and shine^bright^like^a^diamond, so there's that.)
Previous Routine/Experience?: Only skin routine or care I do is washing my face with water couple times throughout the day. I used this cleanser/whatev they gave us at school for 4 or so months (PM only) half a year ago (Was quite harsh, but kinda adjusted to it. I think?), and that's about it.
About: Young lad, live in [very] hot environment (Soon to move out, <1year) and lead an active lifestyle. Crazy beakouts couple years ago coupled with cocaine hands got my face fucked up for life.
Location: UAE, will be buying my shit from Amazon US and shipping it here. Don't worry too much about this unless you know some local stuff that's of appropriate price.
Other/Pictures: http://imgur.com/a/C0YLw
///Routine
Cleanser:
Went with the recommendations and chose Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12oz. Best price, ships here, generally well received. Not much.
Moisturizer:
Went with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream w/ Pump, 16z. Good price, ships, got a pump (Hey!), well received. Same old.
Sunscreen:
Sweat a lot and lead an active lifestyle, so need a waterproof sunscreen for the morning-noon/school period. Considered a lot of options, but I constricted it to these as they are the only ones that are waterproof, ship here and are priced reasonably (Not so).
However, I will surely not get anything with Octinoxate due to it's link with Endocrine disturbances (Something which I need very less of, especially currently) and all. Will also not get the All-Chemical Paula's Choice because it's just fucked.
That leaves the EltaMD (Which does not ship now. Things just keep getting worse and worse man) and the CeraVe. The CeraVe has a greasy texture that doesn't go away (Or so they say) and leaves a very pronounced white tint, and the EltaMD has better UVA protection and is tinted to somewhat my skin tone, so I decided to get it. If you have any suggestions/recommendations/etc., please do drop them below.
Exfoliant:
Went with a BHA cause it's simpler and is recommended for oily skin. Problem is I'm afraid Stridex Maximum Strength Pads will be too harsh and unusable (Big no-no, can't return it and shipping rates are crazy).
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion, 1.7oz and Olay Age Defying Classic Night Cream, 2oz ship here too but I don't know man.
OCM:
To remove waterproof sunscreen not else. Found this quite cheap baby oil called Corine De Farme Baby Massage Body Oil (Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Parfum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil), but I honestly don't know anything about this so I just want some input.
AM: Cleanse->Moisturize->Put sunscreen
PM: OCM/Remove sunscreen->Cleanse->Exfoliate->Moisturize
These are great and very affordable
https://www.amazon.com/Dermal-Korea-Collagen-Essence-Facial/dp/B00BAM7F8C
It's from Amazon. I love it!
Not at all. I actually use their Hylamide line though. They suggested the NIOD line because they said the technology used to create it is far better than the other two lines, but I was just getting back into caring for my skin after years of neglect and wasn't ready to spend so much right away and I can easily find the line at many online retailers. The routine I have has made my skin very clear and even. I'm only getting hormonal breakouts once a month or if I use a makeup product that doesn't agree with me. My skin looks better than it has in a very long time.
Morning and Night Routine:
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Hylamide Sub Q Anti-Age Advanced Serum
Hylamide Sub Q Eyes
CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM
Clearasil Daily Clear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream (Thin layer all over face, extra on active breakouts)
Extras:
Thayer's Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel w/ Aloe Vera (I use this after the CeraVe Foaming Face Wash if I have it)
Hylamide Booster Low-Moleculure HA (I use this after the Sub Q Eyes if I have it)
I use various sheet masks once a week or so. I kind of hate the way they feel, so I don't do it that often. They do leave my skin looking great though. I bought these ones because they are affordable and I hadn't tried sheet masking regularly before, so I wanted a variety.
I just ordered these on amazon, they haven't arrived yet but you get 16 different masks for $9 and they have alright reviews, I'm excited to try
Since you live in the US, you can probably find the Hada Labo Tokyo line online in Walgreen's, Target, or eBay - it's just the US packaging of the Japanese brand, Hada Labo, and I see a lot of comments that recommend you getting their cleanser :) For Hada Labo Tokyo, it's called their Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and yeah, it's probably the best foaming cleanser I've tried that's also low pH and super affordable (I think it's like a little less than $7 on eBay, sold by Target). I'd also highly recommend getting a thin, hydrating layer before you seal it in with a moisturizer, a lot of people like the Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion (US equivalent appears to be the Hada Labo Tokyo Replenishing Hydrator) or the Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture. As for sheet masks, there's this listing on Amazon!
DERMAL 16 Combo Pack A Collagen Essence Full Face Facial Mask Sheet - The Ultimate Supreme Collection for Every Skin Condition Day to Day Skin Concerns. Nature Made Freshly Packed Korean Face Mask https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAM7F8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NT3DCbD9QARSY
Loved these
Does she use any skincare (not makeup, but lotions, etc) currently? Ideally we suggest things based on a person's skintype, current products, etc.
A good bet would be some sheet masks - a paper mask with a serum on it you use for 20-30 minutes - they come in a variety of flavors and are one-time use. Unfortunately, you're cutting it close and most of whats available in a timely matter from amazon will be Korean/Taiwanese (if she's picky about japanese stuff).
Some amazon options are:
Some Japanese mask options:
And if you search "My Beauty Diary" there's a LOT of other varieties of sheet mask available on amazon that are well loved.
Also, feel free to join the IRC channel. We've helped wayward SO's pick out gifts in the past.
are these sheet mask any good? they are only $8.99 for 16 of them
My recommendation for soothing, moisturizing face masks are these Dermal Collagen Essence Sheet Masks. They can’t be worn all night but are super soothing for freshly picked skin, and have great ingredients. Plus, it’s 16 sheet masks for 10 bucks! Can’t go wrong there. I have dry, sensitive, acne-prone skin, and I absolutely love these.
Alternatively, for overnight and long term masks I would recommend Vaseline. It makes your face slippery so you can’t pick, and also keeps your skin moist and creates the perfect environment for healing. On r/skincareaddiction they call this the “slug life” or “slugging it.”
Both of these options are non-comedogenic and inexpensive! Best of luck.
This may be an obvious question, but have you tried a consistent skincare routine? I've heard it can take a while for your body to get used to your new hormones, but consistent washing and actives keep me from being a pimple demon. /r/SkincareAddiction has some good guides and advice for finding products and a routine that's specific to your needs.
Also, pimple bandages are magic.
I buy mine on Amazon. I prefer the Nex Care ones and that is the only place I can find them!
These to be exact!
I live in the US and have not seem them anywhere, even though I've checked lots of places. I know they sell them on amazon, but I always just buy the Band-Aid Brand Advanced Healing Blister Bandages or the store brand of wherever I am. The only ones I've used that I don't like so far are the Nexcare ones made for blisters. They don't stick well.
Hey, I have a hard time keeping my hands off my acne too, but I've found that these bandages really help with the urge to touch/pick at it.
Hydrocolloid Bandage may accelerate the process, which helps imo
http://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Absorbing-Cover-Sizes-Count/dp/B00BRGUNV2
I'm a software engineer! I've found gloves (like the knit cotton kind) work fine on "classic" keyboards, but they can get a bit tricky on laptop keyboards.
I also pick my shoulders and wearing long sleeves helps cut down on that a lot.
Fidget toys are great for a lot of people, but with habit replacement it's best to pick something you can perform in any situation you might pick (so, if you get a fidget toy as your habit replacement, what do you do when you don't have it with you?). Making a fist works well for me, someone else here mentioned trying snapping and said it worked really well to ahem snap him out of it.
OMG Hydrocolloid bandages. So, they're blister bandages, but somebody smart figured out you can use the same thing really effectively for pimples and started marketing them as such. The material they're made out of absorbs fluid and can pull pus out of "mature" pimples (ones with a head to them). Some people say it only works if they lance the pimples first, but other people can get them to work without lancing the pimples. And you can get generic ones from just about any grocery or drugstore for a lot cheaper and cut them to the sizes you want (they'll be near the normal band-aid type bandages and say "hydrocolloid" somewhere on the label). Search around /r/skincareaddiction some (I think there's actually a picture post about hydrocolloid bandages near the top there right now) and you'll see a bunch of people raving about them or talking about the best way to use them.
Nexcare
They actually are hydrocolloid bandages, but they are the only type I have ever introduced myself to. There are probably cheaper solutions, but I buy these on Amazon and they work incredibly well for me. Sometimes I buy on Walgreens.com when they have 20% off coupons. They are good to have around.
I would really recommend getting better face wash, especially since you're buying Paula's Choice which isn't cheap. Cheap face soap options:
AsianBeauty megathreads
If it's seeping then you should try the Acne Spot Pads. I use these and within 1-2 days it's damn near gone. I've also been told you can use the blister pads as an alternative as well!
I do. The CosRx Pimple Patches are popular on here. I use the Nexcare version or Clearasil ones because they are available at my local drugstore.
I would recommend seeing a dermatologist, if you can. My dermatologist was able to give me a prescription strength spot treatment, and if I am ever uncomfortable with a cystic spot on my face I can call and get in quickly for a spot treatment (which I've never had to use because the prescription she gave me is great). I recommend using hydrocolloid bandages like these. If you decide to lance, which I don't always recommend because each spot is unique, make sure you use something that is sterile!
Overall concerning your routine, I would recommend cutting back or eliminating physical exfoliation, especially in the morning. You may not even need to cleanse in the morning and the toner may be enough to refresh.
Second the hydrocolloid bandages! You can get CosRx or Nexcare pimple patches on Amazon.
I'm not a doctor but I have problems with acne, including cystic acne, I also have OCD which includes some skin picking so I understand the wanting to touch it. What helps me is hydrocolloid bandages, they absorb all the grossness and also makes it harder to pick at. I like these ones:
https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-advanced-healing-premium-adhesive-bandages/ID=prod6169377-product?reactjs=true
You just cut them to the size you need.
There are also these ones:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BRGUNV2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1511684388&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&amp;keywords=nexcare+acne+patch&amp;psc=1
They work pretty much the same, they might absorb a tad less but are more convenient.
Nexcare: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BRGUNV2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1396465408&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=SY200_QL40
DuoDerm: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002DMANU/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1396465408&amp;sr=8-2&amp;pi=SY200_QL40
I apologize for the lack of formatting. I'm on my mobile. Good luck! Hope these work for you.
ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE! I love these. I even use them on spots that won't directly benefit from the patch, but that I'll potentially pick at.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BRGUNV2?pc_redir=1405383733&amp;robot_redir=1
http://m.walgreens.com/mt/www.walgreens.com/store/c/nexcare-acne-absorbing-covers-assorted/ID=prod6188359-product
Walgreens stores can order an item for you with no shipping charge. Just go in and ask for it, the order is placed and you pre-pay, and then pick it up when it arrives.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BRGUNV2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1502575668&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=hydrocolloid+acne
I'm on mobile, did this work?
I totally know what you mean about the MB Drying Lotion! I'm guilty of using it myself but want to switch to an alcohol-free sulfur spot treatment. I also find it comforting to cover up spots with hydrocolloid bandages, either pre-sized like these or cut to size from a larger pharmacy brand blister bandage. If your skin tolerates honey well, another option for coverage (plus some hydration) would be something like these.
These!!:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BRGUNV2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1381719886&amp;sr=8-2&amp;pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
Seriously, they are fantastic. They soak up sebum, so if you have a zit, the gunk inside gets pulled out of your skin and into the bandage. I pop one on after washing and exfoliating, then go to bed for the night. In the morning, it's usually much better.
Hey! When your whiteheads do pop, you can put a hydrocolloid bandage on top. You can find bandages like this in bigger versions at your local drugstore. You can just cut them to your desired size to cover the pimple. It'll absorb some of the blood/gunk inside and help it heal faster.
OP, you should look more into hyaluronic acid. I know you said you did, but simply putting it on your skin isn't enough.
As someone else mentioned, HA can hold 1,000 times its weight in moisture. However, if your environment is dry, HA is so powerful it can actually pull moisture from your skin because there's nowhere else to pull it from.
So it's important to know if your environment is really cold, windy, or dry. Either way, one of the best ways to use HA is to mix it with another moisturizer.
I will highly, highly recommend you try Cerave lotions. There are a few different ones to try. Their new gel oil seems to be great for dry skin types.
At night, use heavier moisturizers, and put a thin layer of vaseline over your moisturizer.
Look into /r/asianbeauty, they know a lot about keeping your skin dewey, hydrated, and plump. As a matter of fact, one of the best products I see mentioned to moisturize skin that contains hyaluronic acid is Hada Labo's Gokujyun lotion
Hi there, guys and girls! Just a quick question: I am looking into buying Hada Labo Gokujyun lotion and a little bit confused about the naming. Is this the correct one?
Sensitive skin can be a nightmare right? Have you spoken to your prescriber? Cause they can give suggestions.
Your suggestion for putting on a barrier before you cleanse is not a crazy one. Go with your intuition. Before I added an emulsifier to my oil cleanser I would massage my face with hemp seed oil, rinse off with warm water, then use a little foaming cleanser. It helped my skin tolerate the foaming cleanser better. Ultimately I found my face doesn't like foaming cleansers, although a gentle sensitive skin micellar water on a cotton round then rinse works wonders with a rinse afterwards. (Garnier pink cap from the pharmacy but there are plenty of other brands).
..
Hydration, think fragrance free sensitive skin formulas, a good one to use after you've washed your face is Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic here. Let that dry for 20 - 30mins then apply your Tret. This is not the prescribed way, it is buffering that your face doesn't dry to a crisp before you put on your Tret or BP. Do a wait afterwards then apply a moisturiser and an occlusive after that. Layering in that moisture and buffering, yes reducing the potency of the medication until your skin tolerates it then you can go back to clean skin. It is just a suggestion. Ask over on /r/tretinoin and seach for peoples skincare routines, you might find a skin twin.
Good luck.
Wow, okay thank you. So, then it's just a toner to apply after cleansing? I am guessing the only moisturizing properties it contains is the glycerin?
For a moment I thought it was like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic-Lotion-5-7floz/dp/B00BSNBO9O
It's just that I am looking for something light to moisturize with
Is this the Hada Labo product that everyone talks about on here?
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA/166-1389385-7335902?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
or is it this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=dp_ob_title_hpc
I've only ordered electronics, books, etc from Amazon, never a face product. It's legit and safe? Do you guys order it from somewhere else?
And even though it's a toner, can I substitute it as a moisturizer since my skin doesn't have any issues with dryness?
Thanks!
i really like /r/asianbeauty brands for this, they're cheap and effective. they do hydration way better! i'm currently using this one by hada labo and it's really helping. i just put some into the palm of my hand and use my other hand to pat it into my face. i can seriously do this process 3-4 times in a row and my skin soaks all of it up.
Kikumasamune high moist is another popular one. i'm going to be testing a sample of this one by cezanne soon because the ingredients are insanely good.
you can buy samples on /r/asianbeautyexchange :) i've bought from this seller a lot and have had a great experience.
whatever you get, apply it at night and seal it in with a thin layer of vaseline, aquaphor, or cerave healing ointment - otherwise your dry air will just undo all of the hydration you just put into your skin!
I have erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with a papule or two every month. My cheeks are covered in permanent telangiectasias, but I don't mind them because I can cover it with makeup easily. I've had them since I was a kid. Occasionally I get a small papule or two
My nose has worsened over the last 5 years. I have no telangiectasias but my whole nose up to the bridge has diffuse erythema. Above the bridge of my nose has some redness too, leaving the bridge of my nose white... The redness goes away if I press on my nose (it blanches - not permanent). It is difficult to keep makeup on my nose throughout the day without it coming off. This is the most annoying thing about rosacea for me.
My forehead has patches of eczema either side that I've had success treating with elidel (pimecrolimus cream) and a better skincare routine. I have rosacea in the middle of my forehead. Easy to cover with makeup.
I've tried metrogel and finacea, both without effect. Finacea just hurts my skin. I'm taking 50mg doxycycline capsules and I thought they were working, but then I forgot for a while. It's difficult to tell. Rosacea is difficult to control, unfortunately.
___
I currently use the following of an evening:
In the morning I gently wash the set slippery layers off with water and apply:
I take a resveratrol capsule every day to combat sirtuin inhibition caused by niacinamide.
I've been following this routine for four months and my skin has improved a lot in terms of texture. The flaky patches went away and the eczema almost completely disappeared with occasional maintenance use of elidel and just generally looking after my skin. The rosacea erythema has stayed the same, but I have developed fewer papules. Hopefully, if I can remember to take the doxycycline, the redness of my nose may also improve.
I'm interested in buying the Hadalabo lotion but there are two different versions being offered on Amazon:
The older version (more expensive)
The newer version
Is there any benefit in buying the older version?
Oh yeah they have lots of products it gets confusing fast lol. It's the HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O
They also sell smaller travel size version if you want to try it out too
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):
Wow, I have just realized I've written you a book. My bad! I hope this helps some. These are just my experiences and suggestions, ymmv. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I am very certain that you have dehydrated skin. Not the same as dry skin, though you may have that, too. Tight feeling skin, getting very oily very quickly, redness. Oily and dry at the same time. Your moisture barrier has been compromised. This will take time and patience to repair, but believe me, it is worth it. I once had very similar skin.
Fair warning, I myself use a mostly AB routine, and my product suggestions will reflect that.
Find a simple low pH cleanser. I like this one because it's cheap, easy to find, and lasts forever. Cleanse twice daily, with tepid water.
(I am a fan of the double cleansing method when wearing foundation and/or sunscreen. You can learn more about that here.)
Then I would work on finding light hydration that doesn't break you out. I have found that my skin absolutely loves multiple layers of light hydration. And that was key to restoring my barrier. Just putting one thick heavy layer didn't work because my skin couldn't/wouldn't do anything with it. But multiple light layers was something my skin could work with.
This, this, this, this, and this are all super suggestions. Pretty simple, basic, and gentle choices. No, you don't need to go buy all of them. Try one. See how your skin likes it after several weeks. Maybe add another. Or, some people like adding multiple layers of the same product.
Then find a humectant to layer on top, to seal moisture in. This is a very popular one. This, this, this, and this are all good choices.
Once you find a routine that your skin seems to like, stick with it for a few months. Like...3 to 6 months. It won't be an immediate fix. But over time you'll start to notice less of the tight feeling, less of the dry thin skin with an oil slick on top, less redness. Only then will you be able to see what your real skin type is. Maybe you start to see more dryness or flakiness, and the oil slick goes away. Then maybe you have drier skin. Or maybe the tight and dry feeling goes away but the oiliness stays. Then maybe you have oily skin. But until you heal your moisture barrier, nothing you throw at your skin will do any good.
What made the biggest difference for me was a good hydrating toner and a hyaluronic acid. I'd recommend Kikumasamune sake lotion which is a lovely relief to use after cleansing and Hada Labo Gokujyn Moist Lotion, which is a huge help for dehydration because it has a good amount hyaluronic acid and does a great job of holding into the skin any further hydrating layers you use. I'd have a good look into and try some hydrating serums and/or toners as the thick moisturisers you are using on there own just will not be enough to hydrate. Lots of good info about this over on r/asianbeauty as they're very focused on hydrating layers to heal and improve the skin. A great fun method I've found for an instant flood of hydration is the [Korean 7 skin method] (https://youtu.be/-wTGzrBqsIk)
i would say about 6 months really before i noticed smoother texture and smaller pores. have you thought about adding moisture in other forms? for example you can add a hyaluronic serum after you apply the RAM, let that soak in, and the apply your nivea/jelly. you can add layers or moisture, like the asian beauty method. if you have a minute you can check out the asianbeauty sub. But the whole method is basically adding moisture every step. so after cleansing, you could do a sheet mask to add moisture to your skin. then use the RAM, and that absorbs very quick. after that, use a hyaluronic serum for example. then the last layer of nivea to seal everything in. Asianbeauty tends to use a LOT of steps so don't get too overwhelmed, i'd just focus on adding one or 2 extra things because keep in mind, the more things you ass, the more likely a reaction. But sheet masks are a good easy simple way to try out if you like it. My Beauty Diary has a variety you can choose from, i like the yellow box birds nest one its very hydrating. And hyaluronic essence is also pretty popular. One of the most popular is the Hada Labo hyaluronic serum which you use like a toner. It's on amazon, tons of great reviews and can add moisture to your skin.
It's all a ymmv thing with skin unfortunately :(
here
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and also here for prime. you can filter your search to look for prime sellers. that is all did to find these.
I was having this same dry issue for a bit. I just changed my skincare a bit. I use a gentle face wash like Cetaphil. I then found out about this moisturizing Japanese hyaluronic acid toner called Hado Labo, and this was a game changer for me. Apply it after you’ve gotten out of the shower and your face is still damp. Let it absorb, then use a good moisturizer to seal it in. For me, it’s the Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion. They have a gel version, but gel moisturizers are not enough for me. I know a lot of people mention Cerave out of a tub for a drugstore brand is really good too.
I use a Japanese (Rohto hadalabo gokujun hyaluronic acid lotion is Japanese, right? I should know where my products come from...) product, but you may be able to find it in Seoul. Or you can look for a similar product. The Hyaluronic acid is the ingredient you'd want to look for. It's very hydrating. I use it before a heavy moisturinf cream (cetaphil in the tub) and it helps my very dry, dehydration-prone skin a lot.
Amazon link so you can compare to local stuff, if you can see the link:
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist 5.7floz/170ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_NPJnub06NJ807
Can someone describe to me, or better yet show a picture of how much hada labo regular they use? I got mine two weeks or so ago and I nearly screamed (but I didn't because that causes wrinkles) when I saw there is only half left. I am clearly using way too much, which I have a tendency to do.
Hello! I HAVE DONE SO MUCH RESEARCH TODAY BUT PLS HALP.
I have come to the conclusion that although I have acne issues, my face is also dehydrated, and I need to combat that first. Based on my current routine, I'm going to reduce my BHA and retinoid and have it like so:
AM
PM
ADVICE NEEDED: Is it ok to use a moisturiser on top of a HA? What order should it be? How are the products I've suggested? My plan is to do this for 2-3 weeks, and then go back to using my effaclar and differin.
I'll pick up the SPF today and order this recommendation. I'm happy with the ingredients list and reviews, and your personal cosign. I'm being told by Amazon UK that this is the "newer" version of your recommendation. Is this the case, or should I stick to this? I'm afraid I do not read the language. Is this an aesthetic or ingredient difference?
Amazon carries lots of Hada Labo. Drugstore.com carries some too.
For Hyaluronic Acid this toner is great, though often it's on Amazon Prime:
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1488124057&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=hada+labo
Biore Watery Essence is popular sunscreen though it has a good amount of alcohol so it's not for everyone. It's lightweight though . Shiseido Senka Aging has way less alcohol if you are dryer.
I'm a follower of Asian Beauty (AB) subreddit so most of the products I'm using are Asian brands. If you are open to Asian skin care products, I would personally recommend these 2 products that I've been using for years. I love them because they are so effective and cheap.
This is Japanese product. The name says lotion but it is very thin and watery. It has Hyaluronic Acid which can help combat dryness.
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501340052&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=hada+labo+gokujyun+lotion
This gem is another amazing product from Japan. I would bathe in it if I could. This is my holy water. It makes my skin so plump, hydrating, and glow. It contains rice ferment and ceramides which are very good for skin. The only downside is that it smells like sake or alcohol even thou it does NOT have alcohol in it. The smell comes from the rice ferment filtrate. Fermented products are believed to be very good for skin and very popular in Asian skincare. Some people are bothered by its scent, I don't.
https://www.amazon.com/Kikumasamune-Sake-Skin-Lotion-Moisture/dp/B00ECQCVK0/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501340278&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=kikumasamune
You can use either of them, or in combination like I do. And yes, toner goes before moisturizers.
Hope this helps and good luck. Let me know if you have other questions.
I think it'll help your skin just in general. You'll be properly removing any SPF (and if you wear makeup), so you won't be left with any residue after your second cleanser.
What kind of moisturizer are you thinking about specifically? Are you asking in regards to my mention of hydration? Because those tend to be hydrating toners, not moisturizers. It may be a bit confusing. The easier way to think about it is hydrating toners add water to your skin, moisturizers add oil. You ideally need to have both.
As far as a moisturizer goes, I think the Mizon Black Snail you have is great, I use it actually, but it's not going to get the whole job done (The all-in-one label thing is misleading. Few things that advertise themselves as all-in-one are). I would say add a hydrating toner, like Hada Labo or Kikumasamune, follow with the Mizon Black Snail AIO, then finish off with an occlusive layer to seal in the moisture and hydration. This would usually be some sort of sleeping pack.
My skin hates all creamy moisturizers.
After a year of trial and error, the only thing that has worked for me so far has been two thin layers hada labo gokujun lotion (not the premium. My skin hated premium) and recently the addition of rose hip seed oil. Dunno why. Even on a decently strong dose of tret this is all my skin wants.
Here's an amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic-Lotion-5-7floz/dp/B00BSNBO9O
I bought this hadolabo from amazon back in February but never used it. I want to test it now but realise my packaging doesn't look like that but instead this.
According to amazon I definitely bought it from the first link however the packaging isn't the same. So what do i have? haha but more importantly would you trust it?
Okay so let's break it down to possible causes.
As far as your cleanser and exfoliant goes, everything looks great. However, you may be washing with too-hot water and combined with dry indoor heat and dry outside chills, your skin may be moisturized but not really soaking it up. I really suggest a once or twice weekly face mask with hydrating properties to seal in your skin. Also a lot of people on this subreddit really love Vaseline to lock in moisture. It's your call how you want to approach adding moisture to your skin.
One product that I love that you can find in any Japanese market is the Hada Labo Gokyujin moisturizer (http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O). It's almost the texture of water but I splash that on THEN add a moisturizer on top if my skin is extra dry. But it soaks into your skin like a dream. I have really noticed a difference in adding this into my routine. I actually mix it with my serum and let it sit after my BHA exfoliant.
There are two key things I can really suggest to combat dullness. The first is drink water. 9/10 you're probably dehydrated. Drink as much as you can, even when you feel fine. You should be drinking plenty. Also, and this is a really unpopular suggestion but it's what got my skin in shape: quit milk and dairy. Eggs are fine but any animal-milk based substances really wreak havoc on your skin. Same goes for meat. I love both products, but quitting milk-based products and reducing meat have really gone a long way in ensuring brighter skin. Obviously, treat yourself occasionally!
I just have a quick question:
I found a reasonably priced moisturizer (this one) under the recommended products in the sidebar.
I just noticed it says, it is a night time / PM moisturizer.
Thanks
I'm not going to rate because that's dumb, but there's a lot you can do actually.
I speak from experience when I say this advice WILL work if you get started. I'm not saying you will be hot (you might), but I guarantee you'll be objectively attractive.
Good luck!
It's not AB, but I love using CeraVe PM as my moisturizer under makeup. It plays very well with my makeup and my sunscreens.
When I'm in a time crunch and need a routine that dries quicker than my usual routine, I use ampoules instead of a regular moisturizer. On days that I do that, this is what my routine is before sunscreen/primer/makeup:
Okay! This is all great information to know. For me, I'm oily, sensitive, and sometimes dry skin. I have cystic acne on my forehead, and occasionally white heads. Here is what I've learned to manage my acne:
https://www.amazon.com/Zyflamend-Whole-Body-LIQUID-VEGCAPS/dp/B00LLLPZ7U/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1479486517&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=zyflamend
http://www.gnc.com/GNC-Herbal-Plus-Rhodiola-Extract-340-mg/product.jsp?productId=19023576&amp;network=g&amp;device=c&amp;creative=146786321001&amp;c3ch=PLA&amp;matchtype=&amp;c3nid=15095492product_id=15095492&amp;adpos=1o1&amp;gclid=CjwKEAiA6rrBBRDsrLGM4uTPkWASJADnWZQ4TokiR06o1IAlh--HXcV0rtzsD5LfNxgjvAcOUMvzwBoCKBfw_wcB&amp;eesource=CA_DF:19023576:GNC
http://www.gnc.com/GNC-Herbal-Plus-Ashwagandha-Extract-470mg/product.jsp?productId=19431436
The first is the anti-inflammation supplement. The last two are for decreasing cortisol levels. I used to take these every day. But the price is a lot. For the last two, you need high quality supplements, where the extract in the pills are close to 100% pure. I take these about every other day.
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_11060901_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1479486705&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=cerave+PM
This moisturizer is good because it doesn't aggravate skin. And it also has ceramides, which increase the skin barrier and keeping in the moisturizer. I apply it in the morning and in the evening.
http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/MandelicSalicylic-Peel_p_131.html
You have fair skin, yet it's oily. Go light at first, and then your skin will adjust and you can go up in time of the peel and the % of the chemical. The first few weeks to months, you might see more acne as the skin is turning over and the acne is coming up. It takes 3 months for the skin to fully turnover. And you'll want to wait that long to really get a good sense whether this regimen will work for you.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. But, I'm happy to keep commenting.
I love Cerave pm. It feels light and non greasy, but it's also really hydrating, gentle, and fragrance free. Incidentally Cerave in the tub gave me acne, and cerave am made my eyes burn, so don't rule out the pm based on their other products.
Edited with link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00365DABC/ref=sr_ph_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1485120858&amp;sr=1&amp;keywords=cerave+pm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/122/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM-3-oz/B00365DABC
FYI I just bought both from amazon individually and it was like $8 cheaper than the bundle
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WN1ELQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00365DABC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;psc=1
Thanks for the recommendation!
Okay so I dont think that my skin is kinda dehydrated that much but still sensitive. Was thinking to just start with this for now:
Cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YJ2SKM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A19497B1AUMQOH&amp;psc=1
Moisturizer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00365DABC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A19497B1AUMQOH&amp;psc=1
And maybe add Vaseline on top of moisturizer before sleep
Both of these were recommended with bunch of other products so im not sure I picked good lol anyways I would still like to add supplements (at least Zinc and Fish oil cuz I cant remember when I ate fish last time and I barely eat any meat) btw I really appreciate your help a lot :) I need someone to save me haha
For for products with hyaluronic acid in it Hada Labo is your friend. They have a [hydrating hyaluronic acid toner] (https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA) and facial wash that is loved in this sub. They also have a HA sheet masks, sunscreen, moisterizer and oil cleanser so you could technically make an entire routine with products with HA in them!
I have the same skin type and when I was using foaming cleansers, I tried one of the favorites here, Hada Labo's Rohto Gokuyjyun Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Cleanser. Personally, I've found foaming cleansers to be slightly stipping and although this cleanser was gentle, I still noticed that when I switched away from foaming cleansers, I was much happier and less stripped of moisture after cleansing.
Cleanser Recommendations - NO niacinamide
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser
Avalon Organics Intense Defense Vitamin C Cleansing Gel
I have not tried the HL Hydrating Cleanser. I have tried the HL Foaming Cleanser. It is VERY gentle. I suspect I might like it more come winter when I'm prone to dry skin, but this summer I just feel like even when I use it in the morning (no end of day grease or makeup) my forehead gets significantly more oily throughout the day.
Edit: ridiculous formatting issues
Hi guys, I've been loving AB for about a year now but I haven't stuck to one routine for more than a few months at a time, mainly due to travel and addiction to trying new things 😅 I'm sorry for the epic novel to follow, skip to the bottom if you want. I'm just so tired of dealing with crap skin!
I've had a horrible breakout in the last few months on my back that I can't seem to shake. I don't know why. I got back on the pill after being off it for several months in the hopes of fixing the breakout; it's helping a little but I'm only just starting my second month back on the pill so it might take a while to see results.
Of more concern to me is a new cystic breakout along my jawline--I haven't had such sore acne in years. I'm 19 and I've gotten my acne a lot better under control thanks to the pill and PocketDerm (don't like the name Curology lol) but I've dealt with it in varying forms of severity since like 6th grade.
Before the cysts (bear with me here!) were all these closed comedones, as well as tiny white marks on my face--some raised, some not--which are either CCs or scars, I'm not sure. I plan to eventually get laser treatment because I hate the texture of my skin and all the PIH I have but I want to make sure I'm stopping new breakouts before I spend a ton of money on treating old scars.
So basically I've stripped down my routine to complete, tried and true basics in the hopes of not irritating my skin and making sure nothing's breaking me out. And yet I have like three whiteheads on one side of my face near my mouth and cystic acne on my jawline and near my temples. Nothing has changed in my lifestyle, I haven't added anything new to my routine...please give me any ideas or product suggestions!
TLDR my skin is somewhat freaking out, may be hormonal but I want help setting up a routine to help my moisture barrier, acne, and PIH
Oily/Acne-Prone: | Boston, USA/Dry, windy: | Acne, PIH:
Current Routine/Products I'm Using:
AM
PM
I used to use Korres Wild Rose 24-HR Brightening and Moisturizing Cream at night too but I stopped because I stopped everything I thought might be irritating.
I specifically want help with rebuilding my moisture barrier, calming down current and stopping future breakouts, and maybe adding an exfoliant or Vitamin C to my routine...any advice?
Assuming that he'll want something fairly inexpensive, and not too complicated, I'd recommend the Hada Labo Foaming Cleanser. It's a good pH for skin, doesn't smell like much, and pretty easy to find (I've linked you to an Amazon listing, but you can find it on ebay, and, depending on where you live, in Japan/Koreantown stores, 99 Ranch, etc.).
For the irritation, I'd recommend something with snail, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Power Essence is inexpensive, unscented, etc.
Let me know if you'd like another recommendations! Hope this helps. :) Edit: also it just occurred to me that I assumed you live in the United States, and if not, these might be harder (or easier) to find.
If you take a look over here you'll find a range of cleansers. Pick any below 6.
A very popular one is the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser.. Don't get the one in the tube or confuse yourself with the AHA&BHA (tube and pump).
I'd suggest getting a sunscreen, a cleanser, and a moisturizer. In the mornings, splash your face with some water and use moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, cleanse and use moisturizer. A spot treatment would probably be good as well (neutrogena on the spot has always worked beautifully for me, it's a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream), just for use when you have a spot. The location of your spots is kind of indicative of hormonal acne, which can't always be stopped, but can be tamed by a good routine and perhaps help from a doctor that can give you effective prescriptions. If you can order things online, I recommend this cleanser! If not, I recommend the boots expert sensitive gentle cleanser which is at target.
Sunscreen is pretty important! It'll protect your skin damage caused by the sun's UV rays. UVB rays cause sunburns and both UVB and UVA rays damage DNA (which causes aging). Both contribute to cancer as well. After using sunscreen for a while, personally, my skin is way healthier. Spots clear up much faster and the residual pigmentation is gone in little time. For a cheaper sunscreen, I would recommend alba botanica very emollient (can be found at target); for a higher end sunscreen, I would say shiseido urban environment (sephora, online). Sunscreen seems to be pretty personal as far as individual skin compatibility goes, though, so you might have to try a few.
That foundation should work well for you, and after you have an established routine, you can build it up if interested!
Is this one different than this one? When I scrolled down it says "there is a newer version of this item" so I'm wondering if the formulation is the same?
Is this the one that you're talking about?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036MDUEM?cache=e4aa87e2a145aed4594c01ccd215fd3f&amp;pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&amp;qid=1413564825&amp;sr=8-8#ref=mp_s_a_1_8
Sure! Here it is, this shop uses prime so it's covered by Amazon in case you don't like it. They have other fun goodies too :)
I'm using this one! Sad to hear about the Cosrx one. :(
You should definitely look at /r/SkincareAddiction. That said, I also have oily, breakout-prone, very sensitive skin, and these products keep me clear 99% of the time. It's not the cheapest routine though, so be warned.
For cleansing, I only use water to wash my face. I have never been able to find a cleanser that doesn't dry me out and cause breakouts. Not even non-foaming cream cleansers work on me. In the past I've used the oil cleansing method, which didn't cause problems, but also didn't provide much benefit. Plus it was kind of messy, so I stopped.
At night before bed I rinse my face with water, and then apply Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Pore-Refining Treatment With 2% BHA. Once a week, instead of that product, I mix together RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA and RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment With 10% AHA and apply that before bed.
In the morning I rinse with water. Then I mix together 15% azelaic acid (I use Finacea) and Eucerin Replenishing Skin Relief Face Cream (with 5% Urea) and apply. These two products make a ton of difference for me. Azelaic acid is OTC in many countries, but if you're in the US it's prescription only, which makes it more expensive. Also the Eucerin lotion with urea is great but not available in the US which is why I order it from overseas via Amazon. My skin is very oily, but also dehydrated. The Eucerin stuff is very moisturizing, not pore-clogging, and even though it's pricey, a little goes a long way, so the small bottle lasts a surprisingly long time.
In the morning, after the Finacea and Eucerin, I put on Paula's Choice Shine Stopper. Honestly, this might be my favorite product. Before I started using it, my skin would get shiny and wet looking within an hour or two of taking a shower. This stuff makes me look normal all day. It can't take care of all the oil, but at the end of the day I'll look "dewy" rather than looking like I just went to the gym. I don't know what I'll do if they ever stop making it.
Anyway, you said you were looking for low-cost, and my skin is particularly finicky and sensitive in addition to being oily, so everything I just suggested is probably overkill for you. If I were you, I would start with either no cleanser, or CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (Amazon link, but you can find that stuff at most drug/grocery stores in the US), a 2% BHA from Paula's Choice, and a non-pore-clogging moisturizer (CeraVe also makes good moisturizers that you can find in stores). And if you want to control the look of oily skin, I really can't recommend the PC Shine Stopper highly enough. I know it's a more expensive item, but in my opinion it's worth it.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_CawjxbYW74KWM
My favorite face cream, I highly suggest it.
St Ives Scrub, Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange 6 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GTC1HG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_xbwjxbQE5AYXC
And a nice face product for me. :) haahha
Not to push products on you, but as soon as I got off of birth control my face went BONKERS. I had always had excellent skin and then it started becoming AWFUL. I finally got it to clear up with benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid BUT…you can’t use those when you’re pregnant. Cue pregnancy hormone induced acne awfulness. It just got worse and worse but I have to say…CeraVe’s foaming facial cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YMJJSK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;th=1 and Cetaphil’s AM lotion with SPF 30 for acne-prone skin: https://www.amazon.com/Cetaphil-Dermacontrol-Moisturizer-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B006L2137U/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1473999265&amp;sr=1-1-fkmr1&amp;keywords=cetaphil+am+moisturizer+acne+prone+skin and my skin isn’t perfect yet but it has significantly cleared up. Obviously, if you can find cheaper products with the same ingredients, go that route. But no one had any good product recommendations for me when I was going through this so I figured maybe this would help a bit. Good luck, momma!
My other cheek has the exact same piece of acne as well, and i also included a picture of my nose as it's very rough! I'm not sure what to do i wash my face, moisturize, and exfoliate once a week.
Facial Cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B003YMJJSK/?th=1
Exfoliate: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F61S64/?th=1
Moisturizer: https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-AM-Moisturizer-Daytime/dp/B00F97FHAW?th=1
AM
PM
I'm new to skincare and did a bulk buy of the above products based on what I've read in this sub. I'd appreciate advice on...
My bad! I totally missed that. I don't have oily skin myself, however most people that do say washing their face only at night before bed with a gentle foaming cleanser (like Cerave foaming) and then just splashing with water or micellar water in the AM has helped their skin from producing so much oil. So you would wash at night, use your toner, and then your moisturizer. In the AM, splash with water or use micellar water on a cotton round, use your toner, and then moisturize and use sunscreen. This is the sunscreen my husband uses and loves. It's tinted so there is no white cast, and actually helps control oil. Don't be put off that it's tinted, it literally just disappears once you rub it in. Here is a link to the Cerave foaming cleanser. Link to the Cerave PM moisturizer. Now, I wouldn't buy everything at once and start this new routine. You will want to use something for a week or so and see if you have any reactions, that way if you break out or have an allergic reaction you will know what product caused it. If you want to use micellar water, I really like the brand Simple. As for the sunscreen, try to get into the habit of using it everyday. Even if you're inside. No need to use it at night tho. :-) I think you will notice a huge difference in your skin with this routine. Check out the r/skincareaddiction when you get a chance. After you get used to this new routine you will to start exfoliating, I prefer chemicals to exfoliate. So you can read up on the different types and what you think would work best. But remember to space everything out so your skin doesn't freak out. I would start with the face wash and sunscreen first, and go from there. If you have anymore questions let me know!
So I have a few suggestions, because my skin used to be exactly like yours. I realized that after getting my basic skincare routine down that my skin isn't actually oily, it was just the products I use (which may be a different scenario for you) but I do have to take a lot of measures to combat my dehydrated skin. I also have redness that once required full-coverage foundation and now I wear tinted moisturizer to just even out my super mild redness. This is my routine:
AM:
Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap. This is less of a true cleanser in the way that it won't really work at removing makeup, but it is really fantastic at soothing redness/any irritation and making my skin feel super soft.
I then use Etude House 10-in-1 House Wonder Pore Freshener. This is a new addition that I really like for sebum control and pores. Not a neccessity for you it seems like, but I figured I'd suggest it. It's a toner. I find it actually works for me, when in in the past I'd use a toner and be like ok..... this is doing nothing, lol.
Then I use Nature Republic New Soothing Moisture Aloe Vear GEL 92% moisturizer. LOVE this for soothing redness and providing some serious hydration! I was really worried about this being sticky, especially because I have an aversion to textures sometimes, but I actually really like this. I know a lot of people say you shouldn't use stuff from jars, but I find that as long as I continue to see results, the jar continues to work for me. I just switched to this from the Clinique gel moisturizer and not only is the price decrease amazing, but I saw/felt results so quickly!!
For days that I know I need extra hydration in the AM (i.e., winter), I use Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion prior to my moisturizer.
Last morning step is sunscreen - I just switched from a western sunscreen to Missha All-around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel Spf30/pa++ and I really like it, and that'll help your redness, too.
PM:
Cleanse with First Aid Beauty cleanser. I really like this, but I find it to be on-par with most cleansers, although this is gentler for sensitive skin.
Every other day: Too Cool for School Egg Mouse Pack. LOVE THIS. Improves brightness/radiance and gives hydration.
After I get out of the shower, I use the toner I mentioned above.
Cosrx BHA. Some say it reduced their redness, but I found it just helped with sebum/blackheads. I like Stridex better as a BHA, honestly.
I use the Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion every night, and follow with my moisturizer I mentioned above. I'm currently searching for a good night cream, I used Eucerin anti-redness prior and I didn't like it very much.
Throughout the week, I'll use the First Aid Beauty
Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay, which I really like, but since you're on a budget I'd say it could wait. I find it reduces redness but works best for blemish control. I also use Tony Moly sheet masks, particularly ones that combat redness/dehydration.
Overall, if you could only afford 1/2 products, I would most recommend the Mario Badescu and the moisturizer I mentioned - but I also would highly recommend the Hado Labo lotion regardless due to your severe dehydeation.
I use Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion before I apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Fluid. I don't get the flaky nose, but the reason I use the hyaluronic acid lotion is it "serves as the foundation to your moisturizing routine"- that's the product description and I really find it to be true. Using those two products leaves my skin feeling dewy.
Damn, that sucks...
Hm. The only thing I can think of (besides buying another new moisturizer) is washing with water only, then putting the spectro on damp skin and layering vaseline over it at night. Also, adding mixing a drop of pure glycerin into the spectro in your hand can really help to get some extra moisture into your skin.
Finally, you could consider adding the Hada Labo lotion to your routine (under your moisturizer) - eBay has 30ml packages that are a cheap way of trying them out.
This "lotion" from Hada Labo is the standard. I love it because your can use it for so many things. I use it on my face, scalp and cuticles. The trick it to use it when your skin it still damp because humectants draw moisture to themselves and if it's super dry, the moisture they draw could be from your skin. Using it on damp skin fixes this though. I used quotation marks because this is called a lotion but it's actually a hydrating toner. Hope this helps!
Where do you buy hada lobo's light lotion? I tried finding the light version to purchase in Canada, but it's like $100 on amazon.com whereas the normal version is only $12 on amazon.com
Edit: is this the right item?
I like to pat a little bit of hyaluronic acid lotion (I use Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion) on my lips when they're really dry. When it's fully absorbed, I put some aquaphor on top. The next day my lips will exfoliate a little more than usual, but they'll be soft. I use the HA lotion morning and evening, so it's not an issue to put a bit on my lips at the same time.
Your sweat has antimicrobial properties to it. The main one is the gene Dermcidin which encodes an antimicrobial peptide that is excreted in human sweat.
It may be your hot showers and over-cleansing that are doing it. Try bringing the temperature down as far as you can stand it. I know how great a hot shower feels after a workout, but my skin just goes all to hell if I indulge myself. Does your gym have a hot tub? Heat does help with muscle recovery and I've found that sitting in the hot tub (as long as it is 101-105 F, any hotter is straight up awful) for 10 minutes gets me the relaxing heat I want from a hot shower but keeps my face out of danger. This may not work for you if your back has a tendency to breakout badly.
If you're going to hot tub often, I recommend a more gentle body wash like Eucerin's Skin Calming Body Wash and a light moisturizer like Hada Labo.
Since it sounds like you've been drying your skin out with all the washing and heat, I highly recommend using the Hada Labo linked above and/or their lighter lotion that's really more like a toner. This one is ultra light and watery. I use it like a toner before the milky Hada Labo.
I also remove my sunscreen and whatever buildup may have occurred during the day with micellar water before working out.
just to be sure.. this is what you guys are talking about?
Routine Question:
I've been using this Hyaluronic Acid on my neck and around my eyes for a while but I want to start using it on my entire face as I'm feeling bit dull and dehydrated. I'm just not sure where I would fit it in my morning and evening routine especially with the Clindamycin lotion that I'm using.
AM:
Wash with Cerave Foaming, pat dry
Clindamycin lotion on cheeks (prescription)
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine Free with spf
PM:
MAC Cleanse Off Oil to remove any makeup
Wash with Cerave Foaming, pat dry
Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel or liquid
Paula's Choice Anti-aging Clear Skin Hydrator
I know the impulse is to do a big order to save on shipping, but I think it's also ok to do several smaller shipments. You can't use everything at once anyway. Ideally, you should be introducing new products little-by-little. Maybe one new product a week, so you can test to see if your skin likes it. Also, you can order samples of a lot of the more popular products, so you can test that way too.
Since your skin is only sensitive sometimes, I guess you'll have to decide how much you want to baby your skin. For me, I would want to choose products that are more for sensitive skin when there's a choice. But you might know better how much you need to do this.
For cleansers, I like the Banila Co. I have sensitive skin, and I am ok with the regular one. The Purity version actually has some herbal ingredients that I wasn't sure would work for me. The BioDerma water looks good, and I think it could work as your step 1 to remove makeup. Cleansing oils are nice too. You could get a few samples of these. DHC is olive oil based and should work for sensitive skin unless olive oil happens to break you out. (You might not know until you try.) The Innisfree, Skin Food and Face Shop cleansing oils are all pretty popular, but scented.
For toners, the Mizon is the one I've heard of most. It might be good for acne, but not sure if it will work for dryer skin. For masks, the Skin Food one is popular. There's a black sugar strawberry one that people like. For eye cream, I would go for the Kiehl's or Mizon because of the snails.
For treatment, I have the C20 Vitamin C but haven't used it yet. I would try to buy some samples of the Innisfree. Missha ampoule and essence are popular as well.
You might want to hold off a little on the AHA/BHA's until you get a settled routine and your skin is more moisturized. The Mizon AIO is not a real moisturizer from what I understand. It's kind of a treatment and goes on before your other steps. A little different. You can order samples of the Starfish Cream pretty easily.
Too Cool for School has a pumpkin sleeping pack that people like. Also, people seem to like Mizon Good Night Sleeping Pack. But Laneige is said to be nice too.
You might want to add in Hada Labo lotion. It's popular around here and works a little like a serum. Not a lotion as we think of it. You may need an extra lotion or cream at some point, but those are usually easier to find in non AB if you need. Have fun!
I used a lot of acne face cleansers only to realize that they messed up my skin barrier (my face was really oily and prone to white heads)! My current AM face routine is Laneige White Plus Renew Bubble Cleanser followed by Missha FTE (currently testing this), Laneige White Plus Renew Emulsion + Essence. At night I cleanse first with DHC's Cleansing Oil, and then the same routine as AM but I seal in my moisturizers with Vaseline. After about three weeks of this routine, my face is no longer producing massive amounts of oil (although I still have residual hyperpigmentation and some white heads, hoping it'll be clearer in another week or two!)
If you're looking for cheaper moisturizers, Hada Labo makes a nice toner and lotion which I found to be quite useful (although it didn't agree with my skin in the long run. I've also had good results with Hadanomy Collagen line for cheap moisture! It seems a little counter-intuitive, but give yourself about a month trying out a new regime and see if that works better for you. Sunscreen is also very important, make sure you wear it every day even if it's overcast. I would also reiterate /u/herezy by focusing on skincare first before makeup! Good luck :)! It's frustrating at first but once you settle into a routine that works for you it's pretty amazing.
The Hadalabo. This is the one I used. I've used the witch hazel for weeks without issue, so that wasn't it
I haven't had any issues with dryness since I started using Hadalaba Hyaluronic Acid Lotion and TonyMoly Avocado Rich Cream together.
I need help with the ever mysterious Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
I purchased a decant of "Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium Lotion" and I think I like it? I can't really tell, but it seems to be a popular hydrating toner and I can take all the hydration I can get, haha.
Looking on amazon I see Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion and [Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist] (http://amzn.com/B00BSNBO9O). Are these different? are they different then the "premium" version I've been trying?
Is a toner even needed?! Or should I just go straight to essences and serums?! haha
Hi ladies and gents! So sorry in advance, this is going to be long!
I've just recently started having success with the products I'm using and I'm thinking it's a matter of proper combination/layering (I've been reading a lot about the Vitamin C/BHA/AHA/Niacin situations). I feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what works with what or counter-acts, etc, so I'd love some input from more knowledgeable folks. I don't have a set routine and I'd like to change that. I'd say I have combination skin, very acne prone although it's pretty mild at the moment due to the recent success of something?! Lots of PIH. No birth control or prescriptions currently.
AM:
PM:
SO! For anyone who read all that, thank you! For ease of product reordering, here's the list:
I also occasionally do [Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay] (http://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-Cleansing/dp/B0014P8L9W) or Glamglow Super Tingling masks but I'm not consistent with it.
I have used all products with the exception of the Vitamin C Serum for at least 4 months. Nothing has seemed to make anything worse but I'd like to improve. Open to any and all suggestions for routine or products. Primary concerns: acne, anti-aging, hyper-pigmentation.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to any and all help or input. I really appreciate it and I apologize if I'm asking something that should be apparent by what I'm reading here in the sub. I'm just a bit confused. :)
Great!
When picking something with salicylic acid in it you'll want to start out gentle if you haven't really used it in the past. Don't go over something that claims to contain more than 2% salicylic acid.
These ones by Stridex are popular and easy to get: https://www.amazon.ca/Stridex-Salicylic-Maximum-Strength-Packaging/dp/B000NUN8BK/ref=pd_sim_121_1?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=3WTHS1W2HEMFG7D9K8SR
I have also used these by First Aid Beauty: https://www.sephora.com/product/clear-complexion-pads-P411873?skuId=1856939&amp;icid2=first_aid_beauty_lp_whatsnew_carousel_ca:p411873
And I've heard great things about these ones by COSRX, a Korean skincare brand: http://jolse.com/product/cosrx-one-step-original-clear-pad-70ea/4363/?cate_no=371&amp;display_group=1
Use these products after cleansing, but before moisturizing (and you absolutely should moisturize every time you cleanse, and especially if you are using products like these!). Do not use any of these everyday. At first it might feel like you're not getting anything done by not using them often, but in the long run it is way better to respect your skins moisture barrier by being gentle with chemical exfoliation than to dry your skin out. Start out by using them just every two days and then maybe move on to every other day if your skin does not seem to be getting dry. Again, really focus it on your problem area if the rest of your face is happy and clear.
Moving on to spot treatments, here are the two I've found to work for me.
Clean & Clear (contains benzoyl peroxid): https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Persa-Gel-Treatment-Medication/dp/B00KZ22ED4/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1511920947&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=clean+and+clear+benzoyl
LUSH Grease Lightning (contains tea tree oil): https://www.lush.ca/en/face/cleansers/grease-lightning/02896.html
Put a generous amount right the zit after moisturizing. Some people put a thin layer and leave it on during the day, but I've always found it ends up looking flaky and weird.
Pimple patches have also started to gain popularity recently. They started out mostly as an Asian Beauty thing I believe and now their making their way over to some western stores as well. They're basically these packages that contain some sort of something (science) that draws the gunk out of your skin. Put them on before bed and in the morning you wake up with a lumpy yuck-filled sticker! Here are some options for those as well.
COSRX: http://jolse.com/product/cosrx-acne-pimple-master-patch-24-patches-10-sheets/7765/?cate_no=371&amp;display_group=1
Nexcare (I've started seeing these ones in North American pharmacies): https://www.amazon.ca/Nexcare-Absorbing-Covers-Sizes-Count/dp/B00ISN35OO/ref=pd_sim_194_3?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=J2TMQDKY2PFRHGETPNEQ
If you want more resources and ideas check out /r/SkincareAddiction and /r/AsianBeauty. I would also highly recommend the YouTuber Liah Yoo if you care to look more into skincare. She's all about taking a gentle approach to healing your skin.
WOW THIS GOT LONG.
Don't get discouraged if takes some trial and error, everyone's face reacts differently to different products. Above all else remember to start slow and gentle with new skincare products. Good luck!
Agreeing with the other comment, salicylic acid, and/or glycolic acid.
I would try BHA (salicylic) first - it works like a charm for me. But I have to be diligent with it - 2x/day, every single day. Stridex Pads in the red container or Clearasil Rapid Action Pads are great, inexpensive options that I currently have and use.
https://www.amazon.com/Stridex-Med-Pads-Size-90ct/dp/B000NUN8BK
https://www.amazon.com/Clearasil-Rescue-Treatment-Cleansing-Packaging/dp/B0012MXUEI
If after several weeks you notice no changes, try switching over to an AHA (like The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid, mentioned here already). Hope this helps-Good luck!
i've seen that one mentioned a lot here as well as the stridex pads in the red box. it's also 2%. http://www.amazon.com/Stridex-Daily-Care-Maximum-Strength/dp/B000NUN8BK
You could try applying a chemical exfoliant, try BHA. You can get stridex in the red box and apply it to your shaved areas to prevent the ingrown hairs, people do that over at /r/skincareaddiction and evidently it works really well.
If you're not sensitive to menthol you could try replacing Paula's Choice 2% BHA with Stridex maximum strength pads. They're 2% salicylic acid and you get 90 pads for around £10.
Oh good god... Okay, well you asked for it...
I work third shift, so my routine is a little backwards because of that.
I usually shower in the morning before bed (about 8am). In the shower: First thing I do is shampoo my hair, if I shampoo that day (I usually shampoo 3x a week) and I use SheaMoisture shampoo. After that I condition with SheaMoisture conditioner and leave it in, I put my hair in a clip and continue showering. I wash the front half of my body and whatnot, then I wash my face with Cerave. Then I take the clip out of my hair, rinse the conditioner, and then I use one of those loofas on a stick to wash my back. I actually just started that this week, I noticed that washing my back after rinsing conditioner helped with bacne a lot but there was one spot in the center of my back that I couldn't reach that still had acne.
Then I turn off the water, and standing in the shower I flip my hair over and finger comb it with SheaMoisture leave in conditioner. Then while my head is still flipped, I squirt one handful of Garnier Fructis gel into my hand and scrunch it all around my hair. Then I get one more squirt and go through my hair and twist out individual strands. Then I wrap my hair in a Microfiber towel wrap and I sleep all day with that on. I'm waffling between sleeping with that and sleeping with a tshirt on my head, I can't decide which one is better yet.
Once I step out of the shower, I wipe my face with Stridex in the red box and let that dry for 20 minutes. After that, if I have any active whiteheads, I pop them and stick hydrocolloid bandages on them. Then I rub a mixture of Jojoba and Tea tree oil on my face, I use it in 1 tea tree/9 jojoba oil parts. Then I put vaseline on my hands and lips and go to bed. Sometimes if my hands and cuticles are really bad I slather my hands and sleep with gloves on.
When I wake up (around 5pm) I wash my face with Cerave again, and moisturize with Cerave and I use Trader Joe's sunscreen. Then I flip my hair upside down and sit on the toilet and dry my hair with a hair dryer and diffuser attachment, and then flip back over and kinda organize my part and stuff like that. Then, FINALLY, I am ready for the day.
SO YEAH. Most people regret asking.
Skin Type: Dry/Sensitive/Oily ?
Skin Concerns: Redness, Dry Skin flakes, white heads, large pores (this is probably normal), and oily nose yet still dry skin? Sometimes I will feel a very light burning on my face, its so subtle though I don't notice very often.
Routine:
I've used these for about a month, the only thing they really did was make my pores look bigger, and introduce more oiliness to my nose. Skin still felt dry, had deep pimples, had white heads, still red.
Please help guide me on what I need to do to fix these issues, I'm here to answer questions.
Side question: my face feels more rough and I notice more of a burn feeling when running on lack of sleep, why is this?
Edit: The redness has been here for years.
Stridex red box is £8.99 for 90 pads on Amazon. I don't have acne but I use these for my Keratosis Pilaris with good results.
Cosrx BHA blackhead power liquid doesn't come in pad form but is a great product.
Sometimes I use the Stridex in the red box. I looked it up on amazon.co.uk and found it. Honestly, the breakouts are worse if I use the same bra twice or the same shirt twice (so I avoid doing that unless I really feel like being lazy as fuck), but the Stridex helps it go down. Anytime I use Stridex, I make sure I wait a bit and follow up with the CeraVe moisturizer, because Stridex tends to make my skin feel a little dry. Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% works too. I just use generic stuff I find at CVS or Walgreens or whatever. You should be able to find that at a drug store in the UK? Neutrogena makes a spot treatment with 2.5% BP, but if you can find an off-brand, it'll be wayyy cheaper.
edited for clarity: Really, as far as products go, I treat body acne like the
skinacne on my face; however, with my face, I treat it "proactively" in that I use those products on my face daily, but with the body, I treat it retroactively and only use the products when I find myself having problems. To be proactive on my body skin, I make sure that I clean it gently (no scrub brushes or wash cloths, just water/my hands) and use the same "medications." I just use plain Dove soap to wash with; I used to use fancy Old Spice body wash, but I think the fragrances make my skin feel oily (so I only wash with it if I'm going on a date or something).edit OH. And even though I use the mint julep masque on my face, I generally prefer to use this stuff on my body (mix 2 parts apple cider vinegar 1 part clay powder), but it's messy as fuck (but it's really nice for your buttcheeks, no shame).
Hello, i'm new here and am wondering if this is a good starting routine? Please let me know if there's anything i should watch out for or be careful about, or if anything collides with another.
http://prntscr.com/fgsphb
Cleanser: Clean and Clear Essential (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00ET03Y64/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&amp;psc=1)
Exfoliant: Stridex Maximum Strength (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000NUN8BK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1P09G2F2DJWPV&amp;psc=1)
Moisturizer: Cetaphil lotion
Sunscreen: Sunkiller (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00RWMETXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A5IR848W2FO3V&amp;psc=1)
Thanks!
yes, it will help clean out your pores. Try the stridex pads in the redbox, here, but also probably at your local drugstore
This red box ?
You're welcome. It's worked super well for me, made a huge difference right away, and it's cheap. Can't beat that! :-) Ditto for these which work a little differently (salicylic instead of AHA's) and may be a bit more drying.
Stridex is a BHA (Salicylic Acid).
Make sure its the red box one, which is the right pH for exfoliation.
http://www.amazon.com/Stridex-Strength-Medicated-Maximum-Count/dp/B000O1KP1O/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1411537715&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=stridex+red
Walmart sells boxes of 90 pads for only like $4.
A commonly recommended beginner AHA is St. Ives Exfoliating Pads.
http://www.amazon.com/St-Ives-Exfoliating-Pads-Count/dp/B00CHJU06G/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1411537789&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=exfoliating+pads
You might be able to find them in a drug store, but I haven't seen them recently. They are pretty affordable on amazon though.
Make sure to introduce new products slowly and patch test to check for any possible bad interactions.
I'm no expert, mostly just regurgitating info I've read on this sub.
Best of luck to you!
SA can come in many forms. cleansers or lotion, etc. All of them will exfoliate to a degree. In your case, how about getting some stridex pads with SA and using them on your body. This is the direct way to test if it will work for you or not. http://www.amazon.com/Stridex-Strength-Medicated-Maximum-Count/dp/B000O1KP1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396732685&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=stridex
I'm not an expert but I believe that if you do the OCM you want to be using an exfoliant (I personally use a BHA to help with my breakouts). Stridex in the red box is pretty popular around here which is a BHA, and you'd wanna add this in after you do the OCM. (Make sure you patch test)
I also think it might be better to switch to a micro-fibre cloth for the OCM. It is supposed to be gentler on your face while still removing dirty oil. Wet it with warm water and it's so soft!
Edit: I also think you want to be washing the oil off with something. Just wiping with the cloth may leave some dirty oil on your face, so you could try to follow OCM with a gentle cleanser.
I use stridex redbox(the strongest one and the one with the best ph) right after shaving my legs when I get out of the shower. No burning. I use excess on my pits/shoulders. The pads are great, you can get a 3 pack of 90/each on amazon cheap.
Hi!
AHA is an alpha hydroxy acid and is an exfoliating acid that can remove dead layers of skin while as well allowing newer skin to surface! There’s tons more info in the sidebar about it!
So the shave strident exfoliation product is actually three different things! I meant that I would shave my beard, use Stridex Exfoliating Pads, or use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
Here’s some links to the Stridex and Glycolic Acid!
Stridex
The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Toning Solution
Also to clear up confusion on my exfoliating part of my routine. I will either shave, use Stridex, or use the glycolic acid every other day. Here’s an example of my week:
Monday - Shave
Tuesday - no exfoliating
Wednesday - Stridex
Thursday - no exfoliating
Friday - Shave
Saturday - no exfoliating
Sunday - Glycolic Acid
Monday - no exfoliating
and so on! Just a consistent rotation between stridex and glycolic acid every other day after shaving!
As for tightening pores, I’m not sure where to go from here as I’m pretty confident in my skin right now :)
I may look into Niacid, but a general rule of thumb I’ve learned is that you can’t exactly “tighten” pores but rather reduce their appearance with molecules like niacinamide or rich moisturizers!
Let me know if you have any questions!
I've been washing off my salicylic acid (Stridex pads) after leaving it on for around 20 minutes. Now I read something which suggests that I do not rinse it off. I've also read that you should just apply it then rinse your face after 30 seconds. So now I'm a bit confused.
Can someone let me know what the right way to use this product is? Thank you
No problem! I had looked into this for myself anyway, so it was just a matter of looking at their website to refresh my memory. They say you wash your face, apply the gel to your whole face, and moisturize. They say use sunscreen in the morning. I’m assuming they think you should use the gel itself in the evening- that’s what I would do. And you know what? I’d be suuuuper tempted to use it more than once a day. But I’m guessing you should start with once a day for a couple weeks, because it can make your skin red, irritated, and even make it peel a little. But if I were you I would probably end up using it twice a day eventually because I don’t have good self-control and it’s like, “if a little is good then a lot is great!”Probably a bad idea, though, lol.
And yeah, wait a few weeks until you add salicylic acid. I use Stridex pads- the ones in the red box. They have 2% salicylic acid, no alcohol, you can get them at the drugstore, they’re relatively cheap, and there always seems to be enough liquid in the tub once you use all the pads that you can dip a cotton ball into it and use that for another week before you have to buy a new container. Here is what you’re looking for. And if you look at the other suggestions Amazon makes for “similar products” or whatever, like the CorsRX blackhead liquid, which has the same active ingredient, you’ll see most of them are all fancy and expensive. Maybe they are nicer to use, I don’t know, but I like to isolate the actual ingredient that has the function I want, and use the one that is cheap and effective, you know? Luxury stuff is nice, but who needs it? Lol
How long should one wait after using Stridex before using a spot treatment and moisturizer?
it's been said to you already but a ton of people have success with CeraVe products. I was in a very similar situation as you, in terms of skin and what I wanted out of a product, and their hydrating cleanser and their moisturizing lotion have done wonders for me. 100% recommend them both.
For what its worth, I use Stridex Red exfoliating pads as well (after my shower, 20 minutes before I apply the lotion).
Well, I would stop using that cleanser because it's probably not helping any. You shouldn't be physically exfoliating with skin as irritated as yours (and the micro-beads are bad for the environment). Also, even though it contains 5% BP, the cleanser is not in contact with your skin long enough for it to have any appreciable effect.
You need a specific acne treatment product (e.g. Stridex salicylic acid pads, 5% BP gel (this might only be available in Canada)), and if it's feasible for you, go to a Dr. to get something prescription strength. Oh! and Differin (0.1%) is now available OTC in the U.S. (~$30 for 45g).
Lastly, a lot of these treatment products make your skin photosensitive, so it's important that you wear a >30 SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you don't, the redness may stick around for longer.
On my $5 and under list. :]
Thanks for the contest!
I really like the Cerave PM Moisturizer. Most of their products are really nice. Recently, I been switching products I use to some cruelty free alternatives. Right now I am using Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream. Its supposed to be a dupe for Drunk Elephants Protini moisturizer. I tried it last year when it was a free sample during Sephora's birthday gift. I really do like this Acure cream, and so far it works well. I have dry skin with eczema around my eyes and haven't had any issues. I also use the Ordinary's Lactic Acid 10%. I first started with 5% and would highly recommend people to use that one first to see how you react. 10% works great for white heads for me. Stridex in the red box works great for any acne I get. I been wanting to swap it for the Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution since Stridex isn't cruelty free. It's been out of stock since August though, so I had to cave and buy Stridex the other day at Walgreens. It works though!
I just got Colourpops new Zero to Hero set. It's makeup based off Megara from Hercules. I am in love with it! A berry lip and a lavender highlighter. It looks great on my pale skin! Packaging is super cute and fancy too.
For Christmas, face masks can be great. Kbeauty really excels in that area I think, and Amazon has a set of 16 for 10 dollars or 24 masks for 16 dollars. Can be tricky though if you don't know the persons skin type that you are getting the gift for.
Like these? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000O1KP1O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1466018049&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=stridex+red+box&amp;pi=SX200_QL40&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=515af7Lh%2BLL&amp;ref=plSrch https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00949CTQQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1466018126&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=paulas+choice&amp;pi=SY200_QL40 (Don't know about this one there were 2 different ones, one 2% and one 8%)
I'm not an expert, but I noticed right away that you're missing a few things- an oil cleanser in your PM routine (maybe you forgot it?) and an SPF, which you mention. Nothing is going to help prevent wrinkles and skin damage like SPF, so I highly recommend adding that to your routine- just search HG SPF for your skin type, and there will be a lot of good recommendations like the Biore watery essence. An oil cleanser is also going to help clean away the sunscreen, oil and dirt that your foaming cleanser might not be picking up- the Banila Co and Kose are popular. Once you've got all that in place, you might want to start looking into actives, like BHA for keeping your pores clean or Vit C for evening your skin tone/dark circles!
This is the one I ordered. If you do a rosacea search on the product page, a few people say that it's helped.
https://www.amazon.com/KOSE-SOFTYMO-Speedy-Cleansing-230ml/dp/B000V2FBAQ
So far I've only used it once and nothing terrible happened, I'm slightly nervous that it's mineral oil though.
Location: California, USA
Skin Type: Normal
Skin Concerns and goals Moisturize, glow, anti-aging
Allergies/irritants to avoid: High fragrance
Morning:
Evening:
Comments:
This isn't really my core 4, it's just what I'm using right now... I have a backlog of products that I need to use. This also doesn't include my serums, sheet masks, exfoliants, etc either. I don't think I'm following the core 4 at all... LOL
If you're in the US, Amazon Prime has 2 for $12.50:
http://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-fl-oz/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1459037886&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=mizon+snail+recovery+gel+cream
Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Great price if you like Korean snail products and friends with oily skin love it too
It's $10 for two bottles on Amazon right now with free one day shipping if you have prime. Hoping I'll have more luck by cutting back on the acids and trying this out!
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.
Skin Type: dehydrated and oily t zone
Country/Climate: East Coast, USA
Current Routine/Products I'm Using:
AM
PM
I specifically want help with choosing a BHA and new moisturizer. Top Skin Concern:
moisturizer -- Mizon Snail Recovery Cream Do you think this will be a good replacement for Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion?
BHA -- BHA Blackhead Power Liquid I want to get a BHA for my sebaceous filaments, do you think this is a good one to try?
I haven't heard of the BHA-claymask-Oil cleanse method. I actually don't have much need to oil cleanse, as I don't wear makeup or sunscreen (Bad girl! BAD!) and the Good Morning Cleanser works as both a 1st and 2nd cleanser (2 in 1 bonus! Score!). I am working to get better with the sunscreen, but only just got in my first 2 this week.
The blackhead liquid does kinda sit on my skin, but I feel like that's kinda what it's supposed to do - soften the oil plugs so my AHA can be more effective. That's also why I cleanse again after using it.
I do use (and love) kaolin clay and masks. The Body Shop Tea Tree 3-in-1 cleanse/scrub/mask I mentioned before is one of my HGs. I use it while in the shower about once a week: scrub it on, let it sit while I wash the rest of me (it does have a strong tea tree smell and gets tingly on your skin, but I like that) then scrub it a little more before washing it off. After getting out of the shower, I use the pH adjusting toner, then add my BHA liquid and let it sit. I will admit, I have no idea what the pH of this product is, and don't have a way to test it myself. I find that after this routine (Body Shop TT 3-in-1 or the GM cleanser, BHA, AHA, warm water scrub) my blackheads and SFs are drastically reduced. It was actually pretty shocking to me the first time I did it - I was looking in the mirror going, The pores on my nose are gone!!! lol
I can't really tell you what to get - Sorry! But getting the Green Tea samples is definitely worth it, as if you don't like it, you're not out very much $. Fortunately, both the Mizon Snail and TonyMoly Green Tea are pretty cheap. The Snail comes in a 2-pack on Amazon for $17, or one for $11. The Green Tea samples linked above are super cheap (<$2), and the full size is only $13 on YesStyle or RRS.
Like with most K-beauty products, a little goes a long way with both.
if you live in a dryer environment (or your skin is crazy dehydrated and thirsty like mine!), maybe go for both, or maybe try the Green Tea in the Skin or Essence. I can't choose between the two because they do different things - The Green Tea is plumping and hydrating, and the Snail is pigment-reducing and healing (and occlusive, but not greasy).
Sorry, I blabber on...
Looks like Amazon.com itself is out of stock and only third-party sellers have it available. You can set a price alert here to be notified when the price goes below a given threshold.
This! Two tubes of Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream for 9.99~
Welcome to SCA! Hopefully I can be of some help as you start building a routine.
Cleanser
Cleansers don't stay on your face like a moisturizer does, so especially if you don't wear makeup that needs to be washed off at the end of the day, you don't have to be too picky. I'd go with something inexpensive and gentle like the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser or the Simple one. (Avoid anything containing alcohol or any active ingredients, even if they advertise as fighting acne. They're often very harsh.) Once you're settled into a routine, cleanser is a good element to change up if your acne is healing but you're still oilier/drier/tighter than you'd like to be.
Exfoliant
The Stridex and Neutrogena products are both good BHA options, but the Stridex contains alcohol, which can dry out your skin and cause it to produce more oil, and the Neutrogena is a lotion formula, which isn't the best for oily skin. The big favorite here is from Paula's Choice (the BHA gel is especially user-friendly for a skincare beginner), and the Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid is a less expensive alternative. I'm a student on a budget too - if you don't want to commit sight unseen, the Stridex is a good place to start.
Moisturizer
I would recommend investing in a moisturizer without SPF that you love. This is because you'll want to use moisturizer AM and PM, and it's better not to apply SPF if you're not going outside. You can pick up a separate sunscreen for daytime (or if the moisturizer that you love also comes in an SPF 30+ version, you can pick that one up for daytime and skip a step). If you can get your hands on a trial size of the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, I think it's one of the best moisturizers out there for difficult skin. I also really like CeraVe moisturizers - the PM version of the one you linked above is a great option.
Sunscreen
If you're using Stridex or any exfoliant (or even if you're not, for that matter), you need to wear sunscreen. I like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, which comes in a million SPF levels. Anything over 30 is good. I live in southern California, and I prefer my SPF over 50, so use your judgement. If you end up loving the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion, use the AM version of that.
Often, skin produces oil because it lacks moisture, which is why I've recommended a flight of products that err more on the nourishing side than the oil-control side. BHA is a staple for fighting acne, so definitely use that, and once you settle into a skincare routine, you will get a better sense of if your skin is truly oily or if it has been overproducing oil due to lack of moisture. From there, you can go in and tweak things to get the skin you want.
Change comes slowly, so stick to a routine even if you don't see results right away. Drink lots of water. Wear sunscreen. We are always here if you need advice! I hope this helped!
i'd also recomend getting into skincare! this BHA helped with acne and acne marks. similar to the top comment, i recommend at LEAST cleansing and moisturizing morning and night. Add chemical exfoliants carefully, for some they can cause acne to get worse before getting better (which is ultimately a good thing, but you should research a bit more) I strongly recommend /r/AsianBeauty for skincare!
Try using Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 2-3 times weekly (at first, then can increase if your skin isn't sensitive to it) after washing and toning. I used to have some serious blackheads, and this stuff helps get them under control. It wasn't irritating at all to my skin, and I'm typically very sensitive to strong products and irritants.
I also use Karuna's Clarifying Mask 2x weekly (effective but gentle and moisturizing). These sheets masks are a bit pricey, around $8 per mask, so adding that in depends on your budget. You can also check out the Tony Moly Aloe Masks which are inexpensive and good for calming sensitive, acne-prone skin. These masks are optional, but I love them and find them helpful in maintaining clear skin.
The biggest game changer for me was learning about the "double cleansing", which is apparently a common practice in the Korean skin care regime. This involves starting with an oil-based cleanser (trust me on this, promise) like Banila CO Clean Zero in Purity (this is the one for acne-prone, sensitive skin because it doesn't have any added fragrances or dyes). After that go straight into washing one more time with a calming, foaming cleanser (you can use your CeraVe here for that still). This is probably the biggest reason why my blackheads went away, as many times when we only wash with one of these we miss out on cleaning everything off the skin that might break it out.
Best of luck! I added links below to what I mentioned above. I hope this helps!!
Links:
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Bha-Blackhead-Power-Liquid/dp/B00OZEJ8R8
Banila CO Zero in Purity:
https://www.amazon.com/Banila-Co-Clean-Purity-100ml/dp/B00Q2BJZC0/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1485324382&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=banila
Tony Moly Aloe Mask:
https://www.amazon.com/Tonymoly-Real-Facial-Sheet-Package/dp/B00NRIGPWE/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1485324409&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=tony%2Bmoly%2Baloe&amp;th=1
Karuna Clarifying Face Mask:
https://www.amazon.com/Karuna-Clarifying-Face-Mask-Pack/dp/B004MXQEFQ/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1485324448&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=karuna&amp;th=1
PS—Change out your clarisonic for a Foreo Luna for Combination Skin if you like. You can clean it with antibacterial soap instead of replacing those brushes all the time, and it didn't dry my skin out like the clarisonic one did when I used to have it. :)
It's not Amazon that can't ship it to you, it's the seller. I'm also a Canadian who shops on Amazon.com so I also get that a lot. Try your luck and buy it from another seller. Look at "More options available" and click on "other sellers". BHA and AHA on Amazon.com.
However, considering the current position of the CAD, ordering from Amazon.ca is actually a better deal right now. Jolse also sells on Amazon.ca! AHA. Sadly, Jolse doesn't currently have the BHA Blachead but they do have the BHA A-sol if that's what you're looking for. Here's the BHA from another seller.
Both Amazon and oo35mm have it. Tad more expensive, but you'll get it quickly.
For the cosrx products, I can only get them online on (Canadian) amazon. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a physical store that actually carries it. The exact link is right here :)
This one?! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_qlCNwb51175T5
stridex dried me out and the menthol in it was extremely irritating -so while many can use stridex and it's tried and true it's not the end-all be-all of BHAs. I personally like Cosrx - it's a bit pricier but it didn't dry me out, didn't irritate me, and worked very well - so i justified it. Although i can justify any purchase .....oh ya THESE black boots have a SILVER buckle .....
I got them off Amazon Prime!
I did this, and found that I liked the Cosrx better so I ordered a bottle of that instead. It's a little cheaper for about the same amount: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZEJ8R8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3GG2EBV70K5YK&amp;psc=1
Hi! I'm looking for routine suggestions and possibly product recs.
Skin type: combination but sensitive with seb derm around my nose and chin. I live in really humid and hot weather so I although I need moisturizing, I can't do anything greasy because I sweat. I also hardly have acne breakouts so although sebderm is considered fungal acne, I don't have typical acne so that's not a concern of mine.
Current Products: I cleanse with KOSE Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil. I use The Ordinary Squalane Oil along with Cerave (in the tub) moisturizer in the AM, and Cerave Night Cream at PM. I use extra squalane if I see flakes around my sebderm. I have Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid but I hardly use it and also don't know when or if I should (I get blackheads on my chin)
If I go to the beach, I use ROHTO Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++) and I love it because it's the only sunscreen I have ever used that hasn't made my skin horrible. (I know I should be wearing sunscreen all the time but I don't and it's my bad habit). If I decide to wear makeup, I use the IT Cosmetics CC Cream.
I just recently purchased (but haven't used yet) Vanicream Gentle Skin Cleanser and Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (have no idea how to use this, but I'm hoping it helps with my cheek redness?)
All of the products I use have been recommended somewhere (either this sub or r/sebderm) by someone with similar skin.
Skin Concerns: Redness on my cheeks & getting the sebderm spots to "lighten" so it's not as noticeable. I also have a handful of acne scars I would love to lighten/get rid of.
Help me! :)
The only thing on my mind is this.
First of all, I am an employee at a major western beauty retailer in none other than the field of skin care. I am very familiar with ingredients and quite savvy at building skin care routines to fit my clients' needs... and I'm proud of it. That being said, I've found that many of the products my employer offers are too harsh or contain ingredients I don't agree with; in addition, we don't sell a huge variety of AB, at least not enough to satisfy my liking.
SOOOO, this is kind of new territory for me. I know one thing for a fact: I LOVE love LOVE snail. Below, I have a tentative list of AB products I have researched and have added to my Amazon.com cart and would love to hear from this community about my choices. I would love to hear recommendations as well. Below, I'll list the products by AM or PM routine (as I've planned).
A little background:
Tentative PM Products:
Tentative AM Products:
I would also like recommendations for a twice a week exfoliator (preferably Lactic Acid or Enzyme) and sheet mask recommendations to go along with my tentative routines?
THANKS, GUYS. I know this is long, but I'd really appreciate the feedback.
Good old Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBX3L7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_n.VJAbBHR1P5G
Oh youre welcome!! Something about your post I really related to.
Rosehip oil is life. Omg. I looooove it and so does my skin. I mix it with my snail cream and it makes this magical goo that my skin literally drinks up so fast its crazy. Its kind of a think oil by itself but mixed with a moisturizer its like magic haha
Yeah its crazy, I lurked r/compulsiveskinpicking for like.. ever before I actually subscribed. It was as if the day I subscribed was the day I had to admit to myself that I was indeed a skin picker. Almost like joining AA or something "hi my name is krissy and Im a skin picker." haha but it was actually empowering, and so helpful knowing I wasnt alone.
For cleansers I have recently been doing Ole Henriksen's Balancing cleanser in the morning, and then I use Kose speedy Oil Cleanser at night. The kose rinses cleanly so I do not double cleanse, I only use that. Its part of my efforts to moisturize like mad at night. Oil cleansing also helped me curb my picking because I do the full process of letting it sit for a few mins then massaging it for a few minutes and I feel like I can feel my pores being cleaned and that is somehow super satisfying.
I just got my bottle (today! woo!) of CosrX low pH morning cleanser to replace the OleHenriksen in the morning. I decided to switch because of how much Ive come to love Cosrx and their products seem to really agree with my skin. Sometimes I feel like Ole's can be drying (because its part of their acne/oily skin line, in fact its basically the last product in my routine aimed at acne and its getting replaced). I can report back later with the findings but it comes highly recommended on this sub as a gentle cleanser.
The snail cream omg. I became a believer almost instantly on the slug life. I have both the snail power essence and the snail all in one cream from cosrx. I love love love them. I use the essence in the morning before my moisturizer and I use the cream at night mixed with my rosehip as my second to last step before my overnight mask. Sometimes just for fun Ill use the essence at night before my other serums too. I honestly cant get enough. I think its because its so healing that I feel like I see improvement in any blemishes and scars every time I use it. Of course, YMMV but seriously Id take my snail to a deserted island with me.
My overnight mask also comes from Cosrx, the honey overnight mask, I may try their rice one after I finish this just for fun, but I am completely happy with the honey one. Its a good occlusive on its own, but sometimes I will even spot treat over top of it with vaseline on blemishes and areas where I deal with scarring.
And definitely dont worry about the questions. You shouldve seen me firing off questions to everyone on this sub when I first got into it!! Im glad to help :)
This one in Amazon? - the english on the real bottles is bad. I would say most of those 'fake' reviews are from people scared of non-Roman alphabets.
Thank you! It does help!
I've actually recently suspected that my skin is dehydrated instead. This is my routine:
AM- Hada Labo Gokujyun Foam Cleanser --> Benton Steam Cream --> Holika Holika Aloe Vera 99%
PM - Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil --> Hada Labo Gokujyun Foam Cleanser --> Benton Steam Cream --> Holika Holika Aloe Vera 99%
I've recently tried putting on Benton Steam Cream and Cosrx Snail Cream together because I thought I wasn't putting on enough. Even if I used just one of them, it becomes oily after some hours. Should I try some gel instead? Specifically the Rosette Ceramide Gel?
Also, are you talking about this lotion?
Prime
Not Prime
Have you tried a hydrating toner? Hada labo makes a very popular one: https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1505754510&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=hada+labo. I find a hydrating layer really helps with flaking and absorption of the cream on top. Good luck!
The Biore Watery Essence has a lot of alcohol in it which could be making your dry skin worse and increasing your oil production. I had to stop using it for the same reason. TBH I haven't found a sunscreen that works well for me yet, everything is either too greasy or dries my sensitive skin out, so I don't really have a recommendation for a substitute I'm sorry :( But there are a million sunscreen posts on this sub with heaps of recommendations if you do want a replacement... Just avoid ones with high alcohol content if you have dry skin. The only other thing I would suggest is that you could try layering a water based serum/essence designed for hydration underneath the cerave pm. A lot of people have luck with the Habo Lado Gokujun lotion, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O
Fuckin psoriasis. My hands are pretty much the only place I don't have at least one small patch.
This stuff has been a real lifesaver, I put it on before moisturizing and it really helps everything soak in. Also, Aquaphor after you moisturize can help seal it all on too. Godspeed, friend.
Hi guys, im new to all this and sorry if this has been asked before or if I'm doing this wrong, but I'm looking to introduce more moisture into my routine beyond just a moisturizer. What do you guys think of the Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist after cleansing? I'm a little oily and worried maybe it's not for me but feel really dry after I do my two step cleansing unless I have a sheet mask to help me out. I've heard good things - any suggestions?
I'm on mobile so I can only link the US version, but give this one a try? Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
The acid can hold like 6x it's weight in water and that's how it helps moisturize your skin :D It's very liquidy (almost like a toner) so you put a few drops in your hand and pat/rub into your face. I noticed a difference the next day but YMMV!
Sounds like you need to add some moisture that won't make you too oily. I would add a good toner after washing your face, particularly in your T-zone (if that's where your skin is oily). I would also add a moisturizer that isn't too heavy. I really like the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid lotion for that. Your skin will drink it right up. As for masks, I really like this Green Tea one from SokoGlam. It's $2 and you can actually use it twice. They're super hydrating and leave your skin feeling supple. Let me know if you'd like a referral code!
Whoops, I just checked my order history after reading your post, and I got the lotion! Although what you linked and my amazon purchase link look exactly the same, maybe your site means to say lotion? It's so confusing since they mean vastly different things in Japan than they do over here :/
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!
The one OP is talking about is currently $15 on Amazon, and available for free shipping with prime or orders over $35!
Hey there! I haven't experienced breakouts in response to new products, but I am definitely acne prone in general. I really like this toner: Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Been using it for about a year and that's the product that has helped my skin the most so far. I used to get really oily - I think from my skin being dry. Since I've been using this my face never gets oily. Literally can't think of a time my face has felt oily, which I wouldn't have believed that was possible a year ago! I'm not a hardcore AB-er, so that's the only question I feel qualified to help with. Good luck with your routine! =)
Get suncreen first and wear it everyday. Most people love the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. Apply moisturiser in the morning, followed by suncreen on a daily basis.
If your skin is dry I recommend looking into a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid. Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is suggested by most people. You can layer vaseline or aquaphor on top to seal the moisture.
CeraVe moisturisers are also widely recommended. But it would be wise to patch test before using. It has ingredients that some people can't tolerate.
If you think your current routine works, introduce vitamin c slowly. Retinol is very irritating. I don't think waxing beforehand is a good idea. Read more about retinol. This should be the last thing to add to your routine <3
My skin was super dehydrated a few months ago, and like others have recommended, I completely stopped using Stridex for a couple of weeks and focused on only using moisturizing products. After that, my dry patches almost completely went away! I started using it again, but only once or twice a week.
A hydrating toner like Hadalabo Hyaluronic Lotion could also help a lot.
OCM and cold creams are wonderful! I love using Albolene to take off my makeup and/or sunscreen. I have very sensitive, dry skin and it moisturizes very well and doesn't cause breakouts.
I love this sunscreen. It's very lightweight, and it doesn't even feel that greasy to put on. Whatever greasiness you feel gets absorbed within a couple of minutes. Only downside is that it can take a couple weeks to arrive since they ship from Japan
https://www.amazon.com/Shiseido-Senka-Aging-Sunscreen-SPF50/dp/B00IG12XLO/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_1?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=0YGB2RSSDBDTS399YJ96
Seriously, /r/AsianBeauty saved my skin.
I wash my face with Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Foam Cleanser in conjuction with something called a Konjac sponge and then I follow up with the Cosrx AHA after. Then as a moisturizer -particularly under makeup- I use their Snail Mucen product. Also, sunscreen is super critical, it helps prevent your hyperpigmentation spots from getting darker. I'm not a fan of the western sunscreens, so I use Shiseido brand. The smell is different than the regular stuff we're used to but it's not unpleasant. And there's no need to buy the more expensive stuff, this works out really well.
The facewash I use has a slightly high pH level, and it's okay for me because I immediately put on the AHA after because it somehow cuts down the pH level. This lower pH face wash is what my daughter uses, and it does a good job, she started using it and the breakouts pretty much stopped, although she's apparently prone to blackheads on her nose so I got some BHA product for her, and I also got her a konjac sponge as well, so hopefully it provides her with some results. The sponge is super soft, but it does a surprisingly good job of exfoliating; without that feeling of scrubbing your skin with sandpaper. Heads up, with the konjac sponge there's lots of different ones out there and they pretty much work all the same; even the cheaper ones.
If you're gonna try exploring and experimenting with other products, be sure to try one product at a time, to make sure you don't have a reaction to it! Of course you probably already knew that, but I figured I'd throw that out there in case you didn't.
I use this and it’s solid, don’t think it has much of a white cast + very spreadable and high protection.
https://www.amazon.com/Shiseido-Senka-Aging-Sunscreen-SPF50/dp/B00IG12XLO
I’ve also heard great things about this one!
https://www.amazon.com/ROHTO-Skin-Super-Moisture-SPF50/dp/B01MRBST6H
I had PIH too! I tried not to focus on those too much and simply let time heal them because they DO go away eventually! I've found that my vitamin C serum helped speed up the progress for this.
Ahhhh coconut oil happens to break a lot of people out but theres a few lucky ones who can tolerate that. I think the best choice would be baby oil (mineral oil) and see how it works for you from there since its a cheap option. I rub the oil on my face, splash hot water to heat up the oil, massage it into my face, then wipe it off with a towel. Oil cleansing is a great for oily skin because "like dissolves like" so oil would be the best thing to clean your face.
To make the step simple, I prefer to use a sunscreen with a high spf (30 or above) that is also moisturizing. I use this Japanese brand and althought I have a fairly oily t-zone, this sunscreen does not make it oiler during the day. I am sure there are cheaper options but I have tan skin so its hard for me to find a chemical sunscreen because physical sunscreens leave a white cast on my skin (so your options are expanded). As for the RoC cream, spf 15 is pretty low but it sounds like it would be a great night-time moisterizer for preventing fine lines and wrinkles! If it makes your eyes water, I would avoid the eye area.
For the benzoyl peroxide cream I use a Rite Aid store brand! It was very cheap and because BP can be drying, I dab a tiny amount of it on the specific acne spots instead of rubbing it all over my face. I've been using this for years so I never bothered to explore other options.
If you love the Simple Moisterizer, you can definitely use it in during the day AND at night but just make sure to use something with spf during the day. Sun damage can make PIH worst/longer to heal.
So your routine can be:
AM:
PM:
I second u/pleasekisumi's suggestion to add oil to your routine, but if you are afraid that an oil-based cream would feel too heavy for you to start, I suggest putting in a few drops of non- comedogenic facial oil to your current moisturizer. Great choices are rosehip oil, argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, and meadowfoam oil. I'm acne-prone and use all those oils to great effect. At night, it would be a good idea to seal in the moisture with a water-based sleeping pack (like Laneige water sleeping mask) so you do not lose all your moisture overnight.
For sunscreens, make sure you wait still your moisturizer dries down before applying it. The Japanese make great sunscreens and the array could be dizzying, but here are a few I recommend: this, this, [this](http://www.amazon.com/Biore-SARASARA-Perfect-Bright-SPF50/dp/B00SM99KWA/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1458088811&amp;sr=1-8&amp;keywords=biore+sunscreen], this, this.
I can't recommend anything more specific than that as there is so much trial and error involved. I personally like watery gels that try down matt, but I make sure to pump my skin with moisture beforehand even though I have oily skin.
Good luck!
Might be a long shot, but is anyone else here active on /r/SkincareAddiction or specifically /r/AsianBeauty ???
I've definitely been researching skin care as I've gone through the whole fashion basics a few times. I'd say the hardest part is finding a good sunscreen, so here is my cop list
SKIN AQUA | Sunscreen Lotion | Moisture Milk Whitening | SPF50+ PA+++ 40ml | for Face and Body (Japan Import) by Skin Aqua
Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
I am looking for cosmetically elegant, matte finish, preferably alcohol free but I have slight oily skin, fragrance free, preferably paraben free, at least a PA rating of +++, at least SPF 30, under $40, photo stable, preferably physical and chemical combo.
Pretty specific, does anyone else have a suggestion?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IG12XLO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=mala04-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00IG12XLO&amp;linkId=999175e74bdef34bdd6d0d874d290011
https://www.amazon.com/Biore-Sarasara-Watery-Essence-Sunscreen/dp/B00SM99KWU/ref=pd_sim_194_5?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B00SM99KWU&amp;pd_rd_r=A6GMSZSZ5563W7KDT0D8&amp;pd_rd_w=zkWz6&amp;pd_rd_wg=gB9fR&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=A6GMSZSZ5563W7KDT0D8
My mom is a Shiseido lover from waaaay back in the day so I grew up seeing a lot of it in the house.
I use their Senka Aging Sunscreen that I buy from Amazon as well as the Ultimune
Power Infusing Concentrate which I credit as making my skin incredibly soft. This I received as a GWP deluxe sample and loved enough to buy FS. I usually wait until the stars align with an Ulta 20% off prestige code AND Shiseido gift with purchase to pull the trigger.
Neither of us have used the Eudermine before, I'm sure it will get used up but it's definitely more of a keepsake for mom, she remembers this from many many decades ago (she's 74) :)
My skin: Relatively pale, normal to slightly oily skin.
Biore Watery Gel (2019) or EltaMD UV Clear 46? Or possibly even Biore Watery Essence (2019)? I was also looking at the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk Pink, but I’m slightly worried about the brightening effect as I’m a guy and don’t want people to ask me if I’m wearing something on my face. I don’t want anything noticeably “brightening.” That may sound dumb but I’ve never worn something with a brightening effect so I don’t know what it entails. As well, I looked into Biore Milk, but I’ve heard the new formulation has ruined them, or at least there is a couple threads about it on r/AsianBeauty. Apparently they don’t dry down matte like they used to.
I don’t wear makeup and have normal to slightly oily skin. Use tretinoin at night. Currently use Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ but it’s got a bit too oily/dewy finish for me. If I apply an 1/8th of a teaspoon, wait five minutes, and then apply an 1/8th more it’s not so bad though. Plus I don’t like that it’s not water, sweat, or sebum resistant.
I would prefer for the sunscreen to give at most a slight glow, but generally more in the neutral/invisible look or matte.
I’m leaning towards the EltaMD but I’m unsure if it will be good in the summer, or if I’ll need something lighter. As well, the EltaMD is $33 for like 47ml. I can get the Biore Watery Gel for $27 for 155ml. As well I can get the Biore Watery Essence for about $22 I believe for 85ml.
Currently I’m pretty limited to Amazon Prime as I’m nearly out of sunscreen and don’t want to wait for shipment. So I’m trying to only get sunscreens fulfilled by amazon so that they get to my house in a few days and not a few weeks.
I have the Hada Labo but haven't used it yet-- I'm waiting until I'm finished with my current sunscreen. I'm currently using Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ and it doesn't feel very slick or greasy. I definitely do not have any shiny cast issues even within seconds after application. My only issue with it is that I have to wait several minutes after I moisturize before I apply sunscreen as the sunscreen will clump with any excess moisturizer on your face.
Sure, I’ve been using this sunscreen for over a year now and it works really well.
Be aware, though, the tube is small enough to fit in my hand!
But the formula is great, a dime size should work to cover your entire face.
I use Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. It has a nice consistency that feels moisturizing but not oily, and does not have any fragrance.
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.
I, too, hate the texture and scent of sunscreen with the passion of a thousand sun(burn)s. I use "Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++" -- no sunscreen-y smell, texture is soft (kinda tacky until it fully absorbs though, takes about 15 minutes), and it's like $8 USD on Amazon. It's pretty moisturizing too; I have dry skin and I use that as my main "moisturizer" in the morning.
Also ngl, thought you were me at first.
AFAIK the Shiseido doesn't leave a white cast (I'm super pale, but I've seen several reviews saying so) and I haven't read anything about anyone finding it particularly drying. The amazon reviews are worth reading through!
Welcome fellow VA AB'er!
> What sunscreen do you recommend?
If you're dry, I'd highly recommend the Shiseido Mineral Water UV Essence link
It doesn't dry me out and it stays put, though I haven't tried using it at the beach or on vigorous work out days yet.
> Face mask suggestion?
I love Tosowoong and MBD masks. The Tosowoong masks are on sale at RRS for less than $9 for 10 masks, which takes a big dent out of the cost. You'll pay a bit more for shipping, but it still usually works out cheaper than most other places. You can check their eBay store (rubyruby76) and see if they have a better deal shipping wise. MBD can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, Target, Sasa, BGO, and probably a dozen other shops that I have forgotten. :) They're usually $9-$12 per box depending on where you're getting them.
> How often do you put on a face mask?
I hate to preach YMMV but it's definitely one of those scenarios. Depending on how my skin is behaving, I'll wear them nightly, or sometimes 1-3 times a week. It's just a matter of how much moisture I need.
> pH lesson with Asian beauty products please!
There's quite a bit of research on the topic, but the
not soshort version of why low pH cleansers help your moisture barrier can be found here and here> Should I try the bubbling clay mask from Milky Piggy?
I'm not really sure about this, I'll defer to the other posters about it being more of a novelty than anything else. I haven't gone down the wash off mask rabbit hole yet. I'm more of sleeping pack/sheet mask fan, myself.
> Black head remover?
If you're really looking for a good black head remover, I'd suggest BHA once you've gotten your moisture levels to a good place. Before that, there's a few clay masks and steam starter creams that may help out. Whatever you do, don't use pore strips. I guess this is a YMMV thing too, but I have heard that people have damaged the skin on their nose by using them. Better to be safe then sorry. Massaging while oil cleansing may help you to push some of them out as well.
> General idea for my first haul?
For dry skin? I'd do a search on the sub for concrete ideas but make sure to include products with ceramides to seal in moisture. I like the Moisture Barrier line from Goodal, but it is by no means the end all be all. Guerisson 9 products work well too, and Dr. Jart has an awesome Ceramide line as well.
You're welcome!
Ah, and if you're not sensitive to alcohol, this one's also pretty affordable.
I use this if you have dry skin it might be good for you. /r/asianbeauty is a good place to check out some others :)
I've started only showering every other day. But I make sure to moisturize my face morning and night. I know my showers are causing a lot of the irritation. I use a wet cloth to wash up on non shower days.
I'm using an Asian skincare routine on my face, it has made a big difference. But you don't have time to start one in 1 week, you don't know how you will react to products in that short period of time.
If your skin is angry in the morning, is that when you shower? If you are getting irritated from your moisturizer, you may want to switch. The open sores are going to sting, but it shouldn't "become swollen/inflamed/very red". It sounds like you may be reacting to one of the ingredients in your moisturizer. I don't know if 1 week is enough time to find another one, because you don't know which ingredient is setting you off.
This is what I use, I know it sounds gross but it is very light and absorbs immediately and feels amazing. MIZON Black Snail All In One Cream, 2.40 Ounce
I picked this up to use next because I was annoyed at dipping my hand into a jar. MIZON Snail Recovery Gel Cream 45ml 1.52 fl.oz. Pack of 2
Omg! Def cross post to r/Asianbeauty, they may know of some awesome products you can buy over there. Mostly Korean products, but you likely can buy them there. I use a Japanese oil cleanser called Kose (the brand) softy mo oil cleanser. I swear my skin drinks it. And it melts makeup away.
You can order any of these on amazon though!
https://www.amazon.com/KOSE-Softy-Deep-Treatment-Pound/dp/B000V2FB88
And
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OZ9WOD8/ref=mp_s_a_1_12_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1484358797&amp;amp;sr=8-12&amp;amp;keywords=aha+serum
Edit: def do some research on ingredients that work for or upset your skin. I can't guarantee these will be good for you, but my skin looked similar to that for my entire life and these products have completely changed my complexion.
I also swear by the Mizon snail moisturizer
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NTR9B6A/ref=pd_aw_sim_194_3?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=G404GDCA9SYR50YF08RJ&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=61uEslCG8VL
Some fairly inexpensive but widely raved about products you could try (No affiliate link or anything)
this is garbage we deal with in canada lol https://www.amazon.ca/MIZON-Snail-Recovery-Cream-fl-oz/dp/B00NTR9B6A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1472738718&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=mizon
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’m 24. I had cystic acne, although not as severe as OP until last Spring. I, on a whim, started to use this sunscren called Elta MD. In a week my acne cleared.
It’s weird because your face will feel even greasier at first - but overtime the acne shrinks, and fades. Bonus, if you apply through the day it will lower your risk of skin cancer and so forth.
I apply once every morning. That’s it. Nothing else.
I started on birth control when I was 17, tried numerous creams and so forth. I had some devout regimens that sort of worked, but were tedious. Welp. Apparently all I needed was this sunscreen.
It’s worth a shot. Nonprescription. Just a bit pricey but if it works it’s such a simple thing to do everyday. Regardless you should always have a good facial sunscreen to use every day!
Yeah But I'd pay for it. Definitely. I think i'm going to order this one. Is it sticky at all? What do I expect? Physical/chemical?
Thanks Op. I ended up buying this one because I am more prone to acne http://www.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1410814655&amp;sr=1-1
Elta MD, this shit right here: https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Clear-Facial-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=asc_df_B002MSN3QQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312090121350&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=560264651206200942&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028315&hvtargid=pla-421416265189&psc=1
I have sensitive, eczema prone skin and have had good luck with elta md. . It seems to provide really good protection too, I haven’t had issues with sunburn. Side note, whenever my skin is SUPER dry or irritated, literally everything burns. Even my super inert hydrating gel. Dunno if this is the case for you, just a thought!
Elta MD
I start with Hada Labo Hydrating Serum with hyaluronic acid– the American one you can get at Walgreens/Ulta.
I layer St. Ives Timeless Skin, which claims to be anti-aging but is really just a nice lightweight moisturizer (does have fragrance), with Cerave PM, underneath Elta MD UV Clear sunscreen. I used to use the St. Ives alone under sunscreen, but Retin-A means my skin is drier than usual.
The Cerave PM is not heavy at all, and almost feels like a primer. None of these products break me out, which is RARE for me. I have used the St. Ives for about 3-4 years now, and it's my HG. The UV Clear is the only sunscreen that doesn't piss of my face, too, which is a huge feat. No raves yet for the Cerave PM, since it's not that moisturizing IMO, but it's definitely a staple as of yet.
It's a lot of steps but I find that layering several products that don't bother my skin is way better for me than using one heavy moisturizer that may clog me. I would recommend layering any products you already have that work, but maybe aren't hydrating enough alone. If you don't have anything now, try one new product at a time to see what your skin likes.
Elta MD UV Clear. Oily skin, super acne prone. No pore clogging ingredients. I actually think it helps mineral makeup go on really nicely too. It's awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1418143443&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=elta+md&amp;pebp=1418143445416
I recently bought this off of amazon. Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46, 48-Gram 1.7 oz. . It broke me out immediately. Do not recommend personally but I know it's a highly rated sunscreen
Elta MD Clear is super light and feels nice. It dries really quickly which I really like. It sits normal, or even primes better under my makeup!
http://www.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ
I would definitely check out /r/SkincareAddiction/! The lovely peeps in there give excellent advice. Specifically this side wiki. You can always post there, and they can help you, but I can try, too.
Things I need to know:
If you never answer me, just keep this in mind: The amount you need to get the SPF labeling on the bottle is about 1/4 teaspoon for just your face. Since SPF is on a logarithmic scale, 1/8 teaspoon of 100 SPF does not equal 50SPF, it measures like 10SPF. waa-waaa.
For me, it depends on what I'm doing. My everyday under makeup is EltaMD Clear, SPF 46. Super light weight, soaks in fast, I really like it. Totally worth the price (for me). If I'm going outside in the sun for any length of time, I go with Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion, SPF 110. Basically, any SPF over 30 is what's important, the difference between 30SPF and 100 isn't that much. :/
edit: du'oh, formatting.
No problem, this sunscreen is for acne prone skin and contains zinc.
Sorry for not clarifying! Elta MD Clear.
http://www.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ
Yeah sunscreens suck for everyday use they’re either too greasy or drying from the alcohol or leave a white cast.
Thats why I like using asian sunscreens they’re more cosmetically elegant but you have to jump through more hoops to get it, and they come in tiny packaging so dont last very long, some are on amazon like biore.
Right now I’m using this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wj8RCbGMQG41B
It’s good for everyday use a bit pricey but it offers good uva protection which is critical, without the white cast. Give it a try.
Elta UV clear
My skin feels great after cleansing in AM and PM; there isn't really any tightening.
What do you feel about the above commenter's recommendation of AHA and BHA, one PM and the other AM?
Would Cerave Cream be good for my oily skin, and if so should it be applied x2 daily like my Aveeno? I don't really moisturize my forehead or nose area too much (I have a T-zone), but should I moisturize this oiliness regardless?
I have seen EltaMD sunscreen recommended, but I don't understand the difference between EltaMD's UV clear and shield.
The toothpaste issue has never occurred to me! I will try it, see how things go.
And lastly, is it possible to moisturize my eyes too much in one day?
Elta md UV Clear SPF 46 is my holy grail face sunscreen. The great reviews on Amazon say it better than me. Seriously, it's love.
Try something with zinc in it, which is gentler on your skin. I like Elta MD Clear. It's more moisturizing than the Neutrogena Clear Face, but not thick or greasy.
I actually have that sunblock on the way to test out.
What I currently use (and really do love) is the Elta MD UV clear SPF 46. It's a physical sunscreen with niacinamide and is recommended for people with sensitive skin and rosacea. I'm fair skinned so I don't notice a white cast but others have said it leaves one for them. It isn't waterproof but they have a water resistant version as well!
So I'm a beginner but I've been researching PIH a bit recently. If you have not look at this link from the sidebar yet, I highly recommend it. Basically besides AHA and a retinoid, sunscreen, niacinamide and vitamin c can help with PIH. Elta MD SPF 46 is both a sunscreen and have niacinamide (5% I think) which makes it popular against PIH. Cerave PM or elta MD PM (not the sunscreen, the moisturizer) are moisturizers with niacinamde. I'd say number 1 and I think you know it you need a sunscreen. I know you said that the EltaMD sunscreen is too expensive but it may be cheaper to get it versus buying another cheaper sunscreen and a separate product w niacinamid or vitamin C? Vitamin C worked great for me against PIH (I also wear sunscreen) but a good one is way more expensive than the sunscreen. I personally think that vitamin C would be in addition to sunscreen, not an alternative to it. My 2c but I hope it helps!
Edit: I haven't used Cerave in the tube so I can't compare but I really like cerave PM! it's a very nice texture, absorbs well and it's not too rich at least for me (which makes me wonder if it will be enough for the winter here (illinois)). Looks kind of like a gel, a bit translucent. Plus it has niacinamid you may help for the PIH as I mentioned earlier.
Not AB (sorry) but I'm getting ready to buy the EltaMD UV Clear (amazon) because it has no alcohol and 5% niacinamide.
(SCA discussion of PA rating of UV Clear)
Say hello to Eltamd UV Clear
Its been my daily sunscreen (I've never worn one daily before this) for the past 3 monthes and while the PPA isn't the highest, it does have 5% niacinamide. Its helped my PIH a ton!!
Also I was pretty against the idea of putting on a gross tacky sunscreen everyday. PocketDerm recommended this and shortly after I put it on I can't even feel it on my face at all.
I'm still patch testing but I like it so far :) no white cast or anything! Here's the seller I bought it from. The only thing I have noticed is that it's really difficult to get out of the bottle... like I tried unscrewing the top to see if the straw-type thing you usually get in pump bottles had fallen out and there wasn't one at all. I have to pump it several times to get a small amount out. Is yours the same?
Yeah you can use Elta MD UV Clear (the one designed for sensitive/rosacea/acne prone skin) during the day and then Cerave PM at night. Niacinimide is great for inflammation and red marks :)
Niacinamide! I've been using a serum by Paula's Choice, and this sunscreen by EltaMD, and the niacinamide is brilliant at reducing pore size as it reduces oil production. Don't forget to double cleanse!
It's sold by Cerave directly too :) 15 just cost me about $160AUD incl shipping yiewww
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Moisturizer-Nighttime/dp/B00365DABC
Hi! I don’t live in India, but I do have a suggestion. Use a nighttime moisturizer so you’re less likely to sweat it off and it won’t hurt your eyes. I don’t know the conversion rates (or if this is expensive) but I found my favorite night cream (it helped sooooo much with dry patches around my mouth) on the website you requested: PM Cream
You're welcome! This is Cerave PM.
CeraVe in the tub
CeraVe PM
The under the lip area used to be a trouble spot for me sometimes. I've learned that when I'm going ATG in that area, a diagonal direction does the trick for me. As for the pimples, I used to deal with that a lot more. For me, the thing that keeps pimples away is to actually shave every day. When I go a couple days without a shave I'm likely to get a pimple somewhere. Also, just the regular daily care of my skin. I use some glycerin soap to wash my face morning and night. At night, I usually will apply a little Thayer's Witch Hazel and then apply some moisturizer. I'm a big fan of CeraVe PM. The combination of those things has helped to keep my skin in a lot better condition than it used to be.
Going to try this stuff Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera ~ 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7QWAybG52RFW3
Toners are used to minimize the appearance of pores, and are usually of made from super harsh ingredients like alcohol. The witch hazel tightens the pores and smooths the skin without being harsh and drying. It is a natural toner. The rose petal ingredient moisturizes, and the aloe soothes/decreases redness. This is what I use, if you're interested in it. It is my favorite part of my routine! :) It smells great too
I'd suspect the toner first since it has denatured alcohol in it - especially if you're using it twice a day. You might be drying out your skin pretty badly with that toner, causing the opposite thing you want to happen - increased oil production to compensate because you stripped your skin of all its natural oils.
Might I suggest something like Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner without Alcohol? http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Petal-Witch-Hazel-Alcohol-Free/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396807629&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=thayers+witch+hazel
I would strongly concur on your idea to get some witch hazel. Get some Thayer's, one of the alcohol-free versions. I would personally recommend either Lavender or Rose petal. Also get a quality alum block such as Bloc Osma. It's made with potassium alum which is higher quality and doesn't sting hardly at all. I had an alum block from one of the wetshaving websites that was advertised as "100% larger for the same price!" and it was made with something other than potassium, I forget what, but it's cheaper and stings more.
So after you shave, rinse off with cool water, run the alum block over your face, allow it to work its magic for about a minute while you clean up around the sink, then rinse off again, apply witch hazel (I rub it on with my hands but I think most people recommend using a cotton ball), then apply any balm you like, Nivea aftershave balm is a good starter plus it's cheap and widely available. With using a quality alum block and witch hazel post-shave, I went from shaving every three days at most to every other day with absolutely no razor burn or irritation. I could probably do every day but I don't really need to for my work so I don't.
MARIO BADESCU! Seriously. They have a consultant service and they can recommend products via email. They have a buffering lotion that is for spot treatment of cystic pimples. For other kinds of pimples, they have the drying lotion. Honestly, I think washing your face with some gentle cleansers and moisturizing! Which sounds ridiculous. Olive oil or jojoba oil at night. The more you moisturize your skin, the less your skin will need to produce it. As for your pores, I think using a toner like alcohol free witch hazel amazon it and doing bi weekly acid peels amazon again will help clear up and reduce the appearance of your pores. Just start researching products. Try a regimen and stick with it for a while.
Awesome. Thanks so much. So I'd be set to if I get a kit like this?
Amazon has this brush, this razor, and this soap on package deal.
This toner
and this alum block
Does that look like a good start, and am I missing anything?
So my skin is very dry and acne generally appears on my chin and edges of my cheeks and chin it also appears on my shoulders. My diet is non existent as I pretty much don’t eat but when I do it’s generally something I can make quick in my dorm like oatmeal or a meat and cheese sandwich. I really ought to change my pillowcase more as I do it every few months. I’m 17 and I am currently using theyers facial toner for treating my face. I use it after I shower which is twice a day (right when I wake up and after I finish running) and I occasionally use this cucumber face moisturizer probably about once a week.
I have pale, easily enflamed, combo-leaning-oily skin. I am a fan of Thayer's Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera!: https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
I would switch the witch hazel to Thayer's Alcohol-Free. It's lovely and very gentle!
The witch hazel you got has a high alcohol content. I would be weary about using it in general, but especially in conjunction with a tea tree oil product, which can also be very drying. Just some things to consider as you move along on this skincare journey :)
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 would recommend to talk to your doctor about prescription accutane and to look into possibly going on a carb free/low carb diet for a while just to see what it does.
I've done both and for the first time I have amazing skin since I was 18 (I'm 36F). Also try this to treat breakouts overnight: Smile's PRID Drawing Salve, Natural Homeopathic Topical Pain and Irritation Reliever... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKN36W/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_lq9szb9MSSMV1
And this after you wash your face every day: Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_nr9szbZZWSJGK
Lastly, DO NOT dry your face with the same towel you use for the rest of your body!
This serum has been working great for my acne scars and frown lines, or if you don't trust it, just straight up Vitamin E oil is good for my skin as well. I also use the Biore Aqua Riche sunscreen which is perfect for my oily skin. I also found this toner to work much better with my skin than the Kate Somerville one. I now only use the KS one when I have a breakout.
I like a lighter moisturizer in the morning and I'll use Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner after I splash my face with water.
You might want to pick up Aztec Healing Clay. Maybe stop by Sally's Beauty Supply for Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.
I've got dehydrated oily skin prone to acne, FYI.
I'm barely stepping into Asian Beauty, and I'm trying to make a wishlist. I was hoping I could get some general recommendations.
Currently, I wash with Cetaphil (non-foaming), tone with Rosewater Witch Hazel, and moisturize with Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Lotion.
I do the same routine every morning and night.
In addition to the stuff in my flair, I have a few problem areas that break out (around mouth, hairline, T-zone, around nose) and stubborn blackheads on my nose. I get really bad dry patches on the apples of my cheeks.
EDIT: it might also be worthwhile to note that I am a teenager with a small budget because I am in school still. My AM and PM routine are the same with the above products in the order in which I listed them.
You might wanna skip out on the Musgo at first. You don't really need it, and while it can help soften your beard and moisturize your face it is kinda a luxury. If you really want a pre-shave soap you can pick up a $2 bar of glycerine soap at CVS or Walmart that will work just as well. Something like THIS would work fine.
The Omega brush & Proraso are fine to start out with, but if you want to save a bit more money you could start out with a Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set. This will get you a decent soap, brush & bowl for $10 or less (Walmart sells these for $8). The VDH puck is also very easy to lather which makes starting out a bit easier. Once you use it up you can start ordering - samplers or switch to Proraso if you want.
The blade sampler pack & Merkur 180 looks good. Personally I have never gotten a good shave out of my Edwin Jagger DE89 which has the same head as the DE86, however the EJ DE8x series are pretty highly recommended here on WE. My Merkur razor on the other hand (1904) gives me very gentle shaves. I would actually recommend the Merkur Classic instead of the 180, just because you probably don't need a longer handle, and it is easier to pay attention to maintaining the proper shave angle with a shorter razor. But the choice is yours. :)
Alum can be useful, but personally I find Witch Hazel to be more soothing which is important when you are starting out. If you go with a Witch Hazel look for one with the lowest alcohol content you can find. I use a cheap dollar store brand (Swan) that is 86% Witch Hazel to 14% alcohol and it works really nice. Thayers Witch Hazel is well regarded but a bit more pricey.
As far as aftershave.. again this is personal preference. If you have an aftershave that you are currently using that you like I would recommend you keep that for a while. Personally I like Nivea for Men Post Shave Balm, as it is very soothing and lightly moisturizes my face (I use is all over my face).
In any case, good luck with DE shaving and keep in mind it is a skill that takes a little while to learn. Don't be discouraged if your first shave doesn't live up to the hype. :)
Buy mine off Amazon if that helps
witch hazel
Yeah, definitely look for a new cleanser, you don't really need a "oil control" cleanser, they tend to be pretty drying for most people, and as you've noticed, don't do much to actually control oil.
As far as a toner goes, if you like using one, go ahead, but try to find one that doesn't contain alcohol. Thayers is usually a pretty popular brand because it's alcohol free.
Otherwise you can check out the beginner's routine for more recommendations.
Have you tried using witch hazel for in-grown hairs? I'm a male and I use it for my face and other places and it is incredible and helping stop in-growns. I've already told a lot of people about it and they all swear by it and thank me profusely.
I recommend using a non-alcohol one like Thayer's. It's easy to use, just put it on a cotton ball/round and apply it after shaving.
All right guys, so I'm constantly tweaking my skincare routine and would love some input. I'm currently 25 and only really started taking good care of my skin when I was about 21. For the most part I'm fairly happy with where my skin is at now. I have very fair, slightly sensitive skin (redhead) that tends to be mostly balanced, combination/oily with occasional dry patches. I rarely deal with blemishes these days other than a few blackheads and occasional cystic acne near my chin. The current issue I'm dealing with is how to properly use vitamins C and A in my routine so that I can reap the most benefits/use the best products while not overdoing it, or layering products unnecessarily. My current AM routine consists of (in order) a cleanser, typically Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash, toner, Amara Organics 20% Vitamin C Serum since the water here is very harsh, TruSkin Vitamin C Cream, and a higher SPF sunscreen, typically Elta MD SPF 45. My PM routine consists of a cleanser, normally something different than what I used in the morning as I find that overusing the same cleanser can strip my skin. I follow with toner, Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum again, Amara Organics Retinol Serum 2.5%, and [First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream] (http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-cream-intense-hydration-P248407?skuId=1217744&amp;icid2=products%20grid:p248407). I occasionally use a physical exfoliator, and am not currently using any eye-specific products as I'm prone to developing milia if a product is too creamy and I don't like the tacky feeling of a lot of eye gels. I live in Florida, so with my fair complexion I'm constantly trying to be proactive about preventing sun damage, while also delaying the appearance of damage that has already been done. That's why I really want to make sure I'm using the best Vitamin C product during the day. I know that the active in both my day serum and cream is SAP, but I've read that MAP is more effective at boosting collagen production, yet I have a difficult time finding products that utilize this form of Vitamin C. Also, I've noticed recently that 2.5% retinol (the product lists retinol, not retinyl palimate) seems to be A LOT compared with other OTC products on the market, and I really don't want to be overdoing it with this one, especially since I don't have any wrinkles yet, just a few fine lines that seem to come and go. Also, the issue of increased photosensitivity makes me nervous. I recently read some literature that addressed the concern that too much topical vitamin A could lead to toxicity, and I already have a diet rich in A vitamin. It might be worth noting that I haven't changed my routine considerably in the last few years, other than switching out retinol products as they became available/unavailable. Occasionally I will change some product out for another, but normally for something very similar (i.e. one vitamin c cream for another).
So, very long story short (sorry, guys), if you could recommend a Vitamin C serum or moisturizer, and a night time retinol product appropriate for my age and skin (preferably something with a lower active concentration), I would me much appreciative. The lighter consistency the better, as I do layer several products every day and I don't like the feeling of heavy build up on my skin. If you happen to notice anything else that you think I'm doing wrong, please let me know.
I recently started using The Thayer's witch hazel toner and I'm about to get another one (also because the price went down on Amazon). It really has made a huge difference for me.
This is the one I use.
I use the Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, so the "normal" one (this: https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA), and I find it very liquid! I don't know if it's something objective or not ^^ I use the CosRX 96 Essence too and i love it, but that's an essence, while Hada Labo HA is a toner! So, much lighter but deep-going!
Oh :/ This product by the same company is a hyaluronic acid lotion I found on amazon Canada. It's also available on Sasa.com which ships to Canada.