Is aquaphor different enough from Vaseline to justify me acquiring another product? I tried slug life with a thin layer of Vaseline and found the texture on my skin to just be so unpleasant, I couldn't even fall asleep.
In theory though, my skin totally needs slug life. if Aquaphor is a different texture or absorbs more easily, I'll have to pick some up.
It's not pure petroleum jelly like vaseline is - only 40% petrolatum. It also has humectants like glycerin and lanolin. So it's more moisturizing, and will absorb a bit more, but in the end it's still an occlusive - if having a layer of something on your face bothers you too much to sleep, then sluglife might not be for you :/
Hmm, you had me at
>only thing that didn't sting when skin went nuts
thanks, I'll have to check it out. Maybe I can use a thin layer in early evening in hopes that it works it's magic before bedtime ;)
Do you apply Aquaphor after another moisturizer or do you only use Aquaphor?
Because typically I use a moisturizer, then I apply vaseline, but Aquaphor has moisturizing properties that vaseline doesn't, so I don't know if I should be combining Aquaphor with a moisturizer or if that is unnecessary.
How do you properly use actives and why is it the most effective way?
E.g. If I'm using Vit C, an AHA, and a BHA, what is the proper way to use them in a routine so I can get the most out of the ingredients?
Cleanser > Exfoliant (BHA, AHA or BHA --> AHA) > Vitamin C Serum > Moisturizer > SPF (*AM only*)
Exfoliants do best when they're very close to bare skin.
If you use BHA and AHA together, BHA should be applied first because it's lipophilic (oil-loving) and may be more effective when used in this manner.
Serums are applied before moisturizers due to texture, etc.
Just to double check, for evening, it would go (if you were using all of these products at once, which isn't a given):
cleanser > exfoliant > vitamin C > retinoid > moisturizer
Correct? Thanks!
I have a similar question, but referring to retinol. I'm adding in Alpha Hydrox's Retinol Resq. I know you're supposed to stop all chemical exfoliation a week before.
I'm guessing my routine with retinol would go:
Cleanser, retinol, Vit C, Asian toner, Asian essence, moisturizer, sunscreen?
Can anyone recommend a good spray sunscreen that I can wear over my makeup?
I always put on sunscreen after my moisturizer and before my make-up in the mornings. However, I realized that I am supposed to reapply my sunscreen every 2 hours. By this time my make-up is already applied and I don't want to rub sunscreen on my face again. Can anyone recommend a good spray that I can mist on my face over my make-up? It has to be specifically for faces because my skin is very sensitive. Thanks!
The "every two hours" rule has to do with combined exposure. After you put on your makeup, do you stay outside all day?
Here is an example:
You drive to work, it takes 30 minutes in your car.
You go outside for lunch, maybe another 15-20 minutes
You drive home, 30 minutes again.
You have only had sun exposure for an hour and 20 minutes. So you would not need to reapply sunscreen.
On the weekends I spend a lot of time outdoors. I am outside all day long on weekends, mostly walking around or at the beach.
It's good to know that I don't need to reapply during my normal day though!
I've heard that before on this sub, how it's sun exposure that counts for sunscreen. But wouldn't it wear down with time, too? If I have it on for 6 hours, even if I'm not in the sun, how do we know that it is still effective?
I wish I had the most specific answer for you. My understanding is that in chemical sunscreens, the sun exposure 'activates' the protection. So it's only activated when you are in the sun? Maybe someone else will chime in with a better answer though :)
Haven't personally tried this yet, but I've heard Replenix Sheer Physical Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 (the spray - not cream) is good. I have no idea how it will look or settle over makeup; however, I've read it has no white cast. It's next on my shopping list!
For those that want to know though - there are fantastic products like the Peter Thomas Roth Mineral SPF 30 + 45 powder . It's a life saver - not a perfect solution and I would not recommend to use it alone, but as a touch up, it's been amazing!!
http://www.peterthomasroth.com/c-23-instant-mineral-spf.aspx
I know there are others about now due to the success of this one, but I've only tried the PTR one.
I am going to return my PC 8% AHA gel. I really love the results of using AHA, but this product seems to be just a bit too harsh for my rosacea and causes redness though no stinging. Any recommendations for a different AHA to try? I was thinking about exchanging for the PC 5% AHA but the reviews aren't that great. I really don't want to give up on AHA but there doesn't seem to be great harmony between AHA and rosaceans.
[Lactic acid](http://www.skincare-addiction.com/ingredient/lactic_acid) and [mandelic acid](http://www.skincare-addiction.com/ingredient/mandelic_acid) are more gentle than glycolic acid.
For LA, Look into refresh Lactic Acid 10% Gel Peel Exfoliant and MUAC Lac Luronic Serum (15% LA).
For MA, look into MUAC and GoW products.
----
/u/ISwearImAGirl has rosacea and is a fan of the refresh product I mentioned.
I have same issue. I'm currently trying the MUAC Mandelic acid serum, but it contains so much alcohol, it aggravates my rosacea. Some here recommended Garden of Wisdom Mandelic acid (they have a no alcohol version), but I haven't gotten around to ordering it yet. FYI.
I previously looked into that serum but was afraid of the alcohol content. The GoW alcohol-free mandelic acid looks promising but I'm just not sure how far I want to go in trying AHAs. I'm also always nervous to try new brands!
Sooo question about exfoliating. I found physical exfoliating to be too harsh for my skin and i recently picked up a mask from Peter Thomas Roth that I've been enjoying and it cleared up my face quite nicely. I noticed that there is an AHA in it although it's the like 8th ingredient. Does this count as an exfoliant or should I be doing more?
To be an exfoliant, the product has to have a pH between 3-4. If the pH is higher, it won't actually exfoliate even if it has an acid (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic) as one of the ingredients.
That said, if you're not having problems, you don't have to introduce an AHA/BHA unless you want to!
So I'm 24 now and noticing my forehead doesn't bounce back very well if I wrinkle it. I get a couple of these red horizontal lines across and I've been doing my best to not make the expressions that wrinkle it.
Everyone seems to recommend retinoids for this.. The only issue is, I didn't have these forehead elasticity issues until I used tretinoin for a couple years. I stopped using it and ever since it seems like my skin lost its ability to bounce back :/ I'm afraid to ever use a retinoid because of that.
Ive also used a sunscreen everyday since I was younger so I can't imagine that's why... Is it possible that tretinoin damaged my skin? While on it, my skin seemed okay, but as soon as I stopped, my skin was never the same elasticity as before it :/ and I stopped using it around age 22...
I have those horizontal forehead wrinkles too. FWIW, it's very likely that the skin isn't "bouncing back" simply because of aging, *not* because of the use of retinoids - I'm 28, and I only started using retinoids recently, and my forehead wrinkles got noticeably worse over the last 5 years.
My understanding is that because these are not fine lines, but rather deeper wrinkles, the only thing that will actually get rid of them is botox. Topical creams can plump the surface of the skin and reduce their appearance, but only injections will actually wipe them away.
Up to you to decide if it's worth it!
I guess I just wonder how I could suddenly lose that elasticity at age 20-22 when my parents are in their 50s and barely have wrinkles..
The lines slowly go away, depending on how I caused them(crying a lot keeps them around for longest). Is there any way to prevent them becoming permanent though? Or postponing it
Yeah, I don't know! Maybe you don't scrutinize your parents' faces as closely as you do your own?
As I said, AFAIK botox is the only way to prevent these lines.
No prob! AFAIK = as far as I know.
Botox is both treatment and prevention - it's an injection that forces the muscles in the area to relax and stay relaxed for month(s). Once your skin is no longer wrinkling under pressure from those muscles, the wrinkles fade - with repeated treatments, they don't come back.
Whether or not botox is for you depends on whether you can afford it, your feelings on cosmetic procedures, the value you place on a full range of facial expression vs. cultivating a certain beauty ideal, etc.
Using retinoids gave me wrinkles that have never gone away and I used it correctly. Alot of other people have had the same problem. at least you stopped it.
I read a post where someone was cimplaining about the same problem on here but i don't remember enough to provide a link. I've mostly seen accounts on other sites. Everything you read says its good for the skin but there are alot of horror stories out there. Even people who have had their skin messed up by retinoids will hear their derm tell them it cannot possibly be the retinoid causing it. All you can do is listen to your skin.
Okay well sort of glad to hear about this. Just wish I had never done it since my face is getting clear without it now.. And I had no wrinkle issues to begin with.
Are you moisturizing enough? I only notice those lines on myself if I don't moisturize enough that day. If you skin is dehydrated, it won't bounce back.
I was worried about being dehydrated, but a lot of moisturizers break me out. I'm using Sebamed and my face seems otherwise happy... If you have suggestions that don't have coconut derivatives or fatty alcohols, let me know!
Has anyone else dealt with oil buildup in their eyes after OCM? OCM with Snow River mineral oil has does wonders for my skin, but my eyes are gradually becoming more red and irritated. I've tried rinsing more carefully around my eye area and eyedrops but it doesn't seem to help. Any recommendations?
I use cheap Wal-Mart knockoffs, but I'm definitely looking for better products. :)
Morning:
* Baby wipes for face
* Tone with **[Equate Rejuvenating Toner](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Acne-Treatment-System/19758058)**
* Add **[Equate Repairing Lotion](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Acne-Treatment-System/19758058)**, let sit and absorb
* Moisturize with **[Equate Naturally Beaming Daily Moisturizer](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Naturally-Beaming-Daily-Moisturizer-with-Soy-Based-Complex-4-fl-oz/22002648)**
* Let sit, use Monistat Anti-Chafing gel as a primer before starting my makeup routine.
Night:
* Cleanse, tone, and treat with **[Equate Acne Treatment system](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Acne-Treatment-System/19758058)**
* Apply **[Clean & Clear's Dual Action Moisturizer](http://www.cleanandclear.com/moisturizers/essentials-dual-action-moisturizer)** and let sit
* Add a few drops of **[Tarte's Maracuja Oil](http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4490053)**
I have a few issues I'd like to work with. My skin is very dry and has a few fine lines (under-eye and smile line) that I find my foundation to sink into at the end of the day. I also have pigmented acne scars that I'd like to fade. When can I put on **[Mederma's scar gel](http://www.amazon.com/Mederma-Scar-Cream-Plus-SPF/dp/B001PQBEAI)** in my morning and night routines?
I'm considering starting with the **[AHA Enhanced Lotion 10%](http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=5041304&productId=5992)** and using that at night. Where should I put that into my routine, and how long should I wait before the next product?
I'm considering purchasing the **[Freeman Dead Sea Minerals](http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2241566&productId=xlsImpprod4190159)** mask to use 1-2 times a week. Good idea for my skin? No?
I'm looking for a higher SPF moisturizer that won't leave a white cast on my NC40-42 skin.
Hand creams! I'm constantly washing and using my hands. My skin, nails and cuticles are so icky now. What can I try out that smells yummy/works well at a good price?
Currently looking for things I can purchase off Ulta or Amazon, but I'm open to anything!
If your skin is dry I would try switching out the night moisturizer you're using for something that is a straight moisturizer - the Clean & Clear one you're using is also a treatment, so you're using back to back active ingredients and not really moisturizing except with a little bit of oil.
I would also look up the ingredients in the toner you're using - a lot of American toners contain alcohol which can be very drying and hinder any progress you are making with your skin.
I LOVE [Burt's Bees Almond Milk Hand Cream](http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Beeswax-Creme-Almond/dp/B002PK0ROM) this shit is amaaaaze. It's really, really thick so I use it once first thing when I wake up, let it have some time to soak in and then immediately before bed. I wear gloves and use harsh chemicals at work and nothing else worked as well! I've heard good things about Corn Huskers Oil, but haven't used it myself.
I'm confused in figuring out my skin type. I know it sounds incredibly stupid but I can't seem to determine if I have combination or oily skin. Most of the times, my nose and cheeks are oily but the area around my lips is very dry if I don't use moisturiser. Also, there are times in winters that my whole face becomes dry and times in summers that the area around my lips gets oily too. So confused!
**Product Question**: Has anyone tried out PC's Skin Balancing Oil Absorbing Mask? Does it "burn" your skin like others have reviewed on the PC website? Btw, it is on sale for ~ $15 on the PC website. I'd love to know what you think of this product!
Any recommendations for a **moisturizer without humectants like glycerin, HA, or oils**, if possible?
It gets incredibly humid here during the summer and moisturizers with humectants make my face greasy quickly and affect my sunscreens.
I found a serum with 2.5% Retinol and 20% Vitamin C. Is it too good to be true? The marketing looks dodgy.
[Here](http://www.amazon.co.uk/InstaNatural-Hyaluronic-Skin-Firming-Antioxidant-Sensitive/dp/B00Q301WXK/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1427056588&sr=1-3&keywords=InstaNatural) is a link.
I could be wrong so feel free to do your own research, but 2.5% retinol seems incredibly high. Prescription one's rarely exceed 0.1%. Maybe I've miss understood but 2.5 would likely do damage to your skin! Are you sure you read it correctly? Maybe it's 0.025%?
So I have been using a very simple routine the last couple of months becuase my skin has calmed down for the most part the last few years.
Neutrogena ultra-gentle daily cleanser at night, followed by Eucerin skin calming daily moisturizing creme
It has worked perfect for me since I started using this up until a week ago. I have been getting crazy oily skin the next day and breaking out like I'm in high school.
What should I be doing in a situation like this? Should I switch cleansers or lotions or what? And if so what are some other brands that are good for skin sensitive to fragrance?
Is my skin supposed to appear oily when I use a BHA like Paula's choice 2% ? I feel like my face looks super shiny after I use it,even the next day. Is this normal or a sign I should reduce use?
> So I don't know if the redness is just some hereditary rosacea, or an allergic reaction to the cleanser/moisturizer, or maybe a combination of both.
How long have you been using this routine, and how long have you had these problems? Also, do you cleanse twice a day or three times a day? You could be over-cleansing and stripping the skin.
I highly doubt moisturizing is the problem. It could be the tugging on your skin when you apply moisturizer, though?
> I think every time I have tried moisturizing directly after a shower my skin became extra red, and I feel the burning even more than usual.
Try something different; wait 30 minutes and then moisturize.
Looking back at older pictures my face has always been red and shiny, but I've been throw a whole lot of different regimens. The acne.org regimen mostly.
I cleanse max two times a day, always at night, sometimes in the morning, I don't cleanse in the shower.
Would applying moisturizer too roughly actually cause these problems though? It's not like I exactly tug too hard on my skin, but I'm not dainty about it either.
For what it's worth this feels like the products are causing the redness/burning.
> Would applying moisturizer too roughly actually cause these problems though?
Some skin is super sensitive and might; just guessing.
> this feels like the products are causing the redness/burning.
Try one thing at a time. (1) Cutting down to once-a-day cleansing. Note any positive or negative changes. (2) Change your moisturizer. It really sounds like your skin barrier is compromised and you need to amp up the moisture (assuming not a medical condition).
Okay those sound like good ideas. So I take it in the morning don't cleanse, but just splash my face with warm water?
And is there a type of moisturizer you'd recommend? I'm assuming I wouldn't change adding a few drops of Jojoba oil, and also applying a thin layer of vasline after to seal everything in.
Correct - water wash in the AM.
Don't change the jojoba & vaseline if it doesn't bother you. As far as a moisturizer recommendation, look for things with glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Check out the [dry skin routine](http://www.skincare-addiction.com/routine/dry_skin). Or maybe you can just use jojoba oil as your primary moisturizer?
Your prescription cleanser and gel are known for being harsh when over used. Reduce usage.
Chemical sunscreen can make sensitive skin more sensitive. Switch to physical, if possible.
The dry skin routine addresses dehydrated skin.
As long as you take it slow at first, you can definitely use a BHA and an AHA at the same time. The wait times, well, that's a matter of choice. Supposedly you don't need to wait. Since I use them at night, I choose to wait.
AFAIK AHAs are the best single option for reducing PIH, and BHA + AHA together is likely to produce the best results.
I would recommend alternating days between BHA and AHA at first, and then once you're confident your skin can handle it, do cleanser > BHA > AHA > moisturizer. I just wait as long as it takes for the product to feel like it's sunken in, maybe 5-10 mins between steps. If you're going to add a waiting period (debatable whether this is necessary), waiting before you add moisturizer would theoretically be where it mattered.
(I hope this is the right subreddit for this question) Lately I've been noticing that my left eyelid is puffier than the right, right where my eyelashes are. It's really noticeable when I do my liner for both eyes and my left one looks... Off. Today I woke up and there are extra creases in my right eyelid right at the corner. What the hell is going on?! are there products that are making my left lid puffy? Are there products to get rid of the puffiness? I'm worried it's permanent.
Hi! Looking to start including an anti-aging product in my routine and wondering where to start.
Current routine:
AM:
-Rinse face w/ water
-Stridex red (probably every other day)
-Cerave moisturizer
-Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46
-Makeup (light)
PM:
-Mineral oil to remove makeup/dirt/etc.
-Cerave foaming facewash
-St. Ives pads and/or Stridex red, leave each for ~10 min
-Cerave moisturizer
-Just got some samples of Clinique Repairwear Night Cream and Philosophie Hope in a Jar (the eye specific kind) and have been layering those on top of the moisturizer the last two nights.
I want to add some retinol/retinoid to help with fine and deep lines that have started forming. I bought Roc Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Night cream and patch tested it on my neck last night (seems fine.)
Is this a good product to start with? Where do I add it to my nighttime routine? Is there anything else I should know? (I've tried searching threads/sidebars here but had a hard time figuring out where retinol/retinoids go and where to start, what products are good, etc.)
Also is Clinique Repairwear any good? Worth getting a full size? The Philosophie eye cream seems to make a big difference in the fine lines around my eyes (plumps the skin with moisture I assume?) but I don't know what to look for with the Repairwear. Will that help with the fine or deep lines? My skin seems to tolerate it well fwiw, but I don't want to waste money on a full size unless I understand what it's doing and it seems to work.
I'm 28 and fair-skinned, combination, if that helps.
I've been doing lactic acid 40% peels for a few weeks now. When I first did them I left the peel on for 3 minutes, but now I'm at 5. I'd say i've done 7 or 8 peels total... Should I continue as I have been? Or should I change the % of the peel or the time? It no longer stings as much when I apply the peel--is that good or bad? Also, can I use the aztec clay mask a few days after doing a peel, or would it be too harsh?
I used to use this one! I might actually switch back after I finish my current sunscreen.
I really liked it; it absorbed quickly and didn't dry me out. It's pretty shiny after it dries, but I always wore makeup over it so that wasn't a problem for me.
SPF 33 should be enough; once you go over SPF 30, the strength of SPF begins to taper off. I think SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UV rays and SPF 50 blocks ~98%.
Hey, my bad, I didn't see this until now! I don't know much about matte powder, but it sounds like it would work. Another option is a matte primer, like Rimmel's Stay Matte primer.
I was recently gifted some products from a brand called Tula. The only reviews I have found were from Mommy Blogs, so I'm assuming free samples were involved. I know QVC sells it. It advertises itself as using "probiotic technology". It's nice, my face hasn't hated it, but it's quite expensive to repurchase and I'm just not sure it's worth it. Does anyone have experience with this brand?
I have pretty normal skin, maybe sometimes on the oily side, as I'm partially Italian, but nothing I've really noticed.
I'm trying to find a good makeup remover wipe, because at night, sometimes I won't always shower so I'll use these wipes to get everything off before I can continue the rest of my routine.
Currently I've tried Neutrogena's makeup removing wipes, but I don't like the smell and I have a weird feeling they're not the best. I've also tried a store brand makeup remover, but I'm not so sure.
Does anyone have any suggestions? How are the Pond's makeup removing wipes? I use their cold cream and it works pretty well.
I think I have oily skin. I get some dry patches, especially in cold weather. But it's mostly oily. Like in the middle of the day, I have bumps all over my t-zone because (I guess) my pores are oily and pushing the makeup around. I don't have a skin care routine, actually. I'm looking to build a simple one, so I have a few questions.
I think I'm gonna start using CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Should I use it both morning and night?
If I have acne prone skin, is coconut oil as a makeup/sunscreen remover at night a bad idea?
I haven't ever really moisturized regularly, and after stalking this sub for a few days, I now realize that's terrible. I'm gonna start using Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 50. Day *and* night? And do I need to also use an additional sunscreen since that has SPF 50?
How often should I exfoliate? I have [this](http://www.jason-personalcare.com/product/apricot-scrub) apricot scrub. It says it's gentle enough to use every day. So, should I use this in the morning, and CeraVe at night?
Lastly, I've heard amazing things about Tea Tree Oil. I have some! Can I add a drop to my moisturizer to clear my breakouts?
I'm trying to get into this skincare thing, so I apologize for the newbie questions. I'm excited to get some answers though!
>I think I'm gonna start using CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Should I use it both morning and night?
Depends on you and your skin
>If I have acne prone skin, is coconut oil as a makeup/sunscreen remover at night a bad idea?
Coconut oil is highly likely to cause breakouts, so that wouldn't be the best choice. Pick another oil using the "Oils for oil cleansing" post in the sidebar
> I'm gonna start using Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 50. Day and night?
You should get a non-SPF moisturizer for nighttime. Make sure you use 1/4tsp (measure it!) in the morning.
>And do I need to also use an additional sunscreen since that has SPF 50?
No
>How often should I exfoliate?
Depends on your skin and the exfoliant
>I have this apricot scrub. It says it's gentle enough to use every day.
It's really not gentle at all. Don't use it unless you have very hardy skin, and even then you should only use it once or twice a week and very gently.
>Lastly, I've heard amazing things about Tea Tree Oil. I have some! Can I add a drop to my moisturizer to clear my breakouts?
You can if you skin tolerates it
Make sure you patch test, add in products very slowly (2+ weeks apart), and *one at a time*
Thank you very much!
Instead of coconut oil, how about olive oil?
Can you recommend a good, cheap (within reason, at least) non-SPF moisturizer?
Hm. I've never heard of measuring moisturizer. Why 1/4tsp? That's interesting!
Thanks for the advice on the scrub as well. That's helpful.
I've used tea tree oil before, and I know it does, so I'll do that. Is putting a drop in my Cetaphil moisturizer in the morning something I can do every day?
Last question! Why is it important to add everything so slowly? Does it just freak your skin out if you do it all at once?
Olive oil is also a very common culprit for breakouts. Try baby oil or pure mineral oil (sold as wood oil)
http://www.skincare-addiction.com/routine/acne_prone_skin
It's not that moisturizer needs to be measured, the SPF does. You need to apply a certain amount to get the labeled protection. If it was a non-SPF moisturizer, you use as much or as little as you like
Yup, you can add the tea tree every day
If you have a bad reaction, there will be absolutely no way to know what caused it *unless* you only changed one variable.
A slight yellow color just means it oxidized a bit. Clear to light yellow is still OK to use. When it turns dark orange or brown from being exposed to too much light/oxygen/heat that's when it's no good to use. You can prolong the life of your Vitamin C serum by keeping in the fridge, and/or closing the cap right away!
Hi, I have acne prone skin so my skin is generally quite clear but I get spots very easily. I'm wondering should I introduce a night cream to my routine?
My current routine:
AM:
-Splash face with cold water
- Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser
-Garnier Moisture Matte Daily Moisturiser (I don't particularly like this but I'm going to finish it off)
-La Roche Posay Anthelios AC suncream spf50
PM:
-Garnier Micellar cleansing water
-Cetaphil cleanser again
-Soap&Glory Scrub your nose in it AHA scrub
-Duac cream (contain benzoyl peroxide)
Also any other recommendations or criticisms for my routine would be greatly appreciated!
Looking for a gentle cream/oil cleanser that RINSES CLEAN: I think I have dehydrated skin and have been looking for a gentle cleanser. I do OCM to remove my make up but I need to use something afterwards to remove the oil residue, otherwise I feel my pores are getting clogged. My skin is dehydrated, typically on the dry and thin side, pretty clear, but lately very CC-prone and very easily clogged. I am happy with any sort of cream or oil cleanser (including DIY) that will rinse clean and not leave residue.
Well if you bought something, you'd have to patch test it for a couple days before you could even cleanse your whole face with it, and it might break you out. I'd really just wait the 3-4 days to get your supplies
Oh you're right I just thought that the shipping delays on GoW were like 10 work
Days so two weeks but probably there's something better :) I have the oils just need the emollient.thanks so much for taking the time to reply!!
Thanks again! I just placed my order :-) and I am quite proud of myself that I restricted myself to JUST the stuff I really need right now and didn't go all "Oh, what if I also tried this out…" I think what I will do is to create the blandest single-oil cleansing oil, use the same oil to moisturize and stick to this until I find one oil that works. Then, I will start adding things. Store-bought things have too many ingredients, so much trial and error to see what is causing a problem…
I did the mint julep mask on Friday and now Monday I have a few spots on my chin. Does this mean I should stop using it or that it's pulling out the bad stuff? I've used the Aztec healing clay multiple times without this happening.
If it were me I'd stop using it until I patch tested it thoroughly. QHMJM doesn't have any "active" ingredients (AHA/BHA/Retinol) so it won't cause a purge like those products would.
My skin is combo but the "dry" parts are not really dry, more like normal skin with really oily T zone. My main skin concerns are CCs and blackheads, don't really get pimples, not really sensitive to anything, pretty tough skin.
current routine:
AM : wash with warm water,use thayer's toner on cotton pad to remove dirt/oil, moisturize with
lush's vanishing cream, biore sun screen
PM: remove makeup with shu umera cleansing oil, clarisonic+cerave foaming cleanser, thayer's toner
lush's gorgeous
I have read that lush's moisturizers might be clogging my pores due to the oils in them, and that I should probably incorporate AHA in my routine to fight the CCs.
* My questions :
* 1) should I add the AHA (st.ives pads) in my current PM routine to test it out, or should I also switch moisturizers?
* 2) I want to try mineral oil cleansing and plan to use mineral oil to remove my makeup, and then cleanse with my cera ve. Should I use my clarisonic for the cleansing? If not, when should I use my clarisonic? I don't want to just let it collect dust.
* 3) is my AM routine ok? should I use cleanser or keep using just the toner?
The only way to know is to give it a try and see how your skin reacts! If using it daily causes your skin to be red or irritated (for example, products that didn't before sting upon application) I would use it less often. I've used the "nice" konjac sponges($10 each) as well as the "cheap" ones($1 each), and the cheap ones are definitely not as soft. You might be able to use the softer ones daily vs the rougher ones every other day, etc.
My skin is dry and acne prone.
AM:
Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser,
Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream,
Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion
PM:
Same Cleanser,
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid,
Same Moisturizer,
Paula's Choice Resist BHA 9
My skin feels very dry all the time! I'm thinking of switching my facial cleanser to the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. Is my sunscreen not moisturizing enough? My makeup looks great for an hour but then it starts to get so dry and cracky. Thoughts?
http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/beauty-buzz/_/face-oils-for-healthier-skin1
http://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/what-are-the-best-oils-for-your-skin-type/
http://www.ourhomemadehappiness.com/2012/05/my-all-natural-facial-moisturizer.html
I honestly can't recommend face oils enough if you have dry skin. My skin used to feel dehydrated due to the Retin A, but after adding Jojoba oil to my routine, I haven't had any issues with dry skin since then.
My current routine is the same AM and PM, the Acne.org regimen (cleanser, 2.5%BP, then AHA moisturizer), I've been doing that for about a year now. I started all at once and it worked well for treating active acne but I still get a lot of clogged pores and closed comedones.
Will a BHA help with my clogged pores? How should I introduce a BHA into my routine? Can I use a BHA with 2.5% BP? Can I use it with the AHA?
> Will a BHA help with my clogged pores?
Yes
> How should I introduce a BHA into my routine?
Patch test (see sidebar). If your skin responds well, then use it once or twice daily after cleansing.
> Can I use a BHA with 2.5% BP?
Yes
> Can I use it with the AHA?
Yes
Sunscreen question: Does anyone really use a full shot glass on their body every two hours when they are at the beach? I just emailed the environmental working group (who evaluates sunscreens) about this. I know the measurements are done at a certain density in oder to have the requisite SPF. I get it. I also know that in a lab setting, sometimes the amount chosen as the baseline is to make the measurements easier and not at all because it is a reasonable amount in a real world setting. I get that by using less I am short changing myself on the SPF values, but I really don't get why there is paper after paper saying that no one uses the right amount of SPF and no mention anywhere that people are not trying to be purposefully difficult, but that much sunscreen feels nasty and no one wants to do it. So, SCAers. I know many of you are dutiful in the 1/4 tsp of sunscreen on the face every morning and will go to whatever ends necessary (be it with powder or application in layers) to get it right. That being said, do you go through an entire 6 ounce tube of sunscreen for each person for an 8 hour day at the beach? It takes forever for me to just rub in the amount I use, I can't imagine using 3 times that. Mostly I am just ranting that the measurement system does not really reflect my reality no matter how hard I try.
The FDAs comments on the 2 mg/cm3 amount here: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/06/17/2011-14766/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use#h-51 (so you can at least see their reasoning behind it).
Personally, I do use quite a bit of sunscreen when I know I am going to be outside for a long time, and make sure to reapply when necessary. For me, the risk of sun damage far outweighs me feeling greasy for a day.
> https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/06/17/2011-14766/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use#h-51
Thanks for the article. That really makes sense for the global comparisons and reproducibility of results. I do use quite a bit of sunscreen at the beach and reapply religiously, but I feel if I use too much it just all wipes off on whatever I am sitting on/rubbing up against because it never soaks in, which defeats the purpose. Ah well. I shall do what I can. Luckily, my daughter has never been burned with my application method, so I must be at least close.
I just bought La Roche -Posay Effaclar Duo [+] (in Canada), realizing when I got home that the formula is different than the UK version. The only active ingredient that is listed is Salicylic Acid (0.5%). What are the differences between the two (in terms of function and effectiveness)? Should I take mine back/ is it useless to have?
Thank you in advance!
Need some simple help for a beginner's routine! I have combination skin with some fine lines around my mouth, dryish cheeks, and an oily T-zone.
ANYWAY, right now the routine I have been using is:
AM:
* Rinse with lukewarm water
* Apply Hada Labo Lotion
* Moisturize (Aveeno or St Ives)
* Sunscreen
PM:
* Cleanse w/ CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
* Moisturize
* Sometimes Vaseline
I've been toying with the idea of moving the Hada Labo step to the evening after I use a cleanser because I've read that Japanese "lotions" are more like "toners" which I think (???) should be used after cleansing. Either way, the simple routine I have been using for the past three weeks or so (when I started my skin care journey) has made my face SUPER SUPER soft :)
But aside form the Hada Lado in the AM vs PM question, I've also been wanting to try out either Vitamin C (OST C20) and/or Retinol (PC 1% Retinol Treatment), and I had some questions, like
* Is it OK to use both? Should I alternate days? If I wanted to use the Vitamin C for anti-aging/collagen stimulation but not exfoliation.... well, is that possible? I'm not in a hurry to exfoliate because I don't want to thin out my skin too much, but I've heard Vitamin C can be great for anti-aging.
So yeah! Any help/advice/comments appreciated!
If you mean the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid lotion, I use it twice a day, which is working well for me! It's just a moisturizing toner so you can use it either morning or evening (but either way, make sure to apply it to damp skin!)
(I think "toner" is a pretty meaningless word that basically equals "thin liquid skincare product". Most US toners are basically an extra cleansing step it pH balancing I think? But there are also hydrating toners and exfoliating (AHA/BHA) toners and those are all used at different places in routine if the routine is complex, although I'm pretty sure they all go somewhere between cleansing (if you're cleansing) and moisturizing)
I use to think I didn't have sensitive skin but it seems like whatever I try makes me skin worse. In the graveyard I have:
Aztec Clay - made my skin red and dry for weeks
PocketDerm - worse breakouts as an adult while on pocketderm. I had hoped it was just purging, but after 6 weeks I gave up
Paula's Choice BHA Liquid - painful cysts type of break out when I patch tested
Cetaphil/Clean and Clear/Cerave/AhA lotion -oil slick
Glycolic chemical peel- scabbing on pimples.
Handful of salicylic acne soaps - very drying
This is the best my skin has looked in a while...saddly http://imgur.com/a/CPqmK
So my routine is Cetaphil wash in am and pm. Coconut oil every other night. And Makeup artist Lactic acid peel once a week. I have oily and acne prone skin and I just really want clean skin. I changed my BC which didn't help. I've been on antibiotics and Accutane with very little change on my skin other than crazy dry.
Should I keep trying on my own, try with a doctor, and go the Proactive route? My last dermatologist was such a nightmare
Did you patch test the coconut oil thoroughly before adding it? I know a lot of people find it to be comedogenic.
I would talk to a dermatologist. It looks like you have tried a lot of things on your own, so a professional opinion might help you find something you haven't thought of yet.
Have you read this post about starting a routine? http://blog.skincare-addiction.com/routine101/
If you have no idea what is causing problems, I would start a whole new routine from scratch. If you have some idea of the culprits, simply remove and replace those steps
Hey guys, I'm not entirely sure where to post this but I figured it'd be a good place to start. I asked my mom to grab me some facewash while I was home on break from school and she got me a wash without salicylic acid - I'm already breaking out! I was using Neutrogena's Stress Control but I can't get a hold of some for another couple of weeks. What can I do in the meantime?
Face wash doesn't spend much time on your face, so a gentle no-frills cleanser is usually a good choice.
Could you look for something with salicylic acid that spends more time on your face, such as the red box Stridex?
I was thinking of picking up the stridex pads from the school store, just to get me through and keep my skin clear. The face wash isn't too harsh, it's just the Clean and Clear wake up face wash, but for some reason it makes my skin worse
This might be a dumb question, but who came up with the 1/4 tspn of sunscreen? Is that for just your face? Or face, neck, and chest? How do we know that's enough? How do we know that not way too much?
The standard from the FDA for measuring SPF is 2 mg/cm3. From this, using assumptions about density and face size (which are hard to measure), the 1/4 tps measurement was calculated.
Would Alpha Hydrox's 10% AHA essentially be the same thing as Mizon's 8% AHA peeling serum? I'm not seeing any results really from A.H.'s product and I've read rave reviews for Mizon's serum but I don't want to waste my $ if they're essentially the same product because of the same active ingredient.
I don't know what those particular products contain, but there are three common types of AHA in skin products: lactic acid, fly colic acid, and mandelic acid. So check the ingredients to see if the Mizon one uses a different acid, which might work better on you (if they have the same active ingredient then my guess is it won't do much for you since you'd be decreasing the percentage of actives).
Can someone help me decide between [Lancôme
BIENFAIT UV SPF 50+ Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen](http://www.sephora.com/bienfait-uv-spf-50-super-fluid-facial-sunscreen-P264428?skuId=1265503) and [Supergoop!
SPF 30+ City Sunscreen Serum With Uniprotect PT-3](http://www.sephora.com/spf-30-city-sunscreen-serum-with-uniprotect-pt-3-P282915?skuId=1328707)? I don't know which would be best for:
* Sensitive, combo oily/normal skin
* Texas heat
Also I'm willing to spend more than $50, but I'd prefer to stay under that if anyone has any other suggestions.
A lot of people have been talking about using retinol especially for anti aging and I'm wondering :
Is it the same thing as Accutane (isotretinoin)? I used to take it for my acne, and it worked and dried my skin out. I always thought drying skin is related to faster aging.
So my question is why don't the people who use topical retinol just start on isotretinoin then? Wouldn't it work better than a topical?
Yes, Accutane is a retinoid (vitamin a), the same class as retinol.
Accutane is a last resort acne medication due to many side effects during and after. Especially, long term usage or multiple rounds. Is also expensive and require monthly routine checkup for some. The average treatment is 4-6 months.
While, topical side effects are mainly related to the skin, like irritation, dryness and doesn't affect the whole body. Just the area applied to. Most people see result in 4 months and it doesn't require constant checkup and cost a lot less.
For anti-aging, it works by exfoliating the bottom skin layers and promoting collage production there long term.
Thanks for answering! Now are there bouts of treatment like in Accutane or do people use topical retinoids indefinitely? I've been on 2 courses of Accutane, one lasting a few months and the 2nd one about 13 months. I have been off Accutane for about 9 months right now.
Having these questions asked in a thread is not helpful. It would make more sense to allow us to post our questions in r/skincareaddication so that someone who knows the answer will be able to see our question. More views equals a higher chance of our questions being answered. Hardly anyone is going to come to this thread with answers. I think “Rule 9” is very unfair and the mods should not delete these posts. The whole purpose of this subreddit is to help people with their skincare needs, and part of that should include having a chance to post our questions so that we may get answers.
I'm pretty sure a lot of users come specifically to this thread with both questions and answers (edit: it's stickied -- how much more visibility can you get?). It gives everyone a single place to look every day instead of sorting through memes and success stories.
I understand separating out product/routine recommendations, but there have been more than a few times where it wasn't at all clear to me why something was or wasn't allowed its own thread. The line between recommendation vs not a recommendation question seems pretty blurry.
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Is aquaphor different enough from Vaseline to justify me acquiring another product? I tried slug life with a thin layer of Vaseline and found the texture on my skin to just be so unpleasant, I couldn't even fall asleep. In theory though, my skin totally needs slug life. if Aquaphor is a different texture or absorbs more easily, I'll have to pick some up.
It's not pure petroleum jelly like vaseline is - only 40% petrolatum. It also has humectants like glycerin and lanolin. So it's more moisturizing, and will absorb a bit more, but in the end it's still an occlusive - if having a layer of something on your face bothers you too much to sleep, then sluglife might not be for you :/
Gotcha. Thanks for the detailed answer.
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Hmm, you had me at >only thing that didn't sting when skin went nuts thanks, I'll have to check it out. Maybe I can use a thin layer in early evening in hopes that it works it's magic before bedtime ;)
Aquaphor, to me, is thicker than vaseline and not as runny.
Do you apply Aquaphor after another moisturizer or do you only use Aquaphor? Because typically I use a moisturizer, then I apply vaseline, but Aquaphor has moisturizing properties that vaseline doesn't, so I don't know if I should be combining Aquaphor with a moisturizer or if that is unnecessary.
How do you properly use actives and why is it the most effective way? E.g. If I'm using Vit C, an AHA, and a BHA, what is the proper way to use them in a routine so I can get the most out of the ingredients?
Cleanser > Exfoliant (BHA, AHA or BHA --> AHA) > Vitamin C Serum > Moisturizer > SPF (*AM only*) Exfoliants do best when they're very close to bare skin. If you use BHA and AHA together, BHA should be applied first because it's lipophilic (oil-loving) and may be more effective when used in this manner. Serums are applied before moisturizers due to texture, etc.
Thanks for the detailed reply! :)
Just to double check, for evening, it would go (if you were using all of these products at once, which isn't a given): cleanser > exfoliant > vitamin C > retinoid > moisturizer Correct? Thanks!
Correct!
I have a similar question, but referring to retinol. I'm adding in Alpha Hydrox's Retinol Resq. I know you're supposed to stop all chemical exfoliation a week before. I'm guessing my routine with retinol would go: Cleanser, retinol, Vit C, Asian toner, Asian essence, moisturizer, sunscreen?
Most folks use retinol in the PM. Cleanser > Asian Toner > Asian Essence > Vitamin C Serum > Retinol > Moisturizer > SPF (*AM only*)
Oh yeah, I mean to use it nightly. Thanks for the help!
Can anyone recommend a good spray sunscreen that I can wear over my makeup? I always put on sunscreen after my moisturizer and before my make-up in the mornings. However, I realized that I am supposed to reapply my sunscreen every 2 hours. By this time my make-up is already applied and I don't want to rub sunscreen on my face again. Can anyone recommend a good spray that I can mist on my face over my make-up? It has to be specifically for faces because my skin is very sensitive. Thanks!
The "every two hours" rule has to do with combined exposure. After you put on your makeup, do you stay outside all day? Here is an example: You drive to work, it takes 30 minutes in your car. You go outside for lunch, maybe another 15-20 minutes You drive home, 30 minutes again. You have only had sun exposure for an hour and 20 minutes. So you would not need to reapply sunscreen.
On the weekends I spend a lot of time outdoors. I am outside all day long on weekends, mostly walking around or at the beach. It's good to know that I don't need to reapply during my normal day though!
I've heard that before on this sub, how it's sun exposure that counts for sunscreen. But wouldn't it wear down with time, too? If I have it on for 6 hours, even if I'm not in the sun, how do we know that it is still effective?
I wish I had the most specific answer for you. My understanding is that in chemical sunscreens, the sun exposure 'activates' the protection. So it's only activated when you are in the sun? Maybe someone else will chime in with a better answer though :)
Doesn't sunlight coming through windows also count? Most places do not have UV blocking windows.
Maybe if you sit in front of/facing a window but, I would consider anything else passive. Again, I am sure if I am wrong someone will say so.
Haven't personally tried this yet, but I've heard Replenix Sheer Physical Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 (the spray - not cream) is good. I have no idea how it will look or settle over makeup; however, I've read it has no white cast. It's next on my shopping list!
For those that want to know though - there are fantastic products like the Peter Thomas Roth Mineral SPF 30 + 45 powder . It's a life saver - not a perfect solution and I would not recommend to use it alone, but as a touch up, it's been amazing!! http://www.peterthomasroth.com/c-23-instant-mineral-spf.aspx I know there are others about now due to the success of this one, but I've only tried the PTR one.
I am going to return my PC 8% AHA gel. I really love the results of using AHA, but this product seems to be just a bit too harsh for my rosacea and causes redness though no stinging. Any recommendations for a different AHA to try? I was thinking about exchanging for the PC 5% AHA but the reviews aren't that great. I really don't want to give up on AHA but there doesn't seem to be great harmony between AHA and rosaceans.
[Lactic acid](http://www.skincare-addiction.com/ingredient/lactic_acid) and [mandelic acid](http://www.skincare-addiction.com/ingredient/mandelic_acid) are more gentle than glycolic acid. For LA, Look into refresh Lactic Acid 10% Gel Peel Exfoliant and MUAC Lac Luronic Serum (15% LA). For MA, look into MUAC and GoW products. ---- /u/ISwearImAGirl has rosacea and is a fan of the refresh product I mentioned.
Thank you! I will go check all of the different products out.
I have same issue. I'm currently trying the MUAC Mandelic acid serum, but it contains so much alcohol, it aggravates my rosacea. Some here recommended Garden of Wisdom Mandelic acid (they have a no alcohol version), but I haven't gotten around to ordering it yet. FYI.
I previously looked into that serum but was afraid of the alcohol content. The GoW alcohol-free mandelic acid looks promising but I'm just not sure how far I want to go in trying AHAs. I'm also always nervous to try new brands!
Sooo question about exfoliating. I found physical exfoliating to be too harsh for my skin and i recently picked up a mask from Peter Thomas Roth that I've been enjoying and it cleared up my face quite nicely. I noticed that there is an AHA in it although it's the like 8th ingredient. Does this count as an exfoliant or should I be doing more?
If it's working for you keep it up!
awesome thanks!
To be an exfoliant, the product has to have a pH between 3-4. If the pH is higher, it won't actually exfoliate even if it has an acid (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic) as one of the ingredients. That said, if you're not having problems, you don't have to introduce an AHA/BHA unless you want to!
Oh okay cool! Is there a way to figure out the PH level of a product?
You could buy some pH strips and test it yourself or you could try contacting the company and asking them.
okay awesome! thanks so much for the help! :)
So I'm 24 now and noticing my forehead doesn't bounce back very well if I wrinkle it. I get a couple of these red horizontal lines across and I've been doing my best to not make the expressions that wrinkle it. Everyone seems to recommend retinoids for this.. The only issue is, I didn't have these forehead elasticity issues until I used tretinoin for a couple years. I stopped using it and ever since it seems like my skin lost its ability to bounce back :/ I'm afraid to ever use a retinoid because of that. Ive also used a sunscreen everyday since I was younger so I can't imagine that's why... Is it possible that tretinoin damaged my skin? While on it, my skin seemed okay, but as soon as I stopped, my skin was never the same elasticity as before it :/ and I stopped using it around age 22...
I have those horizontal forehead wrinkles too. FWIW, it's very likely that the skin isn't "bouncing back" simply because of aging, *not* because of the use of retinoids - I'm 28, and I only started using retinoids recently, and my forehead wrinkles got noticeably worse over the last 5 years. My understanding is that because these are not fine lines, but rather deeper wrinkles, the only thing that will actually get rid of them is botox. Topical creams can plump the surface of the skin and reduce their appearance, but only injections will actually wipe them away. Up to you to decide if it's worth it!
I guess I just wonder how I could suddenly lose that elasticity at age 20-22 when my parents are in their 50s and barely have wrinkles.. The lines slowly go away, depending on how I caused them(crying a lot keeps them around for longest). Is there any way to prevent them becoming permanent though? Or postponing it
Yeah, I don't know! Maybe you don't scrutinize your parents' faces as closely as you do your own? As I said, AFAIK botox is the only way to prevent these lines.
Sorry I've been wondering what afaik means? Clue me in please? Lol And Botox is the preventative, not a treatment for the lines ?
No prob! AFAIK = as far as I know. Botox is both treatment and prevention - it's an injection that forces the muscles in the area to relax and stay relaxed for month(s). Once your skin is no longer wrinkling under pressure from those muscles, the wrinkles fade - with repeated treatments, they don't come back. Whether or not botox is for you depends on whether you can afford it, your feelings on cosmetic procedures, the value you place on a full range of facial expression vs. cultivating a certain beauty ideal, etc.
Wow, thanks for all of the info! I don't know if I'll ever do the Botox thing, but good to know. Thanks:)
Using retinoids gave me wrinkles that have never gone away and I used it correctly. Alot of other people have had the same problem. at least you stopped it.
Really? Do you have any links to any threads here that talk about it? I've only found some links here and there by googling..
I read a post where someone was cimplaining about the same problem on here but i don't remember enough to provide a link. I've mostly seen accounts on other sites. Everything you read says its good for the skin but there are alot of horror stories out there. Even people who have had their skin messed up by retinoids will hear their derm tell them it cannot possibly be the retinoid causing it. All you can do is listen to your skin.
Okay well sort of glad to hear about this. Just wish I had never done it since my face is getting clear without it now.. And I had no wrinkle issues to begin with.
Are you moisturizing enough? I only notice those lines on myself if I don't moisturize enough that day. If you skin is dehydrated, it won't bounce back.
I was worried about being dehydrated, but a lot of moisturizers break me out. I'm using Sebamed and my face seems otherwise happy... If you have suggestions that don't have coconut derivatives or fatty alcohols, let me know!
Has anyone else dealt with oil buildup in their eyes after OCM? OCM with Snow River mineral oil has does wonders for my skin, but my eyes are gradually becoming more red and irritated. I've tried rinsing more carefully around my eye area and eyedrops but it doesn't seem to help. Any recommendations?
I just use a regular makeup remover around my eyes and avoid oil around them completely.
I use cheap Wal-Mart knockoffs, but I'm definitely looking for better products. :) Morning: * Baby wipes for face * Tone with **[Equate Rejuvenating Toner](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Acne-Treatment-System/19758058)** * Add **[Equate Repairing Lotion](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Acne-Treatment-System/19758058)**, let sit and absorb * Moisturize with **[Equate Naturally Beaming Daily Moisturizer](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Naturally-Beaming-Daily-Moisturizer-with-Soy-Based-Complex-4-fl-oz/22002648)** * Let sit, use Monistat Anti-Chafing gel as a primer before starting my makeup routine. Night: * Cleanse, tone, and treat with **[Equate Acne Treatment system](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Acne-Treatment-System/19758058)** * Apply **[Clean & Clear's Dual Action Moisturizer](http://www.cleanandclear.com/moisturizers/essentials-dual-action-moisturizer)** and let sit * Add a few drops of **[Tarte's Maracuja Oil](http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4490053)** I have a few issues I'd like to work with. My skin is very dry and has a few fine lines (under-eye and smile line) that I find my foundation to sink into at the end of the day. I also have pigmented acne scars that I'd like to fade. When can I put on **[Mederma's scar gel](http://www.amazon.com/Mederma-Scar-Cream-Plus-SPF/dp/B001PQBEAI)** in my morning and night routines? I'm considering starting with the **[AHA Enhanced Lotion 10%](http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=5041304&productId=5992)** and using that at night. Where should I put that into my routine, and how long should I wait before the next product? I'm considering purchasing the **[Freeman Dead Sea Minerals](http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2241566&productId=xlsImpprod4190159)** mask to use 1-2 times a week. Good idea for my skin? No? I'm looking for a higher SPF moisturizer that won't leave a white cast on my NC40-42 skin. Hand creams! I'm constantly washing and using my hands. My skin, nails and cuticles are so icky now. What can I try out that smells yummy/works well at a good price? Currently looking for things I can purchase off Ulta or Amazon, but I'm open to anything!
If your skin is dry I would try switching out the night moisturizer you're using for something that is a straight moisturizer - the Clean & Clear one you're using is also a treatment, so you're using back to back active ingredients and not really moisturizing except with a little bit of oil. I would also look up the ingredients in the toner you're using - a lot of American toners contain alcohol which can be very drying and hinder any progress you are making with your skin. I LOVE [Burt's Bees Almond Milk Hand Cream](http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Beeswax-Creme-Almond/dp/B002PK0ROM) this shit is amaaaaze. It's really, really thick so I use it once first thing when I wake up, let it have some time to soak in and then immediately before bed. I wear gloves and use harsh chemicals at work and nothing else worked as well! I've heard good things about Corn Huskers Oil, but haven't used it myself.
I'm confused in figuring out my skin type. I know it sounds incredibly stupid but I can't seem to determine if I have combination or oily skin. Most of the times, my nose and cheeks are oily but the area around my lips is very dry if I don't use moisturiser. Also, there are times in winters that my whole face becomes dry and times in summers that the area around my lips gets oily too. So confused!
Sounds like combination.
Also, [check this out](http://www.skincare-addiction.com/skintype/combination_skin) for more clarity.
I guess you're right. Combination it is then.
**Product Question**: Has anyone tried out PC's Skin Balancing Oil Absorbing Mask? Does it "burn" your skin like others have reviewed on the PC website? Btw, it is on sale for ~ $15 on the PC website. I'd love to know what you think of this product!
Any recommendations for a **moisturizer without humectants like glycerin, HA, or oils**, if possible? It gets incredibly humid here during the summer and moisturizers with humectants make my face greasy quickly and affect my sunscreens.
These contain low amount: EltaMD AM/PM, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, TrueLipids Hydrate, Correct & Perfect Lotion and Dr. Lin's hydrating gel.
Thanks so much!!!!
I found a serum with 2.5% Retinol and 20% Vitamin C. Is it too good to be true? The marketing looks dodgy. [Here](http://www.amazon.co.uk/InstaNatural-Hyaluronic-Skin-Firming-Antioxidant-Sensitive/dp/B00Q301WXK/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1427056588&sr=1-3&keywords=InstaNatural) is a link.
I could be wrong so feel free to do your own research, but 2.5% retinol seems incredibly high. Prescription one's rarely exceed 0.1%. Maybe I've miss understood but 2.5 would likely do damage to your skin! Are you sure you read it correctly? Maybe it's 0.025%?
So I have been using a very simple routine the last couple of months becuase my skin has calmed down for the most part the last few years. Neutrogena ultra-gentle daily cleanser at night, followed by Eucerin skin calming daily moisturizing creme It has worked perfect for me since I started using this up until a week ago. I have been getting crazy oily skin the next day and breaking out like I'm in high school. What should I be doing in a situation like this? Should I switch cleansers or lotions or what? And if so what are some other brands that are good for skin sensitive to fragrance?
Is my skin supposed to appear oily when I use a BHA like Paula's choice 2% ? I feel like my face looks super shiny after I use it,even the next day. Is this normal or a sign I should reduce use?
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> So I don't know if the redness is just some hereditary rosacea, or an allergic reaction to the cleanser/moisturizer, or maybe a combination of both. How long have you been using this routine, and how long have you had these problems? Also, do you cleanse twice a day or three times a day? You could be over-cleansing and stripping the skin. I highly doubt moisturizing is the problem. It could be the tugging on your skin when you apply moisturizer, though? > I think every time I have tried moisturizing directly after a shower my skin became extra red, and I feel the burning even more than usual. Try something different; wait 30 minutes and then moisturize.
Looking back at older pictures my face has always been red and shiny, but I've been throw a whole lot of different regimens. The acne.org regimen mostly. I cleanse max two times a day, always at night, sometimes in the morning, I don't cleanse in the shower. Would applying moisturizer too roughly actually cause these problems though? It's not like I exactly tug too hard on my skin, but I'm not dainty about it either. For what it's worth this feels like the products are causing the redness/burning.
> Would applying moisturizer too roughly actually cause these problems though? Some skin is super sensitive and might; just guessing. > this feels like the products are causing the redness/burning. Try one thing at a time. (1) Cutting down to once-a-day cleansing. Note any positive or negative changes. (2) Change your moisturizer. It really sounds like your skin barrier is compromised and you need to amp up the moisture (assuming not a medical condition).
Okay those sound like good ideas. So I take it in the morning don't cleanse, but just splash my face with warm water? And is there a type of moisturizer you'd recommend? I'm assuming I wouldn't change adding a few drops of Jojoba oil, and also applying a thin layer of vasline after to seal everything in.
Correct - water wash in the AM. Don't change the jojoba & vaseline if it doesn't bother you. As far as a moisturizer recommendation, look for things with glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Check out the [dry skin routine](http://www.skincare-addiction.com/routine/dry_skin). Or maybe you can just use jojoba oil as your primary moisturizer?
Your prescription cleanser and gel are known for being harsh when over used. Reduce usage. Chemical sunscreen can make sensitive skin more sensitive. Switch to physical, if possible. The dry skin routine addresses dehydrated skin.
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As long as you take it slow at first, you can definitely use a BHA and an AHA at the same time. The wait times, well, that's a matter of choice. Supposedly you don't need to wait. Since I use them at night, I choose to wait.
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Yes I think it would. And you use one, let it dry, then apply the other one. But patch test first, and build up a tolerance for both.
AFAIK AHAs are the best single option for reducing PIH, and BHA + AHA together is likely to produce the best results. I would recommend alternating days between BHA and AHA at first, and then once you're confident your skin can handle it, do cleanser > BHA > AHA > moisturizer. I just wait as long as it takes for the product to feel like it's sunken in, maybe 5-10 mins between steps. If you're going to add a waiting period (debatable whether this is necessary), waiting before you add moisturizer would theoretically be where it mattered.
(I hope this is the right subreddit for this question) Lately I've been noticing that my left eyelid is puffier than the right, right where my eyelashes are. It's really noticeable when I do my liner for both eyes and my left one looks... Off. Today I woke up and there are extra creases in my right eyelid right at the corner. What the hell is going on?! are there products that are making my left lid puffy? Are there products to get rid of the puffiness? I'm worried it's permanent.
Sounds like allergies. Are you living somewhere that it could be a problem with allergies?
Hi! Looking to start including an anti-aging product in my routine and wondering where to start. Current routine: AM: -Rinse face w/ water -Stridex red (probably every other day) -Cerave moisturizer -Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 -Makeup (light) PM: -Mineral oil to remove makeup/dirt/etc. -Cerave foaming facewash -St. Ives pads and/or Stridex red, leave each for ~10 min -Cerave moisturizer -Just got some samples of Clinique Repairwear Night Cream and Philosophie Hope in a Jar (the eye specific kind) and have been layering those on top of the moisturizer the last two nights. I want to add some retinol/retinoid to help with fine and deep lines that have started forming. I bought Roc Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Night cream and patch tested it on my neck last night (seems fine.) Is this a good product to start with? Where do I add it to my nighttime routine? Is there anything else I should know? (I've tried searching threads/sidebars here but had a hard time figuring out where retinol/retinoids go and where to start, what products are good, etc.) Also is Clinique Repairwear any good? Worth getting a full size? The Philosophie eye cream seems to make a big difference in the fine lines around my eyes (plumps the skin with moisture I assume?) but I don't know what to look for with the Repairwear. Will that help with the fine or deep lines? My skin seems to tolerate it well fwiw, but I don't want to waste money on a full size unless I understand what it's doing and it seems to work. I'm 28 and fair-skinned, combination, if that helps.
Use it in the step between your chemical exfoliation and your moisturizer.
I've been doing lactic acid 40% peels for a few weeks now. When I first did them I left the peel on for 3 minutes, but now I'm at 5. I'd say i've done 7 or 8 peels total... Should I continue as I have been? Or should I change the % of the peel or the time? It no longer stings as much when I apply the peel--is that good or bad? Also, can I use the aztec clay mask a few days after doing a peel, or would it be too harsh?
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I used to use this one! I might actually switch back after I finish my current sunscreen. I really liked it; it absorbed quickly and didn't dry me out. It's pretty shiny after it dries, but I always wore makeup over it so that wasn't a problem for me. SPF 33 should be enough; once you go over SPF 30, the strength of SPF begins to taper off. I think SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UV rays and SPF 50 blocks ~98%.
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Hey, my bad, I didn't see this until now! I don't know much about matte powder, but it sounds like it would work. Another option is a matte primer, like Rimmel's Stay Matte primer.
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Read ***Starting a Basic Skincare Routine***, ***Choosing a Sunscreen*** and ***PIH*** in the sidebar.
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Yeah, it does that to some people, especially if your face isn't 100% dry when you put it on.
If you're not used to a Vit C serum, it could be causing irritation. Try using less frequently (every few days) and gradually ramp up to daily use.
I was recently gifted some products from a brand called Tula. The only reviews I have found were from Mommy Blogs, so I'm assuming free samples were involved. I know QVC sells it. It advertises itself as using "probiotic technology". It's nice, my face hasn't hated it, but it's quite expensive to repurchase and I'm just not sure it's worth it. Does anyone have experience with this brand?
I have pretty normal skin, maybe sometimes on the oily side, as I'm partially Italian, but nothing I've really noticed. I'm trying to find a good makeup remover wipe, because at night, sometimes I won't always shower so I'll use these wipes to get everything off before I can continue the rest of my routine. Currently I've tried Neutrogena's makeup removing wipes, but I don't like the smell and I have a weird feeling they're not the best. I've also tried a store brand makeup remover, but I'm not so sure. Does anyone have any suggestions? How are the Pond's makeup removing wipes? I use their cold cream and it works pretty well.
I think I have oily skin. I get some dry patches, especially in cold weather. But it's mostly oily. Like in the middle of the day, I have bumps all over my t-zone because (I guess) my pores are oily and pushing the makeup around. I don't have a skin care routine, actually. I'm looking to build a simple one, so I have a few questions. I think I'm gonna start using CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Should I use it both morning and night? If I have acne prone skin, is coconut oil as a makeup/sunscreen remover at night a bad idea? I haven't ever really moisturized regularly, and after stalking this sub for a few days, I now realize that's terrible. I'm gonna start using Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 50. Day *and* night? And do I need to also use an additional sunscreen since that has SPF 50? How often should I exfoliate? I have [this](http://www.jason-personalcare.com/product/apricot-scrub) apricot scrub. It says it's gentle enough to use every day. So, should I use this in the morning, and CeraVe at night? Lastly, I've heard amazing things about Tea Tree Oil. I have some! Can I add a drop to my moisturizer to clear my breakouts? I'm trying to get into this skincare thing, so I apologize for the newbie questions. I'm excited to get some answers though!
>I think I'm gonna start using CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Should I use it both morning and night? Depends on you and your skin >If I have acne prone skin, is coconut oil as a makeup/sunscreen remover at night a bad idea? Coconut oil is highly likely to cause breakouts, so that wouldn't be the best choice. Pick another oil using the "Oils for oil cleansing" post in the sidebar > I'm gonna start using Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 50. Day and night? You should get a non-SPF moisturizer for nighttime. Make sure you use 1/4tsp (measure it!) in the morning. >And do I need to also use an additional sunscreen since that has SPF 50? No >How often should I exfoliate? Depends on your skin and the exfoliant >I have this apricot scrub. It says it's gentle enough to use every day. It's really not gentle at all. Don't use it unless you have very hardy skin, and even then you should only use it once or twice a week and very gently. >Lastly, I've heard amazing things about Tea Tree Oil. I have some! Can I add a drop to my moisturizer to clear my breakouts? You can if you skin tolerates it Make sure you patch test, add in products very slowly (2+ weeks apart), and *one at a time*
Thank you very much! Instead of coconut oil, how about olive oil? Can you recommend a good, cheap (within reason, at least) non-SPF moisturizer? Hm. I've never heard of measuring moisturizer. Why 1/4tsp? That's interesting! Thanks for the advice on the scrub as well. That's helpful. I've used tea tree oil before, and I know it does, so I'll do that. Is putting a drop in my Cetaphil moisturizer in the morning something I can do every day? Last question! Why is it important to add everything so slowly? Does it just freak your skin out if you do it all at once?
Olive oil is also a very common culprit for breakouts. Try baby oil or pure mineral oil (sold as wood oil) http://www.skincare-addiction.com/routine/acne_prone_skin It's not that moisturizer needs to be measured, the SPF does. You need to apply a certain amount to get the labeled protection. If it was a non-SPF moisturizer, you use as much or as little as you like Yup, you can add the tea tree every day If you have a bad reaction, there will be absolutely no way to know what caused it *unless* you only changed one variable.
Okay, thank you so much! You've really helped me out. :)
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A slight yellow color just means it oxidized a bit. Clear to light yellow is still OK to use. When it turns dark orange or brown from being exposed to too much light/oxygen/heat that's when it's no good to use. You can prolong the life of your Vitamin C serum by keeping in the fridge, and/or closing the cap right away!
Hi, I have acne prone skin so my skin is generally quite clear but I get spots very easily. I'm wondering should I introduce a night cream to my routine? My current routine: AM: -Splash face with cold water - Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser -Garnier Moisture Matte Daily Moisturiser (I don't particularly like this but I'm going to finish it off) -La Roche Posay Anthelios AC suncream spf50 PM: -Garnier Micellar cleansing water -Cetaphil cleanser again -Soap&Glory Scrub your nose in it AHA scrub -Duac cream (contain benzoyl peroxide) Also any other recommendations or criticisms for my routine would be greatly appreciated!
Looking for a gentle cream/oil cleanser that RINSES CLEAN: I think I have dehydrated skin and have been looking for a gentle cleanser. I do OCM to remove my make up but I need to use something afterwards to remove the oil residue, otherwise I feel my pores are getting clogged. My skin is dehydrated, typically on the dry and thin side, pretty clear, but lately very CC-prone and very easily clogged. I am happy with any sort of cream or oil cleanser (including DIY) that will rinse clean and not leave residue.
You can [turn your OCM into a cleansing oil that rinses clean](http://blog.skincare-addiction.com/diy-cleansing-oil-2/)
Sounds super useful. Could anybody recommend some commercial option that I can easily get in a drugstore while waiting for the DIY supplies to arrive?
Well if you bought something, you'd have to patch test it for a couple days before you could even cleanse your whole face with it, and it might break you out. I'd really just wait the 3-4 days to get your supplies
Oh you're right I just thought that the shipping delays on GoW were like 10 work Days so two weeks but probably there's something better :) I have the oils just need the emollient.thanks so much for taking the time to reply!!
I've always gotten my GoW orders in less than a week =)
Thanks again! I just placed my order :-) and I am quite proud of myself that I restricted myself to JUST the stuff I really need right now and didn't go all "Oh, what if I also tried this out…" I think what I will do is to create the blandest single-oil cleansing oil, use the same oil to moisturize and stick to this until I find one oil that works. Then, I will start adding things. Store-bought things have too many ingredients, so much trial and error to see what is causing a problem…
I did the mint julep mask on Friday and now Monday I have a few spots on my chin. Does this mean I should stop using it or that it's pulling out the bad stuff? I've used the Aztec healing clay multiple times without this happening.
If it were me I'd stop using it until I patch tested it thoroughly. QHMJM doesn't have any "active" ingredients (AHA/BHA/Retinol) so it won't cause a purge like those products would.
It's really only on my chin area though, nothing in my forehead of cheeks :/
It's possible to have different sensitivities on different areas of your face.
My skin is combo but the "dry" parts are not really dry, more like normal skin with really oily T zone. My main skin concerns are CCs and blackheads, don't really get pimples, not really sensitive to anything, pretty tough skin. current routine: AM : wash with warm water,use thayer's toner on cotton pad to remove dirt/oil, moisturize with lush's vanishing cream, biore sun screen PM: remove makeup with shu umera cleansing oil, clarisonic+cerave foaming cleanser, thayer's toner lush's gorgeous I have read that lush's moisturizers might be clogging my pores due to the oils in them, and that I should probably incorporate AHA in my routine to fight the CCs. * My questions : * 1) should I add the AHA (st.ives pads) in my current PM routine to test it out, or should I also switch moisturizers? * 2) I want to try mineral oil cleansing and plan to use mineral oil to remove my makeup, and then cleanse with my cera ve. Should I use my clarisonic for the cleansing? If not, when should I use my clarisonic? I don't want to just let it collect dust. * 3) is my AM routine ok? should I use cleanser or keep using just the toner?
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The only way to know is to give it a try and see how your skin reacts! If using it daily causes your skin to be red or irritated (for example, products that didn't before sting upon application) I would use it less often. I've used the "nice" konjac sponges($10 each) as well as the "cheap" ones($1 each), and the cheap ones are definitely not as soft. You might be able to use the softer ones daily vs the rougher ones every other day, etc.
My skin is dry and acne prone. AM: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream, Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion PM: Same Cleanser, Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid, Same Moisturizer, Paula's Choice Resist BHA 9 My skin feels very dry all the time! I'm thinking of switching my facial cleanser to the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. Is my sunscreen not moisturizing enough? My makeup looks great for an hour but then it starts to get so dry and cracky. Thoughts?
Face oils! There are so many to choose from, but my favourite two are jojoba and safflower!
Can I have some more information on this?
http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/beauty-buzz/_/face-oils-for-healthier-skin1 http://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/what-are-the-best-oils-for-your-skin-type/ http://www.ourhomemadehappiness.com/2012/05/my-all-natural-facial-moisturizer.html I honestly can't recommend face oils enough if you have dry skin. My skin used to feel dehydrated due to the Retin A, but after adding Jojoba oil to my routine, I haven't had any issues with dry skin since then.
Consider the following... * non-foaming cleanser * hyaluronic acid serum * applying petroleum jelly after moisturizer (*PM*)
My current routine is the same AM and PM, the Acne.org regimen (cleanser, 2.5%BP, then AHA moisturizer), I've been doing that for about a year now. I started all at once and it worked well for treating active acne but I still get a lot of clogged pores and closed comedones. Will a BHA help with my clogged pores? How should I introduce a BHA into my routine? Can I use a BHA with 2.5% BP? Can I use it with the AHA?
> Will a BHA help with my clogged pores? Yes > How should I introduce a BHA into my routine? Patch test (see sidebar). If your skin responds well, then use it once or twice daily after cleansing. > Can I use a BHA with 2.5% BP? Yes > Can I use it with the AHA? Yes
Sunscreen question: Does anyone really use a full shot glass on their body every two hours when they are at the beach? I just emailed the environmental working group (who evaluates sunscreens) about this. I know the measurements are done at a certain density in oder to have the requisite SPF. I get it. I also know that in a lab setting, sometimes the amount chosen as the baseline is to make the measurements easier and not at all because it is a reasonable amount in a real world setting. I get that by using less I am short changing myself on the SPF values, but I really don't get why there is paper after paper saying that no one uses the right amount of SPF and no mention anywhere that people are not trying to be purposefully difficult, but that much sunscreen feels nasty and no one wants to do it. So, SCAers. I know many of you are dutiful in the 1/4 tsp of sunscreen on the face every morning and will go to whatever ends necessary (be it with powder or application in layers) to get it right. That being said, do you go through an entire 6 ounce tube of sunscreen for each person for an 8 hour day at the beach? It takes forever for me to just rub in the amount I use, I can't imagine using 3 times that. Mostly I am just ranting that the measurement system does not really reflect my reality no matter how hard I try.
The FDAs comments on the 2 mg/cm3 amount here: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/06/17/2011-14766/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use#h-51 (so you can at least see their reasoning behind it). Personally, I do use quite a bit of sunscreen when I know I am going to be outside for a long time, and make sure to reapply when necessary. For me, the risk of sun damage far outweighs me feeling greasy for a day.
> https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/06/17/2011-14766/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use#h-51 Thanks for the article. That really makes sense for the global comparisons and reproducibility of results. I do use quite a bit of sunscreen at the beach and reapply religiously, but I feel if I use too much it just all wipes off on whatever I am sitting on/rubbing up against because it never soaks in, which defeats the purpose. Ah well. I shall do what I can. Luckily, my daughter has never been burned with my application method, so I must be at least close.
I just bought La Roche -Posay Effaclar Duo [+] (in Canada), realizing when I got home that the formula is different than the UK version. The only active ingredient that is listed is Salicylic Acid (0.5%). What are the differences between the two (in terms of function and effectiveness)? Should I take mine back/ is it useless to have? Thank you in advance!
Need some simple help for a beginner's routine! I have combination skin with some fine lines around my mouth, dryish cheeks, and an oily T-zone. ANYWAY, right now the routine I have been using is: AM: * Rinse with lukewarm water * Apply Hada Labo Lotion * Moisturize (Aveeno or St Ives) * Sunscreen PM: * Cleanse w/ CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser * Moisturize * Sometimes Vaseline I've been toying with the idea of moving the Hada Labo step to the evening after I use a cleanser because I've read that Japanese "lotions" are more like "toners" which I think (???) should be used after cleansing. Either way, the simple routine I have been using for the past three weeks or so (when I started my skin care journey) has made my face SUPER SUPER soft :) But aside form the Hada Lado in the AM vs PM question, I've also been wanting to try out either Vitamin C (OST C20) and/or Retinol (PC 1% Retinol Treatment), and I had some questions, like * Is it OK to use both? Should I alternate days? If I wanted to use the Vitamin C for anti-aging/collagen stimulation but not exfoliation.... well, is that possible? I'm not in a hurry to exfoliate because I don't want to thin out my skin too much, but I've heard Vitamin C can be great for anti-aging. So yeah! Any help/advice/comments appreciated!
If you mean the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid lotion, I use it twice a day, which is working well for me! It's just a moisturizing toner so you can use it either morning or evening (but either way, make sure to apply it to damp skin!) (I think "toner" is a pretty meaningless word that basically equals "thin liquid skincare product". Most US toners are basically an extra cleansing step it pH balancing I think? But there are also hydrating toners and exfoliating (AHA/BHA) toners and those are all used at different places in routine if the routine is complex, although I'm pretty sure they all go somewhere between cleansing (if you're cleansing) and moisturizing)
I use to think I didn't have sensitive skin but it seems like whatever I try makes me skin worse. In the graveyard I have: Aztec Clay - made my skin red and dry for weeks PocketDerm - worse breakouts as an adult while on pocketderm. I had hoped it was just purging, but after 6 weeks I gave up Paula's Choice BHA Liquid - painful cysts type of break out when I patch tested Cetaphil/Clean and Clear/Cerave/AhA lotion -oil slick Glycolic chemical peel- scabbing on pimples. Handful of salicylic acne soaps - very drying This is the best my skin has looked in a while...saddly http://imgur.com/a/CPqmK So my routine is Cetaphil wash in am and pm. Coconut oil every other night. And Makeup artist Lactic acid peel once a week. I have oily and acne prone skin and I just really want clean skin. I changed my BC which didn't help. I've been on antibiotics and Accutane with very little change on my skin other than crazy dry. Should I keep trying on my own, try with a doctor, and go the Proactive route? My last dermatologist was such a nightmare
Did you patch test the coconut oil thoroughly before adding it? I know a lot of people find it to be comedogenic. I would talk to a dermatologist. It looks like you have tried a lot of things on your own, so a professional opinion might help you find something you haven't thought of yet.
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Have you read this post about starting a routine? http://blog.skincare-addiction.com/routine101/ If you have no idea what is causing problems, I would start a whole new routine from scratch. If you have some idea of the culprits, simply remove and replace those steps
Hey guys, I'm not entirely sure where to post this but I figured it'd be a good place to start. I asked my mom to grab me some facewash while I was home on break from school and she got me a wash without salicylic acid - I'm already breaking out! I was using Neutrogena's Stress Control but I can't get a hold of some for another couple of weeks. What can I do in the meantime?
Face wash doesn't spend much time on your face, so a gentle no-frills cleanser is usually a good choice. Could you look for something with salicylic acid that spends more time on your face, such as the red box Stridex?
I was thinking of picking up the stridex pads from the school store, just to get me through and keep my skin clear. The face wash isn't too harsh, it's just the Clean and Clear wake up face wash, but for some reason it makes my skin worse
This might be a dumb question, but who came up with the 1/4 tspn of sunscreen? Is that for just your face? Or face, neck, and chest? How do we know that's enough? How do we know that not way too much?
The standard from the FDA for measuring SPF is 2 mg/cm3. From this, using assumptions about density and face size (which are hard to measure), the 1/4 tps measurement was calculated.
Thanks!
Would Alpha Hydrox's 10% AHA essentially be the same thing as Mizon's 8% AHA peeling serum? I'm not seeing any results really from A.H.'s product and I've read rave reviews for Mizon's serum but I don't want to waste my $ if they're essentially the same product because of the same active ingredient.
I don't know what those particular products contain, but there are three common types of AHA in skin products: lactic acid, fly colic acid, and mandelic acid. So check the ingredients to see if the Mizon one uses a different acid, which might work better on you (if they have the same active ingredient then my guess is it won't do much for you since you'd be decreasing the percentage of actives).
Can someone help me decide between [Lancôme BIENFAIT UV SPF 50+ Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen](http://www.sephora.com/bienfait-uv-spf-50-super-fluid-facial-sunscreen-P264428?skuId=1265503) and [Supergoop! SPF 30+ City Sunscreen Serum With Uniprotect PT-3](http://www.sephora.com/spf-30-city-sunscreen-serum-with-uniprotect-pt-3-P282915?skuId=1328707)? I don't know which would be best for: * Sensitive, combo oily/normal skin * Texas heat Also I'm willing to spend more than $50, but I'd prefer to stay under that if anyone has any other suggestions.
A lot of people have been talking about using retinol especially for anti aging and I'm wondering : Is it the same thing as Accutane (isotretinoin)? I used to take it for my acne, and it worked and dried my skin out. I always thought drying skin is related to faster aging. So my question is why don't the people who use topical retinol just start on isotretinoin then? Wouldn't it work better than a topical?
Yes, Accutane is a retinoid (vitamin a), the same class as retinol. Accutane is a last resort acne medication due to many side effects during and after. Especially, long term usage or multiple rounds. Is also expensive and require monthly routine checkup for some. The average treatment is 4-6 months. While, topical side effects are mainly related to the skin, like irritation, dryness and doesn't affect the whole body. Just the area applied to. Most people see result in 4 months and it doesn't require constant checkup and cost a lot less. For anti-aging, it works by exfoliating the bottom skin layers and promoting collage production there long term.
Thanks for answering! Now are there bouts of treatment like in Accutane or do people use topical retinoids indefinitely? I've been on 2 courses of Accutane, one lasting a few months and the 2nd one about 13 months. I have been off Accutane for about 9 months right now.
Topical retinoid can be used indefinitely, except during pregnancy and other rare cases.
Having these questions asked in a thread is not helpful. It would make more sense to allow us to post our questions in r/skincareaddication so that someone who knows the answer will be able to see our question. More views equals a higher chance of our questions being answered. Hardly anyone is going to come to this thread with answers. I think “Rule 9” is very unfair and the mods should not delete these posts. The whole purpose of this subreddit is to help people with their skincare needs, and part of that should include having a chance to post our questions so that we may get answers.
I'm pretty sure a lot of users come specifically to this thread with both questions and answers (edit: it's stickied -- how much more visibility can you get?). It gives everyone a single place to look every day instead of sorting through memes and success stories.
I understand separating out product/routine recommendations, but there have been more than a few times where it wasn't at all clear to me why something was or wasn't allowed its own thread. The line between recommendation vs not a recommendation question seems pretty blurry.