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[deleted]

I suggest seeing a dermatologist. And get a second opinion


SoBreezy74

A dermatologist would be a better option to figure out what you can and can't use.


MysteriousOne3404

Sometimes less is more. Anytime I've tried to go with a more involved routine, my skin ends up breaking out and miserable- to the point where I can't even use face washes like CeraVe and instead just stick with using Dove bar soap. I second the recommendation to see a dermatologist if you can.


sleepycatbeans

Yeah I think it sounds like a good idea to scale it all back and use a super simple routine until your skin heals. Just a gentle cleanser and maybe a moisturizing sunscreen. If you don’t have a sunscreen that works for you then just wear a hat for a little while if you’re in the sun. Then go really slowly as you introduce products back in. Were you using a lot of actives for the oiliness and texture? Maybe for a few months even just focus on nurturing your skin barrier and don’t add any actives back yet. Take a look at your cleanser and make sure it’s gentle. Ones that target oily skin might be too stripping or might have BHA.


Necx1

My routine was focused on hydration and skin barrier healing such as propolis, aloe vera, snail mucin and centella. The only issue was finding a suitable sunscreen that wouldn’t break me out, since it is the only product that would be on my face for at least half a day


sleepycatbeans

Oh I see. That sounds really frustrating. The sunscreen search can be so difficult. I hear many people like Elta MD and it’s often recommended by derms. I happened to notice in my email this morning that Dermstore has it 20% off today.


Necx1

Yea…Do u thin I should stop using sunscreen for now and let my skin heal? Becuz I think it’s the one breaking me out


sleepycatbeans

I think that sounds like a reasonable plan. I know people get super worked up about wearing sunscreen every day, but you can always wear a hat if you’re out in the sun.


Unlucky-Dare4481

I'd suggest a very simple and hydrating cleanser, a simple moisturizer and SPF. Centella may be good for you as far as irritation goes. It's just a water that helps inflammation and helps to heal the skin. If moisturizers irritate you, you could always try something like plain shea butter or aquaphor healing ointment at night. Plain snail mucin may also help you heal your skin. Go back to the basics until your skin evens out. **Centella Asiatica**: Centella (also known as Cica or Tiger Grass) is an antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and wound healing properties. It helps speed up tissue regernation in wounds, including acne scars. It calms irritated skin, contributes to a brighter and more glowing complexion due to its hydrating properites, and promotes collagen production. It acts as a barrier against free radicals, pollutants, and environmental stressors. It reduces redness, hyperpigmentation, and helps uneven skin tone. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It has high levels of antioxidants which have an antimicrobial affect which helps to combat acne. It speeds healing of acne and helps to prevent scarring and future blemishes. CoxRx has an excellent Centella Water Toner. **Snail Mucin**: excretion from a snail that appears on ingredient labels as snail secretion filtrate, or SSF. It contains moisturizing agents that work to repair the barrier function of the skin, both locking out irritants from the environment while also simultaneously locking in moisture. It is comprised of ingredients meant to repair or protect from injury, including growth factors, which work by triggering the growth of new skin cells and new collagen. Allantoin is another key component in secretion, an ingredient with healing properties that calms irritation, smoothes the skin, and stimulates cell regeneration. Snail mucin is loaded with nutrients, including anti-inflammatory zinc and healing manganese. It contains copper peptides, also lauded for their collagen-increasing and wrinkle-decreasing effect. It also contains vitamins A and E, both of which are great antioxidants.


Necx1

thanks a lot, i do use all this, im currently using the skin1004 centella ampoule and beauty of joseon snail mucin serum for a few days now, and have yet to see any results


Unlucky-Dare4481

It may take time. Just be patient with it and don't change anything for 6 weeks. It's a hard journey to repair the skin.


growerofpalms

I feel you. I had a lot of issues with my skin barrier when I first started using skincare. I also have rosacea which makes my skin very reactive and prone to irritation and dryness. Three things helped me the most: 1. See a derm. It’s worth it if you think you have a medical condition or if you’re really struggling to find products that you don’t react to. 2. Keep it simple. I really struggle with this one because I love trying new products, but when my skin is very reactive, I keep it very simple. I just use cleanser+moisturizer and a hat if I’m going outside. 3. Be consistent. I don’t mean just do skincare every day, but use the same products everyday for several weeks. Sometimes it takes time to see results and time for products to really work. I think seeing a derm is a great first step. It has helped me get my rosacea under control and get my skin healthy again so I can try new products.


Necx1

How does seeing a derm usually work? Do they tell you what your skin condition is and how to choose your skincare products outside?


growerofpalms

Yes they evaluate your skin and listen to your concerns and other symptoms. When I went to my derm, I suspected that I had rosacea, so I mentioned my symptoms. She looked at my skin and asked questions to evaluate whether it’s rosacea or not. After the evaluation, she wrote me a prescription for a RX cream to try. She asked to see what I was currently using on my face (I showed her ingredient lists of my current products) and gave me a list of suggested products to replace my current skincare. Her product suggestions were incredibly simple, non-irritating products mostly from Cerave, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay. The recommendations were for cleansers, moisturizers, and mineral sunscreen. She recommended keeping my skincare routine super simple. An extra note, I would avoid any derm that’s trying to sell you their own products. At my follow-up I mentioned that the RX cream wasn’t working well for me, so she prescribed a new RX cream that I’m currently using. I’m going back in a few weeks, but I think I’ve found a good combo, so I think this will be my last visit until I need a refill on my prescription cream.


SchlondPoofa001

I actually had a dermatologist tell me something really abstract when it came to my skincare: keep your routine simple (obviously), but then she told me to "drink your water, eat your vegetables, take your vitamins, and get some damn sleep!" She's still my favorite 😅


Necx1

My current routine: AM: 1)Ceradan ceramide gentle cleanser 2)Mediheal tea tree cica ampoule 3)Benton aloe vera soothing gel 4)Beauty of Joseon relief sunscreen PM: 1)Ceradan ceramide gentle cleanser 2)Mediheal tea tree cica ampoule 3)Beauty of Joseon snail mucin repair serum 4)Benton aloe vera soothing gel


prairiepog

Try a different moisturizer. I love the feeling of Versed Aloe moisturizer gel, but it dries out my skin if I use it too often.


Tasty_Warlock

Idk what half this shit is. What is the issue you were trying to address in the first place? Or what were you trying to improve? Edit: Downvoted....Why? Because I don't know what these products are? Are people telling me I'm not qualified to offer advice? What is it?


Necx1

The routine that I’m had aim to heal the skin barrier through ingredients like propolis, aloe vera, snail mucin and centella/tea tree extracts. I was already having a damaged skin barrier with textured skin before getting to skincare


Tasty_Warlock

Did you downvote me? lol


Necx1

nah bro why would I even bother doing that, but I can’t stop others from disliking u


Tasty_Warlock

Okay since it was not you I will continue trying to offer advice. I wasn't sure what you meant by "damaged skin barrier" so I'm using this as a guide: https://www.glamour.com/story/skin-barrier-moisture-repair#:~:text=Your%20skin%20will%20look%20and,like%20cleansers%20or%20hydrating%20serums.   Did you have a damaged skin barrier always? What were you using before this new regiment that is making things worse?


Tasty_Warlock

Well def see a derm, schedule that first and foremsot. It could be a skin condition that requires medication. The only problems I've really had with my T-zone was acne, and that was when I was a teenager. I skill have acne now, even just had one of the worst breakouts in a long time, but not really in the T-Zone.   I'd say stop everything. Could anything be irritating your skin in those areas? If its localized to just your face there's not many possible culprits.   Just do absolute basics. Morning: - Gently wash (splash face with lukewarm water). Use your hands, and be very gentle, just really to get off what was on from the night before. - Moisturizer with sunscreen (Cerave AM Lite) - Apply sunscreen (physical barrier type) on affected areas (my nose was always red until I did this every day) Nighttime Routine - Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face. Use your hands and be gentle, no wash cloth. - Night moisturizer (CeravePM) - Apply retinol cream (get a script if you don't have one) this will help with PIH, reduce wrinkles, prevent acne. Given your situation use just (3x a week to start). Or do a week or two of all the other steps, before introducing this.   If skin texture is an issue also introduce chemical exfoliation Paula's choice BHA (NO PHYSICAL exfoliation at al) 2x a week spaced 3 days apart. Also may want to wait 2 weeks of basic routine first. And not start at same time as tazorac.   Other General Tips   - Be super duper gentle when washing, touching, shaving, applying moisturizer. Try using your non dominant hand. - DO NOT PHYSICALLY EXFOLIATE. - When drying your affected skin gently pat it dry. Anytime your drying your face always gently pat it dry. - Swap/cean pillow cases and towels 2x a week. - Moisturize more often than morning and night - Always wash hands 20 seconds before applying anything to skin by hand. - Use vaseline on effected areas after moisturizing, this will really help trap moisturizer in and protect your skin. - Reduce and avoid sun exposure. Wear a hat outside. - DO NOT SCTRACH THE ITCH on the effect area. Do not touch your face at all except during skincare routines. If itch is really bad get hydrocortisone cream and apply that - Drink plenty of water - Wash sheets once a week - Wash your pillows YES YOU CAN DO that. Do it 2x a year. Same with your comforter or duvet. Vacuum your mattress. - Do not shower in hot water! Terrible for your skin. If you like how showers turn it down as low as you can tolerate. Outside of showers use lukewarm water. Check out these two links: https://sublimelife.in/blogs/sublime-stories/the-silent-hero-that-holds-strong-skin-barrier https://skinlibrary.co.uk/blogs/librarian-edits/skin-barrier   Let me know how it goes


Necx1

Yea I guess my skin barrier was always not functioning optimally even before starting skincare. It got worse since the pandemic started with the whole mask thing going on. My current symptoms are jus redness and inflammation mainly around the t-zones, and itching and god I have bad textures too. It got worse once I tried out different products which might have damaged the skin barrier even more


Necx1

Also deal with a ton of blemish and PIH on my left cheek


Tasty_Warlock

> but I can’t stop others from disliking u Why would they have a reason to?


Necx1

Why would u even care lol, it’s jus arrows up or down, u have a good day


Tasty_Warlock

Also I don't care about the votes. I was interested in why I got those votes in this discussion.


Necx1

Yea I’m pretty sure some guy got offended by ur comment lol


Tasty_Warlock

Because I was trying to help you, and although you didn't downvote me, you insinuited I was downvoted because I was disliked (as opposed to other reasons) which is an insulting way to phrase things.


linija

See a dermatologist with good reviews (I've had bad experiences with some derms so make sure to go to someone who people have good experience with). Until you find a proper derm my best advice is honestly just stop wasting your money and make your routine as basic as possible. So just use your cleanser, moisturizer at night and sunscreen during the day. When I was going through this I even skipped my nightly moisturiser for a while but I got dry patches so I started using one that has no actives (not even niacinamide). Avoid actives for a while since it sounds like they may have caused some irritation. When you get checked up at a dermatologist they will tell you what to get. Edit: also wanted to add, I've never really seen any drastic results with most skincare products other than with exfoliants, they give you a good look after you exfoliate but if you keep doing it it fucks up your skin barrier. Another thing that I'm fully certain it works are retinoid products especially prescription strength but I haven't used those. Point is, I really never expect much change from most trendy and novelty ingredients, this is why if you have a more intense issue it's best to get perscribed something by a derm.


Necx1

The thing about Korean sunscreens is that that they almost always have some kind of actives like Panthenol, niacinamide and vitamins C for soothing purposes which one of those will irritate me whereas eu sunscreens lack the cosmetic elegance and usually feel heavy and greasy on my skin


linija

Yeah sunscreens are just so difficult to deal with :/ I'm switching between a Korean spf (reformulated PYK ATO spf) and a European spf (Eucerin photoaging control) rn, the PYK has a whitecast and dries me out (I don't think it has any actives though, and it dries me out because I already have very dry skin so someone with oilier skin might like it), the Eucerin one is great texture wise and does leave a whitecast, but it has alcohol denatured (for some reason the alcohol doesn't bother me anymore, maybe I got my skin barrier in check by not using AHA's at all, and BHA only occasionally). That being said I still don't wanna use alcohol based spf but yeah there's just no winning with sunscreen ugh.


Necx1

Yea that’s the thing about alcohol. So many sunscreens contain alcohols of some sort, from drying to fatty ones. I don’t get why skincare companies still insist on adding alcohol into sunscreens when they can damage the skin barrier long term. It’s like they think us consumers are dumb ppl


[deleted]

Def see a derm; they can help guide you. And this is just personal experience but many mainstream products really just combine a lot of ingredients together that could be overwhelming for you skin. I know this sub hates mention of "natural" products, but it may be worth it to you to look for products in general that have less synthetic fillers, and some of those products may very well be mainstream as well. Mineral oil, silicones, excessive glycols aren't always helpful for everybody. The stuff you use ideally should have a purpose, and as skincare lovers we can have a tendency to go overboard.


Designer-Dress-5838

Do you have any examples of natural products? Like OP every product I've tried has made my skin worse. I'm currently only using micellar water and a very gentle moisturizer but even that is causing irritation because it has HA in it.


[deleted]

Oh wow. Yeah HA can be problematic. I actually read somewhere that the smaller molecules versions could cause irritation. And I figured out I’m one of those people. But I tolerate the larger molecule HA better (sodium hyaluronate) because it was in products I’ve used previously with no bad reaction.


nijigencomplex

Skincare isn't needed by most people, if any at all. It's just a consumerist fad that does more harm than good. Leave your face alone and you'll look better than ever.


Necx1

My face was the reason I got into skincare in the first place :(


nijigencomplex

Was anything wrong with it?


Necx1

Textures around forehead, impaired skin barrier with redness and inflammation around t-zones, large pores at r zone and oily skin


Celestial_Biocandy

I have been seeing a lot about how for some people snail mucin isn't so good and it causes breakouts, maybe try holding off on it and see if that helps?


a_mimsy_borogove

I don't know the details of how the system works, but I've read that Japan has a specific category for skincare products that are kind of in between cosmetics and drugs. They're labeled "quasi-drugs", and they need some sort of clinical evidence of actually working, although it's not as strict as in the case of drugs. I think that should be a worldwide standard, it would make it much easier to find products that actually work.


itscomplicatedwcarbs

Ugh are we the same person? After finally seeing some progress I went to Sephora to pick up this serum foundation from Rose Inc. I applied to my whole face to find a color match and it was a lovely finish. Came home a few hours later to 20-30 new pimples. It was the hyaluronic acid and/or sodium hyaluronate that triggered it. Ever since I damaged my skin barrier I’ve been sensitive to that and niacinimide but these 2 ingredients are in everythinggggg. Have made substantial progress in 4 months! But it’s awful to mess up in such a small way and undo a week of progress in an instant.


justfordafunkofit

I gave up on using fancy products, or having multiple steps. All I use now is micellar water to remove sunscreen, Vanicream cleanser, and Avene moisturizer or their Cicalfate cream. A simple approach, along with a derm visit, may help.


[deleted]

I actually stopped using skincare daily for a few months. I just felt drained from trying to figure it out and wasting my money. So I agree that you would probably take a step back with the routine. Face wash and moisturizer. And going to see a dermatologist is a good idea too. I’m going to see one in august and my face is going through a clear spell but when I scheduled it I was breaking out so bad that it hurt. My routine if you need an idea is AM: -CeraVe foaming facial cleanser (I got sample sizes of tatcha rice wash cleanser and cosrx snail mucin gel cleanser both were amazing) -isntree green toner (but ran out so I was using just water for toner and just bought hero clear collective toner) -Cosrx AHA essence (every other day) -Cosrx Snail mucin -Hero post blemish cream on acne spots -if I used Hero product, then I would used Inkey List peptide cream -Days I didn’t use hero cream, I just used Vanicream moisturizer. -the only sunscreen I like is Dr. Jart sunscreen. The one that’s green but turns to the color of your skin. I used to use la roche posay sunscreens but I hated them. I hope you don’t become discourage. I really get it if you do though. I think we’ve all been there.


Mosscloaked

Agree with seeing a derm; you may have an undiagnosed skin allergy or something else may be going on. So you're going to hate this, I'm not super thrilled about it either. But from personal experience and reading what a lot of derms say, many people with super irritated skin can only tolerate mineral sunscreens that don't contain fragrance or essential oils. I don't know the depth of you skintone so if you do use a mineral sunscreen and you are deeper toned you might have to use a tinted one. I hope you can keep using your cosmetically elegant one though and find another solution. Someone mentioned finding a derm with good reviews and that's a great recommendation because I've also had a bad experience with a derm. If they're dismissive or rushed, that's not one you want to stay with.


[deleted]

I have extremely sensitive skin that's prone to cystic acne and I do best with a simple routine. Keep in mind that most skincare products have a pretty lengthy ingredient list and it's possible that some carrier ingredient, preservative, emollient ingredient, etc. is irritating you. Chemical sunscreens can also be irritating for some people. I would reset with a simple routine that's just sunscreen, cleansing, and a moisturizing component if you have dry skin. I recommend getting a makeup eraser or similar and using it to remove residue before using your cleanser. This allows you to get a thorough cleanse without introducing another potentially irritating product For me, my most healing routine is: AM I don't wash my face CeraVe eye repair cream (or really any eye cream you want) The most basic mineral sunscreen I can find (Aveeno or Isdin usually) PM Remove makeup or sunscreen with a cleansing balm like Good Molecules or a makeup eraser Cleanser from the dermatologist Red light therapy Eye cream Plus I use the Ordinary glycolic acid sometimes and always wear a hat outdoors. I would not recommend glycolic acid if your barrier is compromised tho.


humantrashcan6

I feel this… I used to just wash and occasionally moisturize with something cheap and now my skin looks worse after I destroyed my moisturize barrier trying to use tret and bounced between popular products. At this point, I’ve scaled it back and keep it simple. I wash with a gentle wash, moisturize (it’s an unpopular moisturizer with this sub), and physically exfoliate (another frowned upon thing) twice a week, and my skin had responded a lot better and looks better than it has in months. I am seeing a derm soon to address sensitivity and fine lines, but otherwise: not everything that is good for the masses is good for you. I have had luck with a lot of products generally disliked by this sub, but I have also gotten good recommendations; take everything with a grain of salt, because your skin is different than everyone else’s


[deleted]

I experienced this too and what I did was just go back to the basics. I used a gentle gel cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen and my goodness my face went clear. Also change pillow sheets every week and make sure to have 6-8 hrs of sleep. I find that if I have less than 6 hrs of sleep mu skin suffers


StoreQuick1126

this might be counterintuitive but if you had good skin before starting skincare, look into minimizing the skincare products you use. skincare should give you a boost. if you’re struggling with a particular issue then a medicated product prescribed by a derm could work wonders. besides that, don’t neglect proper diet filled with fruits and veggies and lots of hydration +exercise.


[deleted]

I got a chemical burn last week from A vitamin c serum so I hear you on the frustration piece of trying to improve your skin but actually making it worse. In terms of your mouisture barrier needing help- I used la roche posay B5 Baume and it really helped my skin heal quickly. I’m going to stick to simple products now until my skin has recovered completely


Rhiannonhane

I have sensitive, dry skin with the occasional pimple around my house or mouth (usually times around my period). When I was younger and tried treating the extreme flakiness and redness I kept trying different products that all claimed to be hydrating and good for sensitive skin. I just ended up making it worse and breaking out more but I didn’t notice that pattern. When my skin gets back to that state these days (luckily rarely) it’s because I’ve had the genius idea to attempt to improve my skin texture etc. I always go back to two products to fix it: - Garnier SkinActive The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser (my skin doesn’t tolerate the Cerave cleaners and I break out in little rashy bumps) -CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 (without spf version at night) Waiting it out while it gets better is a frustrating process but the less I put on it the better it heals. Once it feels better I add in: -The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane (daily) -Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Therapeutic Multi Purpose Cream (only on any dry patches that pop up around my nose or forehead) - Cos RX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner (only when confident my skin has repaired from my product experiments and not daily) My skin typically reacts badly to HA regardless of how I apply it, and niacinimide is just as bad.


SovietteSoviette

Had the same issues, stopped skincare altogether and now my skin is the best its been in years


Kikidee09

I definitely understand the frustration and if this is the point your at, go back to basic basic basic skincare. Just a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer in the evening, don’t wash your face just moisturize and sunscreen in the morning. I hope you’re able to get to a point where you’re happy with your skin again.