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I am currently using the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser but I haven’t seen improvement in my skin or my black/whiteheads. I have been using it for a few months. I previously used the Bubble cleanser and that didn’t help either. Would the SA CeraVe cleanser help with the black/whiteheads or should I stick with what I’m currently using?

I originally posted on here asking for advice on what to do about persistent small bumps on my forehead. Here’s the link to my original post if you’re interested: https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/s/ukl3bTbXwr

I didn’t think the bumps could possibly be linked to my face wash. At my bf’s house, we’ve been using the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (or the cheaper drug store brand version) that I’ve used at home for literally almost my entire life. A couple months ago, I bought a new face wash to use at my own house (for no particular reason, I just wanted to try it out). I got the Neutrogena Hydro Boost hydrating gel cleanser, because I love the moisturizer from that same line. I was using it very infrequently because I was showering at my bf’s house most nights. Well, I finally brought the Hydro Boost face wash over to his house this past week, and the bumps are pretty much gone. It’s insane to think that the generic face wash I’d been using for years and years could’ve been causing these bumps.

I’m thinking that my skin might have been over-producing oil to compensate for a lack of hydration, and I was actually exacerbating the issue by using a more drying face wash and tretinoin regularly.

I still don’t fully understand why this started though. The time I first noticed the bumps did align with me going off the birth control pill, so maybe hormone imbalance caused drier skin and unregulated oil production. Nothing I tried worked because the bumps were so far under the skin and never became whiteheads. I appreciate everyone who gave me advice and I hope that my experience can help someone else!

Hello everyone, I’m trying to get a more solid routine down and think I need to replace my cleanser and moisturizer instead of adding more to my routine. I was recommended Cetaphil by my dermatologist because I have very sensitive skin and had some dermatitis on my forehead. It’s not bad per se, but I feel like the cleanser doesn’t clean deeply enough (which I get it’s supposed to be gentle but maybe something a little stronger) and the moisturizer I don’t like at all. It makes my face feel gross and sticky and I get some light redness and itching, but I’ve always chalked it up to being because I simply touched my face. I’m starting to think maybe these two aren’t for me and I should try a different set to be the new base for my routine.

I know CeraVe and Vanicream are popular, but I’m not sure which to try first. Moreover, there are many different types of each (like CeraVe for many skin types, some foaming cleansers, etc.) and was wondering if anyone else with very sensitive skin was able to find something that actually worked while still not being an irritant. I’d also like to use daily sunscreen especially now that it’s summer but there’s an ingredient in many sunscreens that makes my face red and hot. I have yet to find a sunscreen that doesn’t do this, I’ve tried Cetaphil, neutrogena, and some Walmart brand body ones but none have been pleasant.

Any other people with very sensitive skin able to find something that works? I’m to the point where I don’t wash my face for days because even though I have texture and closed comendones, my skin just feels better than when I wash with Cetaphil

I got Botox and Morpheus8 on my neck lines a few weeks ago and the lines are still pronounced. I think they’re more noticeable because I still see some reddish bruising (?) around the lines from when I got the treatment. Also the lines are still there… should I switch to another doctor? I have a follow up appointment coming up but if they were done wrong last time I’d rather go to another doctor.

It feels like all sunscreens break me out and irritate my skin. Does anyone have similar experiences? Any recommendations for sunscreen that doesn’t break you out?

Was wondering if it will be effective to remove closed comedones as I’ve tried lots of bhas and ahas but nothing seems to work. I know retinal is more stronger than retinol so was hoping it would be effective?

Wanted to try the retinal from geek and goregous: A Game before I moved onto a prescription retinoid.

I’ve been using Tazorac, which has been good for about seven months, then in the last week I started applying it to a wet face and initially it got even better almost no wrinkles on my face very smooth. Then large pores started appearing all over my face and it’s oily. Should I keep going the way that I’m doing it in hopes that it will get better? Has this happened to anyone else?

(Picture in comments) Didn’t know which tag to use.

I’ve dealt with what I think is rosacea for around 10 years. In the last few years, it’s really been affecting my self-confidence. I’ve been to a lot of dermatologists and tried a lot of approaches, but nothing has worked.

My entire face is always red except for the skin around my eyes-that’s the only skin on my face that’s normal. It looks like a raccoon or panda 😮‍💨. The red skin is also dry (I can scrape my nails on it and pick up tons of dead skin) but also a bit oily at the same time and has a rough and bumpy texture. There are a lot of little bumps and pimples within it.

I have started wearing makeup (currently bb cream) which helps the appearance of the texture of my skin and also helps reduce some redness, but it’s still noticeably red. I also hate wearing makeup. If I use a redness corrector/green formula, it helps the redness a little bit but the texture still looks bad. And, since my skin is dry, rough, and bumpy, anything I put on it doesn’t look as good/smooth as it could. It also makes it hard to use makeup because the skin around my eyes is a different color than the rest of my face.

Does anyone’s skin look like mine, and did you find a solution to make it better?

I found a comment on a post of someone who seems to have the same skin issues which linked to this: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Rosacea-and-Small-Intestinal-Bacterial-Overgrowth.aspx Interestingly, I was recently diagnosed with gastroparesis, which can cause SIBO, so I wonder if it’s an internal/gut problem that will improve once I start treatment for gastroparesis. However, I’ve only had noticeable gut issues for the last 2.5 years and have been dealing with skin issues for at least 10.

Just want to know what brands are good, or alternatives to this kind of thing if they are the same or better.

I need to start carrying for the rest of my skin that isn't just my face

Men on this subreddit, do any of you have recommendations for non-comodogenic shaving cream/soap or whatever form it comes in for acne prone skin? just figured out that shaving cream can indeed be comodogenic, and the ingredients on the shaving cream I'm using are mostly comodogenic. Also does know a good DE (dual-edge) razor I can buy?

Could you recommend products and provide general advice for dealing with the itchy, dry skin I'm experiencing after using Accutane for two weeks? My skin feels uncomfortably tight, and I've noticed flakiness in some areas. Additionally, my lips are extremely dry and prone to cracking. Any suggestions for relieving these symptoms would be greatly appreciated.

So I have grown 1 huge cystic acne in my jaw area, should I get a shot for it or just wait for it to heal?

I just had my pico laser for hyperpigmentation , and I drove back home in the hot sun with just Neutrogena sunscreen on my face. I don’t notice any darkening but I’m paranoid that I may have ruined my results. Staying out of the sun completely is impossible for me because I have to go to work and stuff. I can’t wear sun protective clothing on my face because I wear makeup, and I’m too insecure to not wear makeup lol. Question is, will it be ok to just wear sunscreen(and makeup over it)?

Has anyone used this ? Thoughts? How many times a week do you use it & what results did you see ?

Hello everyone,

I’m 33F with brown, sensitive skin and Fitz scale 4-6 depending on different areas.

I’m trying to add a product for hyperpigmentation in my skincare routine and to improve the skin tone and overall health of my skin.

Many products are not safe for me as I have skin allergies (was badly wanting to try TO AHA products). I use SkinSafe app to check which products are safe for me. So from below safe products for me, if y’all can suggest which are the most helpful products or your experience with any, it would be great.

——

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + Ha

If any Vitamin C product, I’m confused on which one would be great. I tried SkinCeuticals in the past, didn’t help me much.

——

Also, for AHA body exfoliation (for even skin tone, exfoliation, preventing ingrown hair or strawberry skin) which of the below would be better:

Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA

Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel, Fragrance-Free

AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion, Rough, Dry Skin

——

Allergic to below: Benzoyl Peroxide Methylisothiazolinone Nickel Sulfate Hexahydrate Hydroperoxides of Limonene Hydroperoxides of Linalool

—-

I’m open to any other suggestions (if it’s hopefully safe for me). Attached my current skincare routine products in the pic. Please help. Thank you 🙏🫶💖

Ok, so please don’t judge me, I was a skincare newbie when it all happened…long story short, I was never taught a thing about skincare and in 2021, at 31 yrs old I thought I should probably start learning. I started on adapalene thinking I’d hit two birds with one stone and tackle wrinkles plus my adult acne. I barely researched it and just dove in. I used it morning and evening (a huge mistake, I now know) and had a lot of dryness but eventually my skin got used to it and it was glowing. That only last months until my skin took a turn for the worst but I didn’t even realize it because it was a slow process…fast forward to the beginning of 2024 and I started to realize that my skin was waxy, lines had formed everywhere, acne came back and was now causing scars, extreme dryness and dehydration, ice pick scars, massive pores, pretty much aged me about 20 years. When I realized it was the adapalene, I quit cold turkey. But then made two more huge mistakes…I used glycolic acid…that messed everything up more, pores got even bigger to the point they look like holes in some areas. I might post pictures, not sure if I’m brave enough yet. Anyway, I didn’t use glycolic acid again but instead went to salicylic acid for a couple weeks 🤦‍♀️ I finally realized all my mistakes when I came here and did some research on proper skincare. Wow do I feel like a fool. I’ve since tried so many things suggested on this board to try and fix my skin including, peptides, urea, hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, slugging, not washing with soap, washing with gentle soap, washing twice a day, washing only once a day, snail mucin, wrinkle creams, scar creams, hydrating face masks, I always wear sunscreen, centella, mugwort, rebarrier creams, you name it, I’ve probably tried it…it’s been almost six months…is this damage permanent? I will say that I’ve had some improvement with vitamin c and layering many hydrating products but the lines and scars or whatever they are just don’t seem to ever fade even a little 😭 am I doomed to looking 20 years older forever? Please help, I’ll take any and all suggestions!!

Hello! So l've been dealing with acne for around a year and a half now and I finally have decided I am going to start accutane. However, accutane is not covered by my insurance and I have considered just using the generic brand of accutane. Is there any difference and will I see the same results with the generic brand?

For context, I am using tret 0.05% cream and am sensitive to niacinimide. Basically the reformulated cerave hydrating cleanser gave me an allergic reaction but no other cleanser seems to work as good as the old formula. My skin loves ceramides so I’m looking for an alternative that is similar to the cerave cleanser in terms of cleansing (made my face feel clean without stripping or leaving a film) and foaming, while also being packed with ceramides. Thank you!

Was thinking about buying a dermaplaning kit but wasn’t sure if it was safe to do so on like acne scars, I don’t really have any active acne atm

American sunscreens often leave a significant white cast and have an uncomfortable texture, while most recent Japanese sunscreens are of great quality. In terms of chemical sunscreens, Japanese products give literally zero white cast, and their texture is extremely comfortable. Even Japanese mineral sunscreens give much less white cast than American products and have a nicer texture. Moreover, speaking of scent, Japanese sunscreens either have a nicer smell or no smell at all, in my opinion. Additionally, some of these products are not expensive on Amazon. If you hesitate to use them just because the labels are in Japanese rather than English, you're missing out on amazing opportunities.

EDIT:
What I can recommend for Japanese sunscreen.

1. NIVEA SUN Protect Super Water Gel. This one is a chemical sunscreen. It really feels like using just a moisturizer. You literally feel nothing on your skin, and there is zero white cast. It's a bit more expensive than Biore.
2. Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen Water Essence. This is also a chemical sunscreen. You almost feel nothing when you put it on your skin. I think this one smells more than NIVEA, especially when you first apply it, but the scent fades pretty quickly. It's cheaper than NIVEA sunscreen and is tested as non-comedogenic. So, I recommend this one over NIVEA or Anessa if you often struggle with acne.
3. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skin Care Milk. This one is a combination of chemical and mineral sunscreens. It is known for being super protective against sunburn. It's stronger than NIVEA or Biore, but it may not be great for people with very sensitive skin. It does give some white cast, but it's much more subtle than most American sunscreens. It's also significantly more expensive than NIVEA or Biore. If you are planning to be outside for a significant amount of time, like going to the beach, camping, or hiking, I recommend using Anessa over Nivea or Biore since strong sun protection will be required.

I picked these three considering the quality and availability in the US. However, if you have other ways to access Japanese sunscreen, like using Amazon.co.jp or going to Japanese stores, you might find even better options for your skin. I couldn't find any pure mineral sunscreens on Amazon.com, but if you're looking for a Japanese mineral sunscreen that's really suitable for sensitive skin, I can recommend ones from the Curel brand.

Help! Recs for non pore clogging heavy night moisturiser

TLDR: Looking for acne friendly thick night time moisturiser recommendations please! Also must have no exfoliants in it (and minimal actives) - I have my routine dialled and only exfoliate on specific days and already include the actives I need.

It feels like I have looked at hundreds of options and they all have red flags in the ingredients list.

Really acne prone skin, I look at my skin the wrong way and I get a flare up. I tend to stay clear of products that have potential pore cloggers in which I know is controversial but has worked really well for me. Recovering from a long-term broken skin barrier. Suffer from multiple types of acne. I have tried so many products and slowly built up a routine that has my skin (mostly) under control. The only thing I’m missing now is a heavier moisturiser for the night times. I have a great day time moisturiser but it’s not heavy enough for the night and I’m waking up with patches of dryness and irritation, especially around my eyes, nose and jawline. I tried the L.R.P Cicaplast as a final step after my usual day moisturiser and it was AMAZING at first. My skin was immediately better in the morning. But after a few uses I started breaking out everywhere with white heads that would then get inflamed and red. Stopped using it and things have calmed down, however my skin is feeling dry every morning and I have flaking. It seems like every heavier moisturiser I find is comedogenic or has a tonne of actives in it. Has anyone managed to find a unicorn moisturiser, that is both non comedogenic, super moisturising, and doesn’t contain a bunch of actives?

Edit to add current routine:

I vary my routine depending on what my skin needs at the time, whether I have breakouts, and what my skin barrier is like.

AM

1. Gentle face wash:

• Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser

2. Toner:

• Either: I’m From Rice Toner (when skin barrier is healthy); Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner (gentle option); Tirtir Milk Skin (moisturising option). • When skin barrier is struggling skip toner and instead use REN Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir immediately after cleansing instead.

3. Serum:

• Kiehls Ultra Pure Niacinamide • Only when skin is not irritated or barrier is broken I use Timeless Vitamin C+E 10% serum.

4. Essence:

• Mixsoon Bean Essence every couple of days but only when skin is not irritated.

5. Moisturiser:

• Purito Seoul Oat in Calming Gel Cream

6. Sunscreen:

• L.R.P antihelios dry-touch anti-shine - this is great and doesn’t break me out, BUT pills horrifically when disturbed. Cannot wear under makeup or anything at all. Hate wearing it for this reason, will only use if breaking out big-time. • Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen - love it but it has hyaluronic acid in it which I have to be careful with.

PM:

1. Oil Cleanser: currently using Cosmedix Purity Solution. Don’t love it/don’t hate it (plus super expensive), will be switching it to something else when I run out.

2. Water Based Cleanser: Youth to the People Superfood cleanser.

• ONCE A MONTH: Skip this and use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (also skip active step on the this day).

3. Toner: Tirtir Milk Skin toner.

• When skin barrier is struggling skip toner and instead use REN Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir immediately after cleansing instead.

4. Active:

• 4 x a week I use prescription tret. • 2 x a week I use chemical exfoliant. I use a different one for each time as I found I needed to add the antibacterial factor of benzoyl peroxide once a week. The two I use are: Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum and DRMTLGY 24 Hour Acne Serum. • 1 x a week skin gets a rest.

5. Peptides: every couple of nights I use Medik8 Liquid Peptides. However again I avoid this step when my skin is irritated.

6. Extra step if I feel like it’s needed: Skin1004 Centella Ampuole or Skinfood Royal Honey Enrich Essence

7. MOISTURISER. This is where I need help! Have just been using the same Purito but it’s not enough for night time.

*sounds like a complicated routine but really it’s not that bad. The core routine is very simple, with no exfoliants and irritating actives. I add/adjust things as my skin needs. I pay particular attention to keeping actives and exfoliants to a minimum. This has worked for me! As a sufferer of adult acne since my mid-twenties (I am now thirty).

• I also do additional things like: clean face towels, clean pillowcases, don’t touch my face, clean makeup tools etc etc (these made a significant difference)

Hi there, so I’ve been using (kind of) the same routine and the same products for the longest time. It’s been years and it changes very rarely. The thing is, I don’t think those products really help me.

My skin has been in approximately the same state for around a year now and not much has changed, which is obviously very disappointing and makes me think what exactly I’m doing wrong. I’ve had my dermatologist/cosmetologist for at least 5 years and she’s helped me get rid of some horrendous skin conditions but some problems remained the same and it’s been a long time and nothing has changed since around 2 years ago, which is frustrating. She doesn’t really tell me anything new or recommend new things, just so that I keep using the products she prescribed me and “just wait”. I see people get faster results and it makes me question whether what I’m doing and using is actually effective. I would go to another dermatologist but mine is probably the best one in my city and everything is very expensive already: her appointments, what she prescribes etc. Maybe expensive ≠ effective but I’m so tired of having skin problems so I don’t mind spending any money on it. And I’ve had other dermatologists in the past and my experience with them wasn’t so good.

So I don’t think changing a dermatologist is a good idea. She’s good, but something is still wrong. Maybe I really do need to just wait and keep using my old products. But it’s been a long time and I’m starting to lose hope in those products and my old ways. I don’t know if I should start doing/using something new, or stick to my old stuff. It’s a risk and I don’t know if it’s worth it. I could try experimenting with different products I find myself until I find something that works for me, but I’m aware it could make things worse for me, which I’m really scared of. Has anyone had a similar experience?

I have very dry flakey skin even after moisturising, whenever I cleanse my face it becomes even drier.

I normally use the CeraVe smoothing cleanser for dry rough bumpy skin. It cleanses okay but doesn't do much else for me, my skin is still very dry after. I thought I would try out an oil cleanser after hearing it's good for removing makeup. I did not think at all that it would hydrate my skin.

Straight after using the inkey list oat cleansing balm, all the flakey ness was gone and it felt like I had moisturised and done a full skincare routine, my skin wasn't dry at all! It also did a great job of removing my makeup, and it's affordable too! You only need a small pea sized amount so it lasts a really long time.

I will mention a few things though. I would only recommend this for dry skin so if your skin is oily don't waste your money - it will make you more oily. It’s a little hard to spread across the face at first and It does leave a feeling that there is still product on your face/you can still feel it after you wash it off, so if you don't like this feeling then you will have to use a normal cleanser afterwards (if you wear makeup it is recommended to double cleanse anyway). Also, whilst this works for me, it may not work the same way for everyone since we all have different skin - but I hope it does work for you!

For past few days I was wondering how could brand like Bioderma use SLES in its washing gel (Sebium Gel Moussant, the blue one). I always thought it is too harsh and u should avoid it, especially as it is on the third place in the list of ingrediends. Then I found this article about myths of SLES:

https://www.pciplindia.com/blog-detail/busting-10-common-myths-about-sodium-laureth-sulfate

Especially myth 4 and 7 were interresting.

The only study I found about “good SLES” was this one:

https://patents.google.com/patent/DE19960766A1/en “Cosurfactant use to reduce binding of sodium lauryl ether sulfate to skin…”

Would like to know more about this, so i wont have to automaticly avoid all SLES products.

so around 2 months ago i went to a dermatologist for my mild acne problem and they prescribed me %5 benzoyl peroxide it’s been doing pretty good at clearing my acne but i still get some breakouts here and there every few weeks or so and it always leaves a hyperpigmentation mark which takes months to fade i was wondering if anyone knows how i can minimize my breakouts more and minimize my skins hyperpigmentation, i have combination skin if that helps

my routine:

AM 1-wash face with cerave hydrating cleanser 2-neutrogena hydroboost water gel moisturizer 3-aloe vera gel moisturizer 4-la roche posay anthelios spf 50 sunscreen

PM 1-miceller water (to remove sunscreen) 2-cerave hydrating cleanser 3-%5 benzoyl peroxide gel

I was recently prescribed Epiduo for cystic acne. However, my skin is also super dry and sensitive. I told the derm and she just said "thats weird, maybe use it every other day instead of every day." I don't she understood how truly dry my skin gets. Would it be effective to use the Epiduo only on my most problematic areas, to avoid drying out the rest of my face? My other idea is the only topical acne treatment I haven't tried yet, azelaic acid. I've heard that one is more gentle. Which would you do?

ETA routine details: My current routine is dove sensitive skin bar and aveeno baby eczema cream. I use benzoyl peroxide 2.5% spot treatment or warm compresses for the cystic acne. I'm trying different mineral sunscreens til I find one that works. It's been torture trying to find products that don't irritate my skin.

PLEASE HELP! Still getting painful ingrowns even after Laser Hair Removal (dermatologists help much appreciated). I've been getting really bad, inflamed, stubborn ingrowns that have left marks on my pubic area for over 3 years now. I've watched plenty of YouTube videos & have done plenty of research. After months of saving, I decided to bite the bullet and get laser hair removal. I started in January - just had my 5th session on the 6th of this month. I have noticed I'm not getting as many as I used to, and that's great! However, I'm still getting them. I'm feeling really, really discouraged. I've read so many posts from other people about how laser has resolved all their ingrown problems & even cleared their scars. Most people even said that after their 2nd or 3rd session they no longer have gotten any ingrowns! I can't help but feel hopeless... I did laser as my last resort. So far, nothing has helped. I still get painful, infected bumps that hurt to the touch. I'm shaving only before my laser sessions, exfoliating regularly & have tried various topical treatments; Tend skin, PFB Vanish, glycolic acid, tea tree oil, warm wet wash cloth compresses, azelaic acid, aloe Vera, salicylic acid, adapalene gel, benzoyl peroxide, and have even been putting pimple patches on the really stubborn infected ones. I just don't know what else to do... this is a huge insecurity of mine and crushes my self confidence. I think going to continue with my laser sessions, I was originally only going to do 9 sessions but by the looks of the outcome, I may have to save up for 12 sessions total instead. I'm just feeling really discouraged and don't even know if I should continue with the sessions at this point. I just want to not have to worry about them anymore and get my self confidence back. Please help, any and all advice is much appreciated. Thanks!