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r/SkincareAddiction•
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NEW OR NEED HELP? Ask here! - ScA Daily Help Thread Oct 22, 2019

Routine Help

If you're new to SkincareAddiction: welcome!

This thread is the best place to start if you have questions about skincare products, your routine, and your skin. Our community is knowledgeable, and we want to help you have the best skin of your life!

#Do you have a question?

###Step 1: Read our resources

Be sure to check out our FAQ and Wiki! There are a lot of topics covered in those links, but some of the most popular guides include:

 

 

 

Or search the sub using this awesome website. You might find a solution to your problem there!

If you can't find an answer, or you have additional questions after reading, please move on to step 2!

 

###Step 2: Ask for help

To give you the best advice possible, our users need relevant information about your skin and skincare. With your request for help please include:

 

  • The issue(s) you need help with. It's helpful to put your questions at the top of your comment (especially if it's a long one)!

  • Skin type. It's OK to be subjective, how do you feel your skin is? Oily, dry? If you need help clarifying, check out this guide on skin types

  • Current routine with the full names of your products (try to separate it in to Morning, Evening, and Occasionally used)

  • How long you have been using your current routine, or product in question

  • Anything new you’ve introduced or started doing that might change the condition of your skin

  • Your location so we can recommend products/services available to you

 

Thanks for taking the time to include your information!

 

#Would you like to give advice?

Firstly, thank you so much for helping out our community - without your knowledge and time ScA would not be the same!

Some things we'd ask for you to keep in mind: please don't just downvote someone's opinion or response because you disagree.

If you can, please take the time to tell them why you think their advice may be incorrect or harmful. It's better for people to understand why something is a poor choice, instead of just being told that it is one!

Once a year, we have a big thank you post for everyone who has helped out in the DHT where we give out nifty flairs & gold to exceptionally informative and kind users. Check out our list of ScA Helpers and our most recent thank you post!

Whether it be in-depth responses that deserve to be their own guides, thoughtful product recommendations, or simply pointing someone in the right direction, we appreciate all the time and effort you've made to help others!

#Previous Threads

This thread is posted every day at 12:00am ET.

Posted Oct 22, 2019, 4:06 AM UTC

12209
ZheRooHCombination | European•

Does anyone else have this feeling of wanting to change products to try new stuff out but at the same time doesn't want to because what you have now works.

5
onigiri815r/ausskincare | Combo Oily Acne Prone•

Hell yeah and I've only, really, just gotten over it. I know my core routine now so if I did want to flirt a bit with other products, I usually make sure it's something I truly want to give a shot. I know if it goes wrong I have my solid routine there and ready and that many other people will be willing to take it off my hands. If it goes right well, time to consider if it should be added to my routine, if it should replace something or if it isn't really worth either and I'll just use it up and maybe come back in the future

4
ZheRooHCombination | European•

I tried some new products yesterday. There was a magazine that sold a box with some big samples. Tried the oil cleanser, face wash and moisturizer. Can see I didn't like it though. At least not the facewash. My poor face missed my cerave.

But yeah this was fine coz it's small bottles and cost like nothing.

2
Jalter_xvit c hoarder•

My skin is pretty happy but I always like rotating or trying new things because then I can add it to my stable of 'if this product ever gets reformulated/out of production' I have another product to fall back to :P

The worst part is when I buy something and my skin doesn't like it. I always want to use it up... but I know that I should pass it on.

3
ZheRooHCombination | European•

Yeah it's such a waste, I currently got this with a shampoo. My hair hates it but I want to finish the bottle

5
Crlyb2611•

I buy sample sized products whenever I’m traveling to satisfy this feeling. I can have fun experimenting new stuff without being wasteful and then revert back to my actual routine at home. If I loved anything, I’ll buy a full size and give it a go.

1
itsnotjoeybadass•

What is the difference between a gel and cream moisturizer on the skin? My skin is pretty normal, but acne prone (I’m currently dealing with some hormonal acne). I want a new moisturizer (I’m using DE’s polypeptide and it’s tew much and I think my forehead area is rejecting it lol). So...... what can I expect from a gel vs a cream? My skin DOES feel dry a lot of times like tight but it doesn’t flake. I don’t have any issues with looking oily either.. like my skin is just chillin and it’s the pimples that are causing a ruckus. I also prefer the heavy moisturizing feeling of a cream personally but I be scared of break outs lol

I’m torn between Dr Jart Cicapair cream and gel at the moment for context lol

3
BigGirlsDontCry101dry/dehydrated | uk •

gels are more lightweight and not as moisturising. you'll like the cream more

1
onigiri815r/ausskincare | Combo Oily Acne Prone•

not as moisturising

I wouldn't say that's true. They may not be enough for someone with very dry skin but for oilier types they are probably just right.

2
BigGirlsDontCry101dry/dehydrated | uk •

yeah what I meant by that is like a gel can be perfectly moisturising for an oilier type but the cream would be too greasy and heavy for example.

2
whydoitbelikethat•

can i use short contact therapy with differin?

3
scumteam14technically a mod•

There haven't been any studies on adapalene specifically, but there is one study using short contact therapy with tazarotene (summarized here), and this study with tretinoin that I haven't looked at but seems promising.

I think if you're experiencing irritation from Differin and you aren't using a slow-release formula, it'd be worth exploring! The taz study uses 2-5 minutes while the tret study uses 30 minutes, so I'm not sure which time frame would be most appropriate.

But if you aren't experiencing irritation, maybe it's best to just stick with the recommended use, since there aren't a whole lot of studies on short contact therapies with retinoids in general and none that I saw for adapalene specifically.

2
diamondinfluencer•

Hi! I’m looking for some advice. I am wondering if I should wait to put on a lotion/cream until my serums have soaked in or if I should do it right away to lock in moisture. I’ve read different recommendations. I have combo oily dry skin, live in the south, have get hormonal acne. I have been trying to work on my moisture barrier and have seen that help w my acne over the last few weeks but would love feedback.

I use (am) Oil cleansing w living libations yon ka toner lotion Living libations rose glow oil + Gua sha PCA vita c serum Dr Jart ceramidin cream Super good sunscreen 50

Pm: Double cleanse w oil and water yon ka lotion Curology mix (Tretinoin is .018, clindamycin, azelaic acid) PCA peptides serum Dr jart ceramidin

3
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

Wait times depend on ingredients. If your serum/toner is hydrating, apply moisturizer right away to lock that in. If its something that needs a certain pH level to work like some vitamin c formulations or exfoliating toners it's better to wait a bit (some wait 10 mins some wait more some wait just until it's dry)

2
diamondinfluencer•

Ok- thank you! Any other recommendations?

1
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

Remember to drink enough water each day.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

3
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

Waiting just until it's dry is probably long enough.

Hyperpigmentation is kinda personal to what works: the hyperpigmentation wiki has lots of recs and specifically says you may need to try a few different ones since what works for people really varies. First step is figuring out what type you have

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
plinnyb•

Anyone here try Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream?

3
gumptiousguillotine•

So I mostly just want to express some frustration, but if anyone has advice I’ll take it lol.

So I was extra depressed for awhile and didn’t wash my face enough, broke out all over my forehead (mostly closed comedowns, some itty bitty white heads), started feeling a bit better and started my regimen back up, skin got better, and now a month later my forehead is great but now my cheeks and chin are SUFFERING. Big red zits that keep happening in the same spots and a bunch of dryness (the dryness is probably the weather/me not switching to winter products yet). Like, I have an equilateral triangle of zits on my left cheek. Makeup can only do so much lol. My routine hasn’t changed since June, NOTHING has (except my pillowcases twice a week, of course). It might be stress because I’m starting a second job soon, it might be my diet because I’ve maybe eaten 5 servings of vegetables this month, it might be hormonal because I can’t find the right stupid birth control, it might just be my skin changing. I dunno. But I’m frustrated as hell and I needed to whine about it. I’m in Southern Oregon, with access to most beauty retailers and shippable items.

Routine:
Morning: wash with water Night: wash with Bielenda Argan Cleansing Oil With Hyaluronic Acid
Apply a thick layer of Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel-Cream for Extra Dry Skin
Apply several drops of Jasön brand Vitamin E Oil
Apply FAB Ultra Repair Cream
I was exfoliating once a week with The Ordinary 7% glycolic acid solution until the end of September but I missed a few weeks and I think it’s too strong for me to just start up again. I’m gonna get some FAB Radiance pads (2% glycolic or lactic acid) and work my way back up. Also, I apply Neutrogena Sport Face sun screen just before my makeup.

Skin type: very dry, not sensitive, not prone to break outs.

3
[deleted]•

[removed]

1
39clues•

I have very oily skin, what would be a good moisturizer for me?

3
sailingskySensitive/AcneProne/Dry•

Cetaphil PRO OIL Absorbing moisturizer

1
YourSkinCoach•

Tea Tree Matifying Lotion from Body Shop might be helpful ;)

1
sylvestermacaroni•

Hello everyone, I recently had to change my skincare routine due to starting thyroid medication. Before, I had very dry skin that would rarely break out. The breakouts I did have were very tiny and usually only came to a small Whitehead. I had a moisturizer routine formed for varying levels of dryness and they would only rarely form blemishes. The ponds moisturizer in the pink tub, the blue tub, and Vaseline. I would do the full routine only when necessary.

Since I started this medicine, I've had less dry skin. I guess it would be considered normal. Sometimes I can rub a finger across my forehead and feel some slickness. Very exciting. But my skin is confused. I'm getting larger breakouts that aren't going away as easily and my skin is hovering between slightly too dry and breaking out. The ponds moisturizer in the pink tub forms the small whiteheads I'm used to, but sometimes larger and more frequently.

I use a Cetaphil foaming face wash once a day, a couple hours before bed. This has remained the same.

I recently bought Neutrogena rapid wrinkle repair retinol oil, is this something I should use?

2
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

Wait are you saying your moisturizer gives you acne? Why are you still using it?

Also haha I had a similar excitement when a new medication also gave me oilier skin. It was like 'oh! This is what skin should feel like!'

Retinol is good for acne treatment and anti aging.

2
sylvestermacaroni•

I kept using it because it used to be a good moisturizer for me I guess lol. I bought the Neutrogena hydro boost water gel this morning before bed, so hopefully that will fix it!

2
Pineapple_Chicken•

Kinda dumb, but I bought some TO Niacinamide + Zinc... how am I supposed to apply it? On a cotton round? Just squeeze it on my face??

2
onigiri815r/ausskincare | Combo Oily Acne Prone•

Most people will apply however many drops into their hand and then apply from there. Some people drop it directly onto the face and spread around. Others also mix it with another product in their hand first like their moisturiser

3
kinnair05•

Whats the best way to even skin pigmentation? I've had a lot of acne on my forehead there is a bit of discoloration. https://imgur.com/a/F8oj3VZ

2
onigiri815r/ausskincare | Combo Oily Acne Prone•

A good broad spectrum SPF and pigmentation fighting products/ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinimide and Tranexamic Acid

4
kinnair05•

Thanks!

1
impaleafandlikepasta•

Do you already have solid routine tho for you’re acne? I’m just asking, because I think it would make more sense to take care of that first and then focus on the PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

2
kinnair05•

Yeah, I feel like I finally have a routine that's working. It consists of cleansing AM/PM followed by an hyaluronic lotion and a vitamin c serum. It took a lot of trial and error but i'm definitely making progress!

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
scumteam14technically a mod•

Maybe nodulocystic acne, or just plain ol' cysts? In either case, your best bet is a derm. Nodulocystic acne doesn't respond well to OTC treatments, and cysts would need to be professionally removed

2
jim_buddy•

Many thanks! I’ll have a look for one.

2
slubaroni•

does anyone else feel like their tretinoin cream leaves a greasy film on their face when you leave it on overnight? I was perscribed tretinoin cream (.025) a little over a month ago and it worked wonders on my skin, for a good week I didn't develop a single new pimple. within the past week I've been breaking out with the WORST cystic pimples that normally only come out during my period. I don't think it's purging because I used lactic acid (10%) for months before trying tret and it doesn't make any sense to me why the purging wouldn't start until after a whole month and a half?? also, I felt like when I started tret my skin was super dry after application but when I've applied the last few times it doesn't really absorb and leaves a greasy residue. am I applying it incorrectly or is my skin just adjusting to tret? ): I'm so sad because my skin was the best it's ever been for the past month and now my skin is back to the worst it could be. I was also perscribed a progesterone-estrogen combo birth control pill at the same time as the tret to help balance my hormones, I'm almost done with the first month so could it be purging from the birth control? Or maybe the birth control is exacerbating my bad skin?

2
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

Starting purging after a month and a half is pretty common actually! And yes definitely birth control can throw things off. It's usually recommended to wait at least 6 months to see tret results and also 6 months for hormones to settle after starting a new BC. /R/tretinoin btw

2
slubaroni•

ah, thank you for the reassurance. I feel like tret is already making a difference in my skin in terms of lightening the pre-existing hyperpigmentation on my face. I'm probably overreacting because it's rare that I fully break out in cystic acne, would make sense that it'll take my body some time to adjust to BC and tret

2
djdelarosa25•

Cetaphil users, do you rinse it off or leave a thin film?

2
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

You should always rinse off cleansers. You should not rinse of moisturizer.

1
Sharkswithballoons•

Thoughts on stick sunscreens? I’m sensitive to glycols and testing out an FA safe routine which seems to be nearly impossible. I’m in the sun quite a bit for work and use both vitamin C and glycolic acid so the stronger the protection the better. Also, has anyone had luck with sunscreen spray over makeup?

2
onigiri815r/ausskincare | Combo Oily Acne Prone•

When I see people are in the sun a lot for work, I always suggest the consider UPF clothing. Reapplication can be hard when you're concerned about other things (like work!) and I also understand that wearing makeup is important to people, me included. So while there are some sprays and powders, I think UPF clothing is the better way to go if possible

3
Sharkswithballoons•

That’s a good point! I should look into getting some of that. However I am particularly concerned about my face, I’m a pilot so even a good baseball cap doesn’t really do the trick.

3
Sarahlpatt•

I love stick sunscreens. I'm very fair and on tret, so I burn very easily on my face. I think they last a lot better than creams, especially in wet/sweaty conditions. They actually make tinted ones that I'll use in place of foundation, which makes reapplying easier, even though it's often unnecessary because they stay on so well.

1
Sharkswithballoons•

!! Excellent! Do you have a favorite? Ideally I’m hoping for something lightweight and no/minimal white cast.

1
Sarahlpatt•

So you definitely want to go tinted because the one downside of stick sunscreen is that because it is so thick and stick on so well, a white cast is really hard to blend out. The Salt and Stone stick is really close to my fair skin tone, so that's what I usually use for sun protection and in place of a tinted moisturizer/foundation. I've also used the MyChelle tinted stick, which is a few shades darker but blends into my skin well enough, especially in the summer. That's probably the one I would recommend to people with light/light-medium skin. There are brands that make darker shades as well, depending on your skin tone, but those are the ones that I have personally tried and liked.

1
scotty-fitzgerald•

My favorite SPF moisturizer is the Josie Maran one, I use it everyday. But I always have my baby bum stick sunscreen in my purse and use it when I’m going to be out in the sun for a long time (specially in the middle of the day). I don’t know how well the baby bum will work with makeup though. I don’t wear skin makeup so I haven’t had a problem with it, although sometimes it can make you look a bit pale when you first apply it.

1
sendmeyourcatsbeans•

I'm wondering if I should add back in my TO granactive retinoid to my routine?? Or is the alpha lipoic good enough?

Skin is dry and lately been semi sensitive, so I've been pretty chill about the actives lately. Semi ageing/major sun damage/semi acne prone and textured.

Morning

Cerave hydrating cleanser/water

TO marine hyaluronics

TO niacinamide

TO LAA and TO resveratrol** sometimes, and sometimes applied at night

TO alpha arbutrin

Cetaphil daily face lotion w SPF

Night

Simple kind to skin oil

Cerave hydrating cleanser

Paula's choice BHA- sometimes**

TO marine hyaluronics

TO niacinamide/alpha arbutrin

Cerave PM

TO azelaic acid- sometimes **

Vaseline

TO AHA BHA peel every 10 days or so, also rosehip oil if needed, and TO alpha lipoic twice a week**

edited out stupid question

2
scumteam14technically a mod•

Honestly I feel like you have a whole bunch of actives with some overlapping effects, so I feel like your other products cover whatever benefits you were hoping to get from the Granactive Retinoid! If you aren't seeing as much benefit as you'd like, maybe swap one of them out for the granactive retinoid?

1
potatopopcorns•

Help and Hi!

I am Male and have mixed skin type. Normally the lower part of my face will be dry and my forehead will always be oily. I have breakouts around and under the jaw area and sometimes on my cheeks and above my lips (hate this the most)

I started a routine: cleansing oil, cleansing foam and moisturizer/mi cellar water.

I realized that no matter what, my skin gets super oily when i eat moderately oily food or stressful situations. Idk how I can counter it. Would be grateful if someone has an idea. Did I do something wrong? I made sure to moisturize and buy products without alcohol. Does the food have anything to do?

2
Ivorykiki:content_contributor: Content contributor•

moisturizer/mi cellar water

Are you using micellar water as a moisturizer? It’s meant to be a cleanser/makeup remover. Which specific products are you using, and how often per day do you use each product?

3
FLoatlikeaBuffalo•

Posted to late yesterday - new thread uploaded.

—- Hey , kind of new here . Been reading a lot up on acne and skincare regimens but I realize I need to put a name to the type of acne I have to help overcome it .

I have veryyyyy oily skin like grease for fries oily skin.

All my life since I was eight I’ve had this oil build up and as a result acne. It started on my forehead as a child then it went to my cheeks, back, shoulders and chest.

I also mark very easily. Even when I don’t touch a bump or pimple I’m left with a gift of dark marks.

I’m in my mid twenties trying to do better. I’ve change my eating habits (vegetarian) I don’t drink milk or eat ice cream.

I’ve been used cerave oil free facewash, black soap, cetaphil and benzoyl peroxide washes (which my face is allergic too I find)

I’ve used witch hazel, and ACV as toners

I’ve used clay mask, charcoal mask, coffee mask, honey and lemon scrubs all to no avail.

Currently I am using Cerave again with this hydroquinone leave on serum. With grapeseed oil, rose hip oil and tumeric oil with TO niaciamide drops.

Hoping someone can give me an idea of what I have and suggestions for cures.

Pics: https://postimg.cc/gallery/1d4c1ti0y/

2
VanGoJourney•

Hi. I'm wondering if your skin needs hydration. Your old routine looks like it was stripping the oils and your skin was overproducing to compensate. It's good that you have oils in your routine now but it won't fix things if hydration is your issue.

To get hydration into the skin, I don't towel dry my face. Instead, I pat the skin until it dries. Takes about 20-30 seconds and leaves my skin feeling amazing. Then, I use a good korean style toner which preps the skin. I like Whamisa organic flowers toner.

For hyperpigmentation, you'll want to try a Vit C product. I was using Hyalamide C25 which did nothing for me and dried my skin. I'm now trying Drunk Elephant C Firma. It's expensive but it's working on my skin. I suggest set a budget and then keep trying different things till you get something that works. Just give it long enough to work before switching things out. I try to give it 2-3 months.

3
FLoatlikeaBuffalo•

I’ve heard of dehydrated skin and could never tell if that was my issue or just too much oil overall.

I have a vit c product I’ve been wanting to get online so now might be the time.

thanks !!

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

Actually I don't think I saw much difference in PIH w Azelaic acid. I think niacinamide and vitamin c helped the most w those

1
DylanRayAllDay•

red, splotchy bumps, and tiny white pimples

Recently I switched from one time a day to two times a day of this routine: CorsRX good morning low ph cleanser Sebamed clear face gel

And 2 days ago I introduced the Aveeno daily moisturizing SPF(that my wife graciously allowed me to borrow). So I am thinking the redness and pimples are due to this new product.

In the short term, how do I get rid of these? This morning I looked in the mirror and decided to only splash my face with water, I did not apply any products for fear of making it worse.

2
nemicolopterusall about dat tret•

There's not really a quick fix: you're already doing the right things!

2
DylanRayAllDay•

Wonderful. Now I just have to walk around like this lol

2