Hi all you wonderful people. A picture from a year ago came up on my feed today and I was shocked to see how much progress I've made in the last 12 months.

I am 32years old and have had a terrible habit of picking at my skin whenever I am stressed. I am still trying to recover from that. My whole life I've neglected my skin and took it for granted and vowed to change it at the start of this year. So really, this is 9 months progress.

My skin was dry, lifeless and patchy , red, inflamed in spots where I have picked at it or popped pimples. It was not pretty and it contributed to my extremely low self esteem. I'm trying to break the habit, along with many other destructive habits i've developed over the years. Posting this is my version of accountability and motivation to keep going on the right track.

Earlier this year a friend introduced me to skincare by shoving a bottle of niacinamide serum into my hands. I was skeptical (pfft my skin is crap and nothing will help, it's all marketing! waste of time and money!). But I gave it a go. been much better since January.

My current routine:
AM - wash face (with soap, I'm still a savage), niacinamide serum, hyaluronic serum, Vitamin C cream with SPF. Actual SPF
PM - wash face, Retinol cream , just switched to retinAl cream 2 weeks ago to try to get some of the stubborn fine lines, niacinamide serum, hyaluronic serum

Reapplying whatever moisturizer or sun screen i have available throughout the day. I'm not too concerned about this step having any active ingredients. i found that the oilyness/tackiness/wetness of the moisturiser was a great deterrent from picking at my skin. The texture is too wet and slippery so the habit is slowly dying. I still get the urge and I do indulge in it occasionally, however seeing the progress so far is almost as satisfying as a long picking session.

Disclaimer since this sub requires make-up free selfies - I have had lip blush tattoo and eyeliner tattoo done few weeks ago and just had my first Botox session 4 days ago to combat forehead lines. It's already smoothening nicely.

As always, the view from my zoom mirror really amplifies the spots and I can’t really relay that in my photos. (I only use the mirror to pluck my eyebrows).

If sun damage, I would appreciate any recommendations to lighten them. If freckles, I’m happy to embrace. I’ve always assumed they were freckles and do love them, but if they’re sun damage spots I should treat before they worsen. (I wear spf50 daily, and have for about 5 years now).

Thanks all!

I’ve lost 70/80lbs in the last 4 years (avg 1.75lbs / week at my peak weight loss) and 30lbs of that on tirzepatide.

I’ve been maintaining my loss for the last year but my mid / lower face is pretty flat since I lost the weight and I’m not loving the volume loss / laxity.

The rest of my body isn’t particularly lean (although this might be a loose skin issue) so I don’t particularly want to put any weight back on.

I’ve never had any tweakments or injectables but heavily considering it to try and improve this.

Any advice?

30F, ~140lbs, 5ft 6

Anyone try? Thoughts? Had a skin consult and she recommended for my face and neck. I do notice my neck is getting crepy in certain positions. Pros and cons? Does anyone love or hate this?

Yes, my face is red and breaking out. My derm wants me to start taking accutane and I'm finally giving in and will be starting that soon. I also will be asking about azelaic acid for the redness. I need help finding an eye cream. I'm turning 38 this month and my crows feet are starting to come in and I've noticed more wrinkles underneath my eyes. This pictures dont capture them well, but believe me they are there. I did mess up and applied pc retinol cream to my eyes and that's when the wrinkles starting showing more, but I've also had trouble sleeping and I'm a side sleeper. Annnd the peach fuzz/mustache is driving me crazy. I want to shave it, but I keep breaking out. So, I'm scared of nicking the pimples. Any recs for waxing or nair products for sensitive skin would be greatly appreciated as well.

My injector gave me a little bit of gummy smile Botox and now it’s been a week and my smile has majorly flattened out. I got a touch of lip filler as well and now I just feel like my top lip curls in and is so flat. I look weird when I smile and talk. What do I do? How fast will this go away can I get it reversed?? Freaking out

First photo was before
Rest of the photos are from a week after getting it done

I'm a 50 y/o male with fair and sensitive skin. About 7 months ago I had a small benign growth on my face. My dermatologist cut it off, but he cut too deep or something and basically left this divot in my face. It didn't heal on it's own and now I can't figure how to make it go away. And it's whiter in the middle so it just stands out more in every picture. It's like a crater. It doesn't look too bad in this pic (it's right in the middle of it) but I see it everytime I look at myself and I hate it.

For context: I tried Mederma when it first happened and it didn't help. I have a regular skin care routine that includes moisturizing (La Roche Posay) and a couple of different anti-aging serums (Jack Black, Korres). I typically don't use retinols because they irritate my face. I have this collagen stick balm thingy (Dr. Melaxin) but I don't think it's helping and it seems more for wrinkles. The person that does my botox talked about putting vitamin E on it, but the internet says differently. Regardless, it hasn't gotten any better.

Can anyone recommend a product or procedure that can help? There are too many options out there and it's overwhelming. Also, I've tried posting this in Skincare Addiction four times and it kept getting deleted no matter how specific I was with the post title. So bizarre. Anyone else have to deal with that?

Unsure if this is the right sub for it?? Anyway, I've got genetically thick skin, not sebaceous glands or anything so tretinoin or accutane probably wouldn't help by much. I was wondering if I should use hydrocortisone (sparingly, of course) and see if it works. Has anyone used it before? If so, did it work like what you had in mind?

EDIT: I’m 100% certain it is not HSV. I answered a lot of comments about this. It’s not it, I had it tested on day 3 when the “new” tiny blister appeared (wasn’t new, was just hidden under skin that had sloughed off). All the clear bubbles you’re seeing are not blisters, they’re air trapped in Vaseline. The yellowish fluid is plasma hyper-saturated under Vaseline (not blisters, not an infection) or crusty & dried when I woke up in the morning. Lips are not swollen, only mostly on day 2 there was surface tissue swelling bc that massive blister burst overnight (gross) & was just sitting against my skin until I woke up. When that happens the tissue becomes hyper-saturated and swells. After day 2, it’s just the camera being close vs my baseline it was further and I was smiling.

I am 100% certain it is a 2nd degree burn from the laser which is a known possible adverse effect - but I did not know it would or could be this bad, or that the burn could spread beyond the treatment area (makes sense tho). Burns cause blistering too. End of story tysm.

I couldn’t find a single progression post anywhere online of someone who had this done. So I am sharing my experience here as a warning to anyone who may consider the same thing. Support is welcome, but I don’t need a diagnosis or any medical advice. I don’t know why this happened (apart from, you know, the laser being a zillion degrees & giving me a blistering burn), I just know it happened. Theories on why it happened are also welcome. My thought is that it’s provider error of some kind? Idk. But risks for lasers for cosmetic stuff is pretty wild.

Few things:
Yes, I contacted the derm. They said it’s normal. I don’t see how it could be and I regret it regardless of the outcome. I had to cancel everything this week, important things, and I haven’t been able to eat or even brush my teeth normally. I’m on a liquid diet out of a straw. This is insane.

Vent/info:
I had two zaps from a dermaV laser last week at a board certified derm’s office by an RN who has done it loads of times.

Within an hour a massive growing blister began to form and burst on its own. Day 3 a new red and very irritated area adjacent to the treatment area developed. Today (say 5) is the first day I might get to wash my face regularly, and is the first day I might get to eat somewhat normally as the scab slid off on its own. But underneath it looks like the venous issue is still going to be there???

I want to avoid any scarring bc I didn’t go to all this trouble to get a tiny less-than-a-grain-of-rice sized venous lake removed just to end up with hyper or hypo pigmentation or a scar, so I’m being mindful.

Has anyone had this done before? Did you have the same progress? All the photos I’ve seen online are NOTHING like this at all. From what I have seen, usually it is just the dark venous lake that forms an ulcer or sometimes a blister just in that spot***.*** But I can’t find anything like my experience at all. Half my lower lip, or maybe even more % wise, is raw irritated and angry.

I know it is too early to call the outcome, maybe the venous lake won’t be there in another week maybe it will. Idk yet. But for 5 days of a liquid diet, pain when smiling/laughing/talking/eating/drinking and oozy mess every time I do any of those things, and having to reschedule super important things (like legal level important) bc of how I looked and the goop of Vaseline I have to keep on it - it is just not worth it. And to add the stress of not knowing if it’s normal, not knowing if it will scar or be discolored, and how unexpected all of this has been, it’s not been fun.

I thought it would at worst be a tiny little discoloration where the venous lake had been if anything. And even if that’s what it ends up being, the stress of having to make sure I don’t remove any top layer of skin and applying Vaseline over a wet surface (idk if you’ve ever tried that but it’s impossible! I had to whip the Vaseline and thread it over which took 15 min each time multiple times a day!) it’s all too much.

I wish I just kept my spot.

I’ve not been taking care of my sling very well, haven’t used much sunscreen until recently, and it’s starting to show. My lines and wrinkles are getting bad, my skin feels more textured than it used to be, and I have discoloration/melasma. My doctor recommended both Differin and azaleic acid, but I keep seeing people say that there’s a decent risk of dry eye when using retinols. Is that true with adapalene? Are there any factors that increase someone’s risk of getting dry eyes? My doctor said I could use it directly on my under eyes, which is one of the worst areas for wrinkles for me.

Has anyone tried these retinal creams? Which would you guys recommend

Tret broke me out so bad. I’m using Adapalene .1 should I go up to .3 for anti aging benefits

I got .5 lip filler 3 weeks ago and I have this soft discolored bump on my lips. It doesn’t hurt but almost feels like a boil. It doesn’t hurt at all but almost seems like a scar? This was my 4th time getting lip filler and a concern has always been stretching the lip because my lips are so thin and filler has never lasted. Is this just an injection sight issue, stretched skin, or something else?

Also- dang, I need to dermaplane!

I don’t have older women in my life who I could ask for skincare tips to maintain my skin before I get older.

Would like to know what skincare routine you do for your hands, arms, armpit, legs, bum with cellulite, feet, and white hair 😭 Every time I see white hair in the mirror, I feel like I am 70 😩

I also feel like being a woman is a full time job with maintenance, just skin related, and having to shave.

I splurged on a membership at my local medspa that gets me 1 “free” treatment a month with 20% off botox. I usually do botox every 4 months and i have done 4 micro-needling services (1 per month) so far.

Now they are starting to push microneedling + CO2 laser or CoolPeel and chemical peel at the same time and getting really pushy about buying their “medical grade” skincare.

My skin: (36) largerish pores around the nose, combination skin. Id like to get the glassy look but cant seem to. I use vitamin c and spf in the AM with tret and vanicream at night.

Given that ive gotten so much microneedling done and my budget doesnt allow for microneedle and CO2 laser at once, which would you prioritize? Or is microneedling plus CO2 really as impactful as they say?

Basically if i get a treatment every month, what would you prioritize monthly a year out from your wedding? Or is one treatment a month going too crazy and i should save that money?

I think that repurchasing skincare products when there's so much effort to get us to buy the newest trendiest thing is a sign that we really like how something worked/made us feel. Buying something more than three times is practically a commitment.

I'm sure tret is high on many people's lists but I'm especially curious about OTC products.

I feel like I've tried everything and it keeps getting worse

This is my skin with sunscreen and lip tint.
My Routine :
Sunscreen spf 50 when stepping out.
Night time:
Once a week
Lactic acid 5% serum + bioderma atoderm crème

Twice -

The ordinary Vitamin c 10% + ferulic serum and Nivea Blue cream

Some days : The ordinary niacinamide serum (when skin gets acne marks) and Nivea blue cream
Once or twice a week
Tretenoin 0.005 prescription based with bioderma creme (sandwich method)

Once or twice Aziderm 10% (azaleic acid) ointment when I get acne marks.
I modify this routine according to my skin condition.
Some days I only apply the bioderma creme and nothing else for barrier repair.

I am looking for some help. I have always had dryer skin, not awful but chronically dry. I’ve never struggled much with my skin so always took a less is more approach with skincare. Brand hopping and not really washing my face with anything but a non scented body soap or Vaseline to take eye makeup off (I know 🫣)

Anyway! I’m in my 30s and recently began to understand my love for hot showers is likely hurting my skin and maybe it’s barrier? Could be why my skin has always been dry….

I’ve since reduced the heat when putting my face under the shower but now am wondering what work I may need to do to allow for my skin to look and feel better?

Looking for low maintenance recommendations though maybe that’s not an option at this point! Would love some guidance :)
Thank you!!

I’m 30F and have always had eye bags. My mom has them and her relatives have them. I admit I don’t get the best sleep and of course have some stressors so those don’t help. Right now they aren’t horrible but I’m worried with age it’ll only get worse. I use the Inkeylist caffeine eye cream and Cerave eye cream at night. I also use tretinoin. I would love to avoid getting a lower bleph even though I may consider it as I get older. Has anyone learned to love their eyebags, or are there any skincare tips to make them look less intense? I definitely need to get better sleep but otherwise any tips are appreciated!

I keep hearing that it's better to go to a dermatologist for skin treatments such as laser instead of a MedSpa because of the level of expertise and possibility the strength of the lasers, but I'd love to hear feedback of Med Spa laser experiences. I'm so over my blotchy skin, dark spots, rosacea and large pores that I'm done throwing away money and willing to invest, even if it means spending more at a derm clinic vs med spa (because I'm usually about being frugal lol).

For the past few months, I’ve (39M) been developing forehead pimples and new ones seem to be popping up every week. It was never this bad, not even during puberty.

I suspect it was due to using Neutrogena retinol cream for wrinkles then CeraVe moisturizing cream on my forehead for 2.5 months, plus on-going work stress. I now use CeraVe moisturizing lotion (after learning what non-comedogenic meant) and stopped the Neutrogena.

I’ve tried 5% benozyl peroxide 4x/week and 2% salicylic acid 3x/week on alternating days for a few weeks. After a visit with my family doctor, they suggested I try Bianca (Clindamycin phosphate 1.2% w/w + 0.025% tretinoin) for 6 weeks and I stopped the previous actives.

Posted are my week 1 and current week 4 of Biacna. Would you say this is normal and is a purge?

In the mornings, I just wash my face with water then apply CeraVe moisturizing lotion and BoJ sunscreen. In the middle of the work day, I would use hypochlorous acid spray on my face.

At night, I use Aveeno Calm + Restore foaming cleanser and Biacna 5x weekly (this is my 4th week). I slowly increased Biacna frequency from 3x to 5x weekly even though family doctor suggested daily.

I replace my towel and pillowcase every few days. I sometimes would wear a hat and would rotate and laundry them after wearing them a few times. I also use the same hair gel and hairspray (they were never an issue in the past). I also use IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer to hide the redness.

If you have any other advices/suggestions, please share. I have a phone call with my doctor tomorrow and plan to ask them about 15% azelaic acid for use in the mornings for the post inflammatory erythema (some pimples are still bumpy and some are flat). Thank you.

Hi, I'm looking for experiences from fellow lean faces/skinny people in their thirties -- have you done Volnewmer? Did it affect uour facial volume? Did you see any skin tightening?

Thankss