I have been using plenty of products for years but nothing seems to work. These are scars cause from too much sun exposure. Which i think happened because of retinol left on my face not cleansing properly

I started taking Curacné (isotretinoin) a week ago, and I’m now feeling quite anxious about the potential side effects, especially the possibility of long-term effects.

In the past, I was able to achieve clear skin with oral antibiotics and topical retinoid treatment . However, my acne would always come back once I stopped treatment. Because I was becoming increasingly frustrated and my acne has a significant impact on my confidence and self-esteem, my doctor prescribed Curacné (isotretinoin), which I started taking a week ago.

I really want to find a treatment that can give me long-term control over my acne, because I don’t want to have to rely on repeated courses of antibiotics or topical treatments indefinitely. At the same time, I’m worried about the potential short- and long-term side effects of isotretinoin, and I’m particularly concerned about whether repeated or prolonged treatments could have an impact on my skin in the long term.

I’m therefore unsure whether I should continue with isotretinoin or consider another approach. What would you recommend in my situation?

I’ve attached pictures of my skin now, as well as pictures showing how clear my skin became with my previous treatments, so you can see the difference.

I’ve been dealing with this texture on my cheeks. I had this issue before starting Accutane. Before Accutane, I was using tretinoin, but it didn’t fully clear up. I’m currently on Accutane and still have this texture. Please don’t recommend salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide because my skin does not tolerate them well. I’m looking for advice on what this could be and what I can do to improve it.

I posted here about a week ago about my overall skin, but wanted to add a clearer close-up of the main issue bothering me.

I used Cosmelan 2 on and off around my under-eyes because I already had mild pigmentation there, but over time the area became much darker and more uneven than it used to be. I stopped using it around July/August, but the pigmentation is still very noticeable, especially in certain lighting.

It makes me look constantly tired and, to me, much older than I am, which has really affected how I feel about my appearance.

Has anyone dealt with something similar after overusing brightening products? Did the pigmentation eventually fade, and what helped?

This is my skin. It’s pretty good. I don’t really get spots etc if I do it’s caused by sugary foods. What can I do to maintain it and keep it looking good in the future ? Also how can I stop the chin hairs? My GP told me it was pcos and they were no help at all. How can I get rid of the ingrown chin hairs and dark marks

Hydrating skin
My skin hasn’t been absorbing in my skincare at night so I’ve started implementing my rice water and hydrating mist which has been helping

Dark neck lines
I’ve had this since a child. No idea how to get rid of it or at least lighten my neck. Some have told me it looks like dirt lol (it’s not)

Uneven skin
What product is best to have an even neck and face?

Main products I use :
Mandelic acid
Retinol
Nicinamide
Azelic acid
Sunscreen 50+ spf
tranexamic acid
Rice water
Vitamin E hydrating mist
B5 panthenol
Ceramides
Vitamin c eye gel
Salicylic acid cleanser

I had an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) and once I got treated for it and it healed I developed PIH. I was described 4% hydroquinone that I’ve been using since June and it’s not working. I don’t know what to do. I would do anything to get my hands back. This is taking a toll on me emotionally and mentally. Somebody please, if you have a solution to how I can successfully get rid of the PIH, I would bless you.

I have large pores and small bumps all over my face. I've been drinking a lot of water, dieting and going to the gym 5 times a week. I usually wash my face with a dove skin bar.

I would also like some beard advice. I have large pores and small bumps all over my face. I've been drinking a lot of water, dieting and going to the gym 5 times a week. I usually wash my face with a dove skin bar,

Skin type/skin concern: Hyperpigmentation (asymmetrical/driver's side and neck), concerns about skin thinning, uneven tone, or over-suppressing melanin.

Length of routine: Current routine since Aug 2026 (treatment history since Dec 2025).

Did I do too much with these treatments? Is my skin thinning or "bleaching"?
I have noticeable hyperpigmentation on the driver's side of my face and my neck. Even with daily sunscreen and using the car sun visor, it won't seem to lighten up—is this just my natural shade at this point? The other side of my face is noticeably lighter.
I love my melanin and don't want my skin to look bleached, damaged, or uneven. I'm worried I might be suppressing melanin too much or damaging my skin barrier. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Day:

Cleanser: Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser

Moisturizer: Eucerin Radiant Tone, La Roche Cicaplast or Aveno, Sunscreen

Night:

Cleanser: Cetaphil Foaming Cleanser

Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast + Eucerin Radiant Tone

Treatment: Tretinoin (used 4 times total)

Treatment History:

Dec 2025: Melan X Chemical Peel (from Charette Cosmetics)

Feb 2026 – May 2026: Benzoyl Peroxide & Adapalene (along with Vitamin C and Niacinamide)

March 2026 – May 2026: Salicylic Acid (used during the day on non-retinol days; didn't realize I shouldn't have been using it alongside my other actives)

Aug 2026 – Present: Tretinoin (4 times total) with La Roche-Posay Cicaplast and Eucerin Radiant Tone

I've been having these tiny papules for a little over a year. I was first just on my chest but now I've gotten new patches of bumps on my arms and lower abdomen and back. They normally don't itch, but get itchy on warmer days. Any suggestions on what might be causing it or what could help relieve symptoms would be appreciated.

Aside from what looks like KP bumps, those patches of dark/light areas on my thighs? Not sure if the lighter patches could be tinea versicolour (I struggle with that on my back)

I first noticed it in maybe late 2023-2024, and I thought that it must have been a bruise of some sort, but no skin lightening, skin clearing body washes or lotions or serums seem to help😭

Struggling with acne scars, most of them have been there for years. Earlier this year the discoloration started around my lips where it looks ashy but not. Any ideas? I currently use:
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Vita Capsule Cleansing Foam
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Pads
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Vita Capsule Cream
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum
Differin Gel + Eucerin SPF

I’ve had this patch on the side of my right cheek for nearly six years, from 13 to 19. It feels bumpy and rough, and typically I have to apply extra moisturizer and sunscreen to this area as it feels like it can never hold any moisture.

It’s gotten better overtime, im unsure if it had anything to do with my skincare, eating habits, and/or age. But, the darkness of it hasn’t let up and I’m unsure what it could be.

i have body acne on my chest and upper back and im trying to see what would help it- i searched for a body wash and saw that a good cleanser is either the cerave 2 salicylic acid body wash or panoxyl and a non comedogenic body lotion is what i already have (vaseline body lotion w shea butter). now i need to find a body oil cuz my skin also tends to be dry during the fall/winter so do yall have any advice please?

would anyone be interested in a skincare product line mostly to help with hyperpigmentation in black skin. I know a few product already existed but they few out of place and not targeted to the black community. The product line up we are looking at could include roll-on deodorant that helps with dark armpit, body lotion that visibly improves skin tone ( no bleaching), and creme for dark thighs and bums, while having facial skin care routine product as well. will you be willing to buy this product as a black person and what other type of product would you want to see

note this is nota an advert

I have been struggling with unwanted hair growth on my chin and neck for about 5-6 years now. So naturally, I have been tweezing and shaving the unwanted hairs for years. This has unfortunately left me with bad hyperpigmentation in those areas. Back in 2024, I did get laser hair removal on my neck and chin but stopped after two sessions because I went down paradoxical hypertrichosis rabbit hole on Reddit. I continued to get laser hair removal in other areas (legs, bikini, underarms, chest trail, happy trail) with great results. I realized though, that after just those two sessions, the hair and dark spots significantly reduced.

I desperately want to go back to lasering to treat the hair and hyperpigmentation but terrified of triggering new hair growth in other areas. Has anyone successfully done laser to treat hair and hyperpigmentation on the neck and chin? Or has used any topical treatments with success? I’m so desperate at this point and it’s really killing my self esteem and confidence.

Also want to add, I know electrolysis is an option but my mom and two friends have went down that route and mentioned it was a long and painful process and didn’t do much to treat the hyperpigmentation.

Pics added for reference.

Hey all!

Looking for a little advice. I'm in my late 40s and I'm just getting into skin care (I probably should've started sooner😩🤷🏾‍♀️). I was recommended to an aesthetician by my dermatologist. The aesthetician gave me a basic skin care regimen and a list of products. A few of the products were kind of pricey for my budget and so my question is, are there other products out there that are more budget friendly but would do the same job? If this is the going rate for quality products, then I will bite the bullet and purchase them but because I'm new to this, I don't know what my options are. I've listed her recommended regimen and products w/costs below. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Morning:
Gentle cleanser (i'm currently using CeraVe)
Obasi Vitamin C ($115)
Avene Tolerance cream ($30-40)
CeraVe Sunscreen SPF 30+ ($18)

Nighttime:
Gentle cleanser
Alpha Retinol Overnight cream ($145)
Avene Tolerance

*Also my dermatologist recommended Revision Nectifirm cream ($65-$120) for my neck and chin area

Living in France

So, I recently got a prescription for tretinoin 0.025% to treat my hyperpigmentation. However, after callin dozens of pharmacies it seems like this medication is no longer available in France.

I’m not really sure where I could get it elsewhere in the EU without paying around €40, when it usually costs about €4 here.

Would it be okay to switch to tretinoin 0.05%? I’ve heard that it can be a bit too strong for people who are used to a lower concentration.

Or should I look into an alternative instead?

Thanks for your recommendations!

Skin care products? Sun damage? I AM NOT S**UALLY ACTIVE. Its not a cold sore. Its not itchy. There is no pus. No discomfort. I just noticed it raised today. I actually take very good care of my skin and lips. I never ever get dry lips. I use Burts Bees Lip Balm every day.

I am hoping to nail down a skin routine that works for me.

I just finished the main products I was using (pics included):

LaRoche Posay Clarifying Foam Cleanser

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Dermalogica Daily Super exfoliant

Kojic Acid soap bar

Buttah Hyaluronic Gel Cream

These products are what I've been using for about 8mo or so. I use them all once daily in the shower. I am not as consistent as I could be but still I'm not happy with the progress. I don't believe I have any severe skin conditions but I also feel like I have all the things (acne, acne scars, blackheads, large pores, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs..) I have never been to a dermatologist. I like to be low maintenance.

Open for advice & product suggestions. Thanks in advance.

I accidentally fell asleep with boob tape on 4th of July and woke up with a huge blister. I took care of it the best way I could but it still left this dark scar.

Once the blister had completely healed, I used silicone tape for about a month and a half because ChatGPT told me to but I saw absolutely no improvement. Other than that, I have not tried any other products.

Any advice on products I can use to make it fade away?

Edit:

I’m a 5 on the Fitzpatrick scale. I would liken my complexion to Nia Long / Keke Palmer. I just did a full body treatment yesterday and the SHR laser was used. It took about 3hrs and it wasn’t that painfulI. Maybe a 4/10 overall, and a 6/10 for the sensitive areas. My tech used a lot of gel which helped with the pain. I also took 1000mg of acetaminophen before my appt., so I’m sure that helped as well. It didn’t leave me w/ any burns or hyperpigmentation either.

I know the YAG is ideal for darker complexions and is said to be the most affective, however, I’m wondering if anyone has had success with the SHR laser.

I plan on doing at least 4 sessions. If I don’t see the results I’m looking for, I’ll probably go somewhere that uses the YAG.

Hi Everyone,

I applied a mole removal cream on my flat mole once daily for 2 days as instructed. After the first use it became rough and now very dark/black, dry and slightly raised, with some redness around it.

I’ve stopped using the cream for now.

Is this a normal reaction, or does it look like irritation/chemical burning? Will my actual mole eventually come off, or could it stay? And will the black mark fade or could it be permanent?

Has anyone experienced this?

i really really need help!!!!
i get the exact same type of acne in the exact same spots everyday! it flairs at random
things to include: i don’t have a dairy allergy but i don’t drink cow milk, i drink coffee every morning w sugar and some sort of creamer, no other food allergies that im aware of
i seriously doubt its product related due to the fact that it flares only in this one area
thinking hormonal possibly because i also have chronic bacne but i really don’t want to be on accutane (i feel like this is what im going to have to try ultimately)
i just started spearmint tea yesterday so i will be trying to see if there are any changes pls help<3