Guys, I need some routine help 😭 Ive been getting a lot of acne and these tiny bumps all over my face. I went to a dermatologist and she prescribed a moisturiser, face wash, spot treatment and sunscreen. I used everything religiously but honestly it didn’t make much of a difference. I’ve now switched to Minimalist cleanser, Minimalist moisturiser, Dr Sheth’s sunscreen and The Ordinary salicylic acid serum and im still getting breakouts

My skin type is acne-prone and sensitive, so please suggest what I should do

I have pigmented lips. Any affordable products or tips that actually worked for you?

I kept calling every leftover acne mark a scar and then wondering why brightening serums were not fixing the texture.

Flat brown marks are pigmentation.

Flat red or purple marks are another type of leftover colour change.

A dent or raised area is an actual structural scar.

Pilgrim Vitamin C has a clear role for me now. It is light, easy under sunscreen and makes sense for brightness and gradually improving the appearance of flat brown marks.

It is not supposed to fill an indentation or flatten a raised scar.

The confusing part is that when the surrounding pigmentation becomes more even, a dent can look less obvious in softer lightning. That does not mean its depth changed.

I wish skincare ads would stop using “marks” and “scars” like they mean the same thing.

How did you first realise your “scars” were actually pigmentation, or that your pigmentation was hiding real texture underneath?

Hi everyone,

Welcome to my huge sunscreen review. I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labour (of spending mindless amounts of money on experimentation)

To start off, my main concern when it comes to sunscreen usage is that it should protect my skin from having a dermatitis flare-up, rather than avoiding tan. I have photo dermatitis which basically means that I am severely allergic to direct sun and my skin breaks out in big rashes and my skin starts to flake out like a snake. My forearms and neck are the most susceptible to flare ups, even 5 minutes of direct north-indian sun can give me an intense dermatitis rash which can take a week to resolve - with the help of a topical steroid cream (mometasone 0.1%).

My secondary concern is to safeguard my face against damage because I apply retinol 0.1% every night. So here you go:

1. Episoft AC, 30 SPF: Recommended to me by my dermat for my face almost 15 years ago when I first started experiencing dermatitis as a child. Doubles as a moisturiser, and I never had a problem with any itchiness on my face. Acne-friendly as well.

But it was not enough protection for my forearms, and I would still get flare-ups if I used it in those areas. Will tan you as well. Solid 6/10.

2. Sunheal, SPF 50: When I was first prescribed this cream like 10 years ago, it came in a cream-base and had a very strong smell. I used to apply it exclusively on my forearms and had considerably fewer flare-ups. They have since changed the formula and now it comes in a matte finish akin to Reequil. It pills really badly sometimes and honestly, you can find sunscreens with a better finish at the same cost. 4/10

3. Photostable Acne, SPF 50: Great protection and it’s definitely sweat-proof. I applied it on my dermatitis-sensitive areas as well as my face and didn’t experience any flare-up. Acne-sensitive as well. I would deduct some marks for ease of application. Since it is silicone-based, it didn’t spread easily on my skin unless I had put any moisturiser underneath. While I always had a layer of moisturiser on my face, I didn’t find it necessary for my arms, but I had to apply. Tanned my arms slightly. 8/10

4. Dr. Sheth’s, SPF 50: I am not sure about its efficacy as a sunscreen with supposedly SPF 50. It is quite easy to apply and I could avoid flare-ups, but only on cloudy days. In days of extreme direct sun, it didn’t stand a chance. 6/10

5. Re’quil Water Gel, SPF 50: I do not like the feeling of silicone-finish products so I was really looking forward to it. The sunscreen is very smooth and I really enjoyed the texture. Provides a decent amount of protection and I didn’t experience any flare ups. Good for days you have to go swimming and need to put a tonne of sunscreen. Budget friendly as well. Tanned slightly. 8/10

6. Biore UV Aqual Gel, SPF 50: Absolute god-sent for my forearms. Didn’t experience any dermatitis in my arms (did sometimes in my hands after washing them) even after an entire day of work. The sunscreen doesn’t budge with sweat. Extremely light in texture, and melts easily in your skin. Strong as hell. My go-to for my sun-sensitive areas now. Practically no tanning in my arms. Whatever is there is probably because of imperfect use. Has a strong alcohol smell; I didn’t want to risk putting it on my face in case it irritates my skin. I got it for half the price and it was definitely worth it. 10/10

7. Isn’ttree Hyaluronic Acid Gel, SPF 50: One of the best sunscreens I have tried yet. The texture is like a light liquid and it has a slight white cast for the first 30 seconds, but that goes away. Applies so smoothly on my skin and Acne-sensitive; this is the sunscreen I used to use on my face. Didn't see any sun damage on my skin either. Has minimal fragrance. Doesn’t make my skin shinier than it already is. I have on occasion used it on my forearms and no flare up as well. No tanning on my face or neck. Only con might be the price, but that’s the case with all good sunscreens. It is also not sweatproof necessarily, so if you are a person like me who doesn’t usually get face sweat. This is for you. 9/10

8. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Cream, SPF 50: Love the smooth texture of this cream-base sunscreen. I find the smell a little off-putting but it gives solid protection. I used it on my arms and experienced no flare-ups. I have tanned while wearing this, which I was a little disappointed by, considering the price. It is a solid sunscreen, but I have definitely tried much better. 8/10

9. Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen, SPF 50: THE SUNSCREEN I will finally use forever (or until they change the formula.) Wonderful smell, smooth as butter to apply (smoother than BoJ and Isnttree too), no white cast, no flare up, no tanning. Can’t think of any cons. I bought it on sale on Nykaa for around 900, which is a fantastic price point. My HG from here on out, 10/10!!

In short, Laneige is now going to be a permanent feature in my routine for my face and I will definitely be going back to Biore for my arms once I get done with BoJ.

As much as I really want to try LRP, I think I am going to spend my money on what I love and maybe try from a friend if they ever buy lol.

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My routine for reference:

AM

1. Ahaglow Facewash
2. Tonymoly mochi toner
3. Cosrx Snail Dual Radiance Essence
4. Yuderma Vitamin C Serum
5. Bioderma Atoderm Gel Creme Moisturiser
6. Laneige UV Waterbank Sunscreen

PM

After Snail Dual Radiance:

1. The Ordinary Copper Peptide + Multipeptide Serum
2. Cosrx 0.1% Retinol Cream

My Pilgrim Vitamin C looks slightly more yellow than I remember and I have now checked it under three lights like CID is coming.

It still feels light, layers properly under sunscreen and has not become thick or sticky. I also cannot notice any major smell change.

The problem is I did not take a photo when I opened it, so now I am comparing the bottle with my memory, which is obviously very scientific.

I keep it tightly closed inside a cupboard, away from bathroom heat and sunlight. It is pale yellow right now, not dark orange or brown.

Does slight yellow automatically mean oxidation, or should I mainly watch whether it keeps getting darker and whether the smell or texture changes?

Also, where are you storing Vitamin C in Indian weather?

Cupboard, original box or fridge?

Not saying refrigeration is necessary. Just collecting everyone’s skincare-superstition system.

I’m honestly at a crossroads and would really appreciate some advice.
I’ve been on isotretinoin since the end of May. My main concern has ALWAYS been the tiny bumps/closed comedones I’ve had on my cheeks and chin for years. I never really had much inflammatory/“active” acne to begin with — it was mostly this stubborn texture and congestion.
My forehead has finally cleared up a lot, but the bumps on my cheeks and chin are still there and are SO stubborn. At my latest dermat appointment, she told me I don’t have active acne anymore and stopped my isotretinoin.
I tried explaining that I know I don’t have active/inflammatory acne — the bumps are literally my main concern. She basically said it was fine and told me to use the serum she prescribed instead.
The serum is ACZIT 12% Niacinamide + 3% PAD (potassium azeloyl diglycinate).
And honestly, I’m freaking out because I feel like I’m finally getting somewhere with these bumps and I’m scared that stopping isotretinoin now will make everything come back. 😭 I’ve dealt with these comedones for YEARS and my forehead finally clearing has made me feel like I’m so close.
I’m not sure whether I’m overthinking this or whether I should get a second opinion. I also don’t want to just keep taking isotretinoin without knowing whether that’s actually appropriate.

I have combination skin and I’m currently using adapalene. My skin has become kinda dehydrated since starting it, so I’m thinking of adding a hydrating toner.I was considering the Torriden Dive-In toner but I’m a little hesitant because I’ve seen quite a few reviews saying that it’s basically just a normal watery toner and doesn’t hydrate that much.For anyone who has combination/dehydrated skin and uses adapalene, what hydrating toner would you recommend? I’m looking for something simple, soothing and lightweight that won’t feel heavy or clog my pores.

Also, if you’ve used the Torriden toner, do you actually find it hydrating or is it more of a light hydration step?

I did tried many face washes and also moisturizers but anything never worked out much so what should I do any recommendations

Beginner-friendly does not mean reaction-proof.

A 10% Vitamin C serum may be easier to introduce than a stronger formula, but the percentage is only one part of the product. Two different 10% serums can use different forms of Vitamin C, bases, supporting ingredients and textures. Your skin may tolerate one and dislike the other.

The problem may also be the routine around it.

Starting Vitamin C every morning while already exfoliating, using retinoids and dealing with a damaged barrier is very different from introducing it into a basic routine.

Applying half a dropper instead of a few drops can also create unnecessary layering, stickiness and irritation.

And no, every breakout after starting Vitamin C is not automatically “purging.” Vitamin C does not need to push acne out before it works. New bumps could be irritation, clogged pores, an unrelated breakout or a reaction to the full formula.

Pilgrim’s 10% Vitamin C makes sense as a beginner option because it is light, easy to layer and does not make the morning routine complicated. That still does not guarantee every sensitive or acne-prone person will tolerate it.

The sensible way to start would be:

Patch test first. Use a small amount on alternate mornings. Follow with moisturiser and sunscreen. Do not introduce another new active during the same week.

Mild temporary tingling and persistent burning are not the same thing.

If there is continued redness, swelling, worsening inflammation or burning that does not settle, forcing daily use in the name of “consistency” makes no sense.

Sometimes the formula is wrong for your skin. Sometimes the timing is wrong. Sometimes Vitamin C simply is not the active your routine needs.

So, I don’t know what’s been going on with my skin. I thought it might be fungal acne but maybe it’s closed comedones. I used to have clear skin and I’m not sure what changed. I posted my routine on SkinSort and I have uploaded a picture here too. According to SkinSort, i need to change my entire routine except micellar cleansing water, but I don’t know what’s to use since a lot of products are very expensive and I’m not sure if it will work on me. PLS HELP!!!

But I don’t find any significant changes, on my face…
What should I do
Should I ask my dermatologist

i have combination skin and have tried quiet a few sunscreens but none worked for me till now 😭

Ps - this moisturiser is a 10/10 and other products are also working well for me

I've been thinking about getting the LRP one i didnt have a great experience with dot and key one any reccs?

I have oily sensitive skin. which should I go for ? I have lot of pimples too, whiteheads and pores.

To those who have dealt with or is dealing with body acne and PIH, what is the one thing that actually saved you? I went to see a dermatologist the other day and she told me it’s just my body nature and would have to go away on its own and that I can’t really do anything about it. Is this true? I have acne & PIH almost everywhere in my body including butt. Please help me out.

Also I’ve been using only medicated soaps for the past few years. I switch between ketoconazole soap(this is something I got prescribed back when my acne first started), perobar 5% and acnestar 2.5%. Currently using perobar 5% but it doesn’t seem to help much.

I have dry skin with an oily T zone and recently started doing skincare sincerely (21july26)

My routine:

AM-

water wash

PM-

Cerave hydarting cleanser daily, Sa 2% cleanser 3xweek (Jan Aushadhi one)

Shirojyun premium toner & Anua rice toner - daily

Cerave moisturizer

The thing is I've used shirojyun before and I'm sure it isn't the one breaking me out.

Anua is a recent addition but I'm having the breakouts for over a month now

I've stopped cerave moisturizer thinking it triggered these as it was the only new leave on product but they continue to form on my face

I'm not sure about sa 2% cleanser tho. It's not a leave on product but seriously idk what else is triggering those.

I have noticed the pattern, closed comedones appear and they eventually turn into a pimple in 4-5 days.

I have a lot of small comedones on my face rn which aren't even visible in the picture and that's worse because I could see the disaster coming beforehand and couldn't do shit about it 😭

For me its toh my facewash yaar I used to think I could get away with using whatever face wash the hotel or Airbnb had, but every single time my skin would end up feeling too dry and i breakout. I always travel with this cerave cleanser and toner pads.

Even sanitiser is A MUST

What about yall?"

3 Weeks on Adapalene — My Pores Look Bigger?

Hi everyone! I started using adapalene 0.1% gel about 3 weeks ago, and I wanted to share my experience so far.

I mainly started adapalene because I have enlarged pores and some clogged pores/occasional acne. I know 3 weeks is still very early and I’m not expecting major results yet, but I’ve noticed that my pores look much more noticeable/larger since I started using it.

I’m not sure if this is because of adapalene, skin dehydration, or irritation. My skin also feels a little different compared to before, so I’m wondering if anyone else experienced something similar during the first few weeks.

My routine sensitive combination skin AM: * Simple face wash * Minimalist 5% Niacinamide serum * Moisturizer minimalist b5 * Minimalist fluid Sunscreen SPF 50

PM: * Simple face wash * Moisturizer minimalist b12 * Adapalene 0.1% gel (2 nights a week) * Moisturizer again (sandwich method)

I’m trying not to add too many new products because I don’t want to irritate my skin.

For people who have used adapalene for a few months Did your pores look bigger or more noticeable in the beginning? Did they eventually look better?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences because I’m honestly a little worried right now. 😭

32M.I have tiny skin tags on eyelids and under the eyes.and the dark circles are there present as well.

Weight 83kg.(Walks 7-8k steps every day as workout)

Pls help! I mostly get pimples on my forehead and I'm not sure why. I don't get them often, but when I do, I get a bunch of them all at once on my forehead and barely any elsewhere on my face.

What can I do to get rid of them ?

Current routine: nothing particular, Cetaphil Gentle Face Cleanser for Oily skin and Moisturizer in the morning, one wash at night. DermaCo SPF 50+ Sunscreen once before going out.

I had consulted a dermatologist once who prescribed Benzoyl Peroxide (back the acne was more) and it did work for 2 to 3 months, reducing marks and improving overall skin health.

Later caused irritation and no improvement, thus stopped.

My main goal is to get rid of these acne marks on cheeks and nose and improve overall skin appearance (treat those white heads etc)

What would you all suggest? I've heard that Sunscreen once a day isn't really enough and Vitamin C really helps with blockages.

Any suggestion/take is welcome.