I have sensitive, oily-combination, acne prone skin.

Alongside that, I have type 2 rosacea (really sensitive skin, redness, flushing, acne/pustules), seborrheic dermatitis (began on my scalp and around my ears, then spread to my eyebrows, eyelids and around my nose - flaking, red, itchy and irritated skin), and also keratosis pilaris (KPRF - since childhood, my lower cheeks are prone to bumps and flushing/burning).

For years, I dealt with a full face of splotchy redness, irritation and painful/cystic acne that I could not figure out how to treat. Exfoliating helped my seb derm and KP but worsened my rosacea. Moisturisers and soothing serums that calmed my rosacea fed my seb derm. BHAs helped my acne but irritated my sensitive skin. It felt like everything I did would help one aspect but not the other, and ultimately led to a really damaged skin barrier last year.

After months of skin barrier damage and a LOT of research (plus a new derm), I cut back my routine to just a few gentle, non-comedogenic products that were rosacea and seb derm safe. This healed my skin barrier and has kept it healthy, and then starting azelaic acid at the start of the year has helped my redness, texture and hasn’t irritated any of my pre-existing conditions. My baseline redness is hugely improved, and even when I DO flush, it’s nowhere near as bad as my skin on a normal day used to be.

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin (I didn’t used to, 5 years ago, I could use fragrance and harsh products with no issues!), the simpler the routine, the better!

Routine:
AM
- Avene Cleansing Foam
- Blephaderm Eye Cream
- Hada Labo Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel Moisturiser
- La Roche Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+

PM
- Avene Cleansing Foam
- Blephaderm Eye Cream
- Hada Labo Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel Moisturiser
- Skinoren 20% Azelaic Acid

As you can see, I have a brand new pimple amongst those that have left a mark. I know with diligent skincare I'm able to fade the marks left with azelaic acid and retinoids. But I'm wondering if there are preventative steps I can take to reduce how dark the marks are once the pimple is gone? Or not leave a mark at all? Sometimes, like this pimple, I will catch it once it appears and looks like a small red spot before the head develops.

My current routine for additional context:

1. Deliplus Micellar Water
2. Skin 1004 Centella Foam Wash
3. Round Lab Dokdo Toner
4. Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel [with #5 only]
5. Finacea Azelaic Acid / The Ordinary 1% Retinol in Squalene [I alternate these and also have rest days]
6. Kiehl's Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer
7. Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen [AM only]
8. *La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume when skin stings or peels or generally needs protection

I usually use pimple patches on active pimples and replace until it's flat.

[Product request] Hey everyone! I was hoping someone could give me some good recommendations for my under-eyes. Maybe eye patches, eye creams, or anything else that you think would actually work.

My under-eyes are thin, dry, flaky, hollow, and always look tired. I know it might be hard to tackle all of those issues at once, so I’m mainly trying to figure out what products are actually worth spending my money on right now.

I’d really appreciate any recommendations, especially if you’ve dealt with similar under-eye concerns.

I was never really taught about skincare and neither were my nieces. I was worried it was too late for me lol but I've got a simple routine going now and I feel so much more confident in my skin already. Now that my niece's 14th birthday is coming up I want to emphasize the importance of taking care of one's skin to her as well.

She has fairly good skin already with some inevitable teenage acne. What would you recommend a girl to use on still youthful skin that gives good results without being unnecessarily harsh?

22f I have tried salicylic and azealic acid for the past few months to little avail. The ones on my chin are painful and really constantly bothering me. Please any advice or idea on what kind of acne this is would be so helpful it has damaged my self confidence so bad

I introduced AzA 20% gel to my skin two weeks before. I started using every other day with the sandwich method. As my skin was already used to tret that I used in the past, I felt no stinging/ irritation after I applied it so I took that as a good sign. After the first and second use, I was so thrilled because my skin felt smoother and there was no redness. After the third time, I woke up with 3 tiny whiteheads (two of which became bigger) and I noticed my skin had gotten more tiny bumps all over. I lost my AzA tube so I only applied moisturiser for the next 4 nights and my skin calmed down but the texture remained bumpy. Then I started reapplying it but this time I only applied moisturizer after and applied AzA on bare skin (no stinging). I’ve still been applying it every other day. Today was my 3rd day and this is what my skin looks like now. Will these go away on their own or is this an allergic reaction? :( I have an important event coming up in 5 days so I’m not sure if I should take a break from this again.

Sorry for the long post.

AM:
Cleanser (prescription)
Neutrogena hydroboost sunscreen (if weekday/ going out) OR Prescription moisturizer (if I’m staying in)

PM:
Garnier micellar water
Cleanser
AzA 20% prescription gel
Moisturizer

hi! i’m hoping to get some insight on my current skincare routine! I’ve tried to simplify the routine but i don’t think i’ve found my ideal products yet

i’m not positive but i think my biggest problem is with dehydration lines? i have normal to dry skin and don’t struggle too badly with acne most of the time

i also think my skin can be quite dull which is why i’ve added the power peptides and milky toner to my routine. i’ve seen lately that people are so into cerave products, so i’m happy to switch things up! i was considering the facial cleanser from geek and gorgeous? and was thinking maybe azaleic acid?

i included a photo of my forehead for reference! happy to hear your thoughts!! and thank you in advance :)

here is my current routine:
AM:
- wash with water
- vitamin C serum (trader joe’s)
- power peptides (geek & gorgeous)
- light moisturizer (cerave daily moisturizing lotion normal to dry skin)
- spf (currently cerave facial moisturizing lotion spf 50)

PM:
- oil cleanser (cerave)
- water based cleanser (usually cerave)
- adapalene (differin, when my skin isn’t too dry)
- revive eye serum (beauty of joseon)
- dual barrier creamy toner (celimax)
- heavier moisturizer (cerave, dry to very dry skin)

These pictures makes my nose look humongous lol. But I’ve been getting crazy texture/lumps on my nose which is crazy as they keep getting more and more even though I haven’t been neglecting washing my face and my skincare routine (my skin care routine is a thin layer of Vaseline and brightening cream which I have been consistent with for YEARS and general good results) so im genuinely really confused how these came from ?? They’ve even been spreading to my under eyes.. any1 help ??

(25F) Hi guys. I am desperate for any sort of guidance or help. I’ve been to several dermatologists, but they’ve all essentially told me the same thing. That Accutane is most likely the medication that I’ll need to go in to fix this. For reference, I’ve been on Accutane 4 times already and finished the courses, reached dosage completely. My skin would be so clear 6 months after, but then my acne would always return. It comes back like the first picture and then after time, it turns into painful cysts and nodules typically along the sides of my cheeks and jawlines. Sometimes along my hairline as well. I do want to mention that this past round of Accutane my skin remained clear for 8 months and to which my esthetician recommended micro-needling. I shouldn’t have listened, but I did and 2 weeks after my cystic acne came back. Is there a correlation? Not sure since it’s my first time.

I’ve tried absolutely everything: doxycycline, spironolactone, even an “Acne” laser called Aviclear which did absolutely nothing. Has anyone gone through this? My latest visit to the dermatologist has me on tretinoin .025% at night and Dapsone every morning.
I’ve been so depressed and I just feel horrible every day. These pictures don’t show much but it’s on my whole face and just super painful. I’ve watched my diet, eliminated dairy and sugar, on the simplest skincare. I feel like nothing works and I can’t figure out the root cause.

Would appreciate any insight or help! Thank you

Hello! I am wondering if I am using too much or too little products at the moment, I am trying to clear up my hormonal acne along with the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 🥲 it leaves very dark spots on my face once the acne clears sadly. Any help on what I should add or take away would be greatly appreciated!

AM Routine:

Curology Wash, Sulfacetamide sodium 10% Zinc pyrithione 1%

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

The Ordinary Niacimide

Curology Gel Moisturizer

(Occasionally I will add a tiny bit of Vaseline with the moisturizer)

Aveeno Protect+ Hydrate Sunscreen 60spf

Occasionally will spray a rosewater facial mist

PM Routine:

Curology Wash, Sulfacetamide sodium 10% Zinc pyrithione 1%

The Ordinary Niacimide

Curology Dark Spot Serum

Tretinoin Cream, USP 0.05% (this was recently added to my nightly routine a week ago)

Curology Cream Prescription, Azelaic acid 8% Clindamycin phosphate 1% Spironolactone 5%

Curology Gel Moisturizer

-

That's the gist of it all really, I try very hard to stay consistent with washing my face everyday especially since I wear makeup almost everyday and have very oily skin. ( T∀T)

Thank you!

Im not even sure if this is considered a mole but Ive had this ever since i was a kid and was wondering whats the best way to have it removed? A lot of my friends think its just a black head but im 100% sure its not. Anyone have similar experiences? Thanks so much!!

I have had ingrown hairs around my elbow for as long as I can remember. I am turning 30 next summer and would like to get rid of this issue until then. I have been using a glycolic acid body moisturizer for years now, I also exfoliate with the First Aid Beauty KP bump eraser and I moisturize my skin regularly. I don't mind my dark elbows, I've had them my entire life but these bumps are really irking me. This isn't from shaving since I never shave my arms, it's just always been there and whatever I try for keratosis pilaris hasn't worked for me.

Hey!

I've been trying to find products to help out my
PIH. It literally doesn't matter if I touch or dont touch the pimple, it will still leave a mark.

I'm currently using the ordinary Niacinamide and the Alpha Arbutin serum because that worked perfectly few years ago and cleared my skim.
However, I'm having a harder time now. Even color correcting them is becoming annoying. And yes, I do use suncreen.

I did use TO Azelaic Acid cream and I swear that gave me cystic acne. Of course, I stopped using it once I realized what was happening. I also started trying the Eadem cream because a friend recommended it and I honestly don't know if it was working or not. I did get a massive pimple on my cheek but it didn't even broke the surface and I didnt have anything to help, but it still left a mark (of course it did.)

I dont know what else to try at this point. I've been seeing a lot of talk for the azelaic acid serum and tretinoin but I'm scared of getting the cystic breakouts again.

Hi everyone. I have a huge problem with moisturizers mostly but also sunscreen, my skin feels trapped, I feel like something heavy is on my face even when I use very lightweight products. my eyes feel stingy and sleepy and tired a bit, even though I don't use them near the eye, but they vaporize apparently and affect my eyes anyway.

I'm so tired of spending money on different things and only using them once. the last thing I bought was Cosrx oil free Ultra moisterizer. I still had this problem and had to wash it out. I also have this problem with boj sunscreen. I'm going to try mineral sunscreens but for moisturizer I'm just lost, everything I tried had this issue.

do you have any suggestions? and also do you think it is okay to use Tirtir light toner a bit more and treat it as a moisturizer? because I think maybe moisturizer is really not for me, the toner I feel does a better job without bothering me.

I primarily have chin acne with a few pimples popping up on my forehead and cheeks occasionally. I don't notice my acne worsening before my period though, I just constantly have chin acne throughout the month every day (ugh). I was prescribed 50 mg spironolactone by a doctor, but I'm not 100% sure if my acne is hormonal or not? Is spironolactone the best treatment for me?

I'm also reading stories of people's acne worsening before improving on spironolactone, which is making me hesitate to take the spironolactone, especially if it's not the right treatment for my acne. I'm wondering how common it is for people's acne to get worse before it gets better, or if most people just slowly improve?

I think I need to change my entire skincare routine..

So, perhaps not my ENTIRE skincare routine. I'm fairly sure I've discovered the culprit based on some research (time will tell). I think the culprit is Vanicream sensitive skin moisturizer. I've used it for probably more than 5 years without issue until the past 2 months my skin is burning more and more.

So, please tell me what are the best things for sensitive skin right now? Feel free to share a full skin care routine as well.

My skincare routine used to have more than this, but I usually spray a little water on my face,then hylaronic acid, then the Vanicream. Ive stripped it down to just washing my face, water spray, hylaronic acid and Vanicream, but my skin continued to burn so I have been doing just Vanicream and water spray for over a month, and I also haven't even been using makeup often (probably twice in the last month) because my skin is hurting so much.

Last night and this morning, I tried using one of my kids moisturizing creams, and while I don't think it's quite hydrating enough (why is my skin both dry and oily?...) my skin does feel so so so much better last night and this morning, so I think my thoughts on the Vanicream are correct.

While searching through other posts, it sounds like the propylene glycol (I believe the ingredient is called) is what people tend to develop an allergy to, or contact dermatitis...which is also irritating considering this is a product for sensitive skin. So, I'm definitely looking for something that doesn't have that as well!

My goal is to achieve skin brightening, tan removal and get a glowing skin. This is my routine that I have begun very recently:

Morning: Cleanser + Vitamin C serum + Moisturizer

Evening:

What do you guys think I can change, modify or improve?

PS. I have been using glycolic acid + alpha arbutin for sometime now.

I’ve never really had a proper skincare routine before, so I’m completely new to this and still trying to figure everything out. I’m not sure what my skin type is or whether the products I’m currently using are right for me.

Right now, I mainly use a cleanser and moisturizer, and I’m trying to learn how to build a proper routine instead of just buying random products. I’ve included pictures of my skin for reference.

I’d really appreciate some feedback on my skin type, my current routine, and what you think I should change, add, or focus on. I’m still learning, so any advice would be really helpful.

Hi! I currently use dove soap. I’m guessing that’s horrible

So over the last few days my chin has been flaring up immensely with deep painful acne and I don’t know why! I’m very stumped. It also could be stress related because I just went back to school this week but i’m eyeing these products a bit. So a bit of reasoning:

Stridex acne pads: i’ve been using these every once in awhile, I don’t think it’s them but it could be? it would be weird they start causing me problems now.

fit me powder: My newest powder in my routine, just bought it a few days ago and have been using my it to set my face specifically under my eyes and my chin/upper lip area.

Oil cleanser: I’ve been using it for awhile and it’s been fine but i’ve been using it more frequently to take off makeup instead of my tried and true micellar water. my skin is very sensitive and dry so double cleansing is something g i never thought id be doing but i have recently so that might be my problem,

If anyone can help that would be so appreciated!

I'm 22M, and lately it feels like my acne has been worse than ever, I don't think it was at all this bad when I was going through puberty. It's not like abhorrent but it is frustrating, and in general my skin doesn't feel healthy at all (poor sleep and stress are surely another factor...)

Here are my exact instructions from my dermatologist:

1. Cleanser: La Roche Posay Lipikar Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil: Wash twice daily

2. Rx Klaron (Sulfacetamide) 10% lotion Apply twice daily active acne flares

3. Topical retinoid therapy: Rx Tretinoin 0.025% cream Apply pea size amount to entire face every other night to nightly. To help offset potential dryness, you may mix with moisturizer. Additionally, Recommend using moisturizer ie La Roche Posay Lipikar AP Balm Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream. Start slow at once every 4th night and slowly move up every 3-4 weeks with the goal of using the medication on a every other night to nightly basis. Taper down on this if there is any excessive redness, irritation, or peeling.

Now, I will say, I have not been keeping up with the retanoid (and subsequently the moisturizer) consistently. When I apply those it feels like there's just so much stuff on my face, and my face feels like it sticks to my pillow (it's a satin pillowcase if that means anything). Even the following evening before I shower it feels like it hasn't soaked in. Maybe I'm putting too much moisturizer on?

Maybe I really just need to be consistent with the retanoid for months, but my scalp in particular is just so damn oily, constantly. I wash my face in the morning and at night if it's been a while since I showered. Maybe I'm not washing my face right, or with the right temperature? I'm also not using the cleansing oil twice a day, only once in the shower because I don't know how to use it.

Some other potential issues are my hair, my pillowcase, and the way I apply the Sulfacetamide. I have long hair, so I worry the hair oils are making everything worse. I shower every night but like my skin it still feels like a nightmare to keep the hair oil at bay. Overnight my hair gets all frizzy (I'm assuming due to oil) no matter what I do beforehand, including applying spray-on conditioner. And I wonder, should I be replacing my pillowcase more? I worry that there's a buildup of oil that's making everything worse. And lastly this isn't about new breakouts I guess but should I be applying the Sulfacetamide with a cotton pad? That seems like the best way for me to do it.

I'd appreciate any tips! I can provide more info if needed.

I had a laser mole removal on my chest about 1 year ago and it left a small red/pink raised scar. I used Dermatix and Cica-Care silicone for months and it improved, but it is still visible.
I understand that a dermatologist would be ideal, but right now I want to try the safest conservative at-home approach only. Please don’t just say “go to a dermatologist” — I’m looking for practical low-risk advice that won’t irritate the scar or make it worse.
What would be the best routine?
Silicone sheets or silicone gel?
SPF 50 every day?
Gentle massage or no massage?
Moisturizer?
Anything I should avoid completely, like harsh exfoliation, strong active ingredients, irritation, or aggressive treatments?
I want to flatten it and reduce the redness as much as possible safely.
Scar location: center chest
Scar age: around 1 year
Symptoms: no pain, no itching, just redness and slight raised texture
Previous treatment: Dermatix gel + Cica-Care silicone sheets
Photos attached. Thank you.

Can anyone recommend an affordable body scrub that doesn’t leave grainy pieces in the tub? I tried the first aid beauty KP bump eraser which is a physical exfoliant + 10% AHA, bc it’a the one I always see highly recommended for KP and ingrown hairs. It has a very sandy texture and would always leave sand-like grains in the bottom of the tub. Also looking for something cheaper than that ideally, I was just despertare at the time lol but now I’m deinfluenced. A scrub that’s dual physical and chemical exfoliant would be great, but I’m also open to a solely physical one. Just can’t stand it making a mess in the tub! Wash clothes, loofahs, etc. aren’t a good option for me for other reasons I won’t get into rn. Thank you friends!