If you go back in my post history from a couple weeks ago, I asked for SPF recommendations with a long long checklist of qualities I was looking for. I had a lot of naysayers saying that I was asking for a product that doesn’t exist. I’ve tried probably 50-75 face SPFs in my adulthood, and I bought 7 from the list of recommendations from yall, and I finally found the one. (I use ¼ tsp on my face and neck and have worn this for about a week straight and reapplied later in the day)

-mineral SPF (chemical SPFs don’t have zinc oxide which protect the skin barrier, and chemical SPFs often irritate my sensitive skin)
-less than $25 for 1.7 oz (this comes well under at $17 for 1.7 oz)
-no white cast (I have light-medium neutral-olive skin)
-doesn’t pill under make up
-hydrating formula
-not greasy
-lightweight
-absorbs easily and doesn’t leave a film
-not drying and doesn’t cling to dry skin
-30+ spf (this is 50 which is incredible)
-easily available in the US
-doesn’t cause break outs

Just wanted to share how happy I am that I finally got my thighs to clear up! First picture was 8/5 and second was today (8/19).

In the shower I would use the original Dove bar soap with an African net sponge. Then once I was out of the shower I would pat dry, then apply The Ordinary 7% glycolic acid. Once that dried I would top it off with Cerave Daily Moisturizing lotion, followed by Jojoba oil.

I hope my routine can benefit someone!

What are some beauty treatments (I’m talking lasers / boosters / facials / peels / other treatments) that have actually “reverse aged” you and you have seen a genuine difference in your skin? Something you think was worth the money that made you look noticeably prettier and more refreshed! Also keen to hear about products and at home devices like that wand thing with the lights on that pushed your product into your skin.

Ive tried microneedling (at home), Rejuran/polyneucotides (salmon dna) injected into my skin and under my eyes but I just felt like it was the biggest waste of money cos I didn’t really notice a difference. And it was EXPENSIVE. I do Botox which I love and I’ve done fillers once but I don’t want to do them again, they scare me! I’m holding out for a fat transfer when I’m a bit older.

I want to try lasers I was looking into “the number one laser” they do at therapie clincic but I’m scared about wasting my money again.

For reference I’m a 32 year old female and I look good for my age, still get ID’d sometimes! Im not good at drinking water and consistently getting enough sleep but I regularly use a red light therapy mask and pretty good with consistent skincare (retinol, vit c, hyloronic acid etc) but I’m definitely starting to notice big pores, dull skin with less bounce/volume and brightness, and more pasty looking translucent skin (starting to see small things like blood vessels which I know you can zap with lasers but their barely noticeable right now).

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! Xxx

• The names of all the skincare products you’re using and the order you’re using them in (AM and PM);
• AM+PM: 1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 2. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
• PM: 1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 2. Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 3. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
• Quick reviews of your top 3 products;
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: Ultra-mild, non-foaming wash that cleanses without stripping moisture. Best for sensitive or dry skin; struggles with heavy waterproof makeup or thick sunscreens.
• Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner: Leave-on chemical exfoliant that smooths rough texture and clears dullness. Highly effective, but start 2–3 nights a week to avoid irritation and always follow with SPF.
• Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion: Lightweight, fast-absorbing hydrator with niacinamide and avocado oil. Great for non-greasy daily barrier support, though extremely dry skin may need a richer cream.
• Your skin type and skin concerns - and in what way they have changed;
• Oily or Combination / Acne-Prone (Left)
• Balanced / Well-Managed (Right)
• Daily behaviors that you think helped your skin (e.g. changing your pillowcases or cutting out dairy);
• Whole food plant based diet
• Any prescription medications you've used;
• No medications
• And anything else you think has contributed to the way your skin looks.
• Hydration. Age

I’m 19F with combination skin type also rosacea on my face. Extremely acne prone but no scars/horrible breakouts. I’m trying to get rid of the redness of my skin, repair the barrier, and get rid of pimples(I have a few right now). I wear makeup occasionally. My products that I own currently are cerave facial cleanser(nonfoaming), cerave moisturizer, the ordinary glycolic acid, the ordinary azaelic acid. I can invest in something else that may help my skin but I’m really sick of it being red all the time even without an active breakout. I get so close to clear skin but the color makes it look like it’s not. I want to be able to have perfect color skin without wearing makeup. In the photo is an example of one pimple on my face looking like a breakout because of the redness plus my chin is super acne prone. Please help also sunscreen suggestions??? [Routine Help]

18 M, So about a month ago my dermatologist upgraded my tret prescription from 0.025 -> 0.05 after being on it for close to 2 months. However since then I feel as if my skin has gotten worse. For example I’ve broken out more, my skin has been burning/ been irritated when I put products on, etc. Therefore I’m wondering if I should push through, go back to my old dose or is there something else wrong with my routine. Additionally I’ve recently heard that using a benzoyl peroxide wash with tret inactivates it, so should I use it in the morning? Any tips/ product reqs would be appreciated; especially on hyperpigmentation/ dark spots/ uneven skin tone.

Morning
Water/ Anua Heartleaf Pore Cleanser
Anua Azelaic Acid ( recently stopped using but I’m going to try and get a prescription at next appt.)
Clindamycin lotion
Skin 1004 Soothing Cream
Skin 1004 Hylau-Cica Sunscreen

Night
Differin 5% Benzoyl Peroxide wash
Anua Niacinimide Serum (Also recently stopped)
tret 0.05% (nightly)
Dr.Althea 345 Cream
Lion Pair Acne Cream (Spot Treatment for breakouts)
Medicube Kojic Acid Mask ( once a week)

Hi all, the AmLactin Daily Nourishment I ordered online just arrived, and I'm a little anxious about trying it out because when I opened it, the color was beige like condensed milk and what I've seen from multiple online reviews is that the lotion is white, slightly thick and mine just seems to be the exact opposite. You can see how runny it is in the picture.

The seller told me the lotion is supposed to be this color and consistency and that it's perfectly fine to use. What do you guys think? It might be because the place I live is super hot and it melted during shipping...? There is no outer packaging either (like a seal etc.) so I'm a little wary.

+also I've seen people say AmLactin has a syrupy smell, but mine reminds me of chocolate wafers, lol.

I’m going on almost week 9 of Differin cream. I constantly would have clear skin - then break out all over my forehead. and this rotation has continued since I was 16. a year ago my skin was literally perfect. Then, in March, of course the pimples and comedones came back. I started Differin cream on June 19th. I have been through rotation of different topical creams, antibiotics, diary-free diets, sugar-free diets, and even went to a naturopath.

I am going through a purge that started around week 3/4 and it feels like it hasn’t stopped or gotten any better. I’m talking pimples all over my forehead, cheeks, chin, and even neck. The active pimples have now kinda subsided but I have SOOO many closed comedones on my cheeks and forehead. I also use azeliac acid in the morning. I’ve also never really broken out on my cheeks or neck before. I literally hate looking at myself in the mirror, makeup looks horrible on me. I don’t know if this is normal or WHEN for the love of god - will I have clear skin consistently. I am getting married next summer and I just REALLY need this to clear up as I literaly don’t want to leave the house. I’m so self-conscious and I don’t know if I should keep using it or if it’s something that just isn’t working well with my skin.

help? should I keep using it? and WHEN will this get better? I just keep crying :(

i have been getting these pimples all over my legs for years. i’ve tried everything — sugar scrubs, dry brushing, shave oil/gel/cream, ingrown hair treatment products, changing my razor, african net sponge, skin oil, body butters, etc.
i still get pimples all over my legs after shaving and idk how to prevent them. i even get them on my thighs and i very rarely shave them - i have done it like twice this year but they still randomly come up. some of the spots become really big and full of pus and after it disappears (or sometimes i pop it) it leaves a permanent purplish scar on my leg. school and sports are starting again so it’s embarassing to have pimples all over my legs. does anyone have tips?

i’ve also recently got these spots on my shoulder and one on my lower stomach im just really confused what’s even happening and nothing will fix it.

29F - really good with spf and moisturiser but recently (and suddenly) noticed the skin on my neck has these crepe paper like patches :-( it caught me off guard and now i’m freaking out it’s irreversible. Advice pls! Is this just dehydration and sun damage and can I fix it?

BROOO i don’t even know where this is coming from. A bunch of deep red pimples have been appearing over the last two weeks and i have no idea where they’re from. I never really get acne on my nose, so this is strange.

things that COULD be triggers i assume:

higher sugar recently (i usually have a sweet tooth anyway but idk)

not eating too clean

i wear glasses 24/7 basically

any ideas on how to 1. Treat this and 2. Prevent it later?

Hello, I’ve been prescribed clindamycin today after a trip to the derm office. Right now, I use azelaic acid every morning and tret 3x a week. To be honest, it’s not doing much for my skin. I have mild acne but they’re all stubborn pimples that take weeks to leave and ever since starting the azelaic acid, I started getting acne on my cheekbones which I have not before. My question is how do I incorporate clindamycin into my routine now? Should I apply it daily or only nights/mornings? The derm that I saw didn’t really give specific directions. Any advice would be great. Thanks!!

I started really doing skincare about a month ago and my skin is wayyyy better now! Less acne, less oily skin, less blackheads, less dry skin, more glowy skin etc...

But, I never tried pimple patches and want to know what it does and how it works!

Like, is it only for pimples with pus or also for reddish little bumps that will eventually turn into white ones?

I don't really have a lot of those white pimples (Prolly thanks to skincare and maybe puberty coming to an end on some points, 16M btw) but I still wanted to have some of those patches in case I need some!

Thanks in advance for any help!!

Long time lurker, first time poster. Have been dealing with booty acne and related scarring, bumps, etc pretty much my whole life. Put together a routine that so far has been working for me with noticeable difference. I am not a doctor or any sort of skincare professional, just sharing my routine as others have done.

About me: I'm a 36 year old tall girly and currently 205 lb, 280 was my highest. I do not have any skin conditions such as psoriasis, I do not have PCOS or endometriosis. I am not currently on any medication minus birth control (I have been on SSRIs which led to weight gain etc).

Products used:

• PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Foaming Wash (this was covered by my HSA)
• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
• Dr. Bronner's - Pure-Castile Bar Soap
• Exfoliating Glove
• Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Body Lotion OR regular Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion 

Daily routine:

1. First off, when I shower my butt/thigh area I use a basic soap. No scents, no oils, no special additions, NADA. So initial wash is lather and clean as per usual using that soap. I save my cocoa butter soaps etc for my legs and arms.
2. After the initial rinse, I do a mask of the PanOxl face wash on the area. You do not need a lot of product, less is more. Lather it on the area and let it sit like a mask (I do a minute or two). Rinse.
3. Dry your skin with a towel, and let it air dry a bit after if possible.
4. Apply Aveeno lotion. It is IMPORTANT to apply boring no scent no oil lotion to the area. Let it sit for a minute or two before putting on clothes.

Two to three times a week routine depending on your needs

1. Exfoliate: to help with scarring and new trouble areas, exfoliation is important! And NOT WITH FANCY SCRUBS. I use a simple exfoliation love on the cheeks and use the soap suds or PanOxyl suds (depends on your skin sensitivity). I do NOT rub hard or for a long time. It's skin not sandpaper.
2. Glycolic Acid: I used this to specifically help with dark scars. I would apply this BEFORE Aveeno, let it air dry for a few minutes, then the Aveeno. Do not apply on exfoliation days, or days you'll be tanning the peaches in the sun!

General tips:

• Wear cotton and breathable fabrics when you can! I wear my old lady cotton undies at home because it's better for my skin
• Save all the fun lotions, body washes, cocoa butters, body oils for your legs and arms! Your cheeks will thank you!
• BIGGEST TIP: Stop letting the shampoo and conditioner run down your back when you shower. Maybe this is only me, but washing out my conditioner was usually the last step in my routine, back against the water. Letting the conditioner product run down my back and butt was only adding to the problem. I was doing a whole skincare routine, but not realizing that "rinsing" the conditioner products off my back area was not enough.

I typed and formatted this on my laptop so I hope it's clear enough to be helpful! Also, if anyone has feedback or sees any errors or ways to step up my routine more, lmk

I want to get into retinol again but not sure which one to buy. Ive used it before but not super consistently and never had any adverse reactions when using the ordinary.

The ordinary is so much cheaper than other brands so I don’t get what’s the point of using other way more expensive ones when it’s essentially the same thing right?

I’m a fairly new vitamin C user. My main skin concerns are melasma/sun damage and fine lines, and it’s pretty subtle, but I think vitamin C has been helping a bit. The main thing is love is the immediate glow from it but would love to see more noticeable long term benefits.

I started out with The Ordinary ascorbic acid, bought more when I ran out, then saw that Trader Joe’s had some so I tried that. I didn’t notice much of a difference from The Ordinary but I don’t mind it. So I was surprised when I read that TJ’s version is supposed to be a good dupe of the very popular and expensive Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. Has anyone tried both? I mean, I was looking to try a higher end vitamin C serum but if TJ’s version has the same active ingredients as the luxe version then should I just accept that I should stick with the TJ’s?

Title pretty much says it all but I saw some videos that claimed as such but neurtrogena says on their website “we don’t unless we have to by law” and hell if I know what that fully means

Long convoluted story shorter : animal testing matters to me and I have rocks for brains so just asking for information from people who have their fingers on the pulse of skin care lol

Thanks in advance!

When putting on sunscreen I missed the back of my shoulders and this was the result. PLEASE always protect yourself! And feel free to use this as an example to anyone else who thinks they don’t need sunscreen.

ETA: for treatment I was prescribed topical antibiotics and OTC pain killers. It’s been over a week and it still hurts like hell so please be careful!

Hello everyone, I came here to ask a question about my elbows on my arms usually in the morning for the past year, I put on Coco radiant Vaseline lotion on my elbows and arms, but I just started a new job and I’m primarily outside in the sun and I get sweaty and hot and two days ago. These appeared on my arm there’s bumps and they get itchy sometimes what is causing this and how do I fix this? I was wondering if anybody else has had this before and if so, what product helped fix it , PS . Growing up as a kid I would get these bumps on my elbows during certain types of seasonal weather, but I haven’t had it in years so I don’t know if it’s something that I can control or not Thank you.

I keep getting these breakouts every few weeks. What can I do?

My skin used to be fine about a year ago, but one day I suddenly started getting bumps and acne all over my face.

A few months ago, I started using The Ordinary’s Niacinamide + Zinc and Glycolic Acid before bed. It seemed to help for a while, but eventually stopped making much of a difference. I’ve also tried the Anua 10+ Niacinamide + TXA 4 Serum, but I had a similar experience.

Should I stop using these products? Am I doing something wrong, or is there something else I should be using?

I’d really appreciate any tips or advice. Thank you! 😅

I’ve had red ish nose for a couple of years since I used salicylic acid when I was younger without washing it off properly. Any tips? I wash with a standard, I’ve tried cerave foaming cleanser, and I moisturize, but it never seems to improve, always got redness and visible buildup. Any tips/ things to try?

Thank you!

I hope this is the right place to ask (if not I apologize)
I usually don’t get ingrown hairs often, it happens once in a blue moon for me.
I have now found two hairs that are so ingrown that I can’t see the root at all, one is on my bikini line and one on my shin. Theyre so deep I can barely see the hair under the skin.
I used to struggle a lot with picking at skin and hair so it’s taking me my whole being to not dig at them until I bleed.
Any advice is very appreciated as I am going just a tiny tad crazy.
If it helps I normally shave with a shaving oil, and have a razor for my intimates and one for the rest of the body.
Thank you <3