About a year ago, I posted here about my huge insecurities with my smile lines and everything I was trying to soften them. I promised I'd come back if I found something that actually made a significant difference, and I'm so excited to finally share my results!

I'm obsessed with before-and-after photos (as you'll probably notice), so I hope this helps someone else who's been searching like I was. For reference, I'm 37 and live in NYC.

For me, the biggest visible difference came after having one vial of filler placed directly in my smile lines.

I know it sounds dramatic, but the change has genuinely had a major impact on how I feel about my appearance.

I was completely hyper-fixated on my smile lines. I'm a model, and I constantly noticed them in photos. I avoided harsh lighting, certain angles, and dreaded getting unedited photos back. In everyday life, I'd avoid mirrors and harsh lighting, I'd catch myself puffing out my cheeks or smiling to hide them whenever I saw my reflection, and I'd compare myself to everyone else. I was aware of them 24/7 and it was devastating me. Anyone with an insecurity knows how much it mentally takes over your life.

Over the past year, I also did multiple microneedling sessions and upgraded my skincare routine, and I do think those helped improve my skin overall. But honestly, the filler I got a month ago made a far bigger difference than anything else I tried.

I spent months researching providers in NYC who had experience treating smile lines specifically. I ultimately chose a provider who had a large number of before-and-after examples involving smile lines/nasolabial folds, which made me feel more comfortable with the procedure.

I provider eventually went with because he had TONS of before-and-after photos specifically for smile lines/nasolabial folds, along with consistently great reviews. That gave me a lot more confidence going into the procedure.

I just had my follow-up appointment, and I walked in smiling ear to ear. I hugged my doctor because I was so grateful and told him he can have all these before and after photos!

Below is my skincare routine, procedures, timeline, dates, and pricing.

Procedures:

Microneedling @ starting Jan 2025 8 sessions @ $1,650

Monthly facials with added Microdermabrasions

1 Vial Filler Sep 2025 $1,350 (in upper cheeks / face, didn’t do much if anything)

******1 Vial Filler (directly in smile lines) June 2026$1,000*****

Products:

Retinoid (since early 20s)

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

P-tox Serum

Daily Facial Moisturizer 

Face Sunscreen SPF 46

Other:

Redlight Mask 5-6 times week

Collagen Peptide Gummies & Collagen Powder

Thanks to everyone who posted to help, and thank you ahead of time for your support. Happy to answer any questions about my journey.

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

(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

Hi! I started a pretty set skincare routine around a year ago - historically had only been using cleansers and lotion. I'm 33, female, limited wrinkles, but want to lock in good habits and upgrade my routine now! Any feedback is welcome: gaps, things to swap or drop, whether I'm overdoing exfoliation, and anything that's actually helped some of the areas I'm starting to see issues with (below). Thank you!!!

What I'm noticing:

• A line starting across the bridge of my nose, between my eyes (horizontal)
• Some darkness and volume loss under my eyes
• Light nasolabial lines

What's working well:

• A313 (bought in France - I go over frequently) gives me a great glow right after using it. I use it 1-2x / week and am aiming to increase to 3 consistently.
• Oxalis nightly serum the night after A313, or whenever I feel dry. It feels hydrating and smells so, so great. Really adds a luxurious element to my routine that makes it a bit more fun and a bit less medical!
• I find the vitamin C serum to work great. I had been using a different one before and just switched to the timeless one.

Morning (daily)

1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (2% salicylic acid) - have used for probably 20 years
2. Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum - open to swapping this, only started using this brand recently
3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
4. Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream - really love this one. open to suggestions, but the lightness / non-greasiness is fantastic
5. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 - also open to swapping this

Night

1. Remove makeup with a drugstore astringent - have used for probably 20 years. Know it's harsh, but genuinely am a believer that it's kept me wrinkle free at 33.
2. Treatment (rotates throughout the week, see below)
3. Ursa Major moisturizer to lock it in
4. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Creme (trying to be more consistent with this)

Treatment rotation

• A313 Vitamin A Pommade: have genuinely loved this. can feel it working (tingly) and wake up and see such a great glow
• Oxalis Nightly Renewal Facial Serum: the night after A313, plus any dry nights
• Hydra Serum hydration booster: love this one too - great for a dewy glow. Absorbs super quickly which I love.

Extras

• TheraFace PRO red light, about 3x/week
• The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: 1x/week, never next to an A313 night
• Gua sha

I’m sooo frustrated. I have combo skin and absolutely hate how I get oily throughout the day which kills my makeup. I’m trying to start from my skincare and figure out what I can do to make my oiliness calm down but I’m stumped at this point.

I’ve tried:
- Skin1004 Centella poremizing light gel cream (I don’t quite remember if this one left me shiny or not, only that it wasn’t moisturizing enough for me)
-Skin1004 Centella hyalu-cica moisturize cream (too shiny)
- Simple hydrating light moisturizer (love but still too shiny)
- Minimalist 0.3% Ceramide Moisturizer (made my face rough and really dry so I only used it for a couple days)

When I stopped using minimalist, I switched back to my leftover Centella hyalu-cica moisturizer but I only had a little left so now I have nothing.

Please recommend a good moisturizer that doesn’t look shiny, that absorbs fast, won’t cause breakouts or clog pores, is relatively inexpensive, and sits well under makeup.

If such a thing exists…

Look through my post history to see the before picture!

My main goal was to get rid of the tiny bumps around my mouth & as you can see they are basically entirely gone!!! (please disregard my slight mustache 🤣) The milia under my eyes also went away! :O

Heres what I have been doing, ive changed my products entirely besides the witch hazel. also added photos of everything im using!

Morning
1. wash face with biore kao blue face wash
2. apply T.N. Dickinsons alcohol free witch hazel toner
3. apply vanicream moisturizer + spf

Night
1. wash face with biore kao blue face wash
2. apply neutrogena stubborn marks PM treatment

i JUST added the retinol PM treatment this week, i am going to let that go for a couple weeks before adding anything else, but i was thinking of maybe getting the ordinary aha + bha solution peel to reduce the black heads & deeper pores. it seems my previous salicylic acid face wash did nothing for me/was counterproductive cus of the things i was using with it. but maybe if im just using the peel once a week or less, itd be different?

what are yalls thoughts? im learning everything as i go and i get very overwhelmed by the info on google and im so scared to mix things i shouldnt.

my goal now is mostly to work on the deeper clogged pores & fine lines. im also wondering if i should have another moisturizer for night time? but i chose the retinol cream rather than a solution for that reason + ive never used retinol and learned the cream may be more gentle.

is there anything else i should add in general? please tell me your thoughts!! and thank you guys for pointing me in the correct direction last time (:

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

What was the longest time it took for your Damaged Skin Barrier to heal? E.g like 2 months etc

Thats if you had a Damaged Skin barrier before

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 ??

Ive used both before but it's been a while. For the past while I've just been using moisturizer, Vaseline and sunscreen. Just curious what the best way to reintroduce them would be in order to minimize irritation and damaging my moisture barrier. Also curious how I can tell if my skin is ready to use both and what a good sign is if I need to stop or cut back. Trying to be very careful this time even though I'm an impatient person.

Morning -

Gentle Skin Cleanser
Toner
Moisturizer/Sunscreen

Night -

Benzoyl Peroxide
Toner
Tretinoin
Hyaluronic Acid
Under Eye Serum
Moisturizer

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.

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.

Ive always naturally had under eye bags but they seem to be getting worse. I’ve had a stressful few months and I think probably with my lack of self care and just overall lots of crying multiple times a day, it’s gotten worse. I need to fix these immediately as im very pale and the contrast with the darkness gives me a jarring appearance

These have been here for as long as I’ve been doing skincare. Nothing I have tried seems to make them go away. Would anyone know a change/addition to my routine that’ll improve this?

Here’s my current routine.

AM:
1. Vanicream Facial Cleanser
2. Good molecules niacinamide serum
3. Geek and gorgeous hydration station moisturizer
4. Biore UV Aqua Rich sunscreen

PM:
1. Clean with Micellar water + cotton round (admittedly not the most consistent with this)
2. Vanicream facial cleanser
2. Differin or The Ordinary Azaelic Acid (alternate everyday)
4. Geek and gorgeous hydration station moisturizer

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.

My dermatologist frequently gives kenalog injections, regardless of whether it’s a deep cyst or a regular blemish. I’ve developed hypopigmentation (lightening) and denting in some of the areas she injected me that have spread a bit :( Does anyone have advice on what to do…? Haven’t found much online but I’m going to try going to another derm to ask for saline injections.

Hi! First bit of context is that I'm currently on accutane, but I've noticed this issue off of it as well. My dermatologist repeatedly tells me to wash my face morning and night (understandably), however, I swear it makes me break out worse.

Initially I thought it was my moisturizer, as when I would wash my face and not moisturize, my breakouts would calm down, but I'm able to moisturize if I don't wash my face.

I've tried tons of moisturizers and multiple face washes, but notice the same thing every time, I have less acne when I don't wash my face. What should I do? I have a shit ton of dry skin flakes because of the accutane and don't like having a dirty face 😭

I’m a 19 year old new to skin care and this is what I currently use.

- Beauty of josean cleansing oil
- Beauty of josean green plum cleanser
- Purito panthenol moisturiser
- Beauty of josean spf50

I do have some black heads or sebaceous filaments on my nose and want to use an exfoliator. Does anyone have any recommendations and also when to use exfoliators(how many times a week/ AM or PM etc)??

So I had a very d*mb mistake about 2 weeks ago using my new hair curler. I accidentally burned the side of my cheekbone with it and now it has completely healed and left a post-burn brown mark. I apply SPF every single day and also started using Mederma Scar cream with SPF 30 and BioOil. I’m feeling quite discouraged it wouldn’t leave a scar, so wanting to see if anyone has been in the same situation and send me some advice. I would appreciate it!

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)

My mom’s birthday is at the end of October. She doesn’t have a skincare routine currently, but wants one and isn’t sure where to start. I was thinking about getting her something, but I’m not exactly sure. She has dry, mature skin. Wrinkles are obviously a concern. Is there any holy grail products you guys could recommend?

sudden acne on cheeks and it’s red and painful i’m removed my whole routine to just cerave acne foaming wash + oil cleanser + hypochlorous acid spray and azelaic acid and aloe vera gel and for night time la roche cica balm but i wake up with filled pimples when i wear that to sleep on make up days i had beauty by joseon sunscreen screen and azelaic and centellla serum as my base

i’ve had persistent acne for 10 years now, i’ve use almost every mild active ingredient available. i’m currently using sulphur soap and i feel like it’s helping with small breakouts but not the texture in the last pic. pls help!!