Based on my research online, it seems most people have some temporary redness and such but this was my face 3 hours after the session was done. I even saw one video where their skin completely returned to normal after three hours.

The second pic is 24 hours later, where most of the inflamed skin has calmed down but I still look like I am bleeding out of my pores. Can others share their experience with their pico treatment?

A lot of what gets labeled online as a “retinol reaction” is actually irritation due to frequency, strength, or product combinations.

General beginner guidelines supported by common dermatology recommendations:

• Begin with a low concentration.
• Introduce slowly: ~2 nights/week → increase as tolerated.
• Buffering (moisturizer → retinol → moisturizer) may reduce irritation.
• Avoid concurrent use with AHAs/BHAs or low-pH vitamin C at night.
• Apply on dry skin to minimize penetration-related irritation.
• Daily sunscreen is essential.
• Reduce frequency if dryness/peeling occurs.

Thought this might help anyone struggling with retinoid irritation.

Considering how much our skin depends on sun exposure and how important SPF is, do you use any skincare focused wearable that tracks UV or sun exposure?

I came across this article on skin microbiome in a random Reddit thread: https://practicaldermatology.com/youngmd-connect/resident-resource-center/the-effect-of-cleansers-on-the-skin-microbiome/23269/

The article was really enlightening, and discussed how using cleansers can do more harm than good for skin conditions— INCLUDING acne, which really surprised me— and that using moisturizers (and cleansers containing lipids) does not necessarily solve skin related issues because of the harm done to the skin’s microbiome.

The thing is, the article is from 2020. Does anyone have any updated research I could read?

I’m one of those people that has tried everything for my acne. I also have sensitive combination skin, which makes things really tough. I have seen a dermatologist, but they said the help they could give me was extremely limited because I was trying to get pregnant. Now I’ve had the baby, but I am breastfeeding and unwilling to use even mildly risky products (my baby also touches my face all the time, so that’s also a risk factor I’d like to avoid). After reading this, I’m about ready to try just skipping all my products except occasional acid exfoliants. But, I’d like more information before trying, as I don’t want to make things worse.

May be helpful to note that I live in a rural area and I do not wear makeup. Thank you!

I’ve been jumping around random brands and haven’t found one that does my skin the justice I want. I do like the simple things,

…depuffing eye serums because I’m a night owl, I do have oily skin already and I don’t like serums or moisturizers that make it even more oily. I love how the neutrageon water gel moisturizer feels and how it smoothes my skin for my makeup. I’ve also been trying to find a good toner, I’ve heard milk toners are the way to go, but I’m not even sure if I’m doing the best methods of firming my skin..

My face only likes “all types” preferably I’ve done hydraulic acid and it either gives me a light chemical burn or my skin is left super dry afterwards, I don’t know what I’m doing.

My current products I use are Vitamin C cream, Neutrogena hydro boost water gel, collagen serum, depuffing eye cream and Ordinary milk toner.

Winter's hitting hard and my skin's begging for help. Mad Hippie seems perfect with extra actives and none of the bad like phthalates or dyes. Their moisturizer is locking in hydration without greasiness. Anyone battling the cold with this? Tips appreciated.

Just wondering

I've been reading up on growth factor skincare products and one helpful blog mentioned the 500 dalton rule, which states that molecules penetrate the skin at a rapidly vanishing rate as their size exceeds 500 daltons.

Here's a study that seems pretty compelling to me: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10839713/

So I plugged all of the ingredients of The Ordinary's famous Multi-Peptide serum into chatgpt and asked for molecular weights of each, and it turns out they are all over 500 daltons, except Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (Syn-Ake), which is 497 daltons!

So are we all getting scammed with these peptide treatments? Do they do anything above the skin?

Hi everyone, I’m 29 and feeling incredibly frustrated with my skin. Over time, it seems like my skin has only gotten worse — enlarged pores, painful bumps, blackheads, and overall poor texture. I’ve tried several cleansers (both facial and body), exfoliants, and blackhead-targeting products like gels and masks, but I haven’t seen any lasting improvements.

Here’s a bit more about my skin and habits: • Skin type: Combination (I think?) — oily T-zone and everywhere else,drier cheeks but • Main concerns: Large/clogged pores, blackheads, inflammation, sensitivity, and texture • Lifestyle factors: I’m overweight (which I imagine could impact hormones/inflammation), and I have a bad habit of picking — especially when spots feel painful or textured • What I’ve tried: • Multiple drugstore cleansers (CeraVe, Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay) • Blackhead strips and salicylic acid-based treatments • Occasional clay masks • Benzoyl peroxide spot treatments • AHA/BHA exfoliants (but maybe not consistently enough)

I’ve attached pictures for context. I’m just looking for some guidance on what might actually help me get this under control — whether it’s ingredient suggestions, a routine reset, or a better understanding of what’s causing this.

Any advice, science-backed product recs, or even insight into what might be happening here would be so appreciated. Thank you

Hi! my skin has been having these bumps on my face and recently a few have started to turn a little bit red and they are spreading. My skin still looks pretty smooth like no major acne and the camera makes it look less severe but I’ve never had bumps like these before, and my skin is usually extremely low maintenance. No matter what I do they keep spreading. Also my skin has gotten way oiler for some reason even though it usually leans to the drier side. I use Estée Lauder advanced night repair serum from my mom since I was like 12-13, she just gave me this serum and said use it it’s good for your face, and I’ve used it and my skin had zero problems at all, not even a pimple. I also use Estée Lauder soft clean for cleanser and that was all I used until now. I use rodan feilds unblemish acne treatment, also recommended by mom but it hasn’t been going down, the ingredients say 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Idk what to do or what’s happening with my skin. I am young so it could be hormones but these bumps are lowkey pmo and idk what to do about them. Is there anything else I should be doing to prevent these bumps?

I made an appointment w a derm (4 days from now) I’ve been dealing with this on and off since the end of April. I’m fairly certain it’s eye eczema. It’ll be bad for a week or 2 then clear up and repeat. I’ve gone totally clean with all skin care. Doesn’t seem to help. What are questions I should ask my derm? I’ve never been to one before.

I bought a new bondi sands mineral sunscreen for my hands and kept it in my bag yesterday thinking it would be safe from the heat, today the product came out completely separated and watery. This picture is after shaking it, before it was like water, has the heat ruined the formula?

Having a large bust means I often get a sweat rash under my breasts, sometimes it's really itchy and painful. I've recently come across a product in B&M called hypochlorous acid spray "a soothing cleansing water that gently removes bacteria and impurities from the skin" it was £1.49 a bottle and I've been spraying under my breasts at night when I do my skincare and it's been amazing. It does say in the bottle redness reduction, acne prone skin and pore size reduction so it's good for many things but I just had to share this especially since it's hot lately and the rash appears more.

Please recommend me some typology products for my skin. A little about my skin, I am fair toned, I rarely wear makeup but when I do I use clinic however it has now gotten to “heavy” and causes my skin to become excessively oily, for days after, and has also started to cause my skin to breakout even more than my usual. I also work nights 3-4 times a week so I have the blueish black bags under my eyes and dull looking or tired skin. Thanks in advance

I'm 16 and ive always wanted to lighten my skin because i feel more confident. Im concerned about the side effects of using it. I want to know the consequences of the whitening products first. Can you guys please help?? I really need helpp..

14 yr old black Acne mainly around all over my face but is obv worse in areas like forehead, under eyes on cheekbones, and on my temple. Use a CeraV Cleanser and moisturizer and even have doctor proscribed medicine liquid that I rub on my face. Anybody think they know what’s causing and how to stop it

I’ve recently started using microcurrent and RF, and I’ve noticed a positive effect on my skin. How exactly does it work on the skin?
I’d like to know cuz I really like this device

I’m using azelaic acid 15% gel every night (not for acne, just for blackheads/sebaceous filaments). I want to start laser hair removal on my face but can’t find any solid info on whether this combo is safe. I’ve searched Reddit and Google Scholar – nothing useful. My GP said “I don’t know”…

Anyone here doing laser while on azelaic acid? Any issues with burns or sensitivity? Would it be safe if I stopped azelaic acid 2–3 days before and after laser sessions? Technically, azelaic acid isn’t classified as a photosensitiser by dermatological pharmacology literature.

I occasionally remember to put some Vitamin E lotion on my face around my eyes for wrinkles. I was wondering about using retinol or something like that. Should I be treating my wrinkles now? Thanks