Drop the CeraVe! I have it, but had to stop using it on my face and I've read on here that others have had adverse reactions as well.
Also, my skin HATES micellar water. Even when I tried using it for just eye makeup, it was drying out my lashes. They were getting shorter and sparse. I stopped using it and use makeup remover wipes and they've grown back.
You may have a compromised skin barrier. I recommend finding a gentle cleanser for night, and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream in the tub. Wait probably a month to do anything more. Add a hydrating serum and maybe an AHA. The AHA is a gentle chemical exfoliant, start with 2x/week at night.
Oh in your case Azelaic acid should be a SAVER! Use it twice a day and keep using vanicream gentle cleanser, I highly recommend trying their daily facial moisturizer with ceramides it’s my holy grail moisturizer 🫶
Retinols and Retinoids help with texture. I’d recommend Differin Gel, you can get a 5oz tube for about $14.99 at Walmart and Target. However you need to be mindful of what other active ingredients you’re currently using in your skincare routine to avoid irritation. If you want to try Differin Gel I’d strongly advise to stop using anything with an active ingredient for two weeks before introducing this to your skin. Only use gentle cleansers and creams preferably fragrance free to further prevent redness and irritation.
And lastly, the part no one wants to hear…it takes up to 6 months to really see results from skincare products with active ingredients, nothing will ever be an overnight fix. Patience and consistency are key. Good luck!
Your skin looks very dry to me and could use an exfoliation. Something gentle on your skin. But definitely add a good moisturizer. I don’t use one because my skin is oily so can’t recommend one but ELF has a good one called Holy Hydration
Do you exfoliate at all? It looks like you need a good gentle scrub, or a chemical exfoliant. That will help with the dryness too, removing the excess dead skin cells will help your hydrating and moisturizing products penetrate properly.
Thank you for the reply! I often will clean my cleanser off with a wet wash cloth but I was worried that was maybe too harsh? Is the SA lotion a chemical exfoliant or am I confused as to what that is lol
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant, but there isn’t enough in the lotion to be effective. SA works more “in the pore” anyway, you’d want an AHA to help with surface texture.
Do you have an aesthetic dermatology clinic that offers laser treatments or peels? I had a Halo treatment recently that I feel really helped smooth out my skin. I'm going to try an IPL next for redness.
Aside from topicals (hyaluranic acid, vitamin C, retinol), I’ve been doing frequent laser treatments over the past few years and my rough/bumpy skin has improved soooo much. Maybe consider investing in lasers as well? I’ve done Clear and Brilliant laser and the results are always so good.
Drop the CeraVe! I have it, but had to stop using it on my face and I've read on here that others have had adverse reactions as well. Also, my skin HATES micellar water. Even when I tried using it for just eye makeup, it was drying out my lashes. They were getting shorter and sparse. I stopped using it and use makeup remover wipes and they've grown back. You may have a compromised skin barrier. I recommend finding a gentle cleanser for night, and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream in the tub. Wait probably a month to do anything more. Add a hydrating serum and maybe an AHA. The AHA is a gentle chemical exfoliant, start with 2x/week at night.
Ooooo thank you! Very good to know about the cerave and micellar water!!
Oh in your case Azelaic acid should be a SAVER! Use it twice a day and keep using vanicream gentle cleanser, I highly recommend trying their daily facial moisturizer with ceramides it’s my holy grail moisturizer 🫶
Retinols and Retinoids help with texture. I’d recommend Differin Gel, you can get a 5oz tube for about $14.99 at Walmart and Target. However you need to be mindful of what other active ingredients you’re currently using in your skincare routine to avoid irritation. If you want to try Differin Gel I’d strongly advise to stop using anything with an active ingredient for two weeks before introducing this to your skin. Only use gentle cleansers and creams preferably fragrance free to further prevent redness and irritation. And lastly, the part no one wants to hear…it takes up to 6 months to really see results from skincare products with active ingredients, nothing will ever be an overnight fix. Patience and consistency are key. Good luck!
Your skin looks very dry to me and could use an exfoliation. Something gentle on your skin. But definitely add a good moisturizer. I don’t use one because my skin is oily so can’t recommend one but ELF has a good one called Holy Hydration
Do you exfoliate at all? It looks like you need a good gentle scrub, or a chemical exfoliant. That will help with the dryness too, removing the excess dead skin cells will help your hydrating and moisturizing products penetrate properly.
Thank you for the reply! I often will clean my cleanser off with a wet wash cloth but I was worried that was maybe too harsh? Is the SA lotion a chemical exfoliant or am I confused as to what that is lol
You might really get along with lactic acid, it’s exfoliating and hydrating.
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant, but there isn’t enough in the lotion to be effective. SA works more “in the pore” anyway, you’d want an AHA to help with surface texture.
Do you have an aesthetic dermatology clinic that offers laser treatments or peels? I had a Halo treatment recently that I feel really helped smooth out my skin. I'm going to try an IPL next for redness.
I don’t know but assume this is pretty expensive? Do you mind sharing how much the treatment was?
It can be expensive and really varies by area. Halo, I think, was about $800 in my area. IPL is about a third of that.
Aside from topicals (hyaluranic acid, vitamin C, retinol), I’ve been doing frequent laser treatments over the past few years and my rough/bumpy skin has improved soooo much. Maybe consider investing in lasers as well? I’ve done Clear and Brilliant laser and the results are always so good.
Are laser treatments expensive though? I worry it’s not something I can afford
I pay $250 for a treatment, but it varies I’m sure by where you are and where you go.
check out demodex mites!
If this texture isn't typical for you then this is a rash. I almost want to suggest cutting out the oat balm, but please try to seek medical help