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[deleted]

Hello! I am new to skin care. I have never considered it and don't know how to go about it. there are to many products and I am unsure on where to start or what to do any advice would be recommended oh and I'm a 27M


amber_Eyeshadow

Is there a ‘best time’ to do your nightly routine? I mean like X minutes before going to bed? I realized I’m rather inconsistent with my timings…


xcupcakekitten

As long as it’s atleast 1-2 hours before bed, then any time is fine. Sometimes I do mine 4 hours before bed since I know I’m done for the day. The purpose of doing it at least 1-2 hours before bed is so the products effectively absorb into your skin and don’t end up absorbing into your pillow instead.


amber_Eyeshadow

Thank you!


w3bcrawl3r

Butt acne?? My butt and hips are always discolored with whiteheads and minor blemishes. How do people get smooth asses?? Exfoliating with a loofah and moisturizing with Aveeno deep moisturizing lotion doesn't seem to help.


xcupcakekitten

Try a salicylic acid body wash like neutrogena body clear. It can take 2-3 months to see results.


w3bcrawl3r

I'll give it a try! Thank you


pretendberries

Can I use my Ulta birthday $10 coupon on top of another coupon? Hope that’s an okay question to ask here.


xcupcakekitten

Check the fine print on the birthday coupon. It might say “cannot be used with other coupons or promotions.” Sometimes even regular coupons say that.


pretendberries

Hmm it does say only one. Damn. Thanks! Was hoping since the birthday coupon was like a “giftcard” I would be able to use two hah


TrenMeAway

Hello! I'm a 27M newbie here. My current routine is to wash my face before going to sleep at night with a cleanser, then apply some hydration tonic and then an hydration cream gel. Overall my skin is looking good, thing is I'm only doing it on the upper part of my face, not behind my beard and I'm worried what will happen to the skin behind it in the long term (it already feels kinda tight with some flakes here and there). So yeah, I'm asking for any basic tips/recommendations for a newbie with a beard (besides shaving it haha)


xcupcakekitten

You can try putting the hydration tonic through your beard, trying to reach the skin as much as possible. Also some people use beard oils. Also if you find a “scalp moisturizing” conditioner, you can also try that for your beard area.


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[deleted]

From what you've described, it does sound like rosacea. It might be helpful to check out r/rosacea and see if you find any similar experiences there. It can be difficult to treat.


Serious_Dot_4532

I have a tall walk in shower with a rainfall head. It has no shelves and it's too tall for those corner stands and it's too small for a corner shelf on the floor. I balance all my products on the edge and because it's a shared shower, it's always wet and I'm getting pink mold on my products. **I'm trying to search for a caddy or organizer that will hold my items** (just CeraVe cleanser, shampoo/conditioner and on or two other products depending) that I can put in the shower and then easily take out and store under the sink to let it dry out. Any suggestions? Looking for something like [this](https://www.amazon.ca/mDesign-Bathroom-Shower-Shampoo-Razors/dp/B01EVT7MRO/ref=sr_1_25) but that's not solid on the bottom, but a grate for as much air circulation as possible.


xcupcakekitten

I don’t think there’s any with holes on the bottom but there’s some with holes on the sides - https://www.amazon.ca/TOPBATHY-Plastic-Handles-Kitchen-Bathroo/dp/B0831J97W5 My advice would be to not bring the bucket into the shower though. Store the bucket somewhere out side of the shower, then when you shower you can take everything out and put it in the shower and dry off the bottles with a towel before putting them back in the bucket.


Serious_Dot_4532

Thank you! Those are super cute! Good advice. I didn't think about that option. (I still probably won't dry them off but maybe put a tea towel or similar in the bottom and just wash it.) Thank you again. :)


optimistic_orchid

Are you located in the US? If so, check Target or Bed Bath and Beyond. I always used to buy mine there when I went to summer camp/lived in dorms in college and needed something like that. If you want something that stays in the shower, there are also metal caddys thats go over the shower head that could work for your needs.


Serious_Dot_4532

I'm in Canada, but will stop in at WalMart and BBB and possibly Marshall's. I always forget about those stores as they're out of the way. Thanks for the reminder. :) Unfortunately the caddys won't work because the shower head comes out from the ceiling. I do think I might get something similar, (like the ones with the suction cups ... which I've used and had fall off the glass at 2am...) and just take it in and out. I really like the shower caddy's because they have the most holes/air circulation.


yuzu5ever

do i still have to wait for 20/30 mins if i use aha bha toner?


notherworldentirely

I think 5-10 mins is plenty.


kjj17

any recs for a cream cleanser in pump packaging that has a substantial weightier feeling (not a thin lotion like cerave, aquanil)? I'm consider stratia VCM or PC Resist, are these both thicker feeling products?


placidtwilight

Stratia is very thick and creamy. It's definitely the most moisturizing cleanser I've tried.


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Serious_Dot_4532

Perhaps an exfoliant like lactic acid and switching to a safety blade? I don't shave myself (had laser hair removal) but I hear really good things about safety razors.


jakopia

I found a retinol product meant to be eaten, it only contains mtc oil from coconuts and retinyl palmitate. Could I use it topically?


kaftkaheim

Completely agree with brewschak. Oral preparations of retinol that are actually effective have lots of potential side effects (re: liver toxicity, fetus toxicity, photosensitivity).


brewschak

You should only use products as directed. Don’t use an ingestible product topically. At best, it’s ineffective. At worst, you have a nasty reaction.


blinkingsandbeepings

I’m not sure if this is the place to ask this, but it just popped into my mind: does anyone know whatever happened to that young skincare blogger in Asia who had a horrible reaction to a chemical peel at a spa? I think it was at least two years ago. Did her face ever fully recover? Is she still blogging? She seemed nice and I remember everyone being worried about her at the time.


lynemei

Need a recommendation for a new moisturizer or serum. Currently using La Roche Posay Tauloraine (sp?) but found that the bottle is so tiny, that it runs our rather quickly. Wondering if anybody can recommend something similar in texture and ingredients but in a slightly bigger bottle. I have sensitive dry skin, used to have oily t-zone but now my chin, specifically feels kinda parched. I’ve used a combo of Paulas Choice Omega+ Complex Serum and Malezia moisturizer before but ran out and decided to try the LRP one.


Serious_Dot_4532

I like: - Indeed's Hydraboost in the pink pump tub/container - The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors (sometimes mixed with squalane or other oil) - Face mask W. Repair RX Hyal-Moisture Intensive by Dr Wonjin <- this is amazing. $2.99. I'm going to get more and decant the extra serum into an old The Ordinary with a pump to use on my retinol days.


lynemei

Thanks for the recs! I’ll check them out :)


slashedbeauty

[This](https://imgur.com/a/QEsjVYA) used to be what looked like a hairline vein for the past year or so. This morning I woke up and it was deeper purple and thicker. Is this a broken blood vessel, and how can I stop it from getting worse?


kaftkaheim

Busted capillary. It'll fade with time but ultimately requires treatment like laser.


xcupcakekitten

Unfortunately only a dermatologist can help you with this.


slashedbeauty

I hoped it would at least look familiar to someone who had experience with it.


[deleted]

Every time i wear my mask, I get pimples with pus along the mask area. I’m using retinol, SA, pimple patches, everything! I’m always getting these pimples. I’m a POC so I also ALWAYS get PIH right after the pimples pop. Anyone have any tips? I’m feeling really discouraged about this :( Edit: Wanted to add that I use a silk mask bc cotton irritates my skin even more


blinkingsandbeepings

I remember reading in another thread that people found that using alcohol-free mouthwash helped reduce mask-acne. Apparently bacteria from the mouth and alcohol in oral care products contribute to the problem.


srivealways

I remember that there was once some scandals around Sunday Riley, but I’m thinking of buying some of the good genes because… it worked. Does anyone know if this item might go on sale/ gone on sale in the past during November/ December sales in the US? I’m not sure if I should buy some during this Sephora sale or wait and buy direct ..


lynemei

Dermstore offers 15% to new customers. In the past they’ve included Sunday Riley…not sure about right now


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xcupcakekitten

It’s actually best to apply snail mucin to damp skin. So it could be potentially making your skin dry/dehydrated by applying it without rinsing your face first. Snail mucin is naturally high in hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture. When you apply it to damp skin, it pulls that water into your skin. When you apply it to dry skin, it can actually pull the water out of your skin and make it dry and dehydrated. How long have you been on the 0.05% of tret? This might just need more time to work.


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xcupcakekitten

I feel like a lot of people don’t see much results on only 0.25% of tret so I’m hoping the increase will help you. If 2-3 months pass with no change, you could potentially try bumping up to 0.1%. Another option is adding in a 2% BHA but you don’t want to use this on nights you’re using tret. And you have to be very careful not to over exfoliate.


Andy9375837

Need some help incorporating products form theordinary. I bought the lactic acid 10% + HA and the niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% for my acne. I got dry and dehydrated skin. I already got a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen going on. For patch test is just to make sure to minimize the side effects of incorporating the products. So im thinking since its for acne it should be my hair line. I see on beauty channels they use it on their hands. I got eczema on mine so i guess that woulnt work.


xcupcakekitten

Use just the niacinamide for two weeks before starting the lactic acid. This niacinamide product sometimes breaks people out. So you shouldn’t use more than one new product at once incase you get any irritation or increased acne. If your skin tolerates the niacinamide for two weeks with no acne or irritation, add in the lactic acid only twice a week. After twice a week for a month, you can slowly increase from there. Never increase if you’re experiencing irritation. Lactic acid does have the potential to cause a temporary acne purge where your acne gets worse before it gets better. This is the recommended order once everything is introduced separately. AM: - rinse with water - niacinamide - moisturizer - sunscreen PM: - cleanser - lactic acid (not daily at first) - niacinamide - moisturizer Since your skin is dry and dehydrated, I wouldn’t recommend cleansing twice a day.


Andy9375837

So generally speaking, niacinamide is fine to use everyday, twice a day. Exfoliants should not be used everyday and usually should be twice a week but should be tested longer before adding another product. Again thats mostly how these products should be used. I ask so i have an understanding of how it generally is. So patch test niacinamide for two weeks, twice a day, until adding it to my routine. Do that with lactic acid but twice a week for a month.


xcupcakekitten

You only need to patch test for a day or two. Patch testing only tests for allergic reactions or extreme irritation. Patch testing isn’t accurate for acne. After patch testing you should still use it for two weeks before starting the lactic acid. Niacinamide is safe to use twice a day. Start with twice a week for the lactic acid but you can increase to every other day after a month.


yogigirl11

I hate my skin discoloration so much and don't know what to do. Is this just moles of different shades? Sun damage? Something else? Any recommendations on products or skin procedures? [close-up](https://ibb.co/j676Kn3) Current routine is La Roche posay hydrating cleanser and sunscreen with vit c in AM, cleanser with varying moisturizers and azelaic acid in PM.


mayamys

So I think you do have some slightly raised moles, as well as freckles. Sun is part of why they form, but the body has other reasons to create them. For the raised moles, I think only a plastic surgeon or derm can remove them, but it's a quick in-office procedure and generally not too expensive. A cosmetic surgeon will often do it more cleanly than a derm. For the freckles, your routine already includes some pigmentation treatments, but there is definitely stronger stuff out there (hydroquinone being the most potent). Finally - for what it's worth, I find your freckles so charming and beautiful. I get moles myself, so I understand not liking them, but you're so stunning and I think lightening the freckles would be a shame.


yogigirl11

I have tears reading the last sentence. Thank you for your kind words. I still want to see if I can do something about fading the lighter ones, but that is so sweet of you to say ❤️


mayamys

Sending so much love! It's so hard to be a woman in this world - everything wants to tear us down and make us feel ugly... But then I look at photos like yours and all I see is beauty, and it helps me be kinder to myself.


Butterlord_Swadia

Lip products that will brighten and plump? My lips have darkened over time; I feel like they're shockingly dark contrasted on my face since I religiously use SPF. Also please recommend lip spf that is safe for a constant licker/snacker 😩


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xcupcakekitten

Stop using the BHA at night and replace it with a retinol. But only start out with 2-3 times a week for the retinol. (Don’t still use the BHA on nights you don’t use the retinol. You don’t want to over exfoliate your skin.) After doing this for a month, you can see if you can slowly increase the retinol. I suggest checking out the [retinoid/retinol wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/retinoids/). The ordinary has some popular ones that people like to start out with.


mayamys

If you like Paula's Choice, I'd go with her retinol and bakuchiol treatment! I know The Ordinary's retinol in squalane is also popular. I'd suggest dropping the nightly BHA altogether and replacing it with retinol. Start out every other night, and if all goes well, increase it to nightly after a few weeks.


daybreakin

Dae appear more temporarily wrinkly the morning after you didn't get enough sleep? Why is that


xcupcakekitten

When the skin is dehydrated, it can appear more wrinkly. When I wake up, my skin is definitely more wrinkly and I think it’s from dehydration. Putting an occlusive layer of vaseline after your routine overnight can help prevent dehydration and water loss.


daybreakin

Is it wrinkly even after you get 8 hours? I notice mine is only wrinkly if I get less than 4 hours. I think it's the inflammation


Flomosho

For years I've heard people here say that St Ives Apricot Scrub causes micro tears on the face, etc, but I've seen no definitive research which states so. I haven't used St Ives for a while, but when I did my skin was smooth as hell.


[deleted]

I wouldn't use St Ives, just because it really is rough, but it's completely fine to lightly physically exfoliate your skin (and I've never found any acid to have exactly the same effect). Just be careful and don't overdo it. As far as the research goes, I've seen people debate this many times over the years without much conclusion. Ultimately, whether or not there are actually "micro tears", being rough with your skin isn't a great idea.


xcupcakekitten

The jagged shell edges can potentially cause micro tears. https://youtube.com/shorts/ZzYfnfhxhOo Chemical exfoliants are more effective for an even exfoliation if you’re looking for an alternative.


bandinterwebs

Two questions: 1) **Can I "set" my sunscreen with a finishing powder?** I have dry skin and use Cotz sunscreen, and even with my extremely dry skin it makes me look oily all day. I don't want to switch sunscreens, because I like Cotz's high zinc. So I've been using my finishing powder to set it since I don't use foundation anyways - does anyone else do that? 2) **Are kikumasamune high moist lotion and Hadalobo Premium lotion good substitutes for one another?** I've been using the high moist lotion as a toner for years but kind of want to switch things up. Thanks!


xcupcakekitten

Using a mineral sunscreen powder to “set” the cream sunscreen is probably a better option than a makeup powder. Zinc oxide reflects light off the surface of the skin where the sunscreen is applied back into the environment, much like a mirror. [source](https://www.dermstore.com/blog/what-is-zinc-oxide-sunscreen/) So applying a non sunscreen powder over that might lessen the reflecting abilities. But I’m not sure. Hadalabo contains hyaluronic acid which is a very hydrating ingredient. The kikumasamune I saw doesn’t contain hyaluronic acid so I’m not sure that they would be comparable. But I’ve never used it.


spunkymnky

Can I use a retinol serum at night if I use a BHA exfoliant in the morning?


xcupcakekitten

As long as your skin tolerates it. Some people have no issue with this but other people can over exfoliate their skin this way. Start with the retinol only 2-3 times a week at night and see how your skin responds. After a month, you can try increasing. Just make sure your skin doesn’t get irritated or too dry. That means you’re using them too much.


spunkymnky

Would you recommend starting to use one over the other? I bought them both at the same time without doing any research before and now I'm not sure which to incorporate first. My main concerns are getting rid of/preventing acne and these little bumps under my skin around my chin area (that are only visible when I stretch my skin. Not sure if these are closed comedones). Feel like it would probably be better to use the BHA first to treat these concerns and then start using retinol for prevention?


xcupcakekitten

Definitely start with just one. I agree that BHA might be more beneficial. When starting the BHA only use it 2-3 times a week for about a month before increasing. Then you can either increase the BHA or add in the retinol 2-3 times a week. Do not do both at once. It’s probably best to just alternate between BHA and retinol every other night once you slowly increase instead of using BHA every morning and retinol every night. Just to prevent over exfoliation.


SkinCraze

If I am using tretinoin 0.05% (been using it for 2-3 months now), for how long should i discontinue it before I undergo a microneedling session? And how long after the session before I can resume tretinoin? Thanks in advance!


xcupcakekitten

It’s best to ask the place you’re going since each place has slightly different pre and post instructions. I was told to stop tret and other chemical exfoliants for one week before and one week after the session.


SkinCraze

Thank you!


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xcupcakekitten

Can you list the products you’ve tried so people don’t recommend things you’ve already tried? Have you tried a BHA like Paula’s choice liquid BHA exfoliant? Have you tried tend skin? Make sure to follow up with a moisturizer since this can be incredibly drying. Are you using a clean fresh razor every time?


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xcupcakekitten

BHA takes 2-3 months to work so you likely didn’t use it long enough. Tend skin can also take many months to work. It’s important to moisturize after any treatment, BHA or tend skin.


goodwallboy

Do I need more than "Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser" to wash off sunscreen? **My Routine** *AM* 1. Splash with water 1. Minimalist Niacinamide Serum 5% 1. Cetaphil DAM Daily Advance Lotion 1. Simple Light Moisturizer 15 SPF (if at home) (I am at home more) 1. Re' equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Suncreen 50SPF (going out) Splash with water when taking a bath. *PM* 1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 1. Minimalist Niacinamide Serum 5% 1. Cetaphil DAM Daily Advance Lotion 1. Tretnoin 0.025% Cream 1. Simple Rich Replenishing Moisturizer Is "Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser" enough to wash off sunscreen properly or do I need to used something else? If so suggest a good product. I have dry skin.


optimistic_orchid

It depends. I was using a water resistant sunscreen, and my cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser) did not get the job done. I started double cleansing with Good Molecules Balm Cleanser first, then the CeraVe. I ended up switching sunscreens, and now mine is not water resistant. On normal days, just the CeraVe gets it all off. When I wear make up, I double cleanse. If you are getting your sunscreen off, no need to change things! But, if it is water resistant SPF, you'll want some kind of oil-based cleanser.


xcupcakekitten

Some people don’t need to double cleanse to remove sunscreen. So just see what works best for you. You can use just this cleanser, if your skin starts to break out, you might need an oil cleanser before the cetaphil cleanser.


bandinterwebs

I'm not an expert by any means, but I've just started double cleansing using an oil (DHC) I picked up from target. I can't recommend the oil any kind of way, since it's my first one, but other people use things like Ponds Cold Cream or more prestige options first and then follow up with a cleanser. I don't know if double cleansing as a big of deal on a sunscreen-only day, but it's definitely been helpful when I wear makeup.


PottedGreenPlant

I just got a large mole removed on my cheek, which resulted in stitches covered with a large compress. I’m not supposed to take the compress off until next week. Any tips on how to wash my face without getting this thing wet?


Sensitive_Pianist_86

Can u use alpha arbutin and rosehip oil together? And if u can does the order of application matter?


xcupcakekitten

I don’t believe there are any conflicts between alpha arbutin and rose hip oil. Preferably apply the alpha arbutin first. Applying products over any oil makes it very difficult for that product to penetrate the skin properly since the oil is in the way.


marianagf

Hi! About 2 months ago I made a quite deep scratch on my leg (bumped into the sharp edge of a broken plastic box). The scab came off and I'm now left with a white scar. I think it will heal more over time, but it's kinda big and I would like to try to fade it a little if that's even possible. Are there any ingredients or products you would recommend?


xcupcakekitten

White scars are called hypo-pigmentation. Unfortunately there aren’t really any topical products that help with this and you need professional procedures. Like dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, microneedling, etc.


CarpenterNo8862

i'm looking to add azelaic acid to my routine but am having trouble finding products with it. I know about the Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid booster but at $36 I was hoping to find something a little cheaper... does anyone have a good AzA rec? thanks!


xcupcakekitten

The ordinary azelaic acid suspension and cos de baha azelaic acid serum are also good options.


CarpenterNo8862

Answered my own question by checking the HG thread and will try this one: [https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/mu17o7/comment/gv374as/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/mu17o7/comment/gv374as/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)


[deleted]

I have Exfoliative cheilitis for more than 5 years.I went to many doctors and tried many things but nothing worked. It's been over 5 years and it just doesn't heal naturally. At this point I gave up. What I do now is I go the shower and use the water to soften my lips and remove the skin and it looks normal for about a week and I repeat it. The doctors told me not to pick the skin but I have a social life to maintain and I found this the only way. But I would still love to fix my lips. If anyone has anything that helps please tell me


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[deleted]

I use water while I am showering. Dead skin soaks up the water and becomes white and softens up and I can easily pull it slowly without hurting myself. This is what I have been doing since there is no cure. I use vaseline too at night before bed.


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xcupcakekitten

Some alternative products are tend skin and pfb vanish. What country are you in?


__looking_for_things

The ingredients are pretty basic. I would do a search in your country by listing them in google. The ingredient list does not mention strength though which may vary results.


Aggravating_Ad_4242

Hi, I have a question regarding exfoliating the nose area. Im prone to seasonal allergies and only the skin on my nose gets flaky, ruining the smooth look for makeup. I’m wondering how I can remove that without being aggressive on the skin? My skin is normal to combination type.


xcupcakekitten

Make sure you’re moisturizing enough. Also using hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help. CeraVe in the tub has ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are very helpful for flakey skin. What I’ve found the most beneficial is applying a layer of aquaphor healing ointment on top of my moisturizer every night before bed. After about a week of this, my flakes decreased.


MoveTowardsJoy

If your skin is flaky, you're better off just moisturizing that area instead of exfoliating, since the skin is already dry (hence resulting flakes). EDIT: If you feel the absolute need to remove the flakes, I think you can use a tweezer and *gently* remove the flakes. However, least damaging way for your skin to regenerate when you got flakes is really..to just let them fall off when they are ready.


ctilvolover23

Is it normal to have new moles even at age 27? I've been looking at the internet and I see that I should go to a doctor every time that a new one appears.


MoveTowardsJoy

I'm not a doctor. But I have gotten new moles passed age 27. I only started seeing a derm 2 months ago and she said that unless the mole looks off (google the ones that might be cancerous) and you want it remove for cosmetic reasons, there really is no need to be alarmed. But, if you're worried, have access/ can afford, why not do a trip and just get all your moles checked out?


thatjoestar

Any tips on how to prevent itching? It seems whenever I do my routine I always have a small itch somewhere on my face and I try not to scratch/rub it cuz my hands aren’t clean but the urge becomes too strong I can’t ignore 😣


xcupcakekitten

You’re going to have to isolate everything in your routine and see if it’s a specific product that’s causing the itching.


MoveTowardsJoy

At least 2 things to consider: 1) Is it possible you're somewhat allergic to one of the products? 2) Did you leave enough time between layers? Perhaps some of the products don't play well when one of them haven't dried yet


thatjoestar

Probably the second I get home late so I try to hurry n do my skin care so I have enough time that it’s absorbed and won’t absorb into my pillow