Skincare - let's sperg about routines and products

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@Vingle, forgot to mention my referred dermatologist (who was a physician assistant) wanted to run a trial of Accutane on me, but my primary care physician blocked her requested order because he believed it would make me suicidal, due to him hearing some 90's horror gossip about it. I remember crying my eyes out to my dermatologist and PCP because I wanted to get rid of my bad skin and pleading that I'd never kill myself under their care.

My dermatologist only gave me prescription (0.03%) adepalene mixed with benzoyl peroxide, Panoxyl body wash, and useless antibiotics. She never outlined a plan or anything to help me with my skin other than to use those things. I ended up having to learn everything I know so far from online dermatologists, influncers and aestheticians. I have no idea why she wouldn't prescribe me tretinoin, it was 2017-2018 I was under their care, but I have since never gone back to those doctors. I could attempt to get tretinoin, which would be 100% covered based on my VA insurance.

I have no interest in Accutane anymore since I rarely break out on my face and I do know about slugging, Aquaphor is my best friend for that.
 
Oral collagen won't do much for skin or joints for most people, though I've heard topical collagen preparations have their uses.
What does help with joints? Turmeric and chondroitin seem to help a little, anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, blah blah, but there doesn't seem to be a miracle joint-supplement.

That's actually a good soap! Us guys have more collagen and are blessed in that we technically age slower, but most guys are so rough on themselves women beat us even after menopause. However, I'm trying to look 30 when I'm 55. :smug:
You don't age slower, you age different, ree reee reee.
 
I'm a guy, but thank you for the suggestion, I found an oatmeal gel from Aveeno I'm gonna order and give a go along with CeraVe daily moisturizer.


That's actually a good soap! Us guys have more collagen and are blessed in that we technically age slower, but most guys are so rough on themselves women beat us even after menopause. However, I'm trying to look 30 when I'm 55. :smug:
You're welcome; I know from experience that Aveeno bars are good quality so good choice my dude! :eli:
>"Look 30 when 55"
:thinking:
Soo....constant exercise/good eating then, again PL here: My former personal trainer told me that to unironically look like Son Goku IRL was "constant workout discipline and healthy diet." :geek:
 
@Vingle, forgot to mention my referred dermatologist (who was a physician assistant) wanted to run a trial of Accutane on me, but my primary care physician blocked her requested order because he believed it would make me suicidal, due to him hearing some 90's horror gossip about it. I remember crying my eyes out to my dermatologist and PCP because I wanted to get rid of my bad skin and pleading that I'd never kill myself under their care.

My dermatologist only gave me prescription (0.03%) adepalene mixed with benzoyl peroxide, Panoxyl body wash, and useless antibiotics. She never outlined a plan or anything to help me with my skin other than to use those things. I ended up having to learn everything I know so far from online dermatologists, influncers and aestheticians. I have no idea why she wouldn't prescribe me tretinoin, it was 2017-2018 I was under their care, but I have since never gone back to those doctors. I could attempt to get tretinoin, which would be 100% covered based on my VA insurance.

I have no interest in Accutane anymore since I rarely break out on my face and I do know about slugging, Aquaphor is my best friend for that.
Well, this is pretty enraging. The suicidal thing is a complete myth, made up by a rich and known family that wanted a scapegoat for the suicide of their kid. The medicine has no blame, but the psyche to the kid.
If I were you, I would look into pressing charges. Proof of damage would be saying that your family is overall taller/bigger than you, as a proof on how your growth was stunted.
Really pile it on how your psyche has irreversible damage.
Honestly, I feel really bad for you. This is malpractice at its worst. And like, it wasn't even hard work to just fucking prescribe it.


With dermatologists you really have to know what to get, they aren't really going to suggest the best alternatives for you. I had to search up Finacea for my dermatologist, as she was going to prescribe me the cream version of azelaic acid. Even though Finacea (gel) had better performance in clinical studies.
In short, you have to be a Karen to get what you want. with doctors.
And get the tret, if it's covered. It's a waste to not get it. But say it is for acne/scarring, insurance doesn't like it when it is for anti-ageing.
 
With dermatologists you really have to know what to get, they aren't really going to suggest the best alternatives for you. I had to search up Finacea for my dermatologist, as she was going to prescribe me the cream version of azelaic acid. Even though Finacea (gel) had better performance in clinical studies.
In short, you have to be a Karen to get what you want. with doctors.
And get the tret, if it's covered. It's a waste to not get it. But say it is for acne/scarring, insurance doesn't like it when it is for anti-ageing.
I wonder if you'd have the best luck by looking for a dermatologist who also offers things like Botox/fillers/other aesthetic treatments. My dermatologist does those things and all I had to do was ask for a tret script and I got it.
 
I wonder if you'd have the best luck by looking for a dermatologist who also offers things like Botox/fillers/other aesthetic treatments. My dermatologist does those things and all I had to do was ask for a tret script and I got it.
Do you have a doctor for a relative? I'm asking this since you can consult with them and bring them with you as doctors themselves can be the worst patients.
I agree with @Vingle
be the Karen and go to their website and file a complaint post any appointment with this so-called dermatologist.
 
I've been getting really into "minimal" skincare lately. I typically buy Korean or Japanese brands strictly because they give you a bigger bang for your buck.

CURRENT ROUTINE:
  • Esfolio Pure Skin Egg Cleansing Foam - a little dab goes a long way. Leaves face feeling shiny and tight, though it is fragranced I believe, so folks with sensitive skin should probably patch test. I've had luck with Laneige and Face Shop cleansers as well.
  • Bliss Glow-Boosting Multi-Vitamin Toner - a GREAT substitute for having to layer vitamin serums. I do recommend putting the product itself in the fridge when it's not being used to maintain the strength of its ingredients as both light and warmth have been shown to decrease the efficacy of Vitamin C in particular.
  • HADO LABO Koi-Gokujyun 3D Perfect Sheet Mask (30 PACK) - I use one every morning. Keep cooled for a relaxing feel. These budget masks are PACKED with all sorts of goodies - squalane, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, ceramides, rice ferment, etc.
  • e.l.f Elf+ Glow Dewy Mist - Shake, spritz about four or five times into the palm of your hand, and then pat over your face. A moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling super soft. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic for some people, however, so once again definitely patch test before use if you have sensitive skin.
TOTAL PRICE (with free Prime shipping): $42.84 pre-tax. The biggest expense are the sheet masks as most of these other products can last you for at least three months if used as intended.

For me, overloading my face with products did more harm than good. I was breaking out CONSTANTLY. With this routine, my skin is notably more soft and glowy with minimal breakouts.
 
What does help with joints? Turmeric and chondroitin seem to help a little, anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, blah blah, but there doesn't seem to be a miracle joint-supplement.
Yeah no miracles I'm aware of, except that if you're not getting enough protein that'll fuck your joints as well as several other things - that's pretty rare though. I've seen conflicting evidence for fish oil - it's not going to hurt, and might help a bit. Exercise and not being overweight I think are the main ones.
 
I've seen conflicting evidence for fish oil - it's not going to hurt, and might help a bit.
Oh! Pick me! I know this one.
Fish oil can be great, but it can also fuck you up (mentally and physically) depending on your genetics and your regular diet.
The reason for this has to do with the fat balance.
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Also, continuing off of my previous post, the BIGGEST help when it comes to anti-aging is sunscreen. Period. Yeah, you can use retinol/retin-a/tretinoin/etc. but honestly if you're just using it for the anti-aging and not for acne-busting, you're basically making your skin more susceptible to sun damage anyway. Get yourself a broad-spectrum minimum 50+ SPF facial sunscreen and keep up on reapplying every couple of hours.
 
CURRENT ROUTINE
Ooh I want to try the Hada Labo sheet masks, I used their hyaluronic cleanser for a while and loved it, but recently switched to the Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser.

Do you have any recommendations for Korean/Japanese sunscreen? I've tried the MISSHA Sun Milk but wasn't a huge fan, it kinda smells like baby powder and felt like it left a residue on my skin.

My #1 favourite product by far is the Go-To Face Hero Face Oil. Kinda pricey but you only need a couple of drops so it really does last forever. It's the one product I've continued to buy since going through my first bottle.
 
@Vingle, forgot to mention my referred dermatologist (who was a physician assistant) wanted to run a trial of Accutane on me, but my primary care physician blocked her requested order because he believed it would make me suicidal, due to him hearing some 90's horror gossip about it. I remember crying my eyes out to my dermatologist and PCP because I wanted to get rid of my bad skin and pleading that I'd never kill myself under their care.

My dermatologist only gave me prescription (0.03%) adepalene mixed with benzoyl peroxide, Panoxyl body wash, and useless antibiotics. She never outlined a plan or anything to help me with my skin other than to use those things. I ended up having to learn everything I know so far from online dermatologists, influncers and aestheticians. I have no idea why she wouldn't prescribe me tretinoin, it was 2017-2018 I was under their care, but I have since never gone back to those doctors. I could attempt to get tretinoin, which would be 100% covered based on my VA insurance.

I have no interest in Accutane anymore since I rarely break out on my face and I do know about slugging, Aquaphor is my best friend for that.
Well, this is pretty enraging. The suicidal thing is a complete myth, made up by a rich and known family that wanted a scapegoat for the suicide of their kid. The medicine has no blame, but the psyche to the kid.
If I were you, I would look into pressing charges. Proof of damage would be saying that your family is overall taller/bigger than you, as a proof on how your growth was stunted.
Really pile it on how your psyche has irreversible damage.
Honestly, I feel really bad for you. This is malpractice at its worst. And like, it wasn't even hard work to just fucking prescribe it.


With dermatologists you really have to know what to get, they aren't really going to suggest the best alternatives for you. I had to search up Finacea for my dermatologist, as she was going to prescribe me the cream version of azelaic acid. Even though Finacea (gel) had better performance in clinical studies.
In short, you have to be a Karen to get what you want. with doctors.
And get the tret, if it's covered. It's a waste to not get it. But say it is for acne/scarring, insurance doesn't like it when it is for anti-ageing.

I was on Accutane, as was my brother and several other friends of mine (maybe dermatologists where I live have less qualms about prescribing it). I was on it for 4 months (typically you do a 6 month trial). I stopped using it early because I was already seeing great results and I was having some pretty severe side effects. I wasn't suicidal, but I was extremely crabby to the point my friends and family noticed. Had a couple outbursts at work and I am a very even-keeled person. I was experiencing lots of joint/back pain (still have some back issues to this day), hair loss, crazy skin peeling on my lips and fingertips, dry eyes, nosebleeds, and my liver and pancreas started shutting down. The back pain developed into sciatica that literally made it hard to walk. I also stopped having my period while on it which is not a good sign. I've bounced back 90% but like I said still have some back issues and have to see a chiropractor regularly. Was it worth it? Depends on the person. It's been about 4 or 5 years and I had amazing skin up until this year when I started having some issues again, but it's minor.

My brother developed a horrible temper and one of my friends was suicidal. Accutane is strong stuff and it 100% can make some people's mentals very bad.

As far as general skincare goes, I have been using Bambu Earth's products for my everyday lately. It's bougie but it works and it smells nice. Oil cleansing and appropriate hydration goes a long way. Masks can be good but you have to know your skin and make sure you're not being too harsh on it.
 
Ooh I want to try the Hada Labo sheet masks, I used their hyaluronic cleanser for a while and loved it, but recently switched to the Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser.

Do you have any recommendations for Korean/Japanese sunscreen? I've tried the MISSHA Sun Milk but wasn't a huge fan, it kinda smells like baby powder and felt like it left a residue on my skin.

My #1 favourite product by far is the Go-To Face Hero Face Oil. Kinda pricey but you only need a couple of drops so it really does last forever. It's the one product I've continued to buy since going through my first bottle.

I generally stick to this or that for sunscreen. I find Korean/Japanese products for this purpose a bit pricier for basically the same effect as those I could get in Walmart, but I did try a couple that soaked in pretty well with minimal pilling:

  • ROUND A'ROUND Green Tea Cica Sun Lotion (SPF 50, PA++++) - My personal favorite. A very light, airy product that basically felt like nothing once I put it on. I don't see many people talking about this product. It's HIGHLY underrated IMO, though I must say that I'm not the type to spend hours in direct sunlight so I'm not sure of its staying power. Did not leave a white cast.
  • DERMALOGY by NEOGEN UVA/UVB Airy Sunscreen (SPF 50) - I find that you honestly can't go wrong with NEOGEN products. They're a lot like Mediheal in that regard. Similar to the ROUND A'ROUND, except you get less bang for your buck and it took just a slight bit longer to soak in. No white cast.

Avoid A'pieu sunscreens. They're greasier than a MF, though that could just be because I received a bad or expired batch. Overall, the ROUND A'ROUND gave me the most amount of product and protection for my dollar.
 
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Avoid A'pieu sunscreens. They're greasier than a MF, though that could just be because I received a bad or expired batch
The shine do work to reflect the UV, which is better than only relying on the sunscreen that just absorb the UV. I guess it's okay, if you're using a large brimmed hat for sun protection, but finding something fitting is really hard.

Personally, I do like some shine. But it's hard to pull off, if you're not damn near spotless. But rather shiny and smooth, than matte and looking like a prune. But I'm of the opinion that spotless matte skin looks kinda dead.

Latest sunscreen I bought, was this Maxi Block one from Australia.

But yea, Asian sunscreens are really overpriced and way too many put fragrance in them. Often grandma-smells.
 
I generally stick to this or that for sunscreen. I find Korean/Japanese products for this purpose a bit pricier for basically the same effect as those I could get in Walmart, but I did try a couple that soaked in pretty well with minimal pilling:

  • ROUND A'ROUND Green Tea Cica Sun Lotion (SPF 50, PA++++) - My personal favorite. A very light, airy product that basically felt like nothing once I put it on. I don't see many people talking about this product. It's HIGHLY underrated IMO, though I must say that I'm not the type to spend hours in direct sunlight so I'm not sure of its staying power. Did not leave a white cast.
  • DERMALOGY by NEOGEN UVA/UVB Airy Sunscreen (SPF 50) - I find that you honestly can't go wrong with NEOGEN products. They're a lot like Mediheal in that regard. Similar to the ROUND A'ROUND, except you get less bang for your buck and it took just a slight bit longer to soak in. No white cast.

Avoid A'pieu sunscreens. They're greasier than a MF, though that could just be because I received a bad or expired batch. Overall, the ROUND A'ROUND gave me the most amount of product and protection for my dollar.
I have nothing to add but +1 for NEOGEN their sunscreens go on like a moisturizer and not a rancid wad of grime i wiped from the side of a meat plant silo
 
I want to drop another skincare company I've enjoyed here: ZitSticka. Their body wash due (scrub and cleanser) are good for body breakouts and they have some of the best blemish patches on the market. My favorite products from them are their clay mask (very creamy consistency and in a tube so it's easy to dispense) and their sheet mask. On the pricier end but they have frequent sales and promotions.

Creams/ointments/balms for the eye area specifically are largely useless.

Removing your makeup completely at the end of every day and washing your pillowcases regularly are important. As is cleaning your phone and doing your best to ensure your haircare isn't irritating your skin.
 
What if you don't wear makeup? Is that part of why men have easier skin and not just the collagen thing?


How would you know? What do you need to look out for in particular?
I am no dermatologist but I suspect that not wearing makeup is why men sometimes get away with just a bar of Dove soap. It's a bit of a meme but memes are typically rooted in some grain of truth. Regardless of makeup a consistent routine that cleans your face fully at the end of every day without irritating it is important. I'm on the fence about collagen but supplementing it is easy and can't hurt.

Where are you breaking out? Is it around your hairline and down your neck and back? Do you notice any difference when you change haircare? What ingredients are in your haircare, any known to cause acne or irritate skin? Are you cleaning your body after washing your hair, not before?

A lot of skincare is experimentation to figure out what your skin needs. It may be different st different times of the year. Also one of the toughest redpills is that $500 creams or whatever do often make a difference and you just have to figure out a balance between need and affordability.
 
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