Skincare - let's sperg about routines and products

[LetThemEatCake]

Hmmm...I'll take your word for it. Where I live, I don't have to worry very much about that.

Lemon juice is way, way too acidic a ph for human skin. It serves no theraputic function. Doesn't clean, treat or do anything other than to irritate your skin in some fashion. Don't use vinegar of any kind either unless it is massivlely diluted with water because same problem - way, way to acidic. It is also, as mentioned, a photosensitizer. No citrus oils or juices should ever be used anywhere you are exposed to sunlight.


Something I see a lot is people mentioning pores opening and closing. No. This cannot happen. Hot water or water vapour can soften and therefore lossen hardened sebum impacted in pore and help with its removal which is why facialists use steamers, but pores have no structure that makes them capable of opening and closing. They can look bigger if the skin's surface is rougher or if they are clogged with oil and skin debris, but you cannot make them bigger or reduce their size in any effective way.

The other thing I see repeated a lot is the idea that you can somehow make your skin produce more or less oil. No. Oil production is controlled by your adult sex hormones, which is why little kids don't get oily skin and acne and these problems only start with puberty and can extend through adult life until sex hormones drop off to lower levels post-menopause. When you overwash your skin your oil glands do not overproduce oil - what happens is the upper surface of your skin, those dead skin cells get dried out and roughened and the oil you do produce sits underneath or on top and it all feels awful and oiler, and sometimes inflammation can start from all the disruption to the skin barrier which can result in mic worse appearance, irritation, redness and the appearance of slightly oiler skin. But really oiliness is down to testosterone levels - this is why women with too much aka PCOS get acne a lot. It's why women who transition and take T often get way oiler skin and acne. It;'s why men usually have oiler skin than women and their products are a bit harsher than womens. It's why some types of contraceptive pill can resolve acne in some women because it's getting to the root of the oil production - hormones. There's too much emphasis put on topical products and routines as the way to control skin when the roots of a lot of acne issues is simply hormonal issues. Yes, how you take care of your skin helps a lot in appearance, but in some cases like serious under the skin inflammation the issue is beyond cosmetic routines.

 

[afternoon_tea]

Lemon juice is way, way too acidic a ph for human skin. It serves no theraputic function. Doesn't clean, treat or do anything other than to irritate your skin in some fashion. Don't use vinegar of any kind either unless it is massivlely diluted with water because same problem - way, way to acidic. It is also, as mentioned, a photosensitizer. No citrus oils or juices should ever be used anywhere you are exposed to sunlight.


Something I see a lot is people mentioning pores opening and closing. No. This cannot happen. Hot water or water vapour can soften and therefore lossen hardened sebum impacted in pore and help with its removal which is why facialists use steamers, but pores have no structure that makes them capable of opening and closing. They can look bigger if the skin's surface is rougher or if they are clogged with oil and skin debris, but you cannot make them bigger or reduce their size in any effective way.

The other thing I see repeated a lot is the idea that you can somehow make your skin produce more or less oil. No. Oil production is controlled by your adult sex hormones, which is why little kids don't get oily skin and acne and these problems only start with puberty and can extend through adult life until sex hormones drop off to lower levels post-menopause. When you overwash your skin your oil glands do not overproduce oil - what happens is the upper surface of your skin, those dead skin cells get dried out and roughened and the oil you do produce sits underneath or on top and it all feels awful and oiler, and sometimes inflammation can start from all the disruption to the skin barrier which can result in mic worse appearance, irritation, redness and the appearance of slightly oiler skin. But really oiliness is down to testosterone levels - this is why women with too much aka PCOS get acne a lot. It's why women who transition and take T often get way oiler skin and acne. It;'s why men usually have oiler skin than women and their products are a bit harsher than womens. It's why some types of contraceptive pill can resolve acne in some women because it's getting to the root of the oil production - hormones. There's too much emphasis put on topical products and routines as the way to control skin when the roots of a lot of acne issues is simply hormonal issues. Yes, how you take care of your skin helps a lot in appearance, but in some cases like serious under the skin inflammation the issue is beyond cosmetic routines.

The way my derm described it to me is that because I have excess T now I'm getting more oil build up in my pores (even though on the surface it feels normal-dry) but because skin turnover rate slows down with age the plugged pores get trapped and cysts end up forming.

When I was younger and I got some clogged pores it wasn't a big deal, I'd just use some salicylic acid and for the most part the plugs popped out on their own without any kind of zit even forming.

Now this shit runs deep and they take forever to heal. Some you can't even see looking at the surface, but I can feel their deep evil lurking below.

Thankfully after about 3 months my prescriptions seem to be doing the trick and other than two lingering cysts the rest if my skin looks radiant. I'm just worried about what will happen when I have to get off antibiotics and spiro since I shouldn't be taking them long term. I'm trying to do all the middle aged lady lifestyle changes that are supposed to help hormonal balance as best I can, and I'm gonna stay on tretinoin.

I really miss the days when it was just a matter of putting a few products on to solve minor issues. Getting older really made me realize just how interconnected health issues are.

 

[melty]

I just want to shill this product:

Shark Sauce

What it does: Fights dark spots, brightens skin tone, hydrates Suitable for all skin types. When it comes to fighting hyperpigmentation and brightening skin tone, the choices often seem stark. Fade dark spots with harsh, photosensitizing retinoids and exfoliants, or put our faith in brightening...

www.holysnails.com

It's the best skin product of any kind I've ever used. Makes my skin really glowy. I use a few different skin products but this is the one thing I don't ever want to go without.

 

[Rice Is Ready]

I splash some water on my face sometimes.

 

[ADHD]

I'm just worried about what will happen when I have to get off antibiotics and spiro since I shouldn't be taking them long term. I'm trying to do all the middle aged lady lifestyle changes that are supposed to help hormonal balance as best I can, and I'm gonna stay on tretinoin.

Is there a specific reason you won't be able to take spiro long term? It's also used to treat female pattern hair loss, so if that runs in your family, that might be something you'd want to stick with if you can.

 

[afternoon_tea]

Is there a specific reason you won't be able to take spiro long term? It's also used to treat female pattern hair loss, so if that runs in your family, that might be something you'd want to stick with if you can.

I should probably talk to my doc and see what she says, but I tend towards low blood pressure and I noticed a lot more lightheadedness on spiro unless I am basically drinking straight brine all the time, I feel like it would be best to get off as soon as I can in my case, I'll have to see what the doc thinks. I have been keeping an emergency bottle of olives on me haha.

The women in my family are super prone towards lots of facial hair though so I will stay on it longer if the doc says it's ok. I've always had excessive facial hair in spite of no hormone issues when I was younger (just hereditary I guess) but as soon as I hit 35 that shit got wild and spiro really slows it down.

 

[tasty humane burger]

Looking for a recommendation!

Recently, I've started to get (presumably) stress induced spots on my skin and cheeks. I never had spots growing up so I'm not really sure how to treat them and I don't want to purchase a useless product. I don't have a lot but they're still a bit pesky.

I have quite dry and sensitive skin, but overall okay and never had any real problems, I only in the past year started to take skincare seriously (previously would just moisturize and use a facewash, maybe some serum if I got a beauty set as a gift, cleanse/tone if I was wearing makeup) due to me noticing my skin looked quite dull all the time. I'm in the UK and the majority of my products are Superdrug because of the price but I do have a No.7 set and a few products from Bodyshop, plus a load of random bits and bobs from all over the shop.

Can anyone recommend a good product that will reduce spots or stop them from sprouting?

 

[Pomeranian bitch]

I use tretinoin, the gold standard in dermatology. I have been on it for 5 months, I didn’t have much acne or spots before I got on it, but did deal with clogged noticeable pores, up until a month ago my skin was looking rough because it induces a purge and while you’re skin is getting used to it, the texture gets kind of weird. Now my skin looks baby smooth and plump, no pores in sight, even tone. I feel so awkward now because most places I go I get people complimenting my skin but it also feels nice. It takes a lot of patience to get results from tret but it really is worth it. If you kiwis can get a prescription for tret and are patient, you won’t regret it.

Looking for a recommendation!

Recently, I've started to get (presumably) stress induced spots on my skin and cheeks. I never had spots growing up so I'm not really sure how to treat them and I don't want to purchase a useless product. I don't have a lot but they're still a bit pesky.

I have quite dry and sensitive skin, but overall okay and never had any real problems, I only in the past year started to take skincare seriously (previously would just moisturize and use a facewash, maybe some serum if I got a beauty set as a gift, cleanse/tone if I was wearing makeup) due to me noticing my skin looked quite dull all the time. I'm in the UK and the majority of my products are Superdrug because of the price but I do have a No.7 set and a few products from Bodyshop, plus a load of random bits and bobs from all over the shop.

Can anyone recommend a good product that will reduce spots or stop them from sprouting?

Can’t recommend a niacinamide product enough, cheap drugstore options that carry such ingredients are by cerave and olay. It targets redness and sun damage, moisturizes and gives a even glow for the skin. Also look into a vitamin C serum and don’t forget sunscreen even if you think it might not be needed. Sorry for not recommending specific products, I use products that I can get in my country.

 

[LetThemEatCake]

Looking for a recommendation!

Recently, I've started to get (presumably) stress induced spots on my skin and cheeks. I never had spots growing up so I'm not really sure how to treat them and I don't want to purchase a useless product. I don't have a lot but they're still a bit pesky.

I have quite dry and sensitive skin, but overall okay and never had any real problems, I only in the past year started to take skincare seriously (previously would just moisturize and use a facewash, maybe some serum if I got a beauty set as a gift, cleanse/tone if I was wearing makeup) due to me noticing my skin looked quite dull all the time. I'm in the UK and the majority of my products are Superdrug because of the price but I do have a No.7 set and a few products from Bodyshop, plus a load of random bits and bobs from all over the shop.

Can anyone recommend a good product that will reduce spots or stop them from sprouting?

Products are very individual as is your skin and ts sensitivities. It's really about understanding what exactly the problem is and finding something specific to that rather than recommending a sure-fire product because what works for Person A will often do zero for Person B. If your skin is dry and you have spots the upper surface is probe to dehydration and dead skin cells may be helping clog your pores. Any harsh stripping type cleansing product is going to dry out the surface more. You may be better just making sure your skin is clean every single night, and maybe use BHAs - something like Nip and Fab glycolic pads - that will remove the dead cells and improve the situation over time. Don't use scrubs as they tend to damage skin and spread bacteria. If nothing works, see your GP.

Best thing is just to be consistant in skincare once you find something that improves your skin. Make sure your skin is properly cleaned at night before bed come what may, whether you wear make-up or not. Change pillowcases every couple of days as bacteria and oil can spread back onto your skin from them. Make sure your phone is clean, and any make-up brushes are washed between uses.

 

[tasty humane burger]

Products are very individual as is your skin and ts sensitivities. It's really about understanding what exactly the problem is and finding something specific to that rather than recommending a sure-fire product because what works for Person A will often do zero for Person B. If your skin is dry and you have spots the upper surface is probe to dehydration and dead skin cells may be helping clog your pores. Any harsh stripping type cleansing product is going to dry out the surface more. You may be better just making sure your skin is clean every single night, and maybe use BHAs - something like Nip and Fab glycolic pads - that will remove the dead cells and improve the situation over time. Don't use scrubs as they tend to damage skin and spread bacteria. If nothing works, see your GP.

Best thing is just to be consistant in skincare once you find something that improves your skin. Make sure your skin is properly cleaned at night before bed come what may, whether you wear make-up or not. Change pillowcases every couple of days as bacteria and oil can spread back onto your skin from them. Make sure your phone is clean, and any make-up brushes are washed between uses.

Very good and practical tips, I do use a skin scrub so I can try phasing that out and using something gentler. Thank you!

I use tretinoin, the gold standard in dermatology. I have been on it for 5 months, I didn’t have much acne or spots before I got on it, but did deal with clogged noticeable pores, up until a month ago my skin was looking rough because it induces a purge and while you’re skin is getting used to it, the texture gets kind of weird. Now my skin looks baby smooth and plump, no pores in sight, even tone. I feel so awkward now because most places I go I get people complimenting my skin but it also feels nice. It takes a lot of patience to get results from tret but it really is worth it. If you kiwis can get a prescription for tret and are patient, you won’t regret it.


Can’t recommend a niacinamide product enough, cheap drugstore options that carry such ingredients are by cerave and olay. It targets redness and sun damage, moisturizes and gives a even glow for the skin. Also look into a vitamin C serum and don’t forget sunscreen even if you think it might not be needed. Sorry for not recommending specific products, I use products that I can get in my country.

The serum I use contains some niacinamide, and I can see that it works wonders for me. I tend to skin sunscreen so things may improve if I start using it again, I just don't want to cake my face in products for the sake of it. Cheers!

 

[AbyssStarer]

EDIT: was on my phone earlier, I've added some info.
My skin is usually very nice, but I've been stressed lately and had some breakouts. I tried clean and clear morning and night washes but they overdry my face. I usually put jojoba oil around my lips after the night wash. (Dont wanna waste the bottle.)

I got some Garnier SkinActive green tea/rose water products since I love their facial lotion and I hope they'll help...once the bottles I have are done.

I have normal/combo skin and am concerned with (in order) color-evening, pores, hydration, and acne. these are products I like:

• St. Ives apricot scrub (medicated acne scrub works best, the off brand kroger one smells like kids perfume and doesnt work well)
• Garnier SkinActive 30SPF facial lotion. It has vitamin C and E to even out skintone. (I live in a dry and sunny area and rosacea is in my family, so the SPF is non-negotiable)
• Garnier Rose water 3-in-1 mousturizer for when I have no corncern with SPF for the rest of the day.
• Freeman Peel-off green tea mask (rip, hard to find, but evens my rosy skin)
• I just used the Garnier SkinActive deep pore cleansers and I love it. Im gonna let my man use some of the other stuff, Im switching to this full time.
• eos lip balms (and their hand lotions and shave cream.) longwear, softening, calming, smell great. But they seem to irritate when overused so I also use Carmex sometimes. Gotta say tho, their spf lip balm leaves a funny taste if it gets past waterline, and the egg shape is awkward AF.

I really really like green tea products, they work wonders on my face. I'd get green tea sheet masks but they're a bit expensive per sheet. I'll might a tub of green tea mud mask when my Freeman charcoal mask is empty.
I usually dont wear makeup much, but when I do again I'm gonna use Garnier's rose micellar water. Their green tea stuff sounds more geared towards oily skin.

Last point: all this stuff is way cheaper on Amazon compared to my local store, and brands' websites tend to be fairly informative.

 

[baru]

I’ve always struggled with acne and sensitive skin and for years I didn’t give a fuck about how my skin looked, or any of me looked really. The last year or so I’ve been experimenting with skincare and aside from visible pores and some red acne marks from where I pick, I think I’m doing okay!

At the moment, my routine during the day is: Wash my face with warm water and nothing else (I’ve already washed my face in the last 24 hours and over washing makes me super oily), add The Ordinary niacinamide and zinc solution, YourGoodSkin Rapid Rescue (salicylic acid, green tea, and liquorice root), then a Simple hydro boost moisturising gel cream, then Solaire spf30 lotion.
At night: Simple cleansing oil, Hada Labo hyarolaunic acid foam cleanser, niacinamide, Rapid Rescue, then a Simple sleeping heavy cream.

I feel like my skin is very dry though, and usually my forehead and cheeks itch. Other products I own are Simple Micellar Cleanser, and Hada Labo Hyarolaunic Acid Lotion, and I own a Simple light moisturiser. Is there anything I should/could switch out or remove that would reduce the dryness, you think? I think my skin looks amazing compared to how it was; it was horribly dull and lifeless with a LOT of texture, and now it’s very bright and despite the dryness mentioned, I feel a lot more comfortable in it, and the texture is still there, but not nearly as severe as it was. It wasn’t quite acne scarring, just horrible pore size, luckily.

Any recommendations are welcome. I stay away from dyes, fragrance, alcohol, and essential oils of any kind because they give me a reaction after a few uses (which sucks, because Neutrogena has this fragrance free Hydro Boost Gel Cream that has the tiniest amount of dye in it and it makes my skin feel so soft and fresh but that tiny amount of dye just kills me), so anything that’s about as simple as it can get while still being beneficial would be help. Typing this now, I wonder if I’m over washing by doing the oil cleanse followed by the foaming cleanse? Would an oil cleanse Alone be too little?

 

[Clown Baby]

Some products that I highly recommend: the brand Simplified Skin, for their eye cream, retinol moisturizer and vitamin C wash. Vitamin Sea Beauty Sea Holly & Camellia Oil face wash. Clean & Clear Essentials Oil-Control Toner. Terresa Eyelash Growth Serum (kit comes with a day/night version and can also be used on brows. it works.). Egyptian Magic - this is basically a super-emollient moisturizer balm with royal jelly and bee pollen. It's great for feet, elbows, and hands, but some people use it as a full body moisturizer and even a make-up primer.

I also highly recommend getting a silicone exfoliater thingy like this:

 

[theriddler3]

View attachment 1184516

Pro-tip: they have these at Dollar Tree in a 2-pack. Don't pay $5 for them at Target or $7 for them at Bed Bath & Beyond.

 

[Gorillagorillagorilla]

Does anyone have any tips for dry winter skin? Especially when it gets really cold, I feel like every inch of my skin is crawling.

 

[teat]

Does anyone have any tips for dry winter skin? Especially when it gets really cold, I feel like every inch of my skin is crawling.

Get a cream that isn't water based and keep a travel size with you to moisturize through out the day, and wear gloves. Water based lotions do nothing for my hands or feet. They're okay for the rest of my body, but for hands and feet I use heavier lotions. O'Keeffes is really heavy duty, I also really like Barefoot Venus' stuff.

Lotion your feet before bed and wear socks to keep in the moisture, and put vaseline in your nostrils to prevent dry boogers.

For face, I do more moisturizing face masks and put on a little more moisturizer. If your skin can take it, those rose water facial sprays add more moisture too. They clog my pores but it works for others.
I also keep lip balm with me all the time and it's also good for dry noses. I prefer burt's bees, but carmex works well too and is cheaper.

 

[Polexia Aphrodisia]

This month, Ipsy gave me "Oh Honey Relax" moisturizer. Daaaaamn do I love it so far. It's mattifying but my skin doesn't feel dry. I do one or two face blotting wipes during the day (mostly forehead under my bangs) and for the most part I'm good. Not breaking me out or anything!! I'll probably shell out for the full size once the sample is used up.

 

[emo goff]

Has anyone had experience with using Nivea Creme as a face moisturizer? The kind that comes in a blue tin.

Ordered some because my usual Cetaphil is out of stock everywhere (seriously, hoarders?)
There's a lot of rave reviews by people who've used it for decades, so I'm hoping it won't break me out lol. There's also some obsession with the german produced version, though I think that's probably not a big deal.

 

[Punkinsplice]

Get a cream that isn't water based and keep a travel size with you to moisturize through out the day, and wear gloves. Water based lotions do nothing for my hands or feet. They're okay for the rest of my body, but for hands and feet I use heavier lotions. O'Keeffes is really heavy duty, I also really like Barefoot Venus' stuff.

Lotion your feet before bed and wear socks to keep in the moisture, and put vaseline in your nostrils to prevent dry boogers.

For face, I do more moisturizing face masks and put on a little more moisturizer. If your skin can take it, those rose water facial sprays add more moisture too. They clog my pores but it works for others.
I also keep lip balm with me all the time and it's also good for dry noses. I prefer burt's bees, but carmex works well too and is cheaper.

the Aveeno body lotion for diabetics is really good for winter skin, especially if you get sensitive dry skin that itches. I have to switch to unscented products in winter due to this, and I love Aveeno.

 

[That Ho Over Here]

Wash your face every day.
Apply aloe gel sporadically and cocoa butter based crap weekly.
For the love of music don't touch your fucking face.

Job done.