Skincare 101: Exfoliation Basics
Melissa
Exfoliation is the best way to slough away debris and dead skin cells that are sitting on top of your skin and can clog your pores. Exfoliation speeds up cell turnover. If done correctly, it leaves you with healthier and happier looking skin, and makes moisturizing and applying actives more effective.
There are two types of exfoliators:
𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 ~ are body scrubs and products formulated with grainy particles that provide the actual scrubbing sensation.
I think the best physical exfoliating method is, still, the use of 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡 — which most of us already have at home. Gentlest of them all, and is even safe to use nightly. Simply dampen the washcloth in warm water, add your cleanser, and rub in small circles beginning at the forehead and working your way down - be sure to use medium pressure.
I also love 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐬. My favorites are Cure - Natural Aqua Gel
Exfoliating toners
Non comedogenic toners
Scar creams
Glycolic acid
Face creams for uneven texture
PAULA'S CHOICE
DERMAFLASH
Cure
Neutrogena
Pyunkang Yul
janssen
Curology
The Ordinary
Makeup Remover
Toner
Face Cream
Facial Peel
Acne Treatment
Skincare Tool
Face Mask
Jun. 17, 2020
Product Mentioned
☀️AM Skincare Routine
Hey guys! I wanted to share my AM skincare routine to see if anyone might have any suggestions for me, and to help others out!
A background on my skin: My skin is very sensitive and can be acne-prone, but typically does very well with my current skin care routine. I also have combination skin, with some dry areas but I also have large pores on my cheeks (thanks genetics).
Products:
-CeraVe - Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal To Oily Skin
I LOVE this face wash! It really cleanses my skin, but I don’t find that it dries me out. I think it works really well for sensitive skin.
-PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator
This is a product that I think has truly transformed my skin! It has noticeably made my skin much smoother than it was before I started using this product, I highly suggest it to anyone with acne-prone skin. I use this product 5 times per week.
-Neutrogena - Rapid Clear, Stubborn Acne, Daily Leave-On Mask
I like using a BHA and Benzoyl Peroxide combo to prevent acne. I think this product is fine for a Benzoyl Peroxide product, but would certainly be open to new suggestions!
-CeraVe - Daily Moisturizing Lotion For Normal To Dry Skin
This is the BEST lotion I have ever used on my face! I find it to be great for my sensitive skin, and I love how hydrated and glowy it makes my face look throughout the day.
-CeraVe - Eye Repair Cream
I really like this eye cream because the second ingredient is Niacinamide, which is great for under the eyes due to its brightening and soothing qualities!
-PURITO - Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+
I really do love this SPF and use it daily, the ingredient list is amazing, and it smooths onto my skin so nicely. I do think that it may cause me to break out sometimes on my cheeks though. So other SPF suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
juliachristine
Prevent Acne!! Acne MIRACLE worker??
Neutrogena - Rapid Clear, Stubborn Acne, Daily Leave-On Mask
I’d heard a lot about this product and how it was a miracle product for acne and so, as a person prone to acne myself, I decided to give it a try!
Many people raved about how this mask cleared or lessened their acne within just one night, and unfortunately, that was not the experience I personally had with this product:( However, everyone’s skin is different and different products work well on different people. My younger brother is in his teenage years and is facing a lot of hormonal acne due to puberty. He found this product to work MUCH better on his skin than it did on mine. His current pimples did get smaller and less red over night and within a few days, almost disappeared.
Although this mask does not clear my acne, it is still useful to me. Know that horrible feeling when you can physically FEEL a big and painful pimple growing under your skin and you know it’s gonna surface soon?? 🤧 Well, whenever I feel this and realize I’m about to get a new pimple, I start applying this mask in that area and most of the time, it prevents the pimple from actually appearing!! So even if this mask doesn’t clear my existing acne, it helps prevent new pimples from surfacing, which is still a GOLDEN use for this product! For this reason, along with the fact that this product has worked so well for so many others, I give it 4 stars!
If you have acne prone skin, I definitely recommend trying this product. It’s not very expensive so there’s not much to lose and it might be a great investment for your skin!!
riapatel_07
Curology?
Recently my skin hasn’t been great. I’ve been dealing with blackheads, large pores, and a little bit of acne. I have also noticed that for some reason my face has been more red than usual. I keep seeing advertisements for Curology, and their products have really good reviews. I’ve also seen a lot of before and after pictures of people using these products. The results seem to be amazing. Has anyone tried these products, and if so did they work for you? Would you recommend these products to me for my skin issues?
EmilyyFullerr
Products that helped my acne
I’ve struggled with acne since 7th grade (I’m 20 now). I have used a lot of products and there are a handful I want to share that have really helped me get closer to my clear skin goal.
PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator this is by far the best product I’ve ever used. My skin looks smoother and my acne has subsided tremendously. I can’t get enough of this. (I use it twice a week, working up to three). I really do believe this product is essential for clearer skin!
CeraVe - Daily Moisturizing Lotion For Normal To Dry Skin this moisturizer has been my go to for about 5 years. It always keeps my skin hydrated and really helped when I was on acne prescriptions because my skin would always get really dry.
Curology - Curology formula I have a whole post dedicated to this, but it really did help me a lot. I like having dermatologist prescriptions over other treatments. So, this was a great option for me and worked wonders!
CeraVe - Hydrating Face Cleanser For Normal To Dry Skin I used to use the harshest face washed out there and strip my skin completely. This cleanser really helped me repair my moisture barrier and was gentle. My skin started looking really good after about 12 uses of this.
The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% this stuff is a miracle in a bottle!! My face is way less sensitive and my oils are under control. The redness from my acne subsides with the help of this product and I find it to help my acne heal and become smaller faster.
Kate Somerville - EradiKate Acne Treatment this treatment really helped me when I had minimal breakouts. This dried out my pimples over night and helped them go away faster. This was a really nice treatment and I plan on using it again when my face is clearer and I no longer feel the need to continue curology!!
_mhw25_
DERMAFLASH - Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser is a product worth investing in.
I first heard about it from Tati Westbrook when she was still on YouTube. This was at the start of the pandemic when I was starting to get restless and wasn’t budgeting too much. The product itself is a bit pricey but for what it is doing, I wouldn’t recommend a dupe. It works terrific for pushing excess product and any goop outta your pores — especially on and around the nose. I use it on my boyfriend all the time (it’s super satisfying because so much goops comes out that I know it’s really working!)
If you’re a self proclaimed face picker like me (sad face) this is a great way to stop picking. I find myself putting my trust and OCD into this powerful pulsator instead of poking my skin.
Definitely would recommend!
EmilyWhitneyRN
Gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin 👌🏻
DERMAFLASH - Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬:
A two-in-one skincare device that uses ultrasonic waves at 33,000 Hz per second
to unclog pores and infuse your favorite skincare products.
Dermapore offers 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 for a customized treatment experience:
𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞 - cleans your skin by removing dirt, oil, and blackheads.
𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞 - enhances the penetration of active ingredients.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞:
1. Press the Power Button once to activate Extract Mode which is indicated by a steady vibration and white light.
2. Apply gentle, yet firm pressure as you glide the device over your face and neck. Pay particular attention to congested areas.
3. After using Extract Mode, wipe the device clean with alcohol or soap and water to prepare the device for use in Infuse Mode.
4. Apply your favorite serum or moisturizer.
5. Press the Power Button twice to activate Infuse Mode which is indicated by a tapping vibration and blue light.
6. Using the flat portion of the spatula, glide dermapore over your serum or moisturizer—the ultrasonic vibration enhances penetration of the active ingredients in your skincare to help them work more effectively.
I have been using Dermapore for months now, and I absolutely love it. It took 2-3 runs to figure out how to use it effectively. I was honestly quite surprised by how effective this product was at unclogging my pores. I have a congested and very oily T-zone and this little charm cleans out 90% of the gunk from my nose with ease. I don’t steam my face and straightly just wet my face and it still works great. I keep a small spray bottle at hand and spritz my face to keep my skin wet throughout the process. I like to use a little pressure with the spatula as it helps push the water into the skin and in turn pushing excess dirt/oil buildup out of my pores. It’s kind of gross but incredibly satisfying and gives you the results you’d expect from a professionally done facial.
If you have very minimal blackheads or whiteheads, this may not be that worth it. But if you’re someone who has oily skin that constantly deals with comedones, this can be a game-changer for you.
Melissa
THE ORDINARY HAUL UPDATE
the products I have purchased have been amazing, I'm absolutely in love
my morning routine now is
cleanse with squalaneThe Ordinary - Squalane Cleanser
apply TO The Ordinary - Amino Acids + B5
then moisturize with CeraVe - CeraVe Moisturising Cream
and what I forgot to put in my first post, I finish off with sun bum - Face Lotion SPF 50
before my makeup
evening, cleanse again, use the The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution(please don't use if you have sensitive skin) my skin is used to retinoids from previous attempts at fixing my skin, and this product leaves me feeling clean, but sensitive skin can have a very different reaction
then I mix together The Ordinary - Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5withThe Ordinary - 100% Niacinamide Powder
it comes with a little scoop and I use the recommended 1/4 scoop mixed with the hyaluronic acid.
then I use the same moisturizer
Now let's talk about my thoughts! I love the cleanser, it leaves me smooth, not dry, not right, but I feel super clean like the days dirt is just gone which is fantastic. the purge process has definitely started, but I just use acne patches and the purge so far isn't that bad.
mixing the niacinamide with hyaluronic has been fantastic for me! I never liked the niacinamide with zinc, the zinc irritated my skin and I would get these pustules along my jaw bone which haven't made an appearance since I switched, so it was definitely the zinc.
the amino acid serum, this one I'm conflicted. it has helped in preventing breakouts while wearing makeup, but it's so watery I would've preferred if it came in a spray bottle for easier application. not sure if I'd repurchase the hyaluronic could probably do what it's been doing to my skin.
and the toner! arguably the most controversial of these products. this has helped brighten my skin so far, and my pores look so much smaller! that's probably the hydrating products I've been using, but I also haven't gotten blackheads clogging said pores either so I think it's a bit of both!
I'm curious to see how effective this routine will be during my more hormonal days, I will continue to update!
DanicaC
The Ordinary products for acne prone skin✨
Th Ordinary has been one of my favorite brands for some time now. I love trying new products from them knowing it won’t break the bank. I previously had a post about a few of their serums but I’ve tried to branch out since. Here’s my experience with a few new TO products as well as some of my all time favorites:
The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution - such a versatile product! I’ve used it for my underarms as deodorant, sometimes my feet to get rid of dead skin cells, my butt for buttne and lastly, on my face as a gentle exfoliator! I love it for all of these uses and at under $9 for 8fl oz I think it’s an amazing deal!
The Ordinary - Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - This moisturizer is okay. It’s too thick for my oily skin and leaves a matte finish, which isn’t something I particularly like. When my skin gets too dry I love using it because it instantly moisturizes but it’s more of a spot moisturizer for me than an all face one.
The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution - absolute favorite! I’m on to my second bottle now. It definitely burns or stings sometimes no matter how many times you’ve used it but I’m okay with it since it does such a great job at exfoliating. I only keep it for up to 10 min and use it 1-2 times a week, mostly once now though since I don’t want to further dry my face.
The Ordinary - Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane - this product did absolutely nothing for my face. I used it for a couple of months and my skin would refuse to absorb it, so it stayed pretty oily which I hated. I also saw no benefits to my under eye fine lines.
The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - this is my third bottle of this serum and this time I opted for the 60ml one as opposed to the 30ml. I use it daily and once I got to figure out the exact amount my face needs, it’s been working wonders. My face feels brighter and smoother which is why I’ve continued repurchasing.
The Ordinary - Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - purchased this product to help with hyperpigmentation and I am still to see any major differences. My skin feels better overall but I’m not sure whether it’s solely because of this product. It’s a non oily cream which is a plus for me, I’ll continue to use it until it’s done but not sure whether I’ll repurchase.
ik_27
GENTLE EXFOLIATOR FOR SENSITIVE SKIN✨
Product:Cure - Natural Aqua Gel —$38
Key ingredients:
-Activated Hydrogen Water
-Aloe Leaf Extract: exfoliates for smoother skin
-Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract: provides skin firming qualities
-Rosemary Leaf Extract: prevents premature aging
What is it?
Cure is a gentle exfoliator suitable for all skin types—even sensitive skin. It aims to provide smoother, brighter and an even complexion without the use of harsh chemicals.
Why exfoliate?
Dead skin cells can become trapped or build up on top of the skin causing dull and uneven looking skin. Using an exfoliator 1-2x a week can help speed up the process of shedding off dead skin cells resulting in a more glowy and youthful skin appearance.
How to use?
To use, first make sure your face is cleansed and completely dry. Use one pump of the product and apply directly to your face. I let it sit on the skin for a minute. Gently rub the product into the skin in a circular motion for another minute and you will begin to see dead skin cells ”bead up”. Gently wash off the product and pat with a dry towel. I use this product 2x a week.
Results?
The first time I used this product, my skin was left so soft and felt squeaky clean (and not the dry kind of squeaky clean). I couldn’t believe after one use that I could already start to see noticeable results. With continued use, my skin has become softer and I have noticed a more even complexion. I look forward to the days I get to use this exfoliator.
Would I repurchase?
YES! I love the results I am seeing: softer and more even skin, so why wouldn’t I continue to use!?
**lastly, thank you to Cherie for sending this to me because I never would of thought of buying this and now I will definitely be using it as my go to exfoliator 💗
madisonnoons
This is a peeling gel 😱 Looks like a cleanser
I got this intriguing product Cure Natural Aqua Gel in @cherie Creator box!!
Cure - Natural Aqua Gel
At first glance I thought it's a gel cleanser,
Then I did some digging and found out it's infact a gentle peeling gel which pumps out as very liquidy gel on hand and when you rub into you skin it strts to peel similar to Wishful Yo glow enzyme scrub!! ✨
✨WHAT IS IT?
Natural Aqua Gel gently catches dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and removes them without using strong acids. It helps skin metabolism function better. There is no need to rub or scrub your skin hard and you will be surprised at how smooth your skin has become.
✨ HOW TO USE:
Wash your face as you normally would. Dry off completely.
Pump the nozzle 3 to 5 times to obtain the appropriate amount of gel onto your fingertips and apply to the desired area. Leave on skin for a few moments allowing Cure to react with the dead skin cells.
Gently massage in a circular motion for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not rub too hard. The gel will turn into a milky white color, and beads of dead skin cells can be seen as they are lifted off the skin.
Rinse well with water and then follow your regular skincare routine.
For best results, use Natural Aqua Gel twice a week.
Natural Aqua Gel can be used on other parts of the body such as hands, elbow, neck and knees.
✨ KEY INGREDIENTS:
- Activated Hydrogen Water: helps maximize skin's energy conversion rate and has anti-oxidant properties.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: preserves moisture and improves skin's resiliency.
- Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract: helps prevent blemishes and freckles. It also helps skin retain moisture.
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract: has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
✨MY THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Unlike other peeling gels it's very gentle on skin
- It smells like alcohol so beware of that strong smell
- My skin felt a lot smoother and glowy afterwards
- It also brightened skin a little bit just with one use
- With continued use, it made my skin glow even more and brightened dramatically
- This also helped a little bit with existing acne or breakouts
- Scars also start to fade a little bit due to exfoliation
- The bottle is decently huge so you get a lot of amount for 38$ which should last me for weeks
- I think this unique consistency for a peeling gel or physical exfoliator makes this product a stand out! Also, I really appreciate K-beauty products for such technological advancements in skincare formulations.
- It's very very gentle on skin and my dkin didn't get irritated at all
- I really liked this product and so far I think I'm going to repurchase this 😍✨
✨ IS IT WORTH 38$:
Yes! Absolutely! The results I saw with this are so unique and make it worth the price!
It's also a very gentle form of extra step in your cleansing routine!
Beautycation_by_shruti
RENTINOIDs: the BEST super ingredient
🌸 note: two of the products in my picture are prescription only, high grade retinoids. but i have tagged their drug store dupes that are the SAME product with a lower concentration
🌸 WHAT IS A RETINOL?
in the most basic form, a retinoid is a form of VITAMIN A which encourages skin cells to break down and turn over faster, resulting in reduction of acne, wrinkles, dark spots and signs of aging. It promotes collagen production, unclogs pores, and reduces scarring. its actually thickens skin, preventing wrinkles from forming
☀️☀️ALWAYS USE AN SPF WITH RETINOIDS☀️☀️
because your skin cells are dying and regenerating so quickly, you are much more prone to sunburns. read @jensanti‘s comment below for more health cautions!
they vary HIGHLY in strength (weak to strong list)

- retinoid esters: The weakest version of a retinoid, but is good for sensitive skin, surface level
 retinol: found in a variety of products, works on the cellular level of skin
- adapalene (differin): Used to be prescription only but can now be found in a low-dose age in most drug stores. penetrates deeper and slows the production of sebum with faster cell turnover
- retinoic acid (Retin-A/tretinoin): works deeper in the skin, can produce overnight results in the form of dead skin peeling. Very advanced skin cell turnover, as it penetrates and stimulates cell death and production. Skin can become very sensitive, irritated , and red
- isotretinoin (Accutane): essentially sebum production is very limited and skin cell turnover is dramatically increased. on ingestible medication that will make your skin peel, dry out, and really kill acne. It’s prescription only but very effective.
🌸 products i use!
prescription only: ADAPALENE 0.3%
dupe: DIFFERIN - DIFFERIN Acne Treatment Gel
ADAPALENE is the primary form of retinol in this product. this has been my go to product for years, it makes me less sun sensitive then Retin-A 0.05%, while still giving me excellent skin cell turnover and anti aging benefits. It helped my skin go from absolute shiz to a much cleaner glowing face (see 4th pic)
prescription only: RETIN-A 0.05%
dupe: janssen - Retino-A 0.05% Tretinoin Cream
TRETENOIN is the primary form of retinoid in this product. these two may actually be the same product, but the one that I have I know is usually prescription grade. it will make your skin peel overnight, so I use it as a spot treatment if I get any deep set nodular acne. i used this for a couple years but it made me really sun sensitive, it is very strong!
luxury brand: SUNDAY RILEY - A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum
RETINOL ESTER and CoQ10 are the primary forms of retinal in this product. this claims to have a 6.5% blend of stabilize retinoids and botanical retinoid alternative extracts. I think that it is incredibly overpriced for what it is. There are very similar dupes such as those from the inkey list and the ordinary
kitty.skin
Turmeric face mask challenge...stay tuned for updates! I plan to do 5-7 days depending on irritation or potential side effects.
My skin is NOT virgin by any means. Consistently using The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% , OLE HENRIKSEN - Truth Serum , OLE HENRIKSEN - Banana Bright Eye Crème , janssen - Retino-A 0.05% Tretinoin Cream (stopped with Covid due to severe irritation under mask), TATCHA - The Water Cream , and Kiehl's - Calendula Deep Clean Foaming Face Wash . My hyperpigmentation is static at this point so looking for an adjunct to try with my routine. I normally have no breakouts/ acne but struggling a bit with maskne (12 hr shift RN) so taking it easy on a few of the products.
I’m praying for decreased hyperpigmentation. I’ll keep you all updated on progress as I go along.
Melanie_W22
My skin during my move from FL to AZ 💦➡️🌵
Two weeks i moved from Florida (aka the most humid state) to Arizona (aka the driest state) and my state didn’t take it very well.
The first few days I was here my skin was so dry that it hurt to smile. I even woke up with a rash (maybe from the sun). My lips were SO dry. It was horrible. As a person with naturally oily skin this was super weird.
So what did I do?
Vaseline - Cocoa Butter Healing Jelly, Rich Moisturizing all over my lips 2-3 times a day
I also started using my Vanicream moisturizer twice a day and my BANISH - Vitamin C Cream religiously.
Now my skin is starting to get used to it and I kinda like it. I haven’t had a single pimple since I got here which I cam get behind.
PS if anyone has recommendations for pores lmk (I already use PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator )
iaramasri
Which BHA Product for Your Skin Type?
If you deal with acne-prone skin or enlarged pores, salicylic acid (BHA) is heaven-sent for most folks. Oil-soluble, it penetrates more effectively/deeply into the pore than water-soluble AHAs, touting hydrating, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to exfoliating.
But Which BHA Product Is Best for You? 👀
• PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator : $29.50 USD, $0.25 per mL. A cult classic, an international bestseller, a bottle of liquid gold. Water-thin, it contains a couple of humectants, an antioxidant, and 3 preservative/stabilizing ingredients. A super simple INCI list! This makes it especially friendly to many sensitive-skinned folks, as the list of possible skin triggers is small. Some people say the finish feels oily, but I find it intensely hydrating and it soaks in quickly, making it great for combo and dry skin alike! This simple liquid is my pick for enlarged pores and general skin congestion.
• NATURIUM - BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% : $20 USD, $0.17 per mL. Encapsulated salicylic acid and a variety of humectants make this a hydrating exfoliant “toner”, perfect for those with any skin type, with one exception- those with sensitive skin may have issue with the citrus extracts contained, though the producers of the extracts claim they contain mild AHA exfoliant properties. I’d recommend this to any skin type with non-sensitive skin looking for a budget SA product that leaves skin hydrated but not tacky, and helps to keep pores minimized and unclogged. Texture-picky folks on a budget will love this!
• THE inkey LIST - Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum : $10.99 USD, $0.37 per mL. This is the best BHA for oily skin, featuring a super simple INCI list made up of humectants, stabilizers, salicylic acid, and zinc PCA. Salicylic acid helps to keep pores clear while zinc pca helps to reduce sebum production, though I personally react badly to zinc pca- bumps and itchiness, unfortunately. This product is still one I recommend to friends, as it’s affordable and has minimal chance of triggering skin allergies/sensitivities other than the zinc, with huge potential for those that struggle with acne in general.
Skinsitive
More Reviews
My full current routine
My skin is very acne prone skin and has been as long as I can remember, yet I’ve never been able to find anything that really works, you know? Thus, I’ve decided to put my current routine out there in the hopes that someone, anyone might be able to offer some advice or tips to help.
Morning:
wash with the 3.5%Neutrogena - Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cream Cleanser(I’ve searched for a 10% formula but I guess it’s not carried in Canada)
tone withpixi - Glow Tonicwith 5% glycolic. Sometimes I also use THAYERS - Lavender Facial Tonerbut not as often anymore
mix 3 drops of lavido - Invigorating Facial Serumwith 3 drops of íUNIK - Tea Tree Relief Serumand a pump of vitamin C serum from a local brand called Truly Lifestyle Brand. I’m not sure it’s the best to mix my serums like that but hey. Also the vitamin C serum is a 17% concentration.
moisturize with Cetaphil - DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30. I actually do feel as if this has helped my acne but I could just be imagining it; I used to believe that my old moisturizer broke me out before I switched to this one. Sometimes I feel dry since it’s oil absorbing I guess but it’s not frequent.
lastly isOLE HENRIKSEN - Banana Bright Eye Crème; I don’t suffer from dark under eyes but I still like this one.
Evening:
wash with same neutrogena face wash
tone with pixi toner
I used to use the proactiv md 3 step routine and although I don’t use the cleanser and rarely use the sunscreen-moisturizer, I recently started using the proactiv - Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatmentagain
use the same serums minus the vit c serum
moisturize with the CAUDALIE - Vineactiv 3 in 1 Vitamin C Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer. I’m not concerned about anti-aging, I was recommended this for helping with the skin barrier. Sometimes for nighttime I also mix this moisturizer with the LANEIGE - Cica Sleeping Maskor SUMMER FRIDAYS - Jet Lag Mask
spot treat overnight with CLINIQUE - Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Weekly:
one or twice a week, surprise surprise, I use The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution for my pores and to fade my dark spots.
usually once a week, sometimes twice I use the AZTEC SECRET - Indian Healing Claywith acv
a bit less frequently I use the alya skin. - Skin Pink Clay Mask, this one I feel is less effective than the Aztec clay mask but I still like it
It might also be worth mentioning that I also have been taking 30mg of zinc which I heard helps with acne, and in the mornings I drink a mixture of acv, lemon juice, turmeric, and cayenne in hot water. I also used to juice celery but I don’t have a juicer right now so haven’t been doing that recently.
I feel like that’s enough information but I love getting advice about skincare and talking about it so I’d be happy to give more info if anyone would like it😊😊
The Ordinary-AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
New to skincare and looking for suggestions
Hi all.
I'm relatively new to this whole properly taking care of my skin thing. I have combination skin, uneven skin tone, large pores and redness/discolouration.
I've recently incorporated these products:
Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Gel-Creami think i'm going to switch this out to the regular skin, as i'm finding it really makes my face oily. I do, however, need the moisturizer mostly around/on my nose. Or for when my pimples dry out.
C&C by Clean & Clear - Persa-Gel 10, Maximum Strengthuse this mostly as a spot treatment. It dries my skin out a little bit, but i find it really helps flatten my pimples pretty quickly. I've only been using this product for a few days.
The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%literally just started using this today. As you can tell, i have MASSIVE pores. I have for as long as i can remember. Lately, it's really bothering me that my makeup sinks into my pores. I got a new pore primer today though and, so far, I'm impressed!
Neutrogena - Pore Refining Cleanseronly been using this one for a few days. So far i'm pretty happy with it! Feels great on my skin and the scrub has been helping remove dry skin.
I have also started using a salicylic acid acne treatment, for Clean & Clear. It's supposed to help remove blackheads. I have always been very nervous to use toners as I had bad luck with the Pro Activ system as a teen. This dries my skin out a bit, but i do find it helps reduce the oiliness throughout the day, especially at work when I have a full face of makeup on.
I'm trying to give my skin as much of a break as possible when I'm not at work. I wake up really oily no matter what, but I'm wondering if this is just a regular thing for people? I hate it lmao
I'm extremely self concious about my skin. I hate it and I have since i first got acne at age 10. It was so bad, I'm pretty sure my pores are also so big because they're probably partially acne scars. Any suggestions would be great!! I find my skin is a little sensitive, but i'm quickly getting used to the burning of the toner lol
Thanks in advance :)
Neutrogena-Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Rosacea/enlarged pores/blemishes
Hi beautiful ladies,
This is my skin.
I am sorry for the partial pictures, I am too embarrassed to post my full face.
I was diagnosed with rosacea (some redness but mostly red papules which never go away), have enlarged clogged pores especially on my nose and forehead, combo skin, blemishes, sun spots, uneven texture and so on...
This is currently my routine that helped a lot with reducing the amount of red blemishes and made my skin smooth (like butter according to this app :) although my rosacea is mostly gone, I feel very self conscious about its appearance. I included some pictures of how my skin used to look with a rosacea flare up.
Here is what I use now:
1. Cleanser with sulfur (prescribed by dermatologist)
2. ETUDE - Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner very hydrating, smoothing the skin.
3. I just added Elizavecca - Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid Serum feels smooth, does not irritate my skin however it is too early to say if it’s doing anything to my pores. Before this I used serum with niacinamid.
4. dear, klairs - Rich Moist Soothing Cream my skin loves this cream even though it might be a little heavy for the summer.
At night I sometimes add azelaic acid (prescribed) or soolantra (prescribed) but more for a spot treatment as I have been using it for the whole year now and I think it helped a lot with smoothing the skin.
Sometimes I use MIZON - All-in-One Snail Repair Cream which I like just because it does not irritate my skin and feels like it reduces shining in my t- zone area
Or I use SKE DERM - Snail Jelly Mask which is amazing! I wake up after this mask with soft and plump skin.
Once a week I use Cetaphil - Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask but I don’t think it exfoliates my skin enough however it is gentle and my skin does feel good after this mask.
However, my skin issues are still obvious and I would like to get any advices on how to deal with it.
Thank you in advance!
MIZON-All-in-One Snail Repair Cream
Exfoliating 101
What's exfoliating? Why should you do it? How should you do it? If these are questions you have you're in the right place!
Exfoliating is removing the top level of skin cells. It can be done physically or chemically, and will brighten the skin, smooth texture and can help to treat acne and wrinkles.
For my combination, oily skin I like to use both physical and chemical exfoliants. I use chemical exfoliants daily in the form of exfoliating toners, and use a physical exfoliant once a week to give my skin a reset.
Exfoliating helps me to address breakouts and hyperpigmentation! By speeding up the cell renewal rate I'm able to lighten dark spots faster.
Exfoliating is important, but for those with sensitive skin it can quickly lead to a compromised skin barrier! My skin can tolerate daily, gentle exfoliating but not all skin will react the same! If you have more sensitive skin an enzyme exfoliant will be a bit gentler than an acid bases one!
Here are some of my favorites:
Physical
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE - Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial
iS Clinical Tri-Active Exfoliating Mask
Chemical
bejbiskin - Light Liquid Exfoliant
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE - Lotion P50
Enzyme
KOSMETIC IMMUNITY - Enzyme Cleansing Powder
URBAN SKIN Rx - Even Tone Smooth & Glow Enzyme Mask
KOSMETIC IMMUNITY-Enzyme Cleansing Powder
What happened after 10 days of a vitamin C line
Over the past 10 days I have been trying out Georgette Klinger’s Vitamin C line! For a bit of background, I have acne prone skin and some hyperpigmentation from previous pimples. I went into this hoping to see improvements.
To get the negatives out of the way first, I really dislike that these products have fragrance. All 4 products in this line have fragrance listed as the last ingredient. I would prefer products with active ingredients such as vitamin C to have no fragrance at all as to reduce any chance of irritation. The Vitamin C complex in particular was irritating to my skin so I omitted it from my routine early in the 10 days.
My favorite from his line is the Vitamin C mask. I’m a big fan of masks and wash off treatments. I also love thta this is a bentonite clay based mask because those tend to work well with my oily skin. I will definitely continue to use this mask and don’t mind the fragrance in this formula because it is a wash off.
As for the toner and cleanser, I didn’t see much positive or negative effects on my skin. They were okay and got the job done but I’m not sure if they’re something I want to include in my everyday routine.
At the end of this challenge I can definitely see an improvement in the brightness of my skin. I will say however that my skin took a while to recover from any irritation it faced and I’m not sure if including an active ingredient in every step of your routine is necessarily more effective.
GEORGETTE KLINGER-Vitamin C Cleansing Gel
How to: GLOWING SKIN✨✨
Let’s face it. There is no real quick fix to get a 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 without taking care of it on a daily basis. Wearing sunscreen and supplying your body enough hydration are probably the most important tips we should follow. In this post, I'd like to share my top favorite skincare ingredients that will get you great results even quicker.
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭:
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐇𝐀 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞.
AHA: Glycolic Acid - effectively removes the outermost layer of dead cells from the complexion, revealing brighter, fresher skin. It is for use for dry to normal skin.
Glycolic acid gently removes dead skin cells and also generally well tolerated, even by acne-prone skin. It may not work enough to get rid of acne but it’s a great supplemental product to keep in your vanity. I would recommend starting with 10%-12% and gradually move up to 15%.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:ALPHA SKIN CARE - Enhanced Renewal Cream
Contains 12% Glycolic Acid. Free of oils and fragrances. Helps even skin tone and texture. Contains peptides to help plump & improve skin’s texture. It also has antioxidants, vitamins, and green tea to prevent signs of aging.
( alternative: liquid form, TO Gycolic Toner)
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧:
𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐇𝐀 𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.
BHA: Salicylic Acid - they are proven to clear clogged pores and improve bumpy texture. BHAs like salicylic acid is oil soluble. This characteristic allows them to penetrate below the skin’s surface and dive deep into your pores. They can penetrate blocked pores by making their way into the oil glands, dissolving the paste-like mixture of sebum that can lead to breakouts. They are typically safe for use once or twice per day. For home use, maximum strength of 2% is advised.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: PAULA'S CHOICE - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator
This BHA is in a toner formulation. Make sure to pat dry your skin after washing the face before using this. Concentrate on the areas like the T-zone which is usually more oily. It’s critical to apply a gentle moisturizer before salicylic acid completely dry the top layer of skin to avoid irritation and apply sunscreen if used in the daytime.
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐧𝐞:
𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨.
Retinoid: Tretinoin - retinoids like Tretinoin stimulate cell turnover on your skin. Dead skin cells are cleared off your skin more quickly as new skin cells rise to the surface thus, revealing glowing skin. Quicker cell turnover opens your pores, releasing trapped bacteria or irritants. Tretinoin has also been studied extensively for its impact on the visible signs of aging (healthline.com).
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: customized Curology formula, Retin-A, Retino-A, Atralin, Avita, etc.
To get the best results with tretinoin, it is necessary to use it properly. Start off with no more than the strength of 0.025% to avoid irritation. In order to reduce the initial flaking/side effects that can accompany the Tretinoin, you can put on a moisturizer before your application. Allow it to sink into the skin completely then apply a pea-sized amount of the cream. Tretinoin can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight so be sure to use sunscreen daily!
ALPHA SKIN CARE-Enhanced Renewal Cream
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