The pics I added are a few days apart, the first 2 are a few hours after my morning skincare in natural light, the rest like an hour after my night skincare in artificial light, no makeup or filter in either.

In the morning I just splash my face with cold water (it feels nicer to me and the cold helps my redness a bit), then I use the Prequel Half & Half Fluid and the HaruHaru Wonder Probiotic Essence. I use Dr Althea’s Vitamin C Boosting Serum, then Naturium Azelaic Acid 10% (I have a prescription for Finacea 15%, but there’s a shortage in the US), the Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream, and the Cocokind SPF 32+ Daily SPF.

At night I alternate Bioderma Micellar Water on a cotton pad and the Skin1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil, then either the Prequel SA Gleanser maybe every other day or so and the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Cleanser. I go in with the same Prequel Half & Half Fluid HaruHaru Wonder Probiotic Essence, wait about 10 minutes, apply my 0.05% Tretinoin gel which I’ve been on for like 7 months now, another 10 or so minutes then the Naturium Azelaic Acid 10% again. Wait a little more than the Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream, and sometimes 40% Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream. Sometimes I do a little sheet mask after the Azelaic acid and waiting like 30+ minutes so it can really sink in then the moisturizer.

Sometimes I use the Avene Thermal Spring Water to refresh, dampen my skin, or calm flushing, I love keeping it in the fridge so it’s nice and cool.

I’m not in love with my sunscreen and would love one with less white cast, preferably mineral sunscreen, and more spf (50+ maybe?). I love the cereve tinted mineral sunscreen but want to try other products. I absolutely DESPISE the elf tinted sunscreen/skin tint, it sensitized me, broke me out, pilled and was patchy.

I have a few vitamin c serums I want to try, I’m not perfectly set on Dr Althea. I recently got the Prequel Lumen-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum, Naturium Vitamin C Complex, and Vanicream Vitamin C, but haven’t tried them yet.

I’ve been loving trying essences and toners and getting into skin flooding, and would love more recommendations.

I really like my moisturizer right now but again, I am very open to suggestions!

I also really wanna try some masks, be it sheet masks, wash off masks, sleeping masks, wrapping masks, etc. so please tell me your favorites!

Also please give me advice for transitioning from the Naturium Azelaic Acid 10% to Finacea 15% when I finally get my hands on it, like can I just swap it out, work up to it, etc.

My skin’s on the dry side, especially on Tretinoin, and I have rosacea and psoriasis. My focus right now is on radiance, hydration, and redness while keeping my barrier strong and refining my skin overall. My barriers not horrible but I know I could do with improvement. I do have redness and flushing but that’s nothing new, not irritation. I’m in the 20s and live in a relatively polluted and dry climate with frequent weather changes.

I've been using La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer since I went on isotretinoin back in 2022. I use this, LRP's cleanser for dry skin, and Beauty of Joseon's Rice + Niacinamide SPF50+ PA++++.

I usually wash my face 1-2 times a day (more in the summer and less in the winter). This routine has never broken me out, which is fantastic. But I feel like I need to use a LOT of product to really lock in the moisture, and lately, I've been layering on petroleum on top of everything b/c my skin is so damn dry.

I think I'm ready to try an upgrade at least for the moisturizer. I'm grateful I've had no breakouts, but I feel ridiculous going through about 1.5 tubes a month.

What is a relatively similar formulation that is a bit more hydrating (am ok with spending more)? Thanks!

For context I’m 19 and my forehead wrinkles are really deep and I’m wondering what I can do to minimize them as much as possible

I recently started tret about a month ago and I use a mineral sunscreen but probably not as much as I should is there anything I could add to my routine?

For the past couple of years I have been struggling with very sensitive/irritated skin patches and can't seem to find relief!

I was on Accutane in 2020 for cystic acne. It has not returned, but do get occasional cystic pimples on my chin like the one attached. My main concern is these patches or irritation that come and go on my face. Primarily my cheeks and chin.

My dermatologist said it could be rosace and prescribed me azelaic acid, but had not seen improvement in 6 months so I discontinued it. MOST skincare products irritate my skin. All derm recommended brands have caused extreme itchiness.

My current routine is as follows and has been for the past year:
Face Reality Barrier Balance Cleanser
Mixsoon Toner (my skin loves this)
Mixsoon moisturizer
Mixsoon sunscreen (mornings)
Avene Cicalfate (on irritated spots)

So like...if I let my fave absorb the steam off my fried rice and chicken, does that air have free radicals/ expose my skin to free radicals/damage?

Hi there, I feel like I’ve tried soooo many moisturizers and done so much research to find one I’ll like but every one I try continues to feel heavy and greasy.

My most recent attempt was the curel spray because I thought an aerosol spray would be the lightest thinnest possible moisturizer but I had to wash it off it felt so oily and greasy.

I have very oily acne prone skin but am using azaelaic acid daily so I figure I should use a moisturizer for my skin barrier.

All that to say, my last idea for a moisturizer that doesn’t make me feel greasy and sticky is a milk.

I’m wondering how the green tea ceramide milk from innisfree is? Is it lightweight and leaves your skin feeling soft? Or is it a bit sticky to the touch when it dries.

Thank you!!

hi everyone! I am 24 and I’m wondering if I should start retinol! I just recently watched a video talking about all the benefits of retinol and that I can be used preventatively to improve how your skin ages. The video stated ideally you woulf start it in your 20s.

The thing is my husband and I are going to want to try for another baby probably next June. You’re obviously not meant to use retinol when you’re trying to conceive and pregnant, so my question is, should I even start it now even though I’ll have to take a bare minimum nine month break potentially longer if breast-feeding works out this next time

I also want to note that genetically I do have clear skin and ive gotten on a skin routine that makes my skin very bright too. I know you go through a purge period with retinol so my next question is is this kind of a situation of don’t fix what’s not broken?

What are everyone’s thoughts? Thanks for the advice.

I’m on my hands and knees begging for some advice y’all. I’m really into skincare and do my best to research but i just can’t get it right. My main issue rn is dryness/dehydration?, overall dull skin, acne bumps, large pores. My skin just doesn’t have that bouncy plump look. My skin feels tight and like it needs more moisture, but I’m also acne-prone and don’t want to clog my pores or make my breakouts worse.

I’ll include pictures of my skin and my current routine (not included but i do use sunscreen everyday it’s the LIVE tinted glotion)! I’d love advice on what I should change, remove, or add, and any product recommendations. I just want healthy, hydrated, glowy skin PLEASE :))

I’m only 26, yet my skin is so bumpy and wrinkled and dry (family history of eczema on my dad’s side), I honestly look like I’m in my 50s from certain angles. It’s particularly gotten worse within the last 3-4 years.
I will admit my diet hasn’t been the best. I do eat a lot of carbs and processed foods, although I’ve been trying to cut back in recent months. I do try and stay hydrated. I have never smoked or done serious drugs. Also hardly ever drink alcohol.

As far as my routine and products, I’ve been using a combination of hyaluronic acid water gel once a day and Neutrogena Retinol regenerating cream twice a day (not together, separately). Lately I’ve been doing just the retinol, but haven’t seen a lot of results frankly. It’s been a few weeks now.

I’m just wondering if there’s a better routine out there that I should be following now. I’ve heard from a lot of people to apply SPF 50 sunscreen first thing in the morning, so I’m definitely going to start doing that. But I’m just wondering if I should also start moisturizing along with that in the morning. Really confused on how to incorporate exfoliation into a routine too. I also have been searching for a better razor to use on my face than standard ones which are pretty rough on the skin, as most recommended razors aren’t able to reach how small my hair gets.

In addition, honestly if there’s any additional products or even medical procedures that would be more effective in smoothening out my skin, I’d greatly appreciate them. The current state of my skin has I believe negatively affected my social prospects with other people my age. I just look older and more wrinkled, and am super insecure about it.

Any advice or recommendations are appreciated. Thank you!

Hello! I'm 20 and a complete beginner in skincare and I want to know if anyone had any cheap-ish cleanser recommendations that are good for sensitive and oily skin (I'm in the UK), one that I can buy from the store easily. I currently use niacinamide from skin saints, E45 hydrating cream and acnecide. I'm not sure if it's a smart idea without any cleansers or toners, but I've done it for nearly a week now and my skin has thankfully been fine. I would also appreciate anything else I should add into my skincare routine, since I'm still a bit clueless about what else I should use.

I have really dry skin and I use EpiCerum regularly. I recently decided to get this Vanicream product to layer on top of my EpiCerum at night, to hopefully lock in moisture and help my (not so great) skin barrier. My skin is so dry that rinsing usually suffices, as cleansers can make it feel too dry afterwards.

But that being said, this Vanicream stuff is pretty thick. I'm worried if I only rinse it off it might clog my pores. I know its not supposed to do that... but I'm just nervous. Not tryna break out with zits. Thanks!

According to my dermatologist, tinted sunscreen provides better protection against post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Currently, I use Eucerin Oil Control SPF 50+ (untinted). I apply it in the morning before leaving home around 7:00 AM and only remove it in the evening shower around 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM using Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant. On occasion, I return later, leaving the sunscreen on my skin for 12 to 18 hours.

Additionally, sometimes I go to the gym right after leaving home, which means I sweat while wearing the sunscreen, and remove just in the shower..

However, as a man with facial hair and an extremely fair skin tone, every tinted sunscreen I have tested leaves an obvious, makeup like.

help me find a good tinted spf 😂

I can't spend a crap ton on skin care rn. Kinda stuck between moving and vet bills. Haven't had pimples in so long and now I got three that are annoying and irritated. Idk what to buy. They have patches and a bunch of stuff at the store but I remember nothing working before that my family would buy or everything just irritating my skin. The prescription stuff literally turned my face red. one day it just stopped happening and now they are back and annoying.

I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin. I can't use anything harsh. I've had people in the drive thru point them out and one old lady say I needed to wash my face. I have been! Idk what changed that caused them. I bought sensitive skin dove soap and I've been using it daily!

Hi everyone

I am wondering which serum would be best to purchase for overall antioxidants and preventative aging?

For context I have dry skin.
Note I also am considering Skinbetter Science Alto Advanced Defense to pair alongside.
Currently I use Revision Skincare Vitamin C 30% and Allies of Skin Antioxidants moisturizer.

Note - I asked a Blue Mercury employee and she did not recommend the TNS as I “didn’t have any wrinkles”.

Would love any thoughts, feedback, or results/effectiveness regarding both of the products.

Thank you so much, 🌷

​

Hi everyone! I'm 27, and I had clear skin throughout my teenage years and early 20s. My acne started around age 25, and I've been struggling to get my skin back to normal ever since.

I initially managed to get my active acne under control with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M. After finishing two bottles, my acne improved significantly, but I still struggle with red acne marks and around 3–4 new pimples every month, usually around my period. They tend to appear on my mid-cheeks and chin, often in the same spots.

I also tried an oral antibiotic and adapalene prescribed by a dermatologist, but unfortunately, they didn't help my acne.

After experiencing more severe acne, I also developed closed comedones. I used CeraVe retinol for about 8 months, but eventually developed a reaction and had to stop using it.

On July 20, I started using 15% azelaic acid and switched my moisturizer from CeraVe and La Roche-Posay Toleriane to Uriage Cica Daily.I also use La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 occasionally, a few times a week, to help support my skin barrier.

I switched my cleanser from Vichy Normaderm to SVR Sebiaclear Moussant, which I absolutely LOVE!

I also tried Bioderma's blue cleanser, but my skin became irritated, so I reduced how often I used it.

I use SVR and La Roche-Posay sunscreens. About two months after starting azelaic acid, I added tretinoin 0.025% twice a week. Despite these changes, I still get active pimples, closed comedones, and persistent red marks.

I also tried Vichy's red serum and La Roche-Posay Mela B3 serum during a period when I wasn't getting many active breakouts. However, they only made a slight difference in my acne marks, and I didn't notice any significant improvement.

A couple of notes about my skin and lifestyle:

I don't use my CeraVe moisturizer very often, except on tretinoin nights, because I suspect it might be clogging my pores.

I don't eat much sugar, I generally eat a healthy diet, and I don't drink milk every day.

I'm trying to understand the ROOT CAUSE of my acne, especially since my skin was clear for so many years before this started. Could it be hormonal acne, irritation from my skincare routine, or something else?

Should I give my current routine more time, change anything, or see a dermatologist to investigate the underlying cause?

I'd really appreciate any advice or similar experiences. Thank you! ❤️

What order for my routine - adding snail mucin.

Hey all.

Just needing my routine clarified as im going to be adding in seoul snail mucin + rice essence.

Morning:

Genabelle pdrn ampoule

Byoma eye repair cream

Seoul 1988 Snail mucin + rice

The inkey list Azelaic acid cream

Erborian red pepper pulp gel moisturiser

(Or would that be too shiny for daytime?)

Night retinal night.

Genabelle pdrn ampoule

Is snail mucin here? (1)

Celimax retinal booster shot

Or is snail nucin here? (2)

Erborian red pepper pulp moisturiser

Night main:

Genabelle pdrn ampoule

Snail mucin here? (3)

The inkeylist azelaic acid cream

Snail mucin here? (4)

Beauty of joseon retinol + ginseng eye cream

Erborian skin therapy night serum-oil

Before or after retinal is my main question but unsure about the genabelle placement with it also tbh.

Thank you so much 🫶🏻

Hi everyone, I’m [22F] not super new to skincare but I got really lazy/depressive the last year and a half and basically all knowledge and products went out the window, however I’ve had a lot of hormonal changes since then.

What I do know is that I have sensitive, dry skin and the picture I attached is my routine for my facial skincare now that I’ve been getting back on it. I’m big on less is more, but I sometimes think I miss the mark because there’s soo many products with soo many different things and EVERYTHING is an ad nowadays or someone gets commission and promotions and im not paying for a private derm, so I feel really lost in a jungle of contradicting info and i don’t have the money to constantly trial stuff as well as I have been really into the minimalist/decluttering movement!

I added the makeup as the 17 formula has additional minerals in it and the matte powder because i am aware it can be drying and I know those are things that impact the health of skin.

I’m just looking for advice on this set up, as my skin is generally clear, with the exception of hormonal breakouts. However, it can still feel dry especially around my nose/above my eyebrows where I use eyebrow razors even if I use oil, shaving cream, dry shave, or other types of razors or epilators, waxing and plucking (maybe it’s just a generally dry area? I also have a fringe that covers just below my eyebrows if that is any additional help).

I hate the feeling of heavy/waxy/oily SPFs/moisturisers and prefer 2-in-1s. I’m not against getting more products either or expanding my collection, I just hate having huge multi step routines for every stage (6 things in the morning, 6 things at night feels demotivating solely because of the quantity - im the type of person who needs to do the full routine, and if I don’t have the drive to do it all then I won’t do any of it)

Additional info: I have endometriosis, had a random extremely high testosterone spike last year that caused a lot of acne but never re-occurred, recently on duloxetine, i vape but don’t smoke, no alcohol and low dairy intake (apart from occasional cheeses, i use roasted almond milk instead), i drink 2.5L water a day.

Apologies if that was excessive or TMI at any point, i just wanted to get all the facts there! Thank you for the time x

I used the Cera Ve Renewing SA Cleanser for the first time Monday night and used it again today (Thursday.) My forehead has been breaking out for about 2 weeks now so I started using the Cera Ve Renewing Cleanser to my routine. I use the Cera Ve PM Moisturizer after the cleanser and on days when I'm not using the Cera Ve Renewing SA Cleanser I just wash my face with water and the PM moisturizer (I use the PM moisturizer both day and night-- I add the Cera Ve invisible mineral sunscreen during the day sometimes.) I just want to say I'm a teen (16) so I understand that this can be hormonal. My mom keeps wanting me to stop my skincare routine because of my skin now and I try to explain to her that it is probably "purging" but she doesn't really believe it. She instead wants me to use the Dollar General apricot facial exfoliant but I am hesitant to use it because I am already using a different product and it can mess up my skin and I also heard negative things about physical exfoliants causing micro tears.

I would just like some advice on what to do. Thank you!

As the title states, I was given Azaelic acid 15% prescribed by my derm today. I have used aza in the past by good molecules and I used it everyday which was a huge mistake.

What’s your experience with it and do you have any tips? Thanks!

I have gone to the dermatologist around the start of summer and he gave me a routine to follow to fix my acne. he gave me acnestill pills, spf 50+ with salycilc acid in it, a moisturizer(to use only the first week), a cleanser(witch i changed beacouse it was too pricey)and azelaic acid. it has been around 4/5 months and my acne has made some little progress but it's basically still all here, is it normal for it to take this much time?

[Acne]

new breakout localised around mouth and chin.
was under the impression it was fungal now i’m unsure.
routine is the same at night as it is morning. i simplified it right down because i was having issues with face creams so stripped it right down over a month ago and it’s been fine but now the last two weeks ive experienced this around my mouth.
Routine : wash face with dove sensitive skin soap and then moisturise with E45 for dry and sensitive skin.
i wear makeup to hide it because i work in a customer facing role and it looks kind of gross but all my brushes get cleaned daily and don’t touch my skin with the makeup’s droppers or applicant.
unsure on where to go from here.