32F | Managing leftover cystic acne scars/pores, volume loss after 100lb weight loss, & eye aging questions. Need routine/procedure advice!
Hey everyone, long-time lurker, first-time poster here. I’m 32 and had severe cystic acne from ages 12 to 25. I’ve done quite a few treatments over the years (including 2 deep CO2 lasers and a few rounds of TCA cross), but I’m still struggling with texture and a few specific aging/volume concerns.
I’d love some advice on products, lasers, or in-office procedures for the following:
1. Texture & Scars
• The Issue: Large pores and remaining rolling/pitted acne scars. I know "porcelain skin" isn't realistic, but I want to optimize my routine.
• Photos:
• Pic 1: Current skin (with makeup).
• Pic 2: Current skin (bare face, just mascara) for a better look at the texture.
• Pic 3: Historical photo (after some mild lasers, but before the deep CO2 and TCA cross) to show the baseline.
2. Eye Area & Past Botox
• The Issue: I'm feeling insecure about lines around my eyes and a general "squinty" appearance.
• Context: I started "baby Botox" very early (ages 21–22) and did it twice a year until I hit 30. I stopped because I felt it was doing more harm than good, or maybe I’m just hitting a wall with my skin satisfaction.
• Question: I am an inevitable side sleeper. Does side-sleeping contribute to this eye aging, and are there ways to mitigate it besides forcing myself onto my back?
3. Lower Face Laxity (Post-Weight Loss)
• The Issue: I recently lost 100 pounds. I’m now struggling with what looks like a double chin from certain angles, but feels mostly like loose, hanging skin.
• Question: Is it possible to tighten or fix this submental loose skin without undergoing invasive surgery?
My 7 Day Current Routine (Skin Cycling)
Daily Staples:
• AM: Wash with water, Argireline 10% (eyes/forehead/frown), EltaMD SPF.
• PM Baseline: Wash with cleanser, Argireline 10% (most nights), moisturizer.
• Day 1 (Mon) | Exfoliation
• AM: Daily Staples.
• PM: LRP Effaclar AHA/BHA or PCA Skin Nutrient Toner \rightarrow Vanicream or Cosrx Snail Mucin.
• Day 2 (Tue) | Vitamin C & Peptides
• AM: Daily Staples + NIOD CAIS 3:1 (or TO Copper Peptides) + Vichy or SkinCeuticals Vitamin C.
• PM: NIOD CAIS 3:1 (or TO Copper Peptides) + Vanicream.
• Day 3 (Wed) | Retinoid (Tretinoin)
• AM: Daily Staples.
• PM: Tretinoin 0.025% (sandwich method if peeling) + LRP Cicaplast B5 Baume around eyes/nose/mouth.
• Day 4 (Thu) | Niacinamide & Hydration
• AM: Daily Staples + NIOD CAIS 3:1 + Cosrx Snail Mucin. (Note: Washed with cleanser this AM).
• PM: NIOD CAIS 3:1 + LRP Mela B3 Serum + Naturium Niacinamide + Cosrx Snail Mucin.
• Days 5, 6, & 7 (Fri–Sun) | Recovery & Moisture
• AM: Daily Staples + NIOD CAIS 3:1.
• PM: NIOD CAIS 3:1 + Vanicream + LRP B5 Baume around eyes/nose/mouth.
Thank you so much in advance for any insight, product recommendations, or procedure suggestions!