u/Honest-Macaroon1237 — reddlx

Hi everyone, I’m currently starting an online business and I’m trying to understand marketing properly.

I see a lot of advice about finding a “winning product,” but not much detail on what happens after that.

What platforms are actually best for promoting a business right now? (TikTok, Instagram, Etsy, etc.)

For those doing dropshipping or e-commerce, how do you market your product in a way that actually gets traction?

How do you go from getting random views to building an audience that sticks with you and trusts your brand?

I’m especially interested in real experiences (what worked / what didn’t), not just theory.

P.S. I’m trying to focus more on building a long-term brand (e.g. Shopify) where I have more control over the customer experience and business overall.

I know TikTok Shop can drive quick traffic, but I’ve seen mixed reviews about payouts, support, and reliability, so I’m a bit cautious about relying on it too heavily.

Would love to hear how others balance short-term platforms vs building something more sustainable long-term.

Any advice would be really appreciated 🙏

Hi everyone, I’m really struggling with my skin and would appreciate any advice or similar experiences.

My issue is that I seem to react to almost every skincare product I use, especially cleansers. The reactions are unpredictable and often delayed.

Pattern I’ve noticed:

My skin is completely fine when I use just water (no reactions at all)

As soon as I introduce a product (especially cleansers), I get a reaction

The reaction can happen:

immediately after washing OR

1–2 days later (this is what confuses me the most)

The reaction usually shows as:

small bumps/rash-like texture

irritation around my eyes (sometimes swelling)

The flare-ups usually calm down within hours or up to 1–2 days max

Important:

I’ve stopped using products for months before, and my skin is fine during that time

But every time I reintroduce products, the reaction comes back

So I’m 99% sure it’s product-related, not my skin “naturally”

Products I’ve tried (all caused issues eventually):

Eucerin (including healing creams)

Vanicream (lotion + cream)

Dove sensitive/fragrance-free

Aveeno Calm + Restore

Cetaphil gentle cleanser

Cetraben ointment (what I was prescribed with didn’t work …)

Avène Tolerance range

La Roche-Posay Toleriane range

So basically even “sensitive skin / fragrance-free” products don’t work for me.

What DOESN’T cause a reaction:

Water only

Vaseline (but I don’t want to rely on this long term)

My current thinking:

Possibly allergic contact dermatitis

Maybe reacting to common ingredients like preservatives or surfactants?

I’ve got a GP appointment soon but just trying to get some insight in the meantime. Cuz I gotta see a dermatologist ASAP.

Anyone here with contact dermatitis, very reactive skin, or eyelid irritation what has actually worked for you?

I’m looking for recommendations for cleansers and moisturisers that didn’t trigger reactions.

Would really appreciate hearing what worked in your experience.

PS: I know some people will suggest just using water, but that’s not realistic for me long-term.

My skin doesn’t react to water, but I still need a proper cleanser because water alone doesn’t feel like it removes oil, buildup, or keeps my skin properly clean.