Hi! I am looking at a few different products that I want to try for fine lines that I can use overnight. I don't think I ever tried glycolic acid before and I have sensitive and dry skin.
I'm thinking about either Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, or maybe SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight.
Does anyone have any experience of either of these for fine lines on sensitive skin? Thanks!
TLDR:
“alcohol” in skincare products by itself doesn't tell you enough. Drying alcohol isn't automatically bad, just like fatty alcohol isn't automatically perfect for everyone. It's about knowing which type you're looking at and choosing the one that fits your skin and the job you want the product to do.
I recently started paying much more attention to the word “alcohol” on skincare ingredient lists, and I was actually kinda suprised to see that not all alcohols do the same thing. There's fatty alcohols and drying alcohols. Maybe I am the only one to only just be discovering this, lol... So sorry if this is stupidly obvious to y'all.
did some research and I saw that fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl and behenyl alcohol are long-chain alcohols which are good as emollients, thickeners and stabilizers, and some also help reduce water loss. They can leave skin softer and smoother, which is very different from drying alcohols such as ethanol, alcohol denat and isopropyl alcohol, which can feel more drying or irritating for some people. And I'm pretty sure for me in a lot of the products I unknowingly used.
What was really weird for me to work out was finding drying alcohols in some more expensive skincare products too. Price really doesn't tell you what type of alcohol is in a formula, so I think it makes more sense to check the actual ingredient list and choose based on what you need.
I tried four products to see how the different fatty alcohols felt on my skin.
First was CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Cetearyl and Cetyl alcohol. It felt rich, smooth and softening without being difficult to spread, and I would use it again when my skin needs more moisture.
For stearyl alcohol, I tried The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. It felt reallty smooth, rich and nice and lightweight when I applied. It absorbed maybe the most quickly. The finish was soft and no gloss.
Finally, I tried Purito Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer which has behenyl alcohol, which gave the cream a smooth, conditioned feel and made it easier to spread. I liked the finish and would use it again when I want something comfortable but not super heavy.
For a drying alcohol one to contrast with the others, I used Avène Cleanance Comedomed Cream. It obviously has a specific purpose but I just used it like a simple moisturiser. It felt very light, almost like watery and absorbed very quick. It would be good for fast application when I need to apply it just before leaving the house.
I wanted to share my experience because having acne with very sensitive skin has been one of the hugest challanges I've had in my entire life. I’m also allergic to certain ingredients, so trying new skincare products always made me very scared I'd make it worse. Some products that I read were good for others just caused burning, redness, or tiny bumps on my skin. I got to the point where I was scared to try anything new at all.
I started by focusing on hydration instead of immediately attacking my acne with really aggressive actives. I think my main goal was strengthening my skin barrier bfore anything else. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, keeping everything very basic. In the morning I also used La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50. I gave this routine several weeks, like a couple of months before adding anything else at all. i was really strict with myself at this stage
Once my skin was a bit calmer, I tried B-vitamins slowly. started with panthenol because it is generally used as a soothing, moisturizing ingredient. I then introduced niacinamide at a low 2-5% concentration rather than jumping straight to 10%. one new product at a time and watched carefully for itching, burning, redness, or new bumps that I had before. This was importent because my allergies make it harder to tell whether irritation is from an active ingredient or something else.
I’m still careful with acne treatments, and I patch test every single time. I learnt the hard and slow way that stronger products arent automatically better for my sensitive skin. Much better to build tolerance super slow.
The payoff has been worth the patience. My skin is calmer, less irritated, and my acne is much easier to manage. I’m finally adding products without feeling like I’m gambling with my skin every time. Hope this helps someone to avoid all the horrible mistakes and heartbreak I went through to get where I am now.
Hi! This is kinda silly, but I've used the super simple, reliable CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for years and years now and I just wonder what else is out there, lol. Maybe there is another similar product that could be a bit better. I just fancy a change now and then. So what simple moisturizer is everyone else using and if you have used this CeraVe and you find your new choice better?
Lots of people have been talking about feet problems on one of my favourite subs, which kinda inspired me to share my experiences on a new foot peel I tried.
My heels had become really dry and rough, with thick patches of skin that regular lotion wasn’t fixig, so I decided to try the Baby Foot Original Exfoliation Foot Peel.
The application was easy, although walking around in the booties felt awkward and slippery. I didn’t see much happen at first, but after several days my feet started peeling like crazy. It was a little gross, but also weirdly satisfying. Once the peeling stopped, my feet felt much softer and smoother, especially around my heels.
The bigest downside was that some areas peeled much more than others, and the process left my feet looking pretty bad for several days. I also noticed some dryness afterward, so I needed to use a good moisturiser regularly.
I liked the lavender aroma of the peel, but to be honest, it was a little stronger than I thought it would be. I think I'd use it again, but next time I'll definitely plan it well before wearing sandals or going on holiday.
I also wouldn’t use it on irritated or cracked skin, and I think I'll follow the instructions a lot more closely because the acids are quite strong and I wasn't even aware they were in there as I was excited to try something new, lol.
Overall
it worked better than regular foot scrubs for me, but the peeling stage takes some patience. My feet felt much softer afterward, which made the messy process worth it.
Lots of people have been talking about feet problems on one of my favourite subs, which kinda inspired me to share my experiences on a new foot peel I tried.
My heels had become really dry and rough, with thick patches of skin that regular lotion wasn’t fixig, so I decided to try the Baby Foot Original Exfoliation Foot Peel.
The application was easy, although walking around in the booties felt awkward and slippery. I didn’t see much happen at first, but after several days my feet started peeling like crazy. It was a little gross, but also weirdly satisfying. Once the peeling stopped, my feet felt much softer and smoother, especially around my heels.
The bigest downside was that some areas peeled much more than others, and the process left my feet looking pretty bad for several days. I also noticed some dryness afterward, so I needed to use a good moisturiser regularly.
I liked the lavender aroma of the peel, but to be honest, it was a little stronger than I thought it would be. I think I'd use it again, but next time I'll definitely plan it well before wearing sandals or going on holiday.
I also wouldn’t use it on irritated or cracked skin, and I think I'll follow the instructions a lot more closely because the acids are quite strong and I wasn't even aware they were in there as I was excited to try something new, lol.
Overall
it worked better than regular foot scrubs for me, but the peeling stage takes some patience. My feet felt much softer afterward, which made the messy process worth it.
Hi. So, I've used a whole bunch of different lifting creams, but none of them seem to do what I want or need or really what I expect at all. I spent a lot of money and feel like I tried pretty much every lifting cream out there. So, please tell me: Which ones work as you wanted them to, and what do lifting creams actually DO? some say they will give instant lift, but it never seems like they do this for me. Even for ones where others say they felt instant lift.
ten thousand dollars later and.. it's a MIRACLE!
Hi, I am just thinking of how overwhelming it is for girls these days with all the different brands and actives and whatever. I felt that even when there were less products available decades ago. But now it's even crazier! Anyway, I just wanted to encourage people to share their cheap/ free solutions for skincare, to remind people of every age that it's not always necessary to buy the most expensive products to get the best result that you want.
I'll start. So using stuff around the house can be risky but also very effective if you do it right:
-I've used diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner,
-aspirin paste to dry out red pimples
-green tea as a soothing wash.
Hi all! I think that i might need to start using salicylic acid for the small blackheads I keep getting on my nose and around the sides of it, but I’m worried because my skin is very very sensitive.
I’ve heard salicylic acid can cause dryness, redness and irritation if you use too much, so I’m really a bit nervous about trying it.
Has anyone with very sensitve skin used salicylic acid for blackheads, or for something else? How did your skin react? I’d also love to know which branded products with salicylic acid are the best ones for sensitive skin. I’m especially looking for the lower strength options or products people have had good experiences with if they have very very sensitive skin. Thanks!
Hi! So, I never realized how much washing my hands between skincare actives could matter. For years, I’d apply one product, rub it in, then immediately grab the next one without washing my hands. I mean, I probably did this for 10+ years without even thinking about it. Now I quickly wash my hands before applying each different active, especially things like acids and retinoids. just takes a few seconds and was surprisingly easy to make into a habit. My skin feels much calmer now. just wanted to hand it on. quick, easy but also very effective. wish I knew it sooner!
Hi! I always used to see tea tree oil mentioned in womens magazines for skincare advice, but hardly anyone seems to recommend it anymore.
Is it’s still worth using as an antibacterial product, especially for acne and occasional breakouts.
is the stuff we have now, better as antibacterial ingredients like benzoyl peroxide? are they just more effective? or is tea tree oil actually better but just not trending any more? I’m also wondering if tea tree oil is gentler or actually more irritating than newer options. Has anyone used it recently and noticed good results?
I've been reading about spicules lately, and the biggest advantage seems to be that they may help skincare ingredients penetrate deeper without using actual microneedling.
Since I deal with acne, that sounded perfect for me because treatments like retinoids or calming serums might work better. I also like that I wouldn't need needles or to go to a special clinic to have it done.
That said, I also read that spicules come from marine sponges and create tiny prickling sensations in the skin, which makes me wonder if they're really suitable for someone with sensitive skin like mine.
I'm worried they could make redness, irritation, or a damaged skin barrier even worse, especially if they're combined with strong active ingredients. It also seems like there isn't as much long-term research as I'd like.
Right now, I'm interested but still cautious. The idea sounds promising for acne, but I think the potential irritation and limited evidence mean I'd rather wait before trying them.
I'm interested to see what others think, though. I'll often find myself overthinking stuff like crazy and then I don't try new stuff that might be really helpful for me. Are you hopeful or pretty skeptical about spicules?
I get that they have to sell products to make a living, but could they be a LITTLE more realistic? You're already 25 with tiny pores... it's not the hundreds of dollars of products you're splashing all over your face that's making you look good, trust me!
Rant over. And... breathe. :)
I've been reading about spicules lately, and the biggest advantage seems to be that they may help skincare ingredients penetrate deeper without using actual microneedling.
Since I deal with acne, that sounded perfect for me because treatments like retinoids or calming serums might work better. I also like that I wouldn't need needles or to go to a special clinic to have it done.
That said, I also read that spicules come from marine sponges and create tiny prickling sensations in the skin, which makes me wonder if they're really suitable for someone with sensitive skin like mine.
I'm worried they could make redness, irritation, or a damaged skin barrier even worse, especially if they're combined with strong active ingredients. It also seems like there isn't as much long-term research as I'd like.
Right now, I'm interested but still cautious. The idea sounds promising for acne, but I think the potential irritation and limited evidence mean I'd rather wait before trying them.
I'm interested to see what others think, though. I'll often find myself overthinking stuff like crazy and then I don't try new stuff that might be really helpful for me. Are you hopeful or pretty skeptical about spicules?
This happened a while ago, but I wanted to share my experience in case it's helpful. I've been thinking, and we talk a lot about what to put on our skin, but a lot of other factors can affect skin, too.
So, a few years ago I started taking an antidepressant, and after a few weeks I noticed my skin changed a lot. my face became much drier than it had ever been before, and no moisturizer seemed to help for long. i also started getting more acne, especially around my chin and cheeks, which was really frustrating because I'd got my skin a lot more stable at that point. I stayed on the medication because it was helping me, but dealing with the skin changes wasn't easy.
Has anyone else noticed dry skin or worse acne after starting an antidepressant, or was it just me? it was really anoying and frustating. And it's hard to find research about it. Maybe it was caused by something else, but I just wanted to see if anyone related.
I used to be a bit obsessed about homemade facemasks. I've eased up a bit about them now but I thought I'd share some of my experiences with different types, because when I made them myself they were maybe even more affective and usually cheap compared to store-bought.
Honey + oatmeal (dull, dry skin)
The one I keep making most is super simple: plain honey with a little oatmeal. I used it whenever my skin felt dry and looked dull. It always left my face feeling softer with zero tightness. The only thing I don't like is how sticky it is while waiting. Both ingredients are cheap, easy to find in any supermarket, and nearly always they're already sitting in my kitchen.
Yohgurt and turmeric (uneven skin after breakouts)
My yogurt and turmeric mask became my favorite whenever my skin looked uneven after breakouts. I liked how fresh my face felt afterward, but turmeric stained my fingers and kitchen surfaces and even carpets, plus it sometimes left a slight yellow tint on ME if I added too much. Plain yogurt is cheap and easy to buy, and turmeric powder is cheap and lasts for a really long time, like months usually. Use kasturi tumeric though, not kitchen turmeric.
Bentonite clay and water (removing oil)
Now this is a weird one, cos bentonite clay is in cat litter, lol. But you want the beauty kind, obviously. For oily skin, I mixed bentonite clay with water. made my face feel cleaner and helped reduce shine for a day or two. I really was not a fan of how quickly it dried because it felt uncomfortable. The clay costs more than kitchen ingredients (about $10), although one tub lasts ages and is easy to get online.
Avocado + honey (rough skin)
Mashed avocado with honey worked well whenever my skin felt rough. I loved how moisturized my face looked afterward, but ripe avocados are expensive and aren't always in season. Since they go bad quickly, I'd often end up wasting leftovers if I didn't plan them for meals.
Cucumber + aloe (after sun)
I mixed cucumber with aloe vera gel whenever my skin felt irritated after too much sun. cool and calming almost instantly. Fresh cucumber is cheap, but pure aloe gel can cost a little more depending on the brand, but I'd usually get it from inside an aloe vera leaf from an actual plant. be prepared for quite a watery mask though, which makes it messy to put it on.
I know I have missed a lot of other ones. Look forward to hearing other people get creative with this one.
I keep seeing people across loads of different subs ask which acne ingredient is best and what they are worried about before trying, so here are my thoughts after trying all three. My skin has been a bit of a mess, so this is what I learnd. It's in bullets since that's how I put it in my notebook.
Salicylic Acid
Pros
Clears clogged pores.
Helps blackheads.
Less oily skin.
Cons
Can dry my skin.
Worked slowly.
Stung broken skin.
Cautions/ advice
Don't overuse it.
Always wear sunscreen.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Pros
Shrunk pimples fast.
Reduced redness.
Helped painful spots.
Cons
Bleached towels.
Made skin flaky.
Felt itchy.
Cautions/ advice
Start with a low strength.
Use a good moisturizer.
Retinoids
Pros
Fewer breakouts.
Smoother skin.
Helped acne marks.
Cons
Purging was rough.
Skin peeled.
Results took months.
Cautions/ advice
Use only at night.
Start just 2–3 times weekly.
Go slow to avoid too much irritation.
I know some of this sounds really bad, but don't let that put you off. I find it's horrible for a while but then my skin gets way batter. Hope this is useful for people who haven't tried one or all of these. <3
Just wanted to hand over this little nugget of truth I've realised in all my struggles with trying to achieve even the most basic, okay-ish skin.
It's nothing to do with appearance. It's about self care. Looking after me. Feeling confident. Feeling happy. Putting daily time aside to show myself I DO care, not matter how down I feel soemtimes. And last of all: feeling MYSELF! My skin tends to not want me to feel a lot of these things, lol. But I've kinda learnt that if I continue loving it and compromising with its little quirks, we might learn to love each other a little bit more as each day passes.