r/SkinbarrierLovers

We're putting retinol on trial today!

Probably the most talked about ingredient in all of skincare. Retinol has been studied for decades, recommended by every derm, and credited with everything from smoothing fine lines, to clearing acne and reversing sun damage.

But it's also the ingredient that's sent more skin barriers into full melt down than almost anything else. We all know the ugly phase of peeling, purging, burning, and sensitivity all too well...

So where do you actually stand on retinol?

Court is in session. Drop your verdict below 👇

I’ve been on a barrier repair journey for 1 month today. My history was using Skinbetter Science Alpharet Clearing Serum, 15% Azelaic Acid, and monthly exfoliating facials. I was getting a lot of random breakouts, redness, and flaking so I decided to give my barrier a reset break.

I understand this texture on my forehead is so mild, but I’m trying to determine what it is so I can decide if it is safe to slowly introduce my retinoid again. This texture has come and and completely gone a few times over the course of my reset. Sometimes it will really flare and be redder. Not sure if it’s some type of dermatitis, compromised barrier, or just some mild comedones. It doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

Posted a pic of my routine. For reference, I have just been using water to wash in the am and the squalane is a new introduction (2 days ago) to get a little extra hydration at night and has not impacted the bumpiness or caused breakouts.

I woke up this. I noticed the area felt a little red. I woke up and now it’s incredibly rough (almost like there’s little bumps, and itchy.

Is this skin barrier damage? How do I go about fixing it?

My current routine is:

Morning:
Splash face with water
Vanicream moisturizer
Sunscreen

Night:
Cera ve cleanser
Vanicream moisturizer + cicplast

Sometimes I’ll use snail mucin for hydration but it’s never given me any problems

My derm isn’t positive this is sebhorric dermatitis but it burns rather than itches and flares up with occlusives , eczema treatments, and moisturizer that I use on other areas of my face and body without any issues. This never ending flakiness is also on my eyelids closest to my eyebrows, not in the folds of my eyelids, and it does the same thing, gets redder flakier and swells with moisture. I was given ketoconozole cream but it burns because my skin barrier is in terrible shape. Currently only using aloe gel, it temporarily helps the flaking but it just never truly gets rid of it

Hello! I’ve just recently decided to focus on my skin and trying to make it better! I i have oily, acne prone, sensitive rosacea skin. (I’ve also started to get into makeup as well)

Here’s the products i purchased!

Bioderma miscellaneous water
Vericream facial cleanser
Medicube azelaic acid
Iunik Beta glucan serum
Vericream moisturizer.
Bubble SPF

Please let me know if you think i need to change anything!

I keep getting these tiny little pustules/whiteheads on my cheeks and chin, and they keep coming back in the exact same spots. I basically never break out on my forehead.

I feel like my skin barrier may have gotten compromised after using tretinoin, so I stopped all actives and have been using only Prequel Glycerin Wash + Clinique Moisture Surge to keep things simple.

I’m also on spironolactone + doxycycline 50mg from my dermatologist, but I haven’t seen much improvement.

Could this be a compromised skin barrier, or does this look like something else? I’m scared to add more actives and make things worse. I’m also struggling to find gentle, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog my pores.
Would really appreciate any advice or product recommendations!

Hey guys i’m 15F the second photo is of my forehead just a close up and i have a scar there from a past incident!

I don’t know what to use to clear my dark spots as my skin have been getting better so now i want to clear the spots. I keep seeing reviews on vitamin c or niacinamide but idk which one to go with.

For reference i have combo skin (oily t and dry cheeks) If anyone has any recom or tips it’ll mean a lot!!

My current skincare is:
AM: Vanicream gentle cleanser
Vanicream tub moisturizer (it’s the only one that has reduced my closed comedones)
skin aqua spf 50+ sunscreen

PM:Vanicream gentle cleanser
Anua 10% Azelaic acid
Vanicream tub moisturizer and that’s all