r/skincarehobbyists

What serums do you use on the daily to hydrate your skin for that plumping glowy effect???
Also is this serum something u use for your makeup base?
Do you feel like it’s helped your acne?
Do you know if this serum is fungal acne safe?
Drop your skin type & give a detailed review :))

I’m trying to find a fungal acne safe hydrating serum for sensitive dehydrated to combination skin with comedones & clogged pores. HELP A GIRL OUT PLEASE!!!

I was recently (3ish weeks ago) prescribed a compounded Spironolactone cream by my dermatologist as a solution to try and stop my hormonal acne before attempting oral.

After about 2 weeks I realized I had a ton more blackheads and they were turning into pimples on my jawline. My derm wants me to stick with it for another 2 months, but I genuinely don't think it is just purging. My skin does not react well to cream-based products - i couldn't even use a cream-based Tretinoin.

Has anyone else had experience using a topical Spironolactone for acne?

NOTE: THIS IS LONG. BUT PLEASE IF YOU HAVE TIME PLEASE READ IT AND GIVE ME SOME THOUGHTS OPINIONS FACTS ANYTHING- PLEASE. 🤍

CONTEXT OF MY SKIN: Hormonal acne that is inflammatory- and lowk randomly got worse in the last year? (Used to just be during week before my period and now more) , fungal little acne too those ones that aren’t inflammatory. Big ass pores that get clogged up and no matter what I use or try the only thing that stops them being clogged… is squeezing the sebum out. Sigh. Skin is textured. My acne scars are flat and dark. im in my early 20s, female, brown skin.

CURRENT ROUTINE:

AM: cleanser, azelaic acid, moisturiser, spf.

PM: oil cleanser, cleanser, barrier serum, tret 0.025 (just started and every 3 nights ish) moisturiser.

Okay. - OIL CLEANSERS.

1. i don’t get it. Everyone says different. Do oil cleansers cause breakouts?

2. Why do ppl say they r essential in acne prone skin skin care routine?

3. are any actually all three- hormonal acne safe, clogged pore safe AND fungal acne safe? Because every time I find one they can cause one type of acne.

4. anua oil cleanser is apparently acne safe completely- I’ve been using it- I fear it’s giving me acne and if it isn’t the cause of my acne, it definitely isn’t doing anything good either- see no difference in sebum dots and pores etc- what is the actual verdict.

4.b) IS anua oil cleanser acne safe or not. Apparently yes, according to ppl’s experiences- varies widely.

4.c) DO OIL CLEANSERS ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING💔💔💔

5. any recommendations. I beg.

next. MOISTURISERS.

1. apparently u want a hydrating moisturiser especially on tret which ive just started.

2. Cerave moisturising lotion is what I use rn- but according to ppl on Reddit this gives them acne too?!?!🫩😭 - i don’t feel like it’s good or bad. I got it cause I assumed cerave was super stripped back ingredients- now im lost.

3. any recommendations- PLEASE. For moisturiser.

NEXT. - cleanser

1. I have combination skin and use cerave foaming normal - oily cleanser : leaves my skin feeling slightly tight and clean which I thought was good but apparently is not?!

2. any recommendations? I’m starting to think cerave is lowk crap?

FURTHERMORE. - azeliac acid.

1. does this acc do anything like wth… everyone raves about it I use the ordinary one and have done for so many months now and bruh imo it does legit nothing. Doesn’t break me out or anything but doesn’t do anything

LASTLY- 2x cleanse debate and tret

1. I’ve always cleansed twice but apparently ppl r saying it’s best to just double cleanse in the PM and just use water AM- is this true?

2. JUST started tret. Ik tik tok says it’s a miracle gel- does this actually work. nothing has ever worked for me lmao, including salicylic acid my skin hates it. I am purging currently and don’t mind as long as this is actually going to improve my skin. so does it ACTUALLY work, especially for hormonal acne?

2.b) once ur skin hypothetically clears on tret, do you stop using it? Or is this something u remain on because ur acne comes back if u stop?

THANK YOU ALL FOR READING THIS FAR IF YOU HAVE AND PLEASE REPLY I TRUST REDDIT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE😂.

Thank you-

A girl in her 20s very sick of acne.

Hi everyone! I'm trying to finalize a skincare routine before I return to university next week, and I'm stuck on my cleanser 😭. I'd really appreciate opinions on which of these three would be the best fit for my skin, or recommendations for other cleansers I should consider.

About my skin:

I'm a 25-year-old woman with oily, sensitive, mildly acne-prone skin. My acne was pretty bad during my teens, but thankfully it has calmed down a LOT in my twenties. These days, when I "break out," it's usually just one or two pus-filled pimples on my cheek, T-zone, chin, or above my lip. I think they're called pustules?

My main goals are:

• Keep my occasional acne under control
• Prevent/minimize acne marks/scarring
• Keep my pores from getting clogged
• Control excess oil without stripping my skin
• Maintain and strengthen my skin barrier (VERY IMPORTANT TO ME)

My current routine:

Right now, I'm using Dove bar soap to cleanse my face and Pond's Dry Skin Cream Face Moisturizer. I'm not currently using any actives because I ran out, but once I finalize my new routine, I'm planning to order my niacinamide and Vitamin C serums again ASAP.

Honestly, I feel like my current routine isn't really doing my skin any favors, which is part of why I'm trying to build a better routine now.

For a year and a half, I've been WFH, so I've spent significantly more time indoors than outdoors and haven't had to deal with the heat and humidity of southeastern Louisiana nearly as much. I pretty much rarely left my townhouse. I'm returning to in-person university next week, so I'm trying to make sure my new routine will work well once I'm back outside more regularly and dealing with the humidity again. I've noticed that the longer I spend outside, the more likely I am to develop pustules in different areas of my face. It's honestly kind of crazy watching it happen in real time 😭. The longer I'm out in the heat/humidity, the more they just spawn, which is a huge reason I'm trying to figure out a routine that can handle being outside more often. Since I'm indoors nearly 24/7 I rarely get acne, so I've just been coasting on my current skincare routine.

One thing I've noticed over the years is that my skin seems to do much better with gentle, moisturizing cleansers than with products marketed specifically toward oily/acne-prone skin. I've tried various CeraVe products in the past and honestly haven't felt like my skin improved with them. Some seemed to make my skin feel worse/drier, so I'm hesitant to go back to CeraVe. So I'm assuming cleansers that nourish my skin barrier is the way to go.

I also live in humid southeastern Louisiana, and I'm returning to university next week, so I'm trying to find something that will cleanse away sweat, oil, and sunscreen without making my skin feel stripped. I don't ever wear makeup on my skin, I only ever wear mascara.

I'm also specifically looking for a mineral sunscreen because chemical sunscreens tend to irritate my eyes horribly, even when I don't apply them anywhere near my eyes. So that's why I've chosen a mineral sunscreen rather than a chemical one. But since I'm a tan-skinned poc I'm worried about the white cast that many mineral sunscreens can leave. That's why I'm leaning toward getting a tinted mineral sunscreen instead.

Interestingly, while visiting my parents, I used my mom's Olay Smoothing Daily Facial Cleanser with Retinol, and my skin surprisingly LOVED it. My skin felt clean but comfortable, and my barrier seemed really happy with it. That made me realize that maybe I don't need a super "oil-controlling" cleanser.

The routine I've currently planned:

🌞 Morning

• Cleanser: TBD
• L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical Derm-grade 12% Vitamin C Serum (Used before) [*Would be nice if I could find a cheaper option lollll)
• Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer (Never Used Before)
• Sunscreen: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 (Never Used Before)

🌙 Night

• Cleanser: TBD
• Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum (Used Before)
• Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer (Never Used Before)

 

A couple nights per week:

• Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam instead of my regular cleanser (Never Used Before)

The three daily cleansers I'm currently deciding between are:

1. Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Cleansing Foam

I've seen a lot of positive reviews for this, especially from people who say it cleans well without leaving their skin tight or stripped. I'm wondering if it would still be cleansing enough for someone with oily skin, especially in a hot/humid climate.

2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

I actually found a post here from someone with very oily, acne-prone skin who said they use this because it's gentle and non-drying but doesn't leave them oily. That really caught my attention because it sounds like exactly what I'm looking for.

3. Olay Smoothing Daily Facial Cleanser with Retinol

This is the one I've actually used before and already know my skin likes. I was surprised because I expected a retinol cleanser to potentially irritate my sensitive skin, but it did the opposite. My skin felt really comfortable and my barrier seemed happy. I even used some of my mom's retinol serum and my skin loved that too.

So which would you choose for oily + sensitive + mildly acne-prone skin that seems to thrive with gentle, moisturizing cleansers?

Would you choose one of these three, or is there another cleanser you'd recommend instead?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people with oily but sensitive/acne-prone skin rather than just general oily-skin recommendations. Thank you!!

Hi! I need help with my skincare routine.

I think I have dehydrated oily skin and I don’t know how to fix it. My skin always gets really oily shortly after I finish my skincare routine (both in the morning and at night, even if I use only a few products), and it stays oily all day long. At the same time, though, the area on my cheeks near my nose feels dry, if I move my face that area feels a little tight, but it looks oily. The nose in particular gets super oily. And when I wake up in the morning my skin is always oily.

I’ve noticed that many people suggest washing your face in the morning with just water to avoid putting too much stress on the skin. I’ve been doing this for a few days now, but so far, the situation hasn’t changed. I’ve tried to minimize the number of products and active ingredients I use, focusing on hydration. Aside from this combination of oiliness and dryness, my skin doesn’t have any particular problems; sometimes I get small pimples, I have sebaceous filaments on my nose, and dehydration lines on my forehead.

I've had a few pimples pop up over the last few days, and I don't know if it's because of the Purito Centella Unscented Serum or the Purito Mighty Bamboo Cleanser that I started using a week ago.

Could you recommend some products for me to use (both Korean and European) or give me some advice please?

My currently skincare routine is:

AM Clean with just water. Dry it with a paper towel and Then I apply either The Ordinary Multi Active Delivery Essence or Garnier Hyaluron Barrier Repair Liquid Care (I don't always use them, it depends), and then I always apply Purito centella unscented serum. Then I use The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream and either Revuele Oil Control SPF or Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh.

PM Purito mighty bamboo panthenol cleanser

The inkey list 10% Azelaic acid (not every night)

L'Oréal Retinol serum (not every night and not when I use azelaic acid).

Purito centella unscented serum

The inkey list caffeine eye cream

The ordinary Natural Moisturising factors + HA

Could you also recommend any retinal serum? I want to switch from retinol to retinal.

Thank you in advance 🙏🏻

Hi! I need help with my skincare routine.

I think I have dehydrated oily skin and I don’t know how to fix it. My skin always gets really oily shortly after I finish my skincare routine (both in the morning and at night, even if I use only a few products), and it stays oily all day long. At the same time, though, the area on my cheeks near my nose feels dry, if I move my face that area feels a little tight, but it looks oily. The nose in particular gets super oily. And when I wake up in the morning my skin is always oily.

I’ve noticed that many people suggest washing your face in the morning with just water to avoid putting too much stress on the skin. I’ve been doing this for a few days now, but so far, the situation hasn’t changed. I’ve tried to minimize the number of products and active ingredients I use, focusing on hydration. Aside from this combination of oiliness and dryness, my skin doesn’t have any particular problems; sometimes I get small pimples, I have sebaceous filaments on my nose, and dehydration lines on my forehead.

I've had a few pimples pop up over the last few days, and I don't know if it's because of the Purito Centella Unscented Serum or the Purito Mighty Bamboo Cleanser that I started using a week ago.

Could you recommend some products for me to use (both Korean and European) or give me some advice please?

My currently skincare routine is:

AM Clean with just water. Dry it with a paper towel and Then I apply either The Ordinary Multi Active Delivery Essence or Garnier Hyaluron Barrier Repair Liquid Care (I don't always use them, it depends), and then I always apply Purito centella unscented serum. Then I use The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream and either Revuele Oil Control SPF or Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh.

PM Purito mighty bamboo panthenol cleanser

The inkey list 10% Azelaic acid (not every night)

L'Oréal Retinol serum (not every night and not when I use azelaic acid).

Purito centella unscented serum

The inkey list caffeine eye cream

The ordinary Natural Moisturising factors + HA

Could you also recommend any retinal serum? I want to switch from retinol to retinal.

Thank you in advance 🙏🏻

Maybe it’s just me, but lately I’ve been looking at how many products I own and wondering when skincare became this complicated 😭
There’s a different product for literally everything now. Face, body, hands, specific areas, different concerns, different steps ,and somehow there’s always another product you’re supposed to add.
I’m curious if other people are starting to feel this way too, or if you actually enjoy having a really specific routine?
Have you been simplifying your routine lately? And are there any products you’ve realized you really don’t need separate versions of?

I saw a TikTok saying that Korean toners are meant for hydration. After using a toner I’d want my skin to feel hydrated & to look more radiant. Is that possible?

I have a soobooji (수부지) skin type (feels dehydrated but looks greasy) & it has clogged pores & I’m currently working on fixing my skin barrier so my skin can feel hydrated & look radiant.

What toners would you say are worth the purchase to deliver that result?

Hi Everyone
im trying to build a simple skincare routine using more natural/ organic products.
what product have actually worked well for you ?
im especially interested in gentle products for every use
id love to hear your use .

I'd love to hear your recommendations

I'm 18 and have a very low budget, so cheaper products are definitely better. I need a routine that's simple and quick or I'm not going to be able to do it consistently. Until now I've just been wiping my face in the shower whenever I remember :[

My skin is combination type (forehead+nose+chin get oily, flakey/dry around nostrils).

I don't get significant ance but I have whiteheads on my chin and some pimples under the skin on my forehead (I have a fringe, which probably doesn't help). The pores on my nose look big and are very blocked.

I don't wear make-up.

My skin gets irritated easily by products. Due to sensory issues, I can't deal with using products that I can feel on my skin for longer than it takes them to soak in (20mins max).

I also need facial sunscreen that is suitable for someone who is very pale and outside for maybe an hour most days but won't make my skin feel gross like normal sunscreen. maybe something water-based??

I have no idea what I'm doing and I desperately need advice

i’ve tried numerous sunscreens throught the years and most of them broke me out, a few that didn’t had other problems (piling, greasy etc). i completely stopped using sunscreens this summer because my barrier is already too weak but now im concerned about the sun damage im accumulating. i wear hats and try to find cover under sun but i feel like at some point i have to find a sunscreen that suits my skin since im using azelaic acid for my PIE & acne. i have sensitive combo acne prone skin and im open to recommendations from people with similar concerns

I'm kind of new to skincare beyond just a cleanser and moisturizer, and I'm currently eyeballs-deep in a hyperfixation on it. So I have gone from 0 to 100 overnight in terms of interest and investment, and it's sort of a hobby at the moment. So my inclination is to do All The Things, but I see a lot of warnings against that, so I'm trying to rein myself in. I know to only introduce one more product at a time so if I have a reaction, I know what's causing it, but are there other guidelines? Are there specific things that definitely shouldn't be combined with each other? Or should I be okay as long as I'm just introducing one product at a time and then evaluating?

Hi!

I’m 40, dipped in and out of proper skincare routine but I’d like to go and see a professional who will do whatever they do to figure out what my skin is saying and then give me the skincare routine I best need - is it a dermatologist I need to see ?

Hi everyone!

I'm a Product Manager currently developing a skincare product, and before moving forward, I want to understand real experiences rather than rely on my own assumptions.

This anonymous survey takes about 5 minutes and asks about:

• your skincare routine
• how you choose products
• common frustrations
• where you look for skincare advice
• what you wish was easier

I'm not trying to validate an idea, I'm trying to challenge it. If my assumptions are wrong, I'd rather learn that now than after spending months building the wrong thing.

Survey: https://forms.gle/HAh819xYz18QHMWk7

Thank you so much for your time! I'm reading every response personally, and they'll directly influence the product I'm building.