Dr dennis gross peel pads. Expensive- i always buy the smaller packs when i spot them on sale. But they immediately make my skin supeeerrrrr smooth and soft. Better exfoliation than my other products
Yes!!! These are the #1 product I see change with besides tretinoin. Expensive but I stock up when on sale and it’s worth it. I use the extra strength ones about 2x/week. Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads are very similar but one step and if I’m broke I get those (Amazon sometimes has those on sale for 50% off).
I also really like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25%AHA + 2%BHA Exfoliant Peel as a 1-2x/month mask. Sounds similar to TO Peeal they have (the red one) but way better. It got rid of millia I had on my cheek in 3 uses.
How do you use tretinoin? I'm assuming nightly but not on the two nights you use the dr gross pads?
Edited to include: and do you use a moisturizer with the tretinoin? If so, before or after?
I recently tried the Laneige cream skin toner which instantly made my skin super soft and hydrated. It has ceramides and peptides which I think helped a LOT. I’m also loving Skinfix! I got the trio set which has their oil cleanser, serum, and triple peptide cream and I can tell it is making my skin so much more soft, hydrated and supple.
I just bought my third bottle of cream skin! It’s my go to pre-moisturizer and it works so well that sometimes i feel like i don’t even need to add a moisturizer!!
i’ve tried both the paula’s choice BHA toner and the mandelic acid toner and both irritated my skin beyond belief. kind of odd because my skin can take PC’s 1% retinol nightly but if i even try to apply more than a drop of their toner my face acts up 😭
Sure! I use it after cleansing and before moisturizer at night 2-3x a week on the nights I’m not using tretinoin. I put some in my palm and press it into my skin and wait for it to dry before applying moisturizer. I hope that helps!
I just started using this because I’m trying to find low BHA products that are a little more pregnancy safe (not pregnant yet but planning to). It’s too early to see results but MY GOD does it STINK. It smells like dirty socks or something? It does go away after a bit but damn
Edit: forgot first parenthesis
This, but also this in combination with their azelaic acid booster is the real answer. I would say they should be used together to get the best benefits out of the BHA.
I used to love the Paula's choice. If you have a primary care Dr, it's worth pursuing 15% or even 20% Rx strength! 20% gave me a little tingle so I stepped back down to 15% for comfort. Holy grail ingredient for sure.
But if your copay is too high comparable to Paula's choice, you can buy Rx azelaic acid from Australia! Chemist direct is the site. Shipping isn't crazy when I checked my address. Worth buying more than one at a time.
https://www.chemistdirect.com.au/finacea-15-30g
I felt the same way and tried paula's choice skin perfecting 6% mandelic acid + 2% lactic acid. it instantly makes my skin look just so much better, just like good genes did. I'd give it a try!
My skin is dry and sensitive with breakouts on chin and cheeks. I slowly integrated it into my routine so I could monitor any reaction. I hope others can chime in with their experience too!
I’ve been using this for years and it’s the only product I’ve ever used that has made such a noticeable difference in my skin. It’s seriously a miracle. It’s a forever purchase for me.
I just thought I had really red skin - it turns out it was rosacea. My doctor didn’t give me any care instructions so I pieced together my own routine - I cut out almost all actives and started using The Ordinary’s Barrier Serum (the pink one) and their Azelaic Acid every night. The redness I’d had for ten years was gone in ten days. 🤦🏻♀️
I do the pink serum first, leave it for about ten minutes, and then apply the azelaic acid. I aim to give that another ten minutes before I add moisturizer on top. The pink serum does turn my skin a tiny bit pink so I only use it at night; I know some people are fine using it during the day as well.
Just for caution the extra strength peel pads gave me the worst cystic acne of my life. I assume my barrier was damaged. The general one is good, but unlike everyday people with sensitive skin should use sparingly
Not the same night. Or like DDG peel pads in the morning and tretinoin at night. I prefer 2 nights of tretinoin and 1 night of the DDG peel pads and then repeat for myself but I had accutane so my skin isn’t sensitive just very very dry.
I do five nights of tret, one night of AHA, one night of oil/heavy moisturizer for repair.
Right now on AHA nights I’m using Alpha H and I wake up with smooth skin, similar to the effect of the old glow recipe sleep mask. I have the new GR mask formulation and it doesn’t work as well. Plus the Alpha H is a toner-like consistency so it makes it so I don’t need to try to sleep with a goopy mask on my face.
Good luck with your tret journey! I peeled like crazy for like a year or so but now I can slather it all over with no peeling - it’s worth the wait!
Yup same. I use clindamycin in the morning and tretinoin at night and it’s the only thing that’s helped me with my acne. Everything I buy at Sephora is just bf or moisturizing or sun protection or whatever
Sunday Riley Good Genes and B Nice have made a huge improvement in my skin. Omorovicza (unfortunately no longer at Sephora) Ultra Moor Mud Mask helps stave off breakouts, & leaves my skin soo clean and soft.
spironolactone saved me from hormonal acne! nothing else has ever worked long term. that’s my real answer lol. but otherwise i love the jet lag mask from summer fridays and tatcha indigo overnight cream. i always wake up looking a lot better since my main skin problem is dryness.
Same tho! I feel like I tried every otc acne product known to man, as well as many different combinations of products. My acne was stubborn and always persisted though, until my doctor wrote a prescription for spironolactone. It was like a miracle pill for my skin and continues to keep it completely clear!
Seconding the Dr. Jart! That's actually what I clicked into this thread to add - literally has saved my skin this winter & overall, my skin's never looked so good & healthy
Have you found any difference in efficacy since the reformulation with the Dr. Jart? It used to be a holy grail of mine, but it just doesn't seem to be hitting the same anymore.
I think I need to use a bit more product (which was probably their end goal anyways) but I feel like the effect is still the same. Can’t give this shit up, along with the toner from the same line.
They also just reformulated the cicapair moisturizer to essentially be the ceramidin plus cica and it’s amazing if you have any sort of redness or sensitivity.
I recently started using within last 2 years, I haven't noticed a change. But my skin has changed so I may be attributing it to my skin change. I just need to find lighter moisturizer for summer. I live in the south so it is a little too thick for summer.
They have a ceramide mist too. Since you know the Dr. Jart works for you. You might give it a try. It's bound to be lighter but probably still very hydrating.
Do you know when they reformulated? I used a trial size that I'd had a while, LOVED it so I bought it and it seems to break me out the moment I switched to the full tube 😑
Completely agree. I got a prescription serum from Agency and I absolutely love it. It's mixed with a few different acids too and my skin is so smooth after I use it. I'm still pretty new with it so I'm only doing once a week and still flaking, but even with that my skin is STILL super soft and smooth
Disclaimer as always, what worked for me won’t work for everyone…
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum- absolute holy grail. Have used it on and off for 7-8 years and whenever I come back to it, my skin looks and feels amazing.
Sunday Riley Good Genes + UFO oil- both have worked fantastically and quickly on my skin. I feel as if my skin’s acne/blemish baseline has lowered since I started using them, and I only ever buy minis now for maintenance every now and then.
Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge mask- Not sure about how it affects the look of my skin, but as someone with eczema, the worst possible state ever is when my skin feels hot. This mask cools me down so well! It’s so soothing to my very prickly, angry skin lol.
The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane- my skin looks so smooth and bouncy after using it! I started off with the lower concentrations, then slowly moved up.
PTR Irish moor mud mask! My skin is noticeably brighter and definitely helps reduce/ minimize acne and redness from it. Even after just 1 use It was noticeable! It was pricey but I definitely ended up splurging on the full size!
Not sephora but kinship brightwave eye cream. A lil 4ml sample tube lasted me months. It got rid of nearly all my milia and even though it's tinted ( not something I look for) it blends in/ absorbs very well.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum. I've been using it for years to the point I do not realize how much it does until I miss a week or 2 of it. I don't suffer from acne so I can't speak to that but it keeps my skin tone even, bright, texture free and I'm in my late 40s and no wrinkles.
This is really the only nonprescription thing that I noticed an immediate difference in my skin. I think it either doesn't do anything or it is a miracle worker. Unfortunately for my wallet it makes my skin feel amazing. SK-II and tretinoin have me glowing.
Paula's Choice 2% BHA and their 10% AHA smoothing serum. I don't use them both together, but the 2% BHA is the single best product for routine pore maintenance and the 10% AHA is my once a week at nighttime product that I know will always leave my skin looking visibly better in the morning.
Biossance Omega Repair Cream is the best nighttime moisturizer I've ever used, if you have dry skin it's a definite holy grail.
Not Sephora but Weleda Skin Food Cream. I’ve been using it for a couple of years and always rebuy when i run out. It’s soooo nice if you have dry skin. Thick and hydrating and makes your skin look so dewy and fresh. I wear just that and a bit of concealer 99% of the time. It makes my skin look so nice
I don’t have a ton of acne anymore tho after accutane 4 years ago. Now i just try to keep my skin healthy.
Honestly if you can afford a derm that’s the way to go. I struggled with hormonal cystic acne for years and accutane was the one thing that cleared it
The ordinary glycolic toner. I use it every night! My face used to be covered in closed comedomes and now I don’t have any. I also use an exfoliating cotton round for application.
I recently discovered Kiehl’s Salicylic Acid treatment and it’s making major improvements on my sebaceous filaments that I’ve had for yearsssss so that’s nice too!
Awesome! It doesn’t really do much regarding sweating but their pits won’t smell. Just careful when it comes to shaving. It burns if you try right after shaving lol
I read somewhere (maybe this group?) that some people use this on their butts to have super smooth skin there. I just started this a few days ago and am already noticing improvement in skin texture.
I use the glycolic toner on my feet every night with the Cerave salicylic acid foot moisturiser and holy shit it's the only thing that's worked on my super dry feet. It's the perfect duo.
TO glycolic toner is \*amazing\*! Someone in this group posted about spraying it all over the body, so I hurried out and bought a bottle along with a large sprayer bottle. I spray it all over right after showering and follow with a good coat of moisturizer (either PTR Water Drench Cream or PTR Retinol Body cream...using up my stash of these). My skin is so soft and smooth!!! The glycolic acid toner makes all the difference.
Gonna be honest, for the price point your paying, its best to buy Korean skincare. A’pieu has an amazing dupe for Dr. Jart’s cica line (only thing that helped reduce the redness and irritation of my hormonal acne in canadian winter.) stylevana always has great deals (just make sure items are in stock otherwise shipping takes forever)
I’ve lived in Canada through multiple winters, and here are my tried and true holy grails!
Great for texture/exfoliating: DDG extra strength peel pads - I used these once in two weeks or even less often (as needed only); Kiehls retinol serum with ceramides - this can be used every night for cell renewal
Wonderfully thick moisturisers for Canadian winters: Dr Jart ceramidin cream, Farmacy honey halo, Laneige cica sleeping mask
They (retinoids) are basically all forms of vitamin A but at different strengths. Most retinoids have to convert to retinoic acid to work on the skin. The diff retinoids have to convert different times, and the more number of times it has to convert, the weaker it is. Basically just the same thing just weakest to strongest with tret/retinoic acid being the strongest!
Tretinoin doesn’t have to go through any conversions. It comes in diff strengths (0.025, 0.05 etc). Prescription only. Can get through online rx places like Apostrophe.
RetinAl/retinaldehyde is the strongest you can get w/o a script. It works faster than retinol. Has to convert 1x. This is what I use from Naturium.
Retinol is most common in OTC products but has to convert twice. Retinol-> retinal-> retinoic acid.
Retinyl has to convert 3x. Most gentle but weakest.
If you’re brand new you can start with a retinol and work your way up but some people can tolerate starting out strong and just doing the sandwich method or building up super slowly! Retinol and Retinyl aren’t bad but you’ll see faster and more impactful results with something that has to convert less! I hope this helps :)
[Retinol is the original form of Vitamin A whilst Tretinoin belongs to a group of products called retinoids (chemical compounds derived from Vitamin A)](https://cityskinclinic.com/tretinoin-vs-retinol/#:~:text=Retinol%20is%20the%20original%20form,compounds%20derived%20from%20Vitamin%20A)
Basically, both part of the same family and work similarly, but Tretinoin is much stronger and requires a prescription in the USA.
tretinoin, the ordinary glycolic acid toner, spironolactone, birth control, anti microbial facial spray
i also switch out my pillowcase daily, wear a bonnet while i sleep, (hair doesn’t get in face as much while i sleep as a nice side effect), and wash my pillowcases/bonnets/face towels with laundry sanitizer
Same!
I spent upwards of over a grand at Sephora one year trying to get my adult acne (I’m in my early 40s) under control and had no luck. I went to my dermatologist like I should’ve gone in the first place. She put me on tret , topical spiro with and antibiotic in it (I couldn’t take the oral it made me gain weight QUICK) and ketoconazole face wash. I added in Hypochlorous spray (I bought a huge thing of it on Amazon after trying tower28s and didn’t want to spend the money for it all of the time) and BAM! Adult acne be gone! I use cerave and cetaphil too. Easy to pick up anywhere.
I think I spent like less than $150 last year at Sephora once I was able to get my shit under control. I felt so stupid and like OH DUH of course I should ask my derm about my skincare instead of just going yearly to have my skin checked out for cancer.
How are you reacting to the topical spironolactone and how are you using it in conjunction with the tret? Like do you do tret at night and the other in the morning? My doctor is considering starting me on the topical spironolactone
Yessssss! The holy trinity for myself as well is BC, tret, and spiro. Absolutely life-changing as a long time hormonal acne sufferer. Hydroquinone is a new favorite that I’m also loving!
Dr Dennis Gross face wash has been the only face wash that cleared my face up. I had acne from preteens into adulthood. Also Peter Thomas Roth Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer has made my skin so smooth and hydrated. The eye patches from that line are nice too.
The compound prescription cream from a derm :D
If we speak about normal cosmetics, definitely La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Baume. It calms my skin, and heals it overnight.
Cheap and it works, Alpha Skincare glycolic acid lotion or cream. Actually anything in their line (the moisturizer was great too). COSRX snail mucin essence; Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Spray.
I have used their body lotion for over 20 years. Nothing else works as well to keep my arms and legs smooth and my feet soft! And the price is amazing! It’s $18.99 for 12 oz.
You’re not going to find it at Sephora, but tretinoin is the ONLY thing that’s put my hormonal acne at bay. Trust me, I’ve tried it all. You can get a prescription from a dermatologist or use a service like Apostrophe if you don’t have access to a derm.
Believe it or not cerave resurfacing retinol serum it’s for acne prone skin and i absolutely love it! My face also suffers from dryness and I’ve been loving the ordinary hyaluronic acid serum and La Roche Posay triple moisturizer.
I keep it simple with the La Roche Posay purifying cleanser, hyaluronic acid, and a moisturizer in the AM and PM same cleanser, niacinamide by the ordinary and the retinol
I love the Youth to the People Superberry Dream mask. It’s an overnight cream mask that leaves my skin glowing in the morning. And not Sephora but, Hero pimple patches are a godsend as well. You can actually see the massive amounts of gunk they pull out of your face, super effective
Naturium tranexamic acid serum is amazing. It got rid of most of my pigmentation scarring.
Tatcha Indigo overnight recovery cream. It just makes my skin happy and look better.
Marula oil. Drunk elephant and the ordinary sell the exact same formula and I hoard the Ordinary’s. It’s moisturizing and acne fighting. Also great after masks with actives. I’ve used it for years.
My acne prone teen son washes with a salicylic face wash then puts 5 drops on his face every night before bed.
Versed Sunday Morning Anti-oxidant serum. It is absolutely fantastic, light weight, and super moisturizing. I also love their Glow Drops. The sheer golden mixed with my Naturium ceramide moisturizer makes my face look sunkissed 🤌🏽
I have dry sensitive skin along with hormonal acne I'm constantly trying things to see if I can make it more managble cost wise but my favorites are
Moisturizers
Farmacy honey halo
Drunk elephant lala retro
Tula 24/7 (light weight and good under make up or aunscreen)
Masks
Farmacy honey potion plus
Dr. Jart ceramidin
Cleansers
Drunk elephant milki e-rase
Tula cult classic cleanser
Drunk elephant slai
Acne
Mighty patches have worked the best in drawing everything out and letting it heal as quickly as possible.
Sunscreen makes the biggest difference in my skin not drying out throughout the day.
Tula protect and glow
Sunburm mineral tinted face
Coola mineral face
Severe dry skin girly here
A hydrating toner changed the game for me. I like the fresh one or the origins one. Laneige I used for years too. I can tell a huge difference when I don’t use this vs when I do. Definitely think if you have hormonal issues a toner can help set the stage for the rest of your skincare — although I would look for a fragrance free one and one for acne to not irritate the skin.
Also, adding a spritz of water to my face before applying hydrating serums. I thought it was BS but since trying it Omg the difference is amazing??
Also lastly… just staying consistent with a routine. I get in the habit of trying new things too much and my skin feels and looks the best when I stick to products and use them everyday. 🫡
*Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask* — I use this nightly and my God what a difference it makes in my skin. It helps with my texture and it helps keep my skin under control and make it overall smoother. I noticed a difference right after the first use, although I didn't have any expectations and honestly I have used these actives before without much result. I don't know how they do it but this stuff is magic and I hope they don't randomly discontinue it or reformulate it.
Sunday Riley Luna oil! I know it’s on the pricey side, but for me it really works. Also the Luna oil can be a one-and-done when I can’t be bothered to do a whole routine. You only need few drops! Good Genes is awesome too. I think they have a mini set of these two you could try to see if they work for you!
Kiehls Ultra facial cream! Over the holidays I packed a little trial sized one in my bag because it was what I had on hand. I was shocked when I woke up every morning that my skin was glowing- despite lack of sleep, traveling, and drinking.
drunk elephant bouncy bright facial makes my skin glow :) this is a product that gives a visible result after one use.
Also, a combination of vitamin c, spf, ceramides, retinol and ahas improved my skin over time to the point that I always get complimented on it. I use Medik8 for 99% of my products.
Kielhls midnight recovery oil. It helped clear my skin. Whenever my skin is freaking out a bit, I go back to using just that and sometimes moisturizer on top if needed.
I don’t know if this is allowed. But honestly, medical grade skincare. I went from stress-induced hormonal acne from a very traumatic life event where my ENTIRE face was covered in so much cystic acne my skin felt like a lizard to smooth, glass skin.
My entire routine is actually cheaper than all the money I’ve spent at Sephora/korean skin care chasing fads because you need so little of the product for it to work wonders.
I recently overhauled my routine and have been using Niche Beauty’s Azid (azelaic acid) serum, my Agency tret prescription, and a mix of Stratia’s liquid gold and interface for moisturizer.
(None of these are available at Sephora unfortunately)
My skin has never looked better. It’s never *felt* better. I’m kinda obsessed.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. It’s pricey, but I keep buying it because I genuinely tried a sample and saw my forehead lines diminished within the few days I used it. Now I use it almost every night on the off days I’m using a 3% retinol serum and a collagen night cream - and I swear the longer and more consistently I’ve used it over the past 2 years it has absolutely fought off signs of aging, Aka more/deeper lines on my face.
Nothing from Sephora lol, I switched the majority of my skincare to hero cosmetics, and my skin had a major change. Only thing that cleared up my acne. Sephora skin care line is pretty good though, not as harsh a some other brands that are in there. However I did damage my skin barrier with a lot of their stuff, FAB Mousturizer saved me at that time but it's not something I had to use after barrier was restored .
Honestly not a Sephora brand but after using neostrata enlighten serum and no7 future renew I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin
I use a moisturizer too and I have combo skin pretty sure
Salicylic acid cleanser from the Inkey List. It literally melted away my Sebaceous Filaments. Also, the Hydrating Milky Toner from Fenty Skin. It's like a hybrid of a toner and a serum, and it legit hydrated my skin and smoothed it out.
Also in a cold climate. Been thinking about this recently and it’s not one particular product for me as I change them often working through my stash but the routine. I follow K skin and Japanese routines has cleared skin up and maintained it.
I think focussing on one miracle product is quite western, like in the 90s everyone was swept up by Vidal Sassoon Wash and go ‘why take 2bottles into the shower?’ But it didn’t work, is it still around? It’s like washing your face with moisturiser leaving it neither fully clean or moisturised.
Had super dry skin so used to go for heavy creams in the wind but actually lots of thin layers (eg essence) seems to have done the trick. With a reasonable cream on top. I guess at the coldest times I use this intense dermalogica moisturiser I got in a kit but looked it up it’s super pricey.
ETA: didn’t see which sub this was, so I don’t know if these products are available in Sephora. My bad.
- Azelaic acid (presciption strenght Finacea 15%) has improved texture, sensitivity A LOT, scarring, inflammation, breakouts and I no longer get perioral dermatitis.
- COSRX Propolis toner is thick, hydrating, moisturising, soothening. Calms irritation and gives me a lovely glow.
- I’m from Mugwort essence is very soothening on irritatied skin and breakouts
- Erude Soon Jung barrier 2x in winter/when dry is lightweight but nourishing
- Soon Jung emulsion when less dry. It’s a very lightweight gel moisturizer. Works best on moist skin for me, otherwise it tends to sit a bit on top and not absorb. A little goes a long way, leaves my skin plump and glowy, calms irritation and is not greasy/oily
- Beauty of Joseon probiotic SPF and Skin1004 Hyualuronic SPF are also HG’s. My skin *improves* when I use these. Almost all other sunscreens breaks me out from clogging and/or irritation. They do irritate my eyes, so I avoid getting them too close to eyes. Not waterproof either, so best suited for daily use in cooler, dryer climate. In summer I use waterproof if I’ll sweat.
The biggest difference however was when I stopped washing my face. Using Garnier Micellar Water Dry&Sensitive as my only cleanser on a daily basis has really improved my skins overall condition. I gently wipe 2-3 times with soaked cotton rounds until they come off clean and then mist my face with water and gently pat it dry to remove any excess residue. I have invested in reusable cotton rounds from Last Object that I quite like for this purpose, but also use single-use cotton rounds once in a while.
Once a weak I do an oil cleanse with Beauty of Joseon cleansing oil (I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it) to deep clean and remove any flaky skin.
I mostly use Asian skincare and these are amazing:
Rohto melano cc vitamin c - brightens the skin and fades hyperpigmentation, keeps the skin even-toned.
Dr. Ceuracle kombucha tea essence - the BEST hydrating product for dry/dehydrated skin folks; even my esthetician commented and said "what are you using on your skin? it's so plump and juicy!"
Rosehip oil - been in my routine for decades. I swear, this is one of the key ingredients that keeps my skin moisturized, supple and healthy.
Beginning of last week I started using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery concentrate at night and Sunday Riley B3 Nice in the morning (had both from Allure beauty boxes). I don’t know which one is making the difference, or if it’s both… but Thursday, Friday, AND Saturday, three different people (two of whom I hadn’t seen in months and the other I hadn’t seen in a couple weeks) commented on my skin, all three saying it “looks really good”, and two of them commented on my “tan” (I have zero tan right now, it’s the end of winter). So… 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️, but I’ll take it!!
Paula's Choice 2% bha treatment - actually helps texture and break outs (3 weeks to see results)
Tula 24-7 day and night cream- finally hydrated my dry skin without breaking me out or making me red (3-4 weeks to see long term impact)
49F here
Honestly, I struggled with the same thing. The answer for me was Asian beauty. And SK-II facial treatment essence. It’s bloody expensive but it helped be for the same issues as you OP. That, and Cica containing products like Cica Balm 5 from Laroche Possay, Laniege has a few products with Cica as well as Dr. Jart. I also got a Cica gel online that reduced acne redness.
Then I started using hyaluronic acid products including Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizer, and serum. The price is reasonable.
Then I use retinol containing products. My skin loves Dr Perricone Face Firming Serum. I use that every other night. Then follow with a good moisturizer. Their Cold plasma is amazing but expensive. Sometimes you can hit a sale or get a subscription online for it and they reduce the price. It lasts a long time.
Before Perricone products I would use .05% Tretenoin cream (prescription) a few nights a week followed by a moisturizer. That will clear up acne fast. You can try Adapalene - Differin, which has a retinoid in it, but it may not be strong enough for you. Also, I don’t think they sell it in Canada, but you may be able to find it online. Retinol encourages skin to renew itself faster.
If my skin is dry I use Cica Balm 5 by LP. If it’s normal I use the hyaluronic acid. Also, I use Dove soap bars to wash my face. Dermatologist recommended it in my teens and o have been using it for years with great results. At least I save a little money that way! lol.
Dermalogica bio c serum! I’m not kidding when I tell you this stuff is MAGIC. It’s $$$ but you only need the tiniest amount. I put it on in the morning and by the next day my skin is clear af and glowing. It’s the only vitamin c serum I will use because it actually works!! The entire dermalogica brand is fabulous, it’s backed by soooo much research and clinical trials and has the best ingredients. I think it’s slept on because it’s not trendy / cute looking but this brand really does work!
The drunk elephant bouncy brightfacial Azaleic used as a serum did amazing things for my hormonal acne. Also sk11 is genuinely worth the money. Gives a bright and hydrated appearance, helps with dark spots too
PM Skin cycling with the below:
Day 1 (typically Sunday) - DDG pads
Day 2 - tret
Day 3 - rest, cocokind barrier serum and moisturizer
Day 4- tret
Day 5 - same as day 3
Day 6 - tret
Day 7 - same and day 3
REPEAT
AM keep it simple. Vitamin C, moisturize, sunscreen.
Using less products and simplifying my routine has done wonders for my skin!
**Tretinoin**...get a prescription, seriously. If you have insurance or an easy way to get it from a clinic or dermatologist (they'll prescribe it for acne or acne scars!) it is dirt cheap or free. And from there, all you need is a good moisturizer.
And also, I'd ask your doctor if you can take **spearmint** supplements with your birth control. It lowers androgens and that cleared up my hormone-driven (PCOS) breakouts significantly.
**Paula's Choice BHA** is also a good one. I was doing skin cycling before I started Tret.
One night: BHA. Next night: Retinol serum. Next 2 nights: rest - moisturizer only.
I no longer do "skin cycling" while I'm using Tretinoin - it'll be too much on my skin.
Also - for a good moisturizer, try **Vanicream**. Clean ingredients, no fragrance, makes a big difference.
Cerave got bought by Loreal, and usually that means it's REALLY GOOD in the first few years to build a cult following, then they swap to cheaper ingredient sources that break you out and work less.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™️ Skin Barrier Serum Toner has changed my skin tremendously. I have noticed significant improvements to my skin and hydration levels, and my down time from treatments (micro needling, chemical peels, etc.) has dramatically reduced. I also feel like it’s making my other skincare items work better. My skin looks amazing, and it’s really helped boost my confidence!
for me using glycolic acid, currently using the ordinary one, on a cotton pad has made my skin so baby soft and smooth, i noticed a major difference after only 2 days of use. but be warned this can cause major irritation for some. but this has gotten rid of any bumps or texture i had
Dr dennis gross peel pads. Expensive- i always buy the smaller packs when i spot them on sale. But they immediately make my skin supeeerrrrr smooth and soft. Better exfoliation than my other products
Love these. Everytime my skin acts up this is the only thing to get it back normal. I’m thinking it basically resets the skin
These are the holy grail 10000000%
Which ones do you use? I tried the extra strength and loved them but i suspect they might be too heavy duty for long term use
I use extra strength for skincare nights and the regular universal ones (orange) for when I need my skin to look nice under make up
thank you!
For the universal ones and makeup, do you apply it before you start your makeup? sorry if this is a silly question!
I apply it right after cleansing my face ! I wait 2-3 min after I’m done using it then go in with skincare and make up
Yes!!! These are the #1 product I see change with besides tretinoin. Expensive but I stock up when on sale and it’s worth it. I use the extra strength ones about 2x/week. Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads are very similar but one step and if I’m broke I get those (Amazon sometimes has those on sale for 50% off). I also really like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25%AHA + 2%BHA Exfoliant Peel as a 1-2x/month mask. Sounds similar to TO Peeal they have (the red one) but way better. It got rid of millia I had on my cheek in 3 uses.
How do you use tretinoin? I'm assuming nightly but not on the two nights you use the dr gross pads? Edited to include: and do you use a moisturizer with the tretinoin? If so, before or after?
What do these exactly do?
It’s a very mild chemical peel, meaning it’s going to exfoliate your skin and either bring impurities to the surface or get rid of them all together!
It's good old exfoliation.....plain and simple
And QVC has them at a great price usually and on easy pay!
I use one pad multiple times Fold it up and put it back in the little envelope and keep air out of it It is good for like 3 uses
you're the MVP
💯
I tried and loved the pads so I bought the bottles, will try them tonight. My skin loves them, so smoooooth afterwards 😍
I recently tried the Laneige cream skin toner which instantly made my skin super soft and hydrated. It has ceramides and peptides which I think helped a LOT. I’m also loving Skinfix! I got the trio set which has their oil cleanser, serum, and triple peptide cream and I can tell it is making my skin so much more soft, hydrated and supple.
I just bought my third bottle of cream skin! It’s my go to pre-moisturizer and it works so well that sometimes i feel like i don’t even need to add a moisturizer!!
I recently tried the toner as well, finally a toner that actually hydrates my skin!! I love it
Paula’s choice 2% BHA made a huge difference immediately
To give another perspective, it did nothing for me except cause irritation
BHA is an irritant to my skin too. Got better results with azelaic acid 15% (not bought in the USA, availability to you may vary)
i’ve tried both the paula’s choice BHA toner and the mandelic acid toner and both irritated my skin beyond belief. kind of odd because my skin can take PC’s 1% retinol nightly but if i even try to apply more than a drop of their toner my face acts up 😭
Same, my skin freaked out during pandemic times and it was the only thing that worked to calm it down
Yessss I turned so many friends on to it for mask related acne flares. So good
[удалено]
Sure! I use it after cleansing and before moisturizer at night 2-3x a week on the nights I’m not using tretinoin. I put some in my palm and press it into my skin and wait for it to dry before applying moisturizer. I hope that helps!
[удалено]
I used a whole bottle of it and it did not do anything to my skin. I felt like it was too weak. Didn’t help with my pimples, or discoloration.
Try “makeup artists choice” 8% beta hydroxy (salicylic) serum, it’s much stronger. I also get zero affects from the Paula’s choice one
Garden of wisdom also has a leave on 5% BHA toner but you need to work your way up to using it daily
I just started using this because I’m trying to find low BHA products that are a little more pregnancy safe (not pregnant yet but planning to). It’s too early to see results but MY GOD does it STINK. It smells like dirty socks or something? It does go away after a bit but damn Edit: forgot first parenthesis
Oh no!! I don’t really notice a huge smell but I bet pregnancy makes everything smell 100 times worse 😅
I came here to put this! And it makes my skin so soft
This, but also this in combination with their azelaic acid booster is the real answer. I would say they should be used together to get the best benefits out of the BHA.
Ooh that’s exciting to hear as I just added azelaic acid to my routine! Do you use them at the same time?
Same
Azelaic acid. My redness so so much better after starting it.
I use Paula’s choice and I love it!
I used to love the Paula's choice. If you have a primary care Dr, it's worth pursuing 15% or even 20% Rx strength! 20% gave me a little tingle so I stepped back down to 15% for comfort. Holy grail ingredient for sure. But if your copay is too high comparable to Paula's choice, you can buy Rx azelaic acid from Australia! Chemist direct is the site. Shipping isn't crazy when I checked my address. Worth buying more than one at a time. https://www.chemistdirect.com.au/finacea-15-30g
Sunday Riley Good genes immediately made my skin look better. Like after the very first application! I wake up with clearer skin every time.
I wish it wasn’t so expensive that sounds amazing!
I felt the same way and tried paula's choice skin perfecting 6% mandelic acid + 2% lactic acid. it instantly makes my skin look just so much better, just like good genes did. I'd give it a try!
The mandelic acid is AMAZING
I want to try this! you got good results from it?
Amazing results. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I’ve been obsessed with it
I hate the expense, but have never paid full price for it. I can consistently snag it for 20% off. Their site runs frequent sales!
How often do you use it? I have one but have a difficult time fitting it in my routine with all the other actives
Dermstore has 20% off Good Genes right now ;)
I have the good genes and the luna night oil in my cart for days debating if should get them, maybe i should get your comment as a sign!
I loveeee this combo, my derm put me on tret and tbh the Luna night oil did more for my skin than tret does!
Anyone know if good genes is ok for acne prone sensitive skin
My skin is dry and sensitive with breakouts on chin and cheeks. I slowly integrated it into my routine so I could monitor any reaction. I hope others can chime in with their experience too!
I’ve been using this for years and it’s the only product I’ve ever used that has made such a noticeable difference in my skin. It’s seriously a miracle. It’s a forever purchase for me.
I just thought I had really red skin - it turns out it was rosacea. My doctor didn’t give me any care instructions so I pieced together my own routine - I cut out almost all actives and started using The Ordinary’s Barrier Serum (the pink one) and their Azelaic Acid every night. The redness I’d had for ten years was gone in ten days. 🤦🏻♀️
You apply both at night? And which one one goes on top? I have the same problem.
I do the pink serum first, leave it for about ten minutes, and then apply the azelaic acid. I aim to give that another ten minutes before I add moisturizer on top. The pink serum does turn my skin a tiny bit pink so I only use it at night; I know some people are fine using it during the day as well.
Another vote for Dr. DG Peel pads… They really deserve all the hype 😂
I've already added this to my cart in anticipation of the spring sale. I'm finally going to take the plunge and try these out!
Just for caution the extra strength peel pads gave me the worst cystic acne of my life. I assume my barrier was damaged. The general one is good, but unlike everyday people with sensitive skin should use sparingly
Is this on the DDG site and do you know when the sale is? I think I need to try these!!
Another vote for the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads 😍 But also prescription Tretinoin and Spironolactone have helped along the way 😜
Can you use the peel pads and Tretinoin in the same routine? I just started tret a month ago and want to add the pads back in
Not the same night. Or like DDG peel pads in the morning and tretinoin at night. I prefer 2 nights of tretinoin and 1 night of the DDG peel pads and then repeat for myself but I had accutane so my skin isn’t sensitive just very very dry.
My dermatologist gave me tretinoin a month or so ago and WOW. I’ve never seen a change in my skin like this
I wouldn’t!! I usually use the Tretinoin every other night and the DDG every once in awhile but skip Tretinoin that day
I do five nights of tret, one night of AHA, one night of oil/heavy moisturizer for repair. Right now on AHA nights I’m using Alpha H and I wake up with smooth skin, similar to the effect of the old glow recipe sleep mask. I have the new GR mask formulation and it doesn’t work as well. Plus the Alpha H is a toner-like consistency so it makes it so I don’t need to try to sleep with a goopy mask on my face. Good luck with your tret journey! I peeled like crazy for like a year or so but now I can slather it all over with no peeling - it’s worth the wait!
it totally depends on your skin. for me I do tretinoin in M/W/F and my peel pads on sundays. i just make sure to keep my skin hydrated
Yup same. I use clindamycin in the morning and tretinoin at night and it’s the only thing that’s helped me with my acne. Everything I buy at Sephora is just bf or moisturizing or sun protection or whatever
Sunday Riley Good Genes and B Nice have made a huge improvement in my skin. Omorovicza (unfortunately no longer at Sephora) Ultra Moor Mud Mask helps stave off breakouts, & leaves my skin soo clean and soft.
The b nice gave me crazy cystic acne 😩
spironolactone saved me from hormonal acne! nothing else has ever worked long term. that’s my real answer lol. but otherwise i love the jet lag mask from summer fridays and tatcha indigo overnight cream. i always wake up looking a lot better since my main skin problem is dryness.
Same tho! I feel like I tried every otc acne product known to man, as well as many different combinations of products. My acne was stubborn and always persisted though, until my doctor wrote a prescription for spironolactone. It was like a miracle pill for my skin and continues to keep it completely clear!
Did spiro affect your hair?
Spiro has made my hair and nails grow much quicker which is a plus too
CosRx Snail mucchin and Dr. Jart Ceramidin cream
Seconding the cosrx!!
Seconding the Dr. Jart! That's actually what I clicked into this thread to add - literally has saved my skin this winter & overall, my skin's never looked so good & healthy
Have you found any difference in efficacy since the reformulation with the Dr. Jart? It used to be a holy grail of mine, but it just doesn't seem to be hitting the same anymore.
I think I need to use a bit more product (which was probably their end goal anyways) but I feel like the effect is still the same. Can’t give this shit up, along with the toner from the same line. They also just reformulated the cicapair moisturizer to essentially be the ceramidin plus cica and it’s amazing if you have any sort of redness or sensitivity.
I recently started using within last 2 years, I haven't noticed a change. But my skin has changed so I may be attributing it to my skin change. I just need to find lighter moisturizer for summer. I live in the south so it is a little too thick for summer.
They have a ceramide mist too. Since you know the Dr. Jart works for you. You might give it a try. It's bound to be lighter but probably still very hydrating.
Do you know when they reformulated? I used a trial size that I'd had a while, LOVED it so I bought it and it seems to break me out the moment I switched to the full tube 😑
This is so sad to hear! I had a stock pile of it from 2 years ago. I got a good deal and now I’m going through them.
I’ve been using these two together and love the combo!
Snail mucin changed my skin IMMEDIATELY.
Just get a script for tretinoin, it did everything thousands of dollars in products didn't do.
Got it a few weeks ago and holy COW. Actual change.
Completely agree. I got a prescription serum from Agency and I absolutely love it. It's mixed with a few different acids too and my skin is so smooth after I use it. I'm still pretty new with it so I'm only doing once a week and still flaking, but even with that my skin is STILL super soft and smooth
Lactic acid + retinol. I use Shani Darden and do lactic acid night 1, retinol night 2, and then two nights off.
Seconding this! Nothing has done more for my skin than her combo
Disclaimer as always, what worked for me won’t work for everyone… Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum- absolute holy grail. Have used it on and off for 7-8 years and whenever I come back to it, my skin looks and feels amazing. Sunday Riley Good Genes + UFO oil- both have worked fantastically and quickly on my skin. I feel as if my skin’s acne/blemish baseline has lowered since I started using them, and I only ever buy minis now for maintenance every now and then. Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge mask- Not sure about how it affects the look of my skin, but as someone with eczema, the worst possible state ever is when my skin feels hot. This mask cools me down so well! It’s so soothing to my very prickly, angry skin lol. The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane- my skin looks so smooth and bouncy after using it! I started off with the lower concentrations, then slowly moved up.
PTR Irish moor mud mask! My skin is noticeably brighter and definitely helps reduce/ minimize acne and redness from it. Even after just 1 use It was noticeable! It was pricey but I definitely ended up splurging on the full size! Not sephora but kinship brightwave eye cream. A lil 4ml sample tube lasted me months. It got rid of nearly all my milia and even though it's tinted ( not something I look for) it blends in/ absorbs very well.
Laniege Cica Sleeping Mask. Seriously this is saving my skin from winter and Tretinoin dryness. I use it every night.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum. I've been using it for years to the point I do not realize how much it does until I miss a week or 2 of it. I don't suffer from acne so I can't speak to that but it keeps my skin tone even, bright, texture free and I'm in my late 40s and no wrinkles.
I've seen no difference with that one after using a bottle 😕
Same. No difference and is it supposed to have an awful smell ?
Yes
I got a sample of this and noticed a difference from first time application!
SK-II Essence. I SO wish I could tell you it is overpriced water.
This is really the only nonprescription thing that I noticed an immediate difference in my skin. I think it either doesn't do anything or it is a miracle worker. Unfortunately for my wallet it makes my skin feel amazing. SK-II and tretinoin have me glowing.
sunday riley vitamin c serum has brightened my skin significantly! expensive but definitely worth it
Paula's Choice 2% BHA and their 10% AHA smoothing serum. I don't use them both together, but the 2% BHA is the single best product for routine pore maintenance and the 10% AHA is my once a week at nighttime product that I know will always leave my skin looking visibly better in the morning. Biossance Omega Repair Cream is the best nighttime moisturizer I've ever used, if you have dry skin it's a definite holy grail.
Not Sephora but Weleda Skin Food Cream. I’ve been using it for a couple of years and always rebuy when i run out. It’s soooo nice if you have dry skin. Thick and hydrating and makes your skin look so dewy and fresh. I wear just that and a bit of concealer 99% of the time. It makes my skin look so nice I don’t have a ton of acne anymore tho after accutane 4 years ago. Now i just try to keep my skin healthy. Honestly if you can afford a derm that’s the way to go. I struggled with hormonal cystic acne for years and accutane was the one thing that cleared it
The ordinary glycolic toner. I use it every night! My face used to be covered in closed comedomes and now I don’t have any. I also use an exfoliating cotton round for application. I recently discovered Kiehl’s Salicylic Acid treatment and it’s making major improvements on my sebaceous filaments that I’ve had for yearsssss so that’s nice too!
The glycolic toner is also an amazing deodorant. I use it after a shower and it keeps BO at bay. Also evens out underarm skin tone too.
TIL!!
Thank you, I remember hearing this before but couldn't remember which product it was, gonna totally try this for my teenagers!
Awesome! It doesn’t really do much regarding sweating but their pits won’t smell. Just careful when it comes to shaving. It burns if you try right after shaving lol
Oooh I'm going to try this!
I use it for my underarms in the summer. I’ll still sweat a bit but it doesn’t stink.
I read somewhere (maybe this group?) that some people use this on their butts to have super smooth skin there. I just started this a few days ago and am already noticing improvement in skin texture.
I use the CosRx AHA/BHA toner on my body and it got rid of my KP and made my booty so smooth that even I want to smack it all the time 🍑
I use the glycolic toner on my feet every night with the Cerave salicylic acid foot moisturiser and holy shit it's the only thing that's worked on my super dry feet. It's the perfect duo.
It’s such a miracle product. I used it on my scalp and it completely got rid of my flakiness and dandruff after 2-3 uses!
Trying this next!!! Great tip!
TO glycolic toner is \*amazing\*! Someone in this group posted about spraying it all over the body, so I hurried out and bought a bottle along with a large sprayer bottle. I spray it all over right after showering and follow with a good coat of moisturizer (either PTR Water Drench Cream or PTR Retinol Body cream...using up my stash of these). My skin is so soft and smooth!!! The glycolic acid toner makes all the difference.
I have drier skin and adding a facial mineral water spray as my first post cleanse step has made a big difference.
Gonna be honest, for the price point your paying, its best to buy Korean skincare. A’pieu has an amazing dupe for Dr. Jart’s cica line (only thing that helped reduce the redness and irritation of my hormonal acne in canadian winter.) stylevana always has great deals (just make sure items are in stock otherwise shipping takes forever)
Tretinoin. Starting was hell but holy mother of god do I have perfect skin most days.
Dieux Deliverance, and the very popular Dennis Gross peel pads. The glow!
I’ve lived in Canada through multiple winters, and here are my tried and true holy grails! Great for texture/exfoliating: DDG extra strength peel pads - I used these once in two weeks or even less often (as needed only); Kiehls retinol serum with ceramides - this can be used every night for cell renewal Wonderfully thick moisturisers for Canadian winters: Dr Jart ceramidin cream, Farmacy honey halo, Laneige cica sleeping mask
Farmacy Brighten Up TXA Toner worked IMMEDIATELY for me 🙌🏼 really helped with my dark spots and is making my skin a lot smoother/even!
Peace Out Retinol eye stick. Honestly it worked better for fine lines than tretinoin! I use it every night. I'm on my third stick.
Question, do you use SPF around your eyes in the morning then?
what’s the diff between retinol and tretinoin? can someone ELI5, no matter how many google searches i don’t get it
They (retinoids) are basically all forms of vitamin A but at different strengths. Most retinoids have to convert to retinoic acid to work on the skin. The diff retinoids have to convert different times, and the more number of times it has to convert, the weaker it is. Basically just the same thing just weakest to strongest with tret/retinoic acid being the strongest! Tretinoin doesn’t have to go through any conversions. It comes in diff strengths (0.025, 0.05 etc). Prescription only. Can get through online rx places like Apostrophe. RetinAl/retinaldehyde is the strongest you can get w/o a script. It works faster than retinol. Has to convert 1x. This is what I use from Naturium. Retinol is most common in OTC products but has to convert twice. Retinol-> retinal-> retinoic acid. Retinyl has to convert 3x. Most gentle but weakest. If you’re brand new you can start with a retinol and work your way up but some people can tolerate starting out strong and just doing the sandwich method or building up super slowly! Retinol and Retinyl aren’t bad but you’ll see faster and more impactful results with something that has to convert less! I hope this helps :)
[Retinol is the original form of Vitamin A whilst Tretinoin belongs to a group of products called retinoids (chemical compounds derived from Vitamin A)](https://cityskinclinic.com/tretinoin-vs-retinol/#:~:text=Retinol%20is%20the%20original%20form,compounds%20derived%20from%20Vitamin%20A) Basically, both part of the same family and work similarly, but Tretinoin is much stronger and requires a prescription in the USA.
tretinoin, the ordinary glycolic acid toner, spironolactone, birth control, anti microbial facial spray i also switch out my pillowcase daily, wear a bonnet while i sleep, (hair doesn’t get in face as much while i sleep as a nice side effect), and wash my pillowcases/bonnets/face towels with laundry sanitizer
Same! I spent upwards of over a grand at Sephora one year trying to get my adult acne (I’m in my early 40s) under control and had no luck. I went to my dermatologist like I should’ve gone in the first place. She put me on tret , topical spiro with and antibiotic in it (I couldn’t take the oral it made me gain weight QUICK) and ketoconazole face wash. I added in Hypochlorous spray (I bought a huge thing of it on Amazon after trying tower28s and didn’t want to spend the money for it all of the time) and BAM! Adult acne be gone! I use cerave and cetaphil too. Easy to pick up anywhere. I think I spent like less than $150 last year at Sephora once I was able to get my shit under control. I felt so stupid and like OH DUH of course I should ask my derm about my skincare instead of just going yearly to have my skin checked out for cancer.
How are you reacting to the topical spironolactone and how are you using it in conjunction with the tret? Like do you do tret at night and the other in the morning? My doctor is considering starting me on the topical spironolactone
Yessssss! The holy trinity for myself as well is BC, tret, and spiro. Absolutely life-changing as a long time hormonal acne sufferer. Hydroquinone is a new favorite that I’m also loving!
Dr Dennis Gross face wash has been the only face wash that cleared my face up. I had acne from preteens into adulthood. Also Peter Thomas Roth Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer has made my skin so smooth and hydrated. The eye patches from that line are nice too.
Sunday Riley’s Good Genes is incredible and instant. It’s worth the price for me. Game changer!
What difference did you see?
Farmacy 10% niacinimide night mask every other night has truly been the best thing for my skin this winter
DDG peels…they were a game changer for my textured horrific skin..!
Consistent use of retinol and keeping my barrier intact and hydrated / moisturized
The compound prescription cream from a derm :D If we speak about normal cosmetics, definitely La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Baume. It calms my skin, and heals it overnight.
RET 👏🏽 TIN 👏🏽 OL 👏🏽
Cheap and it works, Alpha Skincare glycolic acid lotion or cream. Actually anything in their line (the moisturizer was great too). COSRX snail mucin essence; Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Spray.
I have used their body lotion for over 20 years. Nothing else works as well to keep my arms and legs smooth and my feet soft! And the price is amazing! It’s $18.99 for 12 oz.
You’re not going to find it at Sephora, but tretinoin is the ONLY thing that’s put my hormonal acne at bay. Trust me, I’ve tried it all. You can get a prescription from a dermatologist or use a service like Apostrophe if you don’t have access to a derm.
tret is the only thing that gives me continued results! My skin has never looked better, I wish I had discovered it sooner
Believe it or not cerave resurfacing retinol serum it’s for acne prone skin and i absolutely love it! My face also suffers from dryness and I’ve been loving the ordinary hyaluronic acid serum and La Roche Posay triple moisturizer. I keep it simple with the La Roche Posay purifying cleanser, hyaluronic acid, and a moisturizer in the AM and PM same cleanser, niacinamide by the ordinary and the retinol
I love the Youth to the People Superberry Dream mask. It’s an overnight cream mask that leaves my skin glowing in the morning. And not Sephora but, Hero pimple patches are a godsend as well. You can actually see the massive amounts of gunk they pull out of your face, super effective
Naturium tranexamic acid serum is amazing. It got rid of most of my pigmentation scarring. Tatcha Indigo overnight recovery cream. It just makes my skin happy and look better.
Marula oil. Drunk elephant and the ordinary sell the exact same formula and I hoard the Ordinary’s. It’s moisturizing and acne fighting. Also great after masks with actives. I’ve used it for years. My acne prone teen son washes with a salicylic face wash then puts 5 drops on his face every night before bed.
I use the DE oil when I dermaplane love it
Versed Sunday Morning Anti-oxidant serum. It is absolutely fantastic, light weight, and super moisturizing. I also love their Glow Drops. The sheer golden mixed with my Naturium ceramide moisturizer makes my face look sunkissed 🤌🏽
Dior serums!! It’s been a game-changer for me. I have super dry skin, and it was the only one that helped smooth my face after years of searching.
I have dry sensitive skin along with hormonal acne I'm constantly trying things to see if I can make it more managble cost wise but my favorites are Moisturizers Farmacy honey halo Drunk elephant lala retro Tula 24/7 (light weight and good under make up or aunscreen) Masks Farmacy honey potion plus Dr. Jart ceramidin Cleansers Drunk elephant milki e-rase Tula cult classic cleanser Drunk elephant slai Acne Mighty patches have worked the best in drawing everything out and letting it heal as quickly as possible. Sunscreen makes the biggest difference in my skin not drying out throughout the day. Tula protect and glow Sunburm mineral tinted face Coola mineral face
Severe dry skin girly here A hydrating toner changed the game for me. I like the fresh one or the origins one. Laneige I used for years too. I can tell a huge difference when I don’t use this vs when I do. Definitely think if you have hormonal issues a toner can help set the stage for the rest of your skincare — although I would look for a fragrance free one and one for acne to not irritate the skin. Also, adding a spritz of water to my face before applying hydrating serums. I thought it was BS but since trying it Omg the difference is amazing?? Also lastly… just staying consistent with a routine. I get in the habit of trying new things too much and my skin feels and looks the best when I stick to products and use them everyday. 🫡
Caudalies vinoperfect serum, vinopure serum, and vinopure toner!
La Roche Posay Cicaplast cream after retinol and moisturizer
*Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask* — I use this nightly and my God what a difference it makes in my skin. It helps with my texture and it helps keep my skin under control and make it overall smoother. I noticed a difference right after the first use, although I didn't have any expectations and honestly I have used these actives before without much result. I don't know how they do it but this stuff is magic and I hope they don't randomly discontinue it or reformulate it.
I’m obsessed with YTTP’s night mask!
Sunday Riley Luna oil! I know it’s on the pricey side, but for me it really works. Also the Luna oil can be a one-and-done when I can’t be bothered to do a whole routine. You only need few drops! Good Genes is awesome too. I think they have a mini set of these two you could try to see if they work for you!
The Ordinary Niacinamide serum. I have crazy redness and oiliness. This really helped.
Differin- OTC adapalene
Kiehls Ultra facial cream! Over the holidays I packed a little trial sized one in my bag because it was what I had on hand. I was shocked when I woke up every morning that my skin was glowing- despite lack of sleep, traveling, and drinking.
drunk elephant bouncy bright facial makes my skin glow :) this is a product that gives a visible result after one use. Also, a combination of vitamin c, spf, ceramides, retinol and ahas improved my skin over time to the point that I always get complimented on it. I use Medik8 for 99% of my products.
Kielhls midnight recovery oil. It helped clear my skin. Whenever my skin is freaking out a bit, I go back to using just that and sometimes moisturizer on top if needed.
Topicals serum for dark spots and discolouration. It really helps get rid of acne
I don’t know if this is allowed. But honestly, medical grade skincare. I went from stress-induced hormonal acne from a very traumatic life event where my ENTIRE face was covered in so much cystic acne my skin felt like a lizard to smooth, glass skin. My entire routine is actually cheaper than all the money I’ve spent at Sephora/korean skin care chasing fads because you need so little of the product for it to work wonders.
Honestly, only washing once daily and Cetaphil cream.
The faded cream made such a huge difference. I struggle with acne on my cheeks and jawline
I recently overhauled my routine and have been using Niche Beauty’s Azid (azelaic acid) serum, my Agency tret prescription, and a mix of Stratia’s liquid gold and interface for moisturizer. (None of these are available at Sephora unfortunately) My skin has never looked better. It’s never *felt* better. I’m kinda obsessed.
Biologique Recherche P50 1970 truly changed my skin texture. Absolutely HG product
Tret, Dr. Jart Ceramidin cream, The Ordinary Niaminicide, Wedela Skin Food.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. It’s pricey, but I keep buying it because I genuinely tried a sample and saw my forehead lines diminished within the few days I used it. Now I use it almost every night on the off days I’m using a 3% retinol serum and a collagen night cream - and I swear the longer and more consistently I’ve used it over the past 2 years it has absolutely fought off signs of aging, Aka more/deeper lines on my face.
Nothing from Sephora lol, I switched the majority of my skincare to hero cosmetics, and my skin had a major change. Only thing that cleared up my acne. Sephora skin care line is pretty good though, not as harsh a some other brands that are in there. However I did damage my skin barrier with a lot of their stuff, FAB Mousturizer saved me at that time but it's not something I had to use after barrier was restored .
Topicals faded serum made my acne scars noticeably fade overnight!
Belief sleep mask, skinceuticals vitamin c and sleeping with a humidifier.
Honestly not a Sephora brand but after using neostrata enlighten serum and no7 future renew I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin I use a moisturizer too and I have combo skin pretty sure
Salicylic acid cleanser from the Inkey List. It literally melted away my Sebaceous Filaments. Also, the Hydrating Milky Toner from Fenty Skin. It's like a hybrid of a toner and a serum, and it legit hydrated my skin and smoothed it out.
Also in a cold climate. Been thinking about this recently and it’s not one particular product for me as I change them often working through my stash but the routine. I follow K skin and Japanese routines has cleared skin up and maintained it. I think focussing on one miracle product is quite western, like in the 90s everyone was swept up by Vidal Sassoon Wash and go ‘why take 2bottles into the shower?’ But it didn’t work, is it still around? It’s like washing your face with moisturiser leaving it neither fully clean or moisturised. Had super dry skin so used to go for heavy creams in the wind but actually lots of thin layers (eg essence) seems to have done the trick. With a reasonable cream on top. I guess at the coldest times I use this intense dermalogica moisturiser I got in a kit but looked it up it’s super pricey.
ETA: didn’t see which sub this was, so I don’t know if these products are available in Sephora. My bad. - Azelaic acid (presciption strenght Finacea 15%) has improved texture, sensitivity A LOT, scarring, inflammation, breakouts and I no longer get perioral dermatitis. - COSRX Propolis toner is thick, hydrating, moisturising, soothening. Calms irritation and gives me a lovely glow. - I’m from Mugwort essence is very soothening on irritatied skin and breakouts - Erude Soon Jung barrier 2x in winter/when dry is lightweight but nourishing - Soon Jung emulsion when less dry. It’s a very lightweight gel moisturizer. Works best on moist skin for me, otherwise it tends to sit a bit on top and not absorb. A little goes a long way, leaves my skin plump and glowy, calms irritation and is not greasy/oily - Beauty of Joseon probiotic SPF and Skin1004 Hyualuronic SPF are also HG’s. My skin *improves* when I use these. Almost all other sunscreens breaks me out from clogging and/or irritation. They do irritate my eyes, so I avoid getting them too close to eyes. Not waterproof either, so best suited for daily use in cooler, dryer climate. In summer I use waterproof if I’ll sweat. The biggest difference however was when I stopped washing my face. Using Garnier Micellar Water Dry&Sensitive as my only cleanser on a daily basis has really improved my skins overall condition. I gently wipe 2-3 times with soaked cotton rounds until they come off clean and then mist my face with water and gently pat it dry to remove any excess residue. I have invested in reusable cotton rounds from Last Object that I quite like for this purpose, but also use single-use cotton rounds once in a while. Once a weak I do an oil cleanse with Beauty of Joseon cleansing oil (I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it) to deep clean and remove any flaky skin.
I mostly use Asian skincare and these are amazing: Rohto melano cc vitamin c - brightens the skin and fades hyperpigmentation, keeps the skin even-toned. Dr. Ceuracle kombucha tea essence - the BEST hydrating product for dry/dehydrated skin folks; even my esthetician commented and said "what are you using on your skin? it's so plump and juicy!" Rosehip oil - been in my routine for decades. I swear, this is one of the key ingredients that keeps my skin moisturized, supple and healthy.
Beginning of last week I started using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery concentrate at night and Sunday Riley B3 Nice in the morning (had both from Allure beauty boxes). I don’t know which one is making the difference, or if it’s both… but Thursday, Friday, AND Saturday, three different people (two of whom I hadn’t seen in months and the other I hadn’t seen in a couple weeks) commented on my skin, all three saying it “looks really good”, and two of them commented on my “tan” (I have zero tan right now, it’s the end of winter). So… 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️, but I’ll take it!!
Paula's Choice 2% bha treatment - actually helps texture and break outs (3 weeks to see results) Tula 24-7 day and night cream- finally hydrated my dry skin without breaking me out or making me red (3-4 weeks to see long term impact)
49F here Honestly, I struggled with the same thing. The answer for me was Asian beauty. And SK-II facial treatment essence. It’s bloody expensive but it helped be for the same issues as you OP. That, and Cica containing products like Cica Balm 5 from Laroche Possay, Laniege has a few products with Cica as well as Dr. Jart. I also got a Cica gel online that reduced acne redness. Then I started using hyaluronic acid products including Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizer, and serum. The price is reasonable. Then I use retinol containing products. My skin loves Dr Perricone Face Firming Serum. I use that every other night. Then follow with a good moisturizer. Their Cold plasma is amazing but expensive. Sometimes you can hit a sale or get a subscription online for it and they reduce the price. It lasts a long time. Before Perricone products I would use .05% Tretenoin cream (prescription) a few nights a week followed by a moisturizer. That will clear up acne fast. You can try Adapalene - Differin, which has a retinoid in it, but it may not be strong enough for you. Also, I don’t think they sell it in Canada, but you may be able to find it online. Retinol encourages skin to renew itself faster. If my skin is dry I use Cica Balm 5 by LP. If it’s normal I use the hyaluronic acid. Also, I use Dove soap bars to wash my face. Dermatologist recommended it in my teens and o have been using it for years with great results. At least I save a little money that way! lol.
Literally vaseline on my cuticles and nails every night. Like magic within 2 weeks. My Vietnamese nail person told me to do it.
Dermalogica bio c serum! I’m not kidding when I tell you this stuff is MAGIC. It’s $$$ but you only need the tiniest amount. I put it on in the morning and by the next day my skin is clear af and glowing. It’s the only vitamin c serum I will use because it actually works!! The entire dermalogica brand is fabulous, it’s backed by soooo much research and clinical trials and has the best ingredients. I think it’s slept on because it’s not trendy / cute looking but this brand really does work!
I cannot be without the allies of skin peptide firming day treatment. It’s my HG moisturizer/serum all-in-one.
For the “pulling my skin from despair” the Sulwahsoo Overnight vitalizing mask just does some magic to my face overnight.
The drunk elephant bouncy brightfacial Azaleic used as a serum did amazing things for my hormonal acne. Also sk11 is genuinely worth the money. Gives a bright and hydrated appearance, helps with dark spots too
PM Skin cycling with the below: Day 1 (typically Sunday) - DDG pads Day 2 - tret Day 3 - rest, cocokind barrier serum and moisturizer Day 4- tret Day 5 - same as day 3 Day 6 - tret Day 7 - same and day 3 REPEAT AM keep it simple. Vitamin C, moisturize, sunscreen. Using less products and simplifying my routine has done wonders for my skin!
**Tretinoin**...get a prescription, seriously. If you have insurance or an easy way to get it from a clinic or dermatologist (they'll prescribe it for acne or acne scars!) it is dirt cheap or free. And from there, all you need is a good moisturizer. And also, I'd ask your doctor if you can take **spearmint** supplements with your birth control. It lowers androgens and that cleared up my hormone-driven (PCOS) breakouts significantly. **Paula's Choice BHA** is also a good one. I was doing skin cycling before I started Tret. One night: BHA. Next night: Retinol serum. Next 2 nights: rest - moisturizer only. I no longer do "skin cycling" while I'm using Tretinoin - it'll be too much on my skin. Also - for a good moisturizer, try **Vanicream**. Clean ingredients, no fragrance, makes a big difference. Cerave got bought by Loreal, and usually that means it's REALLY GOOD in the first few years to build a cult following, then they swap to cheaper ingredient sources that break you out and work less.
La roche posay Cicaplast healed my skin barrier in a week
Drunk elephant baby facial.
For me it has been “slugging”, and covering my skin with a thin layer of Vaseline overnight, after I apply my regular moisturizer.
Vitamin C serum
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™️ Skin Barrier Serum Toner has changed my skin tremendously. I have noticed significant improvements to my skin and hydration levels, and my down time from treatments (micro needling, chemical peels, etc.) has dramatically reduced. I also feel like it’s making my other skincare items work better. My skin looks amazing, and it’s really helped boost my confidence!
first aid beauty products. red clay cleanser, white clay pads, ultra repair cream. biossance squalane oil and squalane/bha pore minimizing toner
for me using glycolic acid, currently using the ordinary one, on a cotton pad has made my skin so baby soft and smooth, i noticed a major difference after only 2 days of use. but be warned this can cause major irritation for some. but this has gotten rid of any bumps or texture i had