I found that Paula's choice works so well on my skin as it's really sensitive to ingredients as well as having combination skin but I don't have the money for it right now. I want to obviously still have a routine but is there a brand that works similarly to Paula's choice that's worth giving a go? I'm not very good with knowing what my skin needs but I know it's combination skin and very picky.

I use calm 1% bha sensitive skin exfoliant, resist triple active total repair serum, youth extending daily hydrating fluid broad spectrum SPF 50, and resist barrier repair advanced moisturiser (I also use an eye cream, face oil, cleansing milk and face cream from upcircles that I'm using up). Any recommendations for a blackhead remover product as well would be appreciated.

Key points:

Male, 30, UK, South Asian skin.

Problem:

1. Picture 1 (April 2021):

I went on accutane in 2021 that cleared my acne.
This pic is from 3 months in.
How I miss my clear skin.
No pics from pre-2021 as it was really bad.

1. Picture 2-4 (10 days ago):

In the last year it’s started to return albeit much
less than before as my pores have definitely
shrunk and sebum production reduced after my
first cycle on accutane.

My skin is mostly big acne free but I get small whiteheads on my cheek and forehead. Larger blemishes that turn really red on my temple and cheek and take around a week to calm down but it’s a constant cycle that’s become frustrating.

I have acne scarring which is the red/brown pigmentation.

3) Picture 5:
I’m most self conscious about my nose and the pores and whiteheads I get there. I can clear these gently with cotton buds but the pores seem massive now.

4) Picture 6-7 (today):
As stated above, it’s calmed down after a week or so. But I still have tiny bumps and “dormant” pores that erupt in the breakouts.

5) Picture 8:
My products.

Other details:

1. My diet is very clean and healthy as I don’t have sugar or dairy which has worked in the past in reducing outbreaks. And so it’s part of my routine ever since. No smoking or alcohol.
2. I tend to get acne based around areas of my face that touch my pillow. I asked the UK sub a few weeks ago about detergents and am currently trying different products as a trial and error. Non-bio may have been a culprit in not actually cleaning pillow covers. Bio may also be a culprit in fragrances and other chemicals.
3. Paula’s choice is the newest addition to my routine and slowly introducing it to reduce pores and clear whiteheads on nose mostly.

Routine:

Morning:

1. Wash face with Mancave (not the best I know but it’s not the cause of breakouts as I’ve tested it on and off). It doesn’t strip my skin and make it too dry so I like it in the morning.
2. Cerave lotion
3. If WFH then that’s it. If going out then Aqua SPF but this is the last bottle as it’s discontinued now :(

Evening:

First day:

1. Wash with Cerave Foaming.
2. Paula’s choice on nose and face. Wait 2 minutes.
3. Cerave resurfacing on nose and face. Wait 2 minutes.
4. Seba Med on all.

Second day:

1. Wash with Cerave Foaming.
2. Paula’s on nose and face. Wait 2 minutes.
3. Tranexamic acid on nose and face. Wait 2 minutes.
4. Differin on face only. Wait 2 minutes.
5. Seba Med again.

Back to first day next.

Questions I have:

1. Is this too much?
2. Am I using correct combos? If Paula shrinks pores then does that stop other stuff reaching in?
3. Should I wait longer before each layering?
4. Am I likely to be eligible for a second cycle of accutane?
5. Are there other products you’d recommend in place of some of these?

Thanks if you read it all. Appreciate any feedback.

Edit: Apologies for post format. I have no idea what happened where it keeps doing stuff to the numbering and paragraphs. I’ve edited it so many times, I’m hoping everyone can still follow.

I’ve been dealing w acne since 2020, got better over time, but it’s been 4 yrs I’m now stuck w these dark spots open pores

Routine :- have been using nothing coz idk what to use, I jus use a simple face wash which is from pilgrim (lava ash facewash) and dot & key sunscreen

I've came to the conclusion that this is a definite "yes" for me. In a way, I'm glad I'm tight with it and don't buy many mid/prestige/luxury products, but make up for this in volume/quantity.

For example, 1 sign I'm taking that I'm addicted is that it's the 1st thing/fave thing to do now when I'm on holiday.

looking into buying a bp gel which looks like it'd be perfect for my hormonal acne but every mention of it comes with the caveat that it will bleach your tshirts / towels / pillowcases and i am not in a position to have to replace all of these

is it possible to avoid this or is it just the trade off for clear skin lol

Hi, I’m after recs of medically qualified dermatologists in London. Most skin clinics that come up when I search online aren’t actual medical professionals, just ‘skin experts’. I just want a skin consultation (please don’t drop recs of skincare routines as I have a facialist and a solid routine, I’m after medical dermatology advice)

33yo and since my pregnancy last year my skin has been impossibly dry!

I used to use cerave until I think the formulation changed a few years ago and now I find it too waxy. Since then I’ve been on a quest to find something my skin likes, which seems impossible!

The best I’ve tried so far were Aveeno oat balm which works initially, but my skin feels dry and tight again after about 5 hours. Weleda skin food is ok at night but I find the fragrance too much. I’ve tried more expensive products (like magic cream and Elemis) and slugging with cicaplast before bed too.

My routine otherwise consists of inkey oat cleansing balm then boots barrier support serum then whatever moisturiser I’m trying on top.

Any product advice appreciated

Yesterday morning (Sat 24th Oct) I applied 20% Azelaic acid cream all over my face and the front of my neck. Today, I woke up with whiteheads all over my nose, above my upper lip, two small pimples starting to form on my cheeks, and mild redness.

Please see my skincare routine from yesterday morning, when I applied the azelaic acid cream, along with my questions at the end. I really want to know whether these reactions are normal side effects of using azelaic acid or whether I should be concerned.

FYI: I have very dry skin btw.

My AM Azelaic acid skincare routine step by step:

1. Facetheory - Vitamin C Cream Cleanser

2. Farmacy - Brighten up 3% Tranexamic acid dark spot toner

3. Goodal - Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Care serum

4. 20% Azelaic acid cream (Azelderm cream I bought in Turkey) 

5. Eucerin - Intensive repair 5% Urea lotion

6. SPF sunscreen - Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun Serum SPF50+

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Questions

1. It is literally only Day 1, is this an acne-flare or normal skin purging?

2. Should I push through and carry on applying the 20% Azelaic acid either twice a week?

I just started using it 2 weeks ago. I have extremely dry skin and everyone was like Go Cerave ??

I used to use Cetaphil lotion that I liked a lot...then this cerave cream I bought with all my savings since I barely get pocket money. Anyways...but

..

It's like..heavy...I don't know if I'm paranoid but it is stiff and that feels like I didn't apply and like tightness in the face....that skin-stretch feeling (I can't really convey it in words but it's.. weird) . though I didn't have any breakout or anything either.

It's my first time using skincare so Idk really if cerave working like this is normal or should I just shift back to Cetaphil? Like the lotion was soft and it felt as if yeah this one working.

So ...I wanna ask if cerave is like that...or should I just change my moisturizer? I can handle some loss or use it for other body parts like hands or legs....

For face I'm not sure.

Please help me !!

My lips are always dry & they look dull. They always feel really chapped & they can get flaky. I’ve tried Vaseline & Aquaphor & the Laniege lip mask but nothing works. I’ve even exfoliated with a toothbrush & it still feels chapped. When I put on lipstick or lipgloss it starts getting cracked & flaky. My lips also tend to feel itchy. I literally am tired & don’t know what to do & I just want to spend on a product that’s actually worth it.
These lip products from The Ordinary & the Inkey list really good but I’m hoping their worth it, so can anyone with really dry chapped lips tell me about their experience with it?

As a newbie to retinol, is it worth starting with Dermatica retinal 0.05% and building up before moving to tret?

Please rate my skincare routine and let me know if it’s suitable for my skin. My skin looks mostly clear, and I’ve been following this routine for a while, but I’m wondering whether I’m using too many products or if there’s anything I should remove or add.
I’m 32, have a dark skin tone, similar to Keke Palmer, and I’d like to maintain clear, healthy-looking skin while keeping my routine as effective as possible.
My morning routine:
Medik8 Vitamin C serum or the Ordinary marine hyaluronics
CeraVe moisturiser, mixed with a few drops of jojoba oil, which I apply to my face.
Cerave SPF 50 sunscreen
My evening routine:
On alternate nights, I use:
The Ordinary peptides with copper or Paula’s choice retinol/bakichiol.
jojoba oil.
Aveeno skin-relief moisturising cream.
Recently, I’ve trying out adding a few drops of the PDRN serum from Boots, into the aveeno before applying which seems to be working well so far.
Overall, my skin looks clear, and I’m happy with the results. However, I’d appreciate an honest assessment of my routine. Am I using too many products? Are there any ingredients that might be redundant or that I shouldn’t combine? Is there anything important missing, particularly for maintaining an even skin tone and preventing hyperpigmentation in darker skin?

It gives me the right amount of moisture, sinks in nicely, no freasy finish and it doesnt break me out. Highly recommend.

Need to stock up after this bottle just incase they stop selling it as i find supermarket brands arent the most reliable.

My current skincare routine is as follows.

Morning:
Cetaphil cleanser
Aveeno oat serum
The ordinary Azelaic acid
La Roche posay under eye
Neutrogena moisturiser (the one for dry skin.)
La Roche posay sunscreen

Evening:
Cetaphil cleanser
Aveeno oat serum
The ordinary Azelaic acid
The ordinary 5% Pha exfoliating lip - on alternative nights as per directions
La Roche posay under eye
Neutrogena moisturiser (the one for dry skin.)

The Azelaic acid is to try and reduce redness I have always had across my nose and tops of my cheeks (could be rosacea, I’m not sure.), only been using for just under a month so idk if it’s really working yet. But would it be excessive to also pick up something like the Byoma Phyto Mucin glow serum to use after my Azelaic acid for the help reducing redness + the glowyness?

Or is it the kind of serum I should use instead of my Aveeno?

I’m also looking to change my moisturiser as the neutrogena one was what I started using when I had super dry skin, which has now gone (woo) so thinking I might also switch to a Byoma one like the gel cream, but any other recs would be appreciated! I just feel as if the neutrogena one might be a bit too much nowadays as it’s the white one for dry skin.

Any other advice also would be appreciated, idk if my order of things is even correct tbh! Thankss

Getting pretty fed up with my skin so any help would be appreciated please! I’m a new mum so would love to have the confidence to leave the house with less makeup.

I used to struggle with acne but that was mostly improved with better cleansing I think. But there is a little flare up on my chin and neck at the moment. Possibly not removing my makeup properly.
Texture is mostly ok but a little rough on my forehead. I’m hoping azeliac will help with that eventually. But please tell me if I’m wrong about that.
The dark under eyes caused by 9 months of sleep deprivation.
The main thing that bothers me is the redness.

Routine:

PM
Double cleanse, currently using boots milk cleanser and a Lush cleanser. I like supporting good brands so that’s why I’ve been trying Lush. But possibly not good enough for makeup removal. I was previously using the body shop camomile cleansing balm.
Boots clarifying serum azeliac acid. I was starting a low % retinol, but I learnt I’m not supposed to use it while breastfeeding.
Hydrating serum from boots
Moisturiser - just a basic boots one but open to recommendations as I’ve finished this now.
I also have the hypochlorous spray but I’m skeptical that this is useful.

AM
Inkey list Caffeine eye cream
Azeliac acid
Trying out the Elf vitamin C and E serum but I’m not sure it’s good for me. Feels quite heavy/oily and may be what’s causing the breakout? Unsure
Moisturise and SPF 50 with Aveeno. But I’d like to move away from Aveeno if I can to something cruelty free.

My acne pretty much cleared up 3 years ago, I often get flare ups at around sept/oct though. This year my chin acne has been quite stubborn and have also had a couple of spots appear on my forehead and in my hairline - this all happened post Torriden collagen mask - not sure if linked or not.

Currently use - byoma jelly cleanser AM & PM, 15% azelaic acid, the Inkey list ceramide moisturiser. Prior to sept I was also using a Torriden hyaluronic acid serum and an axis-y under eye serum.

Also always use spf50.

Have always got redness around nose and cheeks - which is why I was prescribed the azelaic acid.
I’d appreciate any suggestions or advice! 🙏

Hi!

I wondered if anyone had any recs for a good hydrating moisturiser thats sub derm safe? I've tried SO many and am fed up of spending £££ only for them to break me out/make me more oily/ cause more issues. I feel like i have really difficult, sensitive skin that wants to be lots of different things at once (i.e oily, dry, the sub derm, experience breakouts and rashes with vitamin c products) and I've tried lots of different moisturisers in the past; ive tried cetaphil's daily hydrating moisturiser, the inkey list's omega water, and aveenos oat moisturiser, but my skin has always still felt dry and tight afterwards, i've also tried cerave and broke out badly, and am currently using simple but it still seems to be the same deal that nothing is really hydrating enough for my skin. weirdly i even resorted to using e45 and that did actually feel hydrating but the downside was it never really soaked into my skin very well and just seemed to sit on top and pill my makeup. idk!!!!

I'd like to try and avoid the really expensive ones if poss (small budget) but if I have to invest so be it! My current routine is: (morning) aveeno calm + restore oat cleanser, the ordinary soothing barrier support serum, simple repair rich cream and eucerin sun oil control sun cream (the one for acne prone skin). in the evening I double cleanse with the ordinary's squalane cleanser before aveeno. thanks!

My son is 13 and has had mild to moderate acne for past few months (mostly on forehead) . He has been using acnecide for 7 weeks which is helping a little. He is neurodivergent and hates water in his face so cleansers are hard. He would use a micellar water on cotton wool to cleanse but I'm not sure which one to try. I would appreciate any recommendations. Is there anything else he could try? Many thanks

This is my strawberry skin with lot’s of red spots…this picture is of my shoulder…it’s same w the other one…I really need advice on how I can cure it asap (if possible within months)

Routine :- I use the Hula hoop body wash by foxtale Moroccan silk exfoliating body wash (for clear,soft skin) which has 2% Salicylic acid + Zinc PCA

Hey guys, I (27F) wanted a little advice and to ask a few questions!
Some background: really bad acne since 13 that has only really improved the last year (very genetic on my mums side)
Only medicated treatments I’ve used are duac, lymecycline, trimethoprim
Skin is very mixed with my forehead and nose being very oily but my cheeks are incredibly dry and can be a little flakey
Mixed race with Indian heritage which I think leads to me having hyper pigmentation very easily

My questions:
•I use medi cube pads most days, morning and night, can I use alongside the Paula’s choice or do I need to alternate? I currently use Paula around 2x per week. Would the dark blue medicube irritate my skin too much? I’m afraid to mix up these products as I’ve got a nice balance right now!
•I’m currently using acnecide once daily on my jaw and neck mostly - should I be using it less, will it dry me out too much over winter? I’m only using it a lot right now as I’m getting over a bad breakout
•is the mica cica balm too heavy for my skin type?
•how often should I get microneedling? I was aiming for once every 2 months

If anyone can help with any of these I’d be so grateful!
I also use the inkey list polyglutamic acid suncream but not daily 😬

Hi All, I recently decided at the grand age of 32 & 6 months post-partum to start looking after myself and brought some more affordable bits just to get more into the habit of a routine, but now I'm looking to up my game a bit.

Current Routine:

MORNING

Creamy foaming cleanser, glycolic acid toner, eye cream, day cream.

EVENING

Cleansing balm, CeraVe Blemish Control cleanser, night cream.

On the occasion I do wear make up, it's simply mascara, eyeliner & lipstick. No foundations or BB etc.

My skin is combination & I am prone to the very rare blackhead, but mainly whiteheads & sebaceous filaments seem to a permanent problem on my chin area. I do not get acne though! It is just random spots around my jawline and forehead. I have a smidge of hyperpigmentation and frown lines beginning to form.

I'd love any and all advice, especially on maybe moisturiser that doesn't break the bank and would perhaps help with my breakouts? (I prefer non-greasy, quick absorbing sorts, can't stand greasy feeling skin)

TIA xx

43, male with oily t-zone.

Current routine.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanse: Moisturising face wash morning and night.

Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub: 2x of those mornings the face wash is replace by a face scrub with niacinamide.

Any brand: 1 x morning a week mud mask.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid: Oil control SPF50 every morning after wash.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Resurfacing Hydrating Acid Serum Cream: Retinol face cream after evening face wash every other evening.

Goal: Clear skin and slowing signs of aging.

Hi!

I've always had dry + oily combination skin but I always found it manageable with a simple routine of face wash and spf. I have recently come to realise that I may in fact have been hurting my skin.

My skin these days just looks really dull and is often dry and flaky, and I believe it's getting worse with the turn in the weather. Funnily, my skin was really flourishing when I was travelling last recently and in a very humid country sweating constantly. Right now I am at a complete loss for what to do.

My current routine, though I don't follow it strictly, is:

AM:

- rinse face with water only

- niacinamide serum

- boots dermacare ceramides moisturising cream

- beauty of joseon sunscreen

PM:

- e45 hydrating foam cleanser

- salicylic acid serum (for sebaceous filaments)

- boots dermacare ceramides moisturising cream

I think my skin has just become really dry and I may have a damaged skin barrier too because it sometimes stings for a bit when I put on moisturisers.

Any advice would be appreciated. There are just so many products on the market and so many recommendations online that I get overwhelmed and I don't want to spend a tonne of money either, but I'm happy to switch to or add different products if that helps.

I've also got big puffy dark circles so altogether I'm not feeling too great about my face these days lol.

Thank you for your help!

Escentual and Boots and another site have totally different ingredients lists.

I can't find it on the Avene site either, which I find strange as it's a basic item.

I rely on the ingredients lists to avoid certain irritants, but it's irritating me that I can't confirm an accurate list.

Any recs for super-sensitive, ageing eyes also appreciated. I reacted to the Bioderma that several here recommended. Uriage was ok, but didn't help the skin much.