r/SkincareAddiction • u/AutoModerator • Apr 08 '19
Skin Concerns [Skin Concerns] The Closed Comedones HG Thread: Share your skincare secrets! (Week 6)
Hi there and welcome to the Closed Comedones HG thread!
This is the place to discuss your favorite products for closed comedones - whether it's the greatest chemical exfoliant, the most hydrating moisturizer, or the cheapest retinol serum. Helpful habits and makeup recommendations are also welcome!
Share your secrets with others and help them improve their skin! Don't forget to include as much info as you can: price range, product feel, what country you're in, whether the product is cruelty free/vegan/fragrance free, etc. It'll all be helpful to people reading this thread :)
Thanks for contributing!
This thread is part of a larger series of Skin Concerns HG threads. To see all scheduled threads, go here.
Join us next week to talk about your favorite products for keratosis pilaris!
64
Apr 08 '19
Hyaluronic acid and vaseline! It's made such an insane difference and so simple. I tried so many AHAs and BHAs and retinoids and azaleic acid but they just made things more inflamed and irritated. I think hydration really can be the key! (for reference, my skin is combo-oily).
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u/rot10toemato Apr 08 '19
how do you use the vaseline?
13
Apr 08 '19
I put it on as a final occlusive layer before bed and wash it off very gently in the morning. At the moment I only use it around my jaw and outer cheeks, sometimes of my forehead.
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u/eatsnow Apr 08 '19
How do you wash it off? I've been trying OCM with mineral oil, but only at night and I've been wondering if I should do it in the morning too.
3
Apr 08 '19
I use the clinique take the day off oil cleanser and a muslin cloth just because I feel like it gets the vaseline off without stripping the moisture away.
3
Apr 08 '19
I have combo-oily skin, too! What Hyaluronic Acid do you use and love most?
Would like to know your routine, too
11
Apr 08 '19
I love hada labo goku jyun (sp?). It's so cheap and you get so much!!
My PM routine is:
Wash with either clinique take the day off cleansing oil or the fancl mild cleansing oil (I use clinique as the dupe because the fancl is hard to get hold of in the UK).
Hado Labo hyaluronic acid
TO niacinamide and zinc
This moisturiser
Vaseline
AM:
wash with a little bit of TTDO cleansing oil to get rid of the vaseline, then hada labo HA, followed by the moisturiser and then erborian cc cream (i've added it as skincare because it's mildly hydrating/supposed to be a skincare-makeup hybrid and i live for it).
I'm pretty sure my most recent CC outbreak was because I used the cosrx good morning cleanser and it's SO drying. I was also skiing and spending time in hot tubs which, combined with such a drying cleanser and a less-than-robust moisturier (only the Simple one), caused the worst outbreak ever.
I tried differin, and through SCA I was told to use vaseline over it to prevent drying. It still caused quite a lot of redness after 2 uses, so I stopped, but kept using the vaseline to combat the dryness. I also only used the differin on one side of my chin, so I can 100% confirm that the vaseline, not the two uses of differin, that cleared the CCs.
1
Apr 08 '19
I’ve always been nervous to use Vaseline on my face 🙈😅 Is it in the tub version or the lotion type?
3
Apr 08 '19
The tub version (not the tins). I would definitely patch-test first!! I've had no problems with it though, and I'm mad at myself for waiting this long!
1
Apr 08 '19
So you literally put it on like a moisturizer as your last step?
4
Apr 08 '19
Yep, once the other moisturiser has sunk in I just rub it in. It's cheap so I'm fairly liberal with it, but when it's really thick I'm super conscious of it getting all over my pillow.
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u/mdkps flushed porous slug | c-c-c-c-combo!! Apr 08 '19
double cleansiiiiiiiing. took half a year but cleared up all my forehead ccs (as well as sfs on me nose).
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u/TopNotchGear 18/M/Normal to Oily Apr 08 '19
Would you recommend double cleaning if you don’t wear makeup? Also, what do you double cleanse with?
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u/mdkps flushed porous slug | c-c-c-c-combo!! Apr 08 '19
i dont wear makeup and it worked great. i used to use hada labo cleansing oil which was a hg for me (got dem grits) but i discovered that it broke me out whenever i was on my period. right now im just using plain mineral oil. not as magical, but does its job.
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Apr 10 '19
[deleted]
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u/Madky67 Sep 02 '19
Hemp seed oil is a good choice, grapeseed oil, sesame oil, jojoba, and argan. The type of oil you should use depends on your skin type. People who are acne prone should use oil that is higher in linoleic acid and people with dry skin should use oil with higher oleic acid. You want to mix whatever oil you choose with castor oil because castor oil is attracted to water and it will help get all of the gunk and oil out of your pores and off your skin. I usually do 1/3 castor 2/3 hemp or grapeseed. Here is a site with good info on some of the oils. https://www.skincareox.com/top-20-organic-skin-care-oils/
3
Apr 10 '19
Depends. I don't think there's hard evidence that mineral oil will clog your pores, but plenty of stories that it happened to people
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u/mdkps flushed porous slug | c-c-c-c-combo!! Apr 10 '19
you can but you should patch test first and make sure to wash it off properly.
32
u/Kingchubs Apr 08 '19
The ordinary glycolic toner
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u/RIOT_head Apr 09 '19
I'm looking into getting this now, but the site says to use a cotton pad to apply the product.
Wouldn't this cause a lot of wasted product? Anything wrong with just spreading it with my fingers?
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u/Kingchubs Apr 09 '19
I use my fingers no problems so far
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u/RIOT_head Apr 09 '19
I just went and bought some pads after seeing the size of the bottle.
We will see what works best!
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Apr 11 '19
[deleted]
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Apr 12 '19
I found this and it leaves a weird film. So I have started using it before my cleanser. I put it on my face about an hour before my shower then wash it off with my cleanser in the shower. Not sure if it is doing anything that way but I figure I am getting some chemical exfoliation from it.
1
Apr 08 '19
Yes I bought some recently and am surprised by how effective (and how affordable).
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u/Kingchubs Apr 08 '19
Yeah my skin is so unbelievably smooth after using it for a week. Better than any physical exfoliation I’ve ever done as glycolic penetrates deep into the skin.
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u/taetaeswifee Apr 08 '19
Niacinamide really helped the bumps on my forehead to clear. I still get them but it’s not as bad anymore. Also glycolic acid a couple times a week has also helped. :)
44
u/MaledictuSnake Apr 08 '19
I don’t get why my face can’t handle niacinamide when 90% of the rest of the world seems to love it. Man, that stuff gives me CCs like there’s no tomorrow.
Skin is weird.
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19
Apr 08 '19 edited Apr 06 '20
[deleted]
11
Apr 08 '19
I just can't decide if this is helping me or not! I am sure my CC are probably due to dry skin, and the last few mornings after using Vaseline my skin has been amazing. However just today I put a small layer of Vaseline on and I felt my skin get irritated right away!
It feels like one step forward, two steps back.
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u/selysek Apr 10 '19
Sorry, I know this is late, but is it possible that it was something that you had on your skin underneath the vaseline that was irritating? Vaseline is extremely occlusive so it traps everything underneath it and maybe could make something a little more irritating for you.
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u/indifferentials Apr 08 '19
Cutting out all oils and anything with a comedogenic rating of 2+ was the key to getting rid of 90% of my comedones. At one point I had about 60 CCs on my forehead alone. I threw out most of my products and replaced them with products that were non-comedogenic and my CCs were gone within about 2 months. The key is really to read the ingredients and run them through cosDNA. It's honestly sad how many products are labeled "non-comedogenic" that contain coconut oils, etc. as it's an unregulated term.
The other 10% was retinol and BHAs. Together they took me the rest of the way. I still get the occasional CC, but it's nowhere near what it used to be.
4
Apr 08 '19
What do you use now if I can ask? Have the same experience with oils, but my texture hasn’t smoothened out completely, yet!
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u/indifferentials Apr 09 '19
I use Paula's Choice 2% BHA and prescription .08% Retin-A. Do you want my full routine?
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u/TerrificPteridophyte Apr 09 '19
Yes please, especially these non-comedogenic moisturizers you speak of!
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u/indifferentials Apr 10 '19
I copy-pasted from a shelfie post I made awhile ago, but here it is!
La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser: (Everyday Routine AM/PM) Been using this one for a few months with no problem. I love it for my combination skin, as it never dries my skin out but hasn't ever broken me out. Only complaint is that it doesn't take off face makeup very well.
Paula's Choice Daily Wrinkle Defense: (Everyday Routine AM) My HG sunscreen, 30 SPF.Never, ever feels heavy on my face or clogs, but leaves my skin looking slightly more matte and smooth after I put it on. I also love that it uses a mineral blocker.
Paula's Choice Resist BHA 9 (the skinny black tube): (Used as-needed) I purchased this recently and have been using it on blackheads and flesh-colored bumps that never go away on their own. So far I'm getting about a 50% success rate but it's only been 3 weeks.
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid: (Everyday Routine PM) Another HG. I've been using for almost 2 years and I attribute most of my acne clearing up to this stuff.
Retin-A Micro: Prescription .08% retinol. (Everyday Routine PM) Another huge factor in my acne clearing up.
Manuka honey: (Used as-needed) I use this in face masks. I mix it with greek yogurt, fresh aloe and matcha. I included it in my shelfie because I occasionally use it on my lips.
Aquaphor: (Used as-needed) My favorite occlusive to apply on healing acne scabs. It definitely helps them heal faster.contains comedogenic ingredients, but can be substituted with vaseline
Bare Minerals Exfoliating Grains: (Used as-needed) I mix these in with my cleanser once a week for a nice exfoliation. I usually put on the manuka-honey face mask after.
Tony Moly The Chok Chok Watery Cream: (Everyday Routine AM/PM) This is my only product that contains oils that are potentially comedogenic, however they are listed at the very end of the ingredient list and this moisturizer has never broken me out in the 1 year I've been using it.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid: (Everyday Routine AM) TBH I haven't noticed much of a difference from this but it's so cheap and I hear so many good things about azelaic acid that I use it anyway.
The Ordinary L-Ascorbic Acid: (Everyday Routine AM) I mix 1/3 of a scoop of this with an aloe moisturizer (Not shown in my shelfie because it BARELY has any moisturizing power, but the PH is great for mixing with vitamin C).
25
Apr 08 '19
Came here to share my experience with my ALL TIME HG: Pond’s baby. i used to use this stuff a couple years ago and my skin was flawless. i would seriously just wash with warm water and use this and that’s it. I moved though, and my ponds ran out, so i tried Cetaphil daily moisturizer. Ever since i got it, my skin has been breaking out so bad. CC’s like i had never seen before. I tried everything. Vitamin C oil, rosehip oil, dermatologica exfoliant, Cerave daily face wash, nothing helped! so i couple weeks ago i decided it might be the moisturizer causing the problem, and i switched back to ponds. THANK GOD! within two weeks my cc’s are gone, redness diminished, and skin smooth as a baby’s freakin butt again. no more time wasted picking my cc’s in the mirror. i’m just using Cerave face wash every other day and Ponds twice a day. HOLY. FRICKIN. Grail.
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u/xonyali Apr 08 '19
What's the full name? I can't find any Pond's Baby products line for some reason
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u/zkhh13 looking 4 smooth skin Apr 10 '19
lol I was over here trying to find a Pond's baby line too haha
40
Apr 08 '19
i’m sorry i should’ve clarified. just normal ponds. the baby was an emphasis.
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u/nprasad4 Apr 08 '19
do you mean the ponds cold cream cleanser or just their moisturizer? // what colored lid
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u/stripmallpsychic Apr 12 '19
i looove Pond's! my family has been using it for years. apparently my great grandma would just put it on her face every night, wipe it off and had perfect skin. not recommending that haha but this stuff does work!
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u/TheJadeSparrow dehydrated, acne-prone | fair | mid-20s Jun 23 '19
Hello this is almost creepily later from when you posted, but does the dry skin moisturizer (i'm guessing what you're using?) have any scent to it? I was unpleasantly surprised by neutrogena hydro boost and don't want to be again. Thanks!
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Apr 08 '19
[deleted]
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Apr 08 '19
i used to think it was oily but now i think i would consider it combination. more on oily end of spectrum.
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u/Priyanshi007 Apr 08 '19
Stridex in the morning and epiduo at night really helped my closed comedones.
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u/0192324 Apr 09 '19
I just started a course of epiduo last week and my skin is very irritated/red/itchy!!! My doctor warned me about the side effects so I'm still pushing through and using it every night (tonight will be my 5th time using it). Did you have similar side effects and did the eventually go away? Also how long did it take for you to see visible results?
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u/Priyanshi007 Apr 09 '19 edited Apr 09 '19
During my early days, I used to mix differin and benzoyl peroxide (which is the same composition of epiduo)every night and then apply it with a pea size amount of avene skin recovery cream. I purged a lot for 3 months and damaged my moisture barrier. Now I have added certain things which are really helping me. Kikumasamune toner and weleda skin food mixed with TO rosehip oil over epiduo has helped my skin from getting irritated and dry and helped the scars which I got from purging. What you need to do is to stop using epiduo every night. Use it every other day and try to buffer it with a moisturiser that doesn’t break you out. My skin is way more clear now just some PIH left. Also try to add a layer of vaseline all over your face as a last step in your skincare routine which also helped me getting rid of fresh PIE Plus I also started using la roche posay as my daytime moisturiser to combat irritation and it’s working really well. Good luck to you.
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u/TheGreatAlpacalypse Apr 10 '19
Same with epiduo. I started to use it only every second or third day when I feel like my skin can handle it.
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u/mixeddrinksandmakeup Apr 11 '19
A humidifier! I live in the desert and noticed my skin looking really clear after a rain. So I got some extractions for the existing ones and then started using a humidifier and i notice bumps forming if i forget to use it for even one night.
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u/RachelE_Day Apr 08 '19
I have very oily skin and get CC’s around my mouth and chin mainly. What I’ve found helps is DIFFERIN! This stuff is amazing. While I was pregnant, I used Benzoyl Peroxide contact therapy and that helped some but nothing like differin. I’ve tried lots of stuff!
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u/EtherealJane Apr 09 '19
I just started Differin and it's been game changing for me. My sister mentioned wanting to try it, but that she'd be trying to get pregnant soon. I saw a few places on the internet saying Differin is ok during pregnancy--obviously, she will check with her ObGyn, but has anyone else heard that this is pregnancy safe?
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u/RachelE_Day Apr 09 '19
I’ve heard that too! I didn’t use it or ask my doc about it but i would see what her doc says. Some OB’s are super conservative and don’t want to risk anything. But personally, things that go on a small part of the skin don’t enter into the blood stream. Our skin is a barrier on purpose. But that’s just my belief. DEFINITELY check with a doctor.
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Apr 10 '19
[deleted]
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u/RachelE_Day Apr 10 '19
I’m on week 14 I think? And I’m still breaking out! Just not as bad and no more cc’s! I still have a couple that aren’t done purging. My breakouts now are like one pimple tho. And they heal fast. As time goes on I have high hopes for less and less breakouts!! We will see. Differin isn’t a complete cure as nothing is but it’s all about managing the acne. And for me I’ll take a pimple here and there over constantly having pimples. You might have had a lot of clogs under your skin that had to purge out that’s why you’re left with the PIE and PIH but t will fade!
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u/SentientLunchBowl Apr 08 '19
Glycolic Acid works for me. I use Mario Badescu’s Glycolic Acid Cleanser OR Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Fix (nighttime) Pads.
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u/berrybert Apr 09 '19
Personally I found MOISTURIZER is one of the most important variables when it comes to CCs! Know your skin type! I have combo-oily clog-prone skin and it took me years to figure out that my skin just can't handle thick occlusive creams. Better to do more light layers with a hydrating toner + top off with a light gel moisturizer, than one layer of a thick cream.
Currently I'm using the Kikumasamune lotion for layering and la Roche Posay hydraphase for my day moisturizer. This combo seems to have definitely lessened new CCs developing.
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u/poppynogood Apr 08 '19
BHA and glycolic did nothing for my forehead cc's unfortunately. The only thing that ever made a visible difference or me has been Nizoral. Finacea (prescription Azelaic acid) helped too. These both worked fast. I have a small handful left, but the difference is like night and day. I believe cutting my products down to a bare minimum also helped enormously.
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Apr 11 '19
How often and how long have you been using the nizoral?
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u/poppynogood Apr 11 '19
About 3 weeks. At first I just used it once a week and saw a bit of improvement. But this week I'm blitzing it every day and I'm down to the last 2-3 cc's. It brings them to a head, and then they fade like regular pimples. I believe mine are from Malassezia / Pityrosporum Folliculitis, and with anything fungal you have to treat a looong time. Like topical treatments for a toe fungus take months to a year. After this blitz I'll do 1/week for a while and see how that goes. It only takes a tiny drop of product, so that's good.
4
Apr 11 '19
I'm dying here. I can't get my face under control and nothing I do helps/actually makes it worse. Everytime it starts to improve its like I take a wrong turn somewhere and it gets WAY worse.
It looks and acts just like malassezia but now I'm starting to doubt if its even that.
2
Apr 29 '19
I've had this issue too. Sulphur, anti-fungals, BHAs, antibiotics, nothing has worked. Most things make it worse, or at best there's no change. Doing nothing (aka, my usual "routine") also doesn't make it go away.
2
Apr 29 '19
I feel for you. I'm still going through the same thing. Just got prescribed topical antibiotics (clindamycin/no cream) and still not seeing am improvement.
1
Apr 30 '19
Sorry to hear you're going through it too. I did 6mo of topical clindamycin with no improvement. Then 3mo of topical clindamycin + oral minocin and my acne got WORSE and I developed new acne on my back and chest that I didn't have before. I stopped that regimen in March 2018, when I got a raging yeast infection...... and my acne is STILL worse than when I started (now in Apr 2019) and I get chronic recurring yeast infections now (have had 5 in the last year). Lol. :/ My back and chest were almost completely clear besides the occasional tiny bump before I started that, and now I have constant acne there.
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u/poppynogood Apr 11 '19
So sorry to hear that :( Maybe you've tried this, but I found stripping products back to an absolute bare minimum helped a lot. I spent ages on Simple Skincare Science's site, and http://sezia.co and am not using anything suspect for the time being. Squalane and Bioderma micellar have been saviours for me. Hoping you find something that works!
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u/poppynogood Apr 11 '19
Also sulfur is helping me a lot! The OG SCA fave mint julep mask, to be specific.
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Apr 11 '19
I've stripped everything to bare minimum but unfortunately my face is so dry and the CC's just aren't going away. I recently purchased squalane oil to try to bump up my hydration and it seems to have given me even more CC's :( I'm going to be asking my doctor for a referral to the dermatologist but my appointment is not for another 3 weeks.
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u/ekc17 Apr 11 '19
What’s your current routine? I just got nizoral to help with my forehead
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u/poppynogood Apr 11 '19
Currently just Bioderma micellar (rinsed off), alternated with Nizoral as a cleanser, then Finacea, and Indeed squalane. SPF is still TBD for me. Also a mint julep mask weekly (the sulphur in it is just right).
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Apr 08 '19
Oil cleansing! I have had them for years, I have tried a ton of products from glycolic acid to tea tree to clay masks etc etc and I was in boots the other week and saw superfacialist vit c brightening oil cleanser on sale for around £7-8. That night I did the double cleanse and my jaw almost broke the sink, I couldn’t believe what it done to my skin. Not the mention getting all of the “blackhead” out of my nose. Out of all the products I own the £7 cleanser is the one I would never give up.
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u/laubeen Apr 08 '19
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator made the world of difference for my CCs on my forehead. Stopped using it for a while and now I need to get myself back on it. Life changing.
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u/soup_or_salad sensitive Apr 12 '19
Nizoral cleared the extremely stubborn clogged pores all over my forehead. I apply it all over my face for 5 minutes every night then moisturize with squalane oil right after washing it off. I’ve been doing it for about a week and a half so far and plan to continue doing it for another week, then switch to maintaining at once a week.
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u/Chemicat Apr 20 '19
I feel like it should be mentioned that Nizoral is anti-fungal, it won't clear up cc's for everybody. I wouldn't recommend using anything antifungal if you don't have a fungal infection, it might just irritate the skin needlessly.
3
Apr 08 '19
My acne is for sure hormonal, and I mostly get it on my jawline and upper neck. Lately I had noticed more popping up on my cheeks, and I realized after switching moisturizers (from a lotion to an oil) helped me a lot. I like Sunday Riley Juno, and I’ve also been using lactic acid from The Ordinary. Both have made a big difference. Oh, and I’m a fan of M-61 peel pads (pricy but work FAST).
3
Apr 09 '19
DOUBLE CLEANSING IS MY HG
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u/Third_eye1017 Apr 11 '19
Gonna ask a seemingly dumb question since i'm pretty new to the concept of double cleansing.
Does using my neutrogena make up wipe (oil based) followed by my Cetaphil face wash count as a double cleanse? I know the phrase means oil cleanse followed by a water based cleanse but it's unclear how it works in application if I don't have an ACTUAL oil based face soap. Curious if i'm doing a janky version of it or completely missing the mark?
for context: I wipe all make up off my face entirely; followed by washing my face using the 60 second rule, followed by a toner (sometimes with cotton to clean the face further/sometimes simply patting it into moist skin)
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u/stripmallpsychic Apr 11 '19
just to chime in here. make up wipes aren't great for double cleansing on a daily basis. they can dry you out and they have really strong preservatives to keep the wipe wet. also they really dont contain ingredients that remove makeup. it does get off some makeup (as you can see on the wipe) but it really is just smearing your makeup around on your face. also since you are sort of tugging at your skin with the wipe it can cause irritation which can lead to hyper pigmentation and wrinkles and CCs even!
so on that note i highly recommend not using makeup wipes in your daily routine. i think ponds cold cream cleanser is an affordable good way to introduce double cleansing. it seriously feels so good on the face and adds moisture! however my favorite way to double cleanse is with the farmacy makeup removing cleansing balm. i like to get a generous amount in my hands then rub it out a bit then put all over my face. it seriously melts away ALL makeup - including heavy eye makeup. then i just rinse off with warm water and then wash my face with a cleanser. i really like cerave foaming cleanser - not too expensive and gets the job done really well. also recs for cleansers i enjoy youth to the people kale cleanser - i'll use this when my skin is good and doesnt need too much help. and also like dr dennis gross alpha beta pore perfecting cleansing gel. also every other night i mix in the dermalogica microexfoliant with my cleansing wash to exfoliate!
hope this helps!
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u/Third_eye1017 Apr 11 '19
this was soo informative, thank you! I'll definitely look into the ponds cleanser as well. Appreciate all the recs :)
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u/lillblueduck Apr 10 '19
Goldfaden Utra MD Sulfur and Zinc face mask is INCREDIBLE. CCs and zits of all kinds are magically zapped away with this, it's super wild. Full size tub is expensive, but lasts forever. This is forever my HG skin product.
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u/peleg1711 May 07 '19
https://goldfadenmd.com/products/facial-detox
Is this the one?
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u/lillblueduck May 07 '19
yes it is!! the love of my life.
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u/peleg1711 May 07 '19
How much time do I have to use it to get results? Also, where's the cheapest place to order it?
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u/lillblueduck May 07 '19
I started noticing results overnight with zits and the overall look of my skin, but I assume it would depend on what you're looking for and wanting it to do. It works really really well as a spot treatment and then I do full masks with it maybe twice a week and my skins improved super quickly with it. Also, cheapest Ive found is the site directly but the tub lasts foreverrrrrrrrr cause you dont need very much for a mask.
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u/peleg1711 May 07 '19
I see. Thank you very much! I'll give it a shot so basically I am dealing only with CCs, few pimplrs and maybe blackheads(not sure about these though hahaha)
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u/lillblueduck May 07 '19
you could even just try sulfur soap as a less expensive option! you can get it on amazon for pretty cheap.
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May 06 '19
I have always had CCs but they seem to have tripled since I've started using The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid Emulsion (2%). For context, I have introduced this product super slowly so this is likely due to purging. Any suggestions for speeding them along? It feels like the TO product brought them up but now they're just sitting there!
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u/Fufnf Apr 08 '19
COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid daily.
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u/chattybridget Apr 09 '19
Did you have to slowly increase your usage or is your skin used to actives? I only use this one once a week and already see such a difference in a month!
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u/Fufnf Apr 09 '19
I find this exfoliator to be very mild so I kinda started to use it daily right away. I don't know whether my skin is used to actives, I don't think so. This serum/lotion is mild because it is not salicylic acid but its derivative bethaine salicylate and so pH is quite high so I wasn't concerned with irritation.
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u/chattybridget Apr 09 '19
is the pH too high for it to work properly, or just enough? I am kind of new to pH levels with certain types of exfoliators, and overall skincare.
1
u/Fufnf Apr 10 '19
The product is mild yes, but effective esp. if used daily. Bethaine salicylate (main active here) is not pH dependent, so it works. Personally, it is my holy grail product as of now. Here is a good article about COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid: https://simpleskincarescience.com/cosrx-bha-blackhead-power-liquid-review/
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u/trapqueenB Apr 10 '19
USA here. I had sensitive red skin with closed comedones on my the sides of my face. There would usually always be a pimple on my face and plenty of pie/pih. Fall 2018 I spontaneously picked up some micellar water and stopped buying makeup wipes. I only used it at night followed by belif moisturizer. My skin definitely improved, but belif didn't agree with my skin. Starting 2019 I started using Elemis pro-collagen cream and my skin saw a dramatic improvement in the redness.
It's my first high end moisturizer so maybe thats why I'm amazed but IM OBSESSED. My skin improved so much and i only had a few closed comedones left. I recently started tretinoin and I havent had any new closed comedones in a week and the ones that were there before are coming to an end. I have incorporated vitamin C in the mornings as well.
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u/dreadedwheat Apr 29 '19
Honestly, for the big, non-inflamed CCs I get all over my face (just lumps of non-angry sebum hanging out in my skin)? Complete extraction seems to be the only thing that gets rid of them.
1
Apr 08 '19
Stridex cleared my CCs around my forehead and chin area! Also hydration.
I’m using Differin (it’s still early to see a great difference since I’m on the 2nd week), but I know it’ll help further with this issue :)
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u/creeposuave Apr 09 '19
I've been using Stridex red box for breakouts on my upper back/shoulders and want to try it on my chin next time i get a breakout (my chin is the only area i get bad cc's) but I don't get it.. am I supposed to let it dry and then apply moisturizer as normal? It feels weird to put lotion over it when I can still feel the tackiness of the Stridex
3
Apr 09 '19
I suggest that you let the Stridex set for about 20 minutes then wash it off and on dampened skin, apply moisturizer :)
1
u/bellab0622 Apr 09 '19
It's Peeling Pad! Daily use of peeling pad is the savior of CC issues. Try it for just one month!
I prefer to use one with BHA and Gauze side.
1
u/friedlillies Apr 10 '19
Clean & Clear's persagel-5 completely cleared the closed comedones from my forehead!!! Two days after applying it to be forehead at night, they were completely gone! I never saw results happen so quickly and I still can't believe they're gone. My absolute HG!!
1
Apr 12 '19
[deleted]
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u/friedlillies Apr 13 '19
Yes, I put a thin layer where I have the closed comedones. I have an oily T-zone so my skin doesn't try out too much but I guess it really depends on your skin!
1
u/Technicolor_Sloth Apr 11 '19
I tried Stridex pads, Azelaic acid, retinoids, several different moisturizers, etc. I just started using Head & Shoulders Original a couple of weeks ago, and I'm finally seeing a difference. Guess it was fungal!
1
u/messytee Apr 23 '19
My skin is SO sensitive, and is leaning towards the dry side now. I have tried everything to get rid of CC’s - glycolic acid, retinoids, benzac, hyaluronic acid. I have had zero positive results so far.
My current routine is; Cetaphil cleanser, I swap between the ordinary salicylic acid or benzac 2-3 times a week in hot spots, daily use of Hylamide Low-Molecular HA Booster, normal moisturiser from Skinstitute. I finish with a sunscreen from Mecca for day wear. Occasionally I’ll add in the glycolic toner from the ordinary, but my skin gets so dry, sensitive and itchy sometimes I’m scared to use it.
I don’t know if I’m doing too much or not enough. I’m just lost and confused. This has just started at age 26, my skin is at its worst in its life and I’m losing all confidence.
1
u/Iwant_some_taquitos Jun 05 '19
I just started using Eucerin original healing rich creme for something more moisturizing. Should I be worried about any of these in ingredients: Inactive Ingredients: Mineral Oil;Petrolatum;Ceresin;Piroctone Olamine;Water;Lanolin Alcohol;Phenoxyethanol Ingredients: Ingredients: Water, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Piroctone Olamine
1
u/kcc_10612 Sep 11 '19
I have a multi-faceted concern, that may be a non-concern honestly and not sure if anyone is still reading this thread but figured I'd give it a try.
I am 31, have oily, acne prone skin, but my biggest issues have been CCs. In the past, I have had great success with Stridex in clearing the majority of them but I am trying to get pregnant (actually recently had a miscarriage) and am hoping to find a suitable replacement that is safe for pregnancy. I was concerned that my prolonged use of Stridex could impact egg quality, but some of what I've read has led me to believe that's likely not a huge issue for topical products, but still, salicylic acid is not recommended during pregnancy anyway so I'd need an alternative anyway should I get pregnant again eventually. Since I stopped using the Stridex, my CCs have come back with a vengeance. I've also started using a new oil cleanser at night (was prev. oil cleansing with TJs oil cleanser, but can't find anywhere locally anymore), and a new sunscreen so I'm not sure if both/all of those things are to blame. Current AM routine is cleanse with CeraVe cream cleanser, moisturize with TJ's Oil Free Moisturizer, and Pacifica Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic Sunscreen (was trying to use something "natural" but this might be a bad fit for me). PM routine is oil cleanse with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, cleanse with CeraVe cream cleanser, Moisturize with TJ's Oil Free Moisturizer and a drop of Jojoba oil for mostly under eyes. I was using the Stridex before moisturizer at night only but have stopped for a couple months now.
Should I look into hyaluronic, lactic, mandelic acid, or some other acid? I used a basic gentle toner too for a while from No. 7 brand at Target but I don't think it did anything honestly. Looks like glycolic acid and lactic acid are ok in lower concentrations but I just don't know where to start with all of it and wonder if lower concentrations will even be effective. In the meantime, I try to physically exfoliate, but that doesn't seem to be helping too much. Any suggestions? Do I need to overhaul my entire routine?
0
u/fuwak--x--y Apr 11 '19
Hi i have really oily skin . I have tried switching my cleanser, sunscreen toners but nothing seems to work. I also moisturize on a daily basis but my skin gets oily in like a hour after i wash my face. So any suggestions would really mean a lot . Thanks
1
u/Chemicat Apr 19 '19
How often do you cleanse? I used to have oily skin but it got better once I started washing my face with cleanser only once per day, in the evening. And water in the morning. It's important to use a mild cleanser, because if it's too drying, your skin will try to compensate by producing more oil.
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u/fuwak--x--y Apr 20 '19
I usually cleanse twice with the Cetaphil gentle cleanser
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u/Chemicat Apr 20 '19
I never used Cetaphil, so I don't know how gentle it really is. Maybe just try using it once per day, see how it works.
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u/MaledictuSnake Apr 08 '19
My skin is, alas, too sensitive for AHAs & BHAs. I’m finding lavender essential oil to be helpful for CCs, though. That, and keeping one’s face moisturized.
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u/Amethyst_Lovegood Apr 10 '19
Maybe you should try mandelic acid. I started with that and I loved it. It’s gentle but effective.
1
u/justtiiine Apr 10 '19
I have so many CC’s on my cheekbones, chin, FOREHEAD, you name it. Ive been dealing with acne since the 7th grade and I am now 19, i feel like ive tried everything. My skin is more towards the oiler side I’d say and I get scared to try new products. I get cystic acne like no ones business. As of now Im using Cerave SA gel cleanser, along with the Cerave AM/PM moisturizer (not in the tub, the little bottles with the push dispenser). I would use tiger grass 2 times a day as well but i just recently stopped that to keep a really simple routine. Any suggestions from anyone? I feel that using oil would break me out. Ive been reading about Vasaline however? Please help a girl out!:( Im not giving up but my biggest insecurity prevents me from living honestly.
4
u/Silverial Apr 10 '19
Skincare is incredibly personal, so it's hard to tell exactly what will work for you (YMMV). First of all it's important to get a good "base" routine down (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen) that doesn't break you out/make matters worse. I can't tell in your situation, but my skin went through a phase of extreme sensitivity and dehydration because while I did use products, they weren't the best for my skin. This ironically made my skin react by becoming oilier and gave me more CCs and acne.
You may want to check the ingredients of your Cerave AM and PM moisturizer on cosDNA to rule out if something in them are aggravating you CCs/not helping them clear up. In that case you may want to consider replacing them with products with more sensitive-friendly/noncomedogenic ingredients. Myself I stick to using the Avène Cleansing foam and their Tolérance Extrême Emulsion when my skin becomes unruly because they have very few and very gentle ingredients (not saying you should buy those, there are more inexpensive alternatives out there).
Going to a dermatologist can also help you figure out how to best help your skin, and if you feel like it is severely affecting your self-esteem it's absolutely a worthwhile investment. Acne is a kind of inflammation, and the best solution is treating the cause of it, which is something a dermatologist will be educated in how to do. Your skin is your biggest organ, it's important to be gentle with it and take care of it as you would with other parts of the body if those got inflamed. What helped the most for me personally was to treat it with the outmost care and using gentle, hydrating products (r/AsianBeauty got a lot of hydrating toner/lotion recommendations if you want to look at those later, but for now you may want to focus on just the basics).
Good luck on your skincare journey, hang in there!
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u/[deleted] Apr 08 '19
CCs on the non oily areas of the face (jaw and cheeks) HYDRATION HYDRATION HYDRATION!! Seems counter intuitive but holy hell it worked for me. The key was less irritation and more hydrating watery layers - particularly at night time.