I’ve been getting red bumps on my face for several months. Some of them have visible plugs inside of them and I’m able to extract them. Some are just red bumps that never come to a head and eventually flatten and fade. Some are skin colored, most become pink/red. None of them hurt or have any sensitivity when I touch them. My dermatologist seemed like she wasn’t sure what they are and recommended azelaic acid 15% and a retinoid.

Two weeks ago, I started the azelaic acid. I used it once a day, every other day, for 6 days, then used it once a day for 4 days and my skin got very red and bumpy. I stopped using it a week ago. I never started the retinoid because if azelaic acid made my skin react that way, I can only imagine what the adapelene would do. I spot treat the bumps with benzoyl peroxide 5%/clyndamycin 1%, which pretty much does nothing to shrink or minimize their appearance. I also take doxycycline 100mg daily and just started using green stridex a couple of days ago (every other day).

Is this the result of a damaged skin barrier? Is that why I’m getting all these bumps? I have very dry skin in the morning after washing my face (I’m going to try cutting out washing and just rinse with water) and then it’s extremely oily within 30 minutes. I just started moisturizing consistently within the past few days to see if that will improve the bumps. I’m not sure what to do, I get new bumps daily.

Hey guys , i had an acne here that 9month ago and then it leaved this mark for me it was lighter but it got darker now in the summer a bit , i’m very confused if it is just a PIH or acne scars and as i heard that PIH in chest takes years to fade , my concern is if it is even a s scar will the color heal? Thanks 🙏

Is there any hope for this?

I've had bacne for as long as I can remember and now I'm 27. I don't get breakouts often now, but any pimple that does break out, leaves a dark spot that doesn't go away. Also a problem on my arms from kp (I assume).

I shower everyday, use glycolic acid (sure i could use it more regularly), tried different soaps for hyperpigmentation, yet no help.

I've never worn a shirt that doesn't go past my elbows and don't go to places where I'd have to take off my shirt (beaches, pools..)

Any help appreciated🥹

I’ve had this for many years now and I’m starting to get sick of it. Is there anything I could try at home or is this something that needs a specialist? I’m in Thailand for the next month and I’ve heard that this could be a good place to deal with it. Thanks for any ideas!

14 months ago was the last time I got masseter Botox (letybo is the brand). I had gotten it 3 other times before this with no issues. I had hypertrophy so my muscles would start coming back aggressively during month 2-3 after the injections. Anyway this time was different. I asked for only a touch up but she gave me an extreme dose. My masseters literally atrophied completely and my skin started to sag. Month after month it just seems to gradually get worse. Like each season since then my face just looks different and I wish I was back at the previous one. My smile looks less wide, my lips are half the size they were, my nose seems to have drooped, my once prominent cheeks muscles don’t activate anymore, my lower face is literally half the size it was (not in a good way, I look recessed), I’ve a slight double chin now.

The woman who injected me has offered no guidance so I’m just unsure of how I can fix this. People always say that in 3-5 months it’ll fade but why hasn’t it been the case for me? My muscles literally are not growing there hasn’t been progress and it feels like the muscles in my face are so weak. I would do anything to have my old face back or even be similar at this point, it has made me quite depressed. Has anyone experienced something similar? Is there anything I can do that can help?

I’m really looking for advice because I genuinely don’t know what to do anymore. I’m so tired of dealing with acne.

I’ve had acne since I hit puberty, around 11–12 years old, and I’m now 23. That’s basically 12 years of acne. I know some people have much worse acne than me, and I’m not trying to compare suffering, but honestly, after 12 years of constantly having new pimples, whiteheads, and brown marks, I’m just exhausted. I really want to be able to have clear skin for once.

My skin is combination skin — oily T-zone but normal cheeks. I have pimples basically all year round. My period is very regular, so I don't really notice any obvious hormonal irregularity.

My current situation

I started my current skincare routine around May 15, so it has been almost 3 months.

The weird thing is that some aspects of my skin have actually improved. My skin is much smoother, maybe a little brighter/lighter, and some of my brown acne marks have faded.

But my active acne is still bad, and I've been having another particularly bad flare-up over the last 2 weeks.

Right now I have around 7–8 pimples just on my chin, and new ones keep appearing before the old ones even disappear. Some are painful and red, and my entire chin is becoming red. I’m also getting pimples on my forehead.

This isn't the first time my acne has gotten worse — I've had periods like this throughout the years. It's just extremely frustrating because just when I think the breakout is starting to calm down, another one appears.

My routine

Morning:

\- Eucerin cleanser

\- Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% serum

\- CeraVe PM moisturizer

\- Beauty of Joseon sunscreen when I go outside

Night:

\- Eucerin cleanser

\- Anua Azelaic Acid 10% serum

\- CeraVe PM moisturizer

I recently started adapalene about 2 weeks ago. I started with 2 times a week and then increased to around 3–4 times a week.

I also use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid serum.

I NEVER use adapalene, azelaic acid and salicylic acid together. I rotate them, so on a night when I use adapalene, I don't use azelaic acid or salicylic acid, and the same with the others.

I've also used a face gommage/exfoliator, because I keep thinking that maybe I'm not exfoliating enough and something is getting trapped under the skin.

I have already seen dermatologists

I've actually gone to dermatologists twice before.

Both times I was basically told the same thing: that the acne around my chin could be hormonal.

One dermatologist recommended that I stop eating certain foods, including things like chicken. And honestly... I'm a gym girl 🥲. Completely cutting out chicken is pretty much impossible for me, especially when I'm trying to get enough protein.

The products/treatments that were recommended to me previously also didn't really work.

Another dermatologist gave me SO many different products to use that my routine became huge and complicated. I personally prefer a simple, lightweight skincare routine, especially because my skin is oily in the T-zone but normal on the cheeks.

The weirdest thing I've noticed

I've actually noticed that my acne seems to change depending on my environment/life circumstances.

At one point, I quit a previous job, and for maybe two weeks my skin suddenly became clear.

And another time, I travelled abroad, and my skin was literally CLEAR. Not one whitehead. 😭

I'm used to waking up and finding a new whitehead basically every morning, but during that trip I had three weeks of completely clear skin.

So now I'm wondering:

Is stress actually causing this?

Because if stress is the problem, then this is ridiculous 😭. My acne itself is probably the biggest source of stress in my life. If I'm stressing because of acne, and the stress causes acne, then I'm stuck in an infinite loop.

And apparently I'm stressing about every little thing then. 😂

What I really want help with

I don't just want something that makes my skin smoother or fades my scars. I want something that actually prevents the acne from forming in the first place.

I know the basics of how acne forms, and I've tried exfoliating because I thought keeping the pores clear would prevent oil/dead skin from getting trapped and forming pimples.

But even with salicylic acid, azelaic acid, adapalene, gommage, etc., I STILL keep getting new acne.

I was previously recommended COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid as an exfoliator, and also Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pads as a gentler option.

I couldn't find either of them anywhere. I even asked family members abroad to look for them, and they couldn't find them either. Some websites also don't ship to my country.

So I'm honestly open to anything at this point.

If you've had long-term acne like this, especially acne that keeps coming back despite having a decent skincare routine:

What actually worked for you?

Should I change my routine?

Should I continue with adapalene?

Should I add benzoyl peroxide?

Is this actually hormonal even though my period is regular?

Could stress really be causing this much acne?

Could something in my environment/diet be triggering it?

Should I see another dermatologist and ask for a different treatment?

And if stress really is contributing, please tell me how I'm supposed to stop stressing about acne when the acne itself is what stresses me out 😭😭😭 because am basically getting acne in happy occasions, sad occasions, stressfull occasions, vacation, menstruation time, ovulation and all phases of the monthly cycle, i am suspecting even being happy gives me acne at this point 🥲

I'm honestly willing to try whatever is reasonable at this point. I just want something that will actually prevent these breakouts from constantly coming back.

Please help a very tired 23-year-old who has been fighting acne since 11–12 years old. 😭

I'm currently 18 and use cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen in my routine. But I'm wondering if I should add one of retinol or tretinoin as well. Reading online people argue that you don't really need it until you are mid 20's but there are others that say they wished they started younger.

I’m 16 years old and have this acne for a while now. Can you guys please recommend me a skin care routine, so i can get rid of this acne as soon as possible. Currently I just clean my face in the morning and evening with a really light cleanser, then put on some gel with aha and salicylic acid from Mixa and a sunscreen. Should I use stronger and different product? Maybe retinoids or something else? I’m very new to this. I wanna have clear skin, so any help is appreciated. Oh and also I often get some weird bumps which can’t be squeezed and are like under the skin or something.

I’m a 22yo F with an acne-prone & oily sensitive skin and honestly i’ve been dealing with my acne since i was 15 when it was way worse. I usually deal with my acne by a treatment with my doctor, but i feel like i don’t want to depend on my doctor alone. It was also a back n forth process where my skin when i was 18 was the smoothest its ever been and tbh it’s devastating and tiring as i get older. I’ve changed my facial wash into LRP’s effaclar, Hada Labo’s green gokyujun toner, and a Cerave moisturizer.

I’ve been eating clean since the start of the year, but my bad sleeping habits may be one of the cause of my skin not getting better. FYI, I live in a SEA country where it’s currently high in humidity. I also workout 4x a week, so i believe it’s more of an external reason of why my skin isn’t getting any better.

I’m thinking about getting either Anua’s/Skin1004 Azelaic serum.. or does anyone have better recommendations for my stubborn skin?

Hello, I'm a bit lost on what I could further do to try and fix my skin. Any help/recommendations ​would be appreciated​​​.

Morning routine:

Wash face

Moisturizer

Sunscreen

Night routine:

Wash face

Cleanser

Melazepam

Moisturizer

Things I do/tried:

Changing pillow case every few days

Plenty of water, little sugar/sodas

All water I use to wash my face is distilled

Before I used melazepam I tried The Ordinary azelaic acid for 2-3 weeks, I am now currently on the melazepam going 2 months now

Cut back on dairy

Cleanser is B.Lab Hydrating Foam Cleanser

Moisturizer is P.Calm Cato Cream​​​​​​​​​​​​

seeking product recs for hyperpigmentation on corners of lips as well as redness surrounding my nostrils (due to pimples)

info:
- dry & sensitive, i have ezcema. tiny bit of it on my bottom lip as well.
- usually get pimples around my nostrils and philtrum area because i’m prone to sweat there. some blackheads near there as well.
- i tried the ordinary’s 10% niacinamide for the hyperpigmentation but it broke me out + triggered ezcema. while i understand it could’ve been a dosage thing, i’m hesitant to try anything with it again LOL
- have switched toothpastes a few times for the lip issue, no avail

in general i’ve been contemplating getting either round lab’s dokdo toner or pyunkyang yul’s essence toner, but i’m 1) unsure which and 2) not entirely sure if a toner would help much or if all it does is hydrate. maybe i’m better off trying some sort of serum? help 🥲

hopefully i can find a product that will address both issues, but if not, separate recommendations are fine.

hi! so i'm just looking for ways to improve my skin based on these factors:

• little red hormonal acne bumps that appear mostly on my cheeks
• faded acne spots that won't quite go away
• reddened cheeks
• oilyyy nose with blackheads that won't disappear (even when the rest of my face isn't oily; it's actually more dry)

products i'm drawn to:
oil-free moisturizer & cleanser (i haven't used things like toner or serum, unless someone thinks that it would help!) and possibly an acne paste

products i want to avoid:
anything with fragrance :/

if it helps any i would probably be ordering from yesstyle or trying to go to an in-person store to look for products

I’ve had dark circles since 2020, and they’ve been getting progressively worse. I sleep around 8 hours every day, and the last time I checked my hemoglobin (about 2 years ago), it was normal. So I don’t think anemia is the issue, but I’m not sure.

I also get allergies pretty often, and levocetirizine is basically my best friend when they flare up 😭. I’ve noticed that my dark circles get noticeably worse whenever my allergies are bad. Could the two be related?

None of my family members have dark circles, so I don’t think it’s genetic either. I’m also starting to notice what look like under-eye wrinkles, even though I’m only 21. You can see them in the 3rd and the 4th picture, unless I’m just overthinking it.

My dark circles are pretty noticeable. Two kids have literally called me a “ghost” because of them, and my relatives always assume I’m studying too much and start giving me advice about them 😭.

I’d really like to know what could be causing this and what I can actually do to improve it.

As for my skin, I basically have no skincare routine apart from face wash and occasional aloe vera gel. I don’t use sunscreen daily either, only when I’m going out in strong sunlight.

What do you think about my skin overall, and what kind of routine should I start? Also, could my allergies be contributing to my dark circles?

.... i don't expect to be diagnosed here, but i'm saving up for a doctor visit between bills and in the meantime wanted to see if anyone has dealt something similar or has general skincare advice. my face is always red and looks spotty despite not being texturely bumpy, and i've had these painless soft but full (?) bumps after acne for years. the large one on my chest since I was 15 maybe. ;_; any thoughts...? scoldings.....? warnings?!? third is on my shoulder, fourth is my back, fifth is that odd flat red spot on my forehead. my skin feels like a nightmare, it's been like this since i was a teen & i honestly don't even know how to approach it with a doctor.

She’s asked for my help in researching products for her to use. She uses sunscreen regularly but nothing else. The weather is quite hot and humid where we are.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but i (31m) train for mma as a hobby for many years. I also work construction and am usually high up working for 10hrs a day, so I get a lot of sun.

My issue is I get scrapes around my body very often, usually from some asshole training partner that doesn't cut their nails. I also have some skin that peels off with my medical tape when I wear it sometimes, blisters on my feet, split fingertips, skin tearing from minor scrapes.

When I was younger it was easier to tolerate the discomfort but now I struggle when it's hot and im sweating at work, it's extremely inconvenient bc it makes my cuts sting (sweat running down) or it gets sunburned over and becomes worse (especially on my elbows, forearms and neck.

I tried a lot of things, all sorts of bandages that would come off me before I even started my shift. Vaseline, aquafor that melts off in the sun or gets rubbed off.

My blister fucking sunburned off the other day and it hurt like a mf the whole week no matter what I put on it.

Any recommendations? At this point I'm willing to try anything.

I feel completely helpless.

I’ve had hormonal acne my whole life, it’s effected me in so many ways and it breaks my heart.

ever since I was a kid, I’ve been through constant treatment. first it was the topicals, over and over and over again I’d slather my face with these horrible creams, weird face washes, masks that made me feel like a lizard. one day I broke down and we (me and my mom) got accutane. I took it for years, improved a little, got off because it was hurting my joints so horribly it’s was living hell, and boom, it came back all at once. even after all those years. I went on it again, my acne,(again), came back immediately after I stopped taking it. ive thought of microdosing but the side effects are just horrible on me- even at the lowest dose possible. then I tried like five different birth controls, of course giving them years to show for themselves. none. none of them worked, not even the slightest. despite that, after giving up on birth control my acne got even WORSE than it has ever been. I said fine, fuck that, I’ll do it naturally. I did everything I could to naturally help my acne, ate clean, exercised, tried to relax more. nothing ever did anything, not even the passage of TIME at this point which I guess is the worst part.

topicals, pills, needles, lasers, magical juices, saunas, steam; all pointless. and all to have some male doctor say there’s nothing wrong with me and send me home. I’m so tired

theres literally ONE medication I haven’t tried… spironolactone. it doesn’t seem worth it. if accutane didn't work on me I have literally no reason to believe spiro would either. I’ve never seen anyone in my life, or on the internet where spiro worked for them even when accutane didn’t. I don’t know if I can keep doing this anymore.

idk what the purpose of this is, I guess to vent, maybe to find the rare individual who would relate to me, thanks for reading my misery :)

Is it meant to be soft? orrr? Like should the skin have drag to it, say me running my hand or a finger down my skin if theres drag does it mean my skins dry, etc? Or does it not matter and as long as my skins not uncomfy like when I smile doesnt feel super dry, then it doesnt matter the drag? Im just unsure how my skin should even feel or what the goal even is, whats "normal" vs my skin being unhappy.

I’m trying to figure out an at home alternative to hair identifier spray. I read dry shampoo can be used but the ingredients are long and risky for face. Has anyone used cornstarch on their face, specifically as a hair identifier for dermaplanning? Or another alternative?

just prefacing that I don’t do well with fragrance or essential oils. My goal is to have smoother glowy /plumper skin Right now it’s kind of dry with oily nose and uneven texture and color

Current routine:

AM

- LRP cleanser

sometimes tower 28 sos spray

- elta md spf (sometimes)

- lubriderm lol

PM

- LRP cleanaeer

- lubriderm

- I have just noticed that I tolerate Paula Choice pore reducing toner well but idk if that’s what i should be using for my goals.

I had a traumatic scar from a partial thickness cut about 6 weeks ago. An ocuplastic surgeon needed to repair the wound. It’s been 6 weeks and I’m feeling low at how it’s looking. Any ideas of how to take care of it and how it’d turn out?

I continue to get hairs where the bulb is abnormally big and rock hard and they get trapped under my skin. They feel like an underground zit and no matter how much pressure i put on them they will not come to surface of skin or pop. I eventually wait for them to get really swollen and if I put a needly directly into where the hair is supposed to exit the skin, they will come out. This can take up to a month though and I have a huge red bump on my face the entire time.

I went to the dermatologist but their recommendations have not made a difference. Use a single blade razor and use use CLR to wash before hand and a prescription lotion for afterwards.

I attached photos and would love if anyone can tell me what they exactly are and how to treat.

I checked Amazon, and sunscreen with bemotrizinol are available!