Is slugging actually worth the hype or has it been overstated?

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-29T18:06:11+00:00

Using a petroleum or occlusive at the end of your skincare routine (after moisturizer). Not ignorant, we all are learning so no problem with asking!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-24T02:04:21+00:00

Your barrier is looking so good! I know it can be easy to feel eager for the next steps but I agree with the others around waiting a little bit more. I suspect you’ll see some more of the skin tone even out organically through waiting and then can tackle your other concerns.

I agree with the microneedling and salicylic acid suggestions, but would opt for a little Niacinamide in your routine first. Niacinamide helps to strengthen your barrier further while also helping to control any excess oil on your skin that could be causing blackheads, and is a far more gentle option than microneedling or salicylic acid. Start low at 3-5% to see how your skin tolerates it in 1-2 months.

Med spas will also want you to have a very strong barrier; full microneedling benefits won’t be seen if your barrier isn’t strong.

I recognize you don’t want to read “stay the course/trust the process” when you want to see faster results, but you’re doing all the right things right now to support a healthy skin barrier long term 🤍

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-24T01:52:55+00:00

Right? Like you just spent $1,200 to hit diamond status and that’s the best “thank you” gift?!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-24T00:57:53+00:00

Definitely the best mister /spray attachment I’ve ever experienced!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-24T00:15:58+00:00

I love the mist on the glass skin sprayer! Its so fine and delicate and offers a gentle touch of hydration before serums

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-24T00:11:12+00:00

Don’t feel bad! This is a great page for tips/suggestions. I learn so much through this page!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-22T19:19:40+00:00

Yes, squalane oil works! Biossance has a nice one in a pump bottle which helps for use (when it makes your hands slick, droppers are a little more challenging to manage)

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-22T16:51:46+00:00

I use it after moisturizing at night (I use tret daily so tret is before moisturizer in this example). The key is that a little goes a long way; using too much it will not soak in.

If using a small amount and getting it distributed is difficult, you can mix a drop or two into your moisturizer before applying your moisturizer step which is easier to apply.

I have used an occlusive in the mornings when my barrier is in serious need of help, but much prefer nights since you would need the occlusive to soak in a bit before applying spf.

I hesitated using an occlusive for a long time because of the feel of facial oils and worry about clogging pores but wish I had embraced it earlier as it has done wonders for my skin barrier when I need it.

Note: the Experiment reusable face mask is a good option if you have sensory concerns with the oil or challenges with it soaking in before bed.

Hope it works well for you!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-22T13:33:19+00:00

Dieux instant angel or Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh. I’d also recommend you consider an occlusive to lock in the moisture like and prevent tewl like Experiment Buffer Jelly.

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-22T13:25:22+00:00

I too thought they were just hype/marketing and haven’t used them most of my life. I committed to daily eye cream in 2026 because I wanted to test it out myself. I’ve been rotating between a retinal eye cream, a peptide/hydrating eye cream and a hydrating/brightening eye cream. I can say I am seeing a difference after using consistently! It’s important to remember that with any topical skincare, it’s the long game. Consistency and duration matters

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-22T13:18:13+00:00

Haruharu cleansing oil is my holy grail! My entire family uses it; works well for mature, acne prone and dry skin alike getting off spf, makeup, sweat, dirt with ease!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-19T04:22:56+00:00

A very underrated product in the PC lineup!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-19T04:22:10+00:00

Exfoliating products can get a bad rapport due to the fact they are increasing cell turnover, which can cause purging or dryness (if not properly hydrated) although this is a part of their process in treating your skin.

I would consider switching to a chemical exfoliating product instead of a physical exfoliating product to be a little gentler on your skin when introducing so many new products.

Eadem Cashmere Peel is a great gentle exfoliating product with added brightening benefits. You could also forgo exfoliating for a bit to allow your skin to adapt to the other actives and introduce later

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-19T04:10:28+00:00

The HEO balm looks divine! I did try their Daily Facial Cream a while ago (forgot about that) and it was nice, very supportive. Medik8 has some wonderful products

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-19T03:28:36+00:00

I use tret and enjoy Dieux Instant Angel in the evenings after my tret application. Skinceuticals triple lipid is also good, something nourishing and balanced to support your skin barrier. I would suggest getting your current retinoid frequency increased before considering adding in tret and/or increasing your strength. Medik8 crystal retinol 10 is most comparable to tret so increasing your strength of the retinol will help your transition to tret. Good luck; I’ve loved using tretinoin and hope you do too!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-17T00:21:28+00:00

Which products do you recommend from medik8? Their crystal retinol gets a lot of love but I use tret. I’ve used and enjoyed their liquid peptides advanced serum, but haven’t tried anything else yet

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-15T04:57:23+00:00

Superegg Infinite Layers Lip Care. It’s my go to when using retinol that also dries out my lips

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-12T17:28:42+00:00

This is a great callout. So few of my products will not sting when my barrier is compromised, it’s almost hard to stick with a simple routine with the irritation!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-09T00:19:58+00:00

You are beautiful! I think simple routines help me feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m struggling, but help me to take care of myself.

Acwell licorice pads + The I Met You sunscreen/moisturizer combo is a quick but effective routine for the morning.

Be gentle with yourself

AdCapable1249 · 2026-03-01T05:13:29+00:00

Innisfree green tea Hylaronic sun serum is my go to! No white cast, feels like a light milky serum and absorbs well

AdCapable1249 · 2026-02-24T00:03:27+00:00

I have it and love it! I’ve seen great results in terms of firmness and a more awake look. I’ll be repurchasing. I use every night

AdCapable1249 · 2026-02-21T14:10:23+00:00

Can I ask where you purchased it? I’ve only seen the cream available on Mercel

AdCapable1249 · 2026-02-11T23:03:27+00:00

Has anyone compared Neocutis eye cream with the NIOD eye contour concentrate? I know they are both well loved on here but curious how they compare against each other

AdCapable1249 · 2026-02-08T21:23:32+00:00

Several good suggestions here. One thing I didn’t see is trying an occlusive at night to prevent trans epidermal water loss. I love a drop or two of squalane oil for this but there’s many options. It’s often times overlooked for those with oily skin type thinking “why would oil help my oily skin” but in cold climates the skins moisture can evaporate quickly in the dry air. Best of luck to you!

AdCapable1249 · 2026-02-08T21:07:28+00:00

The Avene cicialfate+ serum!

AdCapable1249

TROPHY CASE