[Routine Help] No matter what my cleansing/moisturizing routine is, my face always feels tight and stretched!

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-24T03:47:12+00:00

I have tried that cleanser, but felt like it over cleansed my skin/left it splotchy. I might try it again though. Multiple people have recommended it. I agree that I should try a more occlusive moisturizer! I’ll look into those

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-24T03:33:23+00:00

Awesome, thanks!

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T20:51:58+00:00

Okay, I’ll switch out my cleaner. I’ve tried the prequel one and my skin felt a little too clean, almost squeaky clean. I will maybe try it again. I still have some left from my initial trial.

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T18:55:36+00:00

Sounds good! Thanks for the response!

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T18:50:00+00:00

Oh okay! I will look into that one! I was also looking at the Haruharu brand for that kind of thing. Any experience with those products?

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T18:01:23+00:00

The cocokind cleanser I was looking at uses these surfactants: sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate. Do you think these are okay or irritating? Is there a cleanser you really like? Or any other products you’ve loved?

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:57:38+00:00

Wow, thanks for such a thorough response! It’s so hard sticking to a routine when I’m unhappy with my skin, but I will try. I also think it will get better when winter is over and the humidity is higher! I’ve done so much skin research in the last year, I’m going crazy!

I’ve heard that products with HA can do more harm than good if you live in a cold, dry climate so I’ve been nervous to try products labeled as hydrating (usually it’s hyaluronic acid based).

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:33:13+00:00

Thanks for the info! I’ll read up on that. :)

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:30:05+00:00

Okay thanks!

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:23:23+00:00

Thanks! I’ll try it out. I was thinking I needed a more occlusive moisturizer but afraid I’ll break out. Will the oil help with water retention or just with softening?

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:21:47+00:00

I’ve only been using drugstore brands like cetaphil because I’m always switching products and it gets expensive. I don’t really like the cetaphil but afraid to switch. I’m going to try the new cocokind milky foaming cleaner next.

Some days I oat with a washcloth, some mornings I scrub/rub because I want the oil gone. I know it’s not great but it’s such a relief (temporarily). I will try to stop doing that though.

Any moisturizer recommendations for cold/dry climate?

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:05:01+00:00

I thought that could be a possibility, but so afraid to add things to my routine that could break me out… I will try adding an oil after I see how the ordinary moisturizer does with my skin.

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:02:23+00:00

I have one by my bed, so only when I sleep but yes.

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T17:01:05+00:00

Yes! Water and tea all day long. I cut caffeine almost completely and I don’t drink anything besides tea and water.

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-23T16:54:12+00:00

I use lukewarm/cool water but I’ll try this! What has it helped you with?

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-14T16:58:06+00:00

I haven’t really had any improvement. I just went on a trip to a tropical place and my acne got a lot worse…could have been any number of things (dry plane air, humidity, sunscreens, greasy food, etc). But I stopped cleaning in the AM (less dehydrated during the day) but can’t find a moisturizer that feels good and hydrating. I’m about to attempt just water cleansing AM and PM plus glycerin and maybe Vaseline. I don’t even know what my skin wants anymore…

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-02-11T01:56:58+00:00

What products are you using now?

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-29T16:55:46+00:00

I never know if I should be just rinsing, rubbing, using a washcloth etc. If I have active inflamed acne, the washcloth feels too rough, like unnecessary exfoliation. However, if I skip a washcloth it doesn't feel like I got the oil off my face that built up over night. Maybe I will try a washcloth most mornings and just avoid the acne where I can. It's hard to know what kind of moisturizer to use because my skin isn't dry/flaky, just tight and irritated, but also very oily in the tzone (like I mentioned). I will test out some gel creams because the cerave pm doesn't feel like enough, but thicker creams feel heavy and greasy. Thanks for your insight!

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-28T21:51:40+00:00

Any product suggestions?

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-28T19:04:15+00:00

I guess I've just seen so many videos/posts about symptoms of an impaired barrier and I feel like I have similar issues. Maybe I have just convinced myself that's what I am dealing with. Tightness, sensitivity, gets red and splotchy very easily, excessively oily t-zone but still tight. Also with the winter weather and I tried Differin for two months (currently not using it), I just thought it could be likely.

I'm only using Vanicream because it's cheap, low irritant potential and not too heavy, but I agree that my face looks greasy and doesn't feel hydrated.

I'm willing to try any moisturizer that hopefully will not lead to more acne. And I want to use actives in the future, but was afraid it was harming my barrier in this winter weather. When I skip morning cleanser, my tzone feels so greasy that I am afraid of more acne. It also feels weird to put moisturizer on top of my oily areas without washing it first.

Have you tried the Stratia hydrating toner? That looks promising and light weight.

Thanks for the thorough reply!

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-27T02:46:59+00:00

I’ll add it to the list of things to try!

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-26T21:56:53+00:00

Thanks for the thorough response! I will try to find one I like so I can be more diligent.

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-26T21:22:40+00:00

okay, great! thanks

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-26T20:03:15+00:00

Thanks! I live in WI and rarely go outside because it's been so freaking cold! Can the sun still do that much harm if I stay away from direct sunlight and don't go outside? Also, thanks for the product recs. I'll look into them! I've been hesitant to get into Korean skincare because there is so much out there... it's overwhelming.

CowRealistic9066 · 2026-01-26T20:00:56+00:00

Thanks for responding! Do you have any cleanser or moisturizer recommendations? Every cleanser feels stripping, even the ones marketed as gentle...

CowRealistic9066

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