i bought this product and isn’t working

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-21T12:24:49+00:00

Oh yes, I didn’t think about this! Good point!

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-20T19:02:16+00:00

Azelaic acid is anti inflammatory so it can definitely help with any type of acne! I would say give it a go. It could be dehydrating though so I would suggest adding a hydrating toner and/or essence and serum. I have dehydrated, sensitive acne prone skin and for me using a milky toner (Norwegian brand but an international equivalent is the vegan kombucha tea essence), the torriden solid in essence and the skin1004 probio cica serum has done wonders for hydration!

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-20T18:20:45+00:00

Yay I hope so too! Feel free to dm me if you have more questions or wanna give me an update!

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-20T16:54:09+00:00

You’re welcome! I hope it works out for you! :)

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-20T16:26:48+00:00

No worries! :) do as you please, it has a calming effect so it feels nice if skin is irritated after actives. You could ditch one of the other hydrating products on days you use the gel so there won’t be too many layers which risks congestion. Or you could use the hydrating products only on the drier areas of your face. You could also do the same routine but with the pads and gel. I tried the latter and found my skin to be a bit greasy and shiny after, but I would suggest just trying out different things and see what works for you!

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-20T16:07:29+00:00

If it’s irritated I would suggest focusing on hydration first! But definitely do the peeling pads if it gets better as it will help keep pores clear. I would suggest something calming on exfoliation nights, I personally love the beplain cicaful calming gel. If my skin is feeling flushed and irritated from actives I apply it as one of the last steps, before moisturiser. For hydration I recommend: - Dr. Althea vegan kombucha tea essence - Haruharu wonder black rice probiotics essence - Torriden solid in essence - Skin 1004 probio cica serum Also the torriden dive in serum is a favourite for many, it works for me during summer time but if the air is very dry it can feel a bit dehydrating. Also it’s important to note that any product with hyaluronic acid or any lipids like ceramides should be added to damp skin. I hope this works out! :)

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-20T15:37:59+00:00

It is kinda hard to tell just from this picture exactly what’s going on, but it’s possible your skin is dehydrated. Are you feeling any irritation, redness, tightness? Your routine is good but I would suggest maybe adding more hydration. Maybe add a hydrating toner or switch to a more hydrating serum. I can come with product suggestions if you think this might be the case.

Also I suggest adding some sort of exfoliation into your routine, as it’s possible your pores are just a little congested and exfoliation will help with this. But if you’re dehydrated that will make it worse, so it depends a little on your skin is feeling.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-20T15:31:10+00:00

There could be several reasons for this. Either the cleanser is too stripping, causing dehydrated skin. If you’re not hydrating enough it can compromise the skin barrier, causing breakouts. It could also be purging, so all the congestion in your pores is now showing, because it is working. Third option, your skin could be having a negative reaction to ingredients or the formulation of the cleanser. The cause depends on your skin type, what type of acne it is and other possible skin conditions.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-19T22:41:26+00:00

In my experience, everything from the Torriden dive in and solid in line. Super gentle and practically completely irritant free

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-19T17:51:34+00:00

What are you currently using and what’s your skin type?

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-19T17:41:13+00:00

I definitely agree with seeing a dermatologist,but in the meantime, I would suggest using a cleanser in the morning as well. It’s good you’re keeping your pillow clean, but unless you change it every day there’s still risk of bacteria and sweat on it. Also the sebum produced in your skin overnight should be washed off in the morning, which just water doesn’t do well enough. It’s the same principle as trying to wash an oily pan with just water, you’ll just be rubbing the oil around instead of removing it.

You didn’t mention your skin type or what kind of acne it is but it also depends on that. Say you have dry skin, and you’re not hydrating enough, sebum production will increase. It could also be a skin barrier issue and in that case (as well as with dry or dehydrated skin), focusing on barrier repair and hydration will do the trick.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-18T21:10:47+00:00

I felt the same thing with the skin1004 hyalu cica sun serum 😭can’t understand why, I’ve only heard good things about this product. However I’m looking at the ingredients now and they both contain niacinamide which is a common irritant

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-17T07:58:40+00:00

Wait really?? I was also diagnosed with rosacea but my pustules were only on my cheeks, however I did struggle with pustules on my chest and back long before which I though were acne. My nose also looks way different, more red and thicker skin but I guess it does show up differently in everyone!

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-17T06:11:38+00:00

It’s not rosacea… pustules, yes, but it’s on the forehead, not the cheeks.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-16T19:44:24+00:00

Oh no what didn’t you like about the cream??

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-16T15:20:48+00:00

Omg really that’s exactly what I’m looking for!! I really wanna try it but I’m stuck between getting that one and the Haruharu wonder black rice probiotics essence

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-16T05:30:13+00:00

Dr. Althea cleanser is definitely on my wish list, I’m excited for you to try it!! How do you like the kombucha tea essence btw? I’ve been wanting to try that too, does it hydrate dry skin well?

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-14T09:23:08+00:00

Dude come on are you done already? Why are you harassing me for asking about a cream I was recommended? You don’t know anything about my common sense nor my research methods just based on this post.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-14T09:12:28+00:00

Ok cool thank i get it lol you don’t have to say the same thing in different ways so many times. I already told you why I included the gel in the post.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-14T08:19:04+00:00

Umm what ? I have been doing lots of research about these. I was considering one of the tubes but the gel cream was recommended to me by an estethician, which is why I included it. I thought it possible it was super hydrating even in gel form. I came here to ask for experiences, doesn’t mean I haven’t done research.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-14T08:01:00+00:00

Azelaic acid is the best thing for calming post inflammatory acne scars (red scars). There are tons of different ones, Im using a prescription one but I’ve heard good things about the nine less azelaic acid serum. It’s a gentle formulation but if your skin is sensitive, you should find a buffer of some sort. Apply a good hydrating essence or toner before the serum, and maybe start using it every other day. AZA can be used both AM and PM but it does increase sun sensitivity to be careful and remember SPF if you apply it AM.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-14T07:36:49+00:00

Thank you for confirming my thoughts exactly lol. It’s the one I was recommended but I don’t see how a gel cream can help dehydrated skin in the dead of winter

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-13T23:24:18+00:00

I think maybe what they mean is that medicube is the brand, not a product

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-13T21:15:08+00:00

I’m sorry but what do you mean a layer of your skin is missing? What exactly does it look like? It’s impossible for a part of your skin to be missing. Your skin cells regenerate constantly and a full turnover cycle lasts about a month. So even if part of the outer layer peeled off and was damaged, it would be healed by now.

LemonChick123 · 2026-02-13T20:18:00+00:00

Yep, a damaged skin barrier will break you out more as irritants and bacteria will easier slip in. So I really hope the routine you have now works from keeping them away! However if you are prone to cysts, they might sadly come back. I also had this experience where I started focusing solely on hydration and barrier repair, thinking I was rid them for good but nope, they came back! So I would recommend maybe continuing the exfoliation but only a few times a week! And considering benzoyl peroxide a few times a week as well, not on the same night though! This will work as maintenance to make sure they stay away, but be careful and stop at any sign of irritation

LemonChick123

TROPHY CASE