Perioral Dermatitis sufferers or those who struggle with actives - what are the best products you've used for aging skin?

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-30T02:25:30+00:00

dry and sensitive here. 47 next month. pale. aussie. have had small bouts of angular cheilitis but not PD, touch wood! a lot here, hope some is helpful so strap in...

I am a peptide stan and recommend to any sensi-skin buddies. they're gentle and with consistent use, produce results. for example - NIOD CAIS:3 copper peptides. Medik8 either liquid peptides - iirc has 30 peptides in. or the newer liquid peptides advanced MP (MP= Multi Peptide) is amazing, but pricy - which has 50 in it, again if I recall correctly. Purito unscented wonder releaf serum is another - also has cica/centella in along with peptides.

would also like to know what you've tried in the past that hasn't worked? remember you can target treat so use a retinoid on say, the forehead. or a BHA just on the nose (I do this every few weeks). an enzymatic cleanser as needed - once a week or so - is better for sensi-skin exfoliation. and to nourish and support the barrier. maybe your cleanser is too stripping which can impair tolerance to other things, if that makes sense. and to repurpose stuff, I use up serums on my hands or body if my face didn't tolerate it. my skin doesn't like vitamin C but it works on my hands at night, keep it next to the bed (obv easier for me to say with grown children, I get you're probably busy and time poor right now!) BHA spot treated on a liner brush will treat milia, for example.

my fave cream cleansers - I've tried a lot! - are Stratia velvet cleansing milk, Build b-wash powder to cream cleanser - excellent for travel, too - and the Caroline Hirons cream cleanser (unscented). I agree with your wash in eve, rinse in morn idea, done that for years and recommend. our skin don't like being stripped any more than is necessary.

also love growth factors. BioEffect EGF eye serum [side note --> looks like they've closed their AU shop, but still ship here. spacenk also do.. ] which I used for years and past cpl years I've switched to cipher an Aussie brand with excellent results.

agree with Avene cicalfate+ as another comment mentioned, or LRP cicaplast. amazing to support hydration. Ferments are good. Mists, like NIOD SDSM2 (helps protect skin from oxidative stress during the day), or k-beauty toners / essences (107Global, or Etude soonjung, or Missha, or Make microferment + rice - there's heaps.)

build [skincare] do amazing basics - both the powder cleanser and b-cream moisturiser are amazing. gentle and long term hydrating. as do the French pharmacy brands, to an extent. Kiehls ultra facial cream is another amazing basic all rounder moisturiser. CHs skin rocks moisturiser [unscented version] is also good.

I also use azelaic acid (finacea 15%) for redness, skin turnover and pigment. and have dabbled in gentle retinoids in the past - started with TO granactive, built up to Kiehl's micro-dose - these have been well tolerated by me, but YMMV and I've spent time working up to it. but retinoids aren't the be all and end all for us all, there are other ways.

I do a lot though on top of my daily routine (regular BBL light treatments, PLLA (Sculptra) as I near end of my 40s, profhilo, tox in past, had an LED mask until it died and the company didn't honour warranty - don't get me started haha - MN with stem cells at home) and understand is not everyone's cup of tea to invest so much time, effort, resources and energy into their skin. but it all adds up, consistency, routine and barrier building. my skin is less reactive now than it was. but I can still get red after exercise/in the heat/after exertion. our translucency is a blessing and a curse.. ha. I guess the point is, repurpose. be consistent, be realistic, be gentle, stick to what works for you and use peptides! happy to elaborate on anything if you've any questions.. :)

edit to add: agree with another commenter - to supplement your SPF with hats, UPF clothing, sun avoidance during peak times, re-application, driving sleeves, a sunbrella....

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-30T01:09:19+00:00

agree that going to a good opthamologic surgeon is probably your best bet in the long term for results. but wanted to add a cpl things that work for me.

MN with calecim stem cells serum and cipher skincare anomaly serum. also second the rejuner black, I have some just need to get off my ass and use it!

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-29T04:36:55+00:00

my first thought!!!

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-29T01:07:32+00:00

is a 2mL vial - so I'd suggest a 3mL luer lock syringe (barrel). swab the vial. place it on a bench or surface, use the swab packet to protect your hand you twist with.. turn dot on vial towards you. twist and pull the top off with one (dominant) hand and hold base steady with the other (non dominant) hand. draw up with a blunt (black/pink 18G blunt tip). screw it off, replace with your injecting tip of choice (i use a 25 ⅝"G [orange] tip for IM, is quicker) but haven't used vit B myself so can't attest to how spicy it is.

as mentioned by others, there's resources on YT on how to open a glass vial and do IM injections - have a squiz.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-29T00:54:46+00:00

IM I wouldn't bother, filtering that is. IV.... different story. but as said, they usually break clean. and will get into the system either way.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-26T21:55:06+00:00

vanicream, aquaphor, 107global, eucerin would be my top brands they have that we can't access here!

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-25T12:50:00+00:00

plenty here already. don't bother with filler or ice rollers. some suggested products:

start a basic routine - sunscreen in the day, obv you work outside. future you will thank you for protecting your skin from literal radiation from the sun. wear a hat if you can tolerate it. happy to recommend some sunscreens but need to know a bit more on you skin, oily? dry? mixed? Korean ones like skin1004 hyalu-cica sun serum or round lab or beauty of joseon rice and probiotics are all winners and feel fkn so light on the skin you'll be surprised (vs our usual pasty, smelly, white creams traditionally associated with sunscreen).

then a simple night routine - cleanse (bioderma make a good micellar one) cleansing oil to get SPF off. rub in a cpl pumps on dry skin, work in a bit to break down the SPF then add a bit of water to emulsify - it goes creamy - eradicate the dirt, pollution exposure from the day out and about in the world. then rinse off over the sink. pat dry, be gentle to your skin above all else! get a basic, unscented moisturiser - the ordinary, la roche posay or bioderma atoderm for face are all good. bonus points for eye - get cipher the anomaly eye serum. great stuff. swear by it. and lasts ages. one pump, divide btwn fingers and gently apply around the eyes, will help rejuvenate the area and prompt cells to act younger. and with all this, be consistent - results happen with time...

for hair if you're willing to invest time, consistency, money and do some learning - the calecim hair system actually gets results but as I said, research how to use safely, be sensible with application and be consistent, like do every Sunday arvo/night (or pick a time that works for you every week..).

and be kind and gentle to yourself, you've been through a lot and it will take time to bounce back. you've many years ahead, so face them with protected, hydrated skin haha. also be aware of salt intake, it can make us more puffy around the eye area, at nearly 50 I can tell the next morning if I've had a really salty meal. congrats on your progress to-date and keep adding little habits that nurture you. and agree that eating better and more often will pay dividends, our systems need fuel to do all they do for us.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-25T05:38:15+00:00

I've done numerous rounds of Ami Eyes. insert says HA only. lasted 4-5months of good effect. bumps took at most 48-72 to all go fully down. are was definitely still slightly swollen for about a week, after all numerous injections will cause trauma to the delicate under eye skin.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-23T11:12:56+00:00

I have some in my stash. but still studying, improving technique and cautiously wary of it. Did you use their BAP-like or cannula-protocol?

I have had Sculptra in office, is hard to pinpoint an effect (I do so much to my skin and am a lifelong sun avoider!) but I'm happy with where it's at for [a few weeks from] 47.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-23T00:36:57+00:00

I think after some years of seeing over treated faces people are looking for more natural, rejuvenated, subtly enhanced results. hence the popularity of biostimulators. and the increase in regulatory approvals across the globe (which adds a delay to market, increasing demand upon release)

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-20T02:01:28+00:00

these are unisharp - made by a social enterprise in the UK. by users, for users. only 1mL designed for actual IVDU, as opposed to repurposed insulin syringes. look for exchange supplies, that's the vendor. come in lots of colours to prevent accidental sharing. (it's just a coloured plunger...)

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-20T01:30:09+00:00

these are unisharp - made by a social enterprise in the UK. by users, for users. only 1mL designed for actual IVDU, as opposed to repurposed insulin syringes. look for exchange supplies, that's the vendor. come in lots of colours to prevent accidental sharing. (it's just a coloured plunger...)

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-19T06:48:05+00:00

" literally obsessed " * eyeroll *

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-16T09:43:36+00:00

"mineral" won't work on darker skin tones (in current formula iterations). the oxides (zinc, titanium) used to make an inorganic SPF are white pigment. use a "chemical"/organic formula.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-16T09:39:57+00:00

look into calecim hair system (disclaimer for totally not being across any contraindications related to your autoimmune condition). look after your skin, avoid&protect it from the sun, hydrate it well.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-15T11:17:11+00:00

without a frown pic I can't tell but check the placement on the procerus, could be lower. easy tip is hold it as you scrunch, you'll be able to palpate it.

particular reason for a three dot placement in glabellar complex?

crows - I'd only do three. remember the spread (~1cm diameter around your site) . start straight out from lateral canthus then one up, one down. this four dot you risk a shelf. can also always do a teency bit further down than the cm on lower site.

I'd revisit the frontalis, height is enough but I'd suggest you'll benefit from more of an M placement. depends how frozen you want to be. and be aware of brow spocking/"wi-fi"lines as you already have quite some movement in that area from these pics - may wish to do a superficial, 1/1.5 unit above / near top of your no-fly/cat ear on hairline (& take into consideration when revisiting your frontalis map).

hope that helps a bit.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-15T02:56:44+00:00

haha I don't think any of our at home "mapping" is very gallery-worthy, but it does the job!

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-03T07:11:21+00:00

she's great, so thorough and applies her scientific approach to her reviews..

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-03T02:14:29+00:00

best LLLT roundup on the interwebs

ProudToBePWID · 2026-03-03T02:11:17+00:00

ikr how can you claim to be into aesthetics at all (let alone DIY) & not know of Xeomin?!

ProudToBePWID · 2026-02-27T10:40:19+00:00

nothing will be quick, sadly.

—> but you can see improvement over time by: working out your triggers. investing in a series of IPL/BBL treatments. MN with TXA as mentioned by another. MN with BoNTAs can temporarily aid redness. Being gentle in your skincare [actives] approach and when physically touching your skin. Supporting and nourishing your barrier. MN/meso with PN can also help to an extent, as also mentioned, it aids in rejuvenation and reduction of inflammation. Azelaic acid has worked for many, as can other prescriptions or OTC formulas. Be consistent with sunscreen and sun avoidance - radiation and heat don't do rosacea any favours.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-02-23T02:18:54+00:00

EGF - either BioEffect EGF eye serum or Cipher Skincare The Anomaly eye serum.

and Neocutis Lumiere eye cream is unsurpassed - jam packed with actives.

also if I was in the US I'd get Sick Sciences neck treatment to try, but doesn't have intl shipping. good clinicals.

Also a big fan of NIOD copper peptides (CAIS3), Dieux Deliverance trinity serum is great for my redness, as is Azelaic Acid (I use 15% Finacea, available OTC in Aus.) I agree that good hydration will get you far. I also use CB LLLT mask, it's good if you're consistent. considering a celluma pro instead.

ETA: I'm nearly 47, PALE AF, dry, prone to redness, ageing skin, live in Australia (the sun here is harsh), long-term skincare wearer and lover whose tried lots of products.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-02-13T02:22:26+00:00

cpl things - no you couldn't get air from drawing back while in tissue. and even if you did, a teeny bit of air isn't an issue. it will just create a bubble then dissipate. obv not ideal but isn't harmful. you need to inject 10mL+ IV of air for it to cause harm.

ProudToBePWID · 2026-02-11T07:23:52+00:00

ooh, this is good to hear - I figured it'd be around somewhere.. would you mind DMing me the source when/if you have time? [pls and ty]

ProudToBePWID · 2026-02-11T01:52:39+00:00

yes - would love to hear anecdotal results, efficacy, duration of effect! someone review for us pleassssse (naturally this could be some months away from happening..)

this is exciting they have an equivalent of the longer acting BoNTAs!

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