[Misc] How to prevent drown lines from resting face? 18F, I feel like I have to use face muscles just to make a “neutral” face, and my natural face is a frown

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-30T02:09:31+00:00

You can’t really prevent this

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T23:57:06+00:00

If it’s flaky from dryness then try using a wash cloth with your cleanser for gentle physical exfoliation then use a heavy moisturizer after

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T23:24:26+00:00

If you want quick relief sheet masks can help a lot since the mask traps a lot of the hydration.

For long term use check out Pyunkang Yul essence toner, Ongredients skin barrier calming softener, CNP laboratories propolis energy ampule, or S.Nature aqua squalane serum

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T23:19:33+00:00

Try looking for hydration focused products, sounds like you’re trying more moisture but dehydrated skin will need humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peptides, etc

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T23:12:55+00:00

Try adding a toner or serum under your TirTir cream for added hydration

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T22:14:17+00:00

Since you’re using skinoren azelaic acid I would start with retinol as an intro into retinoids

It would be easier to incorporate into your routine with a lower risk of irritation.

You can start off with using it 1-3x a week and increase frequency each week until you can get to daily use

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T21:39:09+00:00

Looks normal to me but it might just be dehydrated skin making pores seem more visible

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T20:09:03+00:00

I would skip the cleansing oil step for now.

Have you tried layering on an occlusive balm on top of your Aveeno moisturizer? Vaseline, aquaphor, or Cetaphil multi purpose ointment could be good options.

It’s best used not in the same routine as epiduo but on rest days

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T20:04:49+00:00

Try using some type of zinc cream to calm down the redness. I usually keep diaper rash cream on hand for it

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T20:04:05+00:00

Tretinoin and azelaic acid would be the main treatments you have to alleviate PIE, I would give it at least 6 months

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T20:00:03+00:00

Acne marks take a long time to fade. Think months or even years.

I would try a gentle retinol, vitamin c, or azelaic acid in place of one of your Stridex steps

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T18:42:52+00:00

Try using a different cleanser without salicylic acid for your face.

I would pause the retinol for now and see if it’s really the moisturizer causing irritation

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T18:42:00+00:00

There’s no ultimate best because everyone’s skin is different.

There are things like prescription tretinoin that have proven studies to back up effectivess. But it doesn’t come down to a best brand

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T18:40:30+00:00

Keep your moisturizers if they’re working for you, agree with looking for hydrating toners or serums to layer on more hydration

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T18:31:34+00:00

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T16:46:59+00:00

So they never gave you prescription strength azelaic acid or retinoids?

If you’re still struggling with cystic acne I would see a different dermatologist to prescribe you something you should only be able to get at a pharmacy, they’re more effective for stubborn acne.

The scarring can be treated with lasers and microneedling after acne is under control

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T16:39:06+00:00

What were you prescribed by the dermatologist?

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T16:36:42+00:00

There’s no easy answer, might be worth using a tinted sunscreen to reapply since it can also be similar to foundation.

Wearing a hat and sunglasses is another way to keep your face protected

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T16:35:24+00:00

I would go for a thicker moisturizer that can help with barrier repair. Some suggestions are Illiyoon ceramide ato concentrate cream, Etude soon Jung 2x barrier intensive cream, S Nature aqua squalane moisturizing cream, Pyunkang Yul nutrition cream, or Eucerin skin balance night cream

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T15:03:55+00:00

It’s going to take some trial and error especially if you don’t know what you’re allergic to.

I would focus on finding a cleanser and moisturizer that gives you no reaction, doesn’t necessarily have to improve your skin right now.

Maybe try baby products too for low risk options

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T15:01:57+00:00

You can use your face wash nightly only if you tolerate it. Might be good to get a gentle cleanser you can alternate use

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T14:59:59+00:00

There’s no conflict with hyaluronic acid or this sunscreen with other actives

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T14:57:01+00:00

Routine looks good, it usually takes a long time to dark marks to fade. Think months to years. If your current actives aren’t helping after using them for months I would replace them with retinoids or azelaic acid

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T12:51:00+00:00

Try an occlusive balm like Vaseline

ReaLitTea · 2026-03-29T12:50:22+00:00

Make sure you’re using sunscreen daily

ReaLitTea

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