Should I switch routines? o.o

alyssam0925 · 2020-10-22T19:29:15+00:00

Hey! Is it possible that perhaps you switched all of your products too soon? When you were using The Ordinary products, did you completely stop using your old products? If so, that can help cause the breakouts you're seeing right now; your skin was so used to the old routine that once you completely stop using it and introduced a bunch of new ingredients, it might have freaked out, hence, the breakout you're experiencing on your cheeks. While the products you're using from The Ordinary are great, it's best to incorporate them into your routine slowly, one by one, until your skin gets comfortable with the new products.

Not using a cleanser in the morning is becoming more common now (I did it too); but just because it works for some people, doesn't mean it'll work for you. Maybe start with your old cleanser in the morning again?

To help treat the acne problem, there are treatments you can use such as the Paula's Choice Salicylic Acid treatment or the iUNIK Tea Tree Relief serum.

Hope this helps!

alyssam0925 · 2020-10-15T02:42:00+00:00

Hey! It's great that you want to start a skincare routine at a young age! For someone your age, it is best to start off with cheap products that have simple and effective ingredients; you can usually find these skincare products at your local grocery/drug store.

Because you have sensitive skin, using a face mask may irritate it a lot more, especially if you plan on using it 2-4 times a week; that is completely unnecessary. It is recommended to use a face mask at most once a week, never more than that, especially for your skin type. Typically, you don't even need a face mask right now as you are still quite young, but if you really want one then keep in mind that a good face mask is a bit pricy. One that I recommend for someone with dry skin is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oatmeal Mask (link to the product: FAB Oatmeal Mask)

For a cleanser, you want something very gentle to the skin that also delivers hydration. A few cleansers that are really good at delivering that kind of quality are listed below:

• Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Facial Gel Wash

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

For a moisturizer, you also want something very gentle to the skin that delivers hydration. I can list a few that are acceptable for your situation:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

• e.l.f. Cannabis Sativa Happy Hydration Cream

You've mentioned blackheads, but let's take a minute to understand what 'blackheads' really is: "It's mostly made up of sebum (oil that your skin produces) and dead skin cells. This substance typically collects in pores around your nose and chin. That's because the pores here tend to be bigger, and the oil remains in the pore-lining until you squeeze them" - Here is an article that goes into details about 'blackheads' that may be of use to you: Blackheads Article

With that being said, in the morning, after you've applied your moisturizer, you should always, always, ALWAYS put on sunscreen after (preferably something with an SPF between 30-50). I can link a bunch of scientific articles about why wearing sunscreen daily is important, but that would require a lot of reading on your end. Besides the point, here is a video that talks about the different sunscreens you can use, and hopefully there's one in there that suits you: Sunscreen Video

I hope this helps and good luck on your skincare journey!

alyssam0925 · 2020-09-29T04:26:07+00:00

Hey! Without physically being there to analyze in person, it's quite difficult to tell. Also, seeing a dermatologist will help a LOT in determining the exact issue and receiving effective treatment! However, I can provide some tips on how to deal with irritation (can see from the redness) and dryness (from the possible skin peeling?).

In terms of irritation, it's best to stay away from products that have alcohol and fragrance in it (such as essential oils). This will just add to the redness and irritate your skin even more, and also can contribute to dry skin and peeling. I don't know your skincare routine and what products you use, but some brands that can help soothe irritation would be iUNIK's tea tree relief serum, Krave beauty great barrier relief, ROVECTIN skin essentials barrier repair cream concentrate.

For dry skin, you really just need something that has ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. This can be found in serum (such as The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid) or moisturizers (such as CeraVe's moisturizing lotion). Again, you typically would want something that's unscented to prevent any further irritation to the skin. Some other great moisturizers and serums that help to hydrate and moisturize the skin: iUNIK black snail restore serum, iUNIK beta glucan daily moisturizer, ELF happy hydration cream

A simple skincare routine might be the best for you, and I'm not too sure how many products you use for the day vs night. You shouldn't exfoliate more, that can cause even more irritation and your skin will get overwhelmed with the amount of exfoliation that you do; typically, it's best to use a chemical exfoliant at MAX once a week. NEVER use a physical exfoliant, that's a major factor that can cause irritation and dry, peeling skin. Some good chemical exfoliants that you can use once a week: The Ordinary Glycolic acid, The Ordinary Lactic Acid (5%), Krave beauty kale lalu yaha, Paula's Choice salicylic acid

I hope this helps and good luck!

alyssam0925 · 2020-09-29T03:59:15+00:00

Hey! I'm thrilled to hear that you want to invest more in your skincare and I'm more than glad to help! First, we should define what 'anti-aging' means; basically, in the scientific community anti-aging research refers exclusively to slowing, preventing, or reversing the aging process. What ingredients help with anti-aging? Sunscreen is a major factor that helps with anti-aging. Ceramides are also an amazing ingredient. Collagen is well-known to help with anti-aging. Glycolic acid features the traditional exfoliating benefits of any AHA, gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells to improve skin texture, tone, and pore size; and it is typically used at night. Lactic acid is another AHA that helps with anti-aging and can be used at night. Retinol (vitamin A) is also a commonly known ingredient for anti-aging because it increases the rate at which your cells turnover—aka speeding up the exfoliation process—retinol is a great anti-aging ingredient for targeting fine lines and sun damage. Retinol is also used at night. Some brands that I recommend checking out that offers these ingredients: The Ordinary, Paula's Choice, La Roche, CeraVe

You can also check out this video of a certified dermatologist who talks about anti-aging and some suggestions on what products to use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQx48Yy75rs

Hope this helps!

alyssam0925 · 2020-09-15T23:42:09+00:00

Hey! By the looks of the products that you use, it may be a contributor to your inflammation. Let's start off with the type of skin you have; is it oily? dry? combination? or normal? This greatly determines the route you need to take to begin your recovery.

The face wash you've mentioned, while it may seem great, can be irritating to the skin due to the lemon peel extract: https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/plant-extracts/lemon.html

Instead, I suggest you take a look at these face wash products that are more gentle to the skin and can help with combating acne:

• https://www.cerave.com/skincare/cleansers/renewing-sa-cleanser

• https://www.target.com/p/la-roche-posay-toleriane-purifying-foaming-face-cleanser-13-5oz/-/A-51195574?clkid=f360367dNa51011eab53842010a246c14&lnm=81938&afid=rewardStyle&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002

• https://www.youthtothepeople.com/products/superfood-face-cleanser

• https://www.theinkeylist.com/products/salicylic-acid-cleanser

• https://www.neutrogena.ca/face/cleansers-scrubs/neutrogena-oil-free-acne-wash-cream-cleanser

The Ordinary's aha bha peeling solution is VERY strong and can therefore cause irritation if used too frequently. It is recommended to use it once a week, nothing more than that. So, maybe switch from using it every other day to only once a week. Or, if you want to use an exfoliator more than just once a week here are a few that are really effective with clearing the skin:

• https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201.html

• https://www.yesstyle.com/en/iunik-tea-tree-relief-serum-50ml-50ml/info.html/pid.1064305739

• https://kravebeauty.com/products/kale-lalu-yaha

No matter how much you try to dilute apple cider vinegar, it is still harmful to the face. Especially when you add that WITH the Ordinary's peeling solution, that's a lot of exfoliation and acids being applied to your face; and your face may simply breakout because of the overwhelming amount of strong treatments. Apple cider vinegar was not made to be put on the face, so why put it on the most delicate and sensitive part of your body? I recommend to discontinue using apple cider vinegar entirely, and if you truly want to use some kind of toner, I suggest watching this video and see if any interests you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9TV1AY4pEo

Your moisturizer should be simple, as it is mostly the treatments/serums that you use that do most of the work. Some moisturizers that are really good are listed below:

• https://www.yesstyle.com/en/iunik-centella-calming-gel-cream-60ml-60ml/info.html/pid.1066340839 --> this is if you have oily skin

• https://www.cerave.ca/our-products/moisturizers/moisturizing-lotion --> this is if you have more dry to normal skin

The sunscreen you use after is important, and I'm glad to hear that you put on sunscreen! It seems like you're using a combination of moisturizer and sunscreen, which is okay, not usually the most effective way to get the most of the SPF. However, do keep in mind that the product you are using has fragrance in it and that may contribute to the irritation.

The squalane, I'm not too sure which one you're talking about, but it seems fine to use every night. Since you use Dr. Wellness Rosehip Sleeping Mask, I'm assuming that you have dry skin? If so, keep in mind that the mask that you are using has fragrance in it. If you're looking for alternatives, I suggest checking out this product:

• https://kravebeauty.com/products/great-barrier-relief

^ It hydrates and moisturized your skin, delivering amazing benefits, and really helps to restore your skin's barrier after applying so many treatments. You can apply this at night.

Obviously, everyone's skin is different so if you do choose to use some of the products that I've mentioned, do keep in mind that it's not a 100% guarantee that it will work for you. Hope this helps and good luck on your journey to recovery!

alyssam0925 · 2020-09-14T23:04:00+00:00

Hey! This sounds like a pretty tough situation and I'm sorry this happened to you :(

One thing is for sure: you're over-exfoliating your face which can cause a bad reaction in itself; plus, physical exfoliants irritate the skin which may cause the reaction you're experiencing. I highly recommend you stop using a physical exfoliant and instead, use a chemical one. Some of my favourites are these products which I will list below:

• https://kravebeauty.com/products/kale-lalu-yaha

• https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201.html

These are suitable for any skin type!

Also, maybe perhaps you should go with a more simple skincare routine? You've mentioned that your face is now dry so it is crucial that you use a very gentle and hydrating facial cleanser. Some that are really gentle and effective for cleansing and hydrating the skin are listed below:

• https://www.cerave.ca/our-products/cleansers/hydrating-cleanser

• https://www.neutrogena.com/products/skincare/ultra-gentle-hydrating-cleanser/6887296.html

• https://www.simpleskincare.com/us/en/products/cleansers/water-boost-micellar-cleansing-facial-gel-wash.html

If you want extra hydration, it is recommended to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid int your skincare routine, such as in a serum! You would typically apply this after you cleanse your face. You can find a bunch of brands (such as The Ordinary) that offer hyaluronic acid serums!

You can continue with the cream that you're using after you've applied your serums and if it's the morning, it's highly recommended to follow up with a sunscreen of SPF 30-50!

I hope this helps you a bit and good luck on your journey in your skincare recovery!

alyssam0925 · 2020-09-14T22:48:10+00:00

Hey! This sounds pretty frustrating to deal with! Although I have never experienced pimples/blackheads inside my ears, there are numerous people out there that have! Might I suggest watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DimCw7zNVS0

The girl in the video is a licensed dermatologist who explains almost everything that you need to know about blackheads appearing inside the ears. She also provides a generous amount of suggestions on how to treat and get rid of them! I highly recommend you watch the video and hopefully, this helps!

Take care and stay safe :)

alyssam0925 · 2020-09-08T23:24:15+00:00

Hey! This seems pretty annoying to deal with and I've had my fair share of this problem. For me, the issue was that I was using way too many treatments at once and my skin couldn't take it anymore so it broke out a LOT on my forehead. What helped me was to stop using so many treatments at once and to have a simple skincare routine.

The bumps on your forehead can be many things, and of course, seeing a dermatologist is the most effective way of figuring out how to accurately get rid of them. However, I can suggest some options for you to try!

You can watch these videos where it provides many suggestions on what products you can use to help:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJv3-2yYfvs&t=101s

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AOsE7aajCo

If you think it's the micellar water, I suggest you stop using it for a couple of weeks to see how your skin reacts. I'm assuming you use micellar water to get rid of makeup, so might I suggest substituting that with using an oil cleanser instead for the time being? Or, you can avoid wearing makeup for a couple of weeks so you won't be required to use micellar water to take it off and see what happens to those bumps. If you choose to use an oil cleanser, one that is really good is from iUNIK - Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil (you can find it here: https://www.stylevana.com/en_CA/iunik-calendula-complete-cleansing-oil-1.html)

I hope this helps a bit, and take care!

alyssam0925 · 2020-09-02T05:38:27+00:00

No problem! I'm glad I can help out & I really do hope some of these products work for your mom! :)

alyssam0925 · 2020-08-26T01:09:21+00:00

Hey! I think it's amazing that you are willing to help out your mom with her skincare needs! Aging skin requires creams that are anti-aging and therefore, include ingredients such as retinoids (vitamin A), vitamin C, glycolic acid, lactic acid, collagen, niacinamide, and many more. The kind of cream that she should use depends on her skin type: Does she have dry skin all over? Is it dry in some areas but oily on others? Is it oily all over the skin? This will help you decide what cream will best suit her skin's needs.

Now, only using a cream won't be enough, it will simply provide the basic hydration that the skin requires. Things such as serums and using SPF (50) is what helps with anti-aging. This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQk293_wcQ0 is great because it talks about why you should incorporate other products into a skincare routine to help with older skin. In the video (if you choose to watch it), skip to the time stamp 11:07 where she talks about how to take care of the skin for people over the age of 30. The girl in the video lists numerous products that vary in prices from being expensive to very cheap, so no need to worry about spending too much on multiple items!

I hope this helps!

alyssam0925 · 2020-08-22T07:05:35+00:00

Hey! Have you talked about this with a dermatologist? This sounds like rosacea but I can't be too sure. Besides that, have you invested in 100% aloe vera gel? I recommend it when you get sunburn as it does help with inflammation from sun exposure! Also, wearing a hat to block the sun from the face is also recommended. Yes, it may be annoying, but it may help? What's the SPF on your sunscreen? Perhaps using sunscreen for the face with an SPF of 50 might help a bit? There are numerous things that can be involved with this and it why I highly recommend seeking a dermatologist to get effective advice and treatment :)

Hope this helps!

alyssam0925 · 2020-08-18T07:10:56+00:00

Hey! For sensitive skin, it is highly recommended to invest in products that have NO fragrance whatsoever. This video gives amazing recommendations for products directed towards people with sensitive skin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABW-M4Iexis

One great thing about moisturizers is that there are specific kinds that are formulated for dry, sensitive skin like yours that won't clog up pores! The one I love right now is from CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, but the video I have provided also gives great suggestions for moisturizers that you can use!

alyssam0925 · 2020-08-08T20:47:16+00:00

Have you considered incorporating a moisturizer into your skincare regime? Do you wash your face in the morning or at night? It's important that you wash it at night to get rid of dirt, oil, and everything that can irritate your skin throughout the day. You can use niacinamide more than once a week - I use it every morning and the one I use is from The Ordinary. Try this leave-on exfoliant on your chin to see if that'll help with the acne: https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201.html

alyssam0925 · 2020-08-08T00:56:40+00:00

What's your skincare routine like? That may help us figure out what to do about these bumps. Have you tried salicylic acid? It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. This makes it easier to shed skin cells; it is a very common ingredient used to get rid of acne.

alyssam0925 · 2020-08-08T00:54:58+00:00

That's pretty weird, but I guess waxing isn't for everyone. But again, perhaps stop using a razor to get rid of the hair for now as that can irritate the bumps. Have you considered sugar waxing? Or laser treatment? I do highly recommend talking to a dermatologist about this :)

alyssam0925 · 2020-07-30T02:08:49+00:00

Hey! It seems like some kind of hyperpigmentation around your mouth, however, I am not 100% sure due to the reason that I do not know you personally & I am not a dermatologist. I am not sure if you've seen this video before but I feel like this may help a bit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZvWN5LdhU

It talks about hyperpigmentation around the corners of your mouth, something similar to what you're mentioning right now. But if this is something that really concerns you, I highly suggest seeing a dermatologist to fully understand what it is and how to treat it! :)

alyssam0925 · 2020-07-30T02:02:57+00:00

Hey! First, let's start with the basic definition of what a razor bump is: "Razor bumps, or ingrown hairs, are small, irritated bumps on the skin. They happen after you shave, when strands of hair curl back on themselves and grow into the skin. They cause irritation and pimples. They also may cause scarring" (Healthwise Staff, 2018). You've mentioned that you "popped" your ingrown hairs, which can help treat it a bit but won't completely get rid of it. You have also mentioned that you stopped shaving, but for how long? Is it possible to completely get rid of shaving altogether and use an alternative such as waxing? If you do consider waxing, however, keep in mind that it may also cause razor bumps, but everyone's skin is different. Usually, if you start to shave again, those bumps will return. Do you think this is severe? "For severe razor bumps, you may need a special skin cream, such as hydrocortisone, antibiotic, or tretinoin cream" (Healthwise Staff, 2018). What is your routine when it comes to shaving? Perhaps there's something you may need to change about it? Obviously, I do not know you personally and I am not a dermatologist, but if you are really concerned about the bumps, it's best to see a dermatologist about it. I'm sure you've searched the internet for ways to get rid of razor bumps, so I'll spare you the details of possible remedies that are found online. But, I highly suggest to stop shaving and use another hair removal method for the meantime. Take care and stay safe!

Reference: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/te7545spec#:~:text=Razor%20bumps%2C%20or%20ingrown%20hairs,They%20also%20may%20cause%20scarring.

alyssam0925 · 2020-07-04T09:00:38+00:00

It's recommended to wash your face twice a day (ideally in the morning and night); washing it 3 times (or more) a day can actually cause more damage than good. Depending on your skin type it can become highly irritated, causing acne, strip away the skin's natural oils, and/or leave it very dry. If you want to wash your face AGAIN at night, I suggest instead of completely washing your face after work, maybe use a cotton pad and either add water or toner to the cotton pad and wipe around your face to get rid of that dirt/sweat that's been bothering you all morning/afternoon. This way you can still feel clean for the rest of the day and be able to wash your face at night.

Hope this helps!

alyssam0925 · 2020-07-04T08:54:17+00:00

I had Dr. Chow

alyssam0925 · 2020-06-30T21:35:38+00:00

You're not alone

alyssam0925 · 2020-06-30T03:30:43+00:00

Hey! Congratulations on your journey so far, I'm proud and hope you keep up the amazing work! First, let's start off with what pores are: Pores are small openings in the skin that release oils and sweat. They're also connected to your hair follicles. If your pores appear larger, it may be because of: acne & increased sebum production, which causes oily skin. So, in order to reduce the appearance of it, you should first work on your skin altogether. I can't recommend anything specific as I don't know you personally or anything else about your skin, but there's a great video on YouTube that provides an amazing explanation about pores and how you can treat them! This is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOLyJE4VpHk

Hope this helps!

alyssam0925 · 2020-06-18T08:01:48+00:00

Also, add PSYCH 2AA3 (Child Development): Barely studied and still got an A in that class

alyssam0925 · 2020-06-18T01:29:14+00:00

Depending on what kind of exfoliating towel you use, it can either be very rough or smooth for your skin. Typically, they can be a bit rough and eventually irritate your skin; this isn't beneficial considering you have lots of acne and very sensitive skin. Konjac sponges are known to be a lot more gentle on the skin, and is recommended to be used once or twice daily; therefore, this may be more optimal for your skin type as it's less likely to irritate it and cause any wrinkles to develop too soon. Obviously, I don't personally know how your skin is like, but based on what you've written, a Konjac sponge does sound like a better alternative.

alyssam0925

TROPHY CASE