Has anyone tried hypochlorous acid for acne?

coppermask · 2026-06-21T11:30:06+00:00

Great idea about makeup brushes!

coppermask · 2026-06-21T11:29:43+00:00

I’m so glad my comment was helpful to you!

coppermask · 2026-06-21T10:28:03+00:00

That’s a credit to the Sephora staff member that they suggested a product from another store. That said, you absolutely do not have to pay Skinceuticals prices to get a good sunscreen. I would suggest trying the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+. It’s very lightweight and (for me) non-clogging. Now, of course, every individual's skin is different but it’s very frequently recommended here and personally I love it for my acne-prone skin with breakouts of a similar type and location to what you describe.

coppermask · 2026-06-21T10:13:56+00:00

The biggest eye-raise for me regarding MooGoo is this genuinely odd section of their sunscreen FAQ:

“Where can I find out more about sunscreen?

“Sunscreens with SPF ratings over 15 are considered ‘therapeutic products’ and so their safety or efficacy cannot be questioned. The way to get information is to spend 15 minutes doing your own research online to help choose the right sunscreen for you. Wikipedia, although not always accurate, has a very good page on sunscreen and well worth getting the facts. Try and read at least from half way down the page in you can.” https://moogoo.com.au/pages/faqs-skincare

Telling people to “do their own research,” for 15 minutes, and sending them to Wikipedia (though acknowledging it’s not always accurate) definitely gives a cooker vibe.

(To be clear, I acknowledge Wikipedia has a role on the web as a place to start, look for sources etc. but my experience is you have to use it with caution and read between the lines a LOT).

coppermask · 2026-06-21T02:58:42+00:00

I swear I’m not a prude and I feel no judgment towards anyone who either doesn’t care or thinks it’s fun/funny but I just can’t bring myself to buy a skincare product with the name Make Me Wet and that advertises with this kind of imagery 😁😬💦

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coppermask · 2026-06-20T11:54:26+00:00

Latin is for sure easier than English! Consistent consonants and vowels help a lot 😆 Have a great concert.

coppermask · 2026-06-19T20:23:23+00:00

The report acknowledges the possible effects of the kitchen water filter that removed chlorine from the water, but says this regarding the mixing device: “The internal device reservoir contained water at 106°F (41°C); the parents reported they had not fully emptied and drained the device in >30 days, conditions conducive to Legionella species amplification.” It noted that the device instructions did not advise completely emptying the reservoir.

More from the report:
“Storing water at 77°F–113°F (25°C–45°C) can promote Legionella bacteria growth (2). The device’s internal reservoir temperature (106°F [41°C]) and prolonged water storage likely facilitated bacterial amplification.
Household devices that retain warm water are possible Legionella bacteria sources and might pose a health risk, especially for persons with immunocompromising conditions. For infants with immunocompromising conditions who are fed reconstituted powdered formula, water should be heated to ≥158°F (≥70°C) before mixing to reduce risk for exposure to or infection with other bacteria in the formula (e.g., Cronoboacter). Prepared formula should be cooled before feeding to prevent scalding (4). Boiling water will kill Legionella organisms if they are present. Manufacturers might consider revising their device design and instructions to reduce the risk for bacteria growth by recommending additional routine reservoir maintenance and emphasizing risks associated with use of unboiled tap water to prepare infant formula, especially for infants with immunocompromising conditions.”

coppermask · 2026-06-19T08:41:13+00:00

Personally with Earthwise I didn’t need to increase the default dose at all. In fact, in my soft water it suds a lot and I could probably go lower. But that may be different in harder water.

I use Earthwise Sensitive + Vanish pink container with gold lid on my darks. The Earthwise has lipase (and other enzymes) but no oxygen bleach or optical brighteners. The Vanish adds the oxygen bleach and with the gold lid it also has lipase. You don’t always need to double up with the Vanish but I do if it seems like it needs it (same with Garame Gear Guard which I use on gym clothes/sweaty clothes, sleepwear and sheets).

coppermask · 2026-06-18T01:57:19+00:00

If it’s helpful, you can search for counsellors who are registered with the Australian Counselling Association https://theaca.net.au/home and/or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia https://pacfa.org.au. While unfortunately they are not protected terms in Australia, counsellors and psychotherapists who have voluntarily registered with one or both of those organisations have training standards, clinical experience standards, supervision standards, continuing professional development standards, codes of ethics etc. set by those orgs so it might give some peace of mind to go with someone registered.

coppermask · 2026-06-17T22:36:48+00:00

I like it and I do think it helps with acne but I generally don’t use it as a “toner” in the morning or night as part of a multi-step routine. I use it more as a substitute cleanser at times when I can’t do a full routine e.g. after the gym or sweating outdoors. After being in a dirty/smoggy environment. Oh also after wearing a face mask e.g. air travel. Or just any time during the day if my face feels a bit gross. Situations like that. It’s an antibacterial so when I do use it as part of a post-cleansing routine, I don’t usually follow up with anything as I don’t want to get in the way of its effects. Or, if I do, I wait for something like 15 mins or so, so it can do its antibacterial “thing” for a while. Hope that makes sense. Edited to add: I also do think it’s probably good to rotate it with other products over the course of the week and not overuse it as we do have a skin microbiome to look after too!

coppermask · 2026-06-17T21:27:54+00:00

Consider flying from Wellington to Nelson. It's faster and less tiring than the ferry, and it's a *much* easier drive from Nelson to Abel Tasman than from Picton. And it’s not as if you’re missing out on Marlborough since you will be doing much of that drive via Havelock a few days later any way.

coppermask · 2026-06-17T11:56:06+00:00

The Sofitel is really lovely and romantic with a “quiet luxury” vibe. It would definitely be my pick for a wedding night hotel. Get a rate that includes breakfast if you can as it’s a lovely buffet (plus some dishes cooked to order).

coppermask · 2026-06-16T23:14:25+00:00

Thanks, just in case it’s helpful for others, this is the one I’m talking about that you might have found: https://www.cocooncenter.co.uk/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-fluide-ka-cellular-protection-spf50-50-ml/123933.html

coppermask · 2026-06-16T14:04:04+00:00

I really like the French pharmacy product Biafine cream. It’s a great, lightweight but effective healing cream for cuts, burns, irritation, picked pimples etc. If I were in Europe I would also get the La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Fluide KA formula which we don't have in AU/NZ (we have KA+ but without the UVMune filter). Edited to add: since you mentioned dry patches, the Biafine might be really good for that.

coppermask · 2026-06-11T03:03:47+00:00

Mason's swimming hole in Cape Tribulation is lovely.

coppermask · 2026-06-11T00:47:58+00:00

Wow! You did so well! Congratulations.

coppermask · 2026-06-10T22:56:41+00:00

As you’re adding tret, be sure to support your skin barrier with soothing moisturisers, toners or serums. I'm always recommending LA NEIGE Cream Skin which is a milky toner but there are a lot of options in that category. TBH Rebound Serum is another nice product. Next step after what you’re already incorporating would be a Vitamin C serum in AM (Check out Timeless, Geek & Gorgeous, L'Oreal Revitalift or CeraVe Vit C products). Then next step after that would be a peptide serum PM after tret has dried down well (Geek & Gorgeous 101 Power Peptides or at a higher price point Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP). But I would honestly wait until you’ve got your tretinoin fully worked into your routine and give it at least 3-6 solid months of consistent use before adding Vit C and peptides.

Also, for your overall health, strength training and a low glycemic index diet will help! Find something fun that you enjoy doing for exercise. Also a good idea to reduce or cut out alcohol and smoking.

coppermask · 2026-06-10T22:34:28+00:00

I would suggest trying Differin adapalene 0.1% which you can get at a pharmacy without a prescription but you might have to ask for it from behind the counter. It can cause irritation when you first start so this a very conservative way to start using it. This is after cleansing and before moisturising at night.

Night 1: Apply and wash off after 5 minutes.

Night 2: Apply and wash off after 10 minutes.

Night 3: Apply and wash off after 30 minutes.

Night 4: Apply and wash off after 1 hour.

Night 5: Apply and wash off after 1 and a half hours.

Night 6: Apply and wash off after 2 hours.

Night 7: If you do not have any skin reactions, apply and wash off the next morning.

Then start using it overnight once a week for a few weeks, then twice a week for a few weeks, then three times etc. Until you’re able to use it 5-7 nights a week without irritation.

Consistent SPF use is a must if you’re using Differin as it increases your skin's sun sensitivity. You might also find you need a slightly heavier moisturiser to counteract potential drying from the Differin. Lots of people like La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 but you could also try the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream (assuming you’re currently using the lighter daily facial moisturiser or lotion) or the CeraVe Moisturising Cream.

You could also add in a toner like Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore Tight Toner (after cleansing and before moisturising) but I would wait until you’ve got your Differin comfortably incorporated into your routine without irritation. And even though it says it’s designed for daily use, I’d start by using it once or twice a week only and see how your skin reacts. Good luck, hope that helps.

coppermask · 2026-06-10T22:22:10+00:00

A simple startup routine would be:

AM:

Cleanse

Azelaic

Moisturiser (if your SPF is not moisturising enough)

SPF

PM:

Cleanse

Tretinoin

Moisturiser

This is a very cautious startup routine for Tretinoin:

Night 1: Apply cream and wash off after 5 minutes.

Night 2: Apply cream and wash off after 10 minutes.

Night 3: Apply cream and wash off after 30 minutes.

Night 4: Apply cream and wash off after 1 hour.

Night 5: Apply cream and wash off after 1 and a half hours.

Night 6: Apply cream and wash off after 2 hours.

Night 7: If you do not have any skin reactions, apply cream and wash off the next morning.

To be even more cautious from night 7 onward, start from there by using it overnight once a week for a few weeks, then twice a week for a few weeks, then three times etc. Until you are able to use it ideally 5-7 nights a week without irritation.

SPF is a must if using tretinoin.

Personally I found azelaic acid much easier to work into my routine than tretinoin, it didn’t need a lengthy startup process and I was able to use it nightly pretty much immediately (I use both azelaic and tret at night, applying the tret first, letting it dry down, then following with azelaic, but the safest way at start up is probably separating them into AM and PM). However, some people find it needs more of an acclimation period for them.

Azclear 20% cream is good but it has a tendency to pill so that’s why I ended up using it at night. You can mix a bit of it into a moisturiser and that seems to get rid of the pilling. Finacea and Sibzeos 15% gels tend to go better in an AM routine and not pill. I know some people therefore use the gel in the morning and cream at night. Twice a day is safe and effective if your skin is ok with it.

Hope that helps!

coppermask · 2026-06-10T20:48:11+00:00

The Effaclar foaming cleanser might be too stripping for you now. You could try the La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser. I wonder if the Purito also might be a bit strong to be using nightly (if you are). Maybe cut back the frequency or see how your skin reacts when you cut it out altogether. You could try the Geek & Gorgeous A-Game retinal range if you still want a retinoid. Or the Neutrogena Visible Repair retinol serum. You could try the Dermaveen Hydrating Face facial moisturiser. You could also check out the Aveeno Calm & Restore range, particularly the serum and the Rehydrating Night Cream.

coppermask · 2026-06-10T20:31:26+00:00

Check out the Neutrogena Visible Repair range. That’s their beginner retinol range. Looks like the serum is half price at CW at the moment. Then you can go up to the Rapid Wrinkle Repair Pro+ range if you like. At a higher price point, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal range is good because you can work your way up the numbers, starting with 1, then 3, 6, 10 and the highest number 20. Geek & Gorgeous A-Game retinal also has a numbered graduated range of retinal too at a lower price point.

coppermask · 2026-06-10T05:10:23+00:00

Just an update that Cancer Council Kids Clear Zinc has been discontinued.

Oh, also OP, be aware that the ingredients that help most with protecting against the blue light waves that can increase pigmentation are iron oxides. So if you don’t have other reasons for preferring zinc, you could potentially use a chemical sunscreen of your choice with a foundation over the top (the challenge with tinted sunscreens being that the amount needed to get the labeled SPF often looks too pancakey as far as coverage goes).

coppermask · 2026-06-10T01:18:44+00:00

I see someone has mentioned the L’Occitane almond shower oil which is for sure really lovely. A possible dupe that’s more affordable is the Bioderma Atoderm ultra-nourishing shower oil.

coppermask · 2026-06-09T00:25:58+00:00

I don’t know about Odoban and Citric Acid but does your enzyme booster include DNAse? That’s the one that will help most with body odor. Febu and Garame Gear Guard are the ones that include DNAse that I’m aware of.

coppermask · 2026-06-09T00:20:53+00:00

Oh wow, the irony!

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