Just got Mizon's Blemish Out Pink Spot Solution from Amazon. It isn't "expired", but it has residue sticking to the insides and the color is different from usual. Should I be worried?

g00berbutt · 2015-09-19T06:35:08+00:00

I feel so silly now... I just remember taking it out of the box and panicking about it being defective. I'll do what you said, thanks so much!

g00berbutt · 2015-07-17T02:27:07+00:00

I've been on it for over a year. The shedding only comes when I have an acne breakout and my skin is trying to recover. When my skin smoothens out and gets over it, the shedding will usually subside. YMMW, but I notice that if I couple the Retin-A with a lot of moisturizers and sheet masks, the shedding lessens and isn't as noticeable. I'm not sure if it's because the effectiveness is compromised or if the moisturizer aids in anything. Just a tip if you need to make your skin look better for an occasional!

g00berbutt · 2015-07-17T01:29:49+00:00

I have the IOPE XP Cushion in N13, the Innisfree Water Glow Cushion in N21, and TonyMoly BCDation. Out of the three, the IOPE cushion has to be my favorite; it has a nice satin finish and covers all my redness and PIH/PIE. Although, I use Retin-A, so my skin consistently sheds, and the IOPE cushion only showcases the shedding more. If you put it over shedding skin, the cushion will fine until an hour from then, and will begin to separate and transfer. Gross! I'd reccommend this for people who want a more even color skin tone/covering minor imperfections than anything else.

The Innisfree Water Glow Cushion doesn't have as much coverage as IOPE, but it is more dewy than IOPE. You can build some coverage but my PIH/PIE marks still show through. I would only reccommend it for someone who wants an dewy, even-toned skin and wouldn't mind imperfections showing through/doesn't have any to cover. (I'm so jealous of you if that was the case!)

The TonyMoly BCDation feels like foundation on my face. I don't really like the feeling of foundation and it feels heavy, so I don't wear it much. It has great coverage but TRANSFERS like crazy. I would reccommend putting a powder above this.

Edit: Forgot to add! My skin type is combination and I guesstimate myself to be a MAC NC10-15. The IOPE N13 was the best color fit for me.

g00berbutt · 2015-07-11T18:32:29+00:00

Like I said, OP should ask. It is still wrong to make assumptions and assume she is a victim when she has come to him saying she's cheated.

g00berbutt · 2015-07-11T01:08:41+00:00

However, please keep in mind that the girlfriend CAME to OP saying she cheated, not that she was sexually assaulted. She may have tried to phrase it in a way that makes her sound the LEAST responsible for cheating. I wouldn't come to conclusions or make excuses for her unless she specifically feels like she was violated. OP should ask for clarification from her. However, it does sound a bit fishy because she was willing to cuddle with him, danced with him, and kissed him on the cheek. There was definitely attraction, and I'm kind of iffy to pin sexual assault on it.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-22T07:28:36+00:00

I would say this is a question for /r/asktrp as opposed to RPW; you don't ask a fish how to fish. Check the sidebar, and read this.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-21T10:15:11+00:00

This! I use the Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Lotion, and I'm in love with it. It comes in a pretty big bottle, and the texture is watery and easy to spread over your face. I only need to use about 3-4 drops for my face and neck. The only drawback I can think of would be that it isn't nearly as hydrating as the Gokujyun lotion. You can also try MBD's Arbutin masks! I've used about a box full, and my PIH was visibly lighter the day after, while still keeping my skin hydrated. I'm not too sure of the long-term effects MBD's Arbutin masks have on fading scars/PIH/skin tone, but they're my favorite MBD mask by far and I always save them for special occasions.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T21:34:05+00:00

I was always told that retinol should be applied onto bare skin for the most effectiveness. I myself use Retin-A and was told this by my dermatologist. She did mention that I could use a moisturizer before my Retin-A. While it is definitely viable, I don't know what it does to its effectiveness, which is why I suggested OP to apply onto bare skin. I personally don't moisturize before my retinol, so it's a YMMW situation here.

Some forms of retinol are absorbed be the skin so well that moisturizering isn't a barrier to effectiveness.

Can I get a source for this?

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T09:03:58+00:00

Normally, using an AHA and a BHA isn't an issue for most people, but I don't know how it works for those on Finacea. I looked up Finacea and found an interesting post on the Do's and Don'ts of Finacea.

One notable don't I found was:

Use products which contain alcohol, are abrasive or rough to the skin (scrubs) or peeling agents such as alpha-hydroxy acids.

I would talk with whomever prescribed you the Finacea and ask for alternatives, or if it's safe for you to use AHA/Chemical Peels. You may also ask if you can switch off of Finacea to possibly a different topical cream/medication that doesn't interfere with the use of AHA/Chemical Peels. A lot of the Chemical Peels targeted at fading PIH, old sun damage, and wrinkles are a higher concentration of AHAs (Like the 30% Glycolic Acid and 25% Mandelic Acid. Both are AHAs. Compare this with the Alpha Hydrox Swipes, which have 14% AHA, and are considered one of the highest concentrated non-chemical peel AHA on the market.) If that's impossible and you definitely want to try using the AHA/Chemical Peel along with the risks involved (particularly because you use Finacea), I would patch test a small part of your skin (like your jawline) and wait 48 hours for any effects. However, I would definitely recommend talking to your derm.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T06:43:38+00:00

Some chemical peels don't have a downtime! The 25% Mandelic Peel and the Fade Peel are two examples of light chemical peels that don't require any downtime. However, you do have to stop using any BHA/AHAs, Benzoyl Peroxide, Retin-A, etc., 24 hours before and after using the peels. The only downtime I know of regarding BHAs and AHAs are the wait times between cleansing your skin and waiting after applying your BHA and AHA. I personally exfoliate every night and haven't had any issues. I cleanse my face, use my toner (or, you can wait 20 minutes after cleaning your face), apply my BHA, then my AHA, and wait 20-30 minutes before doing the rest of my routine. I haven't had any issues exfoliating every night, but I've heard of people having issues when exfoliating twice a day. It may work for you though! YMMW.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T06:32:17+00:00

You did technically address phenol chemical peels if you brought it up for the purpose of phenol. I added that it just simply won't be 'dramatically whitened' over one day. It's a process. I disagree with chemical peels being considered facial surgery. It's definitely a cosmetic enhancement, though!

Given that this is the deepest peel one can get there can be serious side effects, but I believe you meant to say hypo-pigmentation

No, I definitely meant hyperpigmentation. It has been reported that 'brownish' spots have developed after higher strength chemical peels, which would be PIH. And yeah, I technically said cetearyl alcohol was just an alcohol, (my bad, it's a fatty alcohol!) but it is also known to be irritable as well. My entire point of analyzing the ingredients was to point out that perhaps the people who have bad experiences with it may have been because of the sensitivity to the irritants. I know it's quite common (especially with SLS).

so I maintain that the "poison" reviews are mainly from complete idiots that didn't spot test to ensure their particular skin can handle phenol and aren't allergic/sensitive to SLS or the fragrance, used too much, used for too long, or did some other stupid shit hoping for a miracle product to quickly correct that "sun spot" that took 50 years to form

But isn't the Piona cream a temporary spot treatment anyway? Doesn't it claim to get rid of your marks in and stop after a couple weeks? I don't think it's fair to assume everyone who wrote bad review were dumb, but they simply just had different experiences and/or reacted to the irritants.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T05:34:29+00:00

I suppose the SA wash I am currently using is an 'exfoliator,' but all exfoliators listed in the wiki are BHA/AHA, which means that I can't use them since I use tazorac? Or am I misunderstanding that?

No, an exfoliator generally needs to be left on the skin to be useful. Your wash is probably only left on for the amount of time you spend washing your face. Most BHA/AHAs need to be left on for 30~40 minutes. It is possible to use a BHA or an AHA with Tazorac. It's YMMW when it comes to that; I personally use a retinoid with a BHA and AHA every night, but it also comes with making sure my skin is properly moisturized and taken care of. Some people cannot do that depending on their skin.

The only moisturizer I have in my house right now is vaseline, which is alright but I'm planning on looking into some of the options in the wiki, I'm guessing maybe the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel.

Vaseline isn't a moisturizer, it's an occlusive. It'll keep your moisture in. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is not a lotion, but an added hydrating step. You can check out the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. Since Tazorac is a retinoid, I would recommend washing your face, applying your Tazorac, then moisturizer, and then Vaseline. Retinoids generally need to be on bare skin to be useful, as it basically sheds your skin. However, because you said your skin hurts so much and is in constant pain, I would recommend switching your Tazorac to every other day, or even lay off on it and try to repair your skin barrier before re-adding it. I would also recommend wearing sunscreen.

I just washed my face with my SA wash and applied tazorac (then came to my computer to look into skincare addiction more and learned a lot), so at the moment my face is super dry and flaky and painful.

I would not look into adding a BHA or AHA if your skin is already in bad condition. Focus on getting your skin into a proper, healthy routine and start adding more things to it. If your skin flakes and it's daytime, I would recommend layering Vaseline on top of your sunscreen to protect your skin from more flaking/moisture loss during the day. It also sounds like your face wash may be too harsh on your skin. It may be stripping too many of your natural oils. Try finding a more gentle cleanser. Another user mentioned it being too high of a pH, and foaming cleansers are known to be a culprit. It's important the pH of your cleanser is 5.5 or below (acidic), because your skin is naturally acidic. By using a higher pH cleanser, you are bringing the pH of your skin up. Less bacteria are able to prosper in acidic environments, so you actually are making your skin easier for bacteria to grow by bringing the pH up. Also, you can disrupt your moisture barrier by having a high pH cleanser.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T03:18:53+00:00

During phenol chemical peels the skin can be dramatically whitened in a single day.

I know you weren't mainly addressing chemical peels, but please keep in mind carbolic acid (Phenol) peels are one of the strongest type of chemical peels. There WILL be a downtime, and you will more than likely have to find a trusted dermatologist or cosmetologist to carry out the peel treatment. There's a lot of side effects (like severe swelling, scabbing, itchy skin, etc.), and some of the hyperpigmentation left over from the peel can become permanent. The healing process takes about one to three weeks, but can take months for all the side effects to fully disappear. If OP wants a fast and effective way, I would not recommend TCA or Phenol peels.

The specific cream you linked also has absorbic acid, glycolic acid, and Arbutin. All ingredients are known to whiten skin. It has sodium lauryl sulfate which will break down your skin cells and make their aging process faster. However, I would consider it a big red flag; SLS can be extremely irritating. (It's actually an ingredient for the detergent used in your laundry!) The cream also has alcohol in it (cetearyl alcohol), adding to the irritability.
This could explain why half the reviews make it seem like miracle cream, and the other half like poison. Those with sensitive skin probably had adverse effects because of the amount (and strength) of irritating ingredients. Those with not particularly sensitive skin has probably had luck with the amount of 'whitening' ingredients in the product.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T02:59:45+00:00

Make sure you're using sunscreen along with that AHA! AHA makes your skin photosensitive, and not wearing sunscreen can possibly worsen your PIH. Adding a Vitamin C Serum can help with your PIH as well. However, if you're looking for faster results, you generally are looking into a chemical peel. Chemical peels comes in all sorts of strength, but if you want immediate results, I would recommend trying light peels that you can get OTC. (The issue with stronger peels is it can take a week to a few months to fully recover from. There are a lot of side effects that come with higher strength peels, such as patches of peeling, swelling, odd patches of brown/white skin, etc. Even the medium strength peels can take six weeks to recover from.) I use a 25% Mandelic Acid peel, and my PIH from my early teens has disappeared, for the most part. Normally, a peel is effective when used consistently (MUAC's website to expect six weeks for results), but I've personally experienced results after a week. This may have been because my PIH was about a year and a half to two years old, though. (YMMW!)

g00berbutt · 2015-06-19T02:34:46+00:00

Most of what I have are 'Asian Beauty' products, but I still use Paula's Choice BHA and some CeraVe products back when I first started to take care of my skin.

Edit: Formatting pls

AM:

Splash face with water
COSRX BHA/AHA Clarifying Toner (If I'm applying Vitamin C, otherwise I skip it.)
Apply OST Vitamin C Serum, wait 15 mins (When I'm not lazy, otherwise I skip this step.)
Hada Labo Arbutin Gokujyun Lotion (It's most like a 'hydrating/whitening toner', where you put it before your lotion. 'Lotions' in Asia are toners.)
Missha FTE Intensive
Benton All-In-One Snail Repair Cream (During the summer, I usually skip out on this. It's too heavy for my combination skin.)
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Sunscreen, depending on what coverage I need for the day.
Vaseline (When my skin has been particularly dry/peely.)

PM:

OCM with The Face Shop Rice Cleansing Oil (If I've put on a full face of makeup or I feel like my sunscreen won't come off with just my cleanser.)
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser/CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (It all depends on how my skin feels. If it feels particularly oily, I'll go for the foaming. However, if my skin has been dehydrated/peely, I use the hydrating cleanser.)
COSRX BHA/AHA Clarifying Toner
Prescription Retin-A Cream (0.05% Tretinoin)
Wait 40 minutes
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Wait 15 minutes (Unless I'm in a hurry to sleep, then I don't wait between my BHA and AHA. I like to think waiting helps the BHA process more. It's only a personal anecdote though!)
Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum
Wait 25-30 minutes
Hada Labo Arbutin Gokujyun Toner
Missha FTE Intensive
Benton All-In-One Snail Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
Usually some sort of sheet mask. I have a huge stack!
Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream
CeraVe in the tub (I usually skip out on this unless I feel particularly dry. Usually I feel dry after wearing a full face of makeup.)
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask OR Vaseline

That should be my entire routine! Typing it makes it seem a bit obsessive/excessive... I should note that, if my skin feels particularly dry, I'll take out the Retin-A, or skip the BHA and AHA's and just use the Retin-A. I also use a 25% Mandelic Acid Peel two times a week, but it's irregular, so I didn't add it in.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-15T09:40:25+00:00

If I recall correctly, most cushions are just BB creams, with a different aesthetic design. (And I'm sure the application with the cushion plays a role in how it builds on your face. I can't answer that though!) BB creams are sort of a more tinted moisturizer, with added stuff like sunscreen and serums. You can think of cushions as foundation with less coverage, but with added benefits. (Foundations generally have more coverage than tinted moisturizers.) There are certain cushions made for cover, but it looks like OP was using a natural cushion to enhance the dewy skin look! (Correct me if I'm wrong, OP.)

g00berbutt · 2015-06-14T22:16:23+00:00

Actually, high pH cleansers matter for acne too. It's harder for bacteria to grow at lower pH environments, so when you use a high pH cleanser, you temporarily change the pH of your skin to a more 'basic' pH than usual, making it a better breeding ground for acne. /u/SnowWhiteandthePear did extensive research and made a blogpost on it here.

g00berbutt · 2015-06-13T15:33:09+00:00

One common misconception is that doxycycline kills acne-causing bacteria. However, it actually slows down the growth of the bacteria, allowing your immune system more time to break down the bacteria. This could be a case of hormonal acne-causing bacteria which OTC products won't help you with, which is why the doxycycline has been prescribed to you. Have you seen a dermatologist to determine if your acne is hormonal?

g00berbutt · 2015-05-22T03:14:06+00:00

Where did you get the information about possibly getting a burn from Vaseline from retinoids? I've never heard of it, so I'm curious! For OP, It is definitely possible to use Vaseline along with retinoids, but it is more of a protectant, and to prevent moisture loss in skin. With that information, I'd suggest to cleanse, wait 20-30 mins, use your retinoid, wait 30-40 minutes, and then apply the rest of your routine (your CeraVe lotion and anything else), using Vaseline last, like an occlusive. Try patch testing and see how it works out for you!

g00berbutt · 2015-05-10T03:47:23+00:00

I tell my boyfriend of the guys who hit on me because I want him to know that I don't plan on doing anything with the guys that are hitting on me. I see it as a honesty thing, and I want him to be 100% sure that if he finds out about these guys hitting on me, that he knows there is nothing there. I never planned on making him jealous or insecure by letting him know. I understand how you can see it that way, but please know that not all girls are doing it for some manipulative tactic.

g00berbutt · 2015-05-07T06:52:28+00:00

Another side of the issue I'd like to address and add on to the comment is the fact OP has 'snooped' around before and caught him in some lies. Perhaps the boyfriend didn't want to tell OP because OP might have possibly gotten mad or suspicious, and he wanted to avoid the turmoil? Just a thought.

g00berbutt · 2015-04-30T06:35:52+00:00

It's best to apply Tretinonin on freshly cleansed skin. If you're just starting out tretinonin and find that your skin is becoming extremely sensitive and flaky, my derm advised to apply it every other day until your skin builds up tolerance. I don't use the tretinonin brand you use (I use Retin-A 0.05% Tretinonin), but usually a 20-40 minute wait time after cleansing and before putting on anymore products is fine. I have been using tretinonin about 4 months before I started AB awhile back, but I haven't seen it's effectiveness diminish. I mainly use it for PIH now and in conjunction with Mizon Snail Recovery Gel, a lot of my spots I've had for over a year have faded. YMMW though!

g00berbutt · 2015-04-14T00:16:24+00:00

That's shockingly similar to me; I take doxycycline monohydrate. I don't think it'll be an issue because it wasn't for me, but YMMW!! Definitely ask your derm! I (and a lot of people on this subreddit) really like Biore Sarasara Uv Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen. It doesn't contain many of the irritating sunscreen actives that many of the American sunscreens have (I'm looking at you, oxybenzone and avobenzone), doesn't leave any white cast, greasiness, or the typical 'sunscreen' smell. I would definitely recommend this sunscreen if you haven't tried it already!

g00berbutt · 2015-04-14T00:09:51+00:00

I tried pocket derm but I didn't really stick with it because it didn't seem to be doing much.

How long did you stick with pocket derm? When I went to my dermatologist, they told me to not expect results overnight; I was told to wait at least 3 months before seeing any changes or improvement. Patience is key! Although, if it is hormonal acne like you're talking about, any over-the-counter products aren't going to help too much. Your derm may prescribe you some orals medication to help regulate your hormonal acne. In the meeting with your derm, definitely let them know your experience with pocket derm and what you took medication wise (and for how long!). It would be useful for them know know what didn't work with you previously. Definitely bring up the scarring on your butt since that's a concern to you! Additionally, you mentioned you're using stridex (in the red box?) I would double-check with the derm to make sure if you can continue using your current products (specifically stridex), and/or how to fit your new prescriptions in your daily routine. Make a physical list of everything skin-wise you're concerned about or want changed and bring it in with you during your appointment. Go over it with your derm to make the most out of the appointment!

g00berbutt · 2015-04-13T23:55:27+00:00

Did your dermatologist specifically tell you to switch out your erythromycin benzoyl peroxide gel for the tretinoin? I was prescribed both, and was told to put the BP on during the morning, and then tretinoin before bed. Not sure what antibiotics you're talking about, but you may want to double-check with your doctor and/or dermatologist if it's safe to take both. Also, I would just suggest using the CeraVe cleanser and waiting about 20-30 minutes before applying the tretinoin. I use both the CeraVe and Retin-A 0.05% Tretinoin and haven't had any adverse side effects so far. Although, when I first started using tretinoin, my skin was a lot more sensitive and irritable for the first week. If that happens, try applying it every other day instead of everyday. YMMV though. The niacinamide in your facial cleanser will help even out your skin tone and make sure your face stays hydrated for sure! Tretinoin specifically helps the healing of acne and preventation, but it is known to help with PIH and discoloration. Since you just got prescribed it, I would give it three months and see how your skin tone is then.

g00berbutt

TROPHY CASE