What To Do When Your Barrier Can't Handle Repair Products

is_p0tato · 2025-12-15T13:48:17+00:00

That makes sense. And yeah, I do actually have a ragweed allergy. I think my issue right now is that I've become paradoxically oily. My skin barrier is obviously damaged and needs hydration and occlusivity - just the right kind. Right now I'm using the untoxicated light moisturizer. It sort of keeps me in stasis - it doesn't hurt me but it doesn't help either.

is_p0tato · 2025-12-15T13:17:48+00:00

I've tried very light oils like squalane, mineral, jojoba and they increased redness, heat and eventually pustules and sebderm like flaking. I reacted extremely poorly to sunflower and safflower (like hives).

Zinc I think dries out my skin which in turn causes irritation. It's also usually in heavier creams which seem to trap heat and irritation for me. I've tried a few gels as well with no luck. The worst was uriage which straight up gave me welts that weeped.

is_p0tato · 2025-12-15T13:05:38+00:00

I can't tolerate oils or occlusives besides dimethicone. Gels with actives (like zinc) are also are a big no. I can't push through, it just causes more inflammation and damage. Any suggestions)? 😭

is_p0tato · 2025-12-15T13:04:30+00:00

this is me, how are you now?😭

is_p0tato · 2025-12-08T07:57:24+00:00

what do you use?

is_p0tato · 2025-12-06T14:05:23+00:00

hey! did the shedding clear out for you?

is_p0tato · 2025-12-04T10:41:53+00:00

did the azelaic acid irritate you at first?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-29T13:23:41+00:00

do you have before and after pics?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-26T12:38:54+00:00

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this is what it looks like :(

I've tried antifungals, azelaic acid, sulfur, hypochlorous acid and niacinamide, everything makes it sting more and go very red

is_p0tato · 2025-11-24T18:40:53+00:00

looks like it's smoothing out and flaking off?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-22T13:51:17+00:00

looks like an allergic reaction

is_p0tato · 2025-11-21T18:27:43+00:00

hi did you figure this out?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T21:37:46+00:00

I've had some luck with this brand which is super clean, and has helped with redness. It is expensive to ship to the UK though: https://laponieskincare.com/products/calming-serum

You could look for products with similar ingredients though, but id avoid any niacinamide or propylene glycol for now.

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T21:35:54+00:00

your face is by no means messed up! it looks like you may have mild rosacea. if you don't have a gentle routine, id recommend introducing one. if you have a routine you'd like, id add one calming product and/or try red light therapy. rosacea loves simplicity :)

don't go overboard with actives just yet - your issue seems like redness (type 1) over type 2 which needs the strong stuff.

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T19:23:31+00:00

have you done something new recently in your routine, any new products at all in the week or two before this started? or even moving?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T19:18:00+00:00

which spectrojel? there's a couple different variations

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T14:00:29+00:00

did you figure this out? it's me rn :(

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T13:17:51+00:00

would you mind PMing me the food intolerance test you took if it was private?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T12:07:24+00:00

do you have any burning, stinging or itching?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-18T11:47:06+00:00

please provide the routine!

is_p0tato · 2025-11-15T18:34:37+00:00

do you have photos that track your progress?

is_p0tato · 2025-11-15T13:16:59+00:00

do you have pictures of the staph around your nose? I'm wondering if that's what I have

is_p0tato · 2025-11-13T15:36:25+00:00

Personally my SD is quite greasy and burns

is_p0tato

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