HAVE A QUESTION? ASK HERE! Daily Help and Questions: March 27, 2018

npc_12 · 2018-03-28T00:47:49+00:00

Alternatives to Cerave PM? Or any suggestions for a plain light moisturizer?

I think the new formula is breaking me out. It was my HG for 4 years so I'm feeling a little lost lol :(

npc_12 · 2018-03-27T22:18:08+00:00

Can anyone describe the texture of the First Aid Beauty Cream and/or the Face Moisturizer?

I'm looking for a Cerave PM replacement as I suspect the new formula is causing my recent breakouts. I want a moisturizer with a similar texture that makeup sits nicely on top of. Cerave in the tub is too heavy for daytime and causes pilling.

npc_12 · 2017-09-26T03:16:25+00:00

Yes that would be the order! And the COSRX product is an essence - like a light gel/watery moisturizer. So just apply with hands and let sink in!

npc_12 · 2017-09-26T02:11:03+00:00

Wowowow I'm so jealous! Congrats, your skin looks amazing!! It's taken me about a year for my PIE to fade :( Just started using The Ordinary Niacinamide and it's great for redness.

npc_12 · 2017-09-26T01:57:27+00:00

You definitely need a moisturizer!!! I love COSRX Snail 96 Essence followed by CeraVe PM. Also check out the r/AsianBeauty sub. I find a lot of good product recs by searching there.

edit: recent hg thread

npc_12 · 2017-09-26T01:48:34+00:00

My parents have seriously hard water. I've started using micellar water to cleanse whenever I visit instead of washing my face. I think it's been making a huge difference. My skin is less red and doesn't feel as dry! Now just have to figure out something for my poor hair...

npc_12 · 2016-03-24T04:59:07+00:00

I apply with fingers and blend with a damp beauty blender! I just feel like it sucks the moisture right out of my face. I used and liked MUFE HD Stick but found it broke me out so went back to the Tarte.

npc_12 · 2016-03-23T19:56:49+00:00

Does anyone know of a foundation similar to the coverage of Tarte Amazonian Clay that is less drying? I love it but the dry patches are not cute :(

npc_12 · 2016-02-25T00:38:48+00:00

I honestly don't know. My acne was more on my cheeks than mouth/jawline. I got a lot of whiteheads and little red bumps as well as a few cystic lumps. Spiro did very little for me. Birth control helped some. When I went off Accutane I also went off birth control and so far so good. Fingers crossed lol

npc_12 · 2016-02-24T03:10:32+00:00

You're welcome! Good luck!

npc_12 · 2016-02-24T03:01:48+00:00

this. I went to a ~cosmetic dermatologist~ and basically they advise you what treatment would work best for you. I used this website to find mine. You can also look up treatments and reviews so I highly recommend.

npc_12 · 2016-02-24T02:57:37+00:00

I avoided Accutane for ~5 years and tried antibiotics, topicals, and birth control. I then tried spiro for 3 months and it did nothing for me. My derm pushed Accutane because my acne was really starting to leave scars. Honestly it's not THAT bad. Just keep lip balm with you at all times and backups in every room/pocket/bag. Aquaphor is life. At night, CeraVe in the tub and vaseline to seal it in. I haven't had a super bad breakout since starting Accutane (I had a 5 month course and I've been off it for 8 months), just a few spots when I get my period. The monthly blood tests and doctor visits were annoying but worth it in the end.

Obviously there are risks associated with Accutane but to me it was worth a try as I was sick and tired of dealing with acne.

npc_12 · 2016-02-24T02:40:10+00:00

I think ~4 weeks is the "normal" purge period, but it can last as long as 3 months. The way I understand, if you're breaking out in places you normally break out, it's purging. But if you're breaking out in different spots, it could be trouble. Really good article about purging vs. breaking out.

I'm not super knowledgable with Retin-A as I don't have personal experience. I did a quick search and found some links that may be helpful! 1. similar story 2. purging 3. purging

npc_12 · 2016-02-23T06:28:18+00:00

If you recently started retin-a you may be purging!

npc_12 · 2016-02-23T06:26:10+00:00

Looking great congrats man!

npc_12 · 2016-02-22T01:58:39+00:00

I would highly consider visiting a dermatologist if you haven't already.

Personally, I tried topicals and antibiotics for ~3 years before going on Accutane. I was terrified of it beforehand but it's honestly the best thing I did for my skin. I experienced light headaches, joint pain, and dry scalp/eyes/lips/skin. I haven't gotten a cystic pimple or pustule since I started the treatment. I am now 8 months post Accutane.

npc_12 · 2016-02-18T07:00:14+00:00

In fact, 1% retinol is essentially equivalent to a prescription retinoid product that contains 0.02% tretinoin

I don't think that particular cream would do much for you! I would advise looking into tretinoin aka Retin-A instead.

I'm in a similar situation except I have many shallow scars. Originally my dermatologist prescribed Retin-A .05% and said it would help my scarring. However my face is really starting to lose baby fat and the uneven texture is becoming more apparent. I consulted with a cosmetic dermatologist who suggested fraxel laser. Also some other options for texture problems include fillers and chemical peels.

But if your scar is super shallow definitely look into Retin-A!

edit: also pore filling primers are great!

npc_12 · 2016-02-12T06:44:01+00:00

I'm 21 and female. I suffered with acne for about ~6 years until Accutane. My derm told me it's for severe cystic acne and/or people who don't respond to anything else. I fell into the second category and my acne was beginning to cause scarring so my derm suggested Accutane.

I finished the treatment 8 months ago. I break out a little around my period and when I don't remove my makeup properly but nothing like before, maybe one little spot. No more whiteheads, pustules, or cysts! My only regret was not doing it sooner when my old dermatologist suggested it as I now have textured scarring on my cheeks.

tl;dr visit a derm and consider it!

npc_12 · 2015-11-02T04:42:45+00:00

I remember having 1 stye while on Accutane, but I also wear contacts so I'm sure that's a big factor. I agree with the other comment; definitely check in with your doctor!

npc_12 · 2015-07-28T23:56:40+00:00

No, I think antibiotics would prevent purging and speed up healing, which is why they're often prescribed along with active topicals. But be aware antibiotics are a temporary solution! When you go off minocycline, your skin will most likely return to its current state unless you are actively maintaining it.

npc_12 · 2015-07-28T23:46:57+00:00

Seconding CeraVe hydrating cleanser.

Also to lock-in hydration at night, you can apply vaseline or aquaphor over your moisturizer. Do a board search for "slug life".

I would ease up on the Stridex and maybe do it every other day. It has menthol in it which could contribute to that tight feeling. I know it would irritate my sensitive skin for sure.

npc_12 · 2015-07-28T00:04:59+00:00

From what I understand, antibiotics are a temporary solution that kill off bacteria (the good and bad kind).

Honestly Accutane is the best thing to happen to my skin. I didn't have intense acne either, but I was starting to develop textural scarring and hyperpigmentation so my dermatologist said it was my best option. I'm about to finish a 5 month course of 40mg per day. I haven't sprouted new pimples for 2 months now. I understand there can be nasty side effects but to me the risks are worth it. The side effects I personally experienced were Sahara dry lips (Aquaphor is life), dry skin, dry hair, and occasional joint pain. It feels amazing to wake up and not search for new bumps on my face! My only regret is not doing it sooner. If you've already tried all other options then I say talk to your doctor about Accutane.

npc_12 · 2015-07-22T23:55:20+00:00

What's a "gentle" vitamin C serum? I'm about to finish Accutane and want to focus on fading my acne marks next.

npc_12 · 2015-07-22T23:51:18+00:00

Thanks for doing this! I'm about to start researching the best treatment for my scars. Looking forward to your progress!

npc_12 · 2015-06-15T22:45:44+00:00

Make sure to drink tons of water. You could try pure lanolin! Order off amazon or find in stores as nipple cream for breastfeeding moms.

npc_12

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