Differin reviews

I know that dealing with acne is not an easy trip because I've had it for around eighteen years. I've heard a lot of unpleasant and nasty remarks about my features growing up. I've received "gifts" and unwanted suggestions to repair my face. Even yet, they happen far less frequently now that I can finally count fewer than ten pimples on my face! Until recently, I was very certain that I would pass away from old age and that my face wouldn't even show through the coffin. Up until the last two months, I've been so terrified to properly look in the mirror because I've internalised so many nasty remarks. My modifications include: - I've moved to almond milk; - I cover my pillowcase with a t-shirt every day. - After washing my face, pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don't dry your face with towels anymore. - I discovered that eating extremely spicy food can cause breakouts on my skin. - If I wash my hair, I save the face cleanser for last in the shower to remove the chemicals and oils from my hair products. - less picky about my face. - hand washing before making facial contact.
AM - AprilSkin Calendula face wash/organic black soap - If skin is too dry that morning, I use the fresh hydrating cleanser. - Pixi Tonic - collagen - AprilSkin Carrot serum (might skip if skin is oily that morning) - AprilSkin Carrot Cream - No sunscreen since I'm working remotely
PM - AprilSkin Calendula face wash/fresh hydrating cleansecerave hydrating cleanser - depending on how my skin feels that night - fresh rose toner - fresh deep hydration cream (when my face is dry) or AprilSkin Carrot cream, sometimes tret fromhighstreetpharma
Other stuff that I used inconsistently during this time: - Innisfree volcanic clay mask - when my skin is particularly oily - glytone - when I have a lot of active breakouts - Epi Duo - when I have a lot of active breakouts - AprilSkin Calendula Peel off mask - AprilSkin Calendula sheet mask - fresh rose hydration mask - Neutrogena exfoliating cleanser - Andalou glycolic pumpkin mask - Minty toothpaste to apply topically for angry pimples
Next on list to try - Differin gel - Pixi Tonic - retinol - Pixi Tonic - Glow - maybe Medicube's red line but reviews make the products sound like they're harsher on the skin
It was a big lesson to learn how to balance between the harsher but more effective solutions without drying out my sensitive, acne-prone skin. Glytone and epiduo are excellent for recent breakouts, however I was never able to use them more than twice a week. My preference would be for the fresh cleanser at night because the calendula cleanser is less moisturising than the organic black soap, especially if I used it in the morning. For the same reason, I wouldn't mix glytone and black soap in one day. I would rather be too hydrated than too dry.

I know that this might not be the sub for it but I don't think there's a better one for this issue so pardon me.
So past month or so I got horny and found a hidden brothel nearby my dorm and it's relatively cheap so I went for it, and in the end I couldn't get hard at all and just played it off as "not having the emotional connection for it" to not make the girl feel bad.
Fast forward because of this i kinda cut down on masturbation heavily and I think I'm starting to gain my sensitivity back? After reviewing some of the pics from google, my penis actually looks closer to the circumcised people, with properties like wrinkles and somewhat dried out appearance after I peeled my foreskin back for it to dry (as a test). Then when both soft and erect I can see some miniature pits (possibly from the wrinkles itself).
I usually masturbate by peeling back the skin and going at it with a "O" shaped gesture with my index and thumb and stimulating the crown and frenulum area without lotion. because of the "impact" of the fingertip i have a weird thickened/callous spot to the right side of my penis where the foreskin and the glan meets and it feels kinda uncomfortable.
So, is my meat actually keratinized? I have cut down masturbation to only once per week now and I'm planning to go full on nofap and no touch for at least a month. I have also been applying Rosken lotion on it. I have noticed "some" improvement especially on the callous thing since it doesn't feel as uncomfortable now, but idk if it's actually going worse lol.
So should I keep going with the nofap thing? I'm planning to get the Differin gel after seeing some studies and posts saying it works pretty well. I also have some acne so might as well lol
I have heard that a healthy uncut penis is supposed to be totally smooth regardless of being soft and hard. Would be nice if i can get an actual side by side comparison though. Currently my colorization is actually closer to my shaft's colour but slightly pinkish.

Hi everyone! Thank you all for so many of the amazing tips on this subreddit. I love this community and the overwhelmingly support I see everyone has for each other.
I used to have terrible skin with cystic acne, but after completing Accutane, and getting a prescription for Differin (I am Canadian), it is so so improved. Once I saw these improvements, I became even more interested in skincare and was very comfortably using a CeraVe only approach.
I was using the CeraVe Vitamin C serum, the hyaluronic acid serum, and the SA moisturizer in the morning, followed by Dr. Jart+ Cicapair. Then, cleansing with the SA cleanser at night, then DIfferin, and then the SA moisturizer. I loved this routine and it really maintained my skin. I was getting daily compliments on my skin. Then, I was doing research on skincare, and realized that CeraVe might not be the best brand and so I wanted to make some switches. I switched to The Ordinary products, and I do not know why, but I significantly reacted to some combination of their products, burned my face significantly, lost my moisture barrier, and began to break out all over. I had a big panic attack because I fell into the trap: Don't fix something that's not broken. I picked myself up, I did a lot of research, and decided to invest in Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) products. My skin is certainly on the mend. I will now go through my routine and my questions/concerns will be after.
Preamble: I think The Ordinary is a great brand and it works for a lot of people and that is wonderful. It just didn't work for me
My current routine is a follows:
Daytime:

1. Shower, just cleanse my face with water.
2. One scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen in my coffee (I know there are mixed feelings about drinking collagen, but I love it, and I feel like it has substantially improved my skin).
3. Tower 28 Hypochlorous Acid (I let it dry; ps: I will be purchasing the dupe version from Amazon that I have recently become aware of once this bottle is done).
4. BOJ Glow (Propolis + Niacinamide) Serum
5. BOJ Revive (Ginseng + Snail Mucin) Serum
6. BOJ Calming (Green tea + Panthenol) Serum
7. I combine BOJ Dynasty Cream + Eucerin Urea Repair (5% Urea)
8. BOJ Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics)
9. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair

Nighttime:

1. BOJ Ginseng Cleansing Oil
2. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser
3. Red-light therapy
4. Tower 28 Hypochlorous Acid
5. Differin
6. Combined Dynasty Cream + Eucerin Urea Repair (5% Urea)

My concerns:

1. Am I doing too much in the morning? Specifically, am I using too many serums? I would love to move one of my serums to the nighttime, but I am afraid they are going to get in the way of Differin.. if that makes sense. I know Differin (Adapalene) is the key ingredient here for longstanding anti-aging effects and anti-acne and I really do not want that to be affected. If I say, for example, move the BOJ Revive Serum to the nighttime pre-Differin, will my absorption of Differin be affected? Or is this a safe mood?
2. I try to be as well-versed in skincare ingredients as much as I can, but it is very difficult... as everyone knows. My biggest concern due to the trauma of my teenage years is without a doubt, ACNE. I fixate on pimple. For example, I currently have a pimple for the first-time EVER on my forehead (I really believe this was due to the trauma of The Ordinary) that is certainly getting better, but it's been driving me crazy lately. When you guys review my above routine - do you see any DO NOTs that I am mistakenly doing? Am I combining products I should not be?? Am I combining products that can/will cause breakouts?

Hi everyone! Thank you all for so many of the amazing tips on this subreddit. I love this community and the overwhelmingly support I see everyone has for each other.
I used to have terrible skin with cystic acne, but after completing Accutane, and getting a prescription for Differin (I am Canadian), it is so so improved. Once I saw these improvements, I became even more interested in skincare and was very comfortably using a CeraVe only approach.
I was using the CeraVe Vitamin C serum, the hyaluronic acid serum, and the SA moisturizer in the morning, followed by Dr. Jart+ Cicapair. Then, cleansing with the SA cleanser at night, then DIfferin, and then the SA moisturizer. I loved this routine and it really maintained my skin. I was getting daily compliments on my skin. Then, I was doing research on skincare, and realized that CeraVe might not be the best brand and so I wanted to make some switches. I switched to The Ordinary products, and I do not know why, but I significantly reacted to some combination of their products, burned my face significantly, lost my moisture barrier, and began to break out all over. I had a big panic attack because I fell into the trap: Don't fix something that's not broken. I picked myself up, I did a lot of research, and decided to invest in Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) products. My skin is certainly on the mend. I will now go through my routine and my questions/concerns will be after.
Preamble: I think The Ordinary is a great brand and it works for a lot of people and that is wonderful. It just didn't work for me
My current routine is a follows:
Daytime:

1. Shower, just cleanse my face with water.
2. One scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen in my coffee (I know there are mixed feelings about drinking collagen, but I love it, and I feel like it has substantially improved my skin).
3. Tower 28 Hypochlorous Acid (I let it dry; ps: I will be purchasing the dupe version from Amazon that I have recently become aware of once this bottle is done).
4. BOJ Glow (Propolis + Niacinamide) Serum
5. BOJ Revive (Ginseng + Snail Mucin) Serum
6. BOJ Calming (Green tea + Panthenol) Serum
7. I combine BOJ Dynasty Cream + Eucerin Urea Repair (5% Urea)
8. BOJ Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics)
9. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair

Nighttime:

1. BOJ Ginseng Cleansing Oil
2. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser
3. Red-light therapy
4. Tower 28 Hypochlorous Acid
5. Differin
6. Combined Dynasty Cream + Eucerin Urea Repair (5% Urea)

My concerns:

1. Am I doing too much in the morning? Specifically, am I using too many serums? I would love to move one of my serums to the nighttime, but I am afraid they are going to get in the way of Differin.. if that makes sense. I know Differin (Adapalene) is the key ingredient here for longstanding anti-aging effects and anti-acne and I really do not want that to be affected. If I say, for example, move the BOJ Revive Serum to the nighttime pre-Differin, will my absorption of Differin be affected? Or is this a safe mood?
2. I try to be as well-versed in skincare ingredients as much as I can, but it is very difficult... as everyone knows. My biggest concern due to the trauma of my teenage years is without a doubt, ACNE. I fixate on pimple. For example, I currently have a pimple for the first-time EVER on my forehead (I really believe this was due to the trauma of The Ordinary) that is certainly getting better, but it's been driving me crazy lately. When you guys review my above routine - do you see any DO NOTs that I am mistakenly doing? Am I combining products I should not be?? Am I combining products that can/will cause breakouts?

Hi everyone! Thank you all for so many of the amazing tips on this subreddit. I love this community and the overwhelmingly support I see everyone has for each other.
I used to have terrible skin with cystic acne, but after completing Accutane, and getting a prescription for Differin (I am Canadian), it is so so improved. Once I saw these improvements, I became even more interested in skincare and was very comfortably using a CeraVe only approach.
I was using the CeraVe Vitamin C serum, the hyaluronic acid serum, and the SA moisturizer in the morning, followed by Dr. Jart+ Cicapair. Then, cleansing with the SA cleanser at night, then DIfferin, and then the SA moisturizer. I loved this routine and it really maintained my skin. I was getting daily compliments on my skin. Then, I was doing research on skincare, and realized that CeraVe might not be the best brand and so I wanted to make some switches. I switched to The Ordinary products, and I do not know why, but I significantly reacted to some combination of their products, burned my face significantly, lost my moisture barrier, and began to break out all over. I had a big panic attack because I fell into the trap: Don't fix something that's not broken. I picked myself up, I did a lot of research, and decided to invest in Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) products. My skin is certainly on the mend. I will now go through my routine and my questions/concerns will be after.
Preamble: I think The Ordinary is a great brand and it works for a lot of people and that is wonderful. It just didn't work for me
My current routine is a follows:
Daytime:
1) Shower, just cleanse my face with water.
2) One scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen in my coffee (I know there are mixed feelings about drinking collagen, but I love it, and I feel like it has substantially improved my skin).
3) Tower 28 Hypochlorous Acid (I let it dry; ps: I will be purchasing the dupe version from Amazon that I have recently become aware of once this bottle is done).
4) BOJ Glow (Propolis + Niacinamide) Serum
5) BOJ Revive (Ginseng + Snail Mucin) Serum
6) BOJ Calming (Green tea + Panthenol) Serum
7) I combine BOJ Dynasty Cream + Eucerin Urea Repair (5% Urea)
8) BOJ Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics)
9) Dr. Jart+ Cicapair
Nighttime:
1) BOJ Ginseng Cleansing Oil
2) CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser
3) Red-light therapy
4) Tower 28 Hypochlorous Acid
4) Differin
5) Combined Dynasty Cream + Eucerin Urea Repair (5% Urea)
My concerns:
1) Am I doing too much in the morning? Specifically, am I using too many serums? I would love to move one of my serums to the nighttime, but I am afraid they are going to get in the way of Differin.. if that makes sense. I know Differin (Adapalene) is the key ingredient here for longstanding anti-aging effects and anti-acne and I really do not want that to be affected. If I say, for example, move the BOJ Revive Serum to the nighttime pre-Differin, will my absorption of Differin be affected? Or is this a safe mood?
2) I try to be as well-versed in skincare ingredients as much as I can, but it is very difficult... as everyone knows. My biggest concern due to the trauma of my teenage years is without a doubt, ACNE. I fixate on pimple. For example, I currently have a pimple for the first-time EVER on my forehead (I really believe this was due to the trauma of The Ordinary) that is certainly getting better, but it's been driving me crazy lately. When you guys review my above routine - do you see any DO NOTs that I am mistakenly doing? Am I combining products I should not be?? Am I combining products that can/will cause breakouts?

A few years ago, I started using Olay Pro Advanced Retinol Complex, and it was amazing for my skin. I stopped having breakouts, and my skin was much smoother. Then about 6 months ago, I added Differin niacinamide gel before the Olay. My skin texture got noticeably smoother. It’s probably better than it’s ever been in my life, in my early fifties.
Now I’m considering adding Differin adapalene to my routine. Mostly because I’ve seen a lot of good reviews, and because I bought it for my teen, who isn’t interested in using it. The only additional thing I’d be working on is sebaceous filaments and larger pores. I do have a little melasma (why I started the niacinamide) but it doesn’t bother me all that much. I can’t decide if the potential improvement with adapalene is worth the risk. My skin has always tended towards oily rather than dry, I had mild occasional hormonal acne until my late forties, and my skincare routine is super simple— basically just the Olay and niacinamide at night, and Biore Aqua sunscreen in the morning/when I go outside. I wear sunscreen and wide brimmed hats pretty religiously. My makeup routine is lip stain and a bit of powder blush, so I am pretty low maintenance.
What do you think, add the adapalene for sebaceous filaments and pores, or stick with what’s already working pretty well?

I 22F in Australia have been dealing with acne for 9 years (since being 13). I have oily combination skin prone to redness. My first flare-up of acne was solely on my forehead 9 years ago (cystic, papules, etc.) which was resolved completely through using topical adapalene (Differin) gel. I spent a couple of years acne-free, before it flared up immensively when I was 15 in high school. This time, the acne was on my cheeks, chin and temple area, with forehead being clear (with occasional pimples).
Previous Treatment Attempts
In previous dermatology appointments, I had also been put on antibiotics. I had taken a course of Doxycycline tablets for 3 months. My skin has seen no flare up of acne during this course. Sadly, after the antibiotics were finished, my skin gradually became a little worse for a while, before returning to its usual acne-state.
I continued to use Differin gel 0.1%. It was vital for me to keep the break outs at bay. I tried stopping Differin, which only resulted in my acne flaring up way worse.
My blood tests results have always been ALL within normal ranges, including my hormones. That was why I was hesitant to try birth control. My cycle has always been stable and normal, and didn't want to mess around with that. But I tried birth control for 2 months, which messed up my cycle a bit without improving my acne. It was stressful dealing with spotting and mood swings while on BC, so I stopped.
I had tried professional acne extractions. LED blue-and-red light therapy. I regretted the extractions, which left me with deep acne scarring. Both of these treatments were high-cost, painful, and ineffective in the long run.
Lifestyle
My diet since highschool was rid of dairy products, in fear that they would trigger my acne. I was always very healthy in my diet, regular periods, 6-8 hours sleep religiously, no drinking or smoking. I always kept my skincare to a minimum of moisturiser and Differin gel.
Now As of now, my acne has been slightly better than when it was during high school, but never has it been clear. I have cystic acne on cheeks, temple and chin area. Textured skin on cheeks, with closed comedones, pastules and papules (which come and go in 3-4 days, only to frustratingly reappear again routinely). I have acne scars. Only my forehead is the clearest compared to the rest of my face.
I want to feel confident enough in my skin to leave the house without covering my acne in makeup. Or checking my skin for new pimples being the first thing I do every morning when I wake up.
Accutane
I have been suggested on Accutane by dermatologists. I have never committed to starting it. The horror stories, the Purge, side effects, the intense dry skin I've reviewed on many social media platforms in the past always scared me off it.
However, now, I have booked my dermatology appointment 26th next month to tell my dermatologist that I am open to trying Accutane.
I've heard it takes a whole month for iPledge/blood tests to be confirmed to the dermatology--if true, I'd have to wait at least 2 months before I can start :(. Can anybody confirm/give any tips about that?
For those who had Accutane, did antihistamines help with your purge at all? Did taking Omega-3 supplements (i.e. fish oil) help with dryness?
What dosage did you start on? I heard positive experiences of people going on low-dose Accutane to minimise side-effects (with a longer overall course). I only weigh around 46kg, so would that be something worth pursuing?

I currently use a gentle salicylic cleanser, then differin adapalene at night, and moisturizer. Adapalene seems to help me with preventing cystic acne so I’m not sure if I want to cut it out. It does dry out my perioral area a lot though so if there’s somethin better out there I guess I am willing to try a change lol Can I use Azelaic acid before/after my moisturizer too? Or can I only use one at a time?
Also I’d appreciate recommendations on which Azelaic product is best. I know the ordinary doesn’t have the best reviews but it’s the cheapest so that’s what I thought to go for.
Any other advice is greatly appreciated if anyone have similar skin! I have large pores (I don’t think they’re blackheads cos they’re like this all day even after cleansing) mostly only on my cheeks. My forehead and jawline are pretty much smooth with no visible pores.
Thanks!

I am attacking acne head on. Please review my routine with feedback thank you!! I have combination skin persistent acne on forehead that has not responded to individual treatments. So want to try a few but balance it
Am:
MWFSun- Differin BP wash, aveeno calm restore serum, vanicream moisturizer
T,R,Sat zapzyt acne wash, aveeno calm serum, vanicream moisturizer:
Pm: MWFSun: vanicream cleanser, vanicream moisturizer, pea size adapalene
T,R,Sat: vanicream cleanser, calm serum, vanicream moisturizer
I’ll spot treat with 15% azaleic acid i have from my derm for some PIE mark.

A friend turned me on to Tatcha products about 3 years ago.
I started out using the dewy cream, then bought a lineup including the rice wash, the deep cleanse, the rice polish, eye cream, the lip mask, indigo night cream, the essence, and the vitamin c mask. At first, the dewy cream made my skin feel amazing, that’s what sold me. But over time, these products have been clogging and enlarging my pores, dulling my skin tone, making my texture issues worse, and I’m worried I’ve done some serious damage by not paying attention to what I needed for my skin type. I tried the water cream, it wasn’t moisturizing enough. But the dewy is way too thick for my skin. I work in construction, so my skin is exposed to a lot of irritants and pore clogging debris daily. I wanted to take care of my skin by investing in these products that have amazing reviews, and I’m disappointed with my results.
I’ve been doing a decent amount of digging for a new routine, and I found this sub today. I’ve just ordered some products, and I’d love some advice on putting together a new routine to follow. Products ordered- Kose speedy cleansing oil Differin adapalene gel Cerave am and pm moisturizers Glycolic acid Hyaluronic acid Neutrogena stubborn blackheads serum Hydrocolloid acne patches Cerave resurfacing retinol serum
If there’s a routine you could suggest, it would be much appreciated. I’m planning on sticking with the Tatcha primer sunscreen, and I did really enjoy the dewy serum the one time I bought it. Their other products are just truly not for me. Any advice for brightening skin tone and further reducing texture and enlarged pores would be wonderful. I truly hate how my skin looks in natural light right now.
27F if that matters. Thank you 🙏

Here is a list of moisturizers that are good with tret, Taz, and Differin. Some don’t get discussed much on the board, so I thought this might help.
I marked the moisturizers that layer well with these topicals too. Anything with a lotion bottle next to it layers well with Tret, Taz, and Differin. Happy to offer a mini-review for any.
It also includes serums and toners with ceramides for people who don’t do well with moisturizers.
Hope this helps ❤️
Creams

• pyunkang yul ato lotion-gel 🧴
• ⁠pyunkang yul blue label cream
• ⁠Biodance essence moisturizer*
• isntree yam moisturizer* 🧴
• ⁠papa recipe blemish cream
• ⁠Mary and May blackberry cream*
• ⁠aestura 365 ceramide cream or lotion 🧴
• ⁠skin1004 probio-cica cream
• ⁠barr Centella cream 🧴
• ⁠Purito dermide balancing balm 🧴
• Purito dermide moisturizer*
• round lab dokdo cream*
• soon jung 2x barrier cream 🧴
• zeriod soothing lotion
• zeroid 5% urea cream
• Pacifica vegan ceramide cream
• Pacifica vegan ceramide lotion 🧴
• vanicream facial moisturizer with HYA and ceramides 🧴
• eltamd barrier complex

Serums and Toners

• skin1004 probiocica serum or toner (both have ceramides)
• Numbuzin #2 serum creamy protein**
• Round Lab Dokdo Ampoule
• Round lab soybean toner (30,000 ppm ceramides)
• Celimax Ceramide toner or serum*
• Aestura 365 essence
• Cocokind ceramide serum

(* is all five ceramides/ ** is golden ratio/ 🧴is can be layered with tazorac or tretinoin)
ETA: Many of these can be purchased on Amazon through the brand home stores, iherb, or olive young global.

Hi all, I have been using Differin since November of 2023, and back then I had low to relatively no acne. I've read the rave reviews on it and decided to give it a shot. I expected a purging phase, but did not expect it to last this long. It has been 4 months and I am still getting pimples on my cheeks and forehead, more than I have ever had prior to using Differin. I didn't want to just stop using this product as I am so deep in and if I was just a couple more applications away from the "perfect skin". I do want to mention that I had the flu around December and was sick in Feburary and discontinued use for about a week each time. Am I still purging because of that? I just don't know what to do right now, and my skin is making me really self-concious.

Hi all, I have been using Differin since November of 2023, and back then I had low to relatively no acne. I've read the rave reviews on it and decided to give it a shot. I expected a purging phase, but did not expect it to last this long. It has been 4 months and I am still getting pimples on my cheeks and forehead, more than I have ever had prior to using Differin. I didn't want to just stop using this product as I am so deep in and if I was just a couple more applications away from the "perfect skin". I do want to mention that I had the flu around December and was sick in Feburary and discontinued use for about a week each time. Am I still purging because of that? I just don't know what to do right now, and my skin is making me really self-concious.

Hi all, I have been using Differin since November of 2023, and back then I had low to relatively no acne. I've read the rave reviews on it and decided to give it a shot. I expected a purging phase, but did not expect it to last this long. It has been 4 months and I am still getting pimples on my cheeks and forehead, more than I have ever had prior to using Differin. I didn't want to just stop using this product as I am so deep in and if I was just a couple more applications away from the "perfect skin". I do want to mention that I had the flu around December and was sick in Feburary and discontinued use for about a week each time. Am I still purging because of that? I just don't know what to do right now, and my skin is making me really self-concious.

Hi all, I have been using Differin since November of 2023, and back then I had low to relatively no acne. I've read the rave reviews on it and decided to give it a shot. I expected a purging phase, but did not expect it to last this long. It has been 4 months and I am still getting pimples on my cheeks and forehead, more than I have ever had prior to using Differin. I didn't want to just stop using this product as I am so deep in and if I was just a couple more applications away from the "perfect skin". I do want to mention that I had the flu around December and was sick in Feburary and discontinued use for about a week each time. Am I still purging because of that? I just don't know what to do right now, and my skin is making me really self-concious.

Age: 30
Sex: male
Lifestyle:

• gym 5x week;
• I generally eat very healthy foods, stay away from dairy (because I am slightly lactose intolerant), consume lean meats, lots of fruits & veggies, drink a lot of water;
• I've used sunscreen and moisturizer 365 days/year for the last 10 years.

​
Products I use in the morning:

• caffeine serum for the area around my eyes;
• hyaluronic acid serum for the rest of my face.

​
Products I use at night (I rotate my actives and never combine them):

• tretinoin 0.025%
• niacinamide serum
• Matrixyl 3000
• At times, I replace tretinoin with granactive retinol 2% from The Ordinary;
• Hypochlorous acid;
• Vaseline/PJ on my lips.

​
As a teenager, I used to have pimples on my face but never anything too terrible. I don't have scars or anything like that in that area. In fact, I have nearly perfect skin on my face - everybody always points to the fact that I have glazed/glass-like skin on my face and that I look at least 10-12 years younger than my age (when people first meet me, they assume I am a teenager, because I also have a baby face lol). I have no zits, breakouts, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation on my face or neck. None.
I feel like I have pretty much perfected the skincare routine for my face and am extremely satisfied each time I look in the mirror. Like I said, I get compliments for the skin on my face and neck on a daily basis.
Which brings me to my biggest insecurity regarding my body - my back. I've had breakouts/hyperpigmentation/pimples on my back since high school. In recent years, I've tried adapalene, tretinoin 0.025%, hypochlorous acid, perfume-free body moisturizers, azelaic acid, a glycerin/panthenol-based lotion, and although some of these products helped a little bit, it would always be a temporary relief and never a large reduction in breakouts/hyperpigmentation. I tried The Ordinary's 7% glycolic acid a few times, but haven't really seen noticeable change.
I follow all the hygiene guidelines:

• shower as soon as I am done with my workouts;
• change body towels daily and don't mix them with my hair towels;
• change my sheets every week/every other week;
• change undershirts/shirts daily;
• use hypoallergenic softener;
• use non-comedogenic products (always double check on AcneClinic NYC);
• use perfume-free moisturizer for the back;
• use clean gym clothes each day.

​
As a teenager, I used to get a red an allergic reaction all over my body from saltwater - sweat and ocean/sea and it made me hate going to the beach, even though I grew up and lived on the coast. In recent years, since I started actively working on my skincare, I got my hopes up after reading so many reviews/guidelines online and started slowly going to the beach again. I have a very fit/lean/swimmer-type body because of my active lifestyle, but I hate showing it in the summer because I am EXTREMELY insecure about my back.
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The time my back looked its best is when I used a combination of Differin's adapalene gel and clindamycin drops, but I feel like the effect must have worn off (I've built tolerance?) because it only lasted for 3 months, after which my back started breaking out again. This was in the summer, when it is really hot and humid where I live; my back started breaking out again around October.
The only things I haven't tried yet (that are usually recommended) are:

• benzol peroxyde washes;
• salicylic acid (I tried it for a few weeks on my nose and it made my sebaceous filaments more visible and pronounced so I refrained from using it on my back);
• Accutane (I am scared of the side effects and I feel like this should be my last resort).

I would really appreciate any helpful advise within the context of my situation/experience.

31F here that is near tears out of frustration (and from my face BURNING). I have very fair skin. I am on 100mg Spironolactone for acne. Currently all I use on my face is the Cera Ve foaming facial cleanser once a day when I shower. I haven't used astringents or exfoliants on my skin for years. I also use Differin on my face to deal with acne, applying every other day. I'll use the tiniest bit of benzoyl peroxide on problem pimples when they happen, but that doesn't happen super often.
I have tried research the best non burning facial moisturizers. I'll find one that has great reviews with other people saying "finally something that doesn't burn." And then I apply it to my skin and immediately have to wipe it off with a wet washcloth.
I read something about how your face burning could be a sign of the moisture barrier on your skin being damaged, but any article I read is just seems to be telling me to buy some product, but I don't know which websites I can trust. And I'm so tired of buying a $20+ product, using a touch of it, finding out it burns, and then it essentially being trash. I feel like I'm just setting money on fire. It literally just happened tonight when I got a new product off Amazon. At this point, I am actually in tears as I type this because I am just so defeated (dramatic I know, but this has got to be like the 10th time just in the past 6 months I have had this happen.)
Can anyone point me to some trustworthy information about the types of products I should be looking into? Oils? Serums? I don't even know where to begin at this point. A couple weeks ago I made an appointment with the most well reviewed dermatology office in the county. And all they did was give me a goodie bag full of samples for over priced products that, to no surprise, burn as well. I can't afford to keep paying for dermatologist appointments that don't help, so I am really at a loss right now.

Hey!
29 F
Just sharing my Differin review at 7 months. I'll keep it to the point. I had a break out (mainly forehead, chin and jawline) at start of 2023. This included blackheads, whiteheads and deep sebaceous pimples that leave PIH. I've had acne since I was a teen but not to the scale of what I experienced last year.
AM routine:
Simple Miceller Gel Cleanser
Ranavat Saffron Serum
Differin SPF 30 Moisturiser
PM routine:
Simple Miceller water on cotton pads
Simple Miceller Gel Cleanser
Eucerin Sensitive skin moisturiser
Tiny pea drop of Differin on chin and forehead
Ranavat Saffron Serum
Differin requires patience but in my experience it's worth it. First few weeks I noticed dryness. 1-2 months in i purged, the comodones and stubborn spots came to surface. 3-4 months in, my skin felt smoother in general and less intimidating acne. I did incorporate a little azaelic acid (Finacea gel) in the morning when my skin got used to Differin. I still got pimples but they really do come to surface and clear away faster. They also leave less pigmentation.
Main takeaways: patience is key and keep your skin hydrated with solid serum and moisturiser. The ordinary Squalane oil is also great.
Generally, look after your mind and don't let your acne stop you from enjoying life. Focus on eating healthy, drinking water and getting fresh air ☺️ Be kind to yourself!
Happy to answer any questions :)

Hey y'all
Noticed there's a ton of new hyperpigmentation products flooding the market that aim to target the different pathways of pigmentation via combination of active ingredients. There's also novel ingredient like Melasyl from Loreal.
Has anyone tried any of the trending influencer made ones like the Dr. Idriss/Pillowtalkderm system or the one from Sachi or Suprafade from Madeforhue?
I hated Faded by Topicals btw which was kind of like one of the first viral hyperpigmentation products.
If I am also allowed to insert a small rant-- Why are all these products especially the influencer made ones so damn expensive? Gone are the days that you can just swing by the store and get some Ambi Fade or Differin fade gel and you know it's going to work and not cost you an arm and leg and you have to do extra research to make sure you got all the right active ingredients combined in your routine to hit at all the pigment pathways................It really slaps POC on face and I'm tired of it.
I'm only going to get one to try out for the next half year so I want to get the right one. Sachi, Madeforhue and Dr. Idriss/Pillowtalkderm are all pretty expensive for what they are but the formulas look good.
The biggest minus I give any of them is Dr. Idriss/Pillowtalkderm for requring a 3 step system. I'm already tired of cocktailing multiple inexpensive stuff (The Ordinary) etc to hit all the ingredients to hit all the pathways. I feel like the 3 step product kind of defeats the purpose of an all in one plus the total is way more expensive.
I haven't found anyone review Madeforhue at all. Just promos and stuff like that but the formula looks really good. It's just expensive. But if it's worth it, I want to know.
Then there's the new Melasyl stuff that out now with a serum and spf moisturizer from LRP. Decently priced. I was thinking about using the spf moisturizer with Melasyl as an anti-pigmentation hydrator underneath my normal sunscreen dose in the morning. This would come out to be the cheapest but Melasyl is still such a brand new ingredient that there's not a lot of reviews and experiences about it. Like is it irritating? Are there side effects?

I just graduated college and don’t have enough money to see a dermatologist which is why I am enlisting the help of a bunch of internet strangers. I started differin and need help creating a routine that works with it. This is a long post so if you want to skip, I’ll summarize my issues and what exactly I’m looking for at the end.
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So I started seeing the value in skincare a couple months ago and got on adapalene differin. Was on OTC differin for about 5 months but switched to 0.3% a month ago. Since starting differin, my eyes have become super dry, began to develop fine lines around the corners, and will randomly tear up. I’ve also gotten a chemical burn 3 or 4 times from using it (but it clears up in a few days). I’ve also noticed my skin will be super dry after washing it, but become very oily by the end of the day.
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I truly do want to stick with differin since I’ve seen a huge improvement in my hormonal acne. I used to always have a cystic pimple or two around my lips now I haven’t had a single one for over a month, now I’m only dealing with the occasional pimple on my chin that goes away in a day. Just need to figure out a better routine that supports it. If you have any holy grail products or advice please let me know!!
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Routine
AM

• Clean and clear night relaxing facial wash
• Mario badescu witch hazel toner
• Mario badescu facial spray with aloe, herbs, and rosewater
• Truskin vitamin C
• Cerave eye renewing eye cream
• Cerave daily moisturizing lotion
• Pacifica vegan collagen SPF 30

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PM

• Clean and clear night relaxing facial wash
• Aquaphor under eyes
  • Started getting tiny dots under my eyes though so recently stopped doing this and purchased the cerave eye renewing cream
• Cerave daily moisturizing lotion
• Cerave eye renewing peptide cream
• Differin
• Cerave daily moisturizing lotion

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Concerns

• Dehydrated skin
  • Developing fine lines around eyes (22F don’t think this is normal quite yet)
  • Very dry and “tight” feeling once I wash it then gets progressively oily around T zone throughout the day
• Sensitive eyes
  • Since starting differin they tear up and feel very dry
  • Very sensitive to sunlight as well, even if shades I can barely see
• Uneven texture
• Occasional pimple on chin

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Values

• Simplicity- travel a lot and want to maintain consistency throughout my travels
  • So TSA and travel friendly
• Affordability

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Products that I really want to switch up/try

• Moisturizer- the Cerave one will occasionally make my skin burn after applying it after differin
  • Any thoughts on la roche posay cicaplast balm B5?
• Cleanser- Got mine in a Christmas stocking like 5 years ago. I know there's definitely better options out there.
• Toner- mine seems to really dry out my skin
• Cosrx snail mucin essence- have heard that this is great to pair with differin because it is very hydrating. Any reviews?