i really need to renew my entire skincare routine bc i really messed with my skin and idk what should i do,, it's been almost a year since i started breaking out... i don't know why? in february i damaged my skin barrier and restored it in a few days, it wasn't bad, then my skin started to produce constant pimples... although it's dry and not oily t-t it almost doesn't produce any oil, just a lil tiny bit on my nose... i only use retinol and aha as actives, but i'm starting to think i can't use retinol? idk i stopped using it for a bit but it didn't change much, if not at all... is it because now my skincare is lacking of niacinamide? idkkkk i'm desperate... i need a good moisturizer that's not cerave, that contains ceramides but not parkii shea butter, it breaks me out badly... please, i need help,, sorry for my english, it's not my first language.
P.S. niacinamide and ceramides are almost always a good idea for any type of skin. If you don’t like the Cerave moisturizer you could try their toner, it has ceramides and niacinamide. Also Vanicream makes really affordable products with lots ceramides as well!
Thank you for your advices! I could give a try to vanicream but here in Italy it seems impossible to get the cerave toner, argh...
Before February, I used 1% retinol from The Inkey List every other day, alternating with lactic acid from Ren Skincare (i know it was A LOT). For cleansers, I used The Inkey List's oat cleansing balm and an italian foaming cleanser from a brand called Astra. Then, my good old Laneige Cream Skin toner and Byoma's pink moisturiser. Unfortunately, the lilac one caused significant breakouts and i think it's shea butter's fault. 😠I regularly use SPF and have switched a couple (currently loving Rohto Mentholatum's Skin Aqua Moisturising Gel btw). I'd like to find a non-comedogenic, affordable, and easily available SPF in Italy; most here are either too pricey or stain clothes. In summer I decided to change everything, because since February, it's been like my skin started to repel every product it used to love (they don't sting, but constant breakouts have become an issue). So I thought WELL let's switch to an oily skin friendly skincare (LOL shame on me). So i bought Caudalie's vinoclean oil cleanser (i don't know how i feel about it), Naturium's niacinamide cleansing gelée and The Ordinary's new beta glucan moisturiser.Same actives as before (but way less frequently), I added Beauty of Joseon's revive eye cream. It's been a month since I've been using the very least amount of AHA... And retinol once or twice a week, but hmm... I'm not sure it's giving me nothing. I can't believe I went from a dry skin with occasional period pimples that could pass as a perfect skin to others to a pimple who walks ( ... ) hahaha. Et voilà , it's really a messy journey, i feel bad for it... It's all wrong 😅 As much as I'm a skincare junkie and i love to help others I really can't do anything right for myself...
I really like eucerin eczema relief cream no Shea butter nothing to clogged your pores it's very very rich witch I love for my dry sensitive skin I also use tretinoin it is irritating and all other AHA and other stuff at some point your skin needs a break like 2 nights a week I don't use any actif on my skin just my eucerin very soothing its made for eczema sensitive skin it has so much good ingredients soothing and ceramides look it up
I had never considered Eucerin; actually, it's more readily available in Italy compared to Vanicream. Thank you! However, I don't know, it's been about a month since I stopped using retinol and AHA regularly, only once or twice a week, but there hasn't been any improvement. 🥺
It sounds like your barrier could still be damaged. I would stick to just cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen until it is repaired. A good, affordable brand for sensitive skin is Vanicream. You could use their gentle cleanser, their daily moisturizer with ceramides (without shea butter) and their mineral sunscreen (though it is a bit shiny and greasy at first but then dries down in my experience). If you want a bit of niacinamide (I think too much might be irritating in your state??), I like the Ceramide Shot by Ample:N which also has ceramides and would give you extra moisture. The Inkey list has The Omega Cream with 5% niacinamide.
I have had a damaged barrier and I recommend the above for that. I haven't struggled with acne at the same time though, so you may need to add something for that. But I imagine it should still be gentle. I think retinol would be too harsh for now. Maybe visit a dermatologist at this point too that could give you a prescription.
Oh, I didn't know it could be damaged even if you're not experiencing any discomfort or itching... Thanks for the advice anyway, I'll consider the suggestions!
If it's unusually dry then it could be damage, but maybe not. I would try to check with a dermatologist. Either way I still recommend the Vanicream cleanser and moisturizer especially. Cetaphil and Aveeno also have good products. I'm not sure what is available in Italy, but Avene and La Roche Posay are also good brands, though they are more expensive than Vanicream.
Also Amazon may ship to Italy in which case you could find many international products. Amazon ships to me internationally for free if I spend at least $50.
Amazon also offers free returns even if the product is opened.
Also if you are in your 30s it could be hormonal acne.
Hello!
I write from Italy too, and I am new on this forum.
Did you try the new The Ordinary Shooting & Barrier Support Serum? You should layer it before Retinol or other actives (except vitamin C and vitamin C derivates). I use retinol 1% by the ordinary and Perricone blemish relief retinol treatment & moisture. I think the second one could be very good for your issues, or a lower potency serum, because your are pretty younger than me.
Then I suggest you pure castor oil, it’s sticky but works very well, and Fermente Aloe water (Italian brand Athena’s).
Write me again if you need more help.
Hugs 🤗
Hi,
Since your in Europe maybe some more EU sourced products would be more helpful for you. I've always had more success with French brands like La Roche Posay, Vichy, and Avene. I mainly use LPR now cause the Toleriane is the most gentle for me and its readily available in my areas than the other 2.
here are some products that work with my normal, but sensitive skin
LPR:
CICAPLAST BAUME B5 SOOTHING RELIEVING BALM - helps soothe my irritation like no other. A must have for me
Toleriane Caring Wash Cleanser - My cleanser of choice and always come back to it after testing something else for a couple months. has niacinamide
Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer with SPF - helps with my skin barrier. I use it in the mornings when I have it.
Lipikar AP+M Moisturiser For Dry Skin - Its a face and body lotion, but use on my face in the cold months. has niacinamide.
For your retinol problems, maybe go to every other day or twice a week to see if that helps. I sandwich my retinol. Right now I go Lipikar AP+M Moisturiser >Retinol > CICAPLAST BAUME B5 SOOTHING RELIEVING BALM.
If you want to add more ceramides and niacinamide I think a lot of products nowadays have them inherently. A place you could specifically add on those things and maybe add more soothing or hydrating elements is a Toner, Essence, or Serum. There are some cheaper brands like the Ordinary/Inkey list for western products or Asian Beauty products as well. I generally lean towards Asian Toners and Essences and Western Serums. All depends on your budget.
Some popular options that i have tried to some or great success:
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Paula's choice Pore-Reducing Toner
TONYMOLY Wonder Ceramide Mochi Toner
The INKEY List Ceramide Serum
I find for me with pimples and such a BHA/Salicylic acid better. there are some lower concentrations of this if your afraid of irritation, but for me surprisingly have had no issues. And if you want to move on from AHA maybe a PHA product which is said to be gentler might be an option.
Some popular options that i have tried to some or great success:
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (also has niacinamide, I just didn't like the texture and feel afterwards, more of a personal pref than a knock on the product)
Paula's choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Toner (super small concentrations of BHA/AHA/PHA with some Enzyme exfoliants)
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner ( also super small concentrations of BHA/AHA but is very moisturizing)
In Canada so there might be some different names for some products.
Hi! I’ve had the same problem as you regarding retinol and breakouts, so I stopped using it. Tried many other things and instead of retinol I am now using peptides serums instead, the Depology. My skin is getting so much better.
Due to your breakouts. I’ve noticed that the breakouts came from my damaged skin barrier from the retinol. Your skin is supposed to work on its own natural way, healing itself. The retinol I used Paula’s Choice 0.1 and the ordinary 0.3 caused so much damage that my barrier was completely out of balance… my opinion: Never ever use any products that cause breakouts or dry skin…
I also stopped using aggressive products with alcohol or parfume because I noticed that they also aren’t good for my skin barrier. Instead I am now using lots of natural brands en natural oils like jojoba, inca, rosehip, bacuchiol, neem sead oil and many others.
Also watch the videos on the YouTube channel of Adipeau: Aeducator
Here you can see the ‘real’ results of retinol. New studies have shown that it does more harm in the long run.
i think your skin barrier is still damaged
I'm truly sorry to hear that you've been dealing with skin issues for such a long time, and I completely understand your frustration. Considering your experience with retinol and AHA, it might be a good idea to reassess your current routine, as using these actives too frequently can sometimes contribute to skin issues. The decision to pause retinol was a good move to observe its impact. Introducing niacinamide could be beneficial for your skin; just be mindful of the concentration, especially if you have sensitive skin—starting with a lower concentration like 5% is advisable, and observe how your skin reacts. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and provides necessary hydration without causing breakouts. Remember, skincare is a trial-and-error process, so introduce new products one at a time and observe your skin's reaction. Your English is perfectly fine—no need to apologize! Wishing you the best on your skincare journey!
If you're looking for a moisturizer with ceramides but without comedogenic ingredients, get the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer. I know Vanicream is a boring brand lol, but it's genuinely the best moisturizer for skin barrier health and calming. It's got high glycerin and squalane content, and 5 ceramides. It's the only one that my skin likes, and I can't go without it. It restored my skin barrier after I ruined it. It's like $9 on Amazon, if that's available where you live.
Also, I would only suggest using retinol/retinal either every other day or less if you're sensitive to it. Also MAKE SURE that it's no comedogenic! Most retinoids have comedogenic ingredients in then unfortuantely. The one I use is the Geek&Gorgoeus A--Game 5. It's a retinal (more effective and also more gentle than retinol) and it's entirely non-comedogenic. It's an S-tier product for me. I use it every other night (not on exfoliation nights).
AHA is definitely likely to cause irritation and damage the skin barrier if used too much or in too high concentration. If you want a great exfoliant, try the COSRX AHA/BHA Treatment Toner. I use it every other night and it exfoliates perfectly, and without any irritation.
I would suggest using a calming toner or serum as well.
Retinol can definitely cause break outs and dry out the skin at the same time so that could explain the breakouts without oiliness. I’d suggest applying it less frequently (1-3 times a week) and use a good moisturizer prior to the retinol. What else are you using in your routine?
I’m not a professional Ive just been obsessed with skincare for a very long time and have tried a lot of different products/actives on my own dry, sensitive skin. Hope this helps! :)