skincare help

[cattledogkisses]

My skin normally tends towards being oily, and I while I had issues with acne when I was younger now I usually only get the typical PMS breakout.  But the week or so before I start my period my skin gets very dull and sallow, and I get dry and flaky spots particularly around the edges of my nose and mouth.  My skin tone and texture just look terrible.  It goes back to normal after my period.  I know the underlying cause is hormonal, but I'm wondering if there's something I can add to my skincare routine during that week to help.  My current skincare routine is pretty bare bones; I'll post it below.

AM:

-Cetaphil gentle cleanser

-Cetaphil moisturizer

-Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+

PM:

-remove sunscreen and any makeup with grapeseed oil

-Cetaphil gentle cleanser

-Differin 0.1% gel

-Cetaphil moisturizer 

[tiramisu]

I would probably add a BHA. Paula's Choice has several different options and I swear by them.

A weekly AHA night be a good option, too. BHA will prevent any breakouts and the AHA will help with surface flakiness.

ETA: I do not use BHA when I apply my weekly AHA. Not at the same time, and not even the next time I wash my face. I use a weekly 10% from Paula's Choice, also. The BHA would be daytime and maybe not every day because of the Differin. I'm not 100% sure how using both Differin and AHA would work for your skin. I certainly wouldn't layer them.

[calico]

I struggle with hormonal acne and I have great success between regularly using an AHA and taking spearmint capsules.

[cattledogkisses]

Sorry, feel like I should clarify a bit. The acne is very mild and not bothersome. It's more the fact that the hormonal fluctuation seems to suck every last bit of moisture and life out of my skin, and leaves it looking dull, flaky, and almost greyish in a way that emphasizes every little red mark and imperfection. I don't know if I should be switching up my moisturizer, or adding in something else to my routine, or what.

Thank you for the suggestions though, I do appreciate it!

[tiramisu]

Sept 17, 2019 12:11:00 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Sorry, feel like I should clarify a bit. The acne is very mild and not bothersome. It's more the fact that the hormonal fluctuation seems to suck every last bit of moisture and life out of my skin, and leaves it looking dull, flaky, and almost greyish in a way that emphasizes every little red mark and imperfection. I don't know if I should be switching up my moisturizer, or adding in something else to my routine, or what.

Thank you for the suggestions though, I do appreciate it!

Honestly, it sounds like you need an AHA and more moisture with that explanation. Try an AHA product (weekly or even a lower strength one several times a week). Doing it before you get flaky should help keep that from happening. Also, is the Differin something you need to use daily? I'm wondering if it's maybe a little strong and contributing to the issue. But if you don't have any sensitivity and it's really just once a month, I'd start with the AHA and a richer nighttime moisturizer.

[cattledogkisses]

Sept 17, 2019 12:18:58 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

Sept 17, 2019 12:11:00 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Sorry, feel like I should clarify a bit. The acne is very mild and not bothersome. It's more the fact that the hormonal fluctuation seems to suck every last bit of moisture and life out of my skin, and leaves it looking dull, flaky, and almost greyish in a way that emphasizes every little red mark and imperfection. I don't know if I should be switching up my moisturizer, or adding in something else to my routine, or what.

Thank you for the suggestions though, I do appreciate it!

Honestly, it sounds like you need an AHA and more moisture with that explanation. Try an AHA product (weekly or even a lower strength one several times a week). Doing it before you get flaky should help keep that from happening. Also, is the Differin something you need to use daily? I'm wondering if it's maybe a little strong and contributing to the issue. But if you don't have any sensitivity and it's really just once a month, I'd start with the AHA and a richer nighttime moisturizer.

Is there any particular AHA product that you'd recommend?

The 0.1% Differin is actually a step down, lol.  I used to have a prescription for the 0.3%.  I've been using it for about 10 years now, so my skin is pretty used to it. 

[tiramisu]

Sept 17, 2019 19:44:14 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Sept 17, 2019 12:18:58 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

Honestly, it sounds like you need an AHA and more moisture with that explanation. Try an AHA product (weekly or even a lower strength one several times a week). Doing it before you get flaky should help keep that from happening. Also, is the Differin something you need to use daily? I'm wondering if it's maybe a little strong and contributing to the issue. But if you don't have any sensitivity and it's really just once a month, I'd start with the AHA and a richer nighttime moisturizer.

Is there any particular AHA product that you'd recommend?

The 0.1% Differin is actually a step down, lol.  I used to have a prescription for the 0.3%.  I've been using it for about 10 years now, so my skin is pretty used to it. 

I really like the ones from Paula's Choice. For multiple times a week, I use the 8% AHA. I've even used it once a day in the past. The 10% is really nice too, and you can use that 1-2 times per week. I know lots of people love the Drunk Elephant babyfacial, but I haven't tried it so I can't speak to a recommendation.