Skin Treatments or AJL's Forehead is a Craggy mess

[AJL]

My skin is super dry. I moisturize. I exfoliate and moisturize. I get facials. I try all kinds of creams and lotions and potions, but my forehead just won't get smooth. The pores are so BIG! I hate it, honestly. 

How do I fix this? Peels? Microderm abrasion? Forehead transplant? HALP!

*Also I have major resting bitch face. I promise I'm in a good mood.

[IIOY]

Hmm.  I'm no expert but I have been getting microderm peels for years and if your skin is super dry, you will actually be pretty limited as to what they can do because no aesthetician is going to want to aggravate dry skin.  Likewise for bumpy skin, although a chemical microderm (as opposed to a "scraping" microderm, in which a scalpel is used) will still be possible.  Have you seen a dermatologist?

I adore this photo and the bubble, BTW.

[ESF]

You may be over-treating it. My dry skin problem area is my chin. Too much treatments and switching of products causes it to freak the fuck out and turn into a disgusting mess.

Switch to gentle cleansers and see if that helps.

Your photo wins this board, BTW.

[Una]

Have you tried retinol?

[AJL]

Mar 25, 2015 14:36:59 GMT -5 Una said:

Have you tried retinol?

I haven't. Is this something I get through a derm?

[Una]

Mar 25, 2015 14:39:44 GMT -5 AJL said:

Mar 25, 2015 14:36:59 GMT -5 Una said:

Have you tried retinol?

I haven't. Is this something I get through a derm?

A derm or even (I think) some GPs will prescribe it. I think it can be pretty inexpensive if it's covered by insurance. I would start with an OTC retinol since they will be more gentle at a lower percentage. It's definitely something you want to ease into so you don't overdo it.

Some OTC retinols and retinoids:
www.skinacea.com/retinoids/types-of-retinoids.html#.VRMQrmTF84R

Another thing to consider if you haven't tried it is an AHA product, like glycolic or lactic acid. These can also be strong, so start slow with a low percentage. 

With either of these, sunscreen and lots of moisture are musts. And how much your skin can handle is very individual, so just watch for signs of irritation.

Sorry for blabbing. I'm kind of obsessed with skincare.

[Deleted]

What kind of makeup and hair products are you using? I had a bumpy forehead like that for 3-4 years, and it turned out that Bare Minerals was the culprit; learned this is common when I got a facial with a licensed aesthetician. Switched back to a liquid foundation and it cleared up in 1-2 months. For a gentle, non-drying exfoliation I really like the Amore Pacific enzyme peel; a bit pricy (for me anyway) but the bottle lasts forever.

[parisinthespring]

I personally wouldn't use any retinols on super dry skin. They are very irritating to the skin. It's also super important not to use them in the morning as they increase sun sensitivity and damage.
What products are you using? Avoiding anything with detergents is really important, as is avoiding hot water.
Is your skin dehydrated? Or is it more flakey? (I can't see in the picture. You are lovely!).

[spa]

Your cleanser is probably stripping the oils from your skin-

Though I haven't advertised it here I work for a dermatologist created skincare company. You might try their Soothe regimen. I can always message you more info.

Rodan and Fields is the name

[AJL]

Mar 27, 2015 1:52:08 GMT -5 spa said:

Your cleanser is probably stripping the oils from your skin-

Though I haven't advertised it here I work for a dermatologist created skincare company. You might try their Soothe regimen. I can always message you more info.

Rodan and Fields is the name

About a year ago, I used the R+F Refine regimen. I loved it! My skin looked amazing and was smooth and not irritated at all, but the cost was just too much.  Maybe I should go back to it? I don't know.

[spa]

@ajl yea I mean it is the only thing that has worked for me long term. I became a consultant for a variety of reasons, but now you can sign up as a consultant and get your kit reimbursed which is awesome. Since the pricing is cheaper for the regimens, and I became a skincare addict (oh well out of all my problems this is the least of my worries)

[MrsAxilla]

Like ESF, my problem area is my chin. Dry, flakey, irritated and broken out, all at once. I recently started retin-a (again. I've been on and off for years). This round is for some scarring on my forehead, so I just wipe the residue on my chin. Anyway, I also started using CeraVe moisturizer at the same time and I LOVE IT! I honestly think it's the best moisturizer I've ever used, and I've tried A LOT. Retin-a causes flakiness for the first few weeks, but I didn't have any of that with CeraVe. It got me through a real snotty cold, too. YKWIM - lots of tissues.