How do you find the right skincare products?

[poundcake]

My skin is sensitive, oily, has roseaca, lines/wrinkles, large pores. I can't seem to find the right products, or what I should be using as far as a regular regimen. What is the best way to find out what is best? I've tried so many things and had so many failures.

[tiramisu]

I started doing research into the products, especially their ingredients. I used Beautypedia as a resource. I did end up mostly starting to use Paula's Choice products, because it was an easy way of finding good products that wouldn't cause a sensitized reaction for me. I really tried to do as much research as possible before trying products.

[gastro]

I would start with low dose retinoids and work your way up to stronger stuff. Something with azelaic acid for the rosacea.

[wawa]

I mean, to an extent it's going to be trial and error.
You've already got a fair amount of that under your belt though, so first step is to take a look at what didn't work for you and see if there are common factors.

From there, I've totally bought into the idea that your skin's natural moisture barrier is paramount to being happy with your skin.
So I'd take a step back from any actives or cleansers that might be damaging it, go to the absolute basics (oil cleanser, low ph foaming cleanser, very simple moisturizer) and let your skin chill out for a bit. Then slowly start adding products in one at a time so you can see what's doing what.

[secretlyevil]

May 15, 2019 10:37:16 GMT -5 wawa said:

I mean, to an extent it's going to be trial and error.
You've already got a fair amount of that under your belt though, so first step is to take a look at what didn't work for you and see if there are common factors.

From there, I've totally bought into the idea that your skin's natural moisture barrier is paramount to being happy with your skin.
So I'd take a step back from any actives or cleansers that might be damaging it, go to the absolute basics (oil cleanser, low ph foaming cleanser, very simple moisturizer) and let your skin chill out for a bit. Then slowly start adding products in one at a time so you can see what's doing what.

^^^^ what she said

[bowies]

I think a consultation with a dermatologist would really help you narrow in on what you should be doing with your skin.

[litebright]

I have gotten so frustrated with the trial and error over the years, but I'm not sure there's a good way to avoid it -- although a dermatologist visit might be one route to ingredients to look for and/or avoid for your particular skin combination.

I totally agree with wawa, though, about the importance of natural moisture. I've had good luck with oil cleansing, although it worked better for me when I was living at a higher elevation and my skin was drier. I pretty much just scrub (gently) with a wet washcloth now, to get dirt and/or makeup off/exfoliate a bit, and sometimes use a small amount of one cleanser that I've found that isn't overly drying. Plus a moisturizer (Cetaphil) and a sunscreen during the day. Those are my basics, and I've been experimenting with other things to see what difference they make. Right now it's glycolic acid peel pads.

But honestly, I also feel like my hormones impact the appearance of my skin at any given time way more than any of the products that I've used over time. I have yet to find a combination of products that outweigh the monthly fluctuations and keep my skin looking good all the time.

[poundcake]

May 16, 2019 5:32:30 GMT -5 bowies said:

I think a consultation with a dermatologist would really help you narrow in on what you should be doing with your skin.

I have over the years. The last one gave me a cream and told me use Neutrogenia which dried out my face so bad. And then told me just Dove and water and it didn't work. She gave me a Mirvaso sample and it worked on the redness as a temp thing but my insurance doesn't cover it and its so expensive.

I seem to leave with the same plan each time, benzoyl peroxide wash and metrogel. Use a moisturizer sparingly.

I'm locked into my insurance and asked to see another doc in the practice. It will take 5 more months but hopefully they will have better answers.

[ESF]

Ditto Wawa.

Here are a few more suggestions:

- Your regimen should have these basics:  moisturize and mineral SPF in the morning, and at night, two-step cleaning and moisturizer. Some people also clean in the morning.  I disagree with the suggestion to add retinoids right now. I'd get the basics figured out first before adding something more aggressive.

For cleansing, you need two cleaners: an oil based cleanser or makeup remover to remove debris and oils from your face, followed up by a low pH cleanser to clean it. If you don't know about low pH cleansers, this is a game changer. Most cleansers are too harsh on skin. You can google for more info and details on the pH of various cleansers, but if you need a drug store rec, try Cereve. It's a few dollars and lasts ages.  For oil based cleansers, I think Burt's Bees makes one, or you could try Pond's make up remover. 

- After cleaning and in the morning, follow up with a moisturizer. You need this even if your skin is oily. There are light weight ones. I don't have a good recommendation for oily skin.  

- In the mornings, you need a mineral based SPF on your skin. There's a cheap Biore one that people like off of Amazon.

- Learn the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin. This was a huge game changer for me. Even if your skin is oily, you could still be dehydrated, which could be contributing to the sensitivity and causing your skin to be more oily as a result. Here's a couple articles:

www.allure.com/story/dry-vs-dehydrated-skin-whats-the-difference

www.mamamia.com.au/dry-or-dehydrated-skin/

- While it's going to be trial and error, you should pick a routine, stick to it for say, 4-10 days, then if it's not working, change just one product. If you mix up too often and use too many products, you won't be able to figure out what the problem product is.