Used to look in the mirror and cry when i was a kid because of how bumpy, dry, and uneven my skin texture was. Still a work in progress but im happy with how it looks now! Ive realized now that back then i was just using a bunch of random bullshit on my face and hoping something would stick. Now less is more

I've had persistent bags under my eyes that never seem to go away, even when I'm well-rested. I'm looking for a long-term solution, not temporary fixes like eye creams or cold compresses.

If you've dealt with this and actually found something that worked, what was it? I'm open to hearing about products, treatments, or medical solutions. Any advice is appreciated!

This just started recently and I’m not sure why. The only difference I can think of is that I’m more stressed recently if that makes a difference? Other than that my routine for the area is just physical exfoliation twice a week and moisturizing (sunscreen on neck (sometimes)). I’ve heard Amlactin can help. Any thoughts or insight? Thanks!

it used to get much darker whenever i shaved. after i stopped shaving for a while, the darkness faded a little, but it’s still noticeable. the sides of my torso are also darker than my chest and stomach areas.

I recently had to retrain my skin and went from a straight razor to using electric clippers after a huge breakout on my skin. Do you have any tips on how to even out my skin tone? I certainly use an assortment of CeraVe facial cleansers, with azelaic acid and tretinoin on opposing days.

A month ago, I noticed that I was getting a spot near the corner of my mouth. It’s not raised nor textured, just a spot that isn’t the same color as the rest of my skin tone. Then two more spots appeared. You can see them clearly in natural light. They don’t itch or bother me other than I don’t know what they are and they’re not the same color so it’s noticeable. I used to use vitamin c, a peptide serum, the olay super serum, and la Roche moisturizer but since the spots appeared, I’ve been only using Olay’s super serum and La Roche moisturizer with UV. I’m a woman in my mid 30s if that means anything. Can anyone tell me what this is?

I cleaned out my bathroom shelf this weekend and realized I had three serums, two exfoliants and a spot treatment all basically aimed at the same old acne marks. My skin isn’t even breaking out much right now, but somehow my routine still looks like I’m fighting for my life lol.

I’m trying to simplify for a while and only keep things I can actually tell are earning their spot. The one thing I’m still curious about is red light therapy because it wouldn’t mean adding another active, but I’ve seen really mixed experiences from people with deeper skin tones. If you use an LED mask, what made you decide it was worth adding to your routine?

typo on the title lol meant to say adding more is making it harder!

I'm currently using the Ordinary 10% Azealic acid as part of a routine to clear my tear burns. After three month of pretty consistent use, I'm seeing some results.

It's time for a new supply and I'm wondering if I should switch to a higher concentration for faster results. I'm seeing fairly decent reviews for Dermatica's 15% (one of the very few reputable brands that sells 15% OTC). Does anyone have any experience with an increase and/or specifically with the Dermatica product?

So far, I have had zero negative reaction to the Ordinary and again, there has been progress. I would like to speed up results but not at the expense of a set-back (irritation, etc.) so if slow and steady is the better option, I will accept that advice as well.

*our, not "out"

I took this picture when the sunlight hit my face in the car today, my camera doesn't do it justice. I was nearly blinded

(And yes I'm trying to work on my texture, advice is appreciated!)

Currently using: garnier micellar water, cos de baha hydroquinone serum, cetaphil lotion, and la roche-posay anthelios spf 50 sunscreen. DO NOT TRUST the picture above, my skin is extremely hyperpigmented and I have a bad 5 o'clock shadow.

I woke up like this, this picture above is the part in between my eyebrows and I just felt the burning and stinging as soon as I tried to put my Simple moisturiser.

I already know I have seborrheic dermatitis (usually on my scalp), but it recently spread to my face - specifically around the creases
of my nose and between my brows.

It gets super itchy, yellow flaky, and gets so tight and cracked that it occasionally bleeds.

Here’s the thing: I have sensory issues (autism) and genuinely cannot stand the feeling of moisturisers, so **I never use moisturiser on the rest of my face at all**. The *only* time I put any on is right on those flare-up spots when they get bad.

*The confusing part is that :* When I put my regular moisturiser on, the flakes seems like it disappear and my skin is back to normal , but a day or two later if I forget to use the moisturiser the flakes come back.

**My Routine Right Now:**
**-Cleanser:** Vanicream Facial Cleanser (super gentle, fragrance-free)
**-Moisturiser:** Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser (fragrance-free, sensitive skin) with niacinamide and pro vitamin B)

Why does my moisturiser seem to help for a sec and then make it worse? And how do I fix the bleeding bits without burning my face off? Any product recs easily available in the UK. Help a girl out pls!!

I (25F) have been dealing with this texture/pigmentation issue on my chin for quite some time now. Recently it feels like it has gotten more visibly noticeable and more bumps appearing. I first noticed it a couple years ago, but paid no mind to it because it doesn’t itch or burn or cause any issues besides being unsightly.

Last year I told my doctor about it and she told me it was possibly AN (Aconthosis Nigricans) so I started cutting out sugar and losing weight but nothing seems to work. Even at my highest weight 2 years ago the issue wasn’t as noticeable. It’s odd because some days I can feel it when I touch my chin and other days it’s hardly there?!?! My doctor also gave the option of a dermatologist and biopsy but when I brought it up to her again, months later, nothing was done for it.

Even if it is AN I only have it on my chin not my neck or anywhere else and it’s not velvety like I’ve seen in pictures it just bumpy. I’ve used good chemicals skincare, the ordinary, La Roche, and Cereve over the past years as skincare.

I moved abroad this March to China so I’m not aware of all my medical options yet, but since coming here I’ve tried tretinoin cream and urea moisturizer cream because theyre easily available and cheap and bc I’ve heard they’re both generally good for skincare. Again it’s not causing any issues besides confidence, it doesn’t itch, burn or ooze (?) but if anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it cause now it’s bothering me even more than before and it feels like it’s spreading further across my chin. 🙃

I am wondering if azelaic acid actually works because I used it once and now my skin has some bumps on it and a piece of my skin has even peeled so I just has a “scar” and idk if I wanna use it again but I really wanna get rid of my dark spots and I’m not sure if it’s one of those things that it gets worse first and then gets better but literally so many people keep recommending it cus it does wonders for them but I’m not sure. I’m looking for recommendations to help get rid of my dark spots/hyperpigmentation and acne. I used to use tretonin and it really helped so I can def get another because it was prescribed to me but at the moment other than the bumps that appeared cus of the acid I genuinely don’t have acne it’s just dark spots from scarring.

I’ve been struggling with acne and what I believe are chickenpox scars on my back, shoulders, and chest for several years now, and honestly, it’s starting to affect my confidence. I’ve tried to ignore it, hoping it would eventually clear up on its own, but nothing seems to be changing.
My mum thinks the reason my skin looks like this is because I only shower once a day instead of twice, but I’m not sure if that’s actually the cause. I try my best to maintain good hygiene, yet the bumps, dark spots, and scars are still there.
Some of the spots look like old scars, while others seem like active acne or small bumps under my skin. I’m not sure whether I should be using skincare products, body washes, creams, or seeing a dermatologist.
Has anyone experienced something similar and managed to clear it up? What products or treatments worked for you? I’d really appreciate any advice, especially on fading the dark spots, treating the bumps, and improving my skin’s overall appearance.

Hi everyone,

I have tried these three products (not at the same time), and my dark circles have lightened a little bit, but that's it.

It has been 8 months since I've been using these products, and my dark circles don't disappear, no progress.

I also put sunscreen before I go out.

What would you suggest to me?

(I apparently need 180 characters in order to post, so I'm writing this sentence to see if I can 180 characters in order to post.

I also have an assymetrical face 😔💔, and no, it's not because I sleep on my side or anything, I was born like this. I have one eyeball bigger than the other one or one eyeball that is more out of my skull than the other, I'm not sure which one it is. My mouth is also slanted, so I can look like this emoji 😕

I think I have 180 characters now.)

Hello everyone,

My (31F), boyfriend (31,M) has a lot of acne and scarring on the face following radiation and chemo. It has been about 6 months since his last chemo pill. He‘s tried numerous OTC products and some prescriptions to no avail. He drinks lots of water so that isn’t an issue. He‘s extremely self-conscious about it. looking for all suggestions.

TIA and bless you all.

I’ve had a dark, bumpy patch of skin under my chin for a few years now. Consistent sunscreen use has only faded it slightly. I use Paula’s Choice exfoliant off and on, and I recently introduced Pond's cream into my routine. Does anyone have recommendations on how to clear this area up or smooth out the texture?

Thank you!

I’ve been struggling with severe razor bumps and irritation pretty much since I started shaving at 13, and I’m genuinely at my wit’s end.
I have very coarse, tightly curled 4C facial hair, and no matter what I do or how I shave, I ALWAYS end up with razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and irritation.

Over the years, I’ve tried pretty much everything I can think of, including:
Multi-blade razors
Single-blade/safety razors
Electric foil shavers
Philips OneBlade
Regular beard trimmers
Waxing
Magic Shave powder
Pretty much every razor bump prevention product on the market
Tretinoin and various skincare products meant to help with ingrown hairs
Steaming my face, witch hazel, the ordinary glycolic acid, etc.

I’ve also experimented with different shaving techniques, but nothing seems to make a significant difference.
The frustrating part is that I genuinely hate how I look with facial hair. I feel like having a beard ages me so much, and I strongly prefer being as cleanly shaven as I can be. But at this point, it feels like I have to choose between having facial hair I don’t want or constantly dealing with painful bumps, irritation, and damaged-looking skin.

I’m seriously considering just getting laser hair removal because I’m so tired of dealing with this, but before spending that kind of money, and doing something that can effect my ability to grow a beard if I decide to in the future, I wanted to see if anyone else with similar hair has found something that actually works.

For other Black men with coarse, tightly curled/4C facial hair:

Have you found a razor, shaver, or shaving technique that actually prevents bumps?

Are there any products or routines that made a noticeable difference after trying everything else?

Has anyone gone through laser hair removal specifically for razor bumps? Was it worth it, and did it help long-term?

Is it even realistic to get a completely smooth shave with this hair type without constantly getting ingrowns?
I’d especially love to hear from people who used to have really severe razor bumps and actually managed to get them under control.

I’m genuinely open to any advice at this point. I just want to be able to shave my face without my skin looking and feeling terrible afterward. Thanks :)

If it wasn’t obvious by the photos I have a picking problem lmao. I always have, and I’m getting help for it so I’d like to not focus on that. But I really wanna know if there’s a way to get rid of this entirely, and if there’s not just tell me. Are there any products strong enough to address these spots on my back :( thanks

And the second photo is just the other side of my back

And please just recommend anything this shit makes me cry every day

I had just started arazalo in September. My main hyperpigmentation spots however just remained there and didn’t seem to fade (middle of forehead and cheek). (To mention these marks are from extreme excessive picking).

The next month I travel to a country where the climate is very hot, humid. This is also when i incorporated this cos de baha hydroquinone serum into my routine. I used it pretty much every other night on top of arazlo. In a MONTH, pretty much all my hyperpigmentation cleared. This is the clearest I’ve seen my skin in years. My main priority spots aren’t fully gone but good enough for me to be confident.

However I travel back to Canada and my skin immediately breaks out. Then my hyperpigmentation kind of becomes stagnant again like it’s not fading at all. It pretty much came back 3 months later. And when I tried the exact same routine again my skin looked irritated so i stopped using the hydroquinone. My routine has remained the same just without the hydroquinone. Does anyone know what the possible cause of this could be and the fix?

I’m just really kind of shocked I was able to clear it in basically a month but now that’s it’s come back I’ve been consistent for 6+ months and can’t tell if it’s really fading or not.

Also to mention I was in the hottttt sun everyday and only applied sunscreen once before I went out. I was also shocked by this extreme fading after being told chemical sunscreen isn’t enough protection 😳

Routine

Morning
The ordinary 10% Azelaic acid
Random off brand vitamin c I found at giant tiger
The ordinary beta glucan moisturizer
Banana boat 30 spf

Night
Arazlo
Hydroq (cos de baha) and I did follow the proper taper off method
The ordinary beta glucan moisturizer

I’ve been struggling with hyperpigmentation and acne on my back chest and shoulders for years now, and I’m yet to find a product to give me results without either irritating my skin or not working. I’ve tried to go to dermatologist, my diet isn’t bad, etc. Any advice is appreciated.

Hit 1 month on Differin (adapalene 0.1%) and wanted to share progress

Routine:

AM: moisturizer and sunscreen

PM: moisturizer then differin

Will maybe try to alternate differin witb azelaic acid cream?

Btw, unrelated: the last photo shows a line under each eye. Is that a tear trough, or just dark circles/shadow? If it's a tear trough, can skincare help at all, or is it mostly structural?