So on June 19th I accidentally injured myself with a box cutter breaking down boxes. The ER put 17 stitches that I left in for 14 days (under medical advice/care).

I have kept it completely out of the sun and covered with a layer of aquaphor (I’m allergic to Neosporin) during that time.

I’m looking for advice and tips on how to make this heal better.

I just started silicone scar tape now that the wound finally closed, but I’m unsure if that’s working at all.

I know to keep it out of the sun and it will take time, but what else can I do to be more proactive?

Thanks in advance!!

My eyelids are always dry and wrinkly. I tried every creams including the ones for eczema. Any advice?

I bought tretinoin couple months ago and I am afraid to use it because I don’t want to make it worse. Please help! Thanks!

The first pic is my before and after (dec 2024), and the second pic is how I look now.

In your opinion is it time to redo the filler? I feel like something in my profile is off but have no idea what.

Went to a dermatologist for the first time for my dry lips and she told me to not use Vaseline anymore on my lips unless it's at night.
She recommended me to use "Avene Cicalfate+" which I tried and I don't fancy it as its making my lips really white and they are back to being dry in less than 3 hours.

What are your opinions on using Vaseline throughout the day?

Personally it's been the only thing helping my lips feel normal because of how dry they get.
I've tried nearly everything else, Lanolin, Aquaphor, Labello, LRP cicaplast..and Vaseline has been the only one making them feel the best and I maybe have to apply it twice, three times a day.
Would it be bad to still use Vaseline despite what she said?

Edit: Thank you everyone for all the product suggestions and helpful tips!! I am very excited to at some point try everyone's suggestions until I can get to the bottom of this! :)

Little add-on since this post seems to get some traction and I don't want to repeat myself in the comments,
My dry lips started from an allergic reaction to my toothpaste! The irritation has gone away ever since I've swapped toothpastes, but sadly the skin seems to be struggling ever since and not heal properly, I'm in a constant dry and peeling cycle. Before the allergic reaction I've not dealt with dry/peely lips at all.
My derm wants me to do allergy patch testing before treating me so hopefully that'll help!

Idk if i’m trippin but i’ve joined a new gym and for some reason i sweat more there and i am slowly making the connection that if i dont shower immediately i get pretty bad pimples and redness a day or two after?! It’s so weird. Is this an actual thing?!

I have a really great natural canvas and not a crazy amount of wrinkles. I went to a TMJ consult today for masseter Botox.

I felt like the injectors behaviors was not appropriate but happy to hear other opinions.

She pretty much started off telling me everything wrong with my face even though I only was there because my dentist said I needed it for my facial swelling and clenching.

Said I was too young for lines here, for crows feet like I do, said I have big eyes so it makes the crows feet more noticeable, said my nose tip is too long and my chin is too receded so I need chin filler, said I need Botox under my eyes, and around my forehead even though she said I have hardly any forehead lines…

She then shows me a quote to do above the brow and tail lift Botox. It was the same price as the masseter (which doesn’t make sense to me because it’s such a large muscle in your jaw you have to put a decent amount of units for it to work)

She has me sign a treatment plan and I say I’m going to pass on the forehead for now… she started by saying it was needed to help with the migraines / TMJ tension and then switched it that it was for aesthetic to help me look more feminine because my muscle is so heavy there.

When I said I wanted to pass she said “okay… when you come in for your facial save up enough this time so you can get the cosmetic look!” I was kinda floored because I didn’t come in looking for forehead Botox. Also the chin filler was on my treatment plan. I never asked for that!?

The front desk lady booked me for all these follow ups and the chin filler and I genuinely was feel uncomfortable and forced into something I don’t want to do.

This was purely for therapeutic benefits!!!

There’s lots of other procedures I’d like to spend my money on that give natural results and I feel uncomfortable her shoving Botox and fillers down my throat.

The whole time too I felt she spoke down to me and just kept talking about how other people that I know that come to her have lots of money and get a lot done.

Anyone experience this or am I off base?

I'm 35 and finally have my own place again and a routine I stick to. Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen and also retinol a few nights a week. While I like my skin I do feel slightly more self conscious lately especially about my wrinkles. Also texture around my eyes and forehead. However, the idea of another serum or active drives me insane for some reason. Idk why, everything just feels too chemical..

Finally living alone has given me so much space (also literally) to relax and invest in hobbies. So I've been doing a bit of research and I'm thinking of getting a red light therapy mask. Saw that its good for my concerns but also I can't shake off the image of me wearing a red light mask while I read a book. Im aware I am romanticizing but honestly I don't really care, I want one. Plus I'm at a place financially where I can actually afford it without worrying too much and want to treat myself to these kinds of things.

Been looking at options but still undecided. For people who have one, what is your experience with it? How long did you use it and how do you incorporate it into your routine? Recs also welcome, thank you!!

Never been a routine girly but I want to be! I’m just not sure where to start.

My rosacea has really gotten out of control the last couple of years. My pores keep getting larger. I have little blackheads everywhere.

My skin is VERY sensitive so I have a hard time finding products that don’t turn my skin bright(er) red.

Currently I use dermalogica face wash nightly (double cleanse) and their powdered exfoliator maybe 1-2 times per week.

I also use a couple of products for rosacea/redness. Currently using Musely redness repair. I feel like it doesn’t work great so would be open to suggestions.

Any and all advice appreciated! :)

Hi all, looking for recommendations for sensitive, dry, red and eczema prone skin. Specifically around the eye area is the worst. Every cream I try seems to make my skin scream!!

Hello everyone,
Two days ago, I had a Hydrafacial Deluxe because that’s what my aesthetic doctor recommended. I originally went in for a Lumecca Peak laser treatment, but he wouldn’t do it because of the strong UV rays and the risk of developing new or more pigmentation. So I said, Okay, whatever you think I should get done, let’s do it.

The procedure started, and it was very relaxing. I actually felt like my skin was clean and very radiant afterward, which was great. But then the next day (yesterday), I noticed I had 2–4 new pimples (one of them is deep under the skin and very annoying) and multiple whiteheads. Is this normal?

I thought maybe since the Hydrafacial gets the gunk out, it’s just my pimples resurfacing, but the whiteheads? I have no idea where they came from.
We also agreed on me getting a Hydrafacial Deluxe every month (I usually just get a personalized peel depending on how my skin is feeling/looking that day, and I’ve never had a problem). Should I cancel my Hydrafacial plan?

I don’t mind paying €250 for it because I actually saw immediate results, but I also find it too expensive to be getting pimples right afterwards. Also, knowing I have mesotherapy and microneedling coming up, I feel like with all that hydration, skin renewal, and peeling treatments, I probably don’t need a Hydrafacial every month maybe just once every season?

What do you think? Is it normal to break out after a Hydrafacial?

Current routine is usually cleansing with micelar wipe and then cetaphil. Then milky toner and the byoma phytomucin. Then thin layer of moisturizer and embryolisse crème concentrate. And sunscreen. Nighttime is skin cycling (one night naturium aha/bha, next night tret, third night moisture focused.) sometimes use ponds cold cream at night to save money. I want another hydrating product after my milky toner but before a more sticky or glycerin heavy product like phytomucin or super saturated. Feel like there’s just sooooo many options. What have you been loving lately?

Early 30s, spent my 20s picking my face. I have pretty sensitive/reactive skin. My makeup never looks great. Looking for some recos for a daily face cream that can help with skin texture, redness, and dark spots. Where my recovering pickers at??

I went in for a deep “1” almost “11” between my eyebrows and the injector told me my “1” is static and cannot be treated with dysport. I was so sad! I still got 50 units because she said it will prevent it from getting worse.
Question: does anyone know what I can do to totally remove this deep static line??

I am south east asia living in europe. I'm pretty sure these are solar lentigo. I try to use sunscreen (Biore Aqua) and a hat when I go out but they keep increasing in number....

I do use Inkeylist Retinol 3 times a week (alternating with the Ordinary multipeptide serum and soothing barrier and support serum because my skin is dry).

How do I get rid of these? Do any serums work or is it just laser?

Mid30s F
Since starting B12 injections, I have been having terrible skin. Lately my acne has become cystic (?) with big painful nodules that are hard and take weeks if not months to heal. I need to carry on my treatment because I’m B12 deficient, so all I can do is try to make my situation less painful. I’ve been using CeraVe Hydrating foaming oil cleanser for about a year now because my skin can be very dehydrated, but I’d love to know if someone with a similar type of acne has found a better alternative. Should I switch to Aveeno Calm and restore cleanser?

My current routine is:

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Bioderma Sebium Hydra moisturiser
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water Sun serum SPF50+

Has anyone had a similar type of acne, what helped you make it less severe?
Would it make sense to use retinal or would it destroy whatever is left of my skin barrier?

Hey guys, I hope this is the right place to ask. So I’m not very good at keeping a regular skincare routine but have been for the past couple of days- under eye patches, lip patch, serum, moisturiser but I’ve noticed my skin has been very dry since yesterday especially the corner of my lips, my hair line, nose and now under my left eye (Ohyh and I’ve been using a face wash every morning). How do you find which product works for you without having to buy every brand of product to sample?

To keep it short: I’m currently using Curology with clindamycin, tretinoin, and azelaic acid. Even after using higher-strength tretinoin and azelaic acid, my skin still looks older than I’d like. I’m considering stopping my routine and getting a chemical peel, but I work outdoors in the sun. How should I go about this safely?

I’m struggling with wearing sunscreen everyday because they all seem to turn my face into an oil slick within a couple hours. The closest I’ve come to liking one is Supergoop unseen - it works great under makeup, but for some reason I find it turns much greasier on bare skin, and I don’t wear makeup most days.

Would the Supergoop matte screen be worth trying, or does anyone have any other recommendations? Cruelty free is preferred, but I’m pretty desperate at this point.

Hi everyone,

I'm 30F and have been using tretinoin 0.1% for about a month now (every other night).

For context, I had used tret 0.05% around 2 years ago, and my skin tolerated it very well. This time too, I'm not experiencing much peeling, purging, redness, or burning. My skin seems to tolerate the 0.1% strength surprisingly well.

However, my skin just looks **very dry, dull, and lacks that healthy glow**. It almost looks dehydrated rather than irritated.

My current routine:

**AM**

* Rinse with plain water

* Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum

* Bioderma Atoderm Moisturizer

* Rivela SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen

**PM**

* Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

* Tretinoin 0.1% (every other night)

* Rest day in between tret applications

I was considering adding **VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot** and **The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%**, but I haven't started either because I'm worried about introducing too many actives while my skin is still adjusting.

Some questions:

* Is this dullness/dehydrated look normal around the 1-month mark?

* Should I just give tret more time?

* Would you focus on improving hydration/barrier support rather than adding more actives?

* Are there any products or routine changes that helped you get past this "dull phase"?

I'd really appreciate any advice or similar experiences!

(33F) Im planning to schedule a sofwave session at a clinic that specializes in lasers. I have perioral mounds around the corners of my mouth that bother me and i hope trying this laser will tighten & soften that area. Any thoughts? Im scared of the pain & that its going to end up looking worse as some people have said they lost facial fat after this procedure but i feel like at this point im willing to try anything. Has anyone treated their perioral mounds or smile lines with any lasers &/or fillers etc.?

Hi all! I have been using Bloomeffects Tulipscreen dew serum for 2 days now and have been really happy with the results. I feel like most tinted sunscreens I’ve used have been TOO light in coverage but this one seems to strike a great balance. I have combination skin and it does a good job of looking dewy without looking too oily. I was also pleased with the coverage for my under eyes as I have darker circles and recessed eyes that can cast some shadows.

Also: it doesn’t settle into fine lines throughout the day like previous foundations I have used.

I’ve also used the darker shade for countouring and the tulip tint for blush.

I tried the tulip tint on my lips and wasn’t a fan (too minerally) but I think it works great on the cheeks!

Just wanted to give an endorsement in case anyone is looking for something new.

One study found egg allergy in more than half of acne patients.
I have egg allergy (ovomucin) and get under skin pustules and acne 24 hours after eating egg. I discovered the allergy when tested due to persistent eczema. I don’t get typical obvious or immediate allergy reaction. Eating large amounts (an omelette a day for a week) swells me up and gives hives under the skin with small dots, delayed reaction. It takes at least 2 weeks for me to recover.

If you have acne, it might be worth eliminating egg for a month and see.

Hi all - I’m 32 and have suddenly (and I mean suddenly) had a crazy bout of what my derm thinks is hormonal acne. It’s ALL along my chin and jawline, with some tiny whitehead type bumps and deeper/bigger acne. Nothing has been truly cystic acne like I typically would think of with hormonal acne, but I guess the placement is what led my derm to this conclusion. Anyway, I’ve been trying PanOxyl for a few weeks and just a gentle cleanser without much luck. It just keeps coming back.

My derm has suggested spironolactone, which I’m fine with I guess…but my bigger question is why is this happening? I haven’t started/stopped birth control. I don’t even get a period because I skip my placebo week on the pill. If it’s truly hormonal, shouldn’t it be a little concerning my hormones are raging out of nowhere?

Anyway, have any of you had hormonal acne and tried to better understand the root cause? I’d much rather get my hormones in check than just get on something to mask it.

Hi all,

I have seen a lot of content on Ultherapy lately and am wondering if it’s worth the hype. I‘m 33, my skin looks pretty good but I am noticing that my skin is getting a little less tight around the jaw line and neck.

I am not expecting a miracle but hope to slow down the decline and prevent getting jowls.

What was everyone’s experience?

Thanks!!!

I’ve used two different versions of the same Hydroquinone Cream USP 4% from Amazon Pharmacy, and I’m curious if anyone else has noticed a difference.

The Westminster Pharmaceuticals version (red-bottom tube) has a much thicker, creamier consistency. It doesn’t spread very easily, so I have to rub it in more to make sure it covers the entire area. Because it’s so thick, it’s also harder for me to tell where I’ve already applied it.

The Acella Pharmaceuticals version (blue-bottom tube), on the other hand, is noticeably more fluid. It spreads much more easily, glides over the skin, and I feel like I get more even coverage without having to rub as much. Personally, I like this version a lot better because it’s easier to apply.

As far as effectiveness goes, I don’t know if there’s any difference, but the texture alone makes me prefer the Acella version.

Has anyone else received both versions? Which one do you prefer, and have you noticed any difference besides the consistency?