Beauty Tips For Body Care
Here are some reference picturesHey r/skincareaddiction! I've been lurking on this sub now for a while, and I think I’m finally in need of some help, as my circumstances are unique, both where I currently am, and my skincare situation. I have added a TL;DR at the top, because this is a long post, but I need help.TL;DR I am totally new to caring about a skincare regimen. I think I have dry, sensitive, acne prone skin. I am looking specifically for a new cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen for my routine, and overall tips that may help. I also have extensive surgical scars on my face, so I am looking for some non-invasive tips to decrease redness and texture if possible.Background and Skin TypeI have never given skincare much thought. I have had extensive surgery on the right side of my face to remove a birthmark, which naturally had me focusing more on covering that up than caring properly for the the rest of my skin. Now that I am older and wiser, I'm kicking myself for not starting earlier, but now is better than never.I believe I have pretty dry and sensitive skin, that is quite acne prone and easily turns red and lots of hyper pigmentation. I also have freckles which also creates an uneven skin tone.Also, as mentioned before, I have extensive facial scaring from 14 surgeries to remove a birthmark. I have multiple skin grafts (like the yellow skin on my nose and the red, pinkish skin under my eye) They are old scars (11 years old), and I've had extensive laser treatment done already for redness and texture. I've been looking into surgical scar revision, but I want to see if there is something I could add to my routine for the time being to help with the yellow discoloration on my nose, the pink/redness in the scars, as well as the brown areas around my eye (left over birthmark I think). However, the rest of my skin is my primary concern with this post.Location: I am currently backpacking Europe at the moment with my boyfriend, which makes finding American brands tough. We are headed to Bulgaria, Greece, turkey, Israel, and the U.K. Over the next 4 weeks, so any products you can find in those places would be preferred. However, I am American and my mom is sending me things in April, so I can get her to send me American products as well if need be. Both recommendations are welcome!Skin Concernsacne, texture, redness, surgical scaring/discolorationWhat I've TriedI've not been good to my skin at all until recently. I'm absolutely guilty of over washing and exfoliation, picking at my face, and not using sunscreen when I should. Much of the discoloration on my normal skin is the result of both acne scars, freckles, and hyper pigmentation. I believe I've been over exfoliating and using products that are too harsh on my skin for so long that I'm not totally sure how healthy skin is supposed to feel and look.I've used things like cetephil before, but like I said, I've been so unaware of my skin for so long I have no idea if those things really worked for me at all. I'm basically starting from zero.I've also visited the dermo back years ago as a teenager, but again, was never dedicated enough until now. When my boyfriend and I finally settle somewhere (we are traveling Europe at the moment together), I will 100% be going to the dermo again to explore more options like laser treatments, more intense chemical peels, etc.Current RoutineAM:Cleanser: I used to used my clarisonic in the AM and the PM, but I believe Ive been over exfoliating, so now I've either just been splashing water or using La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (European formula). I think it's too hard on my skin in the morning because my skin feels tight and try after, but not doing anything drives me crazy.Exfoliant (?): La Roche Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution with 0.5% Salicylic acid 2% clycolic acid (american formula) I've used the European formula as well which is called the “clarifying toner” and while I was back in the states bought the American one at Target. I think the American one is more drying but like I said, I was unaware before.La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ (European bought) I’m not sure what this is classified as, but I was using this all over but as my face has been so dry, I changed to just as spot treatment recently.Moisturizer: LA ROCHE-POSAY ROSALIAC UV RICH i hate this moisturizer, and i need to change it, but I'm not sure what to. After a few uses I think i have a slight allergic reaction to it, since my face gets itchy and tingly, and not in a good way. It has 15spf which is nothing, but I originally bought it because it said it would help redness, which I don't think it does.Sunscreen: none, there's just spf in the AM moisturizer, and in my makeup. Naturally I know this is wrong, so I'm looking for a sunscreen as well!PM: (almost the same as AM)Oil cleansing: hemp seed oil, I only started this about a week ago, and I'm already at least feeling a difference in how soft my skin is, so I'm hoping it's making a difference. I know a week is a bit hard to tell, though. I still have cc's on my forehead and cheek as well thoughCleanser: La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming GelExfoliant: La Roche Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution with 0.5% Salicylic acid 2% clycolic acidPhysical Exfoliant: I got a Clarisonic for Christmas which was great and my skin was never been softer, but I was using it every night and morning, which, after reading this sub, I think has over exfoliated and causes cc's. So I've backed off to only once a week. I haven't seen a huge difference yet but I'm sticking with it.La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+Moisturizer: Vaseline; this has been helping I think, but I'd like another moisturizer to put under it to be more hydrating. I only started this about a week ago as well, so full effect isn't yet apparentEating Habits/Water Consumption I eat a Whole Foods, plant based diet and drink a ton of water (trying to avoid the dehydrated skin problem). I've totally cut out dairy.I have a really bad habit of picking when stressed, but I'm getting better at getting it under control, and the better my skin is, the less I pick.Additional Info About Scar MaintenanceEverything that I do to the rest of my face I do to my scars. I used biooil for a while and I think that helped a bit with the color, but I think it's made cc on the rest of my skin.Recent Changes to RoutineMy only real recent changes are the hemp seed oil and Vaseline, as well as decreasing my exfoliation and washing to stop drying out my skin. I still have cc's, and I'm breaking out overall slightly less than before, however I didn't use my toner once and my face broke out again.... so I'm not sure what to do.What I Am Looking ForNew cleanser recommendations: something more gentle and hydrating. Something that can be used both AM and PM, or an additional kind of cleanser recommendation for the AM is needed.Moisturizer: both for AM and PMSun screenOther treatment options and recommendations for cc's, rough skin texture, etc. perhaps these will be introduced later in my routine once I get the basics down. Where am I going wrong? What am I overlooking? etc.Scar specific advice, if you have itI know this is a lot of information so I appreciate in advanced for any help anyone can offer, even with just one of my many issues. Naturally, It's been tough having such extensive scaring, and I've spent so long covering up my face, that now I want to help myself be proud of my skin, not embarrassed.
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by kelseyhuds
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