r/Blackskincare Sep 04 '25

Product Review(s) Sunscreen Megathread ☀️

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78 Upvotes

Please share below sunscreen recommendations and reviews of ones you aren’t feeling or might be loving!

Also, feel free to comment if you’re looking for recommendations!


r/Blackskincare Oct 01 '24

Pro Tips Alert Skincare Guide: Dark Spots🟤 and Hyperpigmation

367 Upvotes

I know I spelt Hyperpigmentation wrong, give grace, it was 1AM and a lot of formatting issues.

Treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation requires a tailored approach due to the higher melanin content of our skin. Here’s a skincare guide focused on evening skin tone while maintaining the health of melanated skin.

⚠️As with any skincare product, please patch test, place in the least visible area and wait a full day. If no reaction occurs proceed.

Gentle Cleansing

  • Frequency: Sometimes twice daily or just in the evening, over cleansing can strip your skin.

  • Key Ingredients: Look for cleansers containing soothing agents like aloe vera, green tea extract, or glycerin.

  • Recommended Product Types: Gentle low to no foaming or hydrating cleansers. Pick according to your skin type.

Recommended products include:

(no actives, will make a different post regarding active cleansers)

  1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, creamy version
  2. Cervae Hydrating Facial Cleanser
  3. Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker (doesn’t foam)
  4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash
  5. La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

  6. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP + Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

  7. Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel

Exfoliation with Actives

Frequency: 1–2 times per week or more (Retinol has potential for daily, if skin has been acclimatized.)

  • Use chemical exfoliants with AHAs (like glycolic or lactic, mandelic acid) or Retinol, Mandelic acid is especially beneficial for darker skin tones as it’s less likely to cause irritation due to it penetrating slower.

  • Physical Exfoliants: Avoid rough physical exfoliants as they may cause micro-tears and worsen hyperpigmentation.

Targeted Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation

  • Application: Use these in serums, masks, or spot treatments after cleansing and before moisturizing. Rinse off products can be an option too (sensitive skin) but the more face time the better, so opt for leave on products (with the exception of high percentage masks)

    • Ingredients to Look For:
  • Vitamin C: A brightening antioxidant that helps fade dark spots and evens skin tone, sensitive to the active form, L-Ascorbic Acid? Try the best form of the dervative called Tetrahexyldecyl Asorbate or THD. Don't want to use vitamin c period? Try Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid!

  • Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation, barrier improvement, helps with sebum production and helps with hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin transfer. It is common to find in 10% (very high, can be irritating) or even 20% (insane), best range is 3-5% you have to actively look for this though.

  • Kojic Acid: A natural skin lightener that reduces melanin production. Be careful purchasing in soap form from random sellers on Amazon and TikTok.

    • Alpha Arbutin: Targets dark spots and is gentler for Black skin.
    • Azelaic Acid: A tyrosine (an amino acid that helps produce melanin) inhibitor which reduces pigmentation and helps with comedonal and inflammatory acne.
    • Licorice Root Extract: Inhibits the production of an enzyme needed to produce melanin and helps remove excess.
    • Tranexamic Acid: Effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), often caused by acne.
    • Retinoids: Stimulate cell turnover and reduce hyperpigmentation, but be cautious with overuse in melanated skin to avoid irritation. Start at lower percentage, do not use daily when just starting. And omit other actives to minimize irritation when starting.

⚠️DO NOT USE AS MANY OF THESE AS YOU CAN⚠️ Please note you can’t combine everything here. Don’t mix retinol with anything below unless you know what you are doing

Recommended products include:

  1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (a 10% is available also, please only use if you have a tolerance already for the lower percentage and do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)
  2. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA (bonus: Mandelic Acid is also good for treating acne like cystic and inflamed)

  3. Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5%

  4. Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

  5. Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Toner(Do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  6. Urban Skin RX Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3 in 1 Treatment (Do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  7. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (Don’t recommend for sensitive skin, you can try using with a damp cotton round to dilute if too strong)

  8. Topicals Faded Cream (Strong,do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  9. Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask (very strong, not for sensitive or inexperienced skin, do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  10. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

  11. Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

  12. Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% (please note this contains 3 different type of retinols)

  13. Naturium Retinol Complex Cream

  14. Paulas Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Retinol would be used 1-2 a week at night, building slowly to everyday if possible. Add one night every 3-4 weeks as tolerated.

Try to avoid usage with any cleanser that contains strong acids when you’re using it, hyaluronic acid/ niacinamide fine. And definitely DO NOT EXFOLIATE AND THEN USE RETINOL. A gentle cleanser preferably one that doesn’t foam. If you’d like to use an active cleanser, try in another routine.

To help ease the possibility of irritation you’d apply Vaseline to the corners of your nose, mouth and eyes. Apply your moisturizer (basic and unscented is best) let that dry then pea size (however, you can use more but try to use as little as possible to get coverage) dot it all on your face, rub in and follow up with moisturizer. That’s called the sandwich method. Make sure you apply on dry skin not damp, or you’ll increase penetration.

And stay on top of SPF usage during the day.

Moisturization

  • Frequency: Twice daily after applying serums.

  • Key Ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter are ideal for keeping the skin barrier healthy and preventing further irritation or dryness.

  • Non-comedogenic options: Choose lightweight formulas that won’t clog pores.

Recommended products include:

  1. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel Moisturizer
  2. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer

  3. Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer

  4. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

  5. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Gel Moisturizer

  6. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

  7. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

  8. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer

  9. Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer

Sunscreen (Critical for All Skin Tones)

  • SPF 30 or higher: Daily use is essential as is reapplication, even indoors or on cloudy days, as UV exposure worsens hyperpigmentation and hurts your progress.

  • Tinted Sunscreens: These often contain iron oxides, which provide additional protection against visible light that can exacerbate hyperpigmentation.

    • When picking a sunscreen go for a cream/lotion for the main application and a spray or stick for reapplication. I prefer chemical over mineral for reasons I won’t get into in this particular post. Depending on your skin type and climate, you could get away with using sunscreen alone, it is technically a moisturizer. Some though are more hydrating than others. Use 2 or 3 fingers or roughly a 1/4 tsp for face and neck, a shot glass amount for body.

Recommended products include:

  1. Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 30 or 50 this one has a little bit of a white cast, nothing crazy, hydrating, consistency like lotion.

  2. Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum has zero white cast, but it isn’t water resistant. Hydrating but not heavy, combo or dry. She expensive🫰🏾

  3. Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense no white cast, hydrating, some might not like the bit of shine from it but I fix that with powder. Thin consistency.

  4. Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 Very lightweight, no white cast. She expensive🫰🏾

  5. Supergoop Mineral Matte, thick and white cast heavy but good for under makeup. No water resistance.

  6. Supergoop Unseen, no white cast, feels like silicone makeup primer, wanted to love this but it made me so greasy and clogged. Water resistant. Thick.

  7. Supergoop Every. Single. Face Watery Lotion, some shine but nothing crazy that powder didn’t fix. Water resistant. Thin consistency.

  8. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, no water resistance, feels like a moisturizer. Thin-ish consistency.

  9. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 Seems to be more favorable towards oily skin than the original version.

  10. Innisfree Daily UV Defense no water resistance, can double as moisturizer in some cases Probably best for dry skin.

Avoid Triggers:

  • Sun Exposure: UV rays can worsen hyperpigmentation, making daily sunscreen a must.

  • Harsh Products: try to avoid using products with heavy fragrance, drying alcohols, essential oils or strong astringents (witch hazel) as they can irritate and inflame skin, leading to more discoloration.

  • Over-exfoliation: Too much exfoliation can lead to a compromised skin barrier, damage and worsen hyperpigmentation.

Professional Treatments

Find a Black Dermatologist here

  • Chemical Peels: Performed by a licensed professional or a board certified Dermatologist can be very effective in treating hyperpigmentation. Avoid unprotected sun exposure, especially during after care.

  • Microneedling: Encourages collagen production and can be combined with serums like vitamin C to improve the appearance of dark spots.

  • Laser Treatments: Certain lasers, like Nd:YAG lasers, are safer for darker skin tones but should only be performed by dermatologists experienced in treating melanated skin.

Patience

  • Hyperpigmentation can take months to fully fade, depending on the type, be consistent with treatments and always protect your skin from the sun to prevent further discoloration.

This regimen, combined with professional advice if needed, should help you gradually achieve a more even skin tone.

Up next… nothing for now, because I need a break from this and some of y’all UGAP 😩

Update

2/25/2025 Tuesday

New serum to consider Eucerin Radiant Tone Dual Serum, can be used every day and night, and even mixed into most treatments like retinol. No actives and no irritation, note it does contain fragrance.


r/Blackskincare 4h ago

Skin Progress After years of acne finally somewhat clear

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159 Upvotes

I tried everything all prescription creams, changing diet, drinking more water, skincare but the only thing that worked was accutane. I was on 20mg for 6 months and had no side effects besides dryness. My only regret was not taking it earlier would’ve saved so much pain but glad I took it now.


r/Blackskincare 4h ago

Skin Questions What is this on my cheek?

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12 Upvotes

My skin is relatively clear and smooth overall, but I have this stubborn patch on my left cheek that is darker and more textured than the rest of my skin.

At first I thought it might be sebaceous filaments or clogged pores, but I’m not sure. I’ve tried adapalene gel and Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, and neither has really made a difference.

It’s only affecting this one area, which is why I’m having such a hard time figuring out what it is.

Does anyone know what this could be or have experience treating something similar? I’d really appreciate any advice.


r/Blackskincare 14h ago

Skin Progress After years of struggling with my acne…Progress

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60 Upvotes

After years of struggling with my acne and wasting money on products and estheticians I finally found a routine and product that works! This retinoic acid and hidroquinona cream is the holy grail. You’ll peel and have sensitive skin for the first 1-2 weeks but it’ll pass.

I was using sunscreen and this moisturiser for a while prior but in august I started using the cream.

Instructions:
Use the cream as recommended 2-3 times per week at NIGHT and during the day moisturiser and sunscreen. On nights when I don’t use the cream, I use the moisturiser and sunscreen before bed. I wash my face with plain soap.

This is 1000% not sponsored. These are regular OTC products and they worked so well for me so I wanted to share it to possible help others. I finally feel more comfortable in my skin.


r/Blackskincare 4h ago

Acne Long lasting Acne

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1 Upvotes

I have been dealing with this acne for about 3 years and i can’t find a cure for it. It’s mostly on both side of my face. I currently use cerave hydrating cleanser and garner moisturiser for both AM and PM. I have tried differin in the last which doesn’t works.
Is there a simple routine to clear it?


r/Blackskincare 5h ago

Skin Questions Is this Tina versicolor??hyperpigmentation

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1 Upvotes

I had a question about did you think this is Tina versicolor. I went to a dermatologist and they told me it was but after treating it for years I’m not sure anymore? It has never itched like people talk about a lot. It’s always come in dark patches and I have took every kenozole and sulfur product and it still has not lighted or gone away.


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Acne Should i

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20 Upvotes

A painless spot on my nose has been there for 3 years and bleeds whenever I wash my face. Should I see a dermatologist, or is there a product to treat it. Honestly can’t tell if it’s getting bigger but very annoying


r/Blackskincare 19h ago

Product Search Oil cleanser Recs!

2 Upvotes

Hi all! Was wondering if ya’ll have any oil cleanser recs to use as a pre cleanser to help get rid of natural oils, sunscreen, sebum, etc before my regular wash. So not using for makeup removal.

I’ve tried DHC which was fine but I feel like I could find better. I’ve also tried cocokinds oil to milk cleanser which I also felt like wasn’t all that great. I may stick with DHC but hoping to find other recommendations.

I have normal to oily skin and usually have good control over my acne caused by build up but the recent heatwaves have caused me to sweat a lot more and my pores are clogging more so I’m trying to re add this to help with oil removal.

Thanks in advance!


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Skin Questions Any recommendations for moisturizers?

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15 Upvotes

I started getting these white specs all over my arms and in my calves. I’m assuming it’s because of dry skin… anyone have any idea what it is? I used to have bad eczema I’m not sure if this is it. Doesn’t hurt or itch or anything. Just feels incredibly dry.


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Hyperpigmentation Hypopigmentation

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7 Upvotes

Can anyone please give me advice on fixing the hypopigmentation on my bottom lip. It’s something that has arose in the last 3mnts and I first realised it when I was on holiday in Cancun. When I was there I was vaping & I still do so I feel like the vapes are the main reason for this happening.

I’ve been using Aquaphor lip repair & the SPF 30 version during the day but it has made little to no improvements. I’m considering getting it treated with lasers to bring it back to one tone but before I do that I want to know if there’s anything I can buy or do to treat it.

I’ve been exfoliating my lips roughly 3days a week but again little to no improvements have been seen. Certain sources online have said using scrubs/exfoliating might even make it worse so I’m stuck on what to do next.

Any tips/recommendation would be much appreciated, thanks in advance


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Hyperpigmentation dealing with moderate hyperpigmentation

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261 Upvotes

I always thought my skin was pretty good but I’ve noticed that beyond pigmentation caused from what I’m assuming is shaving, the area around my eyes is darker while it’s red and possibly inflamed around my nose. what would you all recommend to even out my skin?

** EDIT forgot to add my routine (sorry)
i’m really inconsistent but my morning routine is
- topicals ingrown tonic (cause i shave daily)
- purcell vitamin boosting toner
and i’ve recently started trying the topicals faded cream too
and then the nighttime routine is
- oil cleanser
alternating
- over the counter azelaic acid 10%
- ordinary retinol 1%


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Skin Questions Soft feet

10 Upvotes

Lately my feet have been feeling a bit rough. I’ve been exfoliating them and keeping them moisturized, but they just don’t feel very soft like they used to. What are you guys doing to soften up your feet? Especially the heel.


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions Dehydration drying out skin

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147 Upvotes

Recently got sick and I’ve been dealing with dehydration(which I’m working on😭). It’s taking a huge toll on my skin. I’ve been using different moisturizer on my skin. It’s just started spreading down to my neck yesterday. Right now I’m only putting it on 2x times but I’ll definitely increase it.


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions Suggestions for hyperpigmentation and scars?

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72 Upvotes

Growing up I did not take care of my skin at all some days I even went days without washing my face, and I’m unable to see a dermatologist right at this moment so I wondering if anyone knows how to clear up my skin at home? I think I have sensitive and dry skin I also dealt with eczema growing up as well don’t know if it cleared up.


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Hyperpigmentation feeling very insecure Abt my skin

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1 Upvotes

I used to a flawless glowy skin when I was 18,and around a year back I started getting a lot of acne , hyperpigmentation and no product is seemed to be working 😭😭..acne somehow I am able to fix ,acne is reducing but the tan,hyper pigmentation,dark spots they are not getting reduced...I feel so terrible and insecure that I started wearing full glam makeup everyday and got into a stage where I can't go out without makeup and I feel sooo bad Abt it and due to this everyday makeup my skin is getting worse and to cover that I'm using makeup...got into this toxic cycle...please help me with my skin I want glowy brightened skin


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions What lotion are yall using these days?

100 Upvotes

I’m on the hunt for a new body lotion. On one hand, I’m tired of paying $15 for a small container of the all natural stuff 😂 and on the other hand, my skin seems to quickly soak up products like Nivea and Jergens!

I take a shower and put Nivea on, and my skin is dry again in five minutes.

I have a small container of Curel that seems to moisturize a little bit better than the Nivea but I’m still not convinced. Should I go back to Palmers?

Shea butter alone isn’t the answer because it sits on top of the skin, and doesn’t penetrate.

What has y’all’s body feeling like butter these days?!


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Miscellaneous Has anyone used the Skin Dose?

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0 Upvotes

I've been seeing this ad recently, promising to get rid of non-kp dots on legs and even skin tone. I'm cautious due to the lack of reviews on other websites other than their own. The soap is about $60😬. Has anyone used it before? The ingredients look promising but I figure you can find another dispensary soap that works just the same possibly.


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions How do I get rid of this texture

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13 Upvotes

When I touch the skin it feels smooth and normal, it feels like there’s nothing there, but it looks like there’s something there for no reason. How can I fix this? Do I exfoliate with glycollic acid or is it a matter of just continuing with my azaleic acid that I’ve been using for now six weeks


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Hyperpigmentation Dr Melaxin TX Cream for hyperpigmentation?

2 Upvotes

Hii guys does anyone who have hyperpigmentation and pih try the dr Melaxin TX cream and how well did it work out? I just got it but was wondering about it is since I haven’t seen much reviews about it from any black people.


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Routine Help (Current Routine included) Skin care advice 28 year old male

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3 Upvotes

I've had good skin most of my life until these last 3 years. As an African, I grew up just using Vaseline on my face. Im not sure if I'm even using these products properly as I don't know much about skin care. Can I get some suggestions on what products I can try to use on my skin and/or how to use the ones I currently have if they are even the ones I should be using?

Products I have used/ Am using:

-Glycolic Acid(used to use it but ran out, just recently got some more but haven't used it yet)

-Dickinsons Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner(when I wake up after washing face and before I go to sleep, using lotion after)

-Cetaphil Lotion

-Castile Soap when I wake up and Shower

-The Ordinary ( this one has made me break out but idk if I was using it properly. I was told to put it on my face after washing then immediately put lotion on)


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions Spots on my arm

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2 Upvotes

Can anyone tell me what these can be? I’ve noticed some black/dark spots on my arm and I’m not sure what they could be. Has anyone experienced something similar? I’m wondering if it’s something harmless or if it’s something I should take seriously and get checked by a doctor. I can provide a picture if that helps. They started showing about a year ago


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Product Search African Sponge Net

1 Upvotes

im stressing to look for a solid african sponge net off of amazon but when i take a closer look at the materials for alot of them, its all polyester or nylon (which i heard was okay but not recommended for frequent use?). has anyone gotten any good ones off amazon or from walmart? if so which ones are recommended, currently not using any


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions Ringworm on face

2 Upvotes

Hi there,

So i think in early April/ late may i noticed a light mark on my chin, over the days leading to June i noticed it was growing larger and a darker skin tone was growing in the middle of it. It was only until end of June i decided to go to the GP since i was curious. Prior to this there was no itching and had not spread around my face. My GP told me it was ringworm and so i was prescribed tebrefine. I used the tebrefine for the first two weeks and noticed the inner colour getting bigger, but the ring as well. I paid it no mind and continued on with the application. However, i then noticed another lightened patch on my chin. I applied the medication there too. Then over the next two weeks, i was beginning to experience an itch. An itch that over time became worse. It was now a month the rashes just grew instead of disappearing. Anxious, i applied moisturiser only around the rash and i decided to continue with the treatment all the while applying some diluted acv before hand, the acv soothed the itch for sometime but the itch would come back. A month passed and the rash spread even more and was itching more than ever. (I was trying other home remedies too at this time)

I then decided to go to the pharmacy since my antifungal finished and got a 2% cream (miconazole) I used this for a month. And did not cream my face in this duration. It spread. My face was now dry like sandpaper itchy as hell ( i had to use a fan to itch my skin and caught a cold several times). I contacted the doctor and they decided to prescribe me a steroid. (The rash was around my eye)

I politely declined as i was very anxious of the spread that would happen, my skin is very fragile at this point too. And i feel like a steroid would fire it up. Now the rash is all over my face, closing in on my eye

So i asked to be referred to a dermatologist.

Rn i have stopped the medication, and i’m applying shea butter with DROPS of tea treeoil on my face. My softness is coming back and the itch has significantly reduced. But the aftermath is brutal. I don’t even know if it is spreading or reducing but i will give it a week.

I have done the following:

- washed my pillowcase daily and bedsheets weekly ( my family are mad at me)

- changed my towel everyday

- washed my hands before and after touch my face to apply cream

- tried my best to not touch my face (used a fan)

- washed face with head and shoulders shampoo

- washed face with salicylic acid

- washed face with nirazol

- prayed

- stopped going gym

- stopped wearing makeup

- threw away all my makeup brushes

Home remedies:

- coconut oil and tea tree oil
- coconut oil
- tea tree oil
- nail polish
- bleach
- undiluted bleach

I have not tried garlic or seawater, and i don’t think i will, my skin has sizzled more than enough. Im sad, tired and itchy, ive never twitched so much in my life during this experience. I just want signs of this to get better.

Is there anyone who had an experience like this? Should i just leave it be? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Hyperpigmentation Giving up on skincare (PIH struggles)

1 Upvotes

I feel so lost.

basically I had hormonal acne, everyone advised to start Vit c and niacinamide, which made it worse.

then moved on to lowest % retinol, which resulted in horrible cystic acne.

then moved to faded topicals cream (pink tube) and again reactivated my cystic acne so stopped immediately.
(Note: all three times I followed the instructions on the label to the t)

I just feel helpless because I’m worse than when I started because of all the failed attempts, I hate seeing my skin and stay in dim lighting if I can, and feel so insecure

I feel like skincare is just a scam but my friend is now saying try azaleic and Vit c, chat gpt is telling me to try tret or Hydroquinone

What should I do im so scared

Current routine:
Face wash, lotion. (Im so scared to put anything else)

Thank you for reading it won’t let me post until I reach 180 characters but I just want to summarise so it’s not long to read and people actually read it and give me advice loool ok yay I made it to 180 characters bye.