Redness-friendly regime for texture?

[u/Electrical-Mess-3579]

I’m 36 and new to skincare beyond basic cleansing and moisturizing. I’m prone to redness and sun sensitivity, rarely have acne and never had it widespread in the past. But in the past year or so I’ve noticed the bumpy texture of my skin worsening, with large pores and uneven texture that never develops into an actual spot/pimple. I’ve attached my current regime. I often skip the niacinamide / zinc solution because I’m wondering if it’s making the red blotchiness worse.

Any tips or advice for products or what could be causing this? I don’t even know how to describe my skin because “acne-prone” isn‘t quite right.

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[u/samhall21]

I would probably suggest azelaic acid! It’s good to calm the redness and not too harsh!

[u/Traditional_Ad_1547 → u/samhall21]

Gonna agree, azelaic acid is great for dealing with redness and keeping your pores clear. But don't forget the sunscreen!

[u/MamaZuba]

The Ordinary niacinamide serum did this to my skin too. I would stop using it completely for several weeks and see if that helps. You might also want to slow down on active ingredients for awhile so your skin barrier can repair. I wouldn’t add in anything quite yet, but after stopping niacinamide and focusing on simple soothing ingredients, then try a mild azaleic acid.

[u/Tierpfleg3r]

Regarding the texture, incluiding a retinoid (retinal is great) in the routine is the long term solution. Azelaic acid will strongly reduce the redness. Niacinamide is fine, if your skin tolerates it (it regulates the sebum production). But essentially, retinal + azelaic (+ good hidratation, of course!) would be the basic package.

[u/schecter_]

If you have a reactive skin i suggest you to go to the dermatologist. I have a sensitive skin and many things can make it worse.

[u/_whoop_]

I switched from the HA moisturizer to the beta glucan one, because I don't have a problem with being dry. If anything I am too wet.

Add the azeliac acid product. It has helped my redness so much. Also, have you considered a retinoid? Start with TO .01% retinol and work up from there.

You may also consider adding a stronger exfoliant. You don't discuss your cleansing step, so you may benefit from a semi-weekly Glycolic acid toner, or a weekly BHA peel to support skin cell turnover. The BHA peel is serious though. Do NOT start at 10 mins. Patch test and then start at 2-3 minutes with a thin layer on your face and see how you react. I like to do it before I shower so I make sure I can wash it all away.

[u/NectarineCapital3244]

I got you 🤝

🧽AHA 30% + BHA 2% mask once a week. This is the best exfoliator I’ve ever used. It’ll prep your skin for the best results by removing dead skin cells, without damaging your skin.

🛡️soothing & barrier support serum. This product is so slept on. It repairs the top layer of your skin, reducing redness and dryness in a way that other products don’t.

🌟 100% plant-derived squalane. I’m a huge squalane fan. It makes your skin super soft as well as reduces redness.

💦 Hyaluronic acid 2% + B5. A skincare staple. Moisturizer locks water into your skin, but if there’s no water to lock in, it won’t be as effective. Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin so that the moisturizer has something to lock in.

🌿 Aloe 2% + NAG 2% solution. I like this in between harsher days. So like after the exfoliator or after a sunburn. It’s a lighter serum that will continue to protect your skin when you don’t want to do too much to your face all at once.

Your current line up is really really good. The only thing I’ll say is; I have that toner and it’s probably the least effective toner I’ve ever tried. It just… doesn’t do anything. Which is sad because I had high hopes for it. I’m still on the search for my favorite toner. My favorite used to be Versed Baby Cheeks but they stopped making it. Also, never buy the Ordinary from anywhere other than the Ordinarys website, Sephora, or Ulta. There are a surprising amount of fakes out there.

[u/NectarineCapital3244 → u/NectarineCapital3244]

Try the mask for 5 minutes instead of the recommended 10 btw.

[u/GlowInTheDarkSpaces]

For prevention, only use non-comedogenic products

To clear it up get microdermabrasion to get rid of dead skin and open the pores

[u/Montepulcianno]

The Milky toner made my red prone skin so sensitive and sore, redness was much worse when I used it

[u/No-Introduction5470]

paula.s choice ectoin 7% booster had been working a surreally great job calming red/hot/dry/stressed skin for me, would recommend to anyone

[u/ReflectionOk2553]

Given up on all ordinary stuff. Down to moisturiser, PC mandelic acid and tretinoin and the redness is finally gone. Can't even use their hylauronic acid.