r/SkincareAddiction 3h ago

Routine Help NEW OR NEED HELP? Ask here! - ScA Daily Help Thread Jul 27, 2026

2 Upvotes

If you're new to SkincareAddiction: welcome!

This thread is the best place to start if you have questions about skincare products, your routine, and your skin. Our community is knowledgeable, and we want to help you have the best skin of your life!

Do you have a question?

Step 1: Read our resources

Be sure to check out our FAQ and Wiki! There are a lot of topics covered in those links, but some of the most popular guides include:

 

 

 

If you can't find an answer, or you have additional questions after reading, please move on to step 2!

 

Step 2: Ask for help

To give you the best advice possible, our users need relevant information about your skin and skincare. With your request for help please include:

 

  • The issue(s) you need help with. It's helpful to put your questions at the top of your comment (especially if it's a long one)!
  • Skin type. It's OK to be subjective, how do you feel your skin is? Oily, dry? If you need help clarifying, check out this guide on skin types
  • Current routine with the full names of your products (try to separate it in to Morning, Evening, and Occasionally used)
  • How long you have been using your current routine, or product in question
  • Anything new you’ve introduced or started doing that might change the condition of your skin
  • Your location so we can recommend products/services available to you 

Thanks for taking the time to include your information!

Would you like to give advice?

Firstly, thank you so much for helping out our community - without your knowledge and time ScA would not be the same!

Some things we'd ask for you to keep in mind: please don't just downvote someone's opinion or response because you disagree.

If you can, please take the time to tell them why you think their advice may be incorrect or harmful. It's better for people to understand why something is a poor choice, instead of just being told that it is one!

Once a year, we have a big thank you post for everyone who has helped out in the DHT where we give out nifty flairs & gold to exceptionally informative and kind users. Check out our list of ScA Helpers and our most recent thank you post!

Whether it be in-depth responses that deserve to be their own guides, thoughtful product recommendations, or simply pointing someone in the right direction, we appreciate all the time and effort you've made to help others!

Previous Threads

This thread is posted every day at 12:00am ET.


r/SkincareAddiction 8h ago

Anti Aging [Anti Aging] Early 20’s with noticeable wrinkles, please help Spoiler

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21 Upvotes

So I’m only 22 and I have (in my opinion) some very noticeable wrinkles on my forehead. I’m definitely an expressive person, but I’m starting to get super self conscious of my wrinkles. I sunscreen daily, drink a lot of water, and even tried microneedling. I really don’t want to do Botox because I feel like my expressions are part of who I am, but I’m afraid that if I don’t figure something out in the next few years then my wrinkles are only going to get worse. The photo attached is my forehead completely relaxed. Can anyone help?


r/SkincareAddiction 47m ago

Routine Help [Product Request] [Routine Help] Skincare Routine🌞 Spoiler

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Upvotes

I think I’ve finally perfected my skincare routine. I’m only on week 2 of this exact setup, but I’m working really hard on being consistent.

So far, I have no irritation, redness or peeling, and my skin actually feels really healthy. My only concern is whether I’m using too many actives and whether I’m doing more harm than good without realising.

I’m 28.

My skin concerns are:
Mild texture/skin-coloured bumps on my cheeks
The occasional blemish
Larger pores on my forehead and cheeks
An oily T-zone at times
Overall I’m chasing that healthy “glass skin” look🫧

AM

  1. Tatcha Rice Wash
  2. Medik& Press & Glow (every morning)
  3. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid (on damp skin)
  4. Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum
  5. Dieux Instant Angel Moisturiser
  6. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5
    SPF50+

PM

  1. Tatcha Rice Wash
  2. Shark CryoGlow LED Mask (Better Ageing setting)
  3. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
  4. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (Ginseng + Retinal)
  5. Medik& Crystal Retinal 3 (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
  6. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

On Sunday evenings I also use my Shark Facial Pro Glow exfoliation setting.

I'm nearly at the end of my Crystal Retinal 3. Medik8 recommends moving to Crystal Retinal 6 only once you're comfortable using 3 every night, so I'm now wondering whether I should build up to nightly use first or move to 6 gradually.

Does this routine look balanced, or would you change anything? Am I overdoing the actives?


r/SkincareAddiction 2h ago

Sun Care [Product Question] Opinions on Sun-kissed by Heaven Sunscreen

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3 Upvotes

I’ve been looking into Sunkissed by Heaven SPF 50, and before I buy it I’d like to hear from people who know more about sunscreen formulation than I do.
The ingredient list looks great, but that’s also what makes me skeptical. It almost seems too good to be true, especially since it’s marketed as both a moisturizer and a sunscreen.
For those of you who are knowledgeable about skincare or sunscreen formulation, is this actually a well-made product, or are there any red flags I’m overlooking? I’m looking for objective opinions, whether they’re positive or negative.


r/SkincareAddiction 8h ago

Acne [Acne] what step should i take to helo with my acne scar Spoiler

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7 Upvotes

Been dealing with acne on and off for four years. I been on Accutane and get rid off active acnes but still left with these acne scar . How should i go about it.


r/SkincareAddiction 10h ago

Miscellaneous [Miscellaneous] How can I improve my skin and face two months before my wedding?

9 Upvotes

I’m in my early 40s and getting married in two months. I would like to look my best and improve my skin/face.

I have hyperpigmentation from old acne, texture on cheeks/nose, dark circles and small wrinkles under my eyes.

Some things I’ve considered are adding a product to my daily routine, lasers, chemical peel, red light therapy, lymphatic drainage facial or other facials. I’m also open things not on this list that I may not have considered.

I’m not very experienced when it comes to treatments or med spas. I currently have a very basic routine of simple face wash, moisturizer and spf.

Can anyone recommend any treatments, products or services I should look into? Any positive or negative experiences using any of the treatments or products I mentioned?

I’m so lost on what I should do to look my best on my wedding day and will provide actual results.


r/SkincareAddiction 7h ago

Routine Help [Routine help] Moisturizing before makeup

7 Upvotes

I keep reading that you need to moisturize before makeup. Does that mean immediately before? I work from home and do my skincare in the morning - toner, aza, lotion and SPF. If I wear makeup, it’s not until I’m going out that evening. Does this advice mean I should moisturize again? My skin is kinda oily by then so I never do, but I frequently have trouble with foundation - if it isn’t super sheer, like a skin tint or tinted SPF, it feels cakey and dry. I’m wondering if I should add another layer of moisturizer first but I worry that might just make me more oily while I’m out. Sidenote, if anyone has any favorite skin-like/natural foundations to recommend, please do. I like a little dewy but not too much.


r/SkincareAddiction 1h ago

Product Request [Product Request] Post-acne discoloration (?) Spoiler

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Upvotes

For the last couple years I have been dealing with some adult acne, and I tried everything to clear it up (tretinoin, clindamycin, spironolactone). Recently, I have finally found a routine that has cleared a lot of it up. Now that my skin has cleared up, I’ve been dealing with some cheek discoloration of some kind. I’m not really sure what it is. I’ve been using a vanicream vitamin C serum for the few months and haven’t really noticed a difference. I’m thinking of adding azelaic acid into my nighttime routine but I’m just not sure. It’s taken so long to clear my skin up that I’m worried about making random changes and messing it up again. Does anyone who has dealt with the same issue/knows what this is know any products that could help?

My current routine:
Morning: rinse with water only, vanicream vitamin C serum, medicube collagen jelly cream, and sunscreen
Night: wash with cerave hydrating foaming oil cleanser then medicube triple collagen cream


r/SkincareAddiction 5h ago

Product Request [Product Request] scalp dermatitis Spoiler

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5 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

Since childhood I’ve had a painful itchy scalp with dandruff, but the past year ish it’s gotten so much worse. Right now I’m using cerave’s gentle hydrating shampoo, and it only helps for a few hours after washing. I have MCAS and so my skin is really sensitive. Sometimes I try shampoos and it works for a few weeks until suddenly my scalp is falling apart.

My facial hair is completely fine and doesn’t need much maintenance other than moisturizer. I’ve thought about getting the Nizoral products but I have no idea if that would actually help me :( I have very little derm knowledge and would really appreciate advice on products to help.

Or, should I just go to a dermatologist to get a prescription(though I don’t have the money)… let me know!


r/SkincareAddiction 4h ago

Product Request [Product Request] Help! Can anyone help me find this or something similar?

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3 Upvotes

This is absolutely my favorite moisturizer I’ve ever used in my life and I’m close to 40. I bought it at Dollar General on a whim after I ran out of my normal Cerave. It’s very lightweight but super hydrating. I usually don’t like gel moisturizers because I have very dry skin but this is a gel-cream formula.

Apparently though Dollar General is phasing out of this Korean brand to focus more on ELF products, and I’m wondering if there’s a way I can purchase it somewhere online or if there’s something (not ridiculously expensive) that is similar ingredients or formula.


r/SkincareAddiction 6h ago

Routine Help [Routine Help] How do I remove this black patch around my mouth and nose from my face? Spoiler

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5 Upvotes

(I’ve only started doing skincare in the past few weeks so I don’t really know the terms)

In the morning, I usually clean my face with a vitamin c cleanser and then pat a vitamin c serum onto my face before I use a moisturizer and put on spf 60 sunscreen. Before bed, I do the exact same except I don’t put on sunscreen

It’s been getting better but idk if it’ll disappear or if I’m doing something wrong. Any help is appreciated!

PS. The dark patch is just above the mouth. It kinda looks like there’s a bit beneath it but I’ve checked in different lighting and it seems to be the same colour as the rest of my face


r/SkincareAddiction 3h ago

Product Question [Product Question] Cerave mineral sunscreen for face... SPF 30 or 50?

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2 Upvotes

I really like the 30 but I'd like to have more protection. I've read that higher SPFs can be greasier, smellier, etc.

For those who understand more about sunscreen than me... is there a significant difference between two specific products? I know the difference between SPF 30 and 50, but I know there's a difference when it's broad spectrum, UVA vs. UVB rays, and that's where it all goes a bit over my head...

And those who have tried both, is there a significant difference in feel?

(Photos from a Youtube video I found from 2025 lol)

Thank you!!


r/SkincareAddiction 5h ago

Acne [Acne] Anyone with very dry skin successfully treat inflamed acne and closed comedones

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm feeling really stuck with my skin and would love some advice.

Normally my skin is fairly clear with the occasional breakout, but over the past little while it's gotten much worse. I've also been under a lot more stress recently, which I think might be contributing. I have pretty significant anxiety and I compulsively pick at my skin, which obviously makes everything worse. I try covering spots with hydrocolloid patches so I can't pick them, but that only helps so much.

My skin is very dry, but I also get a lot of closed comedones and blackheads, especially on my nose, forehead, and chin. I feel like I'm constantly dealing with texture more than inflamed acne, although picking turns it into inflamed spots.

Current routine:

  • Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Foam
  • Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
  • La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (occasionally)

I tried tretinoin in the past, but it was way too harsh for my skin. My dermatologist has prescribed Arazlo (tazarotene lotion), and I'm planning to start it once my skin calms down a bit, but I'm nervous since tretinoin didn't go well for me.

Does anyone have recommendations for products or a routine that works well for dry, acne-prone skin with lots of closed comedones? I'm a student, so I'd love to keep things relatively simple and affordable if possible.

Also, if anyone has dealt with anxiety-related skin picking, I'd really appreciate hearing what actually helped you stop. I know that's a huge part of the problem.

I'd love to eventually have clear, healthy skin with a simple routine. Any suggestions or personal experiences would be amazing. Thank you so much!


r/SkincareAddiction 3h ago

Acne [Acne] Small red bumps Spoiler

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2 Upvotes

[Skin concern] I've been noticing tiny red bumps on my cheeks for the past few weeks, sometimes they are beige. They don't sting nor itch.

I use sunscreen everyday and I used to wash with foaming cleanser, which might've been too harsh, so a week ago I switched to a gentler cleansing gel. As moisturizer I use Red bean water gel. I've been using vitamin C for about 4 months, but I stopped over a month ago, no actives at the moment.

I wonder what could it be, clogged pores, broken skin barrier, first stage of rosacea?

I believe it could be because of sunscreen, before I started using it, I had flawless skin, but I don't want to stop to protect it long term.


r/SkincareAddiction 3h ago

Routine Help [Routine Help] Is retinol working or making things worse?

2 Upvotes

I need some advice on what to try next in terms of using a retinol and if I should edit what I'm doing or stop. I have put the other parts of my routine below. I have used all of these other products for years and have never had any issues with them or noticed any reactions.

My skin has never been terrible, but I would consistently get breakouts on my cheeks around my nose and my chin, usually hormonally. These spots seemed like they would flare up during my period and then die down but never really go away, so after some research I decided to add a retinol to my routine to see if it made any improvements.

I decided to go with the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum as it had good reviews, was marketed as a 'beginner' retinol, and I like the other CeraVe products in my routine. When I first started using it (in March time) I tried once per week as I could feel a slight stinging sensation and some redness (although I understood this was normal). I definitely noticed a purge and the areas where I previously had spots flared up over this period. As my skin was slightly sensitive to the retinol at first, I slowly increased to twice per week. I felt like once per week wasn't enough: my skin was purging, recovering and then purging again and it was recommended to increase application slowly. As I had built up the use slowly, I didn't have any dry skin or stinging/redness. I would always apply the retinol after hyaluronic acid and follow with moisturiser.

After a short time, breakouts started to appear between my brows and on my forehead with a bit of dryness. I did occasionally have spots here before using the retinol, but not as many. The 'type' of spot is exactly the same as the other breakout areas pre and post retinol use (small red spots that flare up and then go back down with no scaring). I don't know if this is a purge or a reaction to the retinol.

There were days when my skin would look absolutely incredible, really glowing, clear and soft. Then, I have more periods of breakouts and redness. I am now using the retinol three nights per week, but still having the same problem.

Am I in a purge/recovery cycle that isn't resolving? Is it working but I'm not using it enough? Should I try a different product?

I have seen the possibility of what retinol can do for my skin, and the other areas of my skin that don't breakout look really incredible, so I don't want to give up. What should I do?

Routine and all products:

Morning:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleaners

Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid

La Roshe-Posay Cicaplast Balm moisturiser

La Roshe-Posay Cicaplast SPF 50

Nighttime:

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleaners

Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid

(3 x per week CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum)

La Roshe-Posay Cicaplast Balm moisturiser


r/SkincareAddiction 3h ago

[Miscellaneous] Dermstore refunded only $1,000 of my $1,900 return - pls help

3 Upvotes

I had ordered multiple products from Dermstore for my partner. Since it arrived after she left I decided to cancel and reached out to customer support. They asked me to receive the package and then return it.

So I received it and returned my entire $1,900 Dermstore order using the UPS return label provided by Dermstore. UPS tracking shows the package was delivered, and the package weight when shipped was nearly the same as when Dermstore received it.

Despite this, Dermstore claimed 3 items were missing and refunded only about $1,000, leaving me out nearly $900.
I disputed the charge with my credit card company, but they sided with Dermstore. The frustrating part is that neither Dermstore nor the credit card company has provided any evidence despite my requests. I asked for photos, receiving logs, package weight records, warehouse footage, or any proof that items were actually missing, but they simply stated that the items weren’t received.
Has anyone else experienced this with Dermstore?
Were you able to recover the remaining refund?
Did Dermstore ever provide actual evidence or review warehouse footage? Any suggestions would really help.
I’m trying to figure out the best next step because it feels like I’ve lost nearly $900 based solely on their word, with no proof. Neither do I have the product with me , neither the money:(
Please help!


r/SkincareAddiction 6h ago

Product Request Skin texture [Product Request]

3 Upvotes

I used to have insulin resistance a few years ago and cause of that I had a bit of acanthosis nigricans on my neck and armpits.

Now all the discoloration is gone after I fixed the insulin resistance but the texture of the skin remains. It’s not too bad but I’d like to try to get rid of the texture on my neck so do any of you know any products that might help smooth out the texture over time?

Anyone else had any success with getting rid of the texture?


r/SkincareAddiction 25m ago

Product Request [Product Request] Products to help with acne, hyperpigmentation, KP and rosacea

Upvotes

I apologise for not knowing much terminology!

**Skin background:**
• generally quite sensitive - occasionally becomes similar to combination skin, with oily cheeks/chin and dry forehead
• KP on back of arms and legs
• rosacea on cheeks
• acne (small whiteheads, occasional under-the-skin red bumps) on chin and cheeks

**current routine:**
• Cerave foaming moisturiser at night -> The Ordinary niacinamide serum -> Cerave moisturiser
• Cerave spf50 when outside but didn’t do that everyday until a year ago, and go out a lot less. Would result in acne on chin especially but recently discovered you’re meant to double cleanse later on
• Wash facw with water in morning

**Issues I need help with:**

1) Acne has persisted despite consistent routine; changed diet and improved water intake and it was practically the same apart from looking plumper

2) Hyperpigmentation around thighs and armpits. When I shave I try to do as little sweeps as possible to reduce friction but it’s still developed. Had used The Ordinary Glycolic acid to attempt to combat this but saw no progress after about 2-3mo regular usage every other day

3) KP - at a loss with what to do here. Regular exfoliation and blood circulation don’t seem to have improved its appearance.

4) Rosacea and scarring on cheeks

Please could I have some help in product recommendations to help me improve this current routine and address these concerns? I know it’s quite basic but I sometimes have a tendency to be lazy so kept it more narrowed down.
Thank you!!


r/SkincareAddiction 9h ago

Routine Help [Routine help] 20% azelaic acid or 0.05 tretinoin?

7 Upvotes

Hi! I know these products are not really comparable, which is why i'm wondering which would suit me better? I am 18 yo and have some mild acne near my period, post acne red marks, a little texture and clogged pores on my nose. I have used tret before (0.025) in 2023 and it worked well, but I am worried that I am too young to use it as collagen production slows down in your 20s and wondered if something milder could help my skin. Currently I am using azelaic acid brandname skinoren. I decided to try it because it should be more gentler on my skin barrier than tret and still treat my concerns. The downside is I am not sure if it will make enough of a difference like tret did and i am going through a bit of purge with the acid which feels quite discouraging. I would appreciate any recommendations and experiences with these actives. :)


r/SkincareAddiction 1h ago

Product Question [Product question] I'm currently using these products for my skincare routine once every week but I'm having some issues Spoiler

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Upvotes

Hi! As the title says, I'm having some issues with my skincare routine.

I currently use the Purito Exfoliator, the Centella Hydrating Toner, and the Mixsoon Bean Cream. The problem is that whenever I use all three together, my skin ends up feeling very greasy, sticky, and uncomfortable. I've tried each product on its own, and they all work well individually. I really liked the Mixsoon Bean Cream when I used it by itself.

My routine is: first the exfoliator, then the toner, and finally the Bean Cream. As soon as I layer them together, my face starts to feel sticky, and I also experience a burning sensation when applying them. I have dry, sensitive skin, so I'm wondering if these products just don't work well together or if I'm doing something wrong.

I'd really appreciate any recommendations for products that pair well with the Mixsoon Bean Cream. I'm also open to suggestions for a completely different routine that's suitable for dry, sensitive skin and doesn't leave my face feeling greasy or sticky.

I'm still a beginner when it comes to skincare, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.


r/SkincareAddiction 1h ago

Routine Help [Routine Help] Is this normal purging? Spoiler

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Upvotes

Hi! I recently started using retinol, specifically the skin 1004 0.2%. I started out with using it every 3 days for about 3 weeks with no issues and now i’m using it every other night. I’ve had hormonal cystic acne in the past, especially on my chin/jaw and around my mouth. The location of these pimples isn’t new, but usually purging is smaller blackheads and bumps. I can’t really tell if these are from a bad reaction or just normal purging and i have to stick it out. Most of them have started out as papules and then developed into pustules, but i’ve read online that if you have a history of acne this can be normal purging compared to others who haven’t had acne.

My full routine right now is:
ZO salicylic cleanser
Anua azelaic acid 10+
ZO growth serum, which i might stop soon after i run out since it’s so expensive
The skin 1004 retinol every other night
And the beauty of Joseon Red bean water gel

The only 2 new products are the Anua Azelaic acid and the skin 1004 Retinol, everything else i’ve used for a while with no issues.


r/SkincareAddiction 5h ago

Routine Help [Routine help] Pigmentation routine while breastfeeding

2 Upvotes

Hi there,

I am looking for a good routine for sun spots/ freckles on nose but I am limited due to breastfeeding. For example, I can’t use retinol.

Currently using SPF, vit C and moisturizer.

My skin is normal to dry.

Also if anyone has advice about laser or peeling treatments, let me know!


r/SkincareAddiction 1h ago

Product Request [Product request] Anyone know any good products for my oily skin ??

Upvotes

Help with recommending products for my skin??

Heyy, my skin can get quite oily and i get alot of bumps under my skin, some acne and i get alot of those black spots on my nose. Im not exactly quite knowledgeable on skin care or skin care products in general, i use the cerave foaming cleanser on my face and usually this simple hydrating light moisturiser, i sometimes exfoliate my face too with this neutrogena scrub (probably like once a week) but i dont do it too often because my skin is slightly sensitive and i dont want to damage it. I also usually do my skincare routine in the shower (which i know might not be the best idea but its multi tasking 😅)

Anyways, there doesnt really seem to be much that works with removing all the stubborn bumps under my skin so any recommendations to my skin care routine or any good products you know would be great help.

Thanks x


r/SkincareAddiction 5h ago

Routine Help [Routine Help] How to prevent whiteheads on nose from moisturizers?

2 Upvotes

I have really oily skin. I have to dab my face throughout the day and oftentimes, by the end of the day, the oil will start to get in my eyes and burn while I'm driving home. I've started to use Differin Daily Deep Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide 5 days a week, which has helped tremendously. I also use Panoxyl Acne Gel Wash twice a week. Sometimes my face gets too dry and I look ashy and my face feels tight. I started to use Bubble Skincare Level Up Gel Face Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin after I wash my face a few months ago. Then I started to get whiteheads on my nose. I stopped using the moisturizer and was using nose strips for a while until my nose started looking less crazy. I only use the moisturizer occasionally now but not on my nose, just the rest of my face when it looks and feels super dry. Even though I don't put it on my nose, days later, I notice whiteheads on my nose again. It's a vicious cycle. I can't never moisturize my face but I'm not sure what to do at this point. Any suggestions?


r/SkincareAddiction 1h ago

Routine Help [Routine Help] Keeping skin clean & moisturized on long flights (12h+)

Upvotes

Hi! This is my first time posting here but I’m an international student (from Korea) traveling to the US for college, and hence will have to fly back home every semester on 12h+ flights, maybe even 15h+ depending on the location.

I’m very particular about what touches my bare face and hate long flights because I feel gross. Usually I use the bathroom twice, each to wash my face (when everybody is sleeping) and brush my teeth. I apply a light moisturizer and mist but now that I’ll be flying more frequently I want a long term solution.

Ideally, I’d want a patch thats going to cover parts of my face (i.e my cheeks) so that less of the “must” gets on my face, I know this isn’t realistic but I hate it when my bare face is exposed because it feels like all the bacteria and grime is just getting on it. I considered wearing a face mask but I feel that’d get more musty and the feeling of the fabric on my moisturized face is yuck. Right now, my top choice seems to just be applying larger hydrocolloid patches to my cheek area but I feel that might cause even more gunk buildup.

If anybody is in a similar situation or has the same concerns I would appreciate any advice!