So here’s the deal: I ended up completely running out of my moisturizer and due to my busy schedule and shipping complications/delays, the one I ordered isn’t coming in for another week or so. Obviously, I don’t want to go a whole week minimum without moisturizer, but the only one I have available is a product I have not had the chance to patch test or try on my face yet. It is from the same brand as a lot of my skincare (CosRx) but I’m nervous to try it on without patch testing. Considering I legit have no other moisturizer option though, do you think this is a risk worth taking, or do you guys have any suggestions of how to moisturizer my face while I wait for my product to arrive?

SOS! temporary change in moisturizer

Hello! I’ve recently decided to properly take care of my skin after realizing how ineffective and damaging my current products were to the texture and quality of my skin health. I’ve gotten new products that actually match my skin type now, but I’m wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to incorporate them into a new skincare routine to slowly replace my existing products. I don’t want to change everything all at once as I imagine that drastic switch would overwhelm and stress my skin out, so I was thinking every week I try a new product it and see the reaction before incorporating the next one. Is this a good plan? 

Also, does anyone know where or how to do a proper patch test? I’ve been doing it on my neck, right below my jawline, but how long after the test am I supposed to wait per product to see if it’s safe to use on my face? 

Thank you for any help! and sorry for how long this post is :)

Patch Test Suggestions?

Hello! I’m 18 years old and I do have some mild acne all over my face. I used to not get any on my lower half and cheeks but with work and masks during the pandemic, I’ve developed some maskne. I heard retnoids are a great addition to skincare as an exfoliator and essentially a holy grail for acne care, but I’m a bit hesitant to try to use it, as I don’t want to irritate my sensitive skin with something that might be a harsh treatment. Do you think it’s worth starting a retinoid treatment and if so, how do you begin? Thanks!

When and How to Start Using Retnoids?

so around last december i got new skincare products that did not agree well with my skin and as a result, i broke out on my cheeks (where i have never broken out before). recently, i’ve been slowly changing and incorporating a new skincare regime by changing a product per week, seeing how my skin reacts and going from there. 

this cleanser i’ve been using is making my skin FEEL a lot better (more hydrated, less dry/stripping, cleaner, etc) but i have started getting small spots and some hormonal breakouts on my forehead (where i usually breakout) and some on my cheeks again (same place i broke out last december). 

i don’t know much about purging but i heard it happens sometimes and that you should stick it out. does this sound like purging? or is this more just my skin breaking out because it doesn’t react well with the new product?

purging vs breakouts

nothing against the product per se. I would just add a spatula or something to help scoop the gel out . I used an old one I had for general hygeine purposes. Other than that, no complaints here :)

I loved how the product easily applied all over the face and really sealed in moisture. It definitely lives up to its “soothing” name. My face has never felt so calm and non-irritated from a product, and considering my skin is a pikcy, reactive drama queen, that says a lot. definitely wpa

gkm