I use a combination of Musely and Curology. Musely has a 12% hydroquinone product that you can use for up to 6 months, now I am using the HQ free version. The Curology has Tretinoin, Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin.
I found the derm somewhat useless for hormonal acne. The Curology was an amazing difference than all the regular products, like plain Retin A, Differin, etc. I had breakouts constantly after age 42--Since I've been on Curology I've had like 3 zits in 1.5 years. I did try Triluma but it is expensive and needs to be refrigerated. I could also only use it a few times a week because I would peel if used it on consecutive nights. It was effective though. I use Avene products for moisturizer and cleansing. |
I’d switch your face wash from Cetaphil to CeraVe. Better ingredients.
- Vitamin C + moisturizer + sunscreen in the morning - Retinol or chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) in the evening + moisturizer + face oil |
If you normally (not during pandemic) have a job outside the home, how do you do this? Do you wash your face at work and re-do your makeup? Seems really impractical to me. I use Elta MD, followed by Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer/sunscreen in the AM and with a light dusting of face powder. I have the ColorScience facepowder/brush with SPF that I'll use throughout the day, but it's certainly not "reapplying" sunscreen. |
This is crazy. I also have this skin and it’s not a part time job. OP skip the crazy creams for spots. They simply do not work. Get IPL or other laser treatment at your doc. It’s the only thing Harold work and it’ll work instantly. Wash + vit C serum + spf moisturizer in am Wash + retin A + heavy moisturizer in pm. |
PP here. After the first session, I noticed patches darkening and sloughing off. By the 3rd visit (you go 3-5 times over a 3-5 month period), my complexion was really clean/clear. My 80 yo mother has also had it done and her results aren't as good as mine but was still noticeably improved. |
I'm not PP but actually yes that's exactly how I would describe the use of Colorescience SPF powder, "reapplying sunscreen." (I use it too.) |
It took prescription topicals for me to combat hormonal acne. You may need to consult with the dermatologist first to get a handle on that, and then see what additional anti aging and other skin products (serums, moisturizers, glycolic acids etc) work alongside those topicals and what your skin can tolerate.
Combat the acne first. |
I have a whole routine that is similar to PPs:
AM -wash with Dermalogical dermal clay cleanser (which sadly I think has been discontinued but I just found at Walmart online) -exfoliate with Dermalogica daily resurfacer leave on face exfoliator -either Skinceuticals CE Ferulic or Blemish & Age Defence (salicylic acid) -I let that dry & then use either in house moisturizer from my dermatologist (Tamjidi Skin Institute, you can get it online) or Skinceuticals HA intensifier (hyaluronic acid) or Kiehl's midnight recovery oil, depending on how dry my skin is -I only use this sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin (they make another one that doesn't work for me) PM wash with Dermalogica dermal clay cleanser (NOT their new active clay cleanser which I intensely dislike) if I haven't been wearing makeup, with Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser if I have -if I have a fair amount of time before I go to bed I will moisturize with one of the above products -before bed I put on (prescription) Avar & Soolantra (mix) for rosacea/acne BUT the most important factor in all of my skin care is that I take spironolactone thanks to DCUM. |
Age spots and discoloration are a very common problem in women of childbearing age. Sun exposure, hormones, sebum within the skin, inflammation, and diet can all cause changes in the texture, color, and complexion of the skin. Melasma is a very prevalent skin discoloration problem that is usually caused by hormones. When considering options, you should opt for proven skin lightening agents that can reduce the abnormal production of melanin. Dermatologists like to control discoloration with exfoliation and tyrosinase inhibitors. I usually recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM because they are physician-developed and they do not contain high concentrations of Hydroquinone like the prescription versions of Musely and Curology. Exfoliate with a pre-soaked alpha beta pad daily and use a retinoid at night. All of these options will improve your complexion and reduce discoloration. |
You have to book the appointment as a skin care consult. A skin check is a different type of appointment. I’ve been to several dermatologists and most of them aren’t cooperative if you start it as a skin check and then start asking for anti aging or acne products because they have a certain time period allocated for the skin check and you are running the appointment longer. Does that make sense? It doesn’t mean you are going to the wrong doctor, just that you have to let the front desk know in advance. |
Try cutting out sugar (even fruit - mango makes me break out in particular) and flour to the largest extent you can.
Keep your blood glucose below 80 as much as possible. Spikes in glucose make me break out. |