Serious Skincare Wiki

[Administrator]

If you’re here, you either have a skin issue, want to tighten up your routine, or you’re just curious what actually works. This thread is a living wiki: we’ve laid out the bare-bones essentials for every skin type + the most common problems. If you have something to add, DM a mod with your suggestion and evidence.

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Figure Out Your Skin Type (do this first)​

You need this to choose the right cleanser and moisturiser.

Method A: Visual + Feel Test (30–60 min)

1. Cleanse with a gentle face wash.
2. Pat dry. Don’t apply anything.
3. Wait 30–60 minutes, then check:
   
   • Oily: Shiny, enlarged pores (esp. T-zone).
   • Dry: Tight, rough, flaky patches.
   • Combination: Oily T-zone + dry/normal cheeks.
   • Normal: Comfortable, balanced.
   • Sensitive: Redness/itching/irritation to products or weather.

Method B: Blotting Sheet Test

1. Cleanse → pat dry → wait 30 minutes.
2. Press blotting paper on forehead, nose, cheeks, chin.
   
   • Lots of oil: Oily
   • Oil only T-zone: Combination
   • Little to none: Dry
   • Light from all areas: Normal

The Bare-Minimum Routine (AM/PM)​

This is the core. Keep it consistent, and this is the foundation your skin will lay on.

AM

1. Cleanser
2. Moisturiser
3. SPF 30+ (broad spectrum) every day, all year

PM

1. Cleanser
2. Moisturiser

Why these three?

• Cleanser: Removes oil, dirt, dead skin. Water alone won’t lift oils.
• Moisturiser: Reduces TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Hydrated skin = better barrier, fewer fine lines, smoother shedding of dead cells.
• SPF: UV breaks down collagen and ages skin. SPF blocks that. See: Collagen Maxxing Guide .

Pick formulas by skin type

• Oily/Acne-prone: Gel or foaming cleanser; lightweight/gel moisturiser; non-greasy SPF.
• Dry: Creamy cleanser; richer moisturiser with humectants + occlusives; SPF you’ll actually wear.
• Sensitive: Minimal-fragrance, simple formulas; patch test.
• Combination/Normal: Mix and match (gel cleanser + medium moisturiser works for most).

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Targeted Fixes​

Blackheads & Visible Nose Pores​

What’s worked for us (not the only way):

• Pore strips: 1×/week to lift surface plugs (cosmetic, temporary, but neatens things).
• Liquid exfoliant (BHA): Salicylic acid 1–2% a few nights/week helps keep pores clear.
• Optional helpers: Niacinamide 2–5% for oil control; clay mask 1×/week.
• If stubborn after a few months: talk to a pro about tretinoin (Rx). It increases cell turnover and helps long term. Start slow; it’s strong.

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Retinoids 101​

Retinoids increase turnover and support collagen.

• On-ramp: Pea-size to dry face, 2–3 nights/week, buffer with moisturiser.
• Expect: Dryness/irritation at start; improved texture over months, not days.
• UV: Skin will be more sun-sensitive. SPF is non-negotiable.
• Hierarchy: Retinol (mild, OTC) < Adapalene (OTC in many places) < Tretinoin (Rx, strongest).

Link: Collagen Guide

Acne​

• Mild–moderate:
  
  • Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5–5% (AM or PM) or Adapalene (PM), plus gentle cleanser + moisturiser + SPF.
  • Don’t pile actives all at once. Build slowly over 2–4 weeks.
• Moderate–severe or scarring: See a dermatologist. Tretinoin (Rx) or isotretinoin (Accutane) can be game-changers when indicated.
  • Common isotretinoin side effects: dry lips/skin/eyes, headaches, back/joint aches, rashes. It requires medical supervision.
• Timeline: Acne routines take 8–12 weeks to judge. Consistency > hopping products.

Acne scarring: Usually needs professional treatments (microneedling, chemical peels, lasers). Retinoids can help texture over time. Start with using retinoids which anyone with any serious skin complaints should already use, but see a pro for a plan.

Other Notable Actives & Procedures​

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Supports collagen; brightens. Best in the AM under SPF.
• GHK-Cu (copper peptides): Some users like it for skin quality; evidence is mixed but promising for texture, use at night, away from acids/retinoids if sensitive.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Pulls water into skin apply to damp face, then seal with moisturiser.
• Niacinamide (2–5%): Oil control, redness support, barrier friendly.
• Chemical Peels: Great for turnover and fine lines get them professionally. Higher strengths and safer technique than DIY.

Pro Tip: Don’t go overkill. Less is more. Add one new active at a time.

Rosacea (redness-prone skin)​

There is no permanent cure currently, but you can reduce flare-ups and improve the appearence drastically.

• Keep it gentle: mild cleanser, simple moisturiser, daily mineral SPF if chemical filters irritate.
• Identify triggers (heat, alcohol, spicy food, harsh actives).
• Green-tinted CC cream helps neutralise redness.
• Follow your derm’s treatment plan (e.g., metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin if prescribed).