Hey - have you been checked by a doctor for eczema at all? Mine started on my hands around the time I first started in care (washing hands/bacterial gel etc).
I got a prescription cream from my GP to help with the open wounds but when it's not flared up I use a hyaluronic serum followed with a good hand cream (I love stuff from The Body Shop).
Link below to Amazon for the serum I use:
This has really helped my hands, winter makes the dry and soreness so much worse but I've found this reduces the pain and cracked skin significantly.
for spf to be effective you need to apply 1/4 tsp of sunscreen product.
this amount of sunscreen is ok for most but that amount of a moisturizer with spf can feel too greasy or heavy especially if you have oily skin. most people using moisturiser with spf won't end up using enough so won't get enough protection.
I recommend using a lightweight gel moisturiser and a separate sunscreen like la Roche posay Shaka fluid, etude House sunproof, or biore watery essence
I'm more combo / normal and oily.. mainly my nose. It can turn into an oil slick in the summer quicker than I can finish my face. This Etude House 'sunprise' is the best one I've found! It doesn't make the perimeter of my face too dry and actually helps my nose / cheek area control themselves.
It's one of the original holy grail low pH cleansers on r/skincareaddiction and have been using it for a few years now. I just buy it from large asian stores like T&T or Ocean's (Toronto area), but sometimes amazon is cheaper. I stocked up on a few bottles when I was in Japan because it's only like $4 there or something ��
Their hyaluronic liquid is also amazing if you have dry/dehydrated skin! You just pat a small amount over your face before applying moisturizer and your face just sucks up all the moisture.
If you are open to getting it on Amazon, I highly highly recommend Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil. It's $10 for 230 mL, lasts ABSOLUTELY FOREVER, and is the most effective cleansing oil I've ever used.
KOSE SOFTYMO Speedy Cleansing Oil 230ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V2FBAQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Zfr-DbS1ZMQ6A
It didn't break me out but made my face beat red the next day. The niacinamide is at a high percentage in TO niacinamide. I got into diy and niacinamide was on my list of things to make and read a good study about niacinamide showing great results at 4% when its formulated with 2% NAG. It's suggested use is between 2-5%. I didn't use any vitamin C when using it either, because it can turn niacinamide into niacin (I think). My skin handled the serum I made just fine and it actually helped with inflammation.
If you decide to try it from TO, it's cheap. But there are a lot of other niacinamide products out there with a lower percentage. Cerave has a moisturizer with niacinamide and ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. It's in my cart, I definitely want to try it. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM | 3 Ounce | Ultra Lightweight, Night Face Moisturizer | Fragrance Free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00365DABC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HoWIDb8ZF0QSC
A month ago I was reading about niacinamide and azelaic acid because people seem to have good results with one or the other, or both. I have cystic acne and have been looking for something to help. I have read that niacinamide increases keratinocytes, and azelaic acid decreases the production of keratin. I made a post about it, but nobody ever had an answer. I get nodules and cysts on my jawline and neck, so I don't put as much niacinamide in that area. But I wish I knew more about this because so many people do use niacinamide and if it makes acne worse, that's not good.
This is kind of a tricky question because how do you define "budget"?
For me, I consider Cosrx products very affordable and would instantly jump to say they're great 'budget' products, but maybe to another they're too pricey.
I guess if I had to look at best 'bang for your buck' with my routine and products, I'd say the following have been great HGs I repurchase all the time:
Kikumasamune Lotion ($1.65/fl oz.) Before COVID I was going to Japan usually once a year, and this thing was under $10 USD at Donki. Even with the online markup, it takes me ages to go through a bottle. I don't have any issues with fungal acne, so it always does a nice job. I like the white bottle too for lighter coverage. If I picked up a bottle on my annual Japan trip, it was all but guaranteed to last until my next time.
Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion in Light ($3.33/fl oz) Obviously way smaller than the Kikumasamune, but I only use a few drops at a time, so it lasts me forever. It's also (again), way cheaper in Japan at Donki. It rounds out my routine's need for moisturizer and does a great job!
This is my favorite sunscreen. Not greasy, no white caste, doesn’t irritate my skin, and wears well under makeup.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WE3XGAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_StK9Db2CYNGQJ
Elta MD doesn't use avobenzone and is a great sunscreen! Not sure if the specific one I linked is water resistant, but I know they make many that are!
Your skin needs moisture. The extra oil it's producing is often times a sign of dehydrated skin.
What I recommend is a good lotion. Maybe a toner, too. And a face wash.
Try this:
Cerave hydrating face wash
Hada Labo gokujyn lotion (this is the toner) and can be found on amazon very cheaply. It's a very moisturizing product and is highly recommended by the /r/asianbeauty sub. Edit: Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, 5.7 fl. oz. (170ml)
And my favorite lotion is Cerave lotion. However, if you choose not to go with that, just make sure that dimithicone, cyclomethicone or cyclopentasiloxane are somewhere in the ingredients, preferably near the first few ingredients listed. Also try Cetaphil lotion.
You wash, tone, lotion. You can repeat this day and night.
I do recommend a sunscreen, but at fifty, you might be less inclined and there are not any actives in this routine. If you're feeling spendy, you can opt for the Cerave AM lotion, which has some spf in it.
Vaseline is also good if the lotion doesn't seem like enough. Just put a thin layer on at night.
Idk your hygiene routine, but it might also help to wipe your CPAC mask down with alcohol every couple of days or every day. Even if you never have done so in the past, skin can change and by the sound of it, seems like yours has.
It honestly sounds like you could have dehydrated skin and you should check out /r/skincareaddiction and /r/asianbeauty
Asian beauty was extremely helpful to me as I have almost completely restored my skin and it is so much better, plumper and brighter. I find that there are great, drugstore friendly priced products that you can use with an AB skincare routine, although the sometimes it might be harder to get products as quick, as most ship from Asian countries. One thing that has helped me is using a hyaluronic serum before I use a hyaluronic face mask. I use these twice a day (when I have the time, which is almost daily). I also use the hyaluronic serum before my mask, let it sink in for a couple minutes, put the face mask on and keep it on until it starts drying out (about 45 min, which seems long but I prioritize it). I then take the mask off and let it all soak into my skin for a couple mins, use the hyaluronic serum again, let it soak in and then out my moisturizer on. I've only been doing this for the past month and the intense change in my skin is absolutely ridiculous. These are the two products I use. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_ and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK8E6CC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_1Pq3wbJQ8VPVV
If you're worried about the price, you can buy bundles of sheet masks on Amazon for low prices.
They are, but I've found that the American retailers of Hada Labo charge a lot more than it costs to get the Japanese version from, well, basically anywhere.
Case in point, Ulta's Hada Labo Hydrator is $9 when it's half off for 1.7 fluid ounces of product.
Amazon Prime has the Hada Labo Gokujyun Moist for a little under $12 for 5.7 ounces of product.
CVS ran a similar 30% deal a week ago. I got excited and stocked up on things, then realized Amazon had the same items for much less than the CVS sale price. Example below. Cerave PM at CVS (before 30% discount) same product on Amazon
I've fallen into an Asian Skincare hole lately, and absolutely LOVE Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Lotion Moist as a moisturizer for oily skin. It's super lightweight, makes my skin so bouncy and hydrated, is cheap and you can get it with fast shipping from Amazon.
Oil cleanser is the best way to remove sunscreen/makeup. I have tried many over the years and the best value/quality is KOSE SOFTYMO Speedy Cleansing Oil. Gentle, effective and will last you a very long time.
The key to using an oil/balm cleanser is to put a pump over dry skin; massage it all over. Then wet your hands and massage it again. This will make it emulsify the oil, it will turn milky and becomes less oily. Rinse it off, then follow up with your regular cleanser.
This method not only will ensure you have cleansed properly and got rid of any sunscreen, but it also helps with Sebaceous Filaments (black dots) on the nose if you have them. It is also a gentle form of exfoliation and will leave your skin soft and smooth.
I've been using CeraVe PM lotion, and that works well for me. It's not like, OMG AMAZING, but it keeps me moisturized without being greasy/oily, and it doesn't break me out. (PSA: this stuff is apparently like 80% off the normal price right now on Amazon if you get it in a Prime Pantry box.)
I tried the Hada Labo gel cream before the CeraVe. I liked it too, but it left me feeling a little bit ... stickier? So now I've just been using it for my hands and neck.
Also, if you haven't already, you should definitely check out r/skincareaddiction. There's tons of great product recommendations and helpful people over there!
You can order it from amazon.
I’ve never used the beauty samples and I didn’t know you could choose. I’m pretty sure it’s random. Sorry if I couldn’t help.
I have a similar eczema and always did. It was so bad as kid, I was bloody from scratching and on steroids. I have manged it for years , but use as much moisturizer as you. It's a job.
I really love Cerave lotions and the cream in the vat. It has has ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Eucerin is great too and I use both. The healing ointment is their vaseline which is amazing as it has other stuff. I love Eucerine AtoContorl too. Aveeno Eczema therapy too.
I think you should try hydratoring toners and layering up. They are for the face but works all over. I really find it helpfull. I highly recommend the Kikumasmune High Moist Lotion (toner). I use this all over as it's cheap and comes in a huge bottle. Best after the shower on damp skin. Then Cerave lotion or cream. Then more cream on the eczema prone ares.
Also love Scinic All in One Snail Ampoule - is a moisturizing serum, which comes in what looks like a honey like jar. . They make a honey version too. If you put them in pump bottles (Amazon sells little amber ones), it's easier to use. I use it after the kikumamune, which I use all over. Snail I use just where i get eczema. CosRX Snail Essence is another option.
Hada labo lotion is very high level hyaluroinc acid. That is great. They make a premium and a moist. Both are great on body or face. Another cult product.
Use very gentle cleanser is key. Aveeno bath washes. Eucerin Calming Shower Oil Cleanser is my current favorite. Smells funky and feels like an oil but rinses off and does clean.
I don't know if you have tried German Nivea in the tin jar. It's got something that isn't in the American. Both are good. Also Nivea enriched lotion (not German). Scent is strong, but it's really rich. I have been reaching for it lately.
I see "crows feet" and I think "dehydrated". So.
1) Replace your exfoliant with CeraVe Hydrating facial cleanser. It's not going to feel like your face is clean for the first like week to two weeks because you're probably used to the very squeaky clean (stripped) feeling. But focus on how your skin feels about two minutes after you pat it dry - that clean-but-not-desert feeling is delightful.
2) Add a purely hydrating layer. Depending on what type of environment you're in, that might be Hada Labo lotion or a serum. If you're in a dryer area, you probably want a glycerine-based serum or lotion rather than a hyaluronic acid based one, as HA can actually draw water from your skin if there isn't enough in the air.
3) Consider a thicker night cream like CeraVe in the tub, Jason Gentle Basics night cream, or (again depending on your area) a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to help your skin keep the moisture in it. If you're in central California or the south - somewhere with humid air - putting your hydrating layer on, sitting for a minute or two, then finishing with Vaseline might be enough. If you're in Tucson, you're probably going to want something like the CeraVe in the tub or the Jason to add additional layers of hydration to your skin.
4) As /u/glittercrotch said, r/asianbeauty is a great resource. There are lots of skincare companies in various Asian countries that have affordable, high quality products that you can get on Amazon. The Hada Labo lotion is one, and you might check out something like the Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel-Cream for your thicker cream step.
Amazon usually has good sellers.
Hada Labo Lotion: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BSNBO9O/
Sunscreens: https://www.amazon.com/Biore-Sarasara-Watery-Essence-Sunscreen/dp/B00LA6QEOE/
I've bought both and as far as I can tell, they're legit!
The Neutrogena cleansing oil is one of the least expensive cleansing oils I've seen on the US market. I use a mineral-oil-based Japanese cleansing oil that I can get off Amazon for a bit less per ounce. It's the Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing oil, which is fragrance-free and mostly mineral oil. If you're sensitive to jojoba oil, though, be aware that it does contain jojoba a bit further down the ingredients list. It's about $8-9 if you wait for it to ship from Japan or $11 with Prime shipping, but it's almost twice the size as the Neutrogena bottle, and you can get refill pouches for even less: https://www.amazon.com/Softy-Facial-Cleansing-Speedy-Pound/dp/B000V2FBAQ
Even if it does, part of enabling is having a link ready for a newbie to fall into the rabbit hole ;)
This toner is super popular here. It's a huge bottle, $14 on Amazon prime, some people feel it smells like a mix of sake and bubblegum. The scent dissipates right away, so you won't be left smelling it.
Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture - 500ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECQCVK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZWWKybBMDP477
Tbh I don't think it's the percentage of hyaluronic acid that makes the Gokujyun lotion so great, but the molecular weight of it. The lotion uses a low molecular weight of HA which is more bioavailable, i.e. it will sink deeper into your skin rather than just sitting on top. The Gokujyun lotion actually uses 5 different types of HA with different molecular weights which, in theory, can hang onto moisture in varying levels of your skin. HA is also only effective in skincare products up to a certain concentration, so trying to maximize the amount of HA you get per dollar spent is probably going to be a waste of time at a certain point.
As far as cost is concerned, I got mine on Amazon for about $10. I'm really pleased with it so far and don't think I am missing out on any HA goodness because it's only $10.
Hado labo is inexpensive and wonderful. I have noticed significant changes in my skin using hyaluronic acid. I have dry dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid has helped to decrease my dryness when used after seven skins and before an oil and occlusive moisturizer.
Edit (to add): don't feel like you have to spend a lot to get quality. Hada labo is $ 10-15
hada labo (buy from Amazon . . . not this site. . . it's like $11 on Amazon) - thinner consistency with 3 forms of hyaluronic acid
hado labo - thicker consistency with 5 forms of hyaluronic acid
I actually use both with a mist before, between, and after.
I have combination skin, and my absolute favorite is Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish. It's effective, affordable, widely available (that link is for Amazon), feels light, absorbs well with no white cast, and smells citrusy. I've tried a few other AB sunscreens, but I haven't liked any enough to rebuy except this one (several times now). The only thing I can't speak to is how well it wears under makeup, as I don't wear foundation at all.
I use Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50 and like it! But not sure if it’s similar to Kiehl’s I’m afraid.
You might be having more breakouts because your skin is dehydrated and is producing more sebum to compensate. Leading to more clogged pores.
There's nothing super special about the ordinary. You can go to Marshalls or TJ Maxx and get a great HA serum for 5.99
I personally use the HadaLabo Hyaluronic Acid serum because it will last me for a good year: https://www.amazon.com/Hadalabo-Skin-Institute-hyaluronic-solution/dp/B013HHJV0C
The extra lotion treatment?
I LOVE the hado labo premium lotion.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HHJV0C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_b8P8Fb0Q2WFBQ
It is a base for all my hydration needs.
All the details on the bobbi body seem to fit what I describe the hado labo. It's a major hit on skincare addiction and it's been a staple for me for 4 years.
Since you're looking for a toner, Kikamasamune toner is really good! It's only 10.81 right now on amazon and you get a huuuge thing of it! It's very hydrating too and makes my skin so so plump and soft.