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Latest Reviews
September 21, 2023
Benzoyl Peroxide
Topical Antibacterial
Product used: Benzagel (Benzoyl Peroxide (5% or 10%))
Great for body acne, terrible for the face.
I'm conflicted on this because it works REALLY well for the acne I have on my butt. But it wrecked havoc on my face. Used 5% wash, left on for just 1 min before washing off, just like I do on my bottom. It made my skin red, peeling, and every day I was waking up to tiny little whiteheads. I used for 2 weeks before deciding this wasn't for me. I don't think it was purging but simply irritation - especially because my face burned/turned red but just applying moisturizer. Since stopping my face has cleared up a lot. I will just continue to use on my butt!
September 21, 2023
Tretinoin
Topical Retinoid
Product used: Stieva-A (Tretinoin (0.025%) Cream)
Seriously do your research and consider other options before using a prescription retinoid.
No. No no. I started this with pretty clear skin but would get 1-2 deep pimples a month that I wanted to deal with. Plus anti-aging benefits. I knew there was a purging period and that I would need to stick with it for at least 3 months. Within the first 1-2 weeks, I already started purging. It started along my jaw line, then moved up to my cheeks. It lasted around 12 weeks. They were the worst breakouts I had ever encountered in my life. It started to fade, but then I was left with TONS of hyperpigmentation, despite my use of sunscreen. BTW, this stuff makes you super sensitive to the sun. 10 minutes outside would leave my face really red. The breakouts continued (but at a faster rate and were minimal compared to the purge), but I couldn't take it anymore. I lasted about 5-6 months, and left healing all the damage this has caused. The only thing I liked, is that it made my surrounding skin (i.e., areas now covered in acne), look glowy. I wish so badly that I could go back 6 months in time, and never touch this stuff. BTW - I did start slowly (2x a week for 3 months, then up to 3x a week).
September 21, 2023
Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Made my skin dry, red, irritated.
I used this stuff once or twice a day (about 2 pea-sized worth) - at first, I thought it was working well. Then I noticed my skin was becoming increasingly irritated / red. Then I did a patch test on my neck, and broke out in a cluster of tiny small white heads. I never break out on my neck. I stopped using the product after about 2 months. I know it works so well for some others, but not for me.

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