u/Chance-Village2932

I have been focusing on repairing my skin barrier for about 3 weeks now. My routine was:

• Bioderma micellar water for double cleansing
• Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
• Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream
• Beauty of Joseon sunscreen

A few days ago, I stopped using the Centella ampoule and the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen because I read mixed reviews about them, especially regarding fragrance/possible irritation for damaged skin barriers. It’s been around 4–5 days since I stopped.

Right now, I’m only using the Dr. Althea 147 cream, but my skin still feels:

• dry and dehydrated internally
• dull
• tight at times
• and I also have:
  • mild closed comedones on my cheeks
  • blackheads around my nose area
  • visible/open pores

I think some of this may be related to dehydration and barrier damage, but I’m confused because my skin looks hydrated on the surface while still feeling dry underneath.

I’m also unsure whether it’s safe to start using the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule again, or if I should continue avoiding it because of the mixed reviews.

Could anyone suggest:

• a deeply hydrating but barrier-friendly product
• something fragrance-free and non-comedogenic if possible
• and whether the Centella ampoule is actually suitable during barrier repair for dehydrated, clog-prone skin?
• and which sunscreen is really good for such types of skin?

Hey everyone,

I’d really appreciate some advice on exfoliation for my skin because I don’t want to mess up my barrier again.

Skin type / concerns:

• Combination–dry but also dehydrated
• Sensitive + easily irritated
• Mild acne (small bumps, clogged pores)
• Redness and post-acne marks
• I think my skin barrier is a bit damaged

My confusion:
I want to add exfoliation once or twice a week, but I’m scared of overdoing it.

I’ve been looking at:

• PHA
• Mild BHA (for clogged pores)
• Low % lactic acid (AHA)

What I want:

• Something gentle that won’t cause peeling or irritation
• Helps with texture + small bumps
• Safe for slightly damaged/sensitive skin

Questions:

1. Should I start with PHA or go straight to a mild BHA?
2. Is PHA too weak to make a difference?
3. How often would you recommend for my skin type?
4. Any specific product recommendations that worked for similar skin
5. should i add Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum?

Would really appreciate advice from anyone with similar skin

Hey everyone,

I’d really appreciate some advice on exfoliation for my skin because I don’t want to mess up my barrier again.

Skin type / concerns:

• Combination–dry but also dehydrated
• Sensitive + easily irritated
• Mild acne (small bumps, clogged pores)
• Redness and post-acne marks
• I think my skin barrier is a bit damaged

My confusion:
I want to add exfoliation once or twice a week, but I’m scared of overdoing it.

I’ve been looking at:

• PHA
• Mild BHA (for clogged pores)
• Low % lactic acid (AHA)

What I want:

• Something gentle that won’t cause peeling or irritation
• Helps with texture + small bumps
• Safe for slightly damaged/sensitive skin

Questions:

1. Should I start with PHA or go straight to a mild BHA?
2. Is PHA too weak to make a difference?
3. How often would you recommend for my skin type?
4. Any specific product recommendations that worked for similar skin
5. should i add Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum?

Would really appreciate advice from anyone with similar skin