What to use instead of salicylic acid? (Large pores & sebaceous filaments [Product Request]
Hi! I could use recommendations to what to add/change in my skincare routine. Specifically hoping to minimize the pores and sebaceous filaments, which are the biggest issue. The problem: products containing salicylic acid seem to be the most commonly…
Hi! I could use recommendations to what to add/change in my skincare routine. Specifically hoping to minimize the pores and sebaceous filaments, which are the biggest issue. The problem: products containing salicylic acid seem to be the most commonly recommended for sebaceous filaments, but it just doesn't seem to agree with my skin. I have tried different products, but anytime salicylic acid is involved, I immediately get this stinging/burning sensation on my skin. Followed by red and irritated skin. So clearly no good. Any kind of toners also make my skin excessively oily. This I assume comes from the toner drying the skin too much, but moisturizing doesn't help either, so I'm not using any toners either. I currently do double cleansing, which does seem to help moderately. I also use niacinamide serum daily, and exfoliate twice a week. Moisturize and sunscreen daily, of course. Regardless of my routine, my pores get clogged rather easily, and when they do, nothing (save for physical extraction, which I see is not really recommended either) seems to get the junk out of them. And the only thing I see recommended is products containing salicylic acid. Which is out of the question, because it makes my skin react harshly every time. Is there really nothing else I could use for same purpose? If anyone has any tips/personal experience, I would appreciate the help!
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Thank you! I will look into those.
I was wondering about that myself, but I doubt it, since my skin seems otherwise fine and SA is the only thing it reacts to like this. I have tried SA several times over the years and it's been the same thing every time. I would have to check about the exfoliating gel, but the niacinimide serum is only 2%. Would it be it beneficial to up that to 5% though?
I was speaking of physical extraction, not exfoliation. I.e. squeezing or using pore strips. From what I have read, it's not recommended?
This might be good to try, thank you!
Which AHA and clay masks do you use? Adding a heads up that Walgreens brand has a dupe for Paula's Choice toner that is less $$.
I use Prequel’s aha exfoliant and the clay mask by Paula’s Choice, though I won’t repurchase it as I don’t need to use them much anymore. I am going to try some travel sizes from other brands.
Maybe try something like LHA or PHA which are more gentle and each can be a bit less aggravating for different reasons A retinol might help as well, but it’s long term (has plenty of other benefits as well) can be quite harsh and requires being consistent with sunscreen Also make sure your products are non-comedogenic as well as only applying them on a clean face Edit: missed a word
*non-comedogenic
Seconding AHA’s! For clay masks, I’d recommend specifically either a sulfur mask, or I absolutely swear by the EradiKate sulfur cleanser that can also double as a mask. I worked up to daily use in the shower (it rinses off better there) even though I’m dry, sensitive, cystic acne-prone. Always stock up during sales, and it’s one of the best I’ve found for sebaceous filaments.
Hol’ on. Are you sure your skin barrier isn’t damaged? If SA isn’t agreeing with you, what are you using twice a week? How high a percentage? And how high a percentage of niacinimide is your serum? 5% does everything you need it to do, anything higher and you’re just increasing risk of irritation and sensitivity.
Paula’s choice lactic acid and mandelic acid worked for me when my skin was sensitive. I did it with this: https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/03/28/how-to-shrink-pores-temporarily-plus-3-pore-myths/ instead of BHA. Only do it in the areas where SF are present. Within a day, I saw results. Start 1x/week. Then monitor.
I am allergic to SA so I speak from experience. I use AHA and clay masks. I have also found that Paula's Choice pore reducing toner has a visible positive effect. Also I have been physically extracting with a sterilized needle for decades. Not often, in fact very rarely, but it can be done.
There's nothing wrong with physical exfoliation. You mention two different issues though- sebaceous filaments and clogged pores are different. For clogged pores, benzoyl peroxide or a retinol like adapalene would be next steps. For SF, oil cleanser, clay masks, etc. We have sections for both issues in the sub wiki.
Oil cleansers or retinoids, or both. Prequel pre-gleanser, Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil. Or just use a basic oil like sunflower oil and follow with your face wash. Apply oil cleanser with dry hands to dry face. Massage for 30-60s. Wet hands and massage for another 30s. Then fully rinse. Follow with gentle water-based cleanser after if desired. Retinoid reccs and guide https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/s/zOFmgUd3R5
I LOVE this for when my nose is clogged. I only have to use it as needed. Get the whole kit that comes with the cloths and tool.
the closes thing that I know resembles how it works is willow bark extract
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Have you tried retinol?
I use a gentle PHA toner (Medik8 Press & Glow) alongside a retinal (Medik8 crystal retinal 10) and that works great. It's a little pricey but worth it for me.
I am using the Mamonde Rose mask which has PHA for more gentle exfoliation. Works for me.
Islo sebum softener, Kate Somerville eradicate sulfur cleanser (use as mask 5 mins, wash off), and a retinoid to maintain.
differin gel
I had the same issue with SA just not agreeing with my skin and having a face full of SF’s. Using a cleansing balm or oil cleanser as first cleanse has helped a lot, and an AHA toner or serum and retinol on alternating nights. They are pretty much gone and stay that way if I stick with this routine.
I can’t use SA products on my face but I can use willow bark extract products. A lot of Korean products have this and those work for me. I keep the straight SA for body as the rest of me tolerates it fine. One thing to try for SFs are the peeling gels. I noticed a big difference in my pores with double cleansing and then using DHC peeling gel as a third step. I don’t use it on dry skin so it’s almost like triple cleansing or a scrub.