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Bells22 · ‎05-24-2025

I’m looking for a good face wash and moisturizer for acne prone skin but also good for aging skin and discoloration anyone have suggestions

WinglessOne · ‎07-01-2025

@Bells22 I’m in my 50s with skin that’s more acne-prone lately, and discoloration is one of my main skincare issues. And I have combo skin (oily on and around my nose, kinda balanced on forehead, dry everywhere else) that’s quite reactive/inflammation-prone. I alternate two cleansers throughout the week.

Most nights: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Facial Cleanser - a gel cleanser with an ingredient called Melasyl, something L’Oreal invented (and tested the heck out of) that targets dark spots. Also contains niacinamide and gluconolactone, a very gentle PHA (poly hydroxy acid) exfoliant. My facial skin’s sensitive to fragrance and there’s a bit of that in here, but it’s a very light scent that doesn’t make my skin throw a tantrum. And this cleanser doesn’t strip my skin.

1-2 nights a week: a salicylic acid cleanser - if you already use a leave-on 2% salicylic acid exfoliant/serum/toner/whatever, then you might not also need a BHA cleanser. Otherwise, swapping one into your routine can help with pore maintenance. I use a Korean one (Abib Heartleaf Acne Foam Cleanser), but I’ve also used CeraVe SA Cleanser and Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Acne Cleanser 6 oz/ 177 mL ; none of those are 2% BHA but they’re good for maintenance. If you want a 2% strength option, CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is a good one.

Mornings: either just water, a cleansing balm, micellar water, or non-lathering cleanser - I often just gently wipe my face in the morning with a wet soft microfiber cloth and then do the rest of my AM skincare routine. My skin doesn’t like a lathering cleanser twice a day; yours may behave differently, of course.

Moisturizers - PM is usually CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. AM depends on the season/weather: in hot weather, I skip moisturizer and let sunscreen pull double duty. In cold weather, I do need moisturizer beneath my sunscreen; sometimes that’s the CeraVe lotion, but in subzero temps I need something richer like Vanicream Moisturizing Cream or Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Nourishing Whipped Refillable Moisturizer.

Do you use a retinol serum? If you’ve considered it, you could try a moisturizer that contains retinol instead… something like Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream that has a low gentle dose of retinol.