Exfoliate or moisturizer?

[RomanyFree]

This past week my skin has become very dry & I'm thinking its from dehydration & Murad's Clarifying Cleanser for my acne, even though I don't use it very often. I had also been using Mario Badescu's Aloe Vera toner & Glycolic Acid toner which are "gentle, non-alcohol, non-drying" toners. I have dry patches in random areas of my face like on my cheekbones and even above & below one of my eyebrows. I stopped using the Murad face wash & the MB Glycolic Acid toner, but continue using the Aloe Vera toner & my usual face wash: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (similar to tear-less baby shampoo) recommended by my doctor for my acne (hasn't been very effective). I recently began using a MB oil-free moisturizer, but it is very heavy, causing whiteheads. I use Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation, which makes the dry patches more prominent even with primer (Hourglass Veil Mineral). I do have MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation which I stopped using a few months ago because it caused breakouts & irritated my eyes. Oy! Any advice? 

[cherrybombtastic]

I used to use Murad's Clarifying Cleanser before. It was really great for my acne at the time, but I have since stopped using it because it contains menthol. I also noticed that if I didn't moisturize right away, I could feel my skin tighten. If you don't know, menthol is an ingredient you find in mouth wash and toothpaste, so it's not good because it dries out your skin. Another reason I wanted to reply to your post is because my dermatologist, like your doctor, suggested I use Purpose, too, but it dried out my skin more than Murad. I'm sure every person's skin is different, but I use Dermadoctor's AHA/BHA cleanser and I think it's effective because it contains glycolic acid that you can wash away, whereas the toner you're using, you're letting it absorb into your skin, which in turn is much more drying than a cleanser with glycolic acid. As for your foundation, try to go without it for a few days until your skin improves. If you're looking for at least some coverage, you can always try a BB Cream, like from Dr. Jart++ Water Fuse Beauty Balm. When I first started using it, I wasn't sure how to use it, so it highlighted my dry patches, but if you have some disposable sponges (maybe from Target or Walmart), this BB Cream will go on much better without dry patches. A tip would be to run the sponge under warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Then, apply the BB Cream with it. I hope this helps and good luck!

[CornteyLoves]

Well it seems like you have a lot of variations in your routine. Some skin types reacte unfavorably to this... would you say you've always had a history of doing this without worry? If so then that probably isn't the culprit. Although, I would be extra careful using multiple toners. Even gentle ones can be very drying.

As for exfoliation, don't over do it- maybe once a week. BUT this should get rid of your flaky patch problem. Be sure you are keeping up with ur favorite moistuirizer in addition to exfoliating.

[ran8]

As with the other poster, do not seek to exfoliate frequently.  It will make the problem worse.  Keep it to about once a week or use a mask designed to help exfoliate.  The REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask  may be worth trying out. 

For foundation, powder usually tends to cake on drier skin.  Go with a liquid formula or a hydrating powder such as the Smashbox HALO.  Remember less is more. 

If your current moisturizer is too heavy or causing frequent breakouts, consider looking into a different one.  See if a moisturizer aimed for combination skin goes for a happy medium.  Brand recommendations:  Boscia, REN, Skyn Iceland. 

I also second staying hydrated.  Limit intake of sugary foods and drinks. 

Hope this helps. 

[loveallmakeup]

for starters, don't exfoliate, it'll amke it worse. make sure you are drinking tons and tons of water. also, use a cream at night, it is a bit heavier but more nourishing. if nothing else, take a vitamin e tablet, break it open, and mix it in with your moisturizer before you put it on and start taking hyaluronic acid internally for hydration from within. hope this helps! 🙂