At 68, some skin laxity after rapid weight loss is normal, and creams can help a bit—look for retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid for mild firming and hydration, but realistic expectations matter.

thanks girls

Thanks for sharing this — I love learning new things!

Sorry I ment to say I use the toner and don’t have acne

@Leah590 Glad you have a skincare routine that works for you! I gotta say though, your routine isn’t “the right way” for everyone, and neither is mine—and that’s okay. I mean, the basic skincare steps are wash, treat, moisturize, and (in the morning) protect with sunscreen. But some people apply certain serums (usually a retinoid) after moisturizer to reduce side effects, because moisturizer can act as an irritation buffer. Other people don’t need a toner. Some folks don’t need facial sprays at any point in their routine. Heck, seasonal weather changes can affect skincare routines differently for everyone. On warm weather mornings I skip the moisturizer step and let my sunscreen pull double duty, but on winter mornings my mostly-dry combo skin needs a separate moisturizer under sunscreen. We don’t all have the same skin type/behavior, issues, or goals, after all. 🙂

Hi Memz. The main thing to prioritize is a mineral SPF with zinc oxide as the primary filter because it sits on the skin rather than absorbing into it, which is significantly gentler for reactive skin. To avoid white cast look for micronized/nano zinc oxide formulations or a hybrid mineral-chemical formula (if your skin tolerates it). Fragrance-free/alcohol-free are non-negotiable. A tinted mineral SPF is worth considering too. Hope this helps!

@NickyDaut @What products are you currently using?

That whipped oil butter is likely the main issue. It creates a heavier film, and when you layer water-based products or makeup on top, everything starts to roll off. I’d simplify. Gentle cleanser, light toner if you like it, then either azelaic acid OR niacinamide (you don’t need both every time), and switch to a lighter moisturizer instead of a heavy butter especially during the day. Also, let each layer absorb for a minute before adding the next.

Hi OP. Congested whiteheads are usually a combination of excess sebum/dead skin cell buildup/preservative system not quite keeping up, so the approach needs to cover both exfoliation & sebum regulation. Look for salicylic acid & niacinamide. For active whiteheads specifically, a low-percentage benzoyl peroxide spot treatment addresses the bacterial component that salicylic acid alone doesn't fully cover.

For congestion + whiteheads, salicylic acid is your best friend! 🫶 something like CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser or Paula’s Choice 2% BH Liquid Exfoliant helps unclog pores, and a light moisturizer keeps things balanced.