I need to find a good skincare routine

[sweetnspicybear]

Hi! I’m currently trying to find a skincare routine that fits me. I currently use a Cetaphil cleanser and an Aveeno moisturizer. I’ve heard these are very good, but they aren’t doing anything for me. I have red spots and zits across my face. It’s itchy and painful. Also, please don’t recommend anything with retinol. I’m not looking for anything too fancy either. My budget for each product is under $45-50. I also need to find a good, moisturizing lip balm for under $15. Please help!

[WinglessOne]

Hi @sweetnspicybear ! Which specific Cetaphil cleanser and Aveeno moisturizer do you use? Both brands make several different types of those products. Cetaphil makes a few acne face washes; do you use one of those? 

Have you seen a dermatologist or other medical doctor about your itchy painful red spots? They might not be acne. A doc can diagnose your skin and recommend treatment. I don’t want to recommend products that might make your skin worse. I’m not even sure I should recommend salicylic acid (the usual go-to for acne). Do you already use something that contains salicylic acid? Do you use any other products besides cleanser and moisturizer? No sunscreen?

[sweetnspicybear]

I use the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser and the Aveeno Daily Moisturizer. I have not tried Cetaphil’s Acne Washes but that definitely sounds like a good idea. I have seen 3 dermatologists and they all said it was just acne. I do not use anything with salicylic acid. I only use cleanser and moisturizer.

[peculiarzmakeup]

Hi! @sweetnspicybear 

There is currently a team BIC challenge for skincare I’ve been getting a lot of ideas there 2025 Skincare Check-In Challenge 

Farmacy Lip Smoothie Vitamin C + Peptide Lip Balm 

For skincare cleansers and moisturizers I go by my skin type to help find the best one 

Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser 5 oz 

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Refillable Moisturizer 1.7 oz / 50 mL  (they also have mini) these last a while you only need a drop 🙂 

[sweetnspicybear]

Ok, thank you for your reply. I will definitely keep these in mind.