By Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure
Whether it's wacky hacks, elaborate routines, or never-been-heard nuggets of advice, we can always count on Reddit to come through and make us think even more critically about our complexions than we already do. A minefield of fellow skin-care obsessed folks, much like ourselves, users are eager to share their epidermis experiences, with acne and blackheads being two of the buzziest topics on the site.
Most recently, we came across a user whose month-long, blackhead-busting routine has gone viral for its wildly impressive results. The Redditor in question goes by yoofka and posted about her experience (along with a side-by-side photo) to the /r/SkincareAddiction subreddit, explaining that after ditching her previous routine — which consisted of three products — for a new six- to seven-step regimen, her skin has never been happier. "My skin has never been more supple or texture-less in my 22 years!" she shared.
Believe it or not, her routine is pretty straightforward (no 7-Skin Method here.) She begins by removing her makeup with the Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Purifying Cleansing Oil and follows with Neogen's Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads in Green Tea to remove any build-up or dead skin. Interestingly enough, she cleanses after exfoliating and does so with the classic Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser for All Skin Types. Next up: She applies Differin, an over-the-counter retinoid treatment (and Allure Best of Beauty winner) to her clean, dry skin. It's commonly used to treat acne and is more accessible and affordable than prescription topicals.
Now, this is where things get a little "sus," if you will, as yoofka claims to use Aquafor Healing Ointment — get this — before toning with the Akaran Moisture Lotion. This step is a bit baffling, considering most skin-care experts will tell you to apply products in order of thin-to-thick consistency.
When one commenter questioned this method, here's what she had to say:
"I wish I had an actual scientifically-backed answer to this, but my mother's side is Korean, and I grew up in E. Asia; I've just been taught from 13 y.o to always moisturize first to lock in the moisture and then tone afterward because toner is never as moisturizing. It's worked for me; I went through a phase where I toned before (like everybody else lol) but I've always noticed that my skin was brighter and softer and more supple if I toned last like my mom and grandma always taught me."
Nevertheless, when we spoke with Shari Marchbein, a New York City-based dermatologist, about the aforementioned technique, she told me she wouldn't recommend applying an occlusive, like Aquaphor, all over your skin, especially for those who are acne-prone and often experience clogged pores. On the flip side, she notes that Differin could be the star of the show here, as mentioned above, it's a retinoid that aids in unclogging pores and eradicating acne. "So it may not be the Aquaphor, but rather the Differin, that is improving her skin," says Marchbein.
Sejal Shah, a dermatologist in New York City, is on a similar page to Marchbein, as she says she does not see how applying a thick moisturizer like Aquaphor prior to toning could be beneficial. "Generally, it is recommended to use products from thinnest to thickest consistency, so toner, which traditionally has a liquid consistency, would be used earlier in the routine usually after cleansing," she says, before adding that the Akaran Moisture Lotion is a water gel and likely thicker in consistency, and says perhaps this is why this order works for her. Finally, Shah brings up the fact that she uses other exfoliating products and potentially drying ingredients earlier in her routine, so this could be another reason why she's found success. "But overall, I would suggest toning before moisturizing to really get the full benefits," she says.
Case in point: We don't necessarily recommend slathering your skin with a thick balm, like Aquaphor, before toning (especially if you're acne-prone), but hey, it seems to be working in her favor, so who are we to judge? Lastly, she says she occasionally uses The Face Shop sheet masks, which if you haven't tried yet, we suggest stocking up, stat.
