PhilsHugh
New member
I see way too many dudes on here running 12-step Korean routines and wondering why their skin is still mid. I spent 2 years testing everything from raw milk cope to $200 serums and I'm telling you; simplicity wins every single time. Here's what actually moved the needle for me.
The Core 4 (Non-Negotiable):
The Optional Add-Ons (Only If You Need Them):
What's Cope:
Lifestyle Factors That Actually Matter:
I went from textured, uneven skin with PIH to legitimately smooth, even-toned skin in about 5 months on this exact stack. Consistency beats complexity every time. Stop buying new products every week and just lock in with the basics.
Ask questions below if you need help with your specific situation — drop your skin type and main concern and I'll try to help.
The Core 4 (Non-Negotiable):
- Gentle Cleanser - CeraVe or Cetaphil. AM and PM. Nothing fancy, just gets the job done. If your cleanser makes your face feel tight after, it's stripping your moisture barrier and you're sabotaging yourself.
- Tretinoin 0.025% - This is the single most effective thing you can put on your face. Not retinol, not bakuchiol, not whatever TikTok is shilling this week. Get a prescription from your derm or use an online telehealth service. Start every other night, build up to nightly over 8 weeks. Your skin WILL purge for the first month. Push through it.
- Moisturizer - Non-comedogenic. CeraVe PM or Vanicream. Apply after tret dries down (wait 20 mins). This keeps your barrier intact so the tret can actually work without destroying your face.
- SPF 50+ (PA++++) - Every. Single. Morning. Even if you're inside. UV goes through windows. I use a Japanese sunscreen (Biore UV Aqua Rich) because it doesn't leave a white cast or feel greasy. If you're darker skinned, look for tinted sunscreens so you don't look ashy.
The Optional Add-Ons (Only If You Need Them):
- Azelaic acid 15-20% for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation / redness
- Salicylic acid 2% wash if you get clogged pores consistently
- Vitamin C serum (L-ascorbic acid 15-20%) in the AM under SPF for brightening and antioxidant protection
What's Cope:
- Bone broth for skin (doesn't do anything topically relevant)
- Raw meat/milk on your face
- "Natural" skincare only - your skin doesn't care if it's organic
- 10+ product routines - you're just irritating your barrier
Lifestyle Factors That Actually Matter:
- Sleep 7-9 hrs (this alone will clear mild acne for some of you)
- Drink water consistently throughout the day
- Cut dairy if you break out frequently — it's estrogenic and inflammatory for a lot of people
- Get your body fat to a reasonable level — a lean face with clear skin is a massive halo
I went from textured, uneven skin with PIH to legitimately smooth, even-toned skin in about 5 months on this exact stack. Consistency beats complexity every time. Stop buying new products every week and just lock in with the basics.
Ask questions below if you need help with your specific situation — drop your skin type and main concern and I'll try to help.
