Matty The Patty
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- Joined
- Apr 5, 2026
- Messages
- 12
- Time Online
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Isotretinoin
Most comprehensive oral acne treatment available. Simultaneously reduces sebaceous gland output, normalises how skin cells shed and renew, suppresses bacterial proliferation, and drives down inflammation at the source. Unlike most acne treatments, the results frequently outlast the course itself. Complete staple imo, I personally microdose this daily, and plan to for a while
SPF 30-50+
UVA breaks down collagen and elastin regardless of season or cloud cover. UVB damages DNA directly. Both worsen pigmentation and accelerate aging. No active ingredient in your routine offsets skipping this — it's arguably the most necessary out of all of these. Use daily at AM, top up if necessary.
Topical Retinoids
Tretinoin and Tazarotene accelerate cellular turnover, stimulate collagen syntheses, and keep inflammatory activity low. Strong evidence base for both acne and long-term skin quality. The main limitation is barrier irritation - start low and build tolerance gradually.
Daily or EOD use if just starting, I apply PM
Moisturiser
Barrier function is the foundation everything else depends on. A compromised barrier amplifies sensitivity to every active you apply, slows repair, and sustains low-grade inflammation. A well-formulated moisturiser — ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid based — maintains transepidermal water loss at a normal level and keeps the skin environment stable enough for other treatments to actually work. AM and PM works best.
Dutasteride
DHT is the primary androgen responsible for driving excess sebum production and sustaining skin inflammation. Dutasteride blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts Testosterone into DHT, cutting the problem at its hormonal root. The downstream effects are reduced oiliness, calmer skin, and slower androgen-driven collagen degradation over time. Optimal if roiding, I dont recommend to youngcels
Mild Cleanser
Cleansing is where a lot of people quietly undermine their own routine. Harsh surfactants strip the acid mantle, disrupt the microbiome, and leave the barrier compromised before any actives are even applied. A low-pH, non-stripping cleanser does the job without the collateral damage. Use daily at PM
Hydroquinone
The gold standard for hyperpigmentation. Directly inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production at the source. Use in cycles rather than continuously, and pair with SPF — sun exposure actively reverses what it's doing.
These are just the things I PERSONALLY use, so I didnt include everything ever ofc: just what I am best educated on. Info is relatively brief but I think I covered main points.Also this is my first post so give me feedback
Most comprehensive oral acne treatment available. Simultaneously reduces sebaceous gland output, normalises how skin cells shed and renew, suppresses bacterial proliferation, and drives down inflammation at the source. Unlike most acne treatments, the results frequently outlast the course itself. Complete staple imo, I personally microdose this daily, and plan to for a while
SPF 30-50+
UVA breaks down collagen and elastin regardless of season or cloud cover. UVB damages DNA directly. Both worsen pigmentation and accelerate aging. No active ingredient in your routine offsets skipping this — it's arguably the most necessary out of all of these. Use daily at AM, top up if necessary.
Topical Retinoids
Tretinoin and Tazarotene accelerate cellular turnover, stimulate collagen syntheses, and keep inflammatory activity low. Strong evidence base for both acne and long-term skin quality. The main limitation is barrier irritation - start low and build tolerance gradually.
Daily or EOD use if just starting, I apply PM
Moisturiser
Barrier function is the foundation everything else depends on. A compromised barrier amplifies sensitivity to every active you apply, slows repair, and sustains low-grade inflammation. A well-formulated moisturiser — ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid based — maintains transepidermal water loss at a normal level and keeps the skin environment stable enough for other treatments to actually work. AM and PM works best.
Dutasteride
DHT is the primary androgen responsible for driving excess sebum production and sustaining skin inflammation. Dutasteride blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts Testosterone into DHT, cutting the problem at its hormonal root. The downstream effects are reduced oiliness, calmer skin, and slower androgen-driven collagen degradation over time. Optimal if roiding, I dont recommend to youngcels
Mild Cleanser
Cleansing is where a lot of people quietly undermine their own routine. Harsh surfactants strip the acid mantle, disrupt the microbiome, and leave the barrier compromised before any actives are even applied. A low-pH, non-stripping cleanser does the job without the collateral damage. Use daily at PM
Hydroquinone
The gold standard for hyperpigmentation. Directly inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production at the source. Use in cycles rather than continuously, and pair with SPF — sun exposure actively reverses what it's doing.
These are just the things I PERSONALLY use, so I didnt include everything ever ofc: just what I am best educated on. Info is relatively brief but I think I covered main points.Also this is my first post so give me feedback
