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Iron
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2026
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Im relatively new to looksmaxing, and the research I’ve read so far points to skin quality being one of the most important things you want to get corrected asap. Personally my skin isn’t horrible but it’s the first thing I set out to max as it’s mostly softmaxing. It’s the best starting point to looksmaxing tbh. This is just a little of my research so far I thought I’d share with the com
Different skin issues and the solutions I’ve found for them.
Blackheads
Clogged pore open to air, oxidised sebum = black dot
Solution: BHA (salicylic), Retinoid (adapalene), gentle cleansing, professional extraction worth doing every so often.
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Whiteheads
Clogged pore w/closed top = small white bumps
Solution: Retinoids, BHA, non-comedogenic products, consistency with your routine (most important)
-
Inflammatory Acne
Red, inflamed spots, sometimes deep
Fix
Solution: Retinoid + Benzoyl Peroxide. If really bad see a dermatologist (probably worth doing anyway)
-
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark marks after spots
Solution: SPF, Retinoid, Niacinamide, azelaic acid. Maybe consider hydroquinone.
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Post-Inflammatory Erythema
Pink/reds marks after acne
Solution: SPF, Niacinamide, azelaic acid
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Enlarged Pores
Stretched follicle openings from genes, oil or damage
Solution: Niacinamide, BHA, & Retinoid over long term use. Avoid over-stripping your skin barrier attempting to fix this issue. I’d consider professional treatments for this.
-
Texture/Rough Skin
Bumpy, uneven surface
Solution: Retinoid, occasional AHA/BHA (1-2x/week), good moisturiser, long-term consistency with skincare (should be doing anyways)
-
Photoaging
UV-driven skin aging; wrinkles, spots, general dullness (old people skin)
Solution: Daily SPF usage, Retinoids, antioxidants. And avoid unprotected sun but if you ldarmaxing like me you’re somewhat safe.
Different skin issues and the solutions I’ve found for them.
Blackheads
Clogged pore open to air, oxidised sebum = black dot
Solution: BHA (salicylic), Retinoid (adapalene), gentle cleansing, professional extraction worth doing every so often.
-
Whiteheads
Clogged pore w/closed top = small white bumps
Solution: Retinoids, BHA, non-comedogenic products, consistency with your routine (most important)
-
Inflammatory Acne
Red, inflamed spots, sometimes deep
Fix
Solution: Retinoid + Benzoyl Peroxide. If really bad see a dermatologist (probably worth doing anyway)
-
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark marks after spots
Solution: SPF, Retinoid, Niacinamide, azelaic acid. Maybe consider hydroquinone.
-
Post-Inflammatory Erythema
Pink/reds marks after acne
Solution: SPF, Niacinamide, azelaic acid
-
Enlarged Pores
Stretched follicle openings from genes, oil or damage
Solution: Niacinamide, BHA, & Retinoid over long term use. Avoid over-stripping your skin barrier attempting to fix this issue. I’d consider professional treatments for this.
-
Texture/Rough Skin
Bumpy, uneven surface
Solution: Retinoid, occasional AHA/BHA (1-2x/week), good moisturiser, long-term consistency with skincare (should be doing anyways)
-
Photoaging
UV-driven skin aging; wrinkles, spots, general dullness (old people skin)
Solution: Daily SPF usage, Retinoids, antioxidants. And avoid unprotected sun but if you ldarmaxing like me you’re somewhat safe.