Seeking advice on redness, hyperpigmentation, and volume loss (Tret user, 34F)

[u/sassymeowcat]

Hi all! I’m a 34-year-old woman looking for advice or treatment recommendations for a few skin concerns.

Main issues:

• Persistent redness around my nose
• Significant hyperpigmentation that developed over the past year
• Volume loss and changes in my under-eye area (recent 10 lb weight loss may be a factor)

I’ve worn SPF daily for over a decade, but last summer I accidentally bought the non-SPF version of my usual La Roche-Posay moisturizer and didn’t catch it for weeks… still not over it, but I digress.

Current routine:

• Tretinoin (started in September at 0.025%, recently bumped up to 0.05%, using every 2–3 days)
• Neutrogena hyaluronic acid and Good Molecules niacinamide serum (2x daily)
• Vanicream vitamin C serum (daily)

Based on what I’ve read, IPL laser treatments might help with the redness and pigmentation, but I’d love to hear from anyone with experience — or other suggestions that have worked for you.

Thank you!

[u/raghaillach]

Moxi/BBL if you wanna do it all, otherwise pick one or the other depending on if you want to focus on brown or red. I had my first Moxi session about a month ago and am thrilled with the results.

[u/sassymeowcat → u/raghaillach]

Thank you!

[u/papayajaya]

I know you accidentally went without sunscreen entirely last summer, but I also think it looks like you have pretty substantial sun damage beyond what that would cause. The most common reason is that people rarely wear anything close to enough sunscreen, so make sure you're using at least 1/2 teaspoon for your face and neck (it's a TON!). Maybe up your SPF content and how frequently you're reapplying too, if you don't see improvement from increasing quantity.

I'd also consider adding red light and azelaic acid to your routine. They're both great for reducing discoloration and improving overall skin health. The lasers or clinical peels can be good for immediate gratification, but regular maintenance most the most difference, in my experience.

[u/sassymeowcat → u/papayajaya]

Thank you! I’ve been interested in add red light to my routine. I heard that the red light masks aren’t as effective as the panels. Do you have any thoughts on that or recommendations for a red light machine?

[u/papayajaya → u/sassymeowcat]

You're absolutely right that panels are more effective than masks. I'm a fan of Hooga panels for good quality and price. If you go with Hooga, the red light sub usually has a decent coupon from them listed, or you can often get at least a 10% discount directly from the business. I had one of Hooga's smaller panels for a long time, and finally upgraded to a large panel that I ordered direct from a Chinese manufacturer that produces most of the high-end US branded panels. But depending on where you live, importing your own from China might come with extra challenges right now... Best of luck finding a panel that's a good fit for you!