Linh, who had a few pimples on her chin, consistently used numerous skincare products, including strong foaming cleansers, vitamin C, exfoliating acids, retinol, recovery serums, and sleeping masks. At one point, she changed 5 to 6 products in just one month.

Her skin began to sting, develop red rashes, and peel. Believing these were signs of "purging" (skin adjusting to active ingredients), Linh increased the frequency of specialized product use, while also using an iontophoresis device and at-home chemical peels.

Subsequently, Linh's skin remained continuously red, felt hot and burning when exposed to sunlight or prolonged air conditioning, and even stung when using facial cleanser. Repeated irritation made her skin thinner, with visible capillaries around her nostrils and on both cheeks.

A doctor advises Linh on proper skincare. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Doctor Doan Minh Thanh, from the Dermatology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, stated that Linh was obsessed with "perfect skin", using high-concentration retinol from the start, combining acids continuously, or rapidly changing cosmetics based on trends. Doctor Thanh has treated many similar cases of "skincare addiction". Many patients bring dozens of skincare products to their appointments, unsure which ones are suitable or which they should stop using.

'Many young people follow skincare trends without fully understanding their skin's condition', Doctor Thanh said, explaining that the skin's protective barrier can be compromised by overusing specialized products, excessive exfoliation, or incorrectly combining active ingredients. This results in sensitive skin, prone to redness, inflammatory acne, prolonged irritation, and can even lead to chronic rosacea.

Doctor Thanh instructed Linh to discontinue almost all her current cosmetics, using only a gentle cleanser, a restorative moisturizer, and appropriate sunscreen. He utilized IPL technology, which employs broad-spectrum light wavelengths, to eliminate bacteria, constrict inflamed blood vessels causing redness, and stimulate collagen production.

After two months, Linh's skin gradually improved. However, Doctor Thanh noted that the skin barrier recovery process would require many months.

Doctor Thanh recommends a minimalist skincare routine consisting of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Individuals wishing to use active ingredients like: retinol, AHA, BHA, vitamin C, or specialized products should consult a doctor for examination and advice. It is advisable to start with low concentrations and suitable frequencies to allow the skin time to adapt. Avoid combining multiple strong active ingredients simultaneously or constantly changing cosmetics based on online beauty trends.

If redness, burning, peeling, itching, or acne breakouts occur after using cosmetics, stop use immediately and consult a dermatologist. Continuing to use products or self-treating can worsen damage and prolong recovery.

Thanh Ba