I need help, I've been struggling with this breakout for probably 7+ months. It's taken its toll emotionally and I have no clue what to do with my skin. Anyways, here is my regime:
morning - Sophytopro cleanser then moisturizer. I try to not use my prescriptions in the morning but sometimes I do.
Evening - Sophytopro cleanser, clindamycin, tretinol ONLY ON FOREHEAD RECENTLY, Azelic acid, then Sophytopro moisturizer.
More detail about Tretinol, I started using it exclusively on my forehead because it made my face so hot and red. I started using it on my cheeks again, only to find it made more acne and more redness without help after a MONTH OF USAGE. I am fully aware of the purge and the characteristics of tretinol.
Anyways again, please look at the attached picture and tell me what I should do. My skin is a mess and I can't continue. Here are my questions:
How to get rid of my redness/irritation?
How to cure active acne?
Hyperpigmentation/scars?
thank you in advanced :')
You're hyperpigmentation really isn't that bad. The marks are pretty light so it should fade out in a few months- a year.
Hi! From the pic I can't tell that you have active breakouts on the cheek area - did you have a lot of your breakouts there?I ask because when I started using topical creams along my jawline for my active acne/hyperpigmintation, I also started using them on my cheek and nose area to help with oiliness/blackheads and I got a LOT of redness from doing so. It looks just like yours. Safe to say I stopped doing that lol.
For me, I find that moisturizing BEFORE putting topical treatments on really helps avoid irritation. A lot of people will swear by applying them first, but it has never hindered the medications effectiveness for me. My derm even told me to moisturize first. I apply the moisturizer, let it dry, and then apply the cream. When I used to do it in the reverse it would make my skin sting and burn 10x worse.
I cured my active acne with birth control, and then added in topical treatments to help speed things up and also to help with hyperpigmentation.
I am now still using the topical treatments on the areas with hyperpigmentation even though I have no more active acne. They are slowly fading, though I know it will take time. I have already seen an improvement in them in the last month (I've been taking pics monthly to monitor). The marks are a lot less red/noticeable. I have started using a serum to helps with the marks too, but it's only been a week so I don't know if it does anything. I wouldn't incorporate any new serums or anything in though until your skin irritation and active acne is under control!
Do not panic. You can definitely get a relief. All you have to do is use an effective anti-redness cream that can address all your skin issues, like redness, irritation, hyperpigmentation, and acne. I have been using Pensida Anti-Redness Cream for quite some time and got real results. This cream has really transformed my skin. Give it a try.