I thought I'd start a log because reading other people's logs really helped me. My acne is moderate to severe depending on when you ask me, concentrating mostly in the forehead area with a good amount around the chin and cheek area as well. I have mostly pustules currently though I've dealt with cystic acne before.

The regimen:

Morning:

-Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

-Clindamycin Phosphate Gel 1%

-Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera gel if my face is especially enflamed

-Neutrogena Clear Face liquid-lotion sunblock with SPF 30

Night:

-Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (to remove makeup, also use Neutrogena Makeup Wipes if I'm wearing heavy makeup that day)

-Tretinoin 0.025%

-Cerave Moisturizing Lotion

Status:

Week One:

The first week was bad. I did not notice any new significant breakouts but my face was red, blotchy, and flakey. I think I overdid it starting off using it every night. Everything burned, my moisturizer, my facewash, everything. So I started using the aloe vera and it helped a lot. I just pushed through and kept using it every day and the burning and redness mostly went away

Week Two:

My face is still flaking. Makeup is a big no-no right now which really sucks. Redness and burning has subsided. While my overall complexion looks a lot clearer, I've been getting big, painful pustules around my cheek area which I'm thinking is part of the IB from the tretinoin. By the end of the week, they're starting to go away though.

I'm starting to transition to 0.05% retin-a from the 0.025%. I've been using it every other night for the past couple of nights. So far no irritation other than some flakiness.