Feeling Hopeless
UPDATE: Many of you commented that it could be rosacea. I looked into it last night and I think that’s what this is. My acne was never like this as a teen or up until two years ago (I’m turning 31 in July). I think this could be papulopustular rosacea. I’m going to bring it up to the dermatologist. Thank you for all the advice!
I’m getting so frustrated with my skin. It ebbs and flows. Living in it, it feels like it’s in a constant state of redness, whiteheads, and inflammation. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had clear skin. Like clear, clear.
I’ve tried spironolactone in the past. I think it worked but I built a tolerance for it (this is a theory) so it stopped being as effective. I’ve tried benzoyl peroxide (it bleaches so I try not to use it). I think it helps but it’s drying and too strong for my skin. I’ve tried salicylic acid face washes and just about everything in between.
Recently, I started VI peels. I’ve done two so far, spaced 5 weeks apart. I was also prescribed tretinoin .025% cream. I just restarted it a few weeks ago. I couldn’t use it while I was doing the peels. I feel like the peels have helped renew my skin barrier so my skin isn’t so dry and dull but it’s hasn’t helped with the acne. I’m contemplating getting a hydrafacial…
My acne definitely gets worse closer to my period, I’m supposed to get it at the end of the week. I used to get rashes, like eczema type rashes, before my period. It hasn’t happened in a while but I need to get bloodwork done. I’ve done allergy testing on my skin before. I don’t have any food allergies but I’m allergic to basically all things outdoors 😫 dust mites in particular. I did some research and possibly I have an allergy to progesterone?? Again, need bloodwork done 😅.
Dropping my current routine below. Any suggestions and help is greatly appreciated 🫶🏽
AM:
- IS clinical cleansing complex
- Rosewater spray (Hertiage Store) or Prequel (Hypochlorous acid spray)
- MISSHA Artemisia calming essence
- Anua 3+ ceramide moisture barrier
- Tony moly green tea Korean sunscreen 50+
PM:
- Iunik calendula cleansing oil
- IS clinical cleansing complex or cerave acne control cleanser (2% salicylic acid)
- Rosewater spray (Hertiage Store) or Prequel (Hypochlorous acid spray)
- MISSHA Artemisia calming essence or Peach slices snail rescue toner
- Anua 3+ ceramide moisture barrier
- tretinoin (every other night)