u/Jazzlike-Somewhere-2

5 days ago, my skin was shedding from a product. I forcefully rubbed the dry skin off, and the intense friction caused acute irritation followed by deep dark patches (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) across my forehead and around my mouth. I used hydrocortisone and Aquaphor for a few days, which calmed the raw inflammation, but the dark patches remain completely unchanged.

My Doctor Visit Today: > I just saw a doctor and left with two prescriptions:
CABTREO Gel (Clindamycin 1.2% / Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% / Adapalene 0.15%) — Instructions say once daily.
Tretinoin 0.025% Topical Gel — Instructions also say once daily.

My Confusion:
My skin barrier was literally raw and friction-burned 5 days ago. Both of these contain strong retinoids (Adapalene in Cabtreo, plus the pure Tretinoin).

My pharmacist said I can eventually use both at the same time, but I am terrified that layering them on my forehead will completely fry my skin barrier and make my PIH worse.

I also get occasional breakouts on my chin, so I am wondering if the doctor meant for me to use Cabtreo on my chin and Tretinoin on my hyperpigmentation patches? Or should I rotate days?

Current Safe Products I Have: CeraVe pm Moisturizer and EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46.

How would you guys navigate introducing these two highly potent gels without destroying a recently damaged skin barrier or worsening the dark patches? Thank you so much!

5 days ago, my skin was shedding from a product. I forcefully rubbed the dry skin off, and the intense friction caused acute irritation followed by deep dark patches (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) across my forehead and around my mouth. I used hydrocortisone and Aquaphor for a few days, which calmed the raw inflammation, but the dark patches remain completely unchanged.

I just saw a doctor and left with two prescriptions:

1. CABTREO Gel (Clindamycin 1.2% / Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% / Adapalene 0.15%) — *Instructions say once daily.*
2. Tretinoin 0.025% Topical Gel— *Instructions also say once daily.*

My Confusion:
My skin barrier was literally raw and friction-burned 5 days ago. Both of these contain strong retinoids (Adapalene in Cabtreo, plus the pure Tretinoin).
My pharmacist said I can eventually use *both at the same time*, but I am terrified that layering them on my forehead will completely fry my skin barrier and make my PIH worse.

I also get occasional breakouts on my chin, so I am wondering if the doctor meant for me to use Cabtreo on my chin and Tretinoin on my hyperpigmentation patches? Or should I rotate days?

Current Safe Products I Have:CeraVe pm facial Moisturizer and EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46.

How would you guys navigate introducing these two highly potent gels without destroying a recently damaged skin barrier or worsening the dark patches? Thank you so much!