I NEED help. My pores are giant, and I’ve been breaking out with deep cystic acne BAD. Postpartum is not treating me too nice. Missing the smooth skin of pregnancy. Tips? OTC products? I use cetaphil gentle cleanser, and started differin gel last night.

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Answer

I feel your pain quite literally. I started developing cystic acne around the time I turned 30. This advice is based solely on my experience and research. Differin Gel (DG) can be a wonderful addition to your skin care routine when suffering with acne. It is a powerful retinoid, especially if your skin is sensitive like mine, and you want to ease into it. Example, use it 1-2 times your first week, 3 times in week 2, every other night for week 3 and gradually add a night until using it every night by week 4 or 5. When I first started DG I was so eager for results that I overused the product and my skin was very red, very painful and even more sensitive. It looked like a chemical burn and I almost gave up on it entirely. While getting a facial, the esthetician explained easing into it and I did just that with little to no side effects. You need to use a gentle cleanser (looks like you are) and a non-comedogenic moisturizer morning and night. Use sunscreen during the day. On your DG nights, after washing and before moisturizing, apply a thin layer all over the affected area and allow to dry completely before moisturizing. While using DG, you are going to want to avoid certain things such as, other retinols or derivatives, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) salicylic or glycolic acids, which may worsen irritation, direct exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. If you are planning on getting a facial, make sure you discontinue use of DG, 3-4 days prior. I will put my cleanser and moisturizer suggestions below. Remember, this is a process and results can take 3 months, sometimes longer. Try not to pick your acne (like me!) because of the bacteria under our fingernails that will slow down the healing process and lead to scarring. Also, I know how heartbreaking having acne can be but remember, it doesn't define you and you are beautiful! Life is stressful and that only makes acne worse so take a breather when you need (and can with a baby 🥰) try yoga to bring down cortisol levels and stay strong!
Cleanser recommendations:
As a general rule, you want a cleanser that's labeled fragrance free and hypoallergenic. Never wash with hot water and always pat dry. 
First aid beauty facial cleanser
CeraVe foaming facial cleanser
Neutragena ultra gentle daily cleanser
Vanicream free and clear liquid cleanser
Neutragena rapid clear oil eliminating foaming cleanser
Moisturizer recommendations:
Caution: coconut oil clogs pores so avoid using this ingredient in your face.
First aid beauty skin rescue oil-free mattifying gel
Derma E sensitive skin oil-free moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Fluide oil-free moisturizer
Neutragena hydro boost water gel with hyaluronic acid
Recommended sunscreen:
Neutragena oil free moisture broad spectrum SPF 35
CeraVe AM facial moisturizing lotion with SPF 30
Supergoop! Unseen sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 40
Good luck 👍❤️

Answer

So what is your skincare routine? Since the retinol gel overturns your cells faster, your skin will likely get worse before it gets better and that’s what it’s SUPPOSED to do. You didn’t mention any moisturizers, so I’d suggest getting an oil and heavy night cream. You should only use the retinol at night, as you can get sun damage from it, also don’t forget to use sunscreen. For morning skincare, I’d get a face wash that has an AHA or BHA, aka chemical exfoliants, and a light cream and sun screen. This is just a very basic skincare routine, I got a lot of my information from a woman named Stephanie Nicole from YouTube, she has very in depth skin care videos explaining a lot of stuff.

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Ouch 😣 I’ve developed it a little once entering my thirties. It freaking hurts. I use proactive a few times a week (it gets too dry if I use any more). On the off days I use cetaphil and witch hazel.

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https://www.amazon.com/Noble-Formula-Pyrithione-Zinc-Original/dp/B00EIQK3AY?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

I NEED help. My pores are giant, and I’ve been breaking out with deep cystic acne BAD. Postpartum is not treating me too nice. Missing the smooth skin of pregnancy. Tips? OTC products? I use cetaphil gentle cleanser, and started differin gel last night.

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