I went to a dermatologist today to get some prescriptions topical treatments and such. So I have questions for people who have used the stuff she recommended.

Background:

Acne started popping up early November 2020 after using Witch Hazel Toner for a few days and also used a charcoal mask once the same week. My left cheek (first photo) big pimples have always been there since.

I was on birth control since April 2018 until September 2020. Progesterone-only pill though. My dermatologist was surprised that I wasn’t breaking out at all- because she said usually that hormone causes breaks out. She was worried for me to go back on that specific pill because my acne could get worse- but I will start off again just to see if it makes a difference with my face. But please let me know what you think about that.

I have used the following products:

Differin Gel: (used it for a week and a half. First week started every other night, and then second week, every night - cause my face stinging with any products - including the most gentle moisturizer & sunscreen. Also flaky and dry skin/peeling around my mouth, nose, cheeks, and especially forehead).

The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc: used it alongside with Differin Gel. Used it before applying differin - dermatologist said serums/oils could clog pores and could be a factor of the “peeling” on my face.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser: did not help my skin at all. I used it since I got the breakouts in November along side with Garnier Moisture Bomb - no change.

Garnier Moisture Bomb: used it from around end of October to December. Had no idea it had fragrance in it, could’ve been irritating my skin even more.

I stopped using absolutely any products month of December. No changes. Acne stayed the same. January 2021 came, had to do something about it. Here is what I’ve been using from the last week:

AM: Wash only with warm water then end it cold water. Then Neutrogena Hyrdo Boost Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer.

PM: Wash with Cerave Foaming cleanser. Neutrogena moisturizer. Then Mario Badescu Drying Lotion spot treatment (I’ve used it 3 days in a row, not much of a difference).

Dermatologist recommended:

AM: wash with non-medicated cleanser (I’ll probably stick with my cerave foam cleanser). Apply clindamycin 1% lotion as spot treatment or entire face. Apply Sunscreen.

PM: Wash with cerave acne foaming cleanser with benzoyl peroxide. Then use moisturizer. She wanted me to try tretinoin but she was worried it’ll cause irritation because I was sensitive from differin gel.