Advice
new to prescription skincare and currently using:
0.025% tretinoin
15% azelaic acid
hydroquinone cream
Lately my skin has been looking more textured/dehydrated and my pores seem more noticeable. I also get some dryness/flaking at times. I can’t tell if I’m overdoing it or if this is normal while adjusting.
One thing that makes skincare harder is that I’m allergic to aspirin and I tend to react badly to salicylic acid products, so I avoid most BHA exfoliants.
I do see a dermatologist, but I feel like skin barrier health hasn’t really been explained much to me, and I’m currently in the process of finding another derm for a second opinion.
For people experienced with tret/azelaic acid:
How did you know your barrier was damaged vs just irritated?
Did tret make your pores look worse temporarily?
How often should beginners realistically use these products?
Any barrier-friendly moisturizers/products you recommend?