u/ReactionNeither7166

Hello everyone. I’m writing this post because i have reached a dead end with my skin and just really need help. if you have ANY advice for me id be very grateful for it. Almost 2 years ago, i (24F at the time, 26F today) had some mild acne. It was nothing serious. i have acne prone skin and just wasnt washing my makeup off properly. I used to use the Ordinary Peeling Solution weekly, and it was working well for a couple of years, no complaints. One time, i had some breakouts (nothing too crazy), then decided to use an acne treatment after i finished my weekly exfoliant that i leave on my face for 10 minutes as instructed. I came across the de la cruz 10% sulfur acne treatment. I stupidly, and very naively, left a thin layer on my face overnight, because a saw a comment online saying it made their skin perfect.

I woke up the next morning with my skin hot. Burning, heated when i touched it, and that was the beginning of the end. I basically found out the even worse pimples i got the coming week (pic attached) was because i had severely damaged my skin barrier. I stopped all actives. Used bioderma cicabio and only creams like allergika or Purito’s barrier relief cream, once my skin started tolerating creams after a couple of months. I went to 3,4 dermatologists and continue to be gaslit by doctors. When i cried at one doctor’s office and i told him my skin still burns, he told me im “obsessing” over it and prescribed adapalane for the blemishes he saw on my face. Of course, that would really send my skin over the edge, so i did not dare try that.

One decent doctor diagnosed me with Irritant Contact Dermatitis. I dont see alot of info online about how long this lasts, if theres ever an end to it or if i should just accept that my skin as I know it is gone. She just said to continue not using actives and said to use bioderma sensibio cream.

1.8 years later, my skin isnt back to normal. It’s better by 35% but nowhere near being able to use actives again or any toner i want. Even some barrier repair products for sensitive skin sting me. I want to have moisturised, glowing skin. But my skin right now is so dry, tight, and It looks so dull. My fine lines have increased and look worse because my skin is so dry, and that makes me really sad too.

If it helps, I have set aside a good budget for any future treatments. Im willing to do anything, i dont care how much it costs. I just want to have normal skin! My mental health is getting to a low point and need any relief

THANK YOU SO MUCH for reading this!!!! ❤️

All comments welcome.