What is causing this new dry/scaly patch?
I started Tret .05 and Azelaic acid 15% about 14 days ago. I haven't been using them daily either as I work out a lot so its been a struggle to figure out when to use my Azelaic acid as I will likely sweat it off if done at the start of my day and then I may have used the tret 7-9 days out of the last 14 days. My face has been burning a bit lately (Derm said burning means its working buuuut idontknowboutdat) the last couple of evening I've used the tret. Last night I opted for a deep hydrating facial mask (overnight that I rinse off in the morning) and this shows up today, which is something I've never experienced. I wear my sunscreen, keep my face moisturized and drink my water but this feels uncomfortable. Do I need to pause the topicals for now or am I missing a step?
Morning, I do a light wash (more of a rinse) and apply Azelaic acid, hydrating essence and sunscreen
Evening, I double cleanse if needed, layer of moisturizer (not every night, ive been experimenting with the sandwich method) let that soak in (5 minutes or so) then tretinoin, let that soak in then my ceramide moisturizer.