4 weeks on 0.25% and already thinking of giving up.
First photo is my skin on day 1 of tretinoin and second photo is my skin today after 4 weeks of using tretinoin 0.25%.
I (23F) suffered from cystic hormonal acne for over 7 years as a teen and used a mix of benzoyl peroxide and differin gel to clear my skin. I was subsequently left with texture/scarring and hyperpigmentation that would not go.
I decided to wait a few months of using no actives then started tretinoin.
I read about purging but nothing could have prepared me for the amount of acne that has suddenly appeared on my cheeks.
My forehead has never been a problem area and also has broken out in deep blackheads. My skin hasn’t been this bad in years and it is really difficult to look at after having relatively clear skin for a long time. It is just getting worse and I would really appreciate some advice on my routine before giving up tret altogether :)
current routine:
AM
centella barrier serum
cetaphil daily hydrating moisturiser
aveeno spf 50
PM
oil cleasner
water based cleanser
tretinoin every 3 days
azelaic acid
barrier serum
moisturiser
Thankyou so much!