please help my poor face

[Deleted]

Since I've started on the prescription topical for my acne my skin has been bright red, itchy and very dry. There's some spots where the skin is flaking off. I'm just using cetaphil for cleanser so I don't think that's an issue.

I've tried using cerave and that clinique yellow stuff but both burn when I put them on.

Any help or suggestions? It's starting to look ridiculous.

[wrathofkuus]

You have a chemical burn. It's not just dry skin.

[Deleted]

Dec 10, 2013 10:51:01 GMT -5 wrathofkuus said:

You have a chemical burn. It's not just dry skin.

So what do I need to do then?

[pantsparty]

How often are you using it? I'd back off to every other day or less until your skin normalizes. Slowly add it back in and let your skin adjust. I find Cetaphil in the tub is the best moisturizer.

[alzi]

Use it less. I love La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF moisturizer

[BeagleMama]

Dec 10, 2013 10:52:12 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

How often are you using it? I'd back off to every other day or less until your skin normalizes. Slowly add it back in and let your skin adjust.

Agreed. I do two topical ointments and in the winter have to use them sparingly - like, three times a week. Coconut oil slathered on my face at night also helps a lot (and doesn't cause break outs if I stay on top of using my acne ointment after washing my face in the morning).

[iamali]

How long have you been using the cream? Have you had the reaction since you've started it? It may be too harsh for your skin, I'd call the derm and speak with them about it.

My favorite moisturizer is Ole Hendricksen Sheer Transformation. It's pricey but the container lasts me several months and my skin loves it.

[mrsgoontz]

I get very dry, itchy skin in the winter time and I use Clinique Moisture Surge. Doesn't burn and it absorbs into the skin wonderfully.

I also agree with Pants about maybe not using so much/often if your skin is really that irritated.

[Deleted]

A little bit goes a long way. I only use a really small amount for my entire face and if I ever use too much, my skin gets really dry.

[Deleted]

I started it last Thursday and initially was using it every night. It seemed to be the worst Sunday morning (I had gone to the gym Saturday and then applied it that night). I haven't used it since then.

I probably should have started with every other day. Shit.

[khaleesi]

Cetaphil cream at night. It comes in a tub so make sure your hands are clean before you use it so as to not introduce bacteria in the jar. Then, a gentle moisturizer during the daytime. I like Walmart's version of Neutrogena oil free for sensitive skin. If the gentle moisturizer isn't enough during the daytime, spot treat your dry spots with the cetaphil cream.

The cetaphil cream won't burn, promise. I used it to fix a dry, burning, red chin after the derm thought it was a good idea for me to use a benzoyl peroxide wash.

[aprilsails]

I would also recommend the La Roche Posay Toleraine line cream. It is meant for sensitive and irritated skin and does not feel harsh. It is also a very light feeling formula so it will not cause more breakouts.

Cut back on the acne treatments. You might want to give your face a couple of days off to recover as well.

[Deleted]

Definitely call your derm, and expect to either back off treatment or try something completely new. FWIW I use Burts Bees sensitive skin cleanser and Derma E Psorzema cream in the winter (rosacea, cystic acne, t-zone acne especially in chin, and very flaky skin in winter); every few days I do a coconut oil with vitimin e oil treatment at night instead. One key point for me is in the morning, I must wash my face after conditioning my hair, conditioner causes a lot of issues for whatever reason. Everything prescription has been too harsh or ineffective for my skin, and this is the best my skin has looked since 4th grade (though everyone's chemistry is different). Hope you find something that works soon!

[kermit]

What are you using? I used to use Retin-A and Tazorac and I could only do every other day, especially in winter. Another tip that works for some people is to put it on, wait about 30 minutes for it to absorb, then wash it off. Supposedly it still absorbs enough to do it's thing but doesn't irritate as much. But you prob want to ask your derm about that.

[aussiecrush]

I did the same thing to myself with La Roche Posay Effaclar. Even using it every other day my skin is dry, tight, a little itchy, red and peeling. You have my sympathy, it sucks.

[Deleted]

Dec 10, 2013 11:12:36 GMT -5 kermit said:

What are you using? I used to use Retin-A and Tazorac and I could only do every other day, especially in winter. Another tip that works for some people is to put it on, wait about 30 minutes for it to absorb, then wash it off. Supposedly it still absorbs enough to do it's thing but doesn't irritate as much. But you prob want to ask your derm about that.

I'm using epiduo along with an oral medicine. The topical is supposed to help until the oral stuff kicks in.

[Alyssa]

Yeah, you always want to start out very slowly. A little every other day. If you notice any sort of reaction, pull back a little. Gradually over time increase the amount.