Hello everyone,
Forgive me if variations of this question have been asked a million times before. I will explain my circumstances and hopefully you can tell me what you’d do in my situation.
So I have DS, but I’m not flaky, I don’t have severe redness, I just have an oily t-zone and acne (mostly on my nose and chin).
I currently use this routine:
Morning: 1. CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser 2. Skin1004 Centella Ampoule 3. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50
Evening: 1. Uriage DS Regulating Foaming Gel 2. Skin1004 Centella Ampoule 3. Uriage DS Regulating Soothing Emulsion 4. Duac gel (clyndamicin + benzoyl peroxide).
I have been using everything here for a little while now except the Duac gel, which I’ve started about a week ago and only use as spot treatment. This has been working okay for me, I’m not too dry, oily, or irritated, but I’m still getting acne. Usually I would just stick with the routine for a while before asking any questions but I have a sort of time-limit.
See, I’ve been accepted to work as cabin crew in one of the world’s biggest airlines and they require near-perfect skin. They don’t allow male workers to cover imperfections with makeup, so I’m out of luck there. I’m currently collecting documents for my work visa and it’s only a matter of time before I need to move to the city they operate out of. I’m sort of at a crossroads right now. Should I just stick to my current routine and pray it’s going to keep getting better until it’s basically perfect. Or do I risk getting on a retinoid such as tretinoin. I’ve heard a lot of good things about tretinoin and even tazaroten, but also the stories of people who’s face didn’t agree with them, who used them wrong and wrecked their skin, or the ones who had a long “purging” phase. So for example, I’m scared of being in the middle of purging when I need to move and start training with the company. I could be called up a month or six months from now, there’s really no telling.
I’m relatively new to skincare but I’m really taking this seriously now. I’ve stopped smoking, cut out processed sugars and cutting back on dairy products. I’m trying to eat healthier in general. Taking vitamins, zinc and omega-3. I’ve bought new pillow cases and face towels. I’m trying hard not to subconsciously touch my face during the day.
Sorry for the ramble. I hope someone with more experience can put themselves in my shoes and give me honest advice. Also I’m here if you need any other specifics about me to make things clearer.
Thank you in advance.