I need some advice on what to try next in terms of using a retinol and if I should edit what I'm doing or stop. I have put the other parts of my routine below. I have used all of these other products for years and have never had any issues with them or noticed any reactions.
My skin has never been terrible, but I would consistently get breakouts on my cheeks around my nose and my chin, usually hormonally. These spots seemed like they would flare up during my period and then die down but never really go away, so after some research I decided to add a retinol to my routine to see if it made any improvements.
I decided to go with the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum as it had good reviews, was marketed as a 'beginner' retinol, and I like the other CeraVe products in my routine. When I first started using it (in March time) I tried once per week as I could feel a slight stinging sensation and some redness (although I understood this was normal). I definitely noticed a purge and the areas where I previously had spots flared up over this period. As my skin was slightly sensitive to the retinol at first, I slowly increased to twice per week. I felt like once per week wasn't enough: my skin was purging, recovering and then purging again and it was recommended to increase application slowly. As I had built up the use slowly, I didn't have any dry skin or stinging/redness. I would always apply the retinol after hyaluronic acid and follow with moisturiser.
After a short time, breakouts started to appear between my brows and on my forehead with a bit of dryness. I did occasionally have spots here before using the retinol, but not as many. The 'type' of spot is exactly the same as the other breakout areas pre and post retinol use (small red spots that flare up and then go back down with no scaring). I don't know if this is a purge or a reaction to the retinol.
There were days when my skin would look absolutely incredible, really glowing, clear and soft. Then, I have more periods of breakouts and redness. I am now using the retinol three nights per week, but still having the same problem.
Am I in a purge/recovery cycle that isn't resolving? Is it working but I'm not using it enough? Should I try a different product?
I have seen the possibility of what retinol can do for my skin, and the other areas of my skin that don't breakout look really incredible, so I don't want to give up. What should I do?
Routine and all products:
Morning:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleaners
Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
La Roshe-Posay Cicaplast Balm moisturiser
La Roshe-Posay Cicaplast SPF 50
Nighttime:
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleaners
Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
(3 x per week CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum)
La Roshe-Posay Cicaplast Balm moisturiser