I'm currently struggling with re-building my skincare routine. I was struggling with severe comedones after using korean skincare products and makeup. My dermatologist put me on over-counter retinol (Pharmaceris). I have sensitive comb skin (my cheeks and mouth areas are super dry while nose and eyelids get oily). So, it irritates easily. I've been using Kiehl's calendula cleanser since forever (even before my incident haha) but I've noticed that my skin looks irritated now and I'm still getting occasional breakouts from retinol (overall, been using it since July but selectively on remaining comedones).
Log in or sign up to leave a comment
Hi! Thank you for the advice. I heard that highly irritating ingredients can cause new breakouts. I was mostly frustrated as I don't know what to use (I've been eyeing glucoside foaming cleanser from the ordinary because it literally has almost nothing in it at this point).
That’s true. But consider also checking the comedogenic ingredients because it could be that as well. I looked up your retinol for example, and it’s got 2-3 comedogenic ingredients. So it’s possible that one or all of those are the culprit.
I usually cross check ingredients on this website with acneclinicnyc.com and incidecoder.com.
After doing that for a while you start seeing which comedogenic and irritating ingredients bother you and which don’t.
And yes, I do understand the frustration.🫶🏻
1
Thank you! Yes, this is what makes me so conflicted - this retinol was prescribed by a doctor and she specifically told me to put it on my blemishes, not the entire surface. Yet, yes, it has some comedogenic ingredients. At the same time, she also gave a face cream that has centella and niacinamide in it (I'm reacting to both instantly and I told her that) XD
1
Hello 👋 I’m sorry you’re struggling with comedones and irritation. A great piece of advice I received in the past was to always check your products for comedogenic as well as irritating ingredients. That way, if your face breaks out you can narrow down what’s causing the problem. This is a great website to do that.