What the blue fuck has happened to my skin?

[CardiffUniversityNetballTeam]

About three months ago I found my skin was getting very oily. I've always had combination skin since being a teenager. But it was getting like an oil slick round my nose and I was getting breakouts along the side of my forehead.
So, after much MN research I decided to give Effaclar a go.
I've been using it ever since, up until a week ago with good results. It took a few weeks to make a real difference but my skin has been great, really pleased.
But now, suddenly, from nowhere my skin has just gone horribly, horribly dry. To the point where I have visible dry patches on my chin and down the sides of my nose. It's terrible and I've got nothing at home to put on it as all the stuff I have is designed for oily skin! What shall I do? What should I buy? Why is this happening? Help!

I haven't a clue about most of it (always had dry skin and it's not getting any better!) but the blue pot cheapo Nivea is what you want for the dry patches. It's lovely. And cheap. And available almost anywhere.

maybe it's the cold?

Sounds like your skin is dehydrated. Your skin can flip from one 'type' to another so could be that or you've over stimulated it. Got any scrub? Gently gently exfoliate and use lots of moisturiser.

Thanks I will buy some Nivea tomorrow. You're right, it's nice and cheap. I don't want to spend a fortune on more skincare right now.
I had thought it might be the weather but it's never been this dry before and I'm sure it's been colder than this in years gone by!

Yes, dehydration. I use LRP Hydraphase Intense Legere to balance out the Effaclar, particularly at this time of year.

Buy cetophil wash from boots/Lloyds.

Stop using your present drying product otherwise you will start to get very sore soon. Cetophil can be used on dry or oily skin but is the most non drying face wash I know. Much better then any other product I've tried.

I don't know what this is that you're using but I'm imagining it is similar to the zineryt or something I've been prescribed for breakouts on my chin.

The doctor warned me it could make my skin very dry and said to just call back if it did. And she could prescribe something for that or another version of zin stuff. There's no need to suffer with this nowadays, she said.