What the hell could I be allergic/reacting to?!

[Laquila]

I’ve always had pretty difficult skin - quite sensitive and acne-prone, although it was amazing both times I was pregnant 🙄

Around the end of January I started with a weird spotty rash, mainly on the sides of my forehead, which then seemed to expand to the hairline around my ears and neck. The GP (apparently a skin specialist) has been vague at best and neither Fucidin nor steroid creams have had any effect, two weeks of treatment-dose clarithromycin (a few weeks ago) seemed to improve it but not clear it completely, and it basically hasn’t got much better since then. I seem to have lots of teeny tiny blackheads which I didn’t have before, and any spots (which I have quite a few of) are taking absolutely AGES to heal.

My usual routine is Toleriane cleanser followed by Pixi Glow or Nip+Fab, then either Neals Yard facial oil or Toleriane moisturiser, with Effaclar Duo tinted as a make-up base. I sometimes use TO Niacinamide with zinc too. I’ve also tried Cerave facial wash, Superfacialist cleansing oil (which I usually rotate in anyway, and love) and Hada Labo hyaluronic acid/primer. The latter is nice, but doesn’t seem to make any difference. I think the Nip+Fab pads have he most effect, as they effectively help resurface skin,

I stopped using the mousse I’d used for twenty years to see if that made a difference but it doesn’t seem to have helped. I bought new (hypoallergenic microfibre) pillows. I switched to Head and Shoulders shampoo, then Nixoral, then a Lish shampoo bar. Nothing seems to have helped.

I guess what I’m asking is has anyone had a similar skin issue/rash, that they know isn’t their usual acne/problem skin but looks not dissimilar, and then have an aha moment when they realised what they were reacting to?! I cut out dairy for a good month but they made no difference (other than being miserable). I only ever use Faity non-bio. I deepcleaned all my brushes and bought new bronzer and concealer in case something was harbouring an infection, I’m at my bloody wits’ end!! Any advice or suggestions gratefully received.

The composition (ingredients) of long standing cosmetics products can change too.

Also quantities of ingredients in cosmetics can change too.

I was also using lrp toleriane for ages with no problem at all but now if I use it I break out in spots and a rash, they have also just changed all their formulas.....

Was also going to say it doesn’t matter if you’ve used something before/for ages without any reaction. I used Salicylic Acid for ages (and regularly) and suddenly reacted very badly to it - now I can’t use it at all.

I agree with other posters - you need to go back to basics. Just use a simple cleanser and a basic plain moisturiser.

What shampoo are you using, have you changed any hair product?

I would also change your pillow case every night too.

Sidenote but @frugalkitty ask your GP if she has keratosis pilaris