What is the story with my skin?!

[GymKitJen]

Anyone care to diagnose?

I've been using 2.5% benzoyl peroxide for about 2 months now but to no avail.

I have some dry bits, oily t zone and literally everything I use breaks me out so now I just wash my face with a clean face cloth.

I don't wear make up but when I do it's double wear light. Once every quarter or so if I go out.

I would take a look at your diet and make some changes to see if that brings about improvement.

Ugh I knew someone would come up with something sensible like that aqua!

You could be allergic to something. Contact allergies are very common, particularly fragrance allergies. Unlike food allergies, they are unconnected to histamine so taking anti-histamines doesn't help.

Try cleansing in the evening only, with a pure oil and using a warm damp flannel to remove the oil. If you need to moisturise in the morning, use just the tiniest scraping of coconut oil. You use so little that your face is not shiny and IME it does not cause blocked pores or inflammation. Don't use any other products for a few weeks while you do this.

Iifeisgoodish - I used coconut oil before and I broke out but it was maybe too much.

Come to think of it, My diet was brilliant about 2 years ago and my skin was no better really 🤷‍♀️

Even before I developed contact dermatitis, I could not use coconut sunscreens, shampoos, etc, as they brought me out in an itchy rash. But I can use pure cold-pressed coconut oil. I have read that it is common to react if you put too much on. I have never reacted to it and I am extremely stingy in my use. The amount that would cover my little finger nail is enough to moisturise my whole face. When I have a flare-up it is the only moisturiser I can tolerate.

@GymKitJen

My son is 22. He had moderate acne issues as a late teen and it made him very unhappy. I suggested he reduce the amount of sugar he ate/drank as sugar is a big cause of acne and skin inflammation. He did some research on his own and decided it was a good idea. He adjusted his diet when he was 20, and for the past two years his skin has been absolutely gorgeous. I'm NOT saying sugars are what is definitely causing your acne, but it's true that what you put into your body shows itself on the outside of your body. Topical magic bullets are not the solution. I would start by eliminating unnecessary sugars from your diet for at least 2 months and see how that goes. Dairy can also be very problematic for many people.

If I used only bensoyl peroxide and moisturisers/hydrators my skin would be breaking out more because the skin barrier would be stressed and reacting. Diet is absolutely a factor, but if you notice skin getting worse when a new product hits it then it's also v probable you're reacting to the product. Could well be worth seeing a doctor. What have you tried that you're pretty sure broke you out? Apart from the coconut oil, which is a known comedogenic and I think the people who get along with it are the lucky anomalies (it gave me cystic acne).

It might be worth talking with your GP about changing the benzoyl peroxide for 20% azelaic acid (prescription strength). The benzoyl might be rather harsh on your skin.

I've tried the benzoyl peroxide rom the GP and also Duac but both caused me issues so my GP followed the NICE guidelines and tried the azelaic acid which seems much better.