Anyone just not able to tolerate tret?

[LefttoherownDevizes]

I'm into my third go of trying skin and me. This is month 3 and I'm on 0.021% plus azelaic acid and niacinamide. Both times before I've stopped due to the symptoms below (at about the 4 month mark).

My skin does look better, but is just pink all the time, and sort of dead/waxy. It's quite odd.And is sore, stingy and v sensitive.

Worst thing is my eyes though, even though I do moisturiser goggles the skin underneath is crepey and my eyes are puffy and gritty all the time.

Is this to be expected or do I just accept that perhaps it's not for me and instead use milder OTC that render me more comfy?

Thanks

Good luck with it! I am on Dermatica, but a very similar prescription. It took about four months for my skin to settle down from the tret and the ‘purging’ period was brutal. I now how the best skin I’ve ever had, though.

It sounds like you’ve damaged your moisture barrier. It’s important to incorporate moisture and hydration into your routine as much as possible. It sounds like you’re doing this, but - in case it helps - my routine is:

AM

• Cerave Foaming Cleanser
• Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
• La Roche Posay Toleraine sensitive fluid moisturiser
• A few drops of TO 100% squalane oil
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+

PM

• Banila Co, Clean It Zero, Cleansing Balm Original (I always double cleanse)
• Cerave Foaming Cleanser
• Dermatica prescription (two or three times a week)
• CosRx Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Essence
• La Roche Posay Toleraine sensitive fluid moisturiser
• A few drops of TO 100% squalane oil
• Occasionally (once a week, maybe) slugging with a layer of Vaseline