A quick summary of how I ruined my face: I started using a retinol (0.1%) serum (Anew Anti-Wrinkle Smoothing Serum) about 2 months ago. Aside from a little peeling at the start the only thing I noticed was how soft my skin felt. However, after about a month I started getting breakouts, I figured my new serum wasn't agreeing with me so I stopped using it. The breakouts have continued and if anything they are getting worse.
I feel very stupid as I went into this completely blind and just thought I could start using it as I had my previous creamy serum. I've since done some reading and learned that you need to only use it once a day or once every other day and to use plenty of moisturiser after it. I've also read that you should expect a certain about of purging of toxins at the start of using it.
I now don't know what to do, prior to this I had fairly good skin, aside from mild rosacea on my cheeks and occasional premenstrual breakouts. My skin has always been a little sensitive though. I now don't know what to do for the best, every morning I wake up to several new spots and it's really getting me down. I have read that you can damage the skin's natural barrier and if this happens you should give it time to heal so I am leaving it alone as much as possible and only using E45 minimally for a little moisture. I really could slap my earlier self for ever having started with a new skincare product. Do I need to carry on with the retinol so it can finish "purging" or is there something I can use to try and help heal the barrier?! I feel completely out of my depth and thoroughly depressed that my skin has become yet another part of my body to cover up or disguise.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated!