Tret skin issues

[SchittOnIt]

I had covid back in early March and it made my skin really sensitive and sore. Once it felt like it had recovered a bit in mid March I started using dermatica - this is what they prescribed Tretinoin 0.015% / Niacinamide 4% / Azelaic Acid 4%. I had some soreness, stinging and dryness which is what I expected. I only used it every 2-3 days and with Weleda skin food afterwards along with applying a 50spf daily. However in the last couple of weeks the dryness has intensified and over the last few days I’ve got these red patches that have appeared and my skin has got so sensitive and tender - I bought some la Roche Posay cicaplast and even that stings like a bitch. I’ve never had skin issues like this before. Dermatica say keep going but I’m worried. Im also on a long awaited spa day tomorrow and I’m supposed to be having a facial but I’m not sure I can 😭 - any advice welcome please! Photo doesn’t show it that well.

I found having Azelaic Acid in my formula was too much, it felt gritty and rough on my skin. I think it was quite effective at exfoliating but just quite brutal with it. I know it’s meant to be very good for skin but depending on what you are trying to address I’d maybe ask to have that removed. Without it my formula feels a lot more gentle and has a lot more slip too.

I had the same prescription and the same symptoms, they got worse, I ended up having to stop using it and a few months later my skin is nearly back to normal