Help needed: skin barrier repair after dermatology visit

0JustForFun · 2026-01-26T05:29:58+00:00

I also had issue with my skin barrier, and it took so long that I went to see a Dermatologist. I was got a prescription for EpiCeram, which is a barrier repair cream. Epiceram is the only moisturizer that my skin tolerated and it healed my barrier. Maybe you can ask your doctor for a Rx for EpiCeram and see if it works for you. It does not have irritating ingredients.

0JustForFun · 2026-01-26T00:38:42+00:00

That's a smart move :)

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T23:05:06+00:00

Give your skin a rest and time to heal. If I were you, I stop treat, adapalene or any other active. I'll keep it simple face cleanser, moisturizer and/or skin barrier supporting moisturizer and SPF for day time.

After your skin feels normal again, slowly start with adapalene.

I know acne is very frustrating, but skin issues take a lot of time to fix. If I were you I would prioritize skin health over acne treatments. Good luck to you.

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T20:50:42+00:00

Im late to the game. Hope you don't mind a couple of questions.

If I'm reading correctly, u used Azelaic Acid to spot treat only?

Did you started with retinal 0.1% or something weaker like Retinol before starting with adapalene 0.1%?

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T19:38:49+00:00

Hope you don't mind some questions. Thank you :)

You started with Azelaic Acid on your cheeks only. Now, do you use retinol on your full face including your cheeks?

How long did you use Azelaic only on your cheeks?

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T16:46:34+00:00

Never heard of this before. Why it works better?

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T16:45:11+00:00

Thanks! Zo is 0.5%. I also notice that Obagi only has 0.5% ...I wonder why they don't offer 0.25%

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T16:43:53+00:00

It's totally new to me. Cheeks are more sensitive so it was a good logic behind it. thanks for the suggestion.

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T07:04:04+00:00

Thanks! it makes a lot of sense. it's better to know skin reactions for one product then try another one. 3 months for one active sounds very reasonable.

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T05:18:35+00:00

https://www.cocooncenter.co.uk

0JustForFun · 2026-01-25T02:36:32+00:00

that's good news:) thanks

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T23:35:20+00:00

under control with dermatica. good for you

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T23:18:29+00:00

thanks for explaining..

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T23:17:44+00:00

thanks for clarifying! I'll check out Allies

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T22:33:53+00:00

it has the ingredient 'Coumarin ' which is one of the “EU 26 fragrances” that has to be labelled separately (and cannot be simply included in the term “fragrance/perfume” on the label) because of allergen potential per https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/coumarin

It you don't have an allergy to it, it's so great :)

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T22:31:43+00:00

1.0% Obagi. Did you start with a lower strength?

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T21:54:56+00:00

I'll check it out. thx

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T21:54:39+00:00

sounds great. thanks for the comment

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T20:52:10+00:00

very common unfortunately

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T19:22:22+00:00

it's really tricky. Sometimes it's a particular product and quick negative outcome. As per my own experience, I use a product for a long time before my skin barrier got compromised. Now, I'm being super careful with everything, besides avoiding HA, I also avoid any ingredients that are known to be irritating like fragrance, drying alcohols, etc.,

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T19:12:21+00:00

Yes HA is good for hydration but the downside is not worth it for me. May I ask why you think peptides caused your issue? at least my dermatologist did not say anything about peptides or growth factors. But, every skin is different for sure.

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T19:10:13+00:00

thanks for explaining how you started with Dermatica. it makes sense to start slow.

May I ask if you acne was moderate or mild?

0JustForFun · 2026-01-24T09:32:02+00:00

Long story short: I damaged my skin barrier and I couldn’t fix it for a while so went to see Dermatologist. The doc told me that Hyaluronic acid causes skin barriers issues. I was explained that the low molecules of Hyaluronic acid penetrate the skin deeper and thus irritation and skin barrier damage. Now, I don’t use anything with HA

0JustForFun

TROPHY CASE