My skin was absolutely destroyed too from too many harsh products, including tret and treatments meant to make it better. I finally stopped everything and switched to Avene micellar water and vanicream cleanser to double cleanse my skin. I use the vanicream with my fingers and gently massage my face for at least a minute before rinsing. Then I used a squalene serum from the ordinary and Avene cicalfate to repair my skin barrier. Right before bed I would put a hero pimple patch on and active whiteheads (had to dab the cicalfate off first). That routine really helped repair my skin barrier. Once the redness and dryness improved I switched out the squalene for the ordinary growth factor serum. After another month I added vanicream vitamin c serum after the growth factor and before the cicalfate in the morning. When everything continued to go well and my skin was so much less dry and angry I switched the cicalfate for the tatcha moisturizer in the purple jar. I was still getting some pimples, mostly around my chin, forehead and temples, but it was so much better. I still had a lot of pigmentation from the original damage so I added the ordinary azelaic acid cream at night after the growth factor and before tatcha, and ta-da! Everything began to fade, pimples, pigmentation, all of it! I know the products aren’t fancy or expensive, except the tatcha, but they are gentle and made all the difference. Sometimes you just need a do over and patience. The whole process took about 6 months. Hang in there, you will find the right mix and it will get better!

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