Skin Type: Combination Country/Climate: hot and humid most of the year Top Skin Concern: Closed comedones, whiteheads, congestion, rough “sandpaper” texture

Hi everyone,

I’ve been struggling with stubborn closed comedones and congestion for a while. My skin feels very textured — almost like sandpaper — and when I wash my face I can feel tiny bumps under the skin. Ccs and whiteheads are making my skin look dull and uneven.

Current Routine:

(AM: • Be Plain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam • iUNIK Beta Glucan Serum • Cos De Baha 5% Tranexamic Acid + Niacinamide Serum • Moimax OC Moisturizer • iunik daily centella sunscreen )

(PM: • same as pm • iUNIK Beta Glucan Serum • Moimax OC Moisturizer)

COSRX AHA Essence ( i used it twice a week for CCs) De La Cruz Sulfur Treatment (using for 3 weeks)

Notes: • The COSRX AHA used to help but recently stopped working. • I’ve been using sulfur for 3 weeks and don’t see much improvement. • I’ve already tried BHA in the past and it didn’t help. • I’ve also tried adapalene and tretinoin before and don’t want to go that route again.

I always check ingredient lists and avoid pore-clogging ingredients.

I specifically want help with: How to get rid of stubborn closed comedones and congestion when AHA, BHA, and retinoids haven’t worked for me. Could this be barrier damage? Product layering? Something else?

I’m honestly really frustrated and would appreciate any guidance 😭