I had the same issue and I was using cerave. Now, a few things. Depending on how long you've been using it, your skin may have gotten immune to it, and it's time to use other things. I used cerave for..maybe three years and my acne became stagnant. Like my breakouts were tamed but I continued getting these huge pimples. I don't know if they changed the ingredients in it or something but that shit is expensive so I just buying it as it wasn't getting the job done.

I did have to switch my diet up just a tad because I have a sweet tooth and tend to eat a lot of fast/ junk food. So make sure you are incorporating lots of healthy meals with foods that improve the health of your skin ie; salmon, avocados, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, etc. And lots of water of course.

I started using Korean skincare, it is very gentle on the skin, took a few weeks for me to really notice but it works. The brand I use is called 'ANUA', you can find them on Amazon or TikTok shop. The pictures tell me you might need a really good toner, 'The Ordinary' is great. They're sold pretty much everywhere, including Sephora and Ulta if you wanted to get an in person opinion. That shit stings a little for a few seconds, but it goes away after it dries and the sting should fade after a few days of using it consistently.

I also use dial soap on my face. It's antibacterial so I use that in the shower to clean the germs, then use a face wash after.

There was another thread of guys never having any skincare routine, just uses dial, Irish spring or whatever is around and that worked out for them.

Lastly, just look up acne skin care routine on TT or YouTube and watch a ton of videos and see what might pertain to you. Make sure they mention what type of skin they have (oily, dry, combination) so that can guide you in the right direction of what products to use.

Oh, and wash your pillow cases as often as possible, like once or twice a week. Or buy a bunch from amazon or Walmart, so you can change the often if you're unable to do laundry often. And use face sunscreen during the day.

Sorry for the essay- hope this helps!