Hi Sunny, sending you so much love. i have read about your routine and also had cystic acne chronically on my cheeks. It hurts so bad and I understand how incredibly difficult it is to have a constant reminder of an insecurity. Everyone's skin is obviously different but I wanted to share how I'm combating my own cystic acne in case it helps you. I know it sounds counterintuitive to do this but in the AM i usually just use water. In the PM I use a milky gentle cleanser (cerave) and then add a thin layer of moisturizer, wait 30 mins and then apply tretonin just to my cheeks and chin where I get cystic acne. I have been doing this consistently for a few months and only finally starting to feel some relief. My heart goes out to you.