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I need skin regimen help
I don't know if I'm skin-stupid or what, but I cannot find products or a regimen that does anything for me in preventing acne, white/blackheads, or makes my skin look good.
I used to think I had oily skin, but this past year I've noticed that I peel and flake on some parts of my face. I guess this means I have combination skin? My face has also been itching quite a bit lately on my cheeks, so I'm not sure if that's a reaction to something.
I break out almost exclusively on my cheeks (especially the bottom parts of them), my chin, and my philtrim (between nose and top lip). Occasionally I will get a pimple on my nose or forehead, but they are few and far between. I get clogged pores along my jawline.
I also have really sensitive skin. I've used some spot treatments that actually leave a red irritated spot where it touched my skin. I can't use some face wipes because they burn and irritate my skin.
I tried the oil cleansing method and the lower portion of my cheeks broke out horribly in huge, deep pimples.
Any thoughts on products or routines I should be trying? I've tried a lot of products, but nothing seems like it makes a difference. The list below is some of products that I've used (that I can remember):
- St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub
- Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser
- Clean and Clear Morning Burst Face Cleanser
- Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Clean and Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent for Sensitive Skin
- Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for Combination Skin
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
I have a job starting soon that requires me to not wear make-up some days and I'm dreading showing the world my crappy skin. 
Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks! Sorry this turned out so long.
Re: I need skin regimen help
I have combination skin and have found that, while my skin isn't sensitive, I need something that is gentle and doesn't strip my skin of oil entirely. This sounds a bit counterintuitive but your skin will overproduce oil if it "thinks" it's too dry.
It isn't anywhere close to the price points of what you've used but I'm going to whore out my favorite product line: Boscia. You can buy it at Sephora and Ulta (and other places, I'm sure). Finally, my skin looks and feels amazing, and it stays amazing all day. It just does not get oily or gross anymore. It's like it is perfectly balanced. Sephora is good about giving samples so if you have one near you, see if they will send you home with some samples before committing.
I use the Purifying Cleansing Gel morning and night, Clear Complexion Tonic with Botanical Blast, Oil-Free Daily Hydration with SPF for day, and Oil-Free Nightly Hydration at night.
You could easily do without the tonic to start out. There are also 2 kits with travel sizes. There is a Clear Complexion kit and a "Boscia's Best" kit. I did not opt for the Clear Complexion line for myself because I first tried Boscia through some tiny little sample packets so I just bought what I had sampled.
HTH!
For skin even with just minor issues, I think it's well worth the time and money to go see a dermatologist and see what s/he recommends.
I know I'm like a broken record on here always recommending Retin-A, but it really is the best thing you can use for your skin as far as keeping it smooth, blemish free, and combating wrinkles. However, it can be pretty irritating at first, causing peeling and redness, and takes time for the skin to adjust. This could especially be a problem with your sensitive skin and with being unable to wear makeup at work. I would talk to your dermatologist about the possibility of introducing your skin to it very gradually (assuming she recommends it, which she probably will - or maybe another tretinoin product), starting with just a drugstore retinol product for a while, then moving up to .025% Retin-A. If your skin tolerates the .025%, you can move up to .05% and eventually to .1%. You can find tons of information on the benefits of Retin-A by just googling and there are tons of reviews on realself.com and makeupalley.com.
Results won't be overnight, though. It took me about two months to start seeing a positive difference in my skin. Retin-A is the only thing that has gotten rid of my blackheads, other than extractions with a facial, and I've tried a ton of products to try to get rid of them.
Have you ever tried a really gentle wash, like Cetaphil or CeraVe?
What are you doing to exfoliate? Maybe try the Clarisonic (or the Olay knock off that also gets rave reviews), or just a Buff Puff.
The key, I think, is to use a system...like clinique 3 piece acne kit, which I happen to like. It has a cleanser, toner and lotion.
I would also suggest seeing a dermotologist if you never had, but any system per say should be good. I also like Boscia, but I have not used all their products, just the black detox cleanser, which is great.
Philosophy's acne kit works for some, and it comes with an anti aging retinoid cream too. You can get deals at QVC and Sephora is doing 15% off right now with the discount card or promo code for online. This is a good time to be trying new stuff! Philosophy products in general are good...their microdelivery kits, etc.
Origins is another good line too....the zero line is good, but I needed something stronger.
Last suggestion...try a clarisonic or a pretika....the sonic vibrations will help your skin tone....I love my pretika and it was so muc cheaper