Current Skincare Routine for Acne Prone Oily Combination Skin

I've had mild to moderate acne for 18 or so years, I finally went to a dermatologist and became much more rigid about my skincare routine and staying away from harsher cleansers aimed at younger skin.  I'm happy to report that I've gotten it in a state that I actually am blemish free periodically or have only a few very small non-cystic/nodule spots.  I do still get cystic/nodule acne but much less than I was before which is a great relief, they remain sore for so long and take weeks to start receding.

Quick disclaimer: I strongly believe that skincare is extremely specific to each person, even if you have the exact same skin problems I do - my products may not work for you.  If you are suffering with acne, and have not been able to resolve it to your liking at home, I really urge you to visit a dermatologist.  They do have products that you can't get over the counter, and you may be suffering needlessly.  It's worth a try!

So let's get down to the details!  I've actually been switching up products a bit due to having the Sample Society box from beautybar.com and Allure which has been pretty skincare-heavy, so far I think my skin has slightly improved if nothing else.  I'm attributing that to better exfoliation and balanced cleansers (not too stripping or moisturizing).  It's a lot of products and it does bug me how long it takes, but it's working well for me so, oh well!

Morning Routine
 - Wash: Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash: I got this in a Sephora 500 point kit, it does have small exfoliating beads but they aren't too harsh - only thing I don't like is that it's something I can't use in eye area
 - Moisturize with SPF: Boots No 7 Rebalancing Day Fluid 15 SPF (low SPF but I'm rarely in the sun and never during mid-day, otherwise I use a 70 SPF underneath moisturizer): Not sure I'd repurchase but I like it for face/neck/chest, it's suitable for the job
 - Extra moisture for dry patch-prone areas of cheeks/around nose/chin (which dries out from acne treatment):

• Boots No 7 Intensive Line Filler: I originally bought this to see if it would do anything to smile lines (nope)
• OR
• Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream: Sometimes I use this instead of the Boots (and will be using it going forward after the Boots runs out which it almost has), I like the fresh cooling feel and scent

 - Eye depuffing/because-I-have-it*: from a Sample Society box Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen: I don't know if there's any difference using this than not, but I have it so I'm using it up

 - Eye cream for serious moisturization*, I have extremely dry skin under my eyes: Shiseido Benefiance (I think they've renamed/reformulated this) Eye Cream - I can usually use real concealer if I moisturize with this, but even that sometimes it will catch on dry spots under my left eye

 - Acne control: Prescription from Dermatologist - Sulfacetamide/sulfur cream: I always apply to my chin (and under chin) which is the most nasty-acne prone (cystic/nodule type usually) area for me and any other small little blemishes/bumps that have popped up

*Note: the eye goop I only apply to under eyes in morning, otherwise eye makeup will crease like nobody's business no matter how long I wait or the primer I use.

Whew, thankfully I'm done with the morning!

Evening Routine

 - Washing in shower, remove eye makeup with whatever foaming eye-safe face wash I have laying around (currently a CVS branded knockoff of an Aveeno calming foaming wash, for my face it dries it out but works fine for removing eye makeup quite well)

 - Face wash in shower: Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel (another Sample Society item): not too drying, it possibly has also contributed to slightly less oil/shine during the day but I'm not sure, not sure I will purchase

 - Exfoliation, I just slap this on over the Boscia: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (you guessed it, another Sample Society item!): I do like how I can use this with whatever cleanser I'm using or by itself, doesn't feel too harsh and definitely leaves my skin feeling smoother.  I use it on my neck and chest as well and I think it's helped my neck skin slightly which is a bit saggy from weight loss years ago.  I am considering purchasing this!

 - Glycolic Acid time!  I use it on my face, neck and chest as well.

• Alpha Hydrox 10% Glycolic Acid Lotion: I have used almost all of it (a big 6oz bottle), I attribute glycolic acid to helping with the acne quite a lot, the dermatologist regime got me going but I took away some of those components and added in glycolic acid which got rid of the extra dryness and helped reduce the spots even more
• Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel: I'm almost done with the Alpha Hydrox and decided I'd go for a bit more high end glycolic acid that would pack in some extra ingredients (aloe vera and antioxidants they say)

 - Extra moisture for the dry patch-prone areas again, same stuff (Boots No 7 Line Filler/Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream)

 - Eye cream again, just the Shiseido Benefiance eye cream and now I can use it on upper lid and under eyes - another good thing about the Shiseido is that it does not make my eyes sting which most eye creams do

 - Acne control again, thin layer of sulfacetamide/sulfur cream in the same areas

So, that's it.  I've found that I can change up the extra moisture component without problems.  I've also tried a couple different daytime SPF moisturizers and not had any issues switching.  Using more gentle exfoliating items have helped with flakiness/rough patches I get from my dry areas and treating acne.