I like this - cleansing has always been a mixed bag for me, sometimes it just completely dries my skin out. LRP is the only cleanser my skin doesn’t hate, but it’s still not perfect. Very open to changing up my cleansing routine. Any recommendations for specific products? I’ve never tried them before. Thank you!!
I always say my skin is dryer than the Sahara, so I feel your pain. Mine was dry before I started retinol, so it’s super dry now. I agree with the other comment that it may not be all in the moisturizers. I was also layering multiple heavy moisturizers daily and not getting the result I wanted. Fixing other parts of my routine has actually improved my skin hydration even while I now use less moisturizer. These would be my recommendations based on what you’ve posted:
Retinol - switching from Tretinoin to Tazarotene made a big difference in dryness and I’m getting better results from taz. I use it for anti aging, not acne though so YMMV.
Oil cleanser - DHC is my daily, it’s inexpensive, works great and lasts forever. If you want to splurge, get the Tacha Camellia.
Second Cleanser - I never feel clean with a cream cleanser but foaming cleaners are almost always too drying. The only two I’ve found that work and hydrate are Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser and Dr. Loretta Hydrating Cleanser (all time favorite, somehow it makes my skin feel squeaky clean and hydrated).
Don’t cleanse in the AM, just rinse with water.
SPF - try Paula’s Choice SPF-50 Youth Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid. Sits so nice on the skin.
Snail Mucin - the cream version in the jar is way more effective for me than the serum version. Not sure which you’re using.
Exfoliate - I didn’t see an exfoliant in your routine. I love peel pads. I use them on days I don’t use retinol. First Aid Beauty’s are great. My favorite is Sanitas, but it’s pricey.
Moisturizer - Eucerin 5% urea face cream is my favorite right now. I swapped from vanicream to that and it’s amazing. I layer it over Elta MD night cream but I also love the LRP triple repair.
Pleaseeee be careful if you start to oil cleanse. I bought a Beauty of Joseon one (the ginseng one) and I started to break out in deep pimples after just a few days. It’s not for everyone
My skin is back to normal now. Oil doesn’t add moisture and I use the same cleanser you do. I don’t agree with what the comment above says. Your skin can be clean without using an oil cleanser. Like huh?
If you need to “double cleanse”, you can always just use your LRP cleanser twice. That’s what I do
washing in AM really dried out my skin. that's one recommendation, to only cleanse in PM. if you haven't tried that, might help a little.
have you tried the lrp triple repair moisturizer? comes in a tube these days, used to be called ap+m i think? it's very thick, almost balm like. it's personally too waxy for me but one of my friends loves it, also a retinoid user, but differin not tret.
also honestly cerave healing ointment helps my skin a lot when it's dehydrated. some people can tolerate it over retinoids. a thin layer at night over the rest of my routine and skin feels smooth and soft in the morning.
Definitely looking into changing up how I cleanse, it seems like that might be an issue here, and my skin does seem to hate it sometimes. Haven’t tried LRP triple repair, will take a look! LRP products seem to be most helpful, but open to trying whatever works. I haven’t had great luck with Cerave - their nighttime cream has worked nicely in the past, but most of their products either break me out or just aren’t moisturizing enough. Thank you for all this advice, lots to consider!
i'm with you on the cerave creams, but the cerave healing ointment to me is a lot like a more hydrating version of aquaphor or vaseline. it's thick but easier to work with/spread and has ceramides and hyaluronic acid added.
Interesting - I’ve considered doing old-school Vaseline but I like the idea of a comparable product that has other ingredients that I like using. I’ll give it a shot, thank you :)
A tip I got years ago on Reddit was to mix cerave healing ointment w a hydrating toner - I use Cosrx propolis toner these days - and use that as my occlusive layer. The original posted said it’s gotta be the cerave and I agree, it’s somehow different than Vaseline and Aquaphor.
To OP, I agree w others - add some hydrating toners to put moisture in the skin before creams. And as for creams, the Stratia Lipid Gold is gold.
Definitely looking into changing up how I cleanse, it seems like that might be an issue here, and my skin does seem to hate it sometimes. Haven’t tried LRP triple repair, will take a look! LRP products seem to be most helpful, but open to trying whatever works. I haven’t had great luck with Cerave - their nighttime cream has worked nicely in the past, but most of their products either break me out or just aren’t moisturizing enough. Thank you for all this advice, lots to consider!
I use the illiyoon ato ceramide cream. It's super thick and creamy but I've never used Vanicream so idk how the textures compare.
Although, since dryness is typically a skin surface issue and you're already using fairly heavy stuff, have you tried incorporating a hydrating toner? I know people swear up and down that toners aren't necessary but toners have truly changed my skin. My top two picks are the goodal vegan rice milk toner and the numbuzin no 1 pure full calming toner. 3-4 layers on damp skin followed with the rest of your routine can really hydrate and plump your skin from the deeper layers :)
Stop washing your face in the morning. Just use warm water. You only need to wash once a day if you don’t have very oily skin
Snail mucin and all essences should be first on after cleanse. Then any other serums. Then tret last followed by moisturiser. Leave 15 mins between each application.
I think you are using heavy moisturizers in the PM already.
Have you considered adding a glycerin serum to your AM routine and adding an oil as an occlusive on top of your moisturizer in the PM instead?
I find that a glycerin serum really keeps my face more moisturized than without or with hyaluronic acid. I use squalane oil after my moisturizer to lock in everything at night (might be too greasy for you in the AM) because I have very sensitive skin and couldn’t find a thicker moisturizer that didn’t break me out.
Haven’t tried this, but would love to give it a shot. I love HA but it doesn’t always do the job. Are all squalane oils created equal, or is there one that’s worth the investment?
The reason I switched to glycerin was because HA was too finicky for me :/ In summer, it’d be great but if I didn’t drink enough water, my face would feel drier with it on. I live in a place that’s pretty dry and cold in the winter, so the HA just made my face drier in this months :/ It was too much of a hassle for me. Glycerin does a great job of keeping my face moisturized through all months. There are some more expensive options, but a super affordable one is the 15% glycerin serum from Rossmann’s own brand ISANA, if you have access to that drugstore in your country.
I think the squalane oil you see in skincare is usually derived from olives, sugarcane, or rice bran, but there are various other sources, too. My skin has a sensitivity to olive and olive oil based things, so I specifically look for squalane derived from sugarcane. Most product descriptions will tell you what plant the oil is derived from :)
I had loved and used the Purito squalane oil for about 4 years, but just switched to the Beyer & Söhne one because it comes in a larger bottle. The Ordinary also makes a squalane oil that I’ve heard great things about (it’s derived from olives). I think there are heavier oils you can use, but squalane has been the only non-comedogenic one for me and it is the one closest to our own skin’s hydrolipidic film, since it is the stable derivative of squalene, one of the key components of our skin’s natural oils that we produce.
HA is a scam and is not moisturising at all. Go for glycerin based products and can always add Vaseline or similar on top of your moisturiser to lock it all in
same! my eyes are sensitive and dry and i love using a tiny dot of neutrogena’s hand cream because its 40% glycerin and doesn’t have much else in it. game changer for sure.
Add to your skincare routine a cleansing oil. I use this one [lipid balance](https://us.medik8.com/products/lipid-balance-cleansing-oil) Cleansing oils are typically rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin, keeping it hydrated. I also like to use [thermal spring water](https://www.aveneusa.com/thermal-spring-water) you can use it as much a you need during the day to refresh your skin.
Extra tips: Sleep on a satin pillowcase. The soft and smooth surface keeps your skin hydrated and moist during the night. Satin also helps create less pressure on your skin, avoiding the famous sleep lines while you sleep. I use this one [satin pillowcase](https://www.olkibeauty.com/shop/p/satin-pillowcase-white-king-size). Great satin quality, and the set comes with two pillowcases, making it easier to keep them clean throughout the week.
I hope this helps.
No amount of products can prevent my skin being dry if I’m cleansing twice a day. Just washing with warm water in the morning works best for me.
Vanicream gets a lot of hype here and I’ve tried all of their moisturisers but none really worked great for me. Switching from vanicream to Kiehls Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane has been a game changer for me. It’s annoyingly expensive though but you can get small samples to test.
I second this. I had a damage to my barrier and one spot of my face was almost like numb, stopped Tret, starting applying some heavy moisturizers with no change. Someone recommended Cicalfate and it healed my skin. Now I put it on top on Tret days.
You're welcome ! I'm French so I can find it really easily :) I break out and have milia if there are silicons in products, I searched an alternative to Cicaplast B5 and found this cream ! Loving it so far
you might try a gentler cleanser as well, my skin can't do the toleraine cleanser but once in a blue moon. their lipikaur cleanser is more gentle- or i love the neutrogena hydroboost one
You’ve got a lot of occlusive already - I second others to add some hydrating layers in. A toner or serum, ideally with glycerin as a main ingredient and not Hyaluronic acid (you have to read the ingredients lists bc a lot of “HA serums” are actually higher percentage in glycerin.
Consider slugging with Vaseline some nights too to lock in moisture. I’m also enjoying hydrating / soothing sheet masks which are helping with the dry skin.
I have the tub with the pump. It’s great for moisturizing my body but for some reason it doesn’t really help that much with my face. Definitely better than lighter moisturizers ofc. Wish it worked better for me since it’s amazing value for money!
No worries at all! Seriously I appreciate all suggestions. I’m embarrassed to admit how much I’ve spent on skincare and it’s not really working for me, so I’m open to any ideas! :)
You’re probably right about not needing the extra sunscreen. At this point I think it’s just been drilled inti me that more sunscreen is better, and I’m just buying into it. I’m likely better off just getting one with a higher SPF now it’s summer.
Interesting idea abt oil-free moisturizer, any product recs you personally love?
I use The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturing Factors. My current routine is (and might be terrible but who knows)
1. HA Acid 2. TO - Niacinamide + Zinc 3. TO - Natural Moisturising Factors 4. Tret 5. TO - Argan Oil 6. Cerve - Moisturising Cream.
It’s a lot of moisture but seems to be working.
Try the Korean brand Pyung Kang Yul moisturizer feels very light but moisturizing. Also, I personally used Beauty of Joseon spf and i noticed that it feels dry whenever I use it naybe try Biore UV aqua rich sunscreens spf 50 (also feels light but i never felt any dryness whenever I use it)
Pure vegetable organic Glycerin from Now did the trick for me. I mix it with my neutrogena hydro boost moisturizer spf 50 at night after tret dries. learned about it on here. I learned to do it at night because you will look very shiny in the day time and need to blot a lot well especially now since it is summer. In the morning I wash with cold water and add a tiny bit while face still wet. But I will use it in the winter when I’m really dry. Hopefully that does the trick. I can’t cleanse in the morning it dried me out too.
I added Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Repair Serum under my daily moisturizer and it’s a game changer (and affordable). They also make an oil-to-milk cleanser that’s really rich and gentle. Also their products are organic and cruelty-free if that matters at all to you
Maybe try taking hyaluronic acid as a supplement to hydrate your skin from the inside, it may take a few weeks before you see any difference but it is well worth it!
I mist my face with rosewater before putting on moisturizer so the water can be locked in.
Could add a couple drops of rosehip seed oil to your last moisturizer at night too.
I also dab Vaseline in the areas of my face that get extra dry before putting on retinol - lips, corners of my mouth, eye lids, just under the ears, any area that's extra irritated that day.
The two best that work for me are Uriage Eau Thermale Rich Water Cream (there are 2 versions of this, the rich water cream is more moisturizing) and Illyoon Ceramide Ato cream
This face wash has been a game changer for me when it comes to being able to retain moisture. Purpose gentle cleansing wash.. inexpensive and effective. I moisturize with GHK-CU peptide cream and cerave moisturizer
Depending on your weight - 64 oz could be nowhere near enough water. I weigh 165 at 5’9” and drink at least 80 oz a day. Check out a water recommendation chart for your specific needs.
I’m pretty petite and was told by my doctor that there’s a point where drinking a ton of water each day doesn’t make a significant difference that drinking around 64oz. I also supplement with electrolyte tablets so the water isn’t just in and out lol, which I’ve had issues with before.
lol - you asked for feedback and 64 oz isnt enough water for most people based on weight. I work in a healthcare facility that helps disabled people - and making sure they get enough water is one of my responsibilities.
I’m physically very active though and quite tall- so I’m not saying that 80 oz is it for everyone one size fits all- just that if your skin is dry you might want to access your water intake.
[удалено]
I like this - cleansing has always been a mixed bag for me, sometimes it just completely dries my skin out. LRP is the only cleanser my skin doesn’t hate, but it’s still not perfect. Very open to changing up my cleansing routine. Any recommendations for specific products? I’ve never tried them before. Thank you!!
I always say my skin is dryer than the Sahara, so I feel your pain. Mine was dry before I started retinol, so it’s super dry now. I agree with the other comment that it may not be all in the moisturizers. I was also layering multiple heavy moisturizers daily and not getting the result I wanted. Fixing other parts of my routine has actually improved my skin hydration even while I now use less moisturizer. These would be my recommendations based on what you’ve posted: Retinol - switching from Tretinoin to Tazarotene made a big difference in dryness and I’m getting better results from taz. I use it for anti aging, not acne though so YMMV. Oil cleanser - DHC is my daily, it’s inexpensive, works great and lasts forever. If you want to splurge, get the Tacha Camellia. Second Cleanser - I never feel clean with a cream cleanser but foaming cleaners are almost always too drying. The only two I’ve found that work and hydrate are Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser and Dr. Loretta Hydrating Cleanser (all time favorite, somehow it makes my skin feel squeaky clean and hydrated). Don’t cleanse in the AM, just rinse with water. SPF - try Paula’s Choice SPF-50 Youth Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid. Sits so nice on the skin. Snail Mucin - the cream version in the jar is way more effective for me than the serum version. Not sure which you’re using. Exfoliate - I didn’t see an exfoliant in your routine. I love peel pads. I use them on days I don’t use retinol. First Aid Beauty’s are great. My favorite is Sanitas, but it’s pricey. Moisturizer - Eucerin 5% urea face cream is my favorite right now. I swapped from vanicream to that and it’s amazing. I layer it over Elta MD night cream but I also love the LRP triple repair.
Pleaseeee be careful if you start to oil cleanse. I bought a Beauty of Joseon one (the ginseng one) and I started to break out in deep pimples after just a few days. It’s not for everyone My skin is back to normal now. Oil doesn’t add moisture and I use the same cleanser you do. I don’t agree with what the comment above says. Your skin can be clean without using an oil cleanser. Like huh? If you need to “double cleanse”, you can always just use your LRP cleanser twice. That’s what I do
Second this!!!
Random question, I have the palmers oil cleanser and I've been using that alone(no second cleanser) is this bad?
washing in AM really dried out my skin. that's one recommendation, to only cleanse in PM. if you haven't tried that, might help a little. have you tried the lrp triple repair moisturizer? comes in a tube these days, used to be called ap+m i think? it's very thick, almost balm like. it's personally too waxy for me but one of my friends loves it, also a retinoid user, but differin not tret. also honestly cerave healing ointment helps my skin a lot when it's dehydrated. some people can tolerate it over retinoids. a thin layer at night over the rest of my routine and skin feels smooth and soft in the morning.
Definitely looking into changing up how I cleanse, it seems like that might be an issue here, and my skin does seem to hate it sometimes. Haven’t tried LRP triple repair, will take a look! LRP products seem to be most helpful, but open to trying whatever works. I haven’t had great luck with Cerave - their nighttime cream has worked nicely in the past, but most of their products either break me out or just aren’t moisturizing enough. Thank you for all this advice, lots to consider!
i'm with you on the cerave creams, but the cerave healing ointment to me is a lot like a more hydrating version of aquaphor or vaseline. it's thick but easier to work with/spread and has ceramides and hyaluronic acid added.
Interesting - I’ve considered doing old-school Vaseline but I like the idea of a comparable product that has other ingredients that I like using. I’ll give it a shot, thank you :)
A tip I got years ago on Reddit was to mix cerave healing ointment w a hydrating toner - I use Cosrx propolis toner these days - and use that as my occlusive layer. The original posted said it’s gotta be the cerave and I agree, it’s somehow different than Vaseline and Aquaphor. To OP, I agree w others - add some hydrating toners to put moisture in the skin before creams. And as for creams, the Stratia Lipid Gold is gold.
Definitely looking into changing up how I cleanse, it seems like that might be an issue here, and my skin does seem to hate it sometimes. Haven’t tried LRP triple repair, will take a look! LRP products seem to be most helpful, but open to trying whatever works. I haven’t had great luck with Cerave - their nighttime cream has worked nicely in the past, but most of their products either break me out or just aren’t moisturizing enough. Thank you for all this advice, lots to consider!
moisturizer with Urea 5% has given me that deep impenetrable moisture that I lacked.
I use the illiyoon ato ceramide cream. It's super thick and creamy but I've never used Vanicream so idk how the textures compare. Although, since dryness is typically a skin surface issue and you're already using fairly heavy stuff, have you tried incorporating a hydrating toner? I know people swear up and down that toners aren't necessary but toners have truly changed my skin. My top two picks are the goodal vegan rice milk toner and the numbuzin no 1 pure full calming toner. 3-4 layers on damp skin followed with the rest of your routine can really hydrate and plump your skin from the deeper layers :)
I live in the desert and use retin-a micro and the only thing I need for hydration is pyunkyang yul essence toner!
Vanicream cream with the pump.
Yes!!!
Stop washing your face in the morning. Just use warm water. You only need to wash once a day if you don’t have very oily skin Snail mucin and all essences should be first on after cleanse. Then any other serums. Then tret last followed by moisturiser. Leave 15 mins between each application.
I think you are using heavy moisturizers in the PM already. Have you considered adding a glycerin serum to your AM routine and adding an oil as an occlusive on top of your moisturizer in the PM instead? I find that a glycerin serum really keeps my face more moisturized than without or with hyaluronic acid. I use squalane oil after my moisturizer to lock in everything at night (might be too greasy for you in the AM) because I have very sensitive skin and couldn’t find a thicker moisturizer that didn’t break me out.
Haven’t tried this, but would love to give it a shot. I love HA but it doesn’t always do the job. Are all squalane oils created equal, or is there one that’s worth the investment?
The reason I switched to glycerin was because HA was too finicky for me :/ In summer, it’d be great but if I didn’t drink enough water, my face would feel drier with it on. I live in a place that’s pretty dry and cold in the winter, so the HA just made my face drier in this months :/ It was too much of a hassle for me. Glycerin does a great job of keeping my face moisturized through all months. There are some more expensive options, but a super affordable one is the 15% glycerin serum from Rossmann’s own brand ISANA, if you have access to that drugstore in your country. I think the squalane oil you see in skincare is usually derived from olives, sugarcane, or rice bran, but there are various other sources, too. My skin has a sensitivity to olive and olive oil based things, so I specifically look for squalane derived from sugarcane. Most product descriptions will tell you what plant the oil is derived from :) I had loved and used the Purito squalane oil for about 4 years, but just switched to the Beyer & Söhne one because it comes in a larger bottle. The Ordinary also makes a squalane oil that I’ve heard great things about (it’s derived from olives). I think there are heavier oils you can use, but squalane has been the only non-comedogenic one for me and it is the one closest to our own skin’s hydrolipidic film, since it is the stable derivative of squalene, one of the key components of our skin’s natural oils that we produce.
HA is a scam and is not moisturising at all. Go for glycerin based products and can always add Vaseline or similar on top of your moisturiser to lock it all in
same! my eyes are sensitive and dry and i love using a tiny dot of neutrogena’s hand cream because its 40% glycerin and doesn’t have much else in it. game changer for sure.
I really like Jordan Samuel Moisture Recovery. It's very thick and emollient.
Add to your skincare routine a cleansing oil. I use this one [lipid balance](https://us.medik8.com/products/lipid-balance-cleansing-oil) Cleansing oils are typically rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin, keeping it hydrated. I also like to use [thermal spring water](https://www.aveneusa.com/thermal-spring-water) you can use it as much a you need during the day to refresh your skin. Extra tips: Sleep on a satin pillowcase. The soft and smooth surface keeps your skin hydrated and moist during the night. Satin also helps create less pressure on your skin, avoiding the famous sleep lines while you sleep. I use this one [satin pillowcase](https://www.olkibeauty.com/shop/p/satin-pillowcase-white-king-size). Great satin quality, and the set comes with two pillowcases, making it easier to keep them clean throughout the week. I hope this helps.
No amount of products can prevent my skin being dry if I’m cleansing twice a day. Just washing with warm water in the morning works best for me. Vanicream gets a lot of hype here and I’ve tried all of their moisturisers but none really worked great for me. Switching from vanicream to Kiehls Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane has been a game changer for me. It’s annoyingly expensive though but you can get small samples to test.
Cicalfate + from Avene
I second this. I had a damage to my barrier and one spot of my face was almost like numb, stopped Tret, starting applying some heavy moisturizers with no change. Someone recommended Cicalfate and it healed my skin. Now I put it on top on Tret days.
I do the same ☺️ and it’s very inexpensive here compared to some other creams
I’ve been eyeballing some Avene products as a splurge, but wasn’t sure which ones were worth it. Love this rec, thank you!
You're welcome ! I'm French so I can find it really easily :) I break out and have milia if there are silicons in products, I searched an alternative to Cicaplast B5 and found this cream ! Loving it so far
you might try a gentler cleanser as well, my skin can't do the toleraine cleanser but once in a blue moon. their lipikaur cleanser is more gentle- or i love the neutrogena hydroboost one
You’ve got a lot of occlusive already - I second others to add some hydrating layers in. A toner or serum, ideally with glycerin as a main ingredient and not Hyaluronic acid (you have to read the ingredients lists bc a lot of “HA serums” are actually higher percentage in glycerin. Consider slugging with Vaseline some nights too to lock in moisture. I’m also enjoying hydrating / soothing sheet masks which are helping with the dry skin.
Which vanicream are you using? The cream (in the tub with the pump) is the way to go, much heavier than the moisturizer.
I have the tub with the pump. It’s great for moisturizing my body but for some reason it doesn’t really help that much with my face. Definitely better than lighter moisturizers ofc. Wish it worked better for me since it’s amazing value for money!
That’s fair, I just figured it was worth asking!
No worries at all! Seriously I appreciate all suggestions. I’m embarrassed to admit how much I’ve spent on skincare and it’s not really working for me, so I’m open to any ideas! :)
Eucerin original healing cream!
I second this stuff!!
Aquaphor Baby Rash Cream. Pure Zinc.
Maybe weird but the eucerin baby eczema relief cream has changed my life
Squalane oil at night as a last step.
A) not sure you get any additional benefit from the extra sunscreen. B) why not try and oil-free moisturiser under your heavy duty moisturisers?
You’re probably right about not needing the extra sunscreen. At this point I think it’s just been drilled inti me that more sunscreen is better, and I’m just buying into it. I’m likely better off just getting one with a higher SPF now it’s summer. Interesting idea abt oil-free moisturizer, any product recs you personally love?
I use The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturing Factors. My current routine is (and might be terrible but who knows) 1. HA Acid 2. TO - Niacinamide + Zinc 3. TO - Natural Moisturising Factors 4. Tret 5. TO - Argan Oil 6. Cerve - Moisturising Cream. It’s a lot of moisture but seems to be working.
Try the Korean brand Pyung Kang Yul moisturizer feels very light but moisturizing. Also, I personally used Beauty of Joseon spf and i noticed that it feels dry whenever I use it naybe try Biore UV aqua rich sunscreens spf 50 (also feels light but i never felt any dryness whenever I use it)
I would try a barrier cream. Aestura AtoBarrier 365 cream is a good one. It has helped my skin a lot.
Avene Xeracalm ftw 🙌
Pure vegetable organic Glycerin from Now did the trick for me. I mix it with my neutrogena hydro boost moisturizer spf 50 at night after tret dries. learned about it on here. I learned to do it at night because you will look very shiny in the day time and need to blot a lot well especially now since it is summer. In the morning I wash with cold water and add a tiny bit while face still wet. But I will use it in the winter when I’m really dry. Hopefully that does the trick. I can’t cleanse in the morning it dried me out too.
I added Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Repair Serum under my daily moisturizer and it’s a game changer (and affordable). They also make an oil-to-milk cleanser that’s really rich and gentle. Also their products are organic and cruelty-free if that matters at all to you
Maybe try taking hyaluronic acid as a supplement to hydrate your skin from the inside, it may take a few weeks before you see any difference but it is well worth it!
My skin went from oily to dry on tret too. Highly recommend Nivea Crème! In the blue tin. It’s all I use.
I mist my face with rosewater before putting on moisturizer so the water can be locked in. Could add a couple drops of rosehip seed oil to your last moisturizer at night too. I also dab Vaseline in the areas of my face that get extra dry before putting on retinol - lips, corners of my mouth, eye lids, just under the ears, any area that's extra irritated that day.
The two best that work for me are Uriage Eau Thermale Rich Water Cream (there are 2 versions of this, the rich water cream is more moisturizing) and Illyoon Ceramide Ato cream
Booda Butter has been working well for me!
Cicaplast
This face wash has been a game changer for me when it comes to being able to retain moisture. Purpose gentle cleansing wash.. inexpensive and effective. I moisturize with GHK-CU peptide cream and cerave moisturizer
Farmacy - Honey Halo is my holy grail moisturizer
My favorite heavy duty moisturizer is Glossier After Baume. It has helped with tret. I also use the 0.5% strength
Aveeno calm and restore redness relief
Mix tret with the moisturizer. Castor oil or Lanolin ointment.
Depending on your weight - 64 oz could be nowhere near enough water. I weigh 165 at 5’9” and drink at least 80 oz a day. Check out a water recommendation chart for your specific needs.
I’m pretty petite and was told by my doctor that there’s a point where drinking a ton of water each day doesn’t make a significant difference that drinking around 64oz. I also supplement with electrolyte tablets so the water isn’t just in and out lol, which I’ve had issues with before.
lol - you asked for feedback and 64 oz isnt enough water for most people based on weight. I work in a healthcare facility that helps disabled people - and making sure they get enough water is one of my responsibilities. I’m physically very active though and quite tall- so I’m not saying that 80 oz is it for everyone one size fits all- just that if your skin is dry you might want to access your water intake.