[routine help] I can’t figure out my skin type or what I should use

I have dry skin, it doesn’t flake unless I pick at it but if I don’t moisturize it feels very tight when I make facial expressions. I never get blackheads or any serious pimples but when I try most skincare products (for longer than the ‘purge period’) my skin breaks out in a bunch of tiny whiteheads and sometimes larger ones that are very inflamed but still surface level. Currently I just rinse my face thoroughly with water and then I use the ordinary barrier support and soothing serum followed by cetaphil moisturizing lotion. I use the serum a couple months on and a couple months off, that and the moisturizer have been the only things I’ve tried that don’t give me prolonged irritation. I wash my face with cetaphil gentle cleanser when I feel like I need to. I don’t wear makeup very often and my skin does okay with my current routine but looks pretty dull usually and not as firm as I would like it to. I’m 20 years old and starting to notice some fine lines under my eyes and between my eyebrows. Im wanting to start using maybe a better moisturizer and something thats like plumping and will make my face appear less dull. My skin is dry on my body and my face so I don’t think I’ve stripped my face or anything. I can stick to a routine pretty well but I miss a couple nights here and there, I’m open to multiple steps but kind of intimidated by retinols. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Sorry for the run on sentences, Thanks!