Hi everyone! I would love some advice on my chronic acne that has me at my wits end :( ! I’m 30 years old and I’ve been breaking out since 2023. I’ll have periods of calm where I’m dealing with scarring and some congestion and then bouts of severe acne. In 2024 I got a hormone panel and everything was ‘normal’ but I beg to differ. Whenever my cycle rolls around I get a few hairs that grow at the bottle left of my chin and one that grows at the lower half of my cheek. My acne flares up at that time as well along my chin, jawline, and cheek.

I’ve been using benzoyl peroxide since 2016 and it seems to not have the same effect anymore. I also learned that vitamin C counteracts BP and I’ve been using them together for years. I’ve recently pulled back from using BP everyday and started skin cycling. Here’s my current routine:

Day 1  
AM:  
\- Numbuzin No.1 Toner  
\- SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule  
\- DERMA E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer  
\- Benton Air Fit UV Defence Sun Cream

PM:  
\- Numbuzin No.1 Toner  
\- AHA+ (Glycolic Acid – 10%)  
\- SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule  
\- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizer

Day 2  
AM:  
\- Numbuzin No.1 Toner  
\- SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule  
\- DERMA E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer  
\- Benton Air Fit UV Defence Sun Cream

PM:  
\- Numbuzin No.1 Toner  
\- SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule  
\- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizer  
\- Tretinoin 0.025%

Day 3  
AM:  
\- Numbuzin No.1 Toner  
\- Benzoyl Peroxide 10%  
\- SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule  
\- DERMA E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer  
\- Benton Air Fit UV Defence Sun Cream

PM:  
\- Numbuzin No.1 Toner  
\- SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule  
\- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizer

Repeat!

I’ve been on tretinoin 0.025% since October 2025 and have noticed some improvements but the constant breakouts make it feel impossible to gain any progress. I constantly feel like I take a step forward and take three back within days or the next week. I don’t have the worst diet but know I can do better. It’s been difficult to stay motivated on my diet and fitness routine because my skin stresses me out on top of the financial and school stressors. It feels like a never ending cycle that has me completely frustrated. I booked an appointment to see a dermatologist in a few days. In the meantime, any recommendations or guidance would be greatly appreciated! I’m considering upping my tret dosage and altering my routine before trying spironolactone. I also think I’d benefit from azelaic acid but unsure where that fits into my skincare routine. I’ve never been on BC. Meds freak me out, however, I’m so down on my myself I’m considering anything and everything at this point.

Routine Help