[Acne] Need help with forehead acne before I finally give up and go back to using a clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide topical.

So I've always had sensitive skin, and I'd call it combination (dry & oily). I struggled with mild acne as many of us do, but it never seemed to fully go away. My forehead was always clear until one season I grew out my hair long and it covered my forehead. From then on I've had issues with that area. Most of the rest of my face is fine now besides nose blackheads, shaving irritation, and general redness here and there. These are giant hulking whiteheads either just a smattering of raised bumps, slightly more red than the neighboring skin, that seem to persist on my forehead.

It sounds weird, but my face looks the best when I shower first thing in the morning religiously and don't wash my face. This isn't practical though as I like to be active and don't want to shower multiple times in a day (dry skin, etc.). Tough to know the right balance between face washing and cleanliness (which dries out your skin) and just leaving well enough alone. I had good results with the chemical stuff (Duac Gel at the time) once a day before bed (and little to no face washing). I could almost get by just using samples sparingly and not even filling the prescription (until they were gone). I figured I'd check it here before I go back to basically applying antiobiotics and bleach to my face. Skincare aside I've thought it might pay to try out a different shampoo and conditioner once I run out to see if that plays any role.

Let me know if I need to clarify anything or if this was just a long winded ramble. This is my first post here as well so excuse any omissions that might seem obvious. I'm not trying to develop an overly expensive and complex routine (especially as a guy who'd rather keep it simple), but am open to suggestions.

TL;DR/key facts: Combination skin, have had success with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide in the past (Duac Gel), have samples of Acanya and more recently (and less expired) Onexton from dermatologist, face wash is SFC (soap free cleanser) or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, looking to try a product or routine that's simple and effective before going back to prescriptions.

PS: Tried an Aveeno moisturizer with salicylic acid once years ago and got cystic acne from it so stopped. Never tried using a face wash with that chemical. Also have some Lush samples laying around (some charcoal soap and another very drying pink one plus Imperialis and Cosmetic Lad moisturizers which are okay), but probably wouldn't actually buy their stuff.