I used to scrub my face to try to get rid of my acne. I would use harsh products as well to try to remove my acne lesions including toners to remove the oil from my skin. What I didn't realize was that this was just damaging my skin barrier and causing my skin to become irritated and inflamed, and didn't actually get to the root cause of my acne. I still see and hear people doing this. Instead of trying to scrub any oil or acne off, use products that can help control oil production and unclog pores like salicylic acid and retinoids. Your skin will thank you, and look and feel better!

After I started tretinoin, I peeled like a snake shedding its skin. Part of the process, right? Sure, but in my case, it lasted months. Still, I stuck with it, certain glowing skin was just around the corner. When I returned to my dermatologist, she suggested we try something else. In fact, she was surprised that I hadn't come to this conclusion on my own. As a physician assistant, I should know that no medication works on everyone. I do, and yet somehow, I still assumed that tretinoin would work for me. It had to. It was magical thinking, and she brought me back to reality. I'd recommend anyone trying tretinoin to cease usage if the drug doesn't achieve it's intended effects in 4 - 6 weeks. Don't fall into the trap of wanting it to work so badly, you convince yourself it eventually will.

In my early career, I tried a topical glycolic acid product that promised rejuvenation and tackling uneven skin tone. Unfortunately, it was too potent for some of my clients, leading to irritation and aggravated redness in those with delicate skin. That experience emphasized the importance of understanding individual skin thresholds. Instead, I've had better results with controlled medi-facial treatments like Procell Micro Channeling, which effectively refreshs the skin without causing harsh reactions. My advice to anyone considering a new topical is to start with a patch test and consult a skincare professional. This approach helps identify any adverse reactions and ensures compatibility with your skin type.