Breakouts after moving

[saragracemiles]

I need some help!

I have very dry skin. But for the most part, I have never had problems with acne before. I moved from a humid riverbottom to the dry plains in Kansas around 6 months ago. Ever since then, my skin has been so problematic.

I feel like I have tried everything from drug store to high end. Im currently using the Murad Clarifying Cleanser and have been for about a month. It worked really well at first but now my skin is just as bad as before. I have also used a Peter Thomas Roth Cleanser and it was a similar story.

I've been going to an esthetician and she recommended me the Murad Cleanser but I dont think its working on my dry skin well.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[TrysBeautyItems]

@saragracemiles It's normal for the skin to go wacky when moving, even traveling. I went from four seasons to one. I wouldn't slap on the acne products, excess dryness not needed. It takes longer than 6 months for the skin to completely adjust, mine went through various skin types and went through an array of products. What was your skin type before moving? If some oil, you're probably dehydrated, not dry. If dry before and extra dry now, dehydrated.

Run a humidifier and see a local dermatologist, since they understand the environment that's new to you. Sure the esthetician may be able to help to a degree, but nothing like talking with a doc.

[IciclePop]

Has your life been high-stress since the move?  I'm asking because for me, my skin is a dead give-away for stress -- I break out around my eyebrow/forehead area when I'm stressed.  If that's the issue, then you may want to focus on stress reduction rather than skincare.  My skin clears right up once I'm no longer under as much stress.

[snoflakefaerie]

@saragracemiles I wonder if your skin is revolting because it is just too dry. I would maybe switch to a low-foaming/non-foaming pH balanced cleanser. Maybe something like the Fresh Soy cleanser or COSRx Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser would help not over-strip your skin. I would be wary of anything too "clarifying" as it may be too drying. If you need something to get your makeup off, you can use a cleansing oil or balm. I would probably also introduce an oil to your routine, I have found argan oils don't clog my pores. 

Definitely go slowly introducing things slowly to see how your skin reacts. Probably only using one new product a week to 2 weeks.

Good luck!

[HelenBT]

Hi @saragracemiles,

I use to use the MURAD - Clarifying Cleanser cleanser as well and love it! I think my skin got use to me using it twice a day, everyday that it didn't work as effectively as it once use to. I recommend switching off cleansers so that your skin doesn't get use to one makeup product. I like to alternate between the Murad and Tata Harper Clarifying Pore & Oil Control Cleanser with BHA & AHA for Redness 4.1 oz/ 125 mL. Another cleanser I found effective at helping my acne was the Drunk Elephant JuJu Exfoliating Bar 4 oz/ 120 g. I hope this helps! 😉

Warmest regards,

Helen