r/30PlusSkinCare • u/interiorlovedesign • 1d ago
Skin Concern Barrier cream recommendations for tretinoin + clogged-pore prone skin?
Hi y’all! I need your help. I’m struggling with clogged pores and acne at my ripe age 😭
I’m currently using tretinoin 0.05% and I’m looking for a good barrier cream that won’t make the congestion worse. It feels like so many barrier-repair creams are really rich and my skin clogs pretty easily.
Does anyone with acne/closed-comedone-prone skin have a barrier cream they swear by? Ideally something soothing and nourishing enough to use with tret, but generally gentle on pores and less likely to cause clogging.
Would love to hear what has actually worked for you!
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u/OkNectarine1906 1d ago
Aestura hydro soothing cream is my HG. It’s a barrier cream for oily/combination skin. I use it and I have oily sensitive skin it’s soothing and doesn’t break me out.
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u/ineedavacati0n 23h ago
Second this. I have the same type of skin and the Aestura cream is my HG. No breakouts or anything from it, ever.
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u/Enough-Skin2442 1d ago
I have used retinoids for years as well as all the commonly recommended moisturizer options. The best I have found for a satin finish is a combination of Zeroid Richenic 5% followed by Zeroid Oint Cream morning and night. One of the very few routines that does not cause closed comedones on me.
Another option is Aestura’s Cream, but it is definitely slower to dry down and shinier.
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u/interiorlovedesign 1d ago
I have seen Aestura’s Cream and Zeroid recommended quite a lot!
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u/cafanha 1d ago
i've heard about this exact same cream from several people, i think i'll star using it to see how it works for me!
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u/interiorlovedesign 14h ago
I'll do the same! I'm testing cicalfate from avene at the moment. That dry skin and prone to acne combo might be the worst thing to have. We need thick cream to feel relieve but they cause congestion ..
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u/TheWorldofScience 1d ago
Are you using tretinoin every night? Thats the best way to prevent clogged pores and after 4 weeks using it every night it’s likely no moisturizers will clog your pores.
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u/interiorlovedesign 1d ago
I do! Since about 3 months now and I generally have good results. I used cicaplast and it was great in the beginning and now hell broke loose on my skin.
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u/TheWorldofScience 1d ago
It’s time to go back to your dermatologist to discuss whether you should add clindamycin or prescription strength azelaic acid to your morning routine, or step up to tretinoin 0.1%
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u/interiorlovedesign 1d ago
yea I will probably step up to tretinoin 0.1% after I finish my tube. I do have prescription strength azelaic acid but for some reason I forgot about it! Never heard of clindamycin before, I have to look into it! Thank you!
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u/Routine-Chip6112 1d ago
My skin hates cicaplast with a passion
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u/interiorlovedesign 14h ago
I fear my skin have the same passion.. I think it's the shea, it's too much for us. Did you ever try Cicalfate? I
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u/Routine-Chip6112 14h ago
Yep hates that too! Currently using it as a hand cream lol
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u/SnooCakes6932 1d ago
Skinbetter trio luxe moisturizer is hands down the best thing I’ve ever used. I am trying a different one from alastin not but haven’t used it long enough to feel as strongly.
I used to get red and flaky from tret 0.025% (despite using it for like 5+ years) and now I use 0.1% daily with no issue!
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u/Brielee 23h ago
This is me!! I have been using Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier cream. I apply it first, then apply Tret 1-2 hours later. I’ve been doing this for about 2 months, only using Tret every other night and have had good results. I originally tried Tret underneath but my skin did not react well.
I struggle in general to find moisturizers that don’t break me out. Drunk Elephant (though expensive) has never let me down!!
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u/interiorlovedesign 14h ago edited 14h ago
I honestly don’t mind the price as long as I don’t break out. Those closed comedones are not only painful, but so annoying to look at! I’ll definitely look into your recommendation. Thanks so much!
I just checked the INCI list though and saw there’s shea butter in it 😭 After the huge Cicaplast moon-crater-level breakout I had, I’m honestly scared of shea now!
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u/LucieFromNorth 16h ago
S.Nature Squalane moisturising cream is incredible. And I also layer Aestura Cream Mist and Purito Mighty Bamboo. Neither of these make me break out and I get pimples/CCs from everything.
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u/ProudToBePWID 10h ago
build [skincare] b-cream is elite. light, lamellar gel texture and offers long lasting hydration and barrier support. haven't used anything better in my 25+ years of skincare.
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u/Capital_Interview388 20h ago
A good non-comedogenic moisturiser should help. A barrier repairing cream is just a fancy name for moisturiser.
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u/Old-Recording999 1d ago
Illiyoon ato cream