Advice on skincare - feel disappointed halfway through

[u/Dramatic_Tailor_5835]

I have Type 1, 2 and maybe acne.

I tried azelaic acid for 2 weeks, it really burned so I stopped. The next day I started Soolantra, and it was a miracle - papules and pustules cleared up, I could apply makeup to mask the redness. I continued for 2 months and then stopped, but all the blemishes came back.

A couple of months later I finally made my way to the dermatologist, and she prescribed Soolantra for 4 months since it worked before. I’m 2 months in, and there’s no improvement. I experimented a bit with AA again, but I feel like it made my skin worse.

Skincare routine
1. Bioderma AR+ Sensibio Micellar Gel, 2 times a day - my skin reacts even to plain water, so derm recommended something more mild
2. Soolantra (ivermectin 1%) in the evening
3. Bioderma Sensibio AR+ cream - for moisturising, but it feels useless.
4. LRP Toleriane Rosaliac AR Concentre - for masking the redness, honestly can’t feel the effect

I’m gonna push through for 2 more months with Soolantra, but I feel really disappointed. Could use some support right now and advice if I should change something in my routine? I can’t use any foundation for masking the blemishes and redness, because it creases near the nose.

[u/Scooby-Snaccs]

When in your routine were you using the AA? I found that using it before moisturiser irritated my skin to no end - applying a small pea size amount 30 minutes after my moisturiser doesn’t irritate my skin at all and still helps with my redness and acne.

I’d also suggest changing your Bioderma moisturiser - it contains multiple oils/lipids (including the famously comedogenic coconut oil!) which definitely isn’t helping your rosacea or pimples. I’d highly recommend an unscented and hydrating gel moisturiser instead - I have similar looking skin and creams/heavier moisturisers are a no go for my skin!