Daily Routine Help & Troubleshooting, ELI5, and Questions: February 03, 2015

I suspect I have a very mild case of perioral dermatitis - tiny papules that resemble acne but do not come to a head, go away fairly quickly when treated with my PD prescription, and are centered entirely around my lips, nostrils, and nasolabial folds. They're not particularly red, or itchy, and there's no visible rash; it's really very mild, and looks something like this (not my image.) It just feels like tiny bumps that pop up, screw with my otherwise smooth skin texture, scab over slightly once treated with PocketDerm, and then disappear.

I use an SLS-free shampoo and am switching to an SLS-free and flouride-free toothpaste ASAP. I stopped using Vaseline, mineral oil, and my usual lip balm. I have normal/combo skin and here's my routine at the moment:

AM

  • Lukewarm water in the shower; sometimes a 5 minute honey mask beforehand.
  • PC 8% AHA Gel OR PC 2% BHA Liquid: only 1 of these is used, every other day, alternating.
  • Benton Aloe BHA Toner
  • Benton Snail Bee Essence
  • Benton Aloe Propolis Gel
  • Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion

PM

  • CeraVe Foaming Cleanser: tried Hydrating Cleanser, didn't like it. Might switch to GoW's oil cleanser + washcloth.
  • PocketDerm treatment: .04% tret, 1% clindamycin, 7% azelaic acid; only used every other day and only on days when I don't use an AHA/BHA in the morning.
  • Missha FTE
  • Benton Snail Bee Skin
  • Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule
  • Benton Snail Bee Lotion: only on the outer sections of my face, away from the T-zone.
  • Benton Steam Cream: only on particularly dry spots under my eyes, around my neck, etc, or only on dry days.

Any other suggestions for my routine other than perhaps waiting it out? As I said I don't have any other stinging, redness, itchiness, or visible signs of irritation and I've been using this routine for months now. I don't have health insurance and can't see a doctor or dermatologist, but as I understand it the causes for perioral dermatitis are vague and treatment is mainly antibiotics, waiting it out, and playing detective with potential triggers. And who knows, I may be completely off-base with my assessment, but unfortunately I don't have many options. Any help or insight is appreciated.

/r/AsianBeauty Thread