Need to overhaul skin care routine since I've started using Epiduo, in need of suggestions!

I am going to preface this by saying: This is what worked for me. YMMV.

With that said, you might want to ditch ALL of the other acne fighters in your lineup. I had acne-prone, horrible skin for years. It was only when I stopped using salicylic acid and BP entirely that it even started to calm down. Look for a gentle cleanser. Many here have had luck with the Cetaphil daily cleanser. It doesn't work for me because it clogs my pores, but you can find sample sizes everywhere and, IMO, it is worth the try. It's one of the gentlest cleansers I've ever seen. I wound up using Cerave's foaming facial cleanser. You might want to consult with your doctor if you wish to use it because this cleanser contains niacinamide. I don't know if that's an issue with Epiduo and the Googles were not definitive in my quick hunt.

I have two good moisturizers I like and keep handy. I like Aveeno Daily Radiance SPF15 (do not get the SPF30 - it is tinted and has irritants in it). I also like Cerave in the tub. Cerave is my daily moisturizer. Aveeno is my daily moisturizer in the summer and how I cut my foundation to make tinted moisturizer.

Of these, per ounce, the Aveeno is probably the most expensive (usually 4 oz for $18, but I have bought it on Amazon for as cheap as $11). The Cerave seems like a big investment up front $16-18, but it comes in a huge tub that I then transfer to travel sized lotion bottles (a whopping $1 at Target).

If your skin flaking is still a big issue, I actually had very good luck buying German Nivea Creme from eBay. I know it sounds silly, but its missing some of the less sunshiney ingredients found in the US formulation, and it's pretty cheap. I put the Nivea creme on over my regular moisturizer at night when I am likely to flake (horrible winter months, really dry days, etc). I put it on irritated skin and dry skin. It does a good job of soothing and moisturizing. But I would not use it as a primary moisturizer or in the morning under makeup.

/r/SkincareAddiction Thread