T-zone oily and cheeks dry – how to cope!

I am so excited that I found your site. I need HELP! I think I have bi-polar skin. My T-zone is super oily and my cheeks are dry. I have been using CeraVe for sensitive skin. My nose peels all the time because I have overproduction of oil in that location. I am now 35, have sun damage, rough skin. I need more than CeraVe and I don't know what to do for my sun damage and wrinkles. Could you please suggest to me what to use? I would like to repair my skin and prevent. A friend really wants me to try Rodan and Fields but I don't trust it. Please help.

Okay   ……. a couple of thoughts here:

  • If your nose is peeling, it’s not from oil.  Oil makes things slick and shiney not peely.   Many people with an oily nose, will try to “dry it out” with harsh, alcoholy products.   Switch to a gentle cleanser, if you’re using something harsh.  Then try a medicated pad acne/oily skin pad just on the T-zone.
  • Generally rough skin is dry, so where you’re dry like your cheeks,  moisturize more and the Cerave Cream (not lotion) might be fine but you could also try this moisturizer but use on dry areas only.
  • Don’t try to use antiaging products until you have a good basic regimen that’s working with a gentle cleanser, a product to dry the oil only in the T-Zone, a good moisturizer and a light weight sunscreen like this Elta product.
  • After, and only after you have a good basic regimen, try adding an antioxidant and a retinoid about one week apart so you know if one of them irritates you.

Happy holidays,   Dr. I

PS –  always start new products one at a time 4-7 days apart.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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