[skin concerns] Help! Over-exfoliated skin, how to heal? Everything and *anything* I apply burns. How long to heal when laying off of actives? Product recommendations to save my poor skin?

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Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster, turning to you for advice.Recently started using an OTC retinol product (Paula’s choice 1% clinical retinol) to prevent ageing (25yrs old) and because I’ve heard nice things about retinol products. I’m in a country where tretinoin is not commonly prescribed except in cases of severe acne, and slowly eased into the PC 1% retinol over a couple months building a tolerance. It was great, my skin had never looked healthier and brighter. My skin has never reacted to anything before and I’ve used actives and acids regularly for 2 years with no issues, but stopped using the stronger AHAs when I started this product. In the last 2 weeks or so I would notice a slight burn when applying products, which escalated in the last week. I’ve stopped using actives, cleaning my face with just water in the morning and removing makeup with micellar cleanser in the pm followed by hyaluronic acid (am) niacinamide (am±), CeraVe moisturiser (am±) , and my LRP spf 50. everything I apply to my face burns. Even CeraVe. My neck has red patches that burn intensely, but my face isn’t peeling or visibly dry, just stings when I apply products or makeup. Any advice on how to heal? If it’s relevant my skin is normal/combination type and usually very tolerant/ not sensitive.Should I keep using CeraVe in hopes of restoring my moisture barrier even if it seems to be adding to my irritation? :/ Anyone been in a similar situation and have a product recommendation that helped their skin heal or any insight into how long I can expect it to burn and sting if I keep laying off of the actives? Any help is greatly appreciated <3
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Submitted by deliripusen