/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

You all helped me out last thread with some suggestions for changing my routine and why I might be experiencing breakouts that never seem to get better. (Hi, I'm the cystic acne boyfriends have been assholes anon.)

I established a routine, but need a bit more help.

Morning:
>Aveeno Positively Radiant brightening cleanser
>Aveeno Clear Complexion moisturizer
>Holika Holika petit clearing bb

Night:
>up&up blue baby wipe
>Aveeno Positively Radiant brightening cleanser
>Thayer's Rose Petal witch hazel
>Neutrogena Hydro Boost eye gel
>Aveeno Clear Complexion moisturizer

Okay. Here's where I'm messed up. I ditched the Aveeno Clear Complexion foaming cleanser because it was suggested it was drying me out (it was). No improvement. A few days ago, I ran out of my Aveeno cleanser and had to settle for Irish Spring bar soap instead.

Why is my skin improving now? Is it really my cleanser? It seems like every cleanser I choose breaks me out or aggravates my skin. Gels break me out badly, so do creams, but foams dry me out. Cetaphil gave me awful nodular/cystic/insert technical term here acne. I used it for a month, and I was in so much pain I had to stop. I've used them with and without salicylic acid, and with and without physical exfoliation (which is a no-no for me).

So, do I just keep on with the bar soap? I know it's supposed to be absolutely awful for your skin. Is there a better alternative, or is it not as terrible as people say?

Also, my eye areas seem super happy and refreshed now that I've added the hydro boost gel. Is hydroluronic acid a good idea as far as controlling oil and keeping skin from drying out? I know it's purpose is to trap water and hold onto it. Does anyone think it's worth a go?

I've had a hard time finding a good aloe gel that doesn't have a lot of preservatives (any suggestions?) and I haven't added AHA/BHA yet because I'd like to go slow.

mfw at the end of this whole saga.