Hi all Im hoping someone can help with very persistent/very slow improvement in acne that is mild in severity

Current routine; AM - Rinse and then Aveeno moisturiser

PM - Combo lotion of adapalene, benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin OR Neutrogena Salicylic acid face wash (alternating nights). Follow with moisturiser

I had eliminated all my acne a couple years ago using Duac gel, however suddenly a year ago it came back in full force. I then switched to Tretinoin for about 6 months and it improved but then stagnated.

Since then i switched to my current combo lotion cream containing adapalene BP and antibiotic for 3 months. My acne was terrible a year ago, so my skin IS in a much better state now.

However progress has been painfully slow, almost non existent in the last 6 months especially. At this point it is mild, no longer deep cystic acne but small surface level spots but they are EXTREMELY PERSISTENT.

Is this just the process of very gradual progress? I feel like if a product its working, the change should be fairly quick once its kicked in though. i dont remember progress this slow in the past...

I wonder about the potential for skin irritation to slow my progress or cause more acne? This is why i have cut down to alternating days of treatment. However even still this treatment is strong and about 50% of the time is causing irritated/inflamed/red/itchy skin over my face the next day even after just one night of applying.

i cant really avoid this and I've tried using less product and lots of Aveeno but it can still cause burning. might this irritation be the reason the acne just wont go?

I see my options as:

1) Continue pushing through and giving it more time (already i am frustrated as this acne has last over a year now)

2) Give up retinoids completely and go back to using my previous Duac treatment and Azelaic acid (worked amazingly until suddenly it didnt) - this seems risky?

3) Split up the combo lotion. Get separate products of Adapalene and BP/Clindamycin and alternate nights to try lessen irritation.

Would it be a stupid idea to give up on Adapalene if it has produced (slow) improvements. I worry quitting could backfire massively and make my skin terrible again

I keep thinking it must be because im missing a product e.g. maybe it was the azelaic acid that worked before but is now missing. But i cant add it to my routine as that would be like 5 actives.

HOW do you balance products vs irritation?

Sorry for this monster of a post. I just have no idea what products contribute and which dont help. I am so tired of this...

thanks for any advice