I have dry skin (well, combo dry...insanely dry on my cheeks and slightly dry on the rest of it). Suddenly I've been breaking out badly on my forehead, nose, and chin. I think it's in part because I haven't been exfoliating lately, but even just a 0.5% BHA serum was having *no* effect when usually it works.
So this is my new routine (only 2 days in and I'm already noticing a difference!):
Evening, I wash with Biotherm's Acnopur cleanser (it's a little bit drying, but not overly harsh), then either use my Biotherm Biosource toner for dry skin (apply w/cotton pad) or Dermalogica's skin protecting toner (spray on). After that, I apply a mosturizing boost to the really dry areas that aren't breaking out. Next comes the Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish moisturizer (1.5% BHA). After that I use Dermalogica's Barrier Repair to soothe and hydrate.
Morning, I wash with Dermalogica's sensitive skin cleanser (it's milky), do the toner and boost as above, but only spot treat with the Olay lotion and then, of course, apply a moisturizer with SPF 15.
I like the Acnopur cleanser because it contains triclosan which is, I think, antibacterial. The Olay Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish is good because of the higher BHA concentration. I think it also helps to go a little easier on your skin and give it a bit of a break by not always using the harsh stuff on it. Biggest thing, though, is probably for you to not stress about your skin, but to keep up a normal routine, spot treat problems, and make sure you have a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. You have time...deep breathing will get you far! (Something I've only learned from experience!)