redranger09 wrote:I live in an area where there is no "counter" to ask people about what is good or not.
Do you live in the US?
since the topical antibiotic I'm on is supposed to dry up the pustules, wouldn't a moisturizer counteract it?
No, it wouldn't. If your skin feels very dry, a good moisturizer will certainly help. I always recommend either CeraVe or Vanicream (the latter being a bit denser/heavier), which will help restore the skin barrier/stratum corneum. I began using Vanicream but it turned out to be too heavy for my facial skin -it's become my favorite hand cream, though- and then I switched to CeraVe, which, after a couple of weeks of daily use, would cause a few breakouts although it wouldn't when used every other day (most creams/lotions cause my skin to break out). CeraVe's hyaluronic acid and ceramides allow the skin to hold on to water. These are basic yet very effective creams that don't cost a whole lot ($15 or less for a 16 oz tub).
Incidentally, are there beekeepers in your area? If you can find one, get a pound or two of raw honey from them. Some are still collecting late season honey, which will be in liquid form (raw honey isn't heated, therefore it tends to crystallize weeks after being collected - just make sure you buy from a beekeeper who doesn't process the honey). You can apply this wonderful honey to your face as a mask. Leave on for a while and then rinse with lukewarm water. Do this as often as you wish, though a few times a week should suffice. The honey mask will help with any inflammation you may have and it also leaves the skin feeling moist and supple. You still will need to apply a moisturizing cream daily, after cleansing, though, but you'll find the honey mask helpful in many ways.
It's so hard to tell, and like others, I have little patience, but no real choice here. 
). Ask a town's pharmacist, they might order it for you. BTW, are you close to Solway? There's a farm there that sells raw honey at a decent price. Find the contact info 
