I'm back on the Retin A wagon. There is apparently a shortage in Canada, which is really annoying, but I managed to snag a tube. I used it last night with no major issues (I seriously peeled the first time I tried it, but that was partly because I wasn't waiting long enough after washing my face) and I was using Avibon for a few months before I stopped using Retin A products altogether because I was worried that a little red spot on my chin was perioral dermatitis and could be aggravated by the Retin A. Well, the spot hasn't changed much either way so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. My skin has been looking really good lately so I'll be sad if my skin starts to look really bad again like it did the last time I started it.
Retin A is craaaaazy...Peeling, redness solutions
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Love Retin-A! It's all about treating your skin very gently, such as when washing and even when applying the Retin-A(use light strokes-we may get too eager when applying a product that is supposed to make us beautiful longer!) Keep your skin hydrated constantly with a lightweight lotion for sensitive skin to not only soothe the skin, but to encourage healing and regulation of skin cells. Use only a couple of nights a week at first, then when you build more of a tolerance, you can increase usage. Give your skin time to adjust. Good luck and it is worth it!
Are you using sunscreen? This is a must
Btw I LOVE using
Either la Roche posay or Avene 50+ SPF
For body!! The spray version. Very lightweight and enough for moisturizing my skin!!
I always thought my skin was dry to later find out my skin is oily based (never had oil on a rice paper ever!!!)
It just happens to be a dehydrated oily skin
So all I use now is a Lancôme pink toner and the sunscreen that is meant for body and I have not had a pimple in years and my skin glows always
I use sunscreen religiously even though I work inside all day. In the summers or if I will be outside or exposed to UV rays for any length of time (only on vacation I'm afraid), I bring a powder mineral sunscreen by PTR to reapply SPF.
I'm not sure if it has been mentioned, but differin gel is an alternative to retin-a that is milder. It's by prescription as well. I've been using it for about 3 years now sometimes with months of not using. I was originally using it for acne and I noticed that my skin looked extra tight and shiny on my acne hotspots when the pimples cleared up. It looked like I was wearing highlight on my cheeks in pictures.
I started using it all over my face especially when the weather changes and my skin hasn't been having those awkward fall to winter and spring to summer freak outs. I can't say what it does for wrinkles, but I really like what it does for me. I have sensitive skin by the way and it helps get things back under control when I try a new product that breaks me out.
I started using it all over my face especially when the weather changes and my skin hasn't been having those awkward fall to winter and spring to summer freak outs. I can't say what it does for wrinkles, but I really like what it does for me. I have sensitive skin by the way and it helps get things back under control when I try a new product that breaks me out.
I started retin-a and it was causing such bad scaling and peeling that I barely wanted to leave the house. I tried putting on cream right after applying but it didn't help. However, this sounds a bit weird, but using Korean snail creams has really seemed to help protect against the peeling. Not sure why! I started using Elishacoy's snail cream though and the peeling is way way way less.
I have restarted Retin A too and I think I have been a bit too aggressive so I will back off for the week. I normally apply it every other night but sometimes that is not possible with work. I have recently started using the B5 hydrating gel from Skinceuticals which is a viscous gel containing hyaluronic acid, which seems to be helping a bit with excessive flaking.
Started using Retin-A .025% to prevent wrinkles. I'm up to using it about every other day with no complications, thanks to the tips on this thread.
Do you ladies still use face masks/exfoliators while using Retin-A? Or is that a no-no?
Do you ladies still use face masks/exfoliators while using Retin-A? Or is that a no-no?
I started on the .025 Tretinoin cream about 3 weeks ago for mild cycle related acne/sun spots. I'm 35. I've had no problems at all so far and I've befn using it every night (except once). I haven't even had any extra breakouts (yet?). It hasn't helped yet to reduce break outs, but it seems to make them go away more quickly. My skin texture already looks better! I'm thrilled so far. I have an appointment in s few weeks and will ask for the .05%, hoping it'll make the pimples go away even faster.
I wash my face at night with Clinique acne bar, then tone with Thayers alcohol free cucumber (witch hazel) toner. Then I rinse again, pat dry. I wait 45-60 min, then apply a large pea sized amount of Retin-A all over including my neck. That's it. No moisturizer or anything at night.
In the morning, I use Cetaphil gentle wash & Cetaphil 30 SPF lotion before my foundation. I also use coconut oil under my eyes if I don't need to go outside. So simple and easy and I see amazing results already!
I have used a glycolic acid peel once, but only kept it on for 1 min. If you're having any irritation, the only thing I'd use is coconut oil, or whatever you find soothing. Oh I also use my Oil of Olay scrubbing brush most mornings with the gentle cleanser. It's very gentle
I wash my face at night with Clinique acne bar, then tone with Thayers alcohol free cucumber (witch hazel) toner. Then I rinse again, pat dry. I wait 45-60 min, then apply a large pea sized amount of Retin-A all over including my neck. That's it. No moisturizer or anything at night.
In the morning, I use Cetaphil gentle wash & Cetaphil 30 SPF lotion before my foundation. I also use coconut oil under my eyes if I don't need to go outside. So simple and easy and I see amazing results already!
I have used a glycolic acid peel once, but only kept it on for 1 min. If you're having any irritation, the only thing I'd use is coconut oil, or whatever you find soothing. Oh I also use my Oil of Olay scrubbing brush most mornings with the gentle cleanser. It's very gentle
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Been using Retin A for 20 years, at least once a week but most times 2 to 3 times a week.
I peeled the first few times I used it but it was smooth sailing after that.
In my mid-40's, very few wrinkles around the eyes and face. Not so obvious fine lines on my forehead, I attribute it all to retin A and sunblock. So I encourage you girls to persevere. If your face gets sensitive or flakey, rest for a few days or a week, or take it slowly. Don't give up.
I peeled the first few times I used it but it was smooth sailing after that.
In my mid-40's, very few wrinkles around the eyes and face. Not so obvious fine lines on my forehead, I attribute it all to retin A and sunblock. So I encourage you girls to persevere. If your face gets sensitive or flakey, rest for a few days or a week, or take it slowly. Don't give up.
My face has become a lot tougher over the years so I use clay mask once a week.
Alternate BHA and AHA gels with retin A. Even use clarisonic at times (when I have full makeup). But that's just me. I built up tolerance over the years.
Goodluck.
My chin and sides of my nose have been peeling like a snake! Every night before I put the Retin A on I just remind myself of how pretty I'll be once my skin clears up lol