I was always told not to use Retin A every day. Use it every other day or 2 times a week, until you can tolerate more days. Also, I was told to mix it with some moisturizer.
Retin A is craaaaazy...Peeling, redness solutions
- Thread starter sparklyred
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I was always told not to use Retin A every day. Use it every other day or 2 times a week, until you can tolerate more days. Also, I was told to mix it with some moisturizer.
Bumping this because I had originally tried a cream my derm made for me and the pain was intolerable... But I made a ton of mistakes (having now read this thread). I applied it to my entire face as you would a moisturizer and continued with my Routine which was probably too much.
I got my hands on Triluma (mom got it in Mexico !) and she swears it's been great for her so going to try it using the advice here. Wish me luck!
I got my hands on Triluma (mom got it in Mexico !) and she swears it's been great for her so going to try it using the advice here. Wish me luck!
I'm probably just repeating what others have said. But having been in the beauty business for some time I will say this: I don't think there is any product out there that can compete with the results from Rx retin-a. The trick as your finding out is acclimating yourself to it. I would start by using it every third day applying a pea size amount 30 mins-1hr after cleansing and only at night. Then slowly over the course of several weeks begin using it every night or every other night. And be careful when using your other products especially ones that are marketed as anti-aging as they can cause irritation when used while using retin-a. Stick with it (6 month min) and you won't ever go back.
Question to retinol-a users, do you use the alcohol based or cream based retinol-a? My doctor prescribed me the cream version, didn't realize this until I picked it up at the pharmacy. It's been years since I used retinol-a....I used to use the alcohol based one (steivamyacin). Do you have a preference? I'm going to Europe in a week.....Greek islands, would you still use it even if you're gonna be out in the sun and on the beach or hold off?
Thx!
Thx!
Help! I've been using Tretinoin .05 for a little over a week, I started every night b/c that was the directions my (new) derm gave me. I had clear skin going on it but just turned 36 and wanted to start on something for anti-aging. After about 5 days my skin was really breaking out so I took 2 nights off and it settled down. Then Saturday night w/out thinking I put it on right after I had washed my face (dumb, I know!). It immediately started to itch but I was exhausted and went right to bed. I woke up with bumps and red patches all over my face! It kind of burned and itched like crazy. I went to a gym class that am which probably didn't help, it's sort of like a bad heat rash on my face. I applied hydrocortisone last night and it looked slightly better this am but is still red, blotchy, scaly and irritated feeling. Luckily I was off today but have to work tomorrow, ugh, is there anything else I can do to speed up the healing?? I'm using cetaphil cleanser & lotion, there's no way I can go to work tomorrow without covering it with foundation but I know that's probably going to look terrible too...
Jayne, it sounds like you might be allergic? I'd call your dr or pharmacist before using it again. I never had any reaction like you describe. I hope you're feeling better now!
If you use it again truly use less than a pea sized amount and wait at least 45 min after washing your face. I'd probably recommend using it only twice a week.
Im 35, I'm still using it 5-6 nights a week (I get lazy), and am at .05%. I get comments that I'm glowing quite often! I'm at about 4-5 months and wrinkles are softening already, brown spots are lightening. Can't wait to see what a year in looks like! I still get cycle related break outs, but they fade quickly thankfully!
If you use it again truly use less than a pea sized amount and wait at least 45 min after washing your face. I'd probably recommend using it only twice a week.
Im 35, I'm still using it 5-6 nights a week (I get lazy), and am at .05%. I get comments that I'm glowing quite often! I'm at about 4-5 months and wrinkles are softening already, brown spots are lightening. Can't wait to see what a year in looks like! I still get cycle related break outs, but they fade quickly thankfully!
I have been using Retin A for two years. I have always had dry skin. Peeling and redness is something that happens while your skin gets used to it. If it's too much for you, cut back the strength and nights you use it. You can "cut" the strength with your face cream. Absolutely do not use it if you will be in the sun a lot, like beach travel or hiking. And use 50plus sun protection. Use zinc oxide ( there is a clear, not just the white stuff) over that when in the sun. I use it almost every night except in the summer when I will be in the sun more. Nothing compares to Retin A for better skin Some can't tolerate it, but most can. The cream is gentler then the gel. It will take some experimenting what will work for you. But, flaking and redness is normal for a week or two. It will be so worth it if you can stay with it. Incidentally, I am up to the strongest .01%
It's crazy, I have been using Retin A consistently almost every other night for the past 2 years, and it still makes me flake a lot. It's no longer painful and I don't really turn red, which tells me that my skin is getting thicker and stronger, but it's pretty unbelievable that I'm still peeling after all this time. Obviously I am going to keep using it because I think it's going to make a big difference in the long run!
I was going to state the same. I started when I was 16 and had cystic acne. I did skip years in between but always came back to it. I am now 40 and still have the same dermatologist - lol. He always told me not to do anything to my face until I am 40. So, last week I told him I am forty and ready for something. He replied that I do not have 40 year old skin and owe it to RetinA.
For the PP that stated apply moisturizer after, I am wondering if your derm suggested it? My dorm stated not to apply anything over it and just moisturizer in the AM.
I also use Cetaphil soap. I am still on the search for a moisturizer with a sunscreen that I love...
In the winter when my face does get dry, I can't use a foundation because it looks flaky. I use Dr. Jart BB tinted cream instead.
Here's my experience in using Retin A for 3 - 4 months now. One has to start out slowly to allow the skin to adjust. I started every third day for two weeks, followed by every second day for two weeks, etc until using every day. I had mild dryness and flaking that improved over time. This is the Retin A working to remove dead skin. If you experience excessive amount, it means you are using too much or too often - use moisturizer and hold off on Retin A for 1-2 days until skin improves, then start again slowly. Use only pea size amount for the face. With the cream, one has to wait about 30 min after washing face to allow skin to dry, otherwise it will be irritating. If you use retin A micro gel version (different from alcohol-based gel), waiting is not necessary because in that version Retin A is time-released. In this short time, I have noticed greater smoothness and evenness to my skin. I treat dry areas with Cetaphil lotion and use eye cream around my eyes, otherwise I do not apply anything else once Retin A is on. I always use sunscreen in morning - my daily product is EltaMD - I believe this is popular with dermatologists. It's only available online or from your dermatologist.
I love this sunscreen too, it has been a great addition to my beauty routine. I'm not in the sun much but I haven't had any increased photosensitivity since I started using it.
Love this too. I have used this brand for several years and have not found another that is better. I'm currently using UV daily tinted version and love that I don't need a moisturizer, especially in this heat. My foundation glides smoothly over it.