So , I just restarted my Retin-A applications (0.1% Tretinoin cream) after a looooong hiatus (stopped applications during TTC, pg, and pp for breastfeeding). Annnnd, now I am re-living the dry/peeling process. *lesigh* Anyone else going through this/ been through this. I know it's totally worth it, but *oy*
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Been though this many times. I think I tolerated it best on Retin A micro...and Cetaphil cream. I was a shiny mess but the peeling wasn't that bad.
I can't wait to start up again!
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Yup, my chin is all peely as I type. Time to go moisturizer!
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@autumnlove: Cetaphil everything with Retin-A!
I couldn't wait to get back to using it after breastfeeding. The peeling/redness is the worst, especially this time of year but it's worth it.
I used Cetaphil wash and moisturizer and tried not to use hot water in the shower (I LOVE a long hot shower more than anything) during the peeling/red phase. It helped. -
I am using Cetaphil wash and CeraVe PM for a moisturizer (in the morning, and well after my evening application of RA). I am doing every third day now, and will increase to every other day soon.
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@rachiecakes: Youth in a tube!
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I just stopped taking Retin-A because I was pregnant and needed to switch. It also just wasn't effective on me anymore. But yeah, the peels suck! Mine usually lasted 2-3 weeks. I would use a light exfoliant a couple times a week, and that seemed to help a bit...but it still looked rough. Especially under my makeup!
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I have been contemplating introducing a Retin-A to my routine! I only hesitate because the holiday party season is coming up and I don't want to be a red peeling mess! How long did that phase last for everyone? What kind of Retin-A are you using? I was looking into Skinceuticals because I love their stuff.
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Curious here too - I just read that anyone over 30 MUST use a Retin-A product - so are you girls using an OTC one or Prescription?
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@Mamaof2: I see a dermatologist and get a prescription.
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@Mamaof2: mine was through a dermatologist with a prescription, also.
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I just started on it a couple of weeks ago and the peeling/redness was pretty brutal. But yeah, I think the results are worth it for sure!
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@Mamaof2: Prescription!
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@autumnlove: @Littlebit: @MsLipGloss: Why did you go to a Derm? For aging? haha That would be why I want to go - do they see people for that???
I don't think my insurance covers a DERM - did yours?
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@Mamaof2: Aging was a reason, but not the primary reason . . . I like to get checked over for skin cancer regularly (family history). I also have (very mild) rosacea that I like to keep in check!
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@Mamaof2: I'm under 30 (25) but I've been going to a derm for years because of my acne. I actually took Accutane earlier this year (and it worked wonders) but when I went off birth control to TTC I started getting some small breakouts again, so my doctor gave me Retin-A. But I've been on Retin-A MANY times. Unfortunately my skin becomes immune to pretty much everything after 2 months, so I've now switched to witch hazel.
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Stupid question... I have a Retin-A product at home that was prescribed for zits. How do I use it for wrinkles?!
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@Mamaof2: I usually go for eczema issues on my body but I always bring up my other concerns...zits/aging on the same visit.
My insurance covers it!
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@LindsayInNY: Not a stupid question at all . . . the use/application is entirely the same. Small pea-sized amount over your entire face (although make sure your face is dry . . . any moisture could increase your sensitivity to the Retin A).
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@MsLipGloss: Can I spot use it? My forehead is showing more age. Can I just use it there or is that not ideal? Where else should I be using it? And what exactly does it do?! /questioning
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@LindsayInNY: You can spot use it, although it's not intended to be a *spot* treatment for, say, a pimple. You could just apply it to your forehead if you wanted to, but honestly, knowing how awesome the benefits of Retin A are, I would totally do the entire face. Retin A improves skin texture, fades discoloration (and even freckles),and diminishes wrinkles. It also stimulates cells to turn over and produce more collagen . . . as collagen is rebuilt, skin looks smoother, firmer, and has better elasticity.
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@MsLipGloss: Okay, I think you've sold me. I'm going to start doing it all over. I'm noticing some fine lines/wrinkles but I also have sun spots that I would love to fade.
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@LindsayInNY: And a little dab will do ya . . . About a pea-sized amount will cover your face. More is not better in this case!
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@Littlebit: I had really bad acne and had to do about 4 courses of Accutane over 5 years and it finally worked after the last course of treatment. It was a pain but totally worth it...my skin is far from perfect but at least breakouts are under control. I wish I had done it in high school bc my skin is so damaged now
@MsLipGloss: I have a Retin A prescription for acne spot treatment...I can just use this as a a face treatment for aging skin?!?! You have amazing skin so I'll definitely follow any skin care advice you have to give. My doctor emphasized absolutely no use if pregnant/breastfeeding....I'm currently TTC so maybe don't start it yet? Do you use it just once a day after washing your face and then moisturize after it's absorbed?
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@sandy: Yes, Retin-A it is awesome for aging skin! My skin would be better (it has been a hot mess pp!), but I took a huge break during pregnancy and BFing. I'm certainly not a doctor, but I think you are fine to use Retin-A--the topical version!--while TTC (fwiw, I did).
In terms of frequency of use, the goal is to be able to apply it once daily, at night only. I wash my face, make sure it is completely dry, and then apply the Retin-A (in a very thin layer . . . a little really goes a long way). I may follow up with a moisturizer 20-30 minutes later, but it just depends on how my skin feels. However, you probably won't want to start out with daily applications . . . Retin-A frequently causes redness/flaking/peeling, so a staggered approach helps to build up your tolerance while minimizing any redness/flaking . . . I am currently applying it every third day for 2 weeks, and then will move to every other day for a few weeks, and then to every day, depending on my tolerance.
Currently, my skin will start to flake in the late afternoon, and by early evening, I am pretty flaky. Not horrific, but it does take some getting used to. Because of this, most people quit before they really see the results!
ETA: And I didn't know it was prescribed for acne spot treatments!
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Yeah . . . soooo, today, my face sorta looks like it's got continents on it that are slowly breaking apart . . . *oy* It's not really awful, but it's pretty bad. The skin underneath sure is purty, but, yeah. *sigh*
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@MsLipGloss: flakes suck.
what SPF moisturizer are you using right now?
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@autumnlove: 30 because it's dreary and I'm inside all day (I even bring my lunch).
ETA: And I should add that there are a few flakes, but these are just big pieces just sort of sitting on top of my face (if that makes sense).
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And the underneath skin is pinkish . . . smooth, to be sure, but pinkish.
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I need to start this! I mean...when I'm done pumping. But as soon as I am done pumping, I'm going to go to a derm. Maybe a little botulism, too.
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I have super sensitive skin and no matter how much or lil I use, Retin-A alllllways makes me peel in the blahest, ugliest way. I try to minimize usage and only when it's a really stubborn, unpoppable pimple! sucks though since it's active ingredient doesn't last very long! DH uses it regularly with no problem with this tho
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I just needed to bump this to warn: if you're using a retin a, for the love of god, DO NOT WAX. I just did not heed the warnings and I think I ripped off a layer of skin and it buuuuurns. So FYI, learn from my mistake. That is not a warning without merit
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@MrsSCB: Awwww, hon. I don't wax, but my Derm did tell me to stop Retin-A at least 3 days before waxing. I hope you heal up quickly!
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@MsLipGloss: Thanks
I'm at work now and I'm sure I look a hot mess, even with concealer. TGIF!
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@MsLipGloss: Okay, Retin-A expert... I keep trying to start using it and I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or what! 1. How do you make a pea-sized amount last for your WHOLE face?? 2. I've been getting these red patches, almost like eczema, after using it once or twice. One has been consistently on my right cheek, the other recently appeared by the left side of my jaw. Any clue?
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Red patches . . . sounds like you might need to give your skin more time to dry before you apply the Retin-A. Retin-A can be more irritating if your skin is not completely dry prior to application.
As for getting the pea-sized amount over your entire face (no small feat - especially on dry skin!), I would suggest (1) go with a slighty larger *pea*, and (2) dot it around your face before you start to smooth it over your skin (if that makes sense) . . . do a dot or two on your forehead and cheeks, and then your chin . . . and then smooth it out. Remember that Retin-A *travels* a bit on your skin too, so don't get too close to the corners of your mouth/nose, and stay a bit away from your eyebrows.
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@MsLipGloss: Hmm, didn't know about the non-dry skin thing! I wonder why that is. I'll give that a shot... Do you stick with the "every 3 days," even while you're all peely?
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@LindsayInNY: Yeah *sigh* If I have any patches that I think need a break, I might wait one more day before applying it again. But if you don't keep applying it, even through the peelies and flakies, then you'll never get out of that phase. It stinks, but it's worth it!
And yes, your skin should be 100% dry before you apply the Retin-A. For some reason, moisture can increase irritation.
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@LindsayInNY: I warm up my hands first, I find that when my hands are warm, the retin A spreads better.
I have thought about running the tube under warm water to soften it up a bit, but I don't know it too much heat would decrease the efficiency of the retin A.
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@LindsayInNY: Just wanted to see how you are doing? Retin-A is not for the faint-hearted . . . but I promise you it is worth it!
what SPF moisturizer are you using right now?
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