Retin-A Q&A
77%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review
View Before and Afters
Average Retin-A Cost: $124
Learn about Retin-A
313 people and 124 doctors are talking about Retin-A
Get Free Email Updates
Can Retin-A or Hydroquinone Be Used on the Eyelids?
asked 2 years ago by c2binspired in AL
Latest answer by Mary Lupo, MD
Question viewed 5,522 times
Tags: eyelids, dry skin, hydroquinone, side effects
Can you use Retin-A and/or Hydroquinone on the eyelids? What should you do if you experience severe dryness?
5 answers to Can Retin-A or Hydroquinone Be Used on the Eyelids?
+1
Use on crow's feet, not eyelids
I love the benefits of retinoids for the reversal and prevention of aging of the skin, but the soft, very sensitive skin of the eyelids is no place for retinoids. This area is notorious for dermatitis, presenting as dry, thick-flaking red patches that can burn and itch. I do like retinoids on the lateral orbital bone where crows feet deepen with age. Retinoids here complement the benefits of Botox or Dysport.
+1
Retin-a and hydroquinone
We do generally recommend against applying hydroquinone or tretinoin cream on the thin, sensitive skin of the eyelids. At this point, I would discontinue the hydroquinone and tretinoin cream, and frequently apply a moisturizer (e.g. Aveeno or Aquaphor) until the dryness resolves.
Good luck.
Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
San Diego Dermatologist
+1
Retin-A or hydroquinone should NOT be used on eyelids
Why would you apply Retin-A or hydroquinone to your eyelids (the thinnest skin in the body) when every package insert and doctor instructions tell you NOT to do exactly that?
At this point, stop this "treatment", keep the skin moisturized and allow it to heal.
+1
Use of hydroquinone and retin-a near eyes
The package inserts typically advise you not to do this and doing so would be an off-label indication. More importantly, these are extremely sensitive areas and adverse reactions are very common if applied too vigorously or enthusiastically in these areas.
Hypoallergenic moisturizers, with 100% pure petrolatum jelly being the most cost effective, are useful as moisturizers.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Tretinoin and Hydroquinone on the eyelids
Tretinoin and Hydroquinone can both be used on the eyelids to reduce wrinkles and improve color. Since these are both prescription items in the US, it is advisable that you do this under the supervision of a physician knowledgeable about both medications and who can address problems such as dryness.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon