Retin-A: Q&A
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Moisturizer with Retin-A - Apply Which First?
The Retin-A package insert instructs patients to allow 15-30 mins between washing face and applying the cream. Due to dryness/irritation caused by the product, I would like to use a moisturizer in addition at some point in my nightly skincare routine, so long as doing so would not minimize the anti-aging effects of the Retin-A. Is it acceptable to introduce a moisturizer into a Retin-A regimen, and, if so, in what sequence should each product be applied, subsequent to face-washing?
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8 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
USA2766
in Somewhere, USA
+5
Moisturizers after Retin-A....
Absolutely, a moisturized should be used with Retin-A. I like to recommend my patients wait 10 to 20 minutes after washing their face before apply a "pea-size" of their Retin-A to their face and neck. Then, they can apply their regular moisturizer immediately after, on top. There are no time restraints on applying a moisturizer post Retin-A. Retin-A's should ONLY BE USED AT NIGHT!!!
Hope this helps. And remember to use sunscreen...
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+2
Retin-a and moisturizer
I frequently will suggest that a pea-sized amount of the retin-a be mixed with at least as much moisturizer as retin-a, and the mixture applied like a moisturizer to the face at bedtime. If irritation continues, then increase the ratio of moisturizer to medication. A simple over-the-counter noncomedogenic moisturizer such as Cetaphil will do.
+2
Moisturizer under Retin A for photoaging
I recommend an oil-free non-comedogenic moisturizer for sensitive skin. You can apply it under the Retin A to minimize irritation. It will not interfere with the action of Retin A. Make sure you use the Retin A at night time only as it makes your skin sun sensitive and the sun degrades the active ingredient in the cream. Start using it twice a week and slowly build up to every night.
As your skin gets used to it and as the weather gets warmer, you will be able...
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Wash the face, wait 10 min. Then apply Retin A. Wait 10 min then you apply sunscreen, moisturizer and makeup.
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Retin-A, and other retinoids, can be drying if it is not applied to your skin properly. I recommend that all of my patients use only a pea size amount, and begin by applying it every other night. I encourage them to increase the frequency as tolerated. It is important to use a moisturizer in combination with the Retin-A. For patients with very dry skin, they may apply a moisturizer both before and after the Retin-A. Other patients can simply moisturize on top of...
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+1
Moisturizer wth Retin-A
It's great that you are using moisturizer with Retin-A. This is the key to your skin not becoming dry and irritated. Studies have shown that it doesn't matter which one, the moisturizer or the Retin A, you put on first. It's just important that you use moisturizer with retinoids. I generally recommend that they are used at least twice daily.
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Here is what I do.
Cleanse make up in the evening wash face with warm water and dry. Wait for half an hour prior to applying a pea size application of Retin A to face and neck (avoid eyes, nostrils and corners of mouth). Just before getting to bed - use Emu oil moisturiser (mainly natural products in this) on face and neck.
Morning - wash face in warm water and dry with face cloth - giving it a bit of a gentle rub to take off any flaking skin (only had this on the first day). Wait for half an hour and apply SPF moisturiser.
I still use the Retinol product on the alternate nights followed by emu oil moisturiser and a drop of Rose hip oil added to it. Will continue with this routine until a month or so when my skin will be completely used to Retin A and I can use it every night.
Good luck.
where exactly on the face do you apply retin-A?