Can Retin-A Stop Working Once Skin Has Developed a Tolerance to It?

January 15, 2011
Asked By:Grace8 in San Francisco, CA

I am 47, female, fair skin. I feel like I blew it back in 1984 when I was just 20 y.o. & first got a prescription of tretinoin for acne. MDs didn't know to tell patients to wear sunblock back then & I got a deep tan one summer in Spain. The damage is there all these yrs later & the spots tend to come out more when I use Retin A but I don't know anything better for healing the skin. I've used it so long(retin A), feel like it's not as effective: is tazorac stronger? Recommendations?? thank you.

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Answers (3)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
MOST RECENT
May 29, 2017

Answer: Keep using, but maybe upgrade

8 people found this helpful
MOST RECENT
May 29, 2017

Answer: Keep using, but maybe upgrade

8 people found this helpful
August 26, 2020

Answer: Topical retinoids are excellent for increasing skin cell turnover and decreasing sun damage

4 people found this helpful
August 26, 2020

Answer: Topical retinoids are excellent for increasing skin cell turnover and decreasing sun damage

4 people found this helpful
May 29, 2017

Answer: Retin A can be used for a lifetime

3 people found this helpful
May 29, 2017

Answer: Retin A can be used for a lifetime

3 people found this helpful
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