Side Effects of Retin A Reversible or Permanent? Please Help!

asked 1 year ago by Seattle5545 in Seattle, Washington
Latest answer by Debra Irizarry, MD
Question viewed 2,147 times
Tags: age 25-34, age 55-64, eyes, face, flanks

I used Retin a 0.1% everyday for 2 weeks now and to say the least it has been a nightmare.I have developed severe acne, dark circles, red eyes, wrinkles,conjunctivitis,thin skin. I NEVER had any of the above.I'm still in my 20's. Please answer all!

1. Are the side effects of Retin A- dry crack/wrinkles,dark circles, thin skin permanent?(all 4 side effects reversible?)

2.Is Retin A effective on stretch marks?

3.I am too scared to continue using, what will happen if I discontinue using?

3 answers to Side Effects of Retin A Reversible or Permanent? Please Help!

STOP using Retin A if you have redness

Retin A, (aka Tretinoin cream, retinoic acid), is a strong compound that increases skin cell shedding, collagen production, and skin vascularity. It can "bring to the surface" plugs that are in the oil glands, (hence the acne "flare"), and this is a phase and does pass. Every one has a different sensitivity to Retin A. When starting retin A therapy, apply only every other or every third night for a couple of weeks. if you get red,dry,"peely", decrease the... more

Debra Irizarry, MD
Crestone Plastic Surgeon

Dryness and peeling with retin-A.

Peeling and redness is normal with tretinoin and Retin A. I would decrease your dosage or have you start a good moisturizer. Dryness can occur in the early phase of retin-A use.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon