Retin-A before & after photos
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32 reviews
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Retin-A Cost $100 average cost

4 Months Using Retin-A = Smoother Skin and Smaller Pores

45 posts
Comments (24)
Updated 21 Oct 2011
Posted 22 Jun 2009
Worth It
Spent: $100 in Wisconsin

I use retin-a .05% and will say its the best thing in my regime and I will never go without. You will experience peeling and redness for several weeks while your skin adjusts to using it, but believe me it is well worth it.

I've been using it for almost 4 months and my skin is already looking smoother, fine lines have already begun to fade and my pores are looking smaller. The best thing I ever did for my skin in my opinion.

Updated on 21 Oct 2011:

Well, in Feb 12 it will be 3 years since I started using retin-a and it's still going strong and still the most important part of my beauty routine. It is a texture refiner to the max!! Before I started on retin-a, looking at myself close up in the mirror was a nightmare...I now can buck up to the mirror and like what I see as far as texture and smoothness. Ladies, this is the single most important thing you can do for your skin over the age of 30...use it, stick with it and you'll be glad you did!

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Vote: 8 members found this review helpful

Comments (24)

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BrittB (3,836 posts) 24 Oct 2011

HI dolphins, 

OMG, your skin looks amazing! I'm so happy for you. Just last week I was talking to a community members who became severely depressed Retin-A did you experience any side effects like that? 

Thanks so much,

-Britt

dolphins21 (45 posts) 24 Oct 2011
Thanks:)

I didn't have any side effects with retin-a. The only thing I had was the redness and irritation about 2-3 weeks in, but it subsided a few weeks after that and I was able to apply nightly. I am now down to 3 to 4 times a week. Before I started using retin-a, I was using Green Cream Level 6 for about 6 to 9 months...that really helped me transition easier to using retin-a.
junebug345 (7 posts) 29 Oct 2011
Which version of retin a do you use?
dolphins21 (45 posts) 29 Oct 2011
I use .05% cream.
junebug345 (7 posts) 3 Nov 2011
Thanks. I'm guessing renova?
dolphins21 (45 posts) 4 Nov 2011
I actually purchase retin-a cream from an online pharmacy out of India and have been using the same place since day one. Only $3.50 a tube...
Jenica (1 post) 19 Nov 2011
can you please link the online pharmacy from india
DonnaY (5 posts) 16 Jan 2012
can you post the link for the pharmacy and also the product name and/or product number.

and thanks for the info.
Nicolleta (2 posts) 30 Oct 2011
Do you use it around your eye's too? Where some people get dark circles to for the fine lines around eyes?
dolphins21 (45 posts) 31 Oct 2011
Yes, I apply it directly under the eye every time I use it. BUT, you have to introduce the eyes slowly. I have heared many a horror story about how retin-a ruined peoples under eye skin, but this is merely due to user error and being misinformed on appropriate application, not due to retin-a itself.

The key here is SLOWLY introducing your under eye skin over a period of several weeks. Start by applying retin-a all over up to the top of the cheek bone leaving the under eye skin bare. Some of the rein-a will migrate in to the under eye area allowing the introduction of retin-a at a slow controlled pace. Do this for several weeks before applying it directly under the eye. Once you start applying it directly under the eye, only start off by doing it once a week and working your way up in frequency. I can safely apply retin-a under my eyes on every application and never had any redness or wrinkling with this method.
forkateri (2 posts) 1 Dec 2011
Nice information and also encouragement for me! I am 43 but basically have nice skin (thanks mom!) and am now experiencing some minor flaking and peeling. This is JUST the incentive to keep me going, so thank you. Your skin is beautiful. Anne
dolphins21 (45 posts) 1 Dec 2011
Thanks very much for the compliment! Yes, do keep going...you won't regret it. But just remember to take it slow, when you experience redness or irritation, stop in the areas that are irritated until it subsides and then start applying again. It's merely the skin getting used to retin-a and typically subsides after a few months. Around the mouth area is where I experiened this the most. Now, I don't get any irritation, even with nightly application.
forkateri (2 posts) 2 Dec 2011
Thats so funny, my mouth hurts awful, so I read your post about the eyes and did the same thing with the mouth area, not so close. I also backed down to every other night. So thanks! YOu rock!!
bloomheart (1 post) 2 Jan 2012
Good bargain!!could you please send me also the pharmacy link?
Male32 (3 posts) 9 Feb 2012
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adult acne (1 post) 2 Jan 2012

I'm 29 and never suffer from acne until about 3 months now i have an appt. coming up on 1/12/12 to talk to my doct. for her to refer me to a derm. I want to try retin a. YOur skin looks great.

dolphins21 (45 posts) 4 Jan 2012
Thanks for the compliment:) It can be rough going for a few weeks with retin-a but keep at it and you'll be glad you did!
kingdollar (1 post) 4 Jan 2012
Oh dear God, you are smoking hot. I went and got myself a tube of Tretinoin gel, only 0.01%, off the doctor. Do you think that's too weak to start off on? I'm using it to clear up a few spots that have left marks, and to avoid smile lines and hopefully clear up lines that have appeared under my eyes leading down to my cheeks over the past few years, even though i'm only 25 (though everyone thinks i'm about 19-21!)

thanks for this though, i'm gonna use it as a guide as to how to apply it. :) also, which pharmacy are you getting it from? Share the love!
DonnaY (5 posts) 16 Jan 2012
can you post the link to the pharmacy you use. and the product name and product number.

thanks for all the info.
Glow8140 (3 posts) 1 Feb 2012
I think she's refering to the All Day Chemist Pharmacy from India. A friend told me and I'm waiting for my order. Great prices indeed!!...google them!
Glow8140 (3 posts) 1 Feb 2012
$3.50 the tube, $25 shipping....shipping stays at $25 no matter how many orders you places. I placed and order for 5 tubes and it was still $25. If you want to know how it goes, just e-mail me.
Glow8140 (3 posts) 1 Feb 2012
My friend has been using them for some time and I noticed her skin was so bright, glowing, fine lines dimished, and a taut complexion so i asked and the rest is history. One more thing, the retin a is made by Johson and Johnson.
dolphins21 (45 posts) 2 Feb 2012
That's the one I am speaking of. I wasn't sure I could post where it came from on here so PM'd all that inquired about it. Thanks for the post!:)
DonnaY (5 posts) 2 Feb 2012
I did received my shipment. I ordered .05%
Not sure if maybe I should have gone for 1%.

I've been using it for less than a week, but there has been no flaking. A little red with very little tingle when I first apply it. Any idea when I should see results and is flaking expected?

Thanks again, appreciate any and all info.

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