Retin-A: Stories

As my skin has been better now but not recovered completely. When i visited dermatologist (new one) she gave me doxycyline (mono dox) and Differin. And as before, it makes my stomach upset AGAIN!!!. She told me if this doesnt work she will give me accutane and i dont want to that. I am planning to fo chemical peel but my skin is so sensitive to any chemicals not sure it would work or not? Any suggestions?? Hope it wont be worst that what i have left right now!

I'm sorry to hear your story and feel for you... I too battled with acne my whole life and tried every cream and medications on the market until my dermatologist recommend Accutane. Yes, Accutane is very highly regulated by the FDA with monthly visits to your Dr. prescribing the drug. In the long run it will help get rid of your acne forever... It worked for me. It did leave some acne scars not due to the medication but from my acne. My dermo suggested Retin-A twice a week to help reduce/fade scars; again, it worked. Pls note, it take seven weeks before you see results with Retin-A. If you do not decided Accutane is right for you, I would continue with your Doxcycline, us Cetaphil as your daily face wash morning and night followed by Retin-A at bedtime. Depending on how oily or dry your face is will depend on how often you use Retin-A. Use a light moisturizer for sensitive skin that wont clog pores in the daytime followed by a light SPF lotion. If you use makeup the best product is minerals with SPF. If you feel your skin is dying out due to Retin-A, you can mix it with your daily moisturizer. Hope this helps... Good Luck!

I just read your update from the 3rd. Thanks so much for letting us know that all in all, you don't feel it was worth it. I hope your skin continues to improve as it heals up.

All acne meds take months to work. Push through it. You didn't use it long enough. And, the more you switch the more irritated your skin becomes. You really need to use it 8-12 weeks (2-3 months) before giving up or trying anything new. Also, my derm told me "more is not better" and told me to use a pea size amount for my whole face, not a pea size on each cheek etc. I just started so I'll keep you posted as well. Good luck!

Please do some research on candida. This bacteria may be contributing to your acne. Look into a good probiotic, some addtional vitamin c and perhaps a vitamin c serum to begin to get your internal bacteria under control. Also, reduce your sugar intake and add water, water, water.

Hi there, I used Retin A when I was young. I am now and have been a Beauty Therapist for over twenty years. Were you told how to use the Retin A cream to avoid the side effects you are experiencing? If not let me help restore your faith in it. First three days apply for only half and hour, wash off. Day four, five, six and seven for 1-2hrs. Then second week only half day. Once your skin can handle half a day then SLOWLY increase the time it is on. If getting sensitive decrease etc. Stay out of sun. No waxing (and for 6-12mths after treatment finished) as skin is thin due to cell turnover, you can rip the skin off. Also remember synthetic vitamin A can cause birth defects too if applicable to you. I am concerned with all the treatments you were doing at the same time no wonder your skin had a hissy fit. Way too much all at once.. Please try again but slowly and just use mild foaming face wash that is gentle non drying even phisohex or something along those lines but I hope your skin has found a cleanser that it likes. I would even try a nice milky cleanser gentle on skin especially made for acne prone skins. You can look on strawberry net pevonia botanica has a range suitable. Hope this helps and ask if need more info. I did the doxycycline thing too and my skin is just great now. Bless you

just a thought.... try spreading an egg yolk on your face in the evening - let it set for about 20 minutes or so - then wash it off with clear water. Try that for a few days. I know it sounds weird but the protein in the egg yolk really does help.

How are you doing? I am on the same stuff you are....my skin was very similar to yours and then it went away and comes back, so frustrating, please let me know how all is working

6th Week: I have stopped using Retin-A also my oral medicine. I have started using Herbal treatment. If the herbal treatment doesnt get any better i will get back to this medication again. Crossing my finger!

So, if I am figuring the time correctly, you have been using Retin-A for about a month(?). Unfortunately most doctors do say it takes some time before you will see good results. :-/ Here is a Q&A where on doctor says about 6 weeks and another says up to 4 months.

Will Retin-A Make my Skin Worse Before It Gets Better?

I know how difficult it can be to want to stick with something like that when it is making the very thing you wanted to see improvement on, worse. I wish there was a quick fix for it. Please keep us posted if you decide to keep using it, or if you don't think it was worth pushing through the adjustment phase.

It sounds like everything you're on is super drying. Your skin might just be too sensitive for it all. I've tried Sulfer cleansers and they made my skin so much worse. After all of the money I spilled out on pricey things, thinking they'd help, Clean & Clear Daily Cleanser really did a lot for me. I also quit using normal moisturizers after reading about using oils for sensitive skin. I use either avocado oil or jojoba oil. It made a huge difference. Retin-a has caused some random breakouts and would make my skin super red, too. On the days it really made my skin hurt, I'd use cortisone cream and it really helped sooth it, just don't use a ton. Hope this helps some.

It really is frustrating to have to go through the "worse before it gets better" stage when you don't know 100% that there will be a better stage. To bad there aren't some quicker cures, I think we all would love that. Keep using it, most say it takes

If you haven't already, take some time to check out fattransfergirl and Carmen in Namibia's reviews. It would be great for you guys to touch base and be able to discuss what you are noticing with your Retin-A. :)

I am as you dear !
the same corse ( Retin-A + Antiboiotic tablets ) and my changing in the face looks a bit like yours !!
that the skin is burned and the white heads increase :(

I don't know if that must be during the treatment because I read that it going up and down before the skin completely cure

Keep posted please
and thanx to share your experience that mach me !

Oral medicine- Doxycycline Hyclate, Spironolaction and Cleanser Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfer. I will keep you guys posted.

I'm so sorry to hear you have been having acne breakouts. :( I definitely know how self conscious they can make a person. You mentioned you were taking an oral medication as well. I would love it if you would share the name of the oral medicine you are on.