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POSTED UNDER Retin-A REVIEWS

Retinol A Nightmare

Name: Retinol A Nightmare
Item: Name not provided
Author: anonymous99

ORIGINAL POST

I tried Retinol A as per my derm's recommendation...

anonymous99October 12, 2012

$100

I tried Retinol A as per my derm's recommendation - I did it at night off and on for about two weeks. I went for a run (about 8K) at around 6pm - it was sunny but not hot and although my run lasted only 40 minutes I am now living a nightmare with my face! I have aged myself about 20 yrs as my eyes are extremely wrinkly and crepey and I have red leathery patches along my cheeks! I (like most people on this forum) have spent thousands of dollars on a mid-lift face lift, bleph surgery, fillers and Botox, but I've ruined all this with a $100 tube of skinceauticals retinol ointment - please people - if you value your skin DO NOT USE RETIN A for anything!! it is not worth it - no matter what others say. I hate looking in the mirror now, I used to be blessed with a pretty face that has a much younger look - now these deep retin wrinkles make me look like I'm a hundred years old - I cannot even disguise them with make up! I've been moisturizing my face like mad trying to erase the damage. I'm currently using Vitamin E oil from the caplets right on my face, as well as pro-derm light moisturizer for sensitive skin and flower fairy herbal healing balm - hopefully I can return my skin to normal again *sigh - I'm so depressed over this :(

Replies (6)

Megan P

October 12, 2012

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear this. :( I'm assuming you didn't know to have sunblock on when you went for your run?

I so appreciate you warning others of how important avoiding sun exposure, especially during the at the start of using a retinol. Here is a Q&A that might be helpful for those using Retin-A and considering sun exposure:

If I MUST Go into the Sun, How Long Should One Stop Using Retin-A Beforehand?

Have you visited your dermatologist since this happened? I would love to hear what they have advised.

anonymous99

October 14, 2012

I went back to my PS to ask if anything could be done - and he just wants to put me under a laser to remove the wrinkles, which I'm skeptical about lasers. I wish I had never heard of Retin A - those wrinkles will never resolve I'm afraid.

Miss Gina

November 7, 2012

Hang in there...My plastic surgeon told me something which put things in proper perspective when I was at the end of my rope, "You're right at the point where most people give up." Retin-A isn't like getting fillers and surgery where you have instant results, it takes time. I began using it about 7 years ago when by Nov. my face wasn't its winter color yet. i thought I needed laser and the ps w/ whom i consulted said it would be shooting an ant with an elephant gun and that Retin-A with Obagi Blender would do the trick. Believe me, I suffered until I peeled. While the new school of thought is that it's better to start a lower dose and work up, it's also true in dermatology "the harsher the treatment, the better the result." That's because it accelerates the healing process at the deeper levels of the skin. Every doctor I know uses Retin-A on their own skin, what does that tell you? Retin-A, with continued, regular use fools the skin into producing more collagen. For all the care you've taken to reflect youth and beauty, it can be very jarring to have a case of the uglies, but it's TEMPORARY. Retin-A is not a totally benign drug, it is very powerful and extreme care must be taken when outdoors. Wear a hat, sunblock and sunglasses. Have another discussion with the doctor about how to get the best results from Retin-A therapy for your condition. BTW, I'm surprised you applied it to your eye area, was that recommended by the doctor??? Please post back and let us know how you're faring. I wish you all the best.

lacvs001

July 4, 2015

I suffered from similar damage- my best advice would be to just let your skin heal itself; that's the only thing that worked for me. I moisturized my skin with various oils and lotions for about 6 months but I realized the improvement was only temporary as my skin returned to its damaged self once it all washed off. Once I realized all of that was of no help I left my skin alone- no soaps,no oils, moisturizers or anything like that,I just washed twice a day with water only (and later sensitive facial cleanser by Burt's Bees- would highly recommend, at night) and I noticed my skin eventually did return to its normal state, although it took a while. Unfortunately I don't think any dermatologist would recommend this since it won't yield them any profits- but I guarantee you it's the best way to go about it. I hope it works out. xoxo

RSMember6571

August 12, 2015

I am sorry that happened to you. Your derm should have told you to wear a good sun block since it makes skin more sensitive to light.

sherilynkd

January 20, 2016

It says stay out of the sun. I did the same leaving me with red skin that looked like sun burn or rosacea. Through the years I covered it with make up. I never had to buy blush. The up point that doing this treatment in my late 30s to treat sun damage has kept away wrinkles and has me looking better than most my age. I was the one who chose to spend a week at the beach. I have no idea of the strength of the RX and had been using it for sometime. It's not the medicine. I am thinking about using it again to take care of my forhead. I'm 61 and my husband is 9.5 yrs younger which is why I did it i the first place. You know the fear of looking older than your husband.

UPDATED FROM anonymous99

It's been a month since the retinal disaster and...

anonymous99October 28, 2012

it's been a month since the retinal disaster and those hideous wrinkles caused by the retin A cream are still there - looks like I permanently ruined my face with retin a - so depressed.

Replies (2)

zenobia88

August 10, 2016

Please, Please, Please tell me that you are now using sunscreen. For real. you should even wear it in doors.

itsme.bec

May 4, 2022

Are you okay now?

UPDATED FROM anonymous99

Wrinkles after Retin A still haven't resolved -...

anonymous99October 31, 2012

Wrinkles after Retin A still haven't resolved - looks like permanent damage :(

Replies (4)

OrangeTree

November 13, 2012

Keep using the Vitamin E - it will help - skin is meant to re-store itself after 36 days. I had major Chicken Pox when I was 30 and my skin was destroyed, it got better after 3 months of VItamin E liquid pills. All will be better.

Evolutions 163

April 25, 2014

Wow it's made my skin look so old I'm only 30

oculus1

January 15, 2017

yeah but with steroids, protiens shakes and aloe vera from the plan your looking full skin resteration in a 3 to 7 days