Retin-A - Damaged my Face! - San Ramon, CA
What I used: Atralin .05% How often I used it:...
What I used: Atralin .05%
How often I used it: A pea size amount once a week. Took a couple of breaks when the adverse effects were too intense and unbearable.
How I used it: Toner first, followed by moisturizer, 4% hydroquinone, then Atralin, and sunblock SPF30 (19% zinc oxide) last.
Why I used it: To get rid of brown spots on my cheeks.
How long I used it: 3 ½ months.
Cost: Free, my derm gave me a bunch of free samples.
Pros: Absolutely none!
Cons: Caused broken capillaries on cheeks and around nose. Derm said that it can’t be caused by retin-a. Maybe so but I know for sure I didn’t have broken capillaries before retin-a.
Peeling skin here and there, now skin is uneven.
Suffer burning, inflamed, red, dry and itchy, and swollen skin.
Skin looks thinner and is even blotchier than before.
Caused pimples, acne cysts, and white milia. Haven’t had pimples since my teenage years. I’m 50 now.
AAAUUUUUUGGGGGHHHH! Retin-a ruined my skin. My skin is worse than before retin-a.
My derm highly recommended it. He told me he used it on himself for years. He even gave me a copy of an article he wrote on retin-a touting its benefits for photo-aging. I figured if it is that good and he using it on himself, then I should use it too. Now, my derm tells me to not to use it anymore. Also, he tells me I should go see him (not for free of course – more $$$) to discuss other treatment options.
I hate retin-a! It’s not for me and I stop using it. Thanks to retin-a, I have more problems to fix or just live with (argh!). In addition to the original brown spots, I have to fix the uneven peeling, broken capillaries, and milia caused by retin-a. The uneven peeling looks like wrinkles. My whole face is a mess and just looks awful. Anyone out there want to help me and give me some advice on what to do? I’m against laser and IPL – too many horror stories.
Replies (28)
Wow, I'm sorry to hear about what happend. Do you mind me asking what kind of toner you were using? I just started using Retin-A, so I want to do all I can to insure a good result.
You are rude and your comments are useless! Megan P. judging based on your pic, you're a beautiful lady, don't listen to Cary1810 who doesn't even have the confidence to post a pic of herself.
I don't mind sharing info. Both the toner and moisturizer are by Dermesis. My derm recommended Dermesis and I brought them at his office. I don't really love the Dermesis. I think you can go with any toner and moisturizer. I really like Cerave PM. You can get it at Costco behind the pharmacy counter. If they don't have it at your Costco pharmacy, you can ask them to order it for you at no extra charge.
Please visit the "IPL AND LASER DAMAGE SUPPORT" website. Under "Support for New Members" you will find others who had adverse results from retin-a. There's stories with good results too. I hope your's will have a happy ending. Best Wishes!
Thanks for the info! I'm a frequent Costco shopper so I will definitely check out Cerave PM!
I think NewUser below could have a good point about not using toner with Retin-A. I know my current facewash has 0.5% Salicylic Acid (Dermalogica Medi-Bac) and I'm a bit nervous about that and thinking I should get something milder.
I agree...why you would use a toner, fill your pores with moisturizer and THEN put retin-a on top of that is beyond me. Using multiple anti aging ingredients is not a good idea. They can interact with each other. You should just wash your face - use the retin-a and stick with it. It will cause negative effects for a while before everything starts clearing up.
Cary1810, we would love for you to continue to participate and add helpful information to the community but we do need to ask that it is done in a way that is respectful to other community members.
Here is a link to our community guidelines, and you are welcome to send me a private message or contact our Community Support Center by clicking on the "Help" link at the bottom of each page if you would like to discuss this.
Thanks for understanding, and helping to keep RealSelf a positive place for people to share their experiences.
Agreed, we do encourage people to post both the pros and cons for treatments. However, as I stated, it needs to be done in a way that is respectful to others.
If you were to read my review, you would see I stopped using it about 4 months ago because I didn't love the results I was seeing...so your little dig about "I'm sorry you are so hooked on your Retin A..." is not only inflammatory, but inaccurate.
Secondly, retin-a is mean as a stand alone product...use a mild gentle cleanser, wait at least 15 minutes and apply retin-a. Nothing else should be used unless, of course, you are using hydroquinone. There are some that apply retin-a and wait 20-30 minutes and apply a moisturizer, but retin-a is truly meant to be used alone, nothing else. Toner is a big NO-NO!!!
Your best defense against situations like this is SELF KNOWLEDGE. It's ok to take someones advice in to consideration, but you still have to do your own homework! Retin-a works when used properly and responsibly. I am amazed this person is practicing medicine and handing out this sort of advice on retin-a.
I’ve been super duper depressed to the point...
I posted my experience to warn others that this is not the miracle drug that a lot of satisfied users made it out to be. It may work for a lot of people but it may have dire consequences for some. In my case, Retin-A not only ruined my face, it ruined my life!
Let me spell out exactly how I used Retin-A. I used it only at night – PM only, never ever AM. I washed my face with Ceptaphil. Afterwards, I apply the alcohol free Dermesis Toner. The toner is supposed to clean any impurity that the cleanser didn’t get. Next, I apply the Dermesis Moisturizer. The moisturizer acts as a buffer to help minimize the harsh side effects of Retin-A. After the moisturizer, I would wait for at least 30 minutes before applying a pea size amount of Retin-A all over my face. The next day, I would wash my face with Cetaphil, apply moisturizer, and slather on the sunscreen.
My skin never adjusted to Retin-A. I started out using it every third night then I cut it back to once a week. At some point, I stopped for a couple of weeks to give my skin a rest. My face was always bright cherry tomato red. It always felt inflamed. My skin didn’t just flake off, it peeled off. I freaked out when I notice the broken caps. I finally decided I had to stop.
It’s been about 9 months since I stopped using Retin-A. Not much has changed. I still have the broken caps. My skin texture is horrible with enlarged pores. You could even see my pores before Retin-A. My skin tone is still blotchy. My skin color is all mottled. I have spots and patches of skin that are brown, black, and red. I cringe every time I look in the mirror. For me, Retin-A did more damage than good. Sometimes I feel my skin burning when the sun hits my face. So other than work, I hardly ever leave the house. When I do go outside, I apply tons of sunscreen and wear a big hat. I even wear a hat when I’m driving. I look and feel awful!
I don’t get these commenter’s rant about no toner. The Obagi NuDerm system uses toner and Retin-A. I think the way my derm instructed me to use Retin-A was his gentler approach to simulate Obagi for super sensitive skin. After my experience, I wouldn’t dare go near Obagi.
I’ve been to quite a few doctors and estheticians to no avail. They either don’t know how to help me or they tell me I should do a laser treatment. Some even tell to try Obagi NuDerm which is Retin-A. I don’t see how my face will ever recover. I think it just so hopeless.
Replies (1)
I made a boo-boo in my last update. I meant to say...
Replies (44)
Which means you were using it during the day. Now you are back tracking and saying you only used it at night.
Either way, retin-a should never be used after a toner...plain and simple. Not even at night.
I was not stating my comments to be hurtful, but in your original comment you clearly stated how you used it and you were using it wrong.
The key, once again, is to gain as much self knowledge as you can about products before using them. You can only rely so much on other peoples opinions, but you are responsible for doing your homework.
I wish you the best and hope your skin improves.
regimented and a bit OCD - I don't mean that in a bad way. Just let yourself be a little lighter and freer. Thank you for warning us about your experience. I hope ypu will feel better soon! :-)
@Becki2- I'm curious about the study on Vitamin D and not using sunscreen. I use it everyday, but have wondered if it truly is necessary. Could you provide me with a link to the study that your doctors info? Also, how do you think this fits with people with fair skin? I don't tan, I burn, so I'm afraid of what would happen over time if I did not use SPF.
Don't ever use Retin-A! You’re fooling yourself if you think it’s safe or you’re unaffected. I used very little on my face for about three (3) months and I have never been as sick as I am right now. All the symptoms you read about for vitamin A toxicity. Right on mark! headache, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, blurry vision, mouth sores, nausea or vomiting and bone pain/ joint pain and anorexia. I run 10 miles a week and I’m 35 years old. Joint pain should not be an issue.
I am such a happy and forgiving person, but after discontinuing use, I’ve been so depressed. As if I can’t go on anymore. I am starting to feel better. I am on week four (4) of discontinued use and I can finally function again. Thank GOD!!!!! Bottom line, it’s bad for you and some people see the symptoms more so than others. I am all organic and maybe my healthy lifestyle caused me more damage (the chemical had nothing to hold on to?) Regardless, you might not think its causing damage to YOU, but it is. beware of liver and kidney damage and withdrawal symptoms.
To think I was so vein. I appreciate good health and I pray that my body repairs itself. I plan to spread the word to help others rid their bodies of cancer causing chem. and damage.
Hi Scar,
Oh my, that's crazy that happened, I'm so sorry. You should chat with San Jose5976 she has the same story as you, broken capillaries and everything. Maybe you two could provide each other with some support.
Thank you!
-Britt