Is this okay to use with Retin-A? I feel like my forehead lines are worsening

Question

Hawaiin Tropic aftersun ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth‐10 Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Allantoin, Benzophenone‐4, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Mangifera

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When using Retin-A (tretinoin), it's important to be cautious about the products you use alongside it due to potential irritation or interactions. The Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion you mentioned contains ingredients that are generally safe to use with Retin-A, but here are a few considerations:

Moisturizing Ingredients: The product includes several moisturizing agents like Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Mango Seed Butter, and Shea Butter, which can help alleviate dryness and irritation often caused by Retin-A.

Potential Irritants: It contains fragrance and benzyl alcohol, which can sometimes be irritating, especially when your skin is sensitized by Retin-A. If you notice increased irritation, you might want to choose a fragrance-free moisturizer.

Sun Protection: While the product contains Benzophenone-4, which offers some UV protection, it's not a substitute for sunscreen. Retin-A can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day is crucial.

General Use: Apply the Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion after Retin-A has fully absorbed into your skin, usually waiting about 20-30 minutes. This can help minimize potential irritation.

If you notice worsening forehead lines, it might be due to initial irritation or dryness from Retin-A. Ensure you're using enough moisturizer and consider consulting with a dermatologist if the issue persists.

Is this okay to use with Retin-A? I feel like my forehead lines are worsening

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Is this okay to use with Retin-A? I feel like my forehead lines are worsening

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Everything you need to know about Retin-A

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.