If I stop using Retin-A, will my skin revert back to how it was before?

Question

I’ve been using Retin-A for about 3-4 months to help with acne and hyperpigmentation. My skin now is looking better than it has in a while, but it has made my skin so sensitive and my breakouts don’t heal properly. My skin scars so easily, way more easily than it did before the Retin-A. My skin is so sensitive from the Retin-A that getting my brows waxed takes off a layer of skin, so I’m left with a scab. Is there any way I can stop using it?

Nicolette Picerno, MD · Answer

Hello. It is true that Retin A can thin skin or make it more sensitive.  In most patients this does not translate into more scarring though. Since it acts by speeding up the cell turnover, it can actually improve your ability to heal.  You could switch to a retinol product, such as 0.5 retinol by SkinMedica.  This product gives a lot of the results of actual Retin A without all the side effects.  If you stop cold turkey, your skin will likely slowly revert back to its original appearance. Another option is to lower the strength you are currently on, decrease usage to every other day only, or mic the Retin A in your hand before putting it on your skin with an equal amount of your own moisturizer.  Best of luck.

Robert Applebaum, MD · Answer

Yes it will but, not over night. You might lose the glow and fast turn over time for your skin to make new skin cells which contribute to the good quality of skin from retin A.

If I stop using Retin-A, will my skin revert back to how it was before?

Answers (2)