What happens if you don't stop using Retin-A before Clear and Brilliant? Can it scar you?

Moisturizing retinoids like Replenish cream can be used with Clear and Brilliant. The retinoids may increase skin sensitivity. I would use Melarase PM cream afterwards. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Hi and thanks for the question. Retin-A prior to Clear and Brilliant can potentially sensitize the skin to the laser treatment.  Clear and Brilliant is a very mild laser treatment however, so I wouldn't anticipate having untoward effects.  I generally have my patients stop using retinoids for a week prior to laser/light treatments.  Best of luck,
Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Retin-A use prior to the treatment may make your skin more sensitive to the laser. The Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser treatment and so I do not think you will have any issues with the laser. However, I do usually recommend that my patients stop retinoids for 7 days prior to the treatment and recommend this to you as well for any future treatments.

Retin-A may make the skin more sensitive, red, dry, and, in regards to lasers, more sensitive. Clear+Brilliant is, relatively-speaking, a light laser treatment, therefore we do not expect that you will encounter any issues, even though you applied Retin-A. In the future, it should be stopped a few days before any lasers, just to minimize any issues at all. But you're going to be fine. Best!

If you used "a little Retin-A" you will be more exfoliated and may get even more results from your treatment.  Just let your provider know so that he or she can adjust your treatment appropriately. 

In fact there are lots of studies showing the use of vitamin A - retinoids prior to laser can accelerate wound healing- this means your Clear and Brilliant treatment can heal up faster. The catch? Just as long as there is no skin irritation. I normally ask patients to stop retinoids 7 days before a laser session, and recommence 10-14 days after, depending on what type of laser they had done. If anything, its help you! All the best, Dr Davin Lim. The Fiori Institute of Skin and Body. Brisbane. Australia.