Incredibly dry skin, terrible texture right now. Is this normal?

Question

I have been using Tretinoin .05% regularly for about 2 months now. Most of my face is making great improvements both with fine lines and cystic hormonal acne. However, my lower mouth area and chin have not only been red and peeling (which I expected), but it is very bumpy with small under the skin zits? Now my chin has the texture of a Pringles potato chip. Is this just my skin purging and this will improve? I am 34 and did not have any fine lines in this area prior.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photographs. Common side effects of Retin-A topical medication include redness, peeling, irritation; and can occur around sensitive areas such as around the mouth. There are other topical medications that are effective for acne treatment that may be more gentle for your skin type. It is difficult to adequately assess your skin through this type of forum or photographs, and thus I recommend a consultation by a board certified dermatologist for evaluation of your skin and discussion of appropriate treatment. Best of luck.

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Incredibly dry skin, terrible texture right now. Is this normal?

Answers (1)

RETIN-A PROVIDERS NEAR YOU