Retin A: How long does the dryness and peeling last? (Photo)

Question

I have been using it for over 4 months now, once every 2 nights. Yet my dry peeling has not subsided. I cannot put on any foundation. Even if I moisturize well in the morning, by evening, the skin flakes start showing again. I do exfoliate 3 times a week, but it just makes the peeling worse. Will this never stop?

Sally Booth, MD · Answer

In my experience, Retin-A can be very drying to patients.  I have advised patients in the past to apply the Retin-A every other evening to every third evening when starting Retin-A and gradually try to increase the application to nightly.  I also advise them to apply a very thin coat of a non-comedogenic moisturizer prior to the application of the Retin-A.  I have them follow by using a small pea-size amount of the Retin-A (the same size as a kernel of corn) to their entire face. In my experience, I advised patients to hold off on exfoliating if they are too dry with the Retin-A because the Retin-A is an exfoliant itself and the two of them together could be contributing to your excessive dryness. I recommend that patients use cooler water when they wash their face and a mild cleanser.  If there Retin-A is still too drying, a board certified dermatologist may consider Adapalene, which is a milder retinoid that may not be as irritating to your skin.  I hope this helps.

Retin A: How long does the dryness and peeling last? (Photo)

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Retin A: How long does the dryness and peeling last? (Photo)

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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.