Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underRetin-A q&a

Could Retin- A .025% Be Too Weak for Me to See Results?

maren27Oct 8, 2011
I've been using cream retin- A .025% for one month without presenting irritation or noticeable benefits. My skin's usually quite dry so I always apply a good amount of moisturizer following retin-A. My skin feels dry after applying the pasty formula but this is immediately corrected with the moisturizer. I am wondering if the lack of irritation could mean that I am using too low a strength to receive any benefits from the treatment or if the moisturizer is interfering with the effects of retinA

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Emily Altman, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Answered on Oct 10, 2011
Answer
Dr. Samir Shureih, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Oct 10, 2011
Answer

More Retin-A Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam)

While it is normal for some redness, burning, or stinging from Retin-A, your photos suggest your results may be a bit more than I would be comfortable with. I recommend patients slowly begin a Retin-A regimen, a few times a week, at night; as well as daily sunscreen and moisturizer. I don't...

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Samir Shureih, MD

Retin A causes redness and irritation to the skin initially. This is the inflamation that causes new collagen to be formed and for the skin to improve.

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Nancy Samolitis, MD

Retin-A has been around for a very long time and I have many patients who have used it for over 20 years.  I have personally been using it for 10 years with excellent results.  It can be irritating to the skin in the first few weeks, but most people develop a tolerance to it and can...

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Anthony Perri, MD

In general, there is no contraindication between spray tanning and the nightly use of Retin A.  Occasionally, patients can become sensitized to one or both products and develop an irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.  If this occurs, one or both products may have to be discontinued.

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Retin-A is safe after rhinoplasty though you might want to wait two to three weeks to let the skin sensitivity settle down. It will help as a mild exfoliant though you should use a sunscreen with it as well. Start two days a week at first and increase as your skin permits to avoid irritation or...

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
John H. Hunts MD, PhD (retired)

You are right, continuous use of Retin-A will thin your skin. That is why we recommend using Retin-A only in the non-summer months or 9 months out of the year to give your skin a break. Otherwise, Retin-A is excellent for reducing sun damage to the skin.

+3 answers
See all Retin-A Q&A
See more Retin-A Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE RETIN-A GUIDE →