Retin-A (Trentinoin) 0.1% Around Eyes - Now I Have Wrinkles, Dark Circles, Thin Skin

Generally you should implement the Retin-A on a more gradual intermittent basis followed by increase in strength. I would decrease the frequency and implement use of a moisturizer and high SPF sunscreen/block during the day. Allow your skin to build up a tolerance. There are other formulations of Retin A such as the Micro or Renova versions that are better tolerated.

What you are describing is an irritation around the eyes due to Retin A.  Skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin on the body.  It gets irritated easily.

In general I recommend that patients start slowly with a low dose of Retin A, like 0.025% cream and build up. 

The wrinkling, irritation, and skin sensitivity will resolve.  Stop the Retin A for about a week, use an oil-free, gentle moisuturizer daily in the dry areas, and when the skin has calmed down, restart with a lower dose at a slower pace.

These are the directions I give my patients for using Retin A:

Retin A (tretinoin), made by Ortho Dermatologics, is a very effective product for acne (particularly blackheads and whiteheads) as well as for improving minor wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun damage.

Retin A increases the epidermal cell turnover and increases the shedding of dead skin cells. These same beneficial actions of Retin A may also make it somewhat irritating to the skin.

There are several steps to follow to make Retin A an effective product in your regimen:

1. Clean your face with a mild, non-drying cleanser. Be sure not to use any abrasive sponges or puffs, as that will increase irritation.

2. Blot the skin dry and allow 15-20 minutes before applying Retin A.

3. Apply a pea-sized amount onto your finger and distribute evenly onto the facial skin by placing small dots of the product all over and gently smoothing it in. Avoid the eye area, as that is the most sensitive skin on the face.

4. Apply Retin A only at night time, for two reasons: a. tretinoin is partially inactivated by sunlight, and b. tretinoin does make the skin more sun sensitive. Use a broad-spectrum, oil-free, non-comedogenic sunblock in the mornings.

5. Start by using Retin A 2-3 times a week and gradually increase to nightly use.

Retin A may not be a tolerable product for all skin types or conditions. Very sensitive skin or skin with rosacea may be too irritated by tretinoin.