Retin A for Eye Area - my Wrinkles Are Worse Now?

Retin-A and Atralin both contain the same ingredient (tretinoin).  If you are using both of them, that may be too irritating to the delicate skin around the eyes.  Many people can tolerate a lower strength tretinoin, such as 0.02%, around the eyes.  If not, an over the counter retinol is the next best thing.  It can take up to 6 months to see improvement of wrinkles with topical retinoids.  Studies have shown an increase in collagen thickness with long term use of these products.  Some people do look worse before they look better because you can get an initial dryness and peeling as your skin gets used to the increased cell turnover for up to 6 weeks.  If this is tolerable, you can add a hydrating eye cream applied twice a day.  If you skin is red or itchy, you should stop using the product and consult your dermatologist to prescribe the correct strength for you. 

What you will notice around your eyes when using a retinoid is that there is some initial swelling and what appears to be more wrinkling.  This can be frustrating, and most people are afraid to continue.  Remember not to apply too much of the retinoid in this area, as it is very dose-dependent and will peel more the more you use it in a given area.  Once your skin is acclimated, you should see some tightening of this area.  I would advise you that, yes, you may use a retinoid there, and take care not to get the product into your eye, as this will dry your eyes.