Is It Safe to Use Retin A Under the Eyes?

Question

I am 38 and have small wrinkles and lines under my eyes. I have been using Retin A 0.05% on my face for 6 months with very good results but I have never used it under the eyes. I heard that Retin A thins the skin if used near the eye area and thus causing more wrinkles. Is this true? If not, which strength can I use to remove the undereye lines. Is there any other cream better than Retin A at removing lines and wrinkles around the eyes? Please Help!! Thanks, Zara

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Retin-A has numerous concentrations and can be used effectively every other night. A small amount under the eyes, well away from the lower lid margin may help with fine lines. This can be done twice a week to start and increased to every other night if tolerated. A retinol product may be easier to use and easier to tolerate and combined with an anti-oxidant or growth factor eye preparation, the fine lines will improve.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Retin-A and retinol products are great for around the eye.  Since the eye skin is sensitive make sure you dose this appropriate.  Either use a Retin-A / retinol product specific for eyes or combine it with another product to decrease the effective dose.  Retinol products can help with skin turnover and making skin look younger!!  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

VItamin A is the main ingredient in Retin-A. It does migrate under the skin when it is applied. When you apply only rub to the orbital rim. You will be surprised of the increased cell turn over rate around the eye. Rubbing it closer will make it hypersensitive.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office recommends retinoids for premature aging and skin wrinkles. We have switched from retin A products to Kare RR Retinoid Repair Cream because of increased compliance with the creams and less redness an irritation.  The RR cream is ideal for around the eyes. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSLos Angeles

Samuel E. Salcedo, MD · Answer

Retin-A works well on the lower eyelid. I use it myself on full face and lower eyelids. Over time it improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's safe and works well, I recommend it.

Ann Zedlitz, MD · Answer

When using your Retin A apply a pea size amount to your full face, and then after you rubbed it all in and you feel like nothing is left on your fingers then swipe your fingers around the tops and under neath of your eyes.  Your eye skin is thinner and can not tolerate full strength, but you do want it to help with tightening and fine lines around the eyes.

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

You won't be able to tolerate retin-A under the eyes at the first several weeks of application. However, you can gradually work up to it over the course of several months.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, Retin A can be used under the eyes. If you are unsure test a small area first. Kind regards

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You can use Retin A sparingly under the eyes without too much concern. Manywould recommend you starting it on an every other night basis until your skin is used to it but you should be able to use it every night, without concern, if needed.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend that you use it sparingly several times a week in conjunction with sunscreen as the skin here is very thin. You will get great benefits from using it under the eyes. Recommend RR Retinoid Repair Cream, see on link below.

Is It Safe to Use Retin A Under the Eyes?

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