Still breaking out after 2 months of using Retin-A Micro 0.04%. Should I continue to use it?

Question

I've been using Retin-A every other night for 2 months, which I mix it with a bit of moisturizer as this is the only way my skin tolerates it. On nights I'm not using Retin-A, I use Aczone 5%. While the texture of my skin has improved, I'm STILL breaking out—big and small pimples that aren't confined to one single area of my face. I've also noticed that I'll have some days where my skin looks like it's starting to clear up and then BAM more breakouts. Should I continue using the Retin-A?

Jason McWhirter, MD · Answer

The combination of Retin-A and Aczone might be helpful for certain types of mild acne but is not helpful in most adult acne, which is hormonal in nature.  At this point, I would suggest talking to your skin professional about using some oral(by mouth) medications to control your acne better and this will reduce a lot of frustration.  Of course, we all want to try and improve acne with topical treatments but this is rarely effective in controlling all outbreaks.

Still breaking out after 2 months of using Retin-A Micro 0.04%. Should I continue to use it?

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