Dear Doctors, For 8 mos, Ive slowly increased Retin-A to 3x/week on my face and neck with great results. Mineral sunscreen is my only option because Im allergic to chemical SPF. Mineral sunscreen takes great effort to remove at night before applying Retin-A. In the morning, is it necessary to wash the face before applying sunscreen to head out for a run? Even good tap water in NYC has endocrine disrupters, much chlorine and Id like to skip this step in the morning. Your advice, please?
I am experiencing an itchy rash on both sides of my neck which started within days of using Differin Gel 0,1% Adapalene. (I only use it on my face and jawline, not on my neck.) Might I be able to change my routine to alcohol-and-oil-free moisturizer and face wash and the rash will go away or is it more likely that I am allergic? My face handles the Differin gel very well, without a rash. I have not been applying sun screen to my neck and ears since I don't apply Differin Gel in these areas.
I am using Retin A micro gel .04% on my face for the last two weeks. I have much sun damage on my face and neck as well from years of outdoor swimming. Is it worth trying Retin A or Renova on my neck and chest? I'm going to try complete sun avoidance this summer and only go out to swim after 6PM. Would it be better to try IPL or would a few months of Retin A or Renova yield better results? What strength would be best for neck and chest? I'm worried about the cost as well, as the 40 gram tube of Retin A micro gel cost me $170.00. Why is this SO expensive?
I have oily skin on my face, slight less so on my chest. I have worked up to 0.1%. Retin A I wait at least 15 minutes after washing to apply and 15 more before adding moisturizer mostly to my neck chest and jowls. I have never had redness or peeling. Is it working?