Giving Retin-A a Try!

Hey there, sorry I left everyone hanging on how my treatment was going. I thought I'd post an update and share my final thoughts using Retin-A along with some tips that you may find helpful. Overall, I was pleased with my results, my skin tone definitely evened out and I did see some minor improvement in the texture of my skin, it just looked refreshed and my fine lines appeared smoother as well. I would not say that my results were drastic but good enough to recommend the product (Janssen Retin-A) and use it again. I don't recall exactly when I stopped my treatment but I think it was June 2017. I have been considering another round and will post an update should I decide to do so. Now, on to some tips —less is more! To avoid having your face become a fiery red flaky mess start slow and don't think that by rubbing in more product you'll get better results—it does not work that way—a little dab will do! Both gel and cream should rub in quickly if it doesn't you are using too much. You may not be able to keep the product on all day due to irritation, just wash it off and reapply when your skin is ready. Start with a lower dose and work your way up, there are 3 strengths (0.1 percent, 0.05 percent, and 0.025 percent) as tempting as it is to start high, I would not recommend doing so. Scale back your application if your skin becomes too irritated, you don't need to use it every day, adjust your treatment and allow your skin to slowly build a tolerance to the product. Apply evenly to clean and completely dry skin (30 min after washing), if your skin is damp, the product will not absorb properly and may cause irritation. Use a soft natural fiber cloth when cleaning your face, something like organic bamboo or cotton. Use gentle skin care products to avoid drying out and irritating your tender skin, even more. Stay away from moisturizers with exfoliating ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid. If the label contains things like"anti-aging," (which Retin-A already is) "brightening," or "blemish-control". I kept my products natural, cream based, fragrant and foam-free as well as hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. Be extra careful what you combine with your Retin-A, always check with your dermatologist before using any other product during your treatment. Be careful in the sun and don't forget your SPF! I actually found because I used coconut oil and shea butter as a moisturizer I didn't need extra SPF, but that's me, I'm not an expert so be sure to listen to your doctor and protect your skin in the sun. Get a proper prescription from a doctor, do not buy online. That's all I can think of for now. I wish you all well on your journey. 

So, I'm sitting at my desk and my son walks by and says "too much makeup mom" ....but I am not wearing anything other than face cream — so I will take that as a compliment and a sign that my skin tone is improving! 

I thought it was time for an update and a funny story. So today, my face was so dry and flaky and I was in the change room at a clothing store and I looked in the mirror and was like...oh no, I looked like I was shedding my skin. I had no moisturizer on me, but I had chapstick! And yes, I used it...it was hilarious....and you know what, it actually worked really well! Anyways, nothing much new — I'm applying 2-3 times per week and my skin reacts the same, red and flaky. I do have some cool stuff to share, I am using Thermal Spring Water throughout the day, and it's so soothing. It was expensive and I was feeling like "did I just pay $27 for water?" but it really does make your skin feel refreshed and it's actually really nice to set makeup with, especially being my skin is so dry. I decided to buy a new moisturizer, but I'm not sure that I like it, it's very thick and is a high SPF, which is why I purchased it with summer on it's way. The reason I'm not so thrilled with it is because of how thick it is and it almost leaves a white film and I think makes my skin look drier... hmmmm, will give it a few more tries. I do love the Clinique Clarifying Lotion, stings at first, but leaves my skin feeling extremely soft after. Not much of a report, overall doing well...skin is looking good, has a nice glow but nothing drastic yet.