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POSTED UNDER Retin-A REVIEWS

Giving Retin-A a Try!

ORIGINAL POST

I have decided to begin my Retin-A journey to help...

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Eva G
$9
This reviewer is affiliated with RealSelf. The views expressed here are their own and do not reflect the views of RealSelf, Inc.I have decided to try Retin-A to help improve the texture of my skin and combat the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. My first application was last night, it was meant to be a test spot, but the cream came out so fast when I opened the tube that I ended up treating both cheeks! My skin tolerated the Retin-A very well, no redness or irritation so far. I also have the 0.05% and will move up if my skin does well with the 0.025%.Stay tuned....

Replies (38)

November 18, 2015
Eva G. I have used Retin A for many years. Although your skin may tolerate 0.025% fairly well, 0.05% is much stronger than you think. It has the potential of burning your skin - so if you decide to move up please be very careful. I only apply 0.025% to my face and use 0.05% on other parts of my body, where the skin is thicker and is accustomed to rough treatment (i.e hands, knees, etc.). If you want remarkable improvement in your skin, google Vitamin C DIY Serum. It's a miracle worker and much cheaper!!
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November 19, 2015

Thanks for your insight onyx54, I will certainly keep this in mind before jumping up and I will check out that Vitamin C DIY Serum. ☺

November 19, 2015
Hi there...keen to start on this treatment myself. .was wondering if you could advice me on where i coukd buy the gel form from..im in brisbane. ..many thanks
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January 5, 2016

Hi luke2angel, please go see your doctor who can evaluate your skin and tell you if this would be the right treatment for your skin. It's not something you can buy in a store, only by prescription. Good luck!

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January 5, 2016
Hi Eva, does this formula come under prescription? Did you have it? Or did you find something good in a store?
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January 5, 2016

Hi there, yes -- Retin-A is a prescription topical so you will need to see your doctor to see if the treatment is right for you.

January 5, 2016
January 5, 2016
I used theirs for years...made by the same company I have to pay big bucks for..ALSO, unless it is used as an Acne treatment, most insurance companies won't cover it for adults..My supply now is from Mexico but will have to switch soon...don't go there anymore
January 5, 2016
How come you don't go there anymore?
January 5, 2016
I have the .05%, never used Retin-A before. How should I come about it? Should I mix it with a moisturizer to prevent the burns? Thanks.
January 5, 2016
I use the cream version. Mixed pea size amt with equal amount moisturizer..I have very fair skin,,started off using 2 times a wk..no redness, after a couple of wks increased to 3 times a wk and so on..If start to have redness, excessive dryness, drop back to previous schedules..One of my girls used it as anti acne and her MD said do not add moisturizer and start with daily applications..face was a red, scaling mess,,,but what did mother know, right? New dermatologist said to mix with unscented gently moisturizer
January 5, 2016
One of the girls on YouTube that uses it said to mix it with moisturizer to make it less concentrated. Thanks! ;-)
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April 25, 2016

Hi mar808, sorry for the delay in response, how's your treatment coming along? I thought you may still find the following information helpful:

Moisturizer with Retin-A - Apply Which First?

Can I Mix Tretinoin Cream with a Moisturizer So It Goes on Smoother?

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January 5, 2016
I started using Retia A back 12 years ago for acne. I still use it every other day. The doctor said i I still use it to keep my face clear. I am 61 years old and still break out occasionally. It tends to dry my skin out so the Doctor told me to use it every day and it is just as effective . I have very little wrinkles on my face for my age. I have been told many times I look younger than most women my age. If I use it every day my skin dryes out quite a bit. It takes about 4 to 6 months before you notice any improvement.. Best of luck
January 5, 2016
I mix mine with unscented Oil of Olay..never had a problem with dryness or redness..I get the RetinA cream not the gel
UPDATED FROM Eva G

Day 2

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Eva G

So far so good...I have a tad bit of redness this morning, but nothing major. 

Replies (4)

October 22, 2015
thanks for sharing your journey. I am 49 and just started 5 weeks ago. I was given Rx Retin A .08% in the micro gel by my derm. The first month was tough. My derm, and others, warned me that I may have to start out with every other night - which is what I did for 4 weeks, then tried every night but had to go back to every other night. I started getting redness, dryness, flakiness in week 1, week 3 was the worst. After a month, my skin started adjusting. Don't rush it too much. My coworker is 56 and looks fabulous and swears that Retin A is her secret --- she's used it for over 20 years! Just a pea size amount really does do the trick!
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October 22, 2015

Hi Denise714, thanks for your comment ☺

Actually, as the day goes on, I'm noticing my skin is a bit sensitive - I may take your advice and go slow and use every other night. It's exciting to hear that your friend had such great results, I hope I see some improvement in my skin. Good luck on your treatment, I noticed you haven't started a review, I hope you decide to also share your experience.

November 27, 2015
Hi. I have been using retin a 1.0 for over a year. Take is slow. You may want to start every other night or once every three nights. It is the best!
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November 27, 2015

Thanks for your comment emmiesauntp. 

UPDATED FROM Eva G

My skin is starting to feel sensitive.

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Eva G

I am noticing that my skin is feeling tight and sensitive, like a slight sunburn. I may slow down and try every other night, we'll see how it goes tonight. 

As for keeping my skin hydrated, I'm using a few things: sukin - it's light and perfect for daytime use and it's all natural and affordable. I'm also using my homemade Shea Butter and Coconut Oil skin cream, it's so wonderful and super moisturizing - you just need to allow some time for it to soak in as it feels a little greasy when first applied. (It works great on the feet too)

Also, I included the facial cleanser I use, it's by Dr. Andrew Weil, amazing stuff, non-irritating. 

I believe that what we feed our bodies is important as well, so I keep a very clean diet -- with the exception of dark chocolate...just a few, well maybe more...pieces. I drink lots of smoothies full of veggies and some fruit, to that I add hemp oil, chia seeds and coconut oil. I also take a daily dose of MSM, if you've never heard of that, please look it up, it's wonderful on so many levels -- note, I'm not an expert, just sharing my routine and what works for me -- do your own research before starting any new supplement. I also take Brahmi Powder, for many reasons -- it's an Ayurvedic herb which is great for the immune system, boosts energy - and great for hair and skin. So that's what I'm doing...hoping for results!

Replies (13)

October 23, 2015

Thanks for sharing! I am a first time user and have noticed the exact same symptoms, My skin is soooo dry! But everything feels tighter and a bit more even. The "sun burn" feel has gone now, but I am only using every 3-4 days just to avoid it. Its working on the cellular level for sure, but goodness...the "repair" phase has not been pretty!

October 24, 2015
Hi you should use your ret a every other night at first until your skin gets used to it,this will stop any irritation ,I also put moisturizer on 10 minutes before applying ret a this works for me any problems give it a try,good luck
October 27, 2015

thank you so much for sharing what works for you and your research... I appreciate it!

November 15, 2015
I use coconut oil for everything ,toothpaste,on top of retin a ,body lotion and two spoons a day neat......also my doggies and two cats in their twenties get it everyday .
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November 15, 2015

I give coconut oil, as well as hemp and flax oil,  to my dog as well - he loves it! It's funny, the vet always says his coat is so shiny and healthy. 

November 16, 2015
tazorac 1.00 is much less irritating in my experience
November 16, 2015
I also use argan oil on top to keep dryness away
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November 17, 2015

I love argan oil, and thanks for reminding me because I'm out of it and must pick some up. ☺