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POSTED UNDER Retin-A REVIEWS

52 and Have Used Retin-A Rx for 27 Years. New Jersey, NJ

ORIGINAL POST

When I was 23 I returned to the Northeast from...

MissyTuTu
WORTH IT$180
When I was 23 I returned to the Northeast from baking in the sun in Hawaii for three years. I went to see a dermatologist for acne and dark splotches that didn't fade when my dark tan did. He prescribed Retin-A 0.1% (the strongest formulation) and I've been using it nearly every night since then. I'll be turning 52 next month, and it's definitely paid off.

Retin-A is the only topical that actually works, with decades of proof. Anything else is really just a waste of money. It remodels skin on a cellular level, stimulating cell turnover and collagen growth. Collagen is what gives skin its structure, firmness and elasticity. No, I don't work for the company, although I'd be happy to. No matter what age you start using it, it can improve your skin. If you already have fine lines and wrinkles, i will diminish them. Give it up to 24 weeks to work its magic. (it can't do anything for jowls and things like that that are due to structural changes deep within the face). If you don't have any lines yet, it will prevent them and the need for a CO2 laser in the future. It's also great for resolving acne, although I still have mild hormonal breakouts on my chin from time to time.

Retin-A (Tretinoin or retinoic acid) is also available as Retin-A Micro, Renova and Tazorac. A 45-gram tube of the brand name product lasts me about 8 months and costs approximately $180. I don't use anything else. I wash and moisturize with Cetaphil. No lasers, no fillers, no Botox, so It's really a bargain.

Retinol, the ingredient available in drugstore products, is not Retin-A. Only 10% of Retinol is absorbed by the skin. It does work, but not nearly as well.

Do NOT use Retin-A while pregnant. It can cause birth defects. Good luck!

Replies (78)

October 29, 2015
Missy, you look amazing. Your skin had that dewy, firm look that I love getting from retin-a. You're right about starting earlier. I have friends in their 50s who are doing all types of really expensive lasers and such. I'm so glad I found it in my 20s too.
October 29, 2015
*has not had
October 29, 2015
Thank you, thatsnice! I'm glad you found it early on, too.
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October 29, 2015
Hi do you use the gel?
October 29, 2015
Hi. I use the cream. I tried the gel but it was much to drying.
November 13, 2015
Which cream? Renova or something else?
Thanks
November 13, 2015
"I Have Used Retin-A for 27 Years"
November 1, 2015
You really look amazing! Your skin is flawless! I'm 43 and have been using Retin-a on and off since I was 26 and I swear by the stuff. One day I will get the confidence up to post pics of myself on Realself, I promise. Even my doctors know I hate looking in the mirror so don't force me to! lol My dermatologist says that my skin is 10-12 years younger than my chronological age and people are always floored when I tell them my age. I certainly don't feel my age and I don't want to look it. Apart from Retin-a I swear by sunscreen (of course and it's imperative with Retin-a use), glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, matrixyl and argireline.
November 1, 2015
Thanks, Kitty. My skin isn't really flawless, which is fine, but it's much healthier and looks better than it would have if I had not used Retin-A. It's still changing with time, of course. I have two vertical lip lines and fine lines on my forehead that developed over the past year. That's good though, the accusations of Botox use have stopped! I have to admit that I've never used sunscreen even though I've known that I should. I hope my dermatologist is it reading this, or I will be in some serious trouble! My skin can't tolerate any kind of peels or even vitamin C serum. I wish you would post some pictures! We can inspire others to use Retin-A and quite possibly avoid certain expensive and risky procedures like lasers, which are unpredictable!
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November 1, 2015

Hi kitty, I would love for you to share your Retin-A experience with us in the community by writing a review --and whenever you feel ready to share photos is just fine. ☺ Here is a link for you to get started when you feel ready. 

November 2, 2015
This reply is to both Missy and Eva :)

I had a nasty laser incident 6 years ago which left my face quite scarred and left me incredibly self conscious, and now I avoid cameras at all costs! Photos from a bit of a distance away I'm fine with but nothing up close. Most people say they can't see the scarring and then a lot of people tell me they didn't suspect a thing until I told them.

I've always had to be quite conservative with my Retin-A use, only being able to use it 3 nights a week max, but I'm trying something new at the moment. I'm currently mixing equal parts Retin-a with my night cream and applying it every night and my skin is tolerating this very well, I'm excited.

My dermatologist has suggested some conservative filler injections for some of the scarring and I'm keen to give this a try however, she is booked out until January 2016 so that's the soonest I can see her to give this a go. Depending on how it works out I may just have the confidence I need to post some pics! Fingers-crossed :))))
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November 2, 2015

Thanks for your reply kitty, I'm using Retin-A as well and can't tolerate it every night, so I'm also using it approx every 3rd night. What strength are you using?

November 1, 2015
It absolutely works from a firsthand account of using it as well
November 1, 2015
Yes, it really does!
November 1, 2015
Hi...wow, you truly look amazing! Is it still ok to go in the sun when using this product?
November 1, 2015
Yes, but carefully. You're supposed t wear a good sunscreen every single day.