POSTED UNDER Retin-A REVIEWS
Read Lots of Good Stuff About Retin A and Decided to Give It a Try.
ORIGINAL POST
Well I am 11 weeks in now and using it every...
AlNinoFebruary 17, 2016
$10
Well I am 11 weeks in now and using it every night, the strength I am using is 0.05%. I started off slowly but after about 1 and a half months was using it every night. I am a bit frustrated as I find that I am still getting very dry and flaky and very red skin around my mouth. Everything I have read on this website tells me that that problem should only last a few weeks but after 11 weeks it's still happening. I think people are looking at me as if to say what is going on with her face!!!! However I am determined to stick with it but would really like to know if other people have had this experience for such a long time or am I doing something wrong?
Replies (36)
February 19, 2016
Hi! I use .025% and don't even use it every night yet (per the derms advise ). Everyone's skin adjusts to the medication differently. I'd say with you using that strength at that frequency, your skin is used to it you just may have go scale it down to every other night. Your progress will not diminish, you just need to acclimate your skin to the medication. Also note, achieving best results does not necessarily mean you have to use it every day. Hope you find your balance with it :)
February 19, 2016
Hi, thanks for that. It's great advice, some of the information is a bit confusing as to if it should be used every night and if you don't and let your skin heal does that mean that the whole process has to start all over again. As I said I am determined to stick with it as everybody seems to swear by it.
February 19, 2016
Definitely does not mean the healing process starts all over again. You're just adjusting to find the right dose for your skin (everyone's is different). After 6-9 months if you feel you're not satisfied with the results anymore then either increase to everyday or bump up the strength (which yes you will have to go through an adjustment period to properly acclimate your skin). Hang in there and always gradual, it's a long term commitment
February 19, 2016
Hi, I too am using Retin A for about a 1yr along with Obagi Nuderm, My skin is reacting the same as yours, red, flaky, and looks worse then when I started. I just recently stopped for a while and am using a little olive oil at night, along with lotion. Its been very frustration because like you I am committed to the product and believe it works just wondering what's wrong with my skin! l think I will try and use less and make sure I wait 30 min after washing and use it every other night. Good Luck to you, keep us posted!
February 20, 2016
Hi Spearin, isnt it a pain!!! I too have been thinking what is the problem with my skin!!! So frustrating when everyone else is having such good success. Good luck with your retin a journey.
February 19, 2016
You are using too much. It's also recommended to use over your moisturizer, to cut down on irrationan and dryness.
February 20, 2016
Hi Laser, i am only using the pea size recommend. As for using moisturiser under it there is lots of conflicting info out there about that. I certainly use lots of moisturiser over the top.
UPDATED FROM AlNino
2 months post
Just me and my sunscreen.
AlNinoFebruary 20, 2016
This was taken after moisturizing this morning, I haven't used it on my chin the last couple of days just the rest of my face and it is defs better. I may just have to cut down using it on my chin but the rest of my face doesn't seem to have a problem with it. I can certainly see that my skin is sort of rougher but I am sure that will go away in time. I used a very mild and light scrub in the shower this morning and I think that also helped. looking at the photos I really need to get my upper eyelids done lol.
Replies (13)
February 23, 2016
... I had my upper and lower eyelids done ... luv it!!! It makes a HUGE difference ..lol ..
February 24, 2016
Hi..so jealous of you right now!!!! Pls dont think im rude but can i ask how old you are and do you have any pics?
February 24, 2016
I posted a silly pic as my profile ... not sure if you can see it well ... I will be 53 this coming May ... also just started using Retin A cream ... want to fade a slight darkness under my eyes that is actually just a skin discoloration... when I had my eyes done I also had fat transferred to my cheeks and eye hollows..
March 9, 2016
Your complexion is definitely improving! i am about 10 weeks in and now over the snake shedding phase, and loving Retin A
March 9, 2016
Thanks so much for that comment. I must post a new pic as things have certainly improved and my face is no longer red or very scaley. I occasionally get a bit of dry skin but its easily dealt with and i have been using paw paw ointment with good results
March 9, 2016
I understand how you feel, since starting this process for the I don't know how many times my neck chin area seems to get red and splotchy. Even with moisturizer and cutting back. So I guess I will be cutting back even more in that area and just have to slowly (unfortunately) build up to this.
March 12, 2016
How long have you been using it? As I said below I feel that I am defs passing that phase now so please stick with it, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
UPDATED FROM AlNino
3 months post
15 Weeks and things are definately improving.
AlNinoMarch 12, 2016
So I am 15 weeks into Retin A and my skin has adapted to the cream finally. I really didn't think it ever would and I would be stuck with flaky red skin for ever. I was determined to stick it out though even though it seemed that I was having problems a lot longer that a lot of other people but I guess that everyones skin is different and has its own way of dealing with things. No more redness just a small breakout of pimples under the corner of my mouth. I just love all the responses to my review, keep them coming as it is really helpful to me and others out there.
Replies (15)
March 12, 2016
I forgot to ask what good spf moisturisers anybody can recommend. I have been using Cetaphil Suntivity oil free 30+ but I find it still to be a bit oily under my makeup.
April 1, 2017
I use Paula's choice moisturizer and spf- it works well as a base and great with makeup.
March 29, 2018
As I mentioned before Darphin has amazing Intral products that work for me. Also try Avene, it’s cheper. And my tric is: the morning after I use retinol (I do it every sencond night, my doctor said it is totally enough to do the job and not to overdry the skin) I wash my face and apply moisturising mask form Darphin or Anti-redness Avene mask and keep it longer then recommended and keep aplying where the skin absorbs the mask Qweeker. Then I wash it off and proceed with C serum and either Intral restorative cream or Cicalfat/ Avene. Both very light and perfect for greasy skin or acne prone.
March 14, 2016
Good to hear, it definitely takes time. Glad you're feeling supported here -- that's what it's all about! ☺
March 16, 2016
Hi! It is encouraging to read your post!! I'm 8 weeks in now and am still red and flaky and I hate it!! I am seriously reconsidering using it!! Any suggestions?
March 16, 2016
Hi Ruthylou..seriously hang in there as things will improve. My skin didn't settle down till the 3 month mark and even then it will get a bit dry and flaky every now and then but not as bad. Lots of good comments and advice on here like waiting and letting your skin dry before applying etc but really i think it just takes time for your skin to adjust. Good luck :)
March 18, 2016
First,are you using the lowest percent,or higher strength.When I started using Retina A in 2002 I started with 0.025,and gradually work it up.Now I use 0.1%.The trick is, never use more than prescribe by your Dr.I mix mine with moisturizer,so it's not so strong,and always wait at least 30 minus before applied Retina A.For mature skin like mine I use Pond cold cream to remove my makeup than follow with cetaphil soap.Always use your finger to work the cream,and soap on to your face.Never ever use wash cloth or any abrasive stuff on your face when using Retina A.I also found out that I could leave some pond cold cream on my flakey skin,and it work great at removing,and moisturize those skin.Some time I steam my face with the towel over my head,and this work great at removing flakey and dead skin.
March 29, 2018
Hi! I have sensitive skin and started retinol 0,025 7 month ago, and 2 months ago switched to 0,05%. I use Darphin Intral line and my skin never became red, just slightly flacky. I used retinol before and that was the case. So I am sure Intral definitely makes a difference.
March 16, 2016
Glad to hear the Rein A is working. Is this the regular Retin A or Generic or Retin A Micro?
Welcome to the community, thanks for joining us!
The dry and irritated skin is frustrating, are you washing your face and then waiting 30 minutes before applying Retin-A? You might find this helpful:
7 Commonly Asked Questions About Retin-A
Be sure to keep us posted...good luck!
Awe, thank you so much AINino!