Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Retin-A REVIEWS

Retin-A Micro 0.1% Roller Coaster 6 Month Update - Ridgefield, CT

ORIGINAL POST

I have been using Differin 0.3% for several years,...

fattransfergirlAugust 17, 2012
$25

I have been using Differin 0.3% for several years, all through high school and first year of university. It didn't completely eliminate my previously moderate acne, but it kept it at bay and my skin was generally pretty clear with normal, mild breakouts when I was stressed or didn't wash my face, etc. Recently my skin was breaking out more than usual so I decided to talk to my doctor. She prescribed me Retin-A 0.1%.
OMG, I hate it so far. My skin was not "bad" at all before I began, just a few pimples I would rather not have. Now, I look disgusting. I refused to leave my apartment today. It's been 8 days and it just looks worse and worse everyday. I put on heavy make up and you can still see the bumps and redness through the cover up. I know I'm probably overreacting, but school is starting again (college) and it's humiliating to see people I haven't seen all summer, looking like I do. I'm dreading the start of classes if this continues. I am honestly considering stopping it and just going back to Differin and dealing with the odd pimple rather than this monstrosity that is my face.

fattransfergirl's provider

Dr. Gretchen K

fattransfergirl ratings

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

She really was rushing me through the process. I feel like she didn't fully examine my face and like she didn't care about me very much. She failed to mention that my skin would worsen initially and I resent that, because I would not have chosen to embark on a new product so close to school had I known it would cause unsightly breakouts. I know I don't have major, life-threatening skin issues like some patients she sees, but I still deserve her full consideration and attention.

Replies (1)

nivla30
June 12, 2017
I suggest a Chemical Peel of AHAs with a Dermatologist. Depending on the strength , if at a good % which the Dermatologist will suggest. It will peel the wbole face in 7 days revealing a smooth, clear complexion. It always wprked for me. The only catch is it will look like a sunburn a bit but then flakes off. Recommended to stay out of the sun for at least as much as possible during the peeling process
UPDATED FROM fattransfergirl

Decided tonight I will not apply Retin A, and see...

fattransfergirlAugust 17, 2012
Decided tonight I will not apply Retin A, and see if my skin relaxes a little in the AM. Also, my regime is simple: wash with Cetaphil for sensitive skin, then moisturize, then apply Retin A half hour later. In the morning, I wash with Cetaphil and moisturize. I usually wear Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer only but now I have been wearing a concealer and powder also. I hate wearing heavy make up, but currently have no choice :(

Replies (3)

Megan P
August 17, 2012

Eek, I can sympathize. :-/ With Retin-A it is suppose to get worse before it gets better, but for me I didn't find it got better. I also have to say that I stopped tanning about the same time I started Retin-A, so that might have something to do with why my skin has stayed broken out more than before...but I definitely hear you about not wanting to go out. It really can be a confidence stripper.

Here is a review by another user who talked about a similar experience:

Clears Up Then Reoccuring Acne. Retin-A for 3 Weeks

fattransfergirl
August 17, 2012
Hi Megan, thanks for your comment. I decided I am going to give it a few more days, but honestly if this continues, it's not worth it to me! I genuinely believe it would probably improve with time--but I'm a little OCD about stuff like this and I don't think I'm patient enough. I think I'll end up giving my skin a few days' rest, then continue using Differin and just deal with the odd breakout. I guess it's as they say, "the enemy of good is better."
Megan P
August 20, 2012

Can't say that I blame you. Having to deal with breakouts gets tired real fast. Would love to hear which way you ultimately decide to go.

UPDATED FROM fattransfergirl

Last night as I said I did not use Retin A. My...

fattransfergirlAugust 18, 2012
Last night as I said I did not use Retin A. My skin looks less inflamed today. I will probably apply Retin A tonight in a very thin layer after thoroughly moisturizing and pray it doesn't cause even further break outs. This is day 9.

Replies (0)

See More Retin-A Reviews
See All Reviews