Question about retin A 0.025%
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free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:56 am

Hi guys,

I'll start by saying that I have searched for the topic but I wanted to get some fresh perspectives on this as I'm feeling pretty nervous.

My derm has prescribed me with RetinA 0.025% for mild acne. Would it be ok to use all over the face? I used to breakout in specific spots but now it's sort of pretty random. I asked the derm and he rolled his eyes ( I'm not impressed but somehow the derms at the office aren't that symapthetic). Can I use Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel on top? How long before I can expect any results? Will it get worse before it gets better?

I've also ordered the Jan Marini bioglycolic that Mabsy and others have been raving about. Should I use this once a week too? Or put it on the shelf?

I was thinking of doing the retin A a couple of times a week and the Bioglycolic once a week, not on the same day. What do you think?

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:14 pm

I have the same prescription and I think I have the same dosage. Because you are new to it, use gentle skincare products at first. I used Cetaphil. Later it won't matter unless you do get more sensitive. Everybody is different.

Be sure to apply thin layer. Be very religious of wearing sunblock from now on. Even if you stop using the prescription. Your skin will change for the better but you won't be able to tolerate the sun. I can't tell you if you should put it all over your face. I don't know what was discussed with your doctor. Maybe you have to call him/her to ask. I have to put it on all over.

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:37 pm

Thanks Skincare. I appreciate your input. How long was it until you noticed a difference? Thanks again.

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:06 pm

Agent - if you go over to the YTF skin care board, there are big proponents of RA. The majority on that forum would tell you to use it all over your face if your concern is anti-aging, as well as acne. Maybe you could read over there at that board also as there is a lot of good information (especially about RA) over there.

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:17 pm

I would recommend you just use the retin-a for now and put the JM aside. Until your skin is used to retin-a, don't add any new products, esp something strong like JM.

Apply just a pea size to whole face and apply sunscreen everyday. You can start slowly by one day on and two days off and slowly increase in frequency. If you have really sensitive skin then start off by usine once a week then twice a week etc.

You may experience redness and peeling depending on your skin.

Good luck!

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:56 pm

Agent OO-CAT wrote:

Thanks Skincare. I appreciate your input. How long was it until you noticed a difference? Thanks again.

I just started noticing a little bit of a difference at the expiry of three months. It took a year for me to notice that my skin was getting dry and that is when I became more bold and experimented with different moisturizers. I've tried Cellex-C Sea Silk, Cle de Peau, Vivier with vitamin E in it and my skin did not like it and Sonya Dakar. Overall, I really liked Sonya Dakar but during allergy season, I could not stand the scent too much. Then I discovered Cellcosmet and I found it to be very nice and special.

I plan to experiment with Kate Somerville next.

BTW, maybe JM would be good during your hormonal breakout. Please be sure that you wait 20 minutes after you wash your face before you apply your medication. If you do get some redness (if a bit painful, then tell the doctor) on your skin. The doctor may give you another prescription to help calm your skin. Maybe it would have antibiotics? Peeling is normal. I loved Cellcosmet facial scrub but there are times when it is not enough. So I plan to try Kate Somerville scrub and see it that works. Sometimes it gets to the point where I have to use a face cloth to rub off the flaky skin (patches where my acne is being purged).

Overall, I am very happy with it and unfortunately, I need it because my sebum always gets stuck under my skin. Sad

But at least it works! Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:26 pm

Thank you rileygirl, mtview and Skincare for the additional info. I found you gals a lot more receptive (and dare I say it, knowledgable) about this. I;m starting tomorrow and will try once a week first, shelve the JM and take it from there. One more question, what about the toner? In the evening, I clean my face with Dr. H cleansing milk or cream and then use diluted ACV. Do I still have to wait 30 min before using the retin a?

rileygirl , can you tell me a bit more about the YTF board? I'm not familiar with it.

Thank you all again.

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:40 pm

Yes! You have to wait but why use a toner. Here is my theory, if your cleanser cannot cleanse, then why spend more money on a toner to finish the job? That is my view.

I do use two cleansers....Cetaphil (gentle) and at night I normally use Cetaphil (for oily) because it does a better job on removing eye makeup without irritating my eyes or drying it out. But, I've used others and from time to time, I will go back to them. Really loved Cellcosmet, La Mer gel cleanser, umm can't remember of other ones I've used...I tried Spectro and so drying! Don't like it at all. Kanebo Silk is nice but still finding it a bit drying....if you don't take the medication, and have oily skin, I think you would love it. I want to try Jan Marni cleansers, and Mario Badasco (sp?) enzyme cleanser...

free skin care · Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:49 pm

I just started the JM Bioglycolic cleanser last week & my face has FINALLY cleared WOOHOOO! I also use Retin A. I would probably recommend not starting them both at the same time. I have pretty strong skin, but I still find the JM cleanser to be pretty strong - it definitely does sting a bit. My breakouts are on the outide of my cheeks & chin, but I use the retin-a all over my face for the anti-aging benefits.

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 12:36 am

Agent - the YTF forum has alot of nice and very informative people. It may take a few days to get a response as the board has slowed down alot, but for retin A info, that is one of the best places to go, as there are quite a few people over there who have used RA for years. Just type YTF and the word skin in the google search. It is the 1st forum that comes up (I don't remember the exact link, but it is spectacularskin). Just take it all with a grain of salt as some are diehard RA people over their who believe there is nothing else that will work. HTH!

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 5:18 am

I just started this too last week. I got the 0.05%

So far so good. Im only spot treating ATM as I wanted to see how my skin reacts to the stuff before putting it all over(i dont know if i even will use all over)

Anyway Ive used it on my chin 4 nights (last mon,wed,frid and last night), I did have a little cappillary pop up but no more have 'thank god' and some blackheads have dislodged already!

My chin peeled over the weekend but the skin that was peeling was really soft and I just gently massaged the area and the skin just lifted off. Like a snake shedding skin! My skin hasnt gone red at all. Last night i also applied above the lip..im hoping it will help a couple of fine lines there. Im just still using Avene Eluage everywhere else.

Im not using any other harsh products like vit c, AHA or BHA.

Does anyway know, if you're going to have a reaction to retin a - how long will it take to happen?

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 5:28 am

Skincare wrote:

I have the same prescription and I think I have the same dosage. Because you are new to it, use gentle skincare products at first. I used Cetaphil. Later it won't matter unless you do get more sensitive. Everybody is different.

Be sure to apply thin layer. Be very religious of wearing sunblock from now on. Even if you stop using the prescription. Your skin will change for the better but you won't be able to tolerate the sun. I can't tell you if you should put it all over your face. I don't know what was discussed with your doctor. Maybe you have to call him/her to ask. I have to put it on all over.

skincare is it okay to sit out in the sun as long as you use good sunblock? I dont mean like for hrs but I do go and sit out in the sun for half n hour sometimes. I also get incidental exposure(its hard not to!) driving etc.

I worry a bit about making my skin more sensitive to the sun. I dont think I'll be using it everynight - Id rather do 3 nights if its enough to clear my pores that is.

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 7:20 am

So far, it seems that people just wait 30 min after washing their faces, no toner, apply all over and no moisturizer on top. Am I correct?

Starting today.... Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 7:28 am

Thats right Very Happy

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 9:04 am

This is what additional info I found:

If you use topical retinoid for your acne . . .

Every night, wash your face with a mild soap or use an alcohol-free cleansing cream. Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Do not use an alcohol-based astringent or toner after washing.

Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying Retin-A or Differin. Your face must be completely dry, because wet skin may absorb the medication too quickly and cause irritation. (If you are using Retin-A Micro, you do not need to wait to apply the medication.)

Place a pea-sized drop of medication on your fingertips and apply it to your forehead, chin, and both cheeks, spreading it over your entire face. Smooth the medication in until it is invisible. Avoid the corners of the nose, mouth, and eyes and any open wounds. Don't "spot treat" just some of the pimples.

In the morning, wash your face and apply a moisturizer containing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Expect to have some side effects, such as peeling and flaking, burning, or stinging. If these effects are especially bothersome, you may use the medication every other night or every third night until your face can tolerate the treatment. Check with your doctor before you make changes.

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 10:25 am

carolb69 wrote:

Skincare wrote:

I have the same prescription and I think I have the same dosage. Because you are new to it, use gentle skincare products at first. I used Cetaphil. Later it won't matter unless you do get more sensitive. Everybody is different.

Be sure to apply thin layer. Be very religious of wearing sunblock from now on. Even if you stop using the prescription. Your skin will change for the better but you won't be able to tolerate the sun. I can't tell you if you should put it all over your face. I don't know what was discussed with your doctor. Maybe you have to call him/her to ask. I have to put it on all over.

skincare is it okay to sit out in the sun as long as you use good sunblock? I dont mean like for hrs but I do go and sit out in the sun for half n hour sometimes. I also get incidental exposure(its hard not to!) driving etc.

I worry a bit about making my skin more sensitive to the sun. I dont think I'll be using it everynight - Id rather do 3 nights if its enough to clear my pores that is.

I have. But my face does get that flush look or puffy look but no burns. In general, I normally get like that in the summer. I use Skinceuticals UV Defence SPF 30 every single day and for my body. There is another brand and I think it is $5 to $10 more then Skinceuticals....I can't remember the name of it but even in New Beauty magazine it had a picture of this brand and doctors suggest it for people who've had plastic surgery.

It is also in DermaDoctor web-site...I wish I could remember the name! I wish EDS would sell it also. You can easily get it at some dermo.'s office and some med. spa's.

Is it Ti-Silc? But I think the one sold in Canada has a slightly different name but it is from the same company. No. I think I could be wrong...the same company as Total Block.

Sorry I don't have the accurate name. I ran out of that sunblock and did not keep the packaging. Also I did not attend the latest Skincare event here in Toronto. I know they sell it there.

PM me to remind me to keep looking for the right name of that brand.

Anyway, overall sunblock does clog your pores but we all need it. I found Skinceuticals UV Defense was perfect for me and my pores did not clog up because of the sunblock. Thanks to my prescription.

BTW, I do wear a baseball cap or my riding helmet when I'm outdoors for a very long time.

I hope I've helped you a bit. Smile

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 10:28 am

Oh well, it looks like I won't be starting tonight afterall as the insurance authorization hasn't come in yet.... Blleehhh. Oh well, I guess I'll stay with the JM in the meantime.

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 10:54 am

I have been using retina A for about 15 years, and love it! For the past 10 years I have been applying it only three times a week or so, for healthy maintenance. I use the RETISOL - A 0.1% because my skin is very used to it, and this particular brand (a little newer to the market) has an SPF of 15. I have never had a problem with sun sensitivity at any time, but I would take a break if you are planning a "sun vacation" with lots of direct exposure, or use every other day. Personally I would recommend using the Retina A at night only. I don't think with the .25% you need to wait a half an hour after washing and drying your face to apply the cream (never heard that before), just make sure your face is dry, and completely bare of anything.
To make sure you don't encounter any problems, avoid getting too much cream around the opening of your nostrils, the corners of your eyes, and the corners of your mouth...these areas are much more sensitive to the drying effects, and can get very sore, sting and peel. Also the suggestion of a pea size amount for your whole face is spot on!
You could apply a moisturizer after the retina A, but I would wait a bit, to really let it settle into your skin, before adding something else.
If you choose to use it daytime as well, for sure top it off with a sunscreen after.
You will find after a few months, your skin will toughen up, so you may want your derm to up the strength.
I know genetics play a big part in skin condition... but at 52 I have amazing skin (people never believe my age), and I credit Retina A for a big part of that!

Cool

free skin care · Tue May 01, 2007 10:58 am

That is an excellent point! I forgot to add that I was told to wear at night also and only up to four hours a day.

That is difficult to do for my lifestyle. But overall, I am out of the sun when the medication is on.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 5:50 am

I finally received the prescription, tretinoin 0.025% and applied a small pea (or lentil)-size amount for the first time on Friday night. Sunday morning I wake up full of blemishes in the usual areas I break up and also dry. IS this normal???!!!! I only applied the tretinoin once and was going to use it every 3 days. For the last month, I have been using the JM Bioclear, which I tolerated fairly well and even upped it to twice a day. Am I experiencing purging? What to do?

I'm feeling really low right now. I have never ever, for the last 25 odd years, had clear skin. My breakouts are sort of Grade I, so derms tend to dismiss it as "Not too bad". However, I notice them and so do my family and friends and ask me about it all the time. I hate waking up and looking in the bathroom mirror in the morning - it makes me feel that I have failed somehow. All the glasses of fresh water, vegetables, multivitamins, good skincare in the world don't do anything for me. I just want to curl up in a ball and disappear. I know, I know...I'm exaggerating, I shouldn't fret too much etc, etc..but I hate my skin... Please send hugs and advice.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 6:38 am

They'll go away. Anytime you add something new to your skin, you're more likely to have a breakout than not. In other words, it'll get worse before it gets better. Don't worry. Everybody has given you wonderful advice. Use it at night only. I would use it every night until my skin couldn't tolerate it. Then stop and wait for it to calm down. It may take 3 or 4 nights or longer before your face can tolerate it. And in the meantime, you may want to continue to spot treat. When I first started with Retin-A (at least 20 years ago) nobody told me how to use it. I burned my face. I used it until it stung so much I'd have to run and get a cold wash cloth to wash it off. Don't do this. Use common sense. I was young and stupid. Now, I use it 2 or 3 nights a week and I've been told to layer my other skin care items over it. But to always start with Retin-A first. I also use Factor-A even on the nights I use Retin-A. JM's Factor-A has Retinoids in it. As was mentioned before, I credit Retin-A with having younger looking skin at 50.

Take care sweetie. You're on your way to beautiful skin. The Retin-A will work.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 8:56 am

Retin-A is to be used at night only! It makes your skin sun sensitive that's why you need to use a sun block during the day. NEVER use Retin-A during daylight hours.

Apply it to a clean, dry face. Retin-A is a jealous lover and you shouldn't use other products at the same time as it will delete the effect of Retin-A and, depending on the product, could totally wipe out the effects of both. You can use a hair dryer and run it over your face for a min or two if you can't wait the 30 min after washing to apply Retin-A.

When starting the product, apply every other night working up to nightly. After a year of nightly use, you can cut back to three times a week.

Only if you must, you can apply a light coat of moisturizer on top of your Retin-A. But wait an hour or longer after applying Retin-A before doing this.

I'd hold off using JM or any strong product until you see how your skin is going to react. If you think you can handle it, use it during the day time.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 11:29 am

Tx guys, should I use anything on the other nights I am not using retin A initially?

Has anybody had an increase in breakouts from retin a??? Am I the only one?

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 11:56 am

Some people report an increase in breakouts. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

When you incorporate a new product it's best to use only that product for a period of time.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 3:49 pm

Donna, I've been told by different skin care specialists to use Retin-A first and then incorporate my regular skin care routine. Do they not know what they're talking about? Originally, way back when, I used it alone. And it's only in the past 3 years that 2 different people told me to use it with regular skin care but use it first. How do you know so much about Retin-A? Not challenging you here at all. I just want to do the right thing.

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