I'm concerned, Is my skin suppose to feel like this...?
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free skin care · Wed Oct 17, 2007 7:05 pm

I've recently started Stieva A (same as Retin A ) .025% gel. I have only used it a couple times so far, about 2 or 3 times a week. I'm wondering if it is normal for the skin to feel tight and dry after applying? I'm worried it will give me lines because of this, and I'm using it specifically for antiaging Confused

I have the cream, but it's to rich for my breakout prone skin. Can someone reassure me, or let me know if this isn't normal. Thanks so much.

free skin care · Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:33 pm

Id say a gel would be drying. i use retin a cream and even find that a bit drying.

Have you tried moisturising afterwards? I do, and it still seems effective as i still peel.

free skin care · Wed Oct 17, 2007 11:16 pm

carolb69 wrote:

Id say a gel would be drying. i use retin a cream and even find that a bit drying.

Have you tried moisturising afterwards? I do, and it still seems effective as i still peel.

Hi, Yeah I do use Emu oil afterward. It still feels kinda tight. I didn't know if it was normal, or if I should stop using it. What do you use to get the peeling skin off? I applied makeup today and it looked terrible because my skin was flaky Embarassed

free skin care · Wed Oct 17, 2007 11:18 pm

AAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!
There should be a Retin-A Support Group!
I went thru the same thing with Retin-A.
I never could stand the tight, dry, leathery feeling. Not to mention the windburned look.
You could try using every other nite until you get accustomed to it. If you go too fast you will peel like a lizard! Then you should back off and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize til the peeling subsides. If it irritates that badly you will just get frustrated and quit. Go very slowly.
Be sure not to use a drying cleanser/toner too. Try something very mild.
Be sure to use sunscreen with it.
Some ppl just don't tolerate it tho.(like moi)
Thankfully there are plenty of anti-age potions out there! Try try try til you find one you like!
I just gave up on the retinoids and went for microdermabrasion and glycolic peels at the office. That way it's done under supervision and you don't end up like a scalded dog! MD Forte works better for me than Retin-A and doesn't irritate as much.
HTH

free skin care · Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:11 am

dksnf68 wrote:

carolb69 wrote:

Id say a gel would be drying. i use retin a cream and even find that a bit drying.

Have you tried moisturising afterwards? I do, and it still seems effective as i still peel.

Hi, Yeah I do use Emu oil afterward. It still feels kinda tight. I didn't know if it was normal, or if I should stop using it. What do you use to get the peeling skin off? I applied makeup today and it looked terrible because my skin was flaky Embarassed

I use NCN's microdermabrasion cloth and it gets rid of the loose skin well. i only use retin a twice a week now as im sick of peeling.

free skin care · Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:25 am

Quote:

I use NCN's microdermabrasion cloth and it gets rid of the loose skin well. i only use retin a twice a week now as im sick of peeling

Thanks! I'm going to get myself a microdermabrasion cloth!

free skin care · Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:27 am

I use tazorac (same thing essentially). I have been using it for YEARS (and I love it) but if I put in on clean bare skin and leave it on overnight I look like a burned red molting monster. I have been 'buffering' for years, meaning that I apply it either BEFORE washing my face for the evening for a couple of hours -- i.e. I put it on after dinner and then wash it off when I normally wash my face before bed, OR I apply it over a moisturizer, which acts as a bit of a barrier. I highly recommend trying this out -- it has not made the product less effective for me, it has just reduced the irritation. you do NOT have to be a red peely mess to get results.
good luck -- retinoids are awesome and worth the hassle!

free skin care · Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:48 am

A few years ago, I remember buying into the hype of Retinol products, even though I was only in my late twenties and have no lines whatsoever, I gave in and tried a few high concentration Retinol products. My skin was so sensitive to it and it burned, stung and got really raw and red, I swore off Retinol ever since.

So if you ask me, I am very biased against any retinol products...

free skin care · Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:57 pm

I apply a face cream first that i really like but cant mention,sorry or my post will get deleted. Then i wait half an hour and apply retin a, then moisturise over the top. Doing that has stopped me going red and it still seems effective as my pores are staying clear and i do peel somedays even with all the buffering. This is strong stuff!

free skin care · Mon Oct 22, 2007 4:40 am

I think the redness, feeling dry and peeling, is par for the course when you first start using Retin A. I would push myself through it. Rolling Eyes

Gradually increase the frequency of your use, over the first year. The benefits will be worth it in the long run. I'm old school and don't believe in diluting it or washing it off or anything, BUT using it straight all night long! Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:28 pm

Maybe it's just the preparation? I was pretty scared to hop on the Retin-A band wagon because my skin is sen-sit-ive. My derm gave me some samples and Retin-A Micro 0.04% and it took me a year to try it. Rolling Eyes

(Not exactly a risk-taker.)

Decided to give it a try recently and started out with a once-a-week application. That was successful, so slowly moved up to every night. I really love the stuff. Never a bit of redness (and believe me, my face turns red without any provocation whatsoever) and it has really made the skin around my eyes and forehead look smooth and fresh. This is with only a month or so of use. (I know it's supposed to take 6 mos to see improvement, but I noticed it right away.) Have never had visible peeling even once. Just nice plump, fresh-looking skin.

Should mention that I do add a moisturizer (Shea butter based) as per usual before I go to bed.

When I stop seeing improvement, I'll just move up the the next strength.

Good luck!

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