Retin-A use for 20 year old
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enjoys freebies · Mon Jun 01, 2009 4:27 am Quote

Tried Retin-A for the first time today. I've never used it before, so I began with a pretty low dose (0.5). I'm planning on using it three times a week (Monday, Wednsday and Saturday), does that sound like a good idea? When I get older I'll use it everyday, but I don't think that's necessary right now. I'm also planning on ordering Green Cream 3 instead of Retin-A since it's more favourable.

enjoys freebies · Mon Jun 01, 2009 4:35 am Quote

yea, why not! isnt retin a much cheaper than green cream?

enjoys freebies · Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:43 pm Quote

Barksdale wrote:

Tried Retin-A for the first time today. I've never used it before, so I began with a pretty low dose (0.5). I'm planning on using it three times a week (Monday, Wednsday and Saturday), does that sound like a good idea? When I get older I'll use it everyday, but I don't think that's necessary right now. I'm also planning on ordering Green Cream 3 instead of Retin-A since it's more favourable.

Do you mean you started with 0.05 or 0.005?

If it's 0.05, it's not a low dose, it's actually the standard. If your skin is not sensitive you could be OK, but if your skin is, you might need to start with a lower dose (like 0.025 or even less).

I read an article some time back on medline (which I can't pinpoint now) on the importance on "constancy" when using Retin-A. So if I were you I would look into using RetinA every day, but maybe a lower concentration (0.025).

Finally... tretinoin is a much more effective retinoid than retinol, so I personally would not switch to Green Cream.

Wed Jun 03, 2009 1:26 am Quote

Hey, we're the same age!

I started 5 days ago. I'm using the 0.025% and I use it everyday, so far so good. Since I haven't been putting it around the eyes (read a user whose lines got worse for 3mos and then got better, no thanks!)I noticed that I'm a little red on the rest of my face and my blemishes are not as faint - it's like they're rising out the surface. I suppose the regeneration is in motion? I'm excited Smile

enjoys freebies · Wed Jun 03, 2009 1:38 am Quote

HI Barksdale,

I have used retin-a for a full year before realizing that while it was keeping most of the breakouts at bay (I was ecstatic at first!), after a while, I realized it also made my skin dry, blotchy and thin...and over time I noticed that my skin lost its ability to heal itself properly after a while. In short, my skin quality had quickly deteriorated overall eventhough I had not much acne left..

I'm now a strong advocate against using anything harsh to peel the top layers of the skin, etc...because of my experiences...might work for a while, but perhaps not in the long run (at least for me) - in terms of overall skin quality.

On the bright side, there are many people who love retin-A and have used it for 10-20 years, I guess it all depends on the individual? Smile

All the best!

enjoys freebies · Wed Jun 03, 2009 3:49 am Quote

HeavenLeigh wrote:

HI Barksdale,

I have used retin-a for a full year before realizing that while it was keeping most of the breakouts at bay (I was ecstatic at first!), after a while, I realized it also made my skin dry, blotchy and thin...and over time I noticed that my skin lost its ability to heal itself properly after a while. In short, my skin quality had quickly deteriorated overall eventhough I had not much acne left..

I'm now a strong advocate against using anything harsh to peel the top layers of the skin, etc...because of my experiences...might work for a while, but perhaps not in the long run (at least for me) - in terms of overall skin quality.

On the bright side, there are many people who love retin-A and have used it for 10-20 years, I guess it all depends on the individual? Smile

All the best!

This is also the reason why I'm hesitant to use it. I believe that anything too strong will make your skin out of balance.

Anyone have any input?

enjoys freebies · Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:04 am Quote

I've decided to wait with this:), my skin is already pretty dry. Instead, I'm going to apply a AHA-serum to my regime. Is that okay for 20 year olds though? I've heard that it's a smart thing to use combined with self tanners.

enjoys freebies · Wed Jun 03, 2009 3:26 pm Quote

Josee wrote:

I read an article some time back on medline (which I can't pinpoint now) on the importance on "constancy" when using Retin-A. So if I were you I would look into using RetinA every day, but maybe a lower concentration (0.025).

Also, studies were done and found to be effective using Retin A daily for 1 year and then backing off to only a few days a week. It was not supposed to be used daily for more than 1 year. No one knows the long term consequences of doing that.

My concern is the overall health of the skin, like HeavenLeigh mentioned, as well as the health of ones internal organs. No, nothing has been proven yet that Retin A is damaging to the liver, or any other organ, but that is my personal concern.

enjoys freebies · Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:58 am Quote

For those that bought through ADC, do the CS actually reply to your email?

The live chat doesn't even work at all! And my card got declined!

Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:31 pm Quote

funkydory wrote:

HeavenLeigh wrote:

HI Barksdale,

I have used retin-a for a full year before realizing that while it was keeping most of the breakouts at bay (I was ecstatic at first!), after a while, I realized it also made my skin dry, blotchy and thin...and over time I noticed that my skin lost its ability to heal itself properly after a while. In short, my skin quality had quickly deteriorated overall eventhough I had not much acne left..

I'm now a strong advocate against using anything harsh to peel the top layers of the skin, etc...because of my experiences...might work for a while, but perhaps not in the long run (at least for me) - in terms of overall skin quality.

On the bright side, there are many people who love retin-A and have used it for 10-20 years, I guess it all depends on the individual? Smile

All the best!

This is also the reason why I'm hesitant to use it. I believe that anything too strong will make your skin out of balance.

Anyone have any input?

Hi HeavenLeigh,
I was wondering if your skin has returned to normal or do you think the damage is permanent?

Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:32 pm Quote

funkydory wrote:

HeavenLeigh wrote:

HI Barksdale,

I have used retin-a for a full year before realizing that while it was keeping most of the breakouts at bay (I was ecstatic at first!), after a while, I realized it also made my skin dry, blotchy and thin...and over time I noticed that my skin lost its ability to heal itself properly after a while. In short, my skin quality had quickly deteriorated overall eventhough I had not much acne left..

I'm now a strong advocate against using anything harsh to peel the top layers of the skin, etc...because of my experiences...might work for a while, but perhaps not in the long run (at least for me) - in terms of overall skin quality.

On the bright side, there are many people who love retin-A and have used it for 10-20 years, I guess it all depends on the individual? Smile

All the best!

This is also the reason why I'm hesitant to use it. I believe that anything too strong will make your skin out of balance.

Anyone have any input?

Hi HeavenLeigh,
I was wondering if your skin has returned to normal or do you think the damage is permanent?

enjoys freebies · Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:13 pm Quote

For 20 years old skin, I think vitamin c serum and AHA are good enough.

enjoys freebies · Fri Jun 05, 2009 3:43 am Quote

nickieygirl wrote:

For 20 years old skin, I think vitamin c serum and AHA are good enough.

I absolutely agree with this, aswell as a good sunscreen ofcourse:)

I am 29 with pretty good skin and am now only about to embark on Retin a products. I will only use these 2 to 3 times a week though.

enjoys freebies · Fri Jun 05, 2009 4:52 am Quote

Anyone have issues with ordering from ADC? Do you wire the money over?

enjoys freebies · Fri Jun 05, 2009 8:43 am Quote

jks0676 wrote:

funkydory wrote:

HeavenLeigh wrote:

HI Barksdale,

I have used retin-a for a full year before realizing that while it was keeping most of the breakouts at bay (I was ecstatic at first!), after a while, I realized it also made my skin dry, blotchy and thin...and over time I noticed that my skin lost its ability to heal itself properly after a while. In short, my skin quality had quickly deteriorated overall eventhough I had not much acne left..

I'm now a strong advocate against using anything harsh to peel the top layers of the skin, etc...because of my experiences...might work for a while, but perhaps not in the long run (at least for me) - in terms of overall skin quality.

On the bright side, there are many people who love retin-A and have used it for 10-20 years, I guess it all depends on the individual? Smile

All the best!

This is also the reason why I'm hesitant to use it. I believe that anything too strong will make your skin out of balance.

Anyone have any input?

Hi HeavenLeigh,
I was wondering if your skin has returned to normal or do you think the damage is permanent?

Hi jks0676

I noticed that whenever I stopped using it, it would return to normal, nicer and thicker skin...but the acne would be out of control. After a year of being persistent on retin-A, my skin was weak..even breakouts seemed not to want to surface anymore, or heal (very weird and am not sure if this was 100% due to retin-A)

But I stopped because I was concerned about long-term use, and also wanted to stop these harsh methods as I'm only in my 20's - switched to 302 skincare. It's been 4 months and yes I must say my skin is recovering back close to what it used to be, thicker, healthier, less flakey, less blotchy skin that heals much better altogether, holds moisture better too. I am not using anything acidic or any retin-A (acne is also under control though I still get breakouts which heal quickly. They are getting more and more infrequent).

Sooo...I'm attributing this to the wonder 302 drops, and no more harsh methods to weaken the skin so it has a change to recover and return to baseline Smile

I'm very happy Smile

Fri Jun 05, 2009 10:38 am Quote

HeavenLeigh wrote:

jks0676 wrote:

funkydory wrote:

HeavenLeigh wrote:

HI Barksdale,

I have used retin-a for a full year before realizing that while it was keeping most of the breakouts at bay (I was ecstatic at first!), after a while, I realized it also made my skin dry, blotchy and thin...and over time I noticed that my skin lost its ability to heal itself properly after a while. In short, my skin quality had quickly deteriorated overall eventhough I had not much acne left..

I'm now a strong advocate against using anything harsh to peel the top layers of the skin, etc...because of my experiences...might work for a while, but perhaps not in the long run (at least for me) - in terms of overall skin quality.

On the bright side, there are many people who love retin-A and have used it for 10-20 years, I guess it all depends on the individual? Smile

All the best!

This is also the reason why I'm hesitant to use it. I believe that anything too strong will make your skin out of balance.

Anyone have any input?

Hi HeavenLeigh,
I was wondering if your skin has returned to normal or do you think the damage is permanent?

Hi jks0676

I noticed that whenever I stopped using it, it would return to normal, nicer and thicker skin...but the acne would be out of control. After a year of being persistent on retin-A, my skin was weak..even breakouts seemed not to want to surface anymore, or heal (very weird and am not sure if this was 100% due to retin-A)

But I stopped because I was concerned about long-term use, and also wanted to stop these harsh methods as I'm only in my 20's - switched to 302 skincare. It's been 4 months and yes I must say my skin is recovering back close to what it used to be, thicker, healthier, less flakey, less blotchy skin that heals much better altogether, holds moisture better too. I am not using anything acidic or any retin-A (acne is also under control though I still get breakouts which heal quickly. They are getting more and more infrequent).

Sooo...I'm attributing this to the wonder 302 drops, and no more harsh methods to weaken the skin so it has a change to recover and return to baseline Smile

I'm very happy Smile

That's so great. Thanks for the info. I'm getting pretty worried. I've been using renova (same ingredient as retin a)for almost 2 years. I was off and on with it the first year because my eye area would get sooo crepey. Finally, at the start of year 2, I've tried to power through because everyone has told me this will go away but that I must be consistant. I can't seem to get through this stage.

After about five days of consistant use I start getting crepey and back off and start again in a couple of days. Everytime I back off of the renova for a couple of days, it starts looking worse on the 2nd day. I'm so afraid that I've ruined my under eye skin. One eye is finally starting to look a little better but the other still has a ways to go. I didn't have any lines or crepeyness until I started the renova. I'm worried that when I stop using it, the area will look even worse and will never return to normal.

Has any one else had this problem for this long period of time and if so, should i stop or suffer through it for a few more months?

If I stop, I want to make sure that it will eventually return to normal like HeavenLeigh's.

Ugh, I'm so depressed.

enjoys freebies · Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:32 pm Quote

funkydory wrote:

For those that bought through ADC, do the CS actually reply to your email?

The live chat doesn't even work at all! And my card got declined!

I first ordered from ADC in June 2008, now, using the same card, (Visa Electron), I keep getting "declined" emails.

Anyone have any ideas? They've replied saying that my "address has now been pre-approved by (their) processors" but it still comes through declined Sad

enjoys freebies · Sat Jun 06, 2009 2:32 am Quote

ljk wrote:

funkydory wrote:

For those that bought through ADC, do the CS actually reply to your email?

The live chat doesn't even work at all! And my card got declined!

I first ordered from ADC in June 2008, now, using the same card, (Visa Electron), I keep getting "declined" emails.

Anyone have any ideas? They've replied saying that my "address has now been pre-approved by (their) processors" but it still comes through declined Sad

I dont know... so strange. If you wire money to them, doesn't the bank deduct some fees? So you have to wire a bit more? I'm really not sure how this works and... they CS is horrible. They dont reply to their emails. I sent them about 4 emails in 2 weeks. Only one was replied to that told me to do a wire transfer. The question about the fees was not replied to and their live chat doesn't work.

enjoys freebies · Tue Jun 09, 2009 7:12 pm Quote

jks0676,

I couldn't use Retin-A under my eyes either, it dried it out and made it look wrinkly. I wouldn't use it near the eye area at all where there are folds. I think, as long as you're not prone to milia, I'd probably recommend some form of eye cream.

I was only 23-24 when I started Retin-A last year, initially I had no undereye wrinkles.
I suspect it led to some of these fine lines under my eyes now, but I'm not a 100% sure..could just be a normal ageing process, lol.

At any rate, 302 skincare is correcting a lot of the damage and dryness that resulting from my one year of consistent retin-A use. I must add though, that prior to this, I had been on 8 years of acids to control my acne which had already weakened and sensitized my skin somewhat. I also have thinner skin to begin with.

At the moment, I also need to moisturise my undereye area now to reduce appearance of those lines, which upsets me as I did not have these wrinkles before...I still suspect that long-term dryness (due to retin-A) that made those lines form. Also can't use concealer as they cake into those fine lines and make them more obvious.
The dryness is getting better with consistent 302 use but I'm not sure if it will return to how it was previously (i.e. no undereye wrinkles).

We'll see Smile

enjoys freebies · Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:24 am Quote

HeavenLeigh & jks0676, I had to jump in here as I can really relate to what you guys say about using Retin A. It does certainly help me with breakouts but after a year of using it as directed my skin was just so thin and dead looking. Like you HeavenLeigh I switched to a non acid very gentle skincare regime (Dr Hauschka) and saw my skin recover and get back that thick, youthful plumpness it used to have. Like you though I have experienced a recurrence of some clogging issues / acne since giving up on harsher treatments but recently when I tried to go back to using something harsher and more conventional my skin wasn't happy at all and is much better back on the Dr Hauschka.

Perhaps some of us will always just find Retin A and acids too much? It's a shame as I'd love to get the benefits of Retin A use.

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