Retin-A Withdraw
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free skin care · Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:34 am

Before using Retin A I had very clear skin. I didn't even have to wash my face if I didn't want too. I stopped using Retin A about 4 months ago. Let me tell you I can't remember a time where my skin has been so horrible! My forehead just won't clear up. I get these really hard pimples. What happened to my clear skin?

Has anyone has this problem? I feel really angry. What are you supposed to do go back on the stuff? How long did it take for your skin to go back to normal, if it ever does?

*Sigh*

free skin care · Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:40 am

continue using retin-a?

Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:23 am

I am going through the same thing. My face has been breaking out worse than ever since I stopped the R-A. There has to be something out there that would clear this up. I was starting to think mine maybe hormonal (I'm 57)but it did not start until after I stopped the R-A, so just assumed that was it and after your post, I dunno!

free skin care · Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:31 am

i had dry red flaky blotches after retin-a for about 1 week, now its still there but much better,

free skin care · Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:41 pm

SandyT wrote:

I am going through the same thing. My face has been breaking out worse than ever since I stopped the R-A. There has to be something out there that would clear this up. I was starting to think mine maybe hormonal (I'm 57)but it did not start until after I stopped the R-A, so just assumed that was it and after your post, I dunno!

I'm sorry your going through the same thing I am! I've been using clindamycin on the really hard pimples. It usually works but sometimes it takes awhile.

I really don't think it's hormonal because I'm on birth control and that is suppose to help keep your skin clear. Like I said before I've never had such a problem with my skin until after stopping Retin-A. If I find a solution I'll let you know, and if you find one let me know. Smile

free skin care · Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:39 pm

Recovery from retin-A use is possible!! But you need to use something to control the acne in the meantime, and I don't recommend anythiing harsh including antibiotics. I've tried this, and the acne just came back after I stopped.

I have also been a retin-A user, relatively long-term for about a solid year of applying it every night. I stopped because I felt my skin was look really blah even with most of the acne under control. It didn't stop the hard bumps from forming either, it just kinda stayed fatter. Retin-A also didn't stop milia from forming...and overall, I uneven skintone, and dryness despite my oily skin. Skin was also less firm and much thinner. I just suddenly looked OLDER!

Ok and I must've mentioned this a million times across EDS by now *chuckle* but I started the 302 skincare regime in attempt to search for a non-acid alternative, which has been a godsend to me!! Very Happy

I've been using the acne mist, recovery minerals, ointment rx and 302 drops (really speeds up healing and surfacing of the hard bumps!!!) While I still get breakouts, they are healing faster and surfacing properly. It's been about 4 months, but I must say I saw the benefits of 302 rightaway...you need to persist with it though as recovery can be slooooow but consistent if your routine is not too much.

And other things: I know this will sound very conventional, but I think that eating healthy (no fried, sugary, spicy things) - lots of fruits and veggies and fluid consumption, and fish!! Fish is amazing. And getting to bed early, getting enough sleep is of utmost important. For me, my acne starts flaring everywhere if I go to bed late (even if I wake up late too). These are chinese medicine principles, but they do help with controlling inflammation and redness of the acne or acne marks.

The results are now, 5 months after stopping retin-A and 4 months into using 302, I'm looking younger again as my skin recovers its original firmness, thickness and ability to retain moisture. I thought I'd gained weight when I saw that my skin was looking more thick and firm, but I hadn't gained any weight! I must also add that prior to this, acne had been a problem for me for 4 years!! Now it's under control even without retin-A or acids or regular exfoliating.

All the best with your acne recovery, it *IS* possible to recover your skin to its prior condition!

free skin care · Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:59 am

I've started using retin-a on my neck, but after reading this I will never use it on my face! I have never had spots or acne and have really clear skin so would hate the after effects of retin-a if they happened to me. The idea of being practically dependent on one thing for the rest fo my life doesn't sound appealing!! Shock

free skin care · Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:03 pm

HeavenLeigh wrote:

Recovery from retin-A use is possible!! But you need to use something to control the acne in the meantime, and I don't recommend anythiing harsh including antibiotics. I've tried this, and the acne just came back after I stopped.

I have also been a retin-A user, relatively long-term for about a solid year of applying it every night. I stopped because I felt my skin was look really blah even with most of the acne under control. It didn't stop the hard bumps from forming either, it just kinda stayed fatter. Retin-A also didn't stop milia from forming...and overall, I uneven skintone, and dryness despite my oily skin. Skin was also less firm and much thinner. I just suddenly looked OLDER!

Ok and I must've mentioned this a million times across EDS by now *chuckle* but I started the 302 skincare regime in attempt to search for a non-acid alternative, which has been a godsend to me!! Very Happy

I've been using the acne mist, recovery minerals, ointment rx and 302 drops (really speeds up healing and surfacing of the hard bumps!!!) While I still get breakouts, they are healing faster and surfacing properly. It's been about 4 months, but I must say I saw the benefits of 302 rightaway...you need to persist with it though as recovery can be slooooow but consistent if your routine is not too much.

And other things: I know this will sound very conventional, but I think that eating healthy (no fried, sugary, spicy things) - lots of fruits and veggies and fluid consumption, and fish!! Fish is amazing. And getting to bed early, getting enough sleep is of utmost important. For me, my acne starts flaring everywhere if I go to bed late (even if I wake up late too). These are chinese medicine principles, but they do help with controlling inflammation and redness of the acne or acne marks.

The results are now, 5 months after stopping retin-A and 4 months into using 302, I'm looking younger again as my skin recovers its original firmness, thickness and ability to retain moisture. I thought I'd gained weight when I saw that my skin was looking more thick and firm, but I hadn't gained any weight! I must also add that prior to this, acne had been a problem for me for 4 years!! Now it's under control even without retin-A or acids or regular exfoliating.

All the best with your acne recovery, it *IS* possible to recover your skin to its prior condition!

Hey Hun!
Thanks so much for taking the time to post your reply! I'm really glad that the 302 system has brought back your beautiful skin! I was just thinking before I started using Retin-A people used to tell me my skin was really nice. I used to think to myself " what are they talking about". Now that I have these horrible breakouts I think to myself "my skin wasn't that bad".

I started looking into what everyone is doing for their skin and what is supposed to the top of the line products. I kept seeing all of these acids products. I kept wondering to myself has anyone used acids for along period of time? It seems to me "acids" seem to be the "it" thing in skincare, but for how long? It just didn't seem right to me. So I never started using any other acids but Retin-A.

I wonder how many doctors have seen patients that have stopped using Retin-A, and they ended up having horrible breakouts ect? If they know this information why aren't they warning people about this?

I might receive "heck" for posting this but somehow I really don't think Retin A is that great and wonderful like the derm's crack it up to be. I wonder how many of the studies for Retin-A were done by the drug companies? I haven't heard of a lot of people who have used Retin-A for along time. I know there are some and if it works for you that's great!

I really like the looks of ingredients in 302 skincare. I like that it has no parbens, SLS and all that other junk I'm trying to stay away from.

The one thing I've learned about skincare is you really have to be your own investigator. Just because Retin-A claims to be the greatest product in the world doesn't me it's going to be that way for you! I've also think there is a lot of junk in skincare. Unnecessary cheap ingredients such as SLS parbens ect..

Smile

free skin care · Tue Jun 16, 2009 4:52 am

I think the skincare problems you are talking about after quitting Retin A are not the norm and Retin A can do far more good than harm.. I hope this thread doesn't discourage potential users. Without a doubt I believe most people on this forum would agree, it is singlehandedly the most effect anti-aging substance we have in our arsenal!

free skin care · Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:46 am

I'm about to embark on a 302 regimen and terrified of not using my Retin A. I was advised to slowly ween off. I'm always trying something "new" and like the 302 philosophy. I had planned on using Retin A forever and still may be back. This thread has me wondering if I too will experience the negative after effects.Please do keep us posted as to your progress without Retin A. I really hope your skin goes back soon.

free skin care · Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:18 am

c4ward wrote:

I'm about to embark on a 302 regimen and terrified of not using my Retin A. I was advised to slowly ween off. I'm always trying something "new" and like the 302 philosophy. I had planned on using Retin A forever and still may be back. This thread has me wondering if I too will experience the negative after effects.Please do keep us posted as to your progress without Retin A. I really hope your skin goes back soon.

Hi! I didn't mean to scare you! I heard that your looking into trying 302 as well. I'm sure everyone who goes off of Retin A doesn't have problems, I guess I'm just one of the lucky ones! Thank you for your kind words, I hope my skin goes back to normal as well.

Smile

free skin care · Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:22 am

mountaingirl wrote:

I think the skincare problems you are talking about after quitting Retin A are not the norm and Retin A can do far more good than harm.. I hope this thread doesn't discourage potential users. Without a doubt I believe most people on this forum would agree, it is singlehandedly the most effect anti-aging substance we have in our arsenal!

This thread wasn't meant to "scare" anyone off from using Retin-A. As I stated before, I'm sure some people love it as have great success with the product.

I just think people shouldn't jump into using a product because everyone else is using is. They should do a lot of research and take their own skin type into consideration. Smile

free skin care · Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:34 am

I do agree with you that this is a few cases. Overall, I am very happy using Retin-A and my skin has never been better.... I think proper eating is a factor... Eat more vegies, less meat, no fried foods, drink lots of water and please do not poke those pimples or even touch it!

mountaingirl wrote:

I think the skincare problems you are talking about after quitting Retin A are not the norm and Retin A can do far more good than harm.. I hope this thread doesn't discourage potential users. Without a doubt I believe most people on this forum would agree, it is singlehandedly the most effect anti-aging substance we have in our arsenal!

free skin care · Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:04 pm

Maybe there is only a "few" cases of people who had side effects from Retin A. There is no way of really knowing. Maybe I just got lucky. As for my diet, I haven't ate red meat for years. I also drink a lot of water, eat fruit ect... I never had any skin problems until I stopped Retin A. Like I said I guess I'm just lucky.

jade-1234 wrote:

I do agree with you that this is a few cases. Overall, I am very happy using Retin-A and my skin has never been better.... I think proper eating is a factor... Eat more vegies, less meat, no fried foods, drink lots of water and please do not poke those pimples or even touch it!

mountaingirl wrote:

I think the skincare problems you are talking about after quitting Retin A are not the norm and Retin A can do far more good than harm.. I hope this thread doesn't discourage potential users. Without a doubt I believe most people on this forum would agree, it is singlehandedly the most effect anti-aging substance we have in our arsenal!

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