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Fri Jul 09, 2010 4:30 pm  |
| I'd really like to know when you can start using a prescription retinoid and whether or not it's okay to combine it with AHA. Some doctors say you should not use retinoid until you're past 30/40s, and that you should not use it with AHA. Can anyone give some suggestions? Thanks. |
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Fri Jul 09, 2010 5:09 pm |
| Yes you can use them together, both of them are used in the Obagi NuDerm system. I would recommend you use the AHA in the morning and the retinoid at night. I'm not sure if using them at the same time (on top of each other) negates the effects of one or both or causes other complications but even if they don't, using both at the same time may be too harsh for your skin. |
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40, Asian, Fitpatrick III with mostly moderate hyperpigmentation and isolated severe. Currently on Obagi Nu-Derm. |
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scform
New Member
 
Joined: 09 Jul 2010
Posts: 3
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Fri Jul 09, 2010 6:11 pm |
I'm always wary of using both at the same time for fear of sensitizing the skin. I personally wouldn't use an AHA during the day either, even underneath sunscreen, just because of the potential irritation.
If you really want to use one, a good wid-way point is to use an AHA cleanser every couple of days and leave it on your skin for at least a minute before rinsing. That way you get the exfoliation of AHAs without leaving them on the skin to interfere with the retinoids. I like the MD Forte cleansers myself. |
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SCforM: An independent blog devoted to the science of skincare! Vist it at www . scform . com and be sure to click on the 'For Women' button too! |
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Fri Jul 09, 2010 10:48 pm |
There are various ways you can use the 2 products if you're not game for the aggressive Obagi regime:
- Use Retin A and AHA on alternate nights
- Use Retin A and AHA in "cycles" eg Retin A for 6 weeks followed by AHA for 6 weeks and back again to Retin A etc.
I don't suggest starting them both at the same time. You need to start one first, then if skin is stabilized after a few weeks, start the other one.
As for the age at which you can start prescription retinoid, it really depends on your individual skin condition. If you're younger than 30 and having acne and scars, then you can start Retin A and/or AHAs. But if you have relatively good skin and just looking for maintenance, you should use a weaker retinoid (eg Renova). You might not need the AHA unless you have skin issues like scars/hyperpigmentation/uneven skin etc) that are reported to improve with AHAs. |
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Fri Jul 16, 2010 7:49 pm |
| Thank you, everyone, for the answers. I am concerned, though, about the peeling with starting a retinoid. I believe it's not exfoliation, but just the speeding of the turnovers? If I don't use AHA, then what to do to get rid of the flakes? |
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Sat Jul 17, 2010 2:26 am |
| Using a soft wash cloth or muslin cloth with your regular cleanser will deal with flaking skin well. |
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