Help with retin-a and sun exposure
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:11 am

Hello all,
I started using Retin-A 0.025 % end of January this year. My hope is that it will help with all my congestion (blackheads, clogged pores), improve clarity and of course anti-aging benefits. For the first 2,5 weeks, I applied it every other night, then increased to every night. So far I have not experienced any bad side effects, only slight dryness (which I always get during the winter months anyway). There has been no redness or irritation, only a slight stinging sensation from sweating during exercise, but nothing too bothersome. I have been using exfoliating products containing various acids and vitamin A for a few years now, so I guess that has helped my skin build up a certain resistance (?)
I have not really seen any results yet, although some days I have been thinking my pores do appear a bit smaller (might be wishful thinking Very Happy

)

So, end of this month I am going on vacation to the San Francisco area for 2 weeks. It’s not a beach vacation, but I guess we will be outdoor quite a lot, and there is a possibility we might go to the coast/beach. I know I should be very careful with sun exposure while on Retin-A. I am currently using Devita’s Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 every day, but wondering should I switch to a higher SPF? Have been doing some searching, but not sure what is best to do. Should I stop using Retin-A during the spring/summer months, as I know there will be some sun exposure? I don’t think I will be able to stay away from the beach/sun for the whole summer. Is it ok to stop RA, say May to August (maybe use a salicylic acid serum at nighttime instead to help with congestion), and use it rest of the year? From what I’ve read so far, there seems to be different opinions re. this..

Sorry about the long post. Comments and advice would be greatly appreciated! Smile

free skin care · Fri Mar 09, 2012 6:05 am

violetta wrote:

Is it ok to stop RA, say May to August (maybe use a salicylic acid serum at nighttime instead to help with congestion), and use it rest of the year? From what I’ve read so far, there seems to be different opinions re. this..

You can stop but you will lose your results and it will be like starting over when you start back up. I'd look into getting a better sunscreen. La Roche Posay and Neutrogena make several good one's.

free skin care · Fri Mar 09, 2012 7:50 pm

GirlieGirl wrote:

violetta wrote:

Is it ok to stop RA, say May to August (maybe use a salicylic acid serum at nighttime instead to help with congestion), and use it rest of the year? From what I’ve read so far, there seems to be different opinions re. this..

You can stop but you will lose your results and it will be like starting over when you start back up. I'd look into getting a better sunscreen. La Roche Posay and Neutrogena make several good one's.

see ,,,all skin cares are like this stop using it and loose the results...nothing excepted!~

free skin care · Fri Mar 09, 2012 10:01 pm

We've been having some great weather here in the Bay Area I hope it keeps up for you. I think the Devita is a good daily sunscreen. I use a SPF 30 sunscreen every day and I have never even gotten pink. That's all I use for my walks on the beach too. The only time you might want to think of using something stronger is if you're in a hot climate on the beach. You have to use Retin A daily for a least a year before seeing the best results. You may see results before then but it is recommended that you work up to using it every day for at least a year before taking a holiday from it. Then if you are on vacation in a hot climate you can take a week or two off. For Bay Area weather this time of year I think the Devita will be fine.

free skin care · Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:06 pm

I'd think SPF 30 should be fine but if you did want a higher SPF, I can fully recommend Obagi Sun Shield SPF 50 - absolutely non-greasy and non-whitening and makeup goes on like a dream over it as well - not that you'll necessarily want to use it on holiday!

Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:48 am

Thanks for your advice and product recommendations, everyone. I think I will continue using the Retin-A and just be very diligent with my SPF and try to keep my face out of the sun.

Thanks, jom, I am very much looking forward to visiting the Bay Area Smile

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