Excellent article on Retin A
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:37 am

Someone posted the link to this article on imminst.org. It is a great article on Retin A. Give it a read.

http://www.wwltv.com/medical/stories/wwl103009tpretinoids.26b7ba02e.html

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:06 pm

Thanks for posting this article Riley. I would just like to mention the following information regarding Renova (which I believe is the medication approved for aging skin).

The label indicates that "RENOVA (tretinoin emollient cream) 0.05% is indicated as an adjunctive agent for use in the mitigation (palliation) of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial skin in patients who do not achieve such palliation using comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance programs alone". It further goes on to state RENOVA DOES NOT ELIMINATE WRINKLES, REPAIR SUN DAMAGED SKIN, REVERSE PHOTO-AGING, or RESTORE A MORE YOUTHFUL or YOUNGER DERMAL HISTOLOGIC PATTERN.

RENOVA has demonstrated NO MITIGATING EFFECT on significant signs of chronic sun exposure such as coarse or deep wrinkling, skin yellowing, lentigines, telangiectasia, skin laxity, keratinocytic atypia, melanocytic atypia, or dermal elastosis. The effectiveness of RENOVA in the mitigation of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial skin has not been established in people greater than 50 years of age OR in people with moderately to heavily pigmented skin.

You can read more about Renova here:

http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=917

Basically what I am saying is the article slightly over-states the benefits of topical retinoids. However I would agree wholeheartedly that it is the BEST treatment available for aging skin (along with sun protection). I think this article reinforces what most of us knew already, but its nice to see our opinions confirmed in writing!

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:15 pm

Thanks for posting this article Rileygirl.

I already know all the stuff the article speaks about but many people don't. Sometimes they read a thread here or there that may make them afraid to try Retin-A or Renova. They start thinking it'll make their skin terrible looking and that they'll have lots of side effects if they start using a prescription strength retinoid.

It's really too important of a skincare product not to use.

The main issue is that people start out slowly and that will depend on how resistant their skin is. Many people start out trying to use the product way to often and at a much higher strength than they should. Many think if the product is so great for skin, using it more will be even better. Some think because they aren't experiencing any redness, irritation or peeling that the retinoid is not working. If your using Retin-A or Renova and not experiencing any irritation, the product is working, your just using it the correct way, slow and at a lower strength at first. then slowly move your way up in usage and strength over time.

Retinoids help us to have beautiful healthy looking skin.

I just posted about this topic in another Retin-A thread. I don't like to see others turned off to Retin-A before even trying it themselves. Many are in such a rush to see results that they overuse it in the beginning, then experience irritation, sometimes major irritation. Then they stop using it and sometimes scare others from giving it a try. The problem usually isn't the product but the person who was applying the product, either too often, at to high of a strength or both. You need to take it slow and easy when starting prescription retinoids. The goal is not to look more wrinkled, red or have flaky peeling skin. If this is happening, just back off for a day or two or switch to the next lower strength. Your skin will get used to the product in time. You don't have to look bad while waiting for your skin to get used to retinoids.

There are many knowledgeable ladies on this board that give great advice on Retin-A and Renova including Rileygirl. If your hesitant about starting to use a retinoid product, especially prescription strength just ask these ladies your questions. They won't steer you wrong. The biggest idea you'll need to get used to is taking it slow. It took your face years to acquire the damage and wrinkles your trying to get rid of. Don't be in such a rush expecting a product to get rid of them in 30 days or less or even 60 days or less. Retinoids take months to show results and those results are sooo worth it. Just start low and slow and in a few months you'll start seeing why so many of us will never be without our beloved Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Differin etc.

Another important point is to not use alot of other products on the night you apply your retinoid, especially in the beginning when your skin is getting used to it. In the beginning just use the retinoid and a decent moisturizer and eye cream if you need one. Just wait a bit until the retinoid is fully absorbed into your skin. You don't need to use any other antiaging products with it. If you want you can use your other nightime products on the nights your not using a retinoid.

In a few months when you start to see what a retinoid product can do for your skin you'll know why it's the gold standard for antiaging. You won't need to blow a ton of money looking for your antiaging Holy Grail. You'll have already found it.

This is based on my personal experience with Renova and Retin-A. It can't totally erase the hands of time but it will slow the aging process down and reverse some things like fine lines, soften wrinkles and help remove pigmentaion issues.

I've used alot of skincare products inexpensive and very expensive. Noon of them have ever done anything near what Renova and Retin-A has done for my skin.

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:05 pm

You ladies are correct! From the warnings on Renova (from the link I posted earlier):

RENOVA should be kept out of the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Topical use may cause severe local erythema, pruritus, burning, stinging, and peeling at the site of application.

And there is this from WebMD about topical Tretinoin:

Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-3956-tretinoin+top.aspx

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:46 am

You all should hear both sides so here is the negative: 23 years of Retin A (and some other contributing factors) has left me with severe Dry Eye Syndrome, and that is without application to the upper lids. I've only used it around the crows feet and under the eyes..but never too close to the lower lid. I know it leaches into the eyes, because the permanent eye liner on my lower lid is totally bleached out and infact, almost non existent now-- and that is from the Retin A! (remember, I never put it on that area.) My eyes are permanently bloodshot and always looked irritated. I look at people with white sclera longingly! Rolling Eyes

It may take years to reap some of the negative side effects (cause I've been a RA user a looooooong time,) but just don't go blindly into your Retin A euphoria.... Proceed with caution and eyes wide open!

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:22 pm

No Rileygirl...no doc has ever told me that my dry eyes are strictly from Retin A use. There are a combination of things going on that have contributed to that Syndrome so don't think I'm solely blaming Retin A! I have noticed though, when I wake up in the morning after I use RA, my eyes are drier than when I don't use it. Mind you, when I wake up ANY morning, they are dry as bones! Crying or Very sad

As far as permanent eye liner goes, it should last a lot longer than 6 months--a couple of years at least is more like it. My lower lid liner has bleached out faster this time than ever before and I have to attribute it to the fact that I have been applying .01% Tazorac on my crowsfeet and under my eyes (and .05 on the rest of my face.) I have it touched up every 2 or 3 years. I have what is called a lash enhancement, so it is very subtle. I love it because I have "eyes" without any makeup on them, and before I had it done, my eyes were bland and undefined. I still apply eyeliner to make it more dramatic, but it isn't necessary. This is who I went to and she has some good before and afters:
http://dawncolors.com/

free skin care · Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:56 am

Keliu, try this and see if it works.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/health/Misunderstood-drug-works-on-skin-conditions-wards-off-cancers-67821712.html

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