Back on Retin-A for the first time in a decade
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:26 pm

I'm going back on Retin-A after having abandoned it back in high school in favor of more natural solutions. That, ah, haven't helped my cystic acne. Smile

My talk with my new derm today made me more comfortable about it, and the newer formula actually seems to have less creepy stuff in the base.

This is a stronger percentage than I'm used to, though, and I was always a big peeler in the beginning. I just thought I'd see if anyone else has any feedback as to what one might add to one's anti-peel regimen. Tonight, for my first dosage, I just put on a pea-sized amount, and I mixed it with several drops of my homemade facial oil (macadamia and apricot kernel) plus a few pumps of my John Masters Organics Rose and Green Tea Serum -- light but hydrating. Hopefully this will keep it at bay.

Since y'all are so savvy, and since the skincare knowledge base has changed a lot from when I was a teen, AND since my skin is way less oily now, I wanted to poll y'all who use Retin-A now. What are your fave anti-peel tricks? Any particular triggers that make peeling worse, or make it look more accentuated? Something tells me I won't be able to use powder for a few days...

free skin care · Fri Oct 26, 2007 3:07 am

If you live in a dry climate in the winter, sleep with a humidifier in your room. This helped me a lot. When you do get the peelies, you can rub 'em away with a microfiber cleansing cloth (NCN has a good one). Increase your amount Rolling Eyes

S-L-O-W-L-Y to minimize the irritation. Good luck!

free skin care · Fri Oct 26, 2007 6:33 am

Sorry, I don't have a miracle cure for peeling. I've just cut back from 1.0% to 0.5% to lessen the peeling. However, isn't the peeling beneficial in that dead skin cells are being sloughed off.

I also find a microfiber cloth fantastic for removing flaky skin - just be careful, I rubbed the side of my nose so hard I ended up with a red-raw bleeding patch. Rolling Eyes

Stick with it this time though, because the benefits of using Retin-A far outweigh the peeling issue.

free skin care · Sat Oct 27, 2007 4:01 pm

I haven't used this in YEARS but remember that horrible dry and peeling period. Ofcourse bak then I was pretty ignorant to all the wonderful cremes out there now. Let us know what you think of the new formula and if it helps your acne. Been there done that with the cystic acne Sad

Good luck!

free skin care · Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:25 pm

ginnielizze--

i know some are against applying any products on top of retin-a but i have read quite a lot all across the boards and i believe that using a heavier moisturizer on top after waiting a sufficient time should help keep flakes at bay. please let me know how you're doing. i am currently using retinol products (skinceuticals and perfect complexion) and may make the leap to retin-a next.

Kris

free skin care · Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:13 pm

Thanks for the advice, you guys! So far, 3 days in with NO flakes. I've been diluting it with my John Masters Organics Rose and Green Tea serum, which is somewhat moisturizing, and I occasionally put in a bit of my custom skincare oil (mostly macadamia and apricot kernel oils).

Still, this is .04% instead of the .025% I used in high school, so I expected it to be worse! My derm said that the new micro-gel formula is apparently less irritating, so I guess she was right? Who knows. I'll update, especially since a couple of you have PMed and said you were going to be going back on Retin-A soon yourselves, but so far this has been pretty painless for me. A little tightness for my lips, but nothing to freak out about.

I don't know why I've delayed this for so long! Laughing

free skin care · Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:58 pm

Hey ginnie,

good to hear about your success. remember to not apply retin-a near your mouth corners. i remember rich from skininteractive board saying retin-a can cause permanent cracks there. quite horriying!

Kris

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:00 am

Whoa! I've been applying it all over, since my derm said this new micro stuff can be used more liberally, but I'll have to double-check with her. I'm on day, what, four now? and still not peeling... crazy! In a good way. Smile

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:01 am

ginnielizz wrote:

Whoa! I've been applying it all over, since my derm said this new micro stuff can be used more liberally, but I'll have to double-check with her. I'm on day, what, four now? and still not peeling... crazy! In a good way. Smile

I pulled this from the Retin-a micro gel site, it may explain why you are not having any irritation:

What are microspheres and how does the Microsponge® system work?
Microspheres are round microscopic particles made of synthetic polymer. These particles hold tretinoin in the Microsponge® system, and the microsponges with the drug are formulated into a gel. The microspheres hold the medication in reserve, allowing the skin to absorb small amounts of tretinoin over time. Dermatologists who conducted the clinical studies believe this may be why most RETIN-A MICRO patients experience little or no irritation. The microspheres themselves remain on top of the skin and are easily washed off when you shower or wash your face.

Source: http://www.retinamicro.com/faq.asp#go12

I got my script today, cant wait to get started!

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:03 am

I apply my retin-A AFTER I use the ifeelprettyproducts clarifying serum. Its basically an oil serum, I use that, and then apply retin-A over it. Seems to help with the peelies.

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:05 am

I have just completed three months on Retin A Micro and I only have positive things to say about it. When trying other Retin A products in the past, I could never get past .025% because of the raw skin it caused. So...disappointing as I have been dealing with hormonal acne for about 5 years and I am so sick of it. Anyway, my dermatologist switched me to the Micro and I am so, so glad! For me, the peeling is much less than it was on the other forms and it seems to go in cycles. When I seem to be peeling a good amount, I just back off for a day or two and it's gone. (By the way, I don't think the peeling actually started until week 2 or 3 for me so you still may very well experience it but it's not been a big deal at all.) I don't seem to have a problem with flaking or raw, tight skin with the Micro either. Of course, the best part is that my skin is completely clear now and has been since the end of the second month. Amazing. The fact that it will help with aging issues (I am 43. bleh!)is a bonus.
I have to also recommend the microfiber cloth from NCN. Gently but effective way to deal with the side effects of the Retin A
Good luck!

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:32 am

Awesome, wow, you guys are so informative! I almost MISS the peeling because that was always how I knew it was working. Laughing

But I'm very happy to have this solution -- I hope it kicks in soon, but I started right before my TOTM and my cystic hormonal acne is worse than ever right now. Looking forward to the help Retin-A provides!

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:30 pm

ginnielizz, i also take breaks from retinol, but use it now, slightly diluted like others here, with other moisturizers. I still peel, but not so much as I did on the Obagi regimen. I've heard of women using retinol as little as weekly as a mask for 20 minutes and getting benefits from this. it seems to be a really individual thing.

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:07 pm

Interesting, I had no idea anyone used it so infrequently. I also had no idea others diluted it (at least not before joining EDS) -- I started doing that back in high school because I just couldn't take it. But this micro stuff is FABULOUS. I wonder if dilution affects the time-released Retinol at all, though? Ah well, I'm keeping at it (and using plenty of sunscreen)... I may step it down once my acne calms down, we'll see!

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 6:57 pm

This is all very interesting about the micro gel. I have been using both 0.5% and 1.0% cream Retin-A that I purchased from Medsmex without a prescription. However, on my last visit to the doctor I asked him for some Retin-A and he asked me cream or gel so I said gel. However, when I looked at the script after, he had given me 0.01%. I took it to the chemist and said that I think the doc had made a mistake - I wanted 1.0% gel. The pharmacist said that the only gel Retin-A available in Australia is at 0.01%. So now I guess, its back to Medsmex for me, I'll have to see if they have the gel available.

free skin care · Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:35 pm

Retin-A Micro doesn't cause a lot of peeling.

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:14 am

I'm in the minority here because I prefer the regular Retin-A over the Micro. The Micro tore me up (but in fairness, I only used it for a brief period of time) but the regular never has. I've been on it for 7 months now and my skin looks MUCH better. I'm 50 and had adult acne for years. After 2 months on Retin-A, I was clear. I never got red/peely, although there are times that I get a little flaky around my chin. I've upped my dose to the .1% and have been on that for about 2 months. When I get the flakies, I wait a while after applying the Retin-A, then put a dollop of clinique's moisture surge, fortified with a couple of drops of jojoba oil, on my face. The next morning, I'm fine. I love this stuff! Very Happy

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 8:36 am

Keliu wrote:

This is all very interesting about the micro gel. I have been using both 0.5% and 1.0% cream Retin-A that I purchased from Medsmex without a prescription. However, on my last visit to the doctor I asked him for some Retin-A and he asked me cream or gel so I said gel. However, when I looked at the script after, he had given me 0.01%. I took it to the chemist and said that I think the doc had made a mistake - I wanted 1.0% gel. The pharmacist said that the only gel Retin-A available in Australia is at 0.01%. So now I guess, its back to Medsmex for me, I'll have to see if they have the gel available.

I'm sure internationally Retin-A is available in a highest strength of 0.1%...1% would burn your skin off!

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:09 pm

beeb wrote:

Keliu wrote:

This is all very interesting about the micro gel. I have been using both 0.5% and 1.0% cream Retin-A that I purchased from Medsmex without a prescription. However, on my last visit to the doctor I asked him for some Retin-A and he asked me cream or gel so I said gel. However, when I looked at the script after, he had given me 0.01%. I took it to the chemist and said that I think the doc had made a mistake - I wanted 1.0% gel. The pharmacist said that the only gel Retin-A available in Australia is at 0.01%. So now I guess, its back to Medsmex for me, I'll have to see if they have the gel available.

I'm sure internationally Retin-A is available in a highest strength of 0.1%...1% would burn your skin off!

Yes sorry, I made a typo - having a senior moment! What I'm actually referring to is the 0.1% (this is the strength I wanted). There is a difference in the 0.1% and 0.01% isn't there? Wouldn't 0.01% be extremely low in strength. Help, I'm getting all confused? Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:36 pm

Keliu wrote:

beeb wrote:

Keliu wrote:

This is all very interesting about the micro gel. I have been using both 0.5% and 1.0% cream Retin-A that I purchased from Medsmex without a prescription. However, on my last visit to the doctor I asked him for some Retin-A and he asked me cream or gel so I said gel. However, when I looked at the script after, he had given me 0.01%. I took it to the chemist and said that I think the doc had made a mistake - I wanted 1.0% gel. The pharmacist said that the only gel Retin-A available in Australia is at 0.01%. So now I guess, its back to Medsmex for me, I'll have to see if they have the gel available.

I'm sure internationally Retin-A is available in a highest strength of 0.1%...1% would burn your skin off!

Yes sorry, I made a typo - having a senior moment! What I'm actually referring to is the 0.1% (this is the strength I wanted). There is a difference in the 0.1% and 0.01% isn't there? Wouldn't 0.01% be extremely low in strength. Help, I'm getting all confused? Rolling Eyes

Retin-a micro comes in 2 strengths--0.04% and 0.1%
Regular retin-a comes in a weakest formula of 0.025%
I don't think there is such thing as 0.01%
Hope that helps!

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:57 pm

Thanks for your help Beeb. But this is my whole issue - my prescription (which I have in front of me now) quite clearly says 0.01%. So when I brought this up with the pharmacist he said that this was the only strength of Retin-A available in Australia.

So now I'm going to take it to another pharmacist and see what they say - maybe the doc has made a typo. Will let you know what happens.

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:03 pm

Keliu wrote:

Thanks for your help Beeb. But this is my whole issue - my prescription (which I have in front of me now) quite clearly says 0.01%. So when I brought this up with the pharmacist he said that this was the only strength of Retin-A available in Australia.

So now I'm going to take it to another pharmacist and see what they say - maybe the doc has made a typo. Will let you know what happens.

Hmmmm. Maybe they have different strengths in Australia.

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:20 pm

Just checked out the Medsmex website and they only list a 0.01% gel. Take a look.
http://www.medsmex.com/store/search.php?mode=search&page=1

Wouldn't I be right in thinking that if I have been using a 0.1% cream I would be crazy to switch to a 0.01% gel? I will discuss this with the pharmacist today.

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:32 pm

Weird! I've been on the gel and the cream (both .1%) and the gel is less irritating so most people can tolerate a higher percentage in the gel. That's why it is strange that you can only find such a low percentage gel.

free skin care · Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:43 am

Well, I've been to see the pharmacist and he said that the gel formulation is more potent than the cream. So in his opinion the 0.01% gel is equal in strength to the 0.05% cream. There is no 0.1% gel available in Australia, only a cream. I would have liked to use the gel as I don't like putting creams on my face. However, I haven't had any problems with using the 0.1% cream so will probably continue with this.

If anyone knows where I can buy a 0.1% or 0.05%gel on the web can you let me know. Thanks.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.