Need advice - Retin A, Acne, and Peeling
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Wed May 07, 2014 10:16 am

I've been on Retin-A Micro 0.04% Gel since last August. I use it almost every day. I'm wondering if I'm using it too often because I'll have a day or two of extreme peeling (like my face is falling off). I started using it for acne, but I'm still getting some. It's not as severe as it was, but I was hoping it'd be gone completely.

My skincare regimen:
AM:
Cleanser - SheaMoisture African Black Soap
Cosmetic Skin Solutions (CSS) Vitamin C+E Serum
PCA Skin EyeXcellence
CSS Day Moisturizing Creme

PM:
Cleanser - SheaMoisture African Black Soap
Retin A Micro (wait 20-30 minutes for applying it)
CSS Hydra B5 Gel
PCA Skin EyeXcellence
Cerave PM Moisturizing Lotion

What should I change?

free skin care · Wed May 07, 2014 3:10 pm

Try introducing it gradually. First once every 4 days, then when your skin adjusts to that, every 3, then 2 and so on. This is how my doctor told me to get used to it. When you can tolerate that strength every day, you can move up.

I started with .025 and even that caused a reaction, so maybe you could ask for a milder strength to begin with. Also I have found that the cream formulations are easier to tolerate.

With Retin A more is not better so make sure you measure out an amount the size of a pea on the back of your hand for your entire face, then put dots of that around your face and smooth it for even coverage.

Wed May 07, 2014 3:14 pm

Thanks mismis. I've been on it since last August, so my skin should be used to it by now I would think.

I do use just a pea sized amount, but I'll try applying it the way you recommended.

free skin care · Wed May 07, 2014 5:11 pm

I was going to suggest using a cream instead of a gel, but I see it's micro gel - I think that's meant to cause less of a reaction, so it doesn't sound like switching to the cream would help you. I just started using Retin-A myself so I'm certainly no expert, but if it were me, I would cut back on the days of application - maybe start using it 3 days a week instead of 7.

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