topic Decision time retinol vs Retin-A in Beauty

Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Icegoddess — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 04:11:27 GMT

I have now almost finished two of the super-sized PTR Retinol Fusion bottles that were a TSV some time last year, so now I need to decide what to do next. Should I:

1. wait for another PTR TSV

2. try a different Retinol product

3. try Retin-A

I do feel like i have better clarity with my skin after using the PTR product. I really didn't have wrinkles before and still do not except a 1 between my eyes and some forehead wrinkles, one fairly deep. I can tell that before too long I will probably start getting smoker/pucker lines. I generally look younger than my 60 yrs, but I think I could use some help with texture. I guess there's nothing that will help with gravity issues since I can tell I am starting to get jowels short of maybe laser treatments.

I read @SilleeMee's description on HOW to use Retin-A, but I was wondering whether it would really be helpful for my particular issues.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

customerqvc2 — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 23:12:38 GMT

It is really difficult to say what will be exactly right for you. My sensitive skin had trouble with irritation and lots of peeling with Retin-A even after years on it. Finally, I switched to PTR retinol PM serum and I found it gentle and that I didn't need to skip days to be able to tolerate it. A derm on Doctor Radio says that Retin-A is best, but if you find yourself skipping days and days to tolerate Retin-A, then she said that a good retinol is a good move because it has nearly Rx strength plus vit c and often vit E all wrapped in easy-to-use/user friendly solutions.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

San Antonio Gal — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:38:05 GMT

@Icegoddess - My vote is for Retin A. As far as tolerating it, perhaps you could start off with the lowest strength possible. I know @SilleeMee will chime in when she reads your post. Good luck with whatever route you go and keep us posted.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

jackthebear — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 11:03:43 GMT

the PTR . retinol did nothing for me. I tossed it.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

World Traveler — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 11:44:53 GMT

What does your dermatologist advise? Seems like that would be the best person to check with, someone who is familiar with your skin type, needs, sensitivities (if any), etc.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

tototwo — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 12:15:51 GMT

It's such a personal decision! I know for me, I tried a Retin-A about 20 years ago. My face peeled, burned, etc. -- and I also had rosacea at the time, so my complexion looked (and felt!) like a bomb hit it. After a few weeks I decided that all the peeling and rash could not be good for my complexion in the long run, so I quit Retin-A and bought a drugstore Retinol. My face calmed down in a few days.

As far as results? A poster on this board told me back then to not expect 'overnight results.' Just be consistent with the Retinol and some day it will appear as if the clock stopped and I didn't age beyond the day I started the Retinol. Kind of dramatic, right? But that's what happened with me. Everyone is different. You'll get many opinions on this topic.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

disneynut57 — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 12:09:03 GMT

I have had good luck with Serious Skincare line with Retinol. My skin has never looked better

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

SilleeMee — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 12:24:59 GMT

@Icegoddess

I think it's best to seek the advice of a derm because Retin-A is, in fact, a Rx drug and it may or may not be right for you.

Here's some general info about tretinoin (Retin-A)...

...it's about 100 times more potent than retinol.

...it's the only scientifically proven topical product used to treat lines and wrinkles.

...it acts more like a hormone rather than a typical skin care active ingredient.

If you are going to try Retin-A outside the recommendation of a professional, then I would start with the lowest (0.025%) concentration and use it according to the instructions.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Icegoddess — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 13:41:29 GMT

Well, I guess I'll probably just stick with the retinol. I'm really only looking to maintain. I wasn't overly concerned with being able to tolerate it. I haven't had problems in the past with other products, and I understand you have to work your way into it.

I'm also not particularly interested in shopping a dermatologist. We were having a discussion last night at choir because someone is having some sort of topical chemo treatment on his face for skin cancers. Someone asked who he was going to and he said XXX, she doesn't believe in wearing makeup and recommends only Ivory soap. Another person said they went to her concerned about wrinkles and she told them to get rid of the magnifying mirror.

So, I guess I'm looking for retinol recs.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Grouchomarx — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 14:28:03 GMT

Personally I would never take a chance with Retin-A. It would be too strong for me and I have friends that suffered greatly after their derm prescribed it. If you are having good results with what you're using, why not stick with it? I would not trade my PTR retinol fusion PM for anything. Another option for you is to try his other retinol product. It is 3% retinol, available at Sephora. It's called Professional retinol 3% plus. I tried it years ago and found it a bit challeging and got scared, so I returned it. But it will not even approach the strength of Retin-A, so it's less risky and you can always return it The reviews are quite good, 4.6/5 stars.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

wagirl — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 14:28:28 GMT

I use PTR retinal products with huge good results. I tried Retin A for some skin issues 25 years ago and my face swelled up like a ballon so was on anti-histamines for a few days--never used it again. The dr I saw was a quack and went out of business a few years later--I would go see a derm dr for their advice and guidlines.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

SilleeMee — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 14:28:50 GMT

Something a derm told me long ago about using Retin-A...that using Retin-A was the best bang for your buck. In other words, using a retinol is the expensive way of attaining the results from an antiaging treatment using retinoids.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Grouchomarx — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 14:34:56 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Something a derm told me long ago about using Retin-A...that using Retin-A was the best bang for your buck. In other words, using a retinol is the expensive way of attaining the results from an antiaging treatment using retinoids.

But if your face cannot tolerate it, it's worth nothing! I'm not a fan of overly strong things for the face. It causes problems instead of solving them. Like some of these vitamin C products out there today, they are so strong and irritating I can't handle them.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

SilleeMee — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:35:43 GMT

The key to using Retin-A in the beginning is to apply it less frequently. Sometimes this might be only once a week for starters. Most people, even those with sensitive skin, will eventually adjust to using it as it was intended. But, as with any Rx drug, there is a percentage of people who simply cannot use it at all. In that case, Retin-A is not for you.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

henderson — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 15:20:56 GMT

I have been using Paula's Choice products since 1995. They are cruelty-free, fragrance-free and guaranteed for 90 days. My wrinkles have diminished significantly and I haven't had any redness or irritation.

If you sign up for her emails you will get a code for 15 or 20% plus free shipping. She runs specials all the time. Right now it's 15% off.

I use 1% Clinical Retinol Solution. Combined with potent antioxidants, CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment is a specially formulated light lotion that absorbs quickly and goes to work immediately to enhance hydration and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tones. Licorice, oat extract and other soothing ingredients help to calm the skin.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Tricolor — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:12:25 GMT

If your skin can handle it, go for Retin A. I am not a PTR fan so that would be an easy choice for me. I have been using Retin A for over 20 years and have not had any adverse reactions. Some people can't use it though. Try it and see how it works for you. Maybe discuss it with your derm.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Icegoddess — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 15:43:07 GMT

@Tricolor, the thing is I don't have a dermatologist. And I'm a bit reticent about making an appointment with one just to talk about something like that, especially knowing (from my earlier response) that one of the few dermatologists in town will just tell me to ditch the magnifying mirror.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Porcelain — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 17:22:24 GMT

@Icegoddess I'm going to try the Mad Hippie Vitamin A serum. Just ordered from Amazon and it is due to arrive tomorrow. It has the latest form of low-irritation retinol in it: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR). Whichever cool/kind lady mentioned it in this forum, I can't remember who it was, thank you!

I'm going to apply it after my peptides and antioxidants and before my higher molecular weight oil based moisturizing products. This is because the serum contains phytoceramides, which I don't want to block my other serums from penetrating. I'm not giving up the system I already know works just to add retinol. And if I don't like it, I'll only be out $26.

ETA: I do have two concerns about the serum. So if it burns at all or I feel more sensitive to sun I will quit.

It contains what looks like a smallish amount of Phenethyl Alcohol, occuring after the HPR in the ingredient list, which is the drying kind of ethanol and is used partly for fragrance. In small amounts and combined with buffering ingredients, I'm okay with this. But if it bothers me, I'll stop.
It contains dang orange peel oil way near the bottom of the list. Steam Distilled Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil. Probably for a natural scent. This is not the worst phototoxic citrus ingredient, but it ain't great. Just why? Definitely, do not want to get caught sitting by the window in the morning drinking coffee with this still on and no sunscreen.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

laurelei — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 02:14:38 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
@Tricolor, the thing is I don't have a dermatologist. And I'm a bit reticent about making an appointment with one just to talk about something like that, especially knowing (from my earlier response) that one of the few dermatologists in town will just tell me to ditch the magnifying mirror.

I started on Retin A (tretinoin) several months ago by subscribing to Curology. It is online and you have to answer some questions about your skin and send in at least three photos of your skin without any skincare or makeup. A medical provider (dermatologist, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant) goes over your info and photos and prescribes your treatment. Mine contains tretinoin, azelaic acid and niacinamide. Each person's formula contains three ingredients, depending on their skin's needs. In addition to anti-aging skin care, they also treat acne.

The nice thing about their service is that you can start with a very low concentration of tretinoin. I was on .01% for a month and then went up to .02%. I am currently on .035% and feel ready to go up to the next step which is .05%. You can get either a one month or two month supply. If you're not ready for a shipment, you can delay it. I have been very pleased with their service and really like that I've been able to gradually increase the strength of tretinoin without multiple visits to a dermatologist.

Re: Decision time retinol vs Retin-A

Icegoddess — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 04:47:49 GMT

@laurelei wrote:
@Icegoddess wrote:
@Tricolor, the thing is I don't have a dermatologist. And I'm a bit reticent about making an appointment with one just to talk about something like that, especially knowing (from my earlier response) that one of the few dermatologists in town will just tell me to ditch the magnifying mirror.
I started on Retin A (tretinoin) several months ago by subscribing to Curology. It is online and you have to answer some questions about your skin and send in at least three photos of your skin without any skincare or makeup. A medical provider (dermatologist, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant) goes over your info and photos and prescribes your treatment. Mine contains tretinoin, azelaic acid and niacinamide. Each person's formula contains three ingredients, depending on their skin's needs. In addition to anti-aging skin care, they also treat acne.

The nice thing about their service is that you can start with a very low concentration of tretinoin. I was on .01% for a month and then went up to .02%. I am currently on .035% and feel ready to go up to the next step which is .05%. You can get either a one month or two month supply. If you're not ready for a shipment, you can delay it. I have been very pleased with their service and really like that I've been able to gradually increase the strength of tretinoin without multiple visits to a dermatologist.

@laurelei, I see it starts at $19.95/month which is reasonable. Does the price go up after the trial period, and are you locked in for a period of time? I have been burned before on subscription services. Just takes once for me to learn my lesson.