Beauty

[Pianomama]

I've been using the .025 tretinoin cream for about 3-4 years and wonder if I should up the strength. At first I had some flaking, but now very rarely. In fact, I don't see much improvement (maybe I am expecting miracles?). Should I go up in strength? I have read the strength really doesn't matter that much.

[Irishrose136]

This is a script you have to get from a doctor? Have you asked him or her about what to expect concerning results and is it time to bump it up?

It seems to me that a doctor who has examined your skin would be in a more knowledgeable position to answer your question effectively.

[lyn in MI]

My derm prescribes only the lowest strength for anti-aging purposes, because clinical trials showed that higher strengths did not produce any better anti-aging results. In fact, Renova discontinued its 0.05% cream after running a clinical trial against its 0.02% cream. The higher strength resulted in more negative side effects ( such as dryness and irritation ), but no better results.

ETA: as I posted on a previous thread, Tretinoin (the active ingredient found in Retin-A, Renova, etc.) does not improve the complexions of 100% of users. According to one clinical trial conducted by Johnson and Johnson to gain FDA approval for Renova 0.05%, only 78% of the subjects experienced "some signs of skin improvement"...

Clinical Results
More than 300 subjects between the ages of 30 and 50 participated in the clinical studies of Renova, which were conducted during a 48-week period at eight research centers nationwide. Subjects received treatment for up to 48 weeks with Renova or a placebo, in conjunction with a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program.

In the clinical trials, physicians noted some signs of skin improvement in 78% of subjects treated with Renova. 64% of subjects showed improvement in fine wrinkling, 65% showed reduction in brown spots, and 51% showed smoothing of surface roughness. In subjects treated with a placebo skin cream plus a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program, 38% showed improvement in fine wrinkles, 48% showed reduction in brown spots, and 33% showed smoothing of surface roughness.

[cassiem]

My doctor only prescribes the higher doses for people who have very thick resistant skin or acne. If you do decide to try a higher strength, be sure to incorporate it slowly as it is twice as strong as the strength you're using now and could cause major irritation.

Whenever my dermatologist had me go up in strength, he had me continue using the lower strength for 6 nights a week and the higher strength 1 night a week. After a few weeks if there was no irritation, I'd use the higher strength 2 nights a week for a few weeks and so on, slowly increasing the dose. I have extremely sensitive, reactive skin and going slowly kept my skin from getting flaky and irritated.

[springers]

I went up to .05 after a few years, my derm asked if I wanted to move up again. I said no that I read (here) it isnt necessary, she agreed but said a lot of people request it and gives it if your skin can handle it. I have noticed that my skin doesnt look 25, but it looks like it did when I started and maybe a little better. It slows down the aging dramatically. Im 52 and have been using about 7 yrs.

[hyacinth003]

I have also read that lower doses are okay for anti-aging. Being consistent with use is more important.

The higher strengths may be more appropriate for treatment of acne.

Hyacinth

[LuluOnBeauty]

I've always used .05 on my face and .025 on my neck. For year I also used .025 under my eyes but stopped that a few year ago. Eyes became uber dry and sensitive. I'm anxious to try Trish McEvoy's new eye cream with retinol and see if I can tolerate