Re: Brown spots

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@Phantom41 You mentioned using Retin A, which I know requires a prescription. I understand it is expensive; others have said it is, however the prescription lasts a long time. I don't recall them saying how long it lasts.

I was talking with someone Friday and when I mentioned that it didn't look like she had been out in the sun (no redness or tan ) but was peeling, she said the Retin A was causing the peel. She had tried to cover it with makeup, but I could still see it.

I don't recall ever seeing that on other women who use Retin A. Do you have that problem or effect using the product? Is that the way it works?

I have never used Retin A but I am curious if the peeling is a constant thing that you must deal with, or perhaps it is just until your skin gets used to the product.

maestra · ‎03-09-2010

@Shanus Actually TriLuma is available w/Rx; I use it for 12 weeks during winter months only. It works on even my moderate melasma and lightens a bit of the severe melasma on my rt. cheek.

Hydroquinone 4% didnt do diddly for me after 3 months use; I apply 30spf from chest ro top of forehead daily. TriLuma only things that makes a dent in brown spots for me.

SahmIam · ‎04-16-2010

I've tried many of the products mentione here (all good products) but my skin (very sensitive) reacted to them as well as many you can purchase from varies cosmetic brands at the department store: either I reacted or after using for 6 months (and spending a LOT of money)...no difference.

In other posts I've mentioned the difference Dr. Gross daily peel pads have made; they HAVE! The biggest difference is the overall brightness and disappearance of brown spots as well as brown "smears" from pregnancy that just wouldn't go away. I gradually introduced his Retinal and Ferulic Acid products and then his Vit. C products at night. I SWEAR by his spf50 (physical) sunscreen with Vit. C in it. Face, neck, chest and hands are covered daily.

It's been a year and the difference in my skin is amazing. Lines/wrinkles aren't an issue (yet) but hyperpigmentation is a big one especially as I'm extremely pale. Pictures don't lie; the products work.

San Antonio Gal · ‎05-18-2017

For those interested in going the Retin A route - Check out the Curology site. They sell Retin A custom blended with other brown spot reducing ingredients for $19.99. You also are able to communicate with a dermatologist. There is no registration fee and they were offering a trial tube free a few months back. When I use up my current Retin A tube, I'm going this route. I got my current Retin A from my doctor, but my insurance doesn't cover it (considered cosmetic) and it's not cheap.

sann · ‎05-30-2012

I have had brown spots or sun spots whateveryou want to call them for years, last week I saw a Dermatologist for another reason so I ask him what can be done about these things, even though there were only a few I was bothered by them. He sprayed them which does sting somewhat, but at least I will be rid of them. This treatment will darken them more, but in time they will go away.

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@San Antonio Gal How long does your current Retin A tube last; and if you are willing, what did you pay for the tube you had a prescription?

I can certainly see that it would be considered cosmetic by the insurance companies; but if the cost is not much, then maybe it is worth it for those going that route. Probably depends upon where you go to have your prescription filled.

Edited to add: Do you have continual, noticeable, peeling of the skin using Retin A?

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@maestra wrote:
@Shanus Actually TriLuma is available w/Rx; I use it for 12 weeks during winter months only. It works on even my moderate melasma and lightens a bit of the severe melasma on my rt. cheek.

Hydroquinone 4% didnt do diddly for me after 3 months use; I apply 30spf from chest ro top of forehead daily. TriLuma only things that makes a dent in brown spots for me.

@maestra Don’t forget back of hands while you’re applying....spf there, too. 😏

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@SahmIam wrote:
I've tried many of the products mentione here (all good products) but my skin (very sensitive) reacted to them as well as many you can purchase from varies cosmetic brands at the department store: either I reacted or after using for 6 months (and spending a LOT of money)...no difference.

In other posts I've mentioned the difference Dr. Gross daily peel pads have made; they HAVE! The biggest difference is the overall brightness and disappearance of brown spots as well as brown "smears" from pregnancy that just wouldn't go away. I gradually introduced his Retinal and Ferulic Acid products and then his Vit. C products at night. I SWEAR by his spf50 (physical) sunscreen with Vit. C in it. Face, neck, chest and hands are covered daily.

It's been a year and the difference in my skin is amazing. Lines/wrinkles aren't an issue (yet) but hyperpigmentation is a big one especially as I'm extremely pale. Pictures don't lie; the products work.

@SahmIam What you read here are only suggestions/what worked for others. If you find something better for your skin....go for it. Thanks for sharing.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@World Traveler wrote:
@Phantom41 You mentioned using Retin A, which I know requires a prescription. I understand it is expensive; others have said it is, however the prescription lasts a long time. I don't recall them saying how long it lasts.

I was talking with someone Friday and when I mentioned that it didn't look like she had been out in the sun (no redness or tan ) but was peeling, she said the Retin A was causing the peel. She had tried to cover it with makeup, but I could still see it.

I don't recall ever seeing that on other women who use Retin A. Do you have that problem or effect using the product? Is that the way it works?

I have never used Retin A but I am curious if the peeling is a constant thing that you must deal with, or perhaps it is just until your skin gets used to the product.

@World Traveler,

Retin-a can sometimes make skin peel. Retin-a is considered an exfoliant in addition to other things. It usually does that at the beginning of usage and then the peeling subsides. Some people will experience minor peeling thoughout their using Retin-a and this might be a sign of too high of a dosage and can easily be remedied by either applying less often and/or applying the Retin-a combined with a moisturizer. Either way it is important to stay on schedule and not stop application. Retin-a is one of the things that skin gets tuned into. Gradual use of it is key to it's success.

I buy my Retin-a (tretinoin, Retina-a) from All Day Chemist and it does not require a Rx. Their prices are very low. I paid less than $30 for three tubes. I use one tube about every 4 months, applying every other night. If you order from ADC they send you long-dated product so don't be afraid of getting stuff from them that will expire too soon. That has never happened to me. ADC accepts e-checks, no CC. If you need more info about the ADC ordering process just let me know and I will help you.

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@SilleeMee wrote:
@World Traveler wrote:
@Phantom41 You mentioned using Retin A, which I know requires a prescription. I understand it is expensive; others have said it is, however the prescription lasts a long time. I don't recall them saying how long it lasts.

I was talking with someone Friday and when I mentioned that it didn't look like she had been out in the sun (no redness or tan ) but was peeling, she said the Retin A was causing the peel. She had tried to cover it with makeup, but I could still see it.

I don't recall ever seeing that on other women who use Retin A. Do you have that problem or effect using the product? Is that the way it works?

I have never used Retin A but I am curious if the peeling is a constant thing that you must deal with, or perhaps it is just until your skin gets used to the product.

@World Traveler,
Retin-a can sometimes make skin peel. Retin-a is considered an exfoliant in addition to other things. It usually does that at the beginning of usage and then the peeling subsides. Some people will experience minor peeling thoughout their using Retin-a and this might be a sign of too high of a dosage and can easily be remedied by either applying less often and/or applying the Retin-a combined with a moisturizer. Either way it is important to stay on schedule and not stop application. Retin-a is one of the things that skin gets tuned into. Gradual use of it is key to it's success.

I buy my Retin-a (tretinoin, Retina-a) from All Day Chemist and it does not require a Rx. Their prices are very low. I paid less than $30 for three tubes. I use one tube about every 4 months, applying every other night. If you order from ADC they send you long-dated product so don't be afraid of getting stuff from them that will expire too soon. That has never happened to me. ADC accepts e-checks, no CC. If you need more info about the ADC ordering process just let me know and I will help you.

@SilleeMee Thank you very much. That is interesting. Have to confess, I just never thought about using it, because my skin has been very good.

I see Peter Roth talk about his retinol, which I know is not as strong as Retin-A; however, I read posts where people say it works nicely for them.

The only reason I believe I am becoming more aware of Retin-A (and thus, have questions) is that I have come across more and more people who use it. Probably has to do with the fact that I am getting older and so are they! ha!

I had always been told it was very expensive, but never knew exactly what it cost. And when I saw the gal on Friday with peeling skin, I wondered why people would use the stuff if that is what happened.

I have had great results using Dr. Perricone products, but I am always open to other options. I just celebrated my 73rd birthday this past week and several people thought I was kidding, saying my skin looks so good for that age. It wasn't just the normal, "Oh, you don't look that old," that people usually say. The comments were specifically about my skin. But if it can be made to look even better using Retin-A, then I would be interested in learning more.

Thanks for explaining the usage. The only other thing that comes to mind now is why people get a prescription, which probably means it is more expensive, when you can get it without a prescription. Is the product the same dosage? Are they identical?

Thanks for all the time you are taking to explain things to me. Much appreciated.