INFO. ON RETINOL/RETIN A PRODUCTS - Page 2

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@Quinny wrote:
JEANLOUISEFINCH Thank you so very much for your helpful information! I feel I now have some direction as to what I need and when to use it.
Now to the task of determing which brands of which products will work best for me.

You asked if I was using any additional serums? No, I've never used any serums at all. I will now begin using the Vit. C serum. Is there another you think would be useful?
Many thanks.

@Quinny I would like to mention that I wouldn't have known you were addressing me unless I just happened to click into this thread again. If you want to get anyone's attention specifically, you can notify them by using the "@" sign and selecting their name from a drop-down list. That way they will receive notification and be sure to see your message.

As for serums, I am a self-proclaimed serum junkie. I would have to know what skincare issue you want to address before I could make a recommendation. I willl caution you, however, that if you want to use a Vitamin C serum get a good one with a high enough percentage and pay attention to the form of Vitamin C you're looking for. There are many kinds and price ranges. The L-Ascorbic Acid form, while very good, doesn't remain stable for real long. The SAP form is more stable, but some people don't think it's as effective as L-Ascorbic Acid, but there are many who use the SAP form and are happy with it. If the L-Ascorbic Acid version is the form you intend to use, it's best to get one that's made as close to your purchase as possible, as the Vitamin C will oxide and darken. Once it turns color, it's not good anymore so if you're using the L-Ascorbic Acid version, don't pay a lot of money for it, in case you don't use it fast enough and it oxidizes before you can use it up. I don't specifically use a Vitamin C serum anymore. I use Isomers Glutathiasome Plus which contains the MAP form of Vitamin C, but I'm using it more for the Glutathiasome rather than the C. I also use Elysee Pycnogenol as it has been shown to be 20% stronger than Vitamin C.

skittles2 · ‎03-22-2010

Tretinoin(Retin A) and Retinol:

Retinol is over the counter and weaker than Tretinion (Retin A) which is RX. Going to a plastic or derm doc, they will often recommend using retinol first, working up to Tretinoin. They also recommend, if new to retin a, or have sensitive skin, starting at the lowest % of retin a 1-2x per week, work up in concentration and/or increase 1 day per week. If too much retinization: redness, burning, flaking, peeling occurs, then taper to 1x per week.

They will also tell you that sunscreen and tretinoin- (retin a) are the only PROVEN EFFICACIOUS products to work. Also a mositurizer on days/nights if needed. and Vit C.

Tretinoin is drying. Some Tretinoin products come mixed with a moisturize. My skin needs that.

They will also tell you, a moisturizer can be used UNDER tretinoin to reduce rapid retinization- being RETINIZED (having new skin appear too quickly for some)

The moisturizer under the skin will NOT reduce the effects of tretinoin results, which is great!

For dryer skin, moisturizer may be used under or over tretinoin or both under and over.

That's it, sunscreen, Retin A, mosituirzer, Vit C.

p.s. I have stopped buying all the lotions and potions. Saving $$$, plus if I ever feel I need something else done for future sagging, or filling in it will costs me less than I've spent over the decades on potions that barely work, while getting something that actually does. I wish I would have come to this realization decades ago.

I'll use up some of what I have and give the rest to family and friends who are not using tretinoin. They will be soon, though!

FURBABIES ARE THE BREATH OF LIFE

Quinny · ‎03-09-2010

Years ago, I think I was 30-32 years old when I was having difficulty with breakouts around my mouth and chin, my doctor prescribed Tretinoin for me. She didn't offer me any details on what the product was, I just asummed it was for acne. I used it for about a week and suddenly, my face became red, SO dry and peely and burned terribly. I called the pharmacist to ask a few questions about the product. When I told him about my reaction he urged me to stop using the product immediately and call my doctor. Since then, "Retin-A" has always been listed on my chart under "Known Allergies". Somehow, I didn't quite believe what I had was an allergic reaction, but rather a too high dosage applied too frequently. She is not a dermatologist, I never brought the subject up with her again.

Quinny · ‎03-09-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch Thank you kindly for following up with more information on Vitamin C serums, the different types and how they work. Thanks also for instructing me on how to respond directly to a comment. I am NOT technologically inclined in the least!

I wish I could hire you as my personal consultant, I have so many questions about skincare, I've never had a skincare regimen; only cleanser, moisturizer and eye cream. I have not educated myself about how to care for maturing skin, let alone the vast number of products available for use. My Mother (81 years old) and sister both have gorgeous olive complexions and use very little on their skin, yet still have firm, clear, glowing skin with only a few fine lines.

I was blessed with my Dad's blue eyes and fair skin that has always been prone to little eruptions of some kind or another over the years .

At 59 years old, I STILL have occasional small breakouts on my chin and maintain an overall redness (not extreme) and dryness on the lower portion of my face. I notice other womens' skin looking vibrant and healthy and mine looks dull. Perhaps, I have waited too long and my cause is lost. I read so many posts written by women much younger than myself who have established skincare regimens, hence my regrets.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@Quinny wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch Thank you kindly for following up with more information on Vitamin C serums, the different types and how they work. Thanks also for instructing me on how to respond directly to a comment. I am NOT technologically inclined in the least!
I wish I could hire you as my personal consultant, I have so many questions about skincare, I've never had a skincare regimen; only cleanser, moisturizer and eye cream. I have not educated myself about how to care for maturing skin, let alone the vast number of products available for use. My Mother (81 years old) and sister both have gorgeous olive complexions and use very little on their skin, yet still have firm, clear, glowing skin with only a few fine lines.
I was blessed with my Dad's blue eyes and fair skin that has always been prone to little eruptions of some kind or another over the years .
At 59 years old, I STILL have occasional small breakouts on my chin and maintain an overall redness (not extreme) and dryness on the lower portion of my face. I notice other womens' skin looking vibrant and healthy and mine looks dull. Perhaps, I have waited too long and my cause is lost. I read so many posts written by women much younger than myself who have established skincare regimens, hence my regrets.

@Quinny - Good job on using the notification feature! I am no expert, I just read things here and search the internet. If you ever want to just chat about things, you can always join the Dimitri's Dazzler's Facebook page and find me there.