Re: Retin A Question

Jasmine19 · ‎07-16-2012

Isn't retin A still Rx only? I would not use any prescription product not given to me by a physician.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@Jasmine19 wrote:
Isn't retin A still Rx only? I would not use any prescription product not given to me by a physician.

Technically it is an officially regulated and FDA approved Rx drug. But it can be easily purchased from overseas pharmacies w/o a Rx. That is how I obtain mine. @Jasmine19

Tricolor · ‎04-19-2010

I have been using Retin A for about 25 years. From the very beginning, I have always applied mine to bare skin.. Let it sink in for 20 minutes then apply my moisturizer overtop. By applying your moisturizer first, it helps to cut down on irritation. I never experienced the terrible irriration that some people complain of. From what I understand, it does lessen the effectiveness slightly by applying it as the last step.

nonnied · ‎05-03-2015

I have been using it for years, and apply it to clean, dry skin. Nothing else. In my opinion, it defeats the purpose to use in conjuction with a moisturizer. Again, we are all different. SImply the opinion of a "seasoned" user, and the 0.1 % too! You will be so happy putting into your routine. Don't become discouraged. It takes awhile...

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I am currently using .1%. I started at .025 and worked up, but I cannot get aclimated to the .1%, and I have been trying for two years. Winter is particularly bad. I am currently using a light moisturizer first, and then at least 30 minutes later, applying the .1%. (This helps with irritation and does not lessen the effectiveness a great deal.) I am doing this every other night (cannot in any way do it every night), and in the winter especially, I have dryness and flaking. I see my derm in July and am going to have her put me back on the .05%.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I've been using 0.05% tret for several years now. I still get the occasional peeling but not the redness I had in the beginning. I just ordered 0.1% and I plan on using that intermittently, one day a week, while still using the 0.05% until I can use the 0.1% more often w/o irritation. My goal is to use only the 0.1% ...but I will have to wait and see how my skin will react to it.

Texasmouse · ‎09-27-2010

I always apply my moisturizer first, then my Retin-A, like your mom does. Whether to put it on bare skin, over a moisturizer or mixed with a moisturizer will depend on your skin as well as the dermatologist you ask. (Mine recommended the latter.)

I follow Dr. Dray on YouTube and she explained that if you're applying Retin-A to clean dry skin, you're putting it on an impaired skin barrier that's dry and less receptive to the proper absorption of the product. She advises moisturizing the skin first, allowing the moisturizer to fully absorb and dry, then applying your Retin-A. This will not only make it absorb better but with the layer of moisturizer underneath, it will be less likely to cause irritation, while not decreasing its efficacy. This method has been working well for me and I've been using the 0.05% strength for over 3 years now.

The video that @SilleeMee suggested by Angie of Hot&Flashy is a good one to watch to learn about how to introduce it slowly, to avoid a lot of irritation.

Texasmouse · ‎09-27-2010

@monicakm I forgot to mention that, if you're going to embark on the Retin-A journey, it's extremely important that you're diligent about wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen EVERY DAY and that you're wearing a good quantity of a high SPF (preferably 50 or higher). Otherwise, you're wasting your time because exposure to those UVA rays will undo any benefit of Retin-A.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@SilleeMee wrote:
I've been using 0.05% tret for several years now. I still get the occasional peeling but not the redness I had in the beginning. I just ordered 0.1% and I plan on using that intermittently, one day a week, while still using the 0.05% until I can use the 0.1% more often w/o irritation. My goal is to use only the 0.1% ...but I will have to wait and see how my skin will react to it.

@SilleeMee Where do you find a .1% cream? I buy my tretinoin from Tara Skincare and their .1% is only in a gel form. Consequently, I alternate the .1% gel and the .50% cream. I’d prefer a .1% cream to use consistently.