Re: Retin A Question

monicakm · ‎03-16-2010

Wow, so many thoughtful and helpful replies. Thanks to all of you for your help! I checked the date and it's well within date. I checked the strength..0.1% If I continue to use it (I've never had flaky skin and don't want to start now), I guess maybe once a week and then work up to every other day and I think I'll continue to use it over my moisturizer to reduce the chance of irritation.

I haven't been to a dermatologist since I was a teenager!

Yes, I realize the benefits will be short lived if I don't continue. Mom just gave me a partial tube to see if it was something I wanted to pursue.

Thanks for the link to Hot and Flashy. I like her

Since discovering James Welsh and others (Hyram, Doctorly and Dr Dray), I've been applying skin care to wet skin. I start out with an essence to help the following steps absorb better. I'll even spritz a little more essence in the middle of my nightly routine. I haven't watched their vids on Retin A tho since I wasn't using it.

Thanks again. I will definitely take all this helpful info under advisement But the first sign of flakiness may be where I call it quits Oh and the product is a cream, not a gel. She gets it at Canada Pharmacy Online. I think she said she pays $100?? but it lasts her 6 months.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@monicakm wrote:
Wow, so many thoughtful and helpful replies. Thanks to all of you for your help! I checked the date and it's well within date. I checked the strength..0.1% If I continue to use it (I've never had flaky skin and don't want to start now), I guess maybe once a week and then work up to every other day and I think I'll continue to use it over my moisturizer to reduce the chance of irritation.

I haven't been to a dermatologist since I was a teenager!

Yes, I realize the benefits will be short lived if I don't continue. Mom just gave me a partial tube to see if it was something I wanted to pursue.

Thanks for the link to Hot and Flashy. I like her

Since discovering James Welsh and others (Hyram, Doctorly and Dr Dray), I've been applying skin care to wet skin. I start out with an essence to help the following steps absorb better. I'll even spritz a little more essence in the middle of my nightly routine. I haven't watched their vids on Retin A tho since I wasn't using it.

Thanks again. I will definitely take all this helpful info under advisement But the first sign of flakiness may be where I call it quits Oh and the product is a cream, not a gel. She gets it at Canada Pharmacy Online. I think she said she pays $100?? but it lasts her 6 months.

@monicakm it sounds like you have a well thought out plan. Since you’re new to Retin-A/Tretinoin, going slow and easing in is definitely the route to take, especially with the 0.1%, and let all your skincare dry down before applying. Dr. Bailey (google search) recommends doing your pm skincare and letting that set for 15-20 mins (longer is fine), then apply your Retin-A at bedtime. My 0.1% gel only costs me about $30 for a 20 gram tube. I would prefer a cream, but not for $100. That’s up there with the prescription prices.

monicakm · ‎03-16-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch

Thanks, I'm trying. I could be wrong about the price...well I'm not. It's 50gm for $97 and comes in a pump bottle...Retin A Micro. It looks like the strength and size of the product is why it's so much higher.

Texasmouse · ‎09-27-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch I get my Retin-A with GoodRx and the last time I bought it, the best price was $68 for a 45g tube, at Walmart. Like SilleeMee, I used to get it through All Day Chemist but with the cost of shipping and the fact that the tubes were only 20g each, I realized it wasn't much of a savings. Besides, they used to send me tubes that weren't far from their expiration dates.

I got the tube I'm currently using last October and I have at least another couple of months' worth of cream left, plus the dermatologist gave me a refill for it that I can get, should I run out before my next annual visit this October.

ETA: I just checked GoodRx and my local grocery store pharmacy has a 45g tube of the 0.05% strength at $61.42 now.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@Texasmouse

Just recently I noticed ADC is selling short-dated products at lower costs. I bought three tubes (45g total) of 0.1% for more than half off their regular price and they don't expire until the end of this year. The three tubes plus shipping was $36.

Texasmouse · ‎09-27-2010

@SilleeMee that's quite a savings! It looks like things have improved since I last ordered from them! The best part is that you don't have to have a prescription, so you're saving additional money it would cost to see a derm,

Drythe · ‎07-09-2011

Another long term RA user, I use the cream version, and find that it provides enough nighttime moisture for me.

I alternate nights with RA and Matrixyl.

"Animals are not my whole world, but they have made my world whole" ~ Roger Caras

teganslaw · ‎03-11-2010

I've read that retin A is only available through prescription. Does the dermatologist decide if it's actually needed or is it available for anyone upon request?

I don't plan on getting any, as I'm happy with my Aveeno radiance daily moisturizer, sunscreen and cleansers. I just was curious how retin A was distributed since many posters seem to use it.

"The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog."

Mark Twain

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@teganslaw wrote:
I've read that retin A is only available through prescription. Does the dermatologist decide if it's actually needed or is it available for anyone upon request?

I don't plan on getting any, as I'm happy with my Aveeno radiance daily moisturizer, sunscreen and cleansers. I just was curious how retin A was distributed since many posters seem to use it.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a Rx-only drug. But you can buy it without a Rx from overseas pharmacies very easily. @teganslaw

laurelei · ‎05-28-2012

I've been getting my prescription tretinoin through Curology. It is a nice cream and it contains two other ingredients, depending on your needs. Mine are azelaic acid and niacinamide. I am using it for anti-aging and it took me two years to get to my present strength which is their max, .14%. Most start at .009% and gradually work up but they started me at .012% because I had previously used retinol and Differin. I have had some flaking along the way and would then decrease frequency but eventually my skin adapted. At almost 65, I still have an oily t zone so maybe that's why I can tolerate it. It has done wonders for my skin and I plan to continue using it as long as I can.