Retinol Why?

Quse · ‎09-05-2014

So I've been watching beauty shows and have tried various products with retinol or retinoids. Everyone claims these are the must have anti aging tools ,but I'm unclear as to why. Every product that I've tried leaves my skin flaky, red and dry patched, no matter if it retinoids or retinol. I've heard people say that that's how you know it's working, but it seems counterproductive to me. It seems to wreck the top layer of skin even if it plumps the lower layers.

I just sent back the Beauty Bio Reversal. The 1st phase was great, my skin was "plumper" and I really liked the product. Phase 2 flaked my skin, but I still tolerated it fairly well. I moved to Phase 3, used it 1 night and it tore my face up. Rough, red dry patches, tightness...I really felt reptilian. My skin is now having to recover from that mess.

Is retinol for just fine lines/wrinkles? I've seen claims of fine lines/wrinkles to deep lines, to small pores. I've never noticed a real decrease in pore size no matter the product. The only time I ever noticed any difference, other than dryness, is with the Phase 1 of Beauty Bio.
Does retinol always result in dryness and a recovery period? I know that some use it every other night, etc...

I would like to know if it's working, but I'm not actually certain what I'm looking for in using it. I'd like to keep the results from Beauty Bio Phase 1...does anyone know if you can just buy the Phase 1 without the other phases?

Tricolor · ‎04-19-2010

Retinol is supposed to be the best for lines and wrinkles. However some of these OTC products have such a miniscule amount that I don't think that they can do much. Some people can't tolerate Retinol in any kind of form. You may be one of them. I would discuss this with a derm. I have used Retin A for over 20 years with no problem at all. It sounds like you are having some serious reactions to some of these products. I would not risk doing any damage to your skin. Seek medical attention.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Redness, flaking and peeling are all side-effects from using retinoids. But with continued and proper use those things should subside and even disappear altogether. The key to using a retinoid is not to stop applying it...even through times of redness and flaking. Retinoid, by it's very nature, will build up inside the skin and in that process the benefits will also increase.

If you are experiencing an extreme amount of redness and peeling then try applying the retinoid less often, but don't stop. When you stop, it's like taking ten steps backwards and that means your skin will have to start all over again as if it was the first day. Just keep applying the retinoid, find a comfortable way to exfoliate and then let your skin adjust. For some people this adjustment period might be several weeks or even several months. You will know when that time arrives and when it does you may want to consider using a higher strength and be aware when you go there you might go through the 'uglies' once again. For some people, that is not worth it and so they remain comfortable staying with one particular strength of retinoid long term...there's nothing wrong with that. It's up to you how you want to approach this.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
Redness, flaking and peeling are all side-effects from using retinoids. But with continued and proper use those things should subside and even disappear altogether. The key to using a retinoid is not to stop applying it...even through times of redness and flaking. Retinoid, by it's very nature, will build up inside the skin and in that process the benefits will also increase.

If you are experiencing an extreme amount of redness and peeling then try applying the retinoid less often, but don't stop. When you stop, it's like taking ten steps backwards and that means your skin will have to start all over again as if it was the first day. Just keep applying the retinoid, find a comfortable way to exfoliate and then let your skin adjust. For some people this adjustment period might be several weeks or even several months. You will know when that time arrives and when it does you may want to consider using a higher strength and be aware when you go there you might go through the 'uglies' once again. For some people, that is not worth it and so they remain comfortable staying with one particular strength of retinoid long term...there's nothing wrong with that. It's up to you how you want to approach this.

@SilleeMee Very well said and comprehensive. I'll add if redness/flaking is severe, be sure you're not using other skincare products w/ acids, exfoliants, rough washcloths, etc. Sometimes these are "hidden" ingredients in the description of skincare products and/or foundations.

Icegoddess · ‎03-19-2010

I think Retin-A is the gold standard, but I am not yet willing to take the time to properly apply it since, according to @SilleeMee, you need to wait 30 minutes after washing your face to apply it and then I think another 30 minutes to apply a moisturizer. My evening routine is onerous enough as it is with brushng, flossing, meds, feeding cats, cleaning litter boxes, etc. and that just doesn't work into it. Maybe as I gain more wrinkles I will find that effort worth the hassle.

I never liked that a lot of vendors likened Retinol to Retin-A as if it was the same product. I felt it was deceptive to the consumer and so avoided using any retinoid at all for a long time. I currently use the PTR Retinol Fusion and have been happy with it. I feel like it gives my complexion more clarity. Can't say it is doing anything for wrinkes though. I get no irritation at all with it, maybe just a bit of tingling right after I apply it. I generally wash my face, take my meds, and then apply right after that. I know PTR has another stronger version that I would be willing to try, but it's a bit pricey. I had hoped he would bring it to the Q at a reduced price, but I'm not holding my breath.

It sounds like the Beauty Bio system is too much of a rush to the next higher strength for OP. And since she has already stopped the program I'm not sure she can go back and continue it since she would be all out of phases 1 & 2. If she hadn't stopped, seems she could've tried using it every other day or every two days rather than every day to cut down on irritation. I'm really not sure I understand this system since it sounds like you work your way up in strength and then what? It doesn't sound like you continue at the highest strength, but either stop for awhile and start all over again, or start all over again immediately. Not sure what the benefit of this approach might be.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@Icegoddess

The 30-minute wait time after cleansing is the rule of thumb and some people don't need to wait that long, myself included. Water on the skin is not usually good to have when using RA because the water makes the RA act like a stronger acid (can cause unnecessary irritation) than it was intended to be. So it's best to make sure your skin is dry before applying the RA. Not a big deal.

Porcelain · ‎02-19-2014

If you get flakiness, use a lower dosage and or use it less often. When you get a reaction like that, it means the retinol is too strong for your skin at that time. Later on as your skin gets used to the "dosage," you can try a stronger retinol product.

If I were you, I'd do exactly like you said. I'd use phase one and then gradually add in phase two. There's no benefit to progressing faster than your skin can handle.

When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.
"Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@Icegoddess Yes, staying gorgeous is time consuming. I take off my makeup & cleanse my face a few hours before bedtime & change into my robe or comfy loungers. At bedtime, I apply the Retin A or moisturizer (sometimes alternate nights) 20-30 minutes before going to sleep otherwise the skincare hasn't had time to sink in/dry down and whatever I applied ends up wasted on the pillowcase. I'm a tummy sleeper, but if I could sleep on my back (practicing), I wouldn't have to wait the 20 minutes. 😜