Beauty

[monicakm]

Hello ladies.  We've had out of state (MO) family for a few days and more arriving on Friday (WV).  I don't know why anyone would come to Texas this time of year.  Also July birthdays and back issues.

I'm a little confused about my tret journey and didn't use it last night.  After using one tube of .025% and almost finishing a tube of .050%, I'm just now having some peeling and sensitivity.  It was the sensitivity that caused me to not use it last night.  I felt like maybe my face needed a break??  But, I know consistency is a must.  No issues using either strength till the last 2-3 nights.  The peeling was under my nose and under my lip.  Brushed it off and no more peeling.  My whole face feels a little tender and dry so last night I just used 2 hydrating products and Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask.  Most of the time I use a moisturizer ON TOP OF my tret, but not always.  Not seeing any results yet.  My main reason for using it was the crinklies on top of my cheeks when I smile and I'm not detecting any change in that.  Yes, I know it takes months.  I think I've been on it for 3 months.  And, I'm seeing a NEW line on the outside of my left eye when I smile   I've not had any lines/wrinkles on the outside end of my eye but now that I'm on tret, I have developed one.  What?  No other lines/wrinkles so I started this mostly as a preventative and the smile crinklies.  I'm I slowing down the process by using a moisturizer over it?  Looks like I need to do that to not have sensitivity.

[Shanus]

@monicakm   Sunscreen is a must w/ tret especially if outside. I also stay away from nose/corners of mouth & too close to eye area since it tends to "creep" on its own.

I've stopped my Retin A for the summer since I burn so easily...don't need something that would make me more sensitive.

[Texasmouse]

@monicakm I don't know what size your tubes of tretinoin are but it seems to me that you're going through it awfully quickly. I get the 45g tubes and one will last me 9 months if I use it daily. I've cut back to 3 times a week because daily became too irritating for me. I had "graduated" to the .1% strength and also had to go back to the .05%. This routine seems to be working ok for me and I only get occasional peeling. I also don't really see results, per se, but I figure my skin is doing better using tretinoin than it would be if I wasn't. 

[Texasmouse]

@monicakm btw, I buffer my tretinoin by using a lightweight moisturizer UNDER it. It helps to minimize irritation. HTH

[SilleeMee]

Really concentrate on the application. Tret needs to be applied with a thin, even coat and remember it's not a moisturizer so don't use it like it's one. If you need to, you can even mix tret with your moisturizer and that will make it easier to spread around your face. Using too much tret at once can cause unnecessary side-effects...peeling/sensitivity.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

I always do my skincare (cleanse, treat, moisturizer) early in the evening.  Everything is settled in by the time I go to bed.  At bedtime, I apply the Tretinoin (.1%).  It's a pea size amount for the entire face.  I'll start with the targeted area and then whatever's left anywhere else.

[bmorechick]

It's super hot here in SE MD...heat index 110 and yes, I'm on the screen porch with fan going.  My kind of weather.  Sat at work in ac all day freezing.

@monicakm  I have the .45gm tube of Trent Gel Microsphere at 0.1%.  I have used same strength for a decade.  That size tube lasts me about 9 months. Many folks cannot tolerate it near the eyes, but I apply right up to top of cheekbone.  Please know you are not going to wake up and see a transformation.  It's truly cumulative, as you said.  You will just realize your skin continues to be even, smooth and plump. I had oily skin and was prescribed it for breakouts at age 58 or so.  But because my insurance pays for it, I have continued to use it now for the results I have collected.  Tampered down on the depth of fine lines around my mouth and eyes.  I have no lines on my face at all and I attribute this to tretinoin and leaving most lotions and potions and makeup off my face, as suggested by the doc.  I typically use an elf day cream and when I run out, maybe neutrogena. I'm  not picky, as long as it keeps me smooth.  However, I don't have dry skin and probably never will.  

It's not an age reverser, just slows down the process a bit. I can attest to that. 

[Trinity11]

There was a YouTube video two days ago from Dr. Dray on tretinoin @monicakm .🌺💐

[Icegoddess]

I use the 0.04% Microsphere (15 g tube) that I get from All Day Chemist.  I only use 2X/week due to peeling issues.  No sensitivity.  I only get the peeling along my marionette lines though.  So, now I apply some sort of occlusive there, whether it be oil or Aquaphor or I would imagine even a moisturizer would work.  And then I avoid applying there.  Since I started doing that, I haven't had any peeling.  I'm in no rush to up how often I do it.  I'm fine with 2X/week. 

I couldn't say off the top of my head how long a 15g tube lasts me though, but I guess the comparison would be like apples and oranges since I don't use it as often. I only use a small amount though.

[jobiz]

Definitely watch Dr. Dray videos on Retin a. I usually apply my moisturizer first and let it set then my Retin a with no problems.