need advice ref Retin-A use - Beauty & Cosmetics Message Board

cs67 · 09-04-2003, 09:31 AM

Please let me know what problems (if any) you have had with Retin-A use. Anything I need to pay attention to?? Was it effective?

JayLynn · 09-04-2003, 09:39 AM

I have been using Retin-A .1 cream for about 6 months now. Before I started using it, I used to get huge zits. I wouldn't get a lot, but the zits I did get were terrible. When I started to use it, it did dry out my face a lot. It was red and irritated in some places, but that got better within a week or two. Now my face looks better than it ever has. My zits have cleared up, but occasionally I do get a normal sized zit. Now I feel confident enough to go out with just mascara and lip gloss and not worry about people staring at my zits. I'm glad I used it. I wish I would have tried it a long time ago. I think it's good. Good luck

teresa26 · 09-04-2003, 10:19 AM

i've used retin-a off and on for years. the only problem that i've ever had was during the beginning of treatment when my face would get very dry and red and flake a bit. this happened when i used the gel but did not happen when i used the cream. however, for me, the gel works better.

it can take a while for you to see results - up to 12 weeks, if i remember the pamphlet correctly.

cs67 · 09-05-2003, 04:42 AM

Thank you for the replies!!
Could you recommend a daily sunscreen that will not clog my pores? Right now I don't use any (my bad, I know) on a daily basis because I have very oily skin, just the SPF 45 at the beach. Even though it's oil-free, it's so heavy that I still get break-outs. I also don't use foundation, so that option is out. We'll be moving to Florida soon, too, so I will HAVE to start wearing sunscreen every day when I start the Retin-A.
Also, are there any "rules" about what cleasing products I should use with Retin-A? I heard that I'm not supposed to use any exfoliator and should take it easy with soap etc.

teresa26 · 09-05-2003, 02:45 PM

i use coppertone spectra 3 SPF 50. i've been using it since i took accutane (i was very sensitive to the sun while on it!). i've been sick lately and haven't been wearing it for the last couple of weeks and noticed my skin getting a bit oily to compensate for the lack of moisture. so, i've started using it again and hopefully my skin will balance back out.