Feedback on Retin-A Side Effects and Usage, page 21
About Retin-a
If you’ve used Retin-A, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.
Subj: Difference between Retin-A and Retin-A Micro?
Date: 1/13/2007
I am 48 years old and have been using retin a 5% for about 3 years. Should the strength be increased after this period of time. Can you tell me the difference between retin-a and retin-a micro? Thanks, Teri
Teri
AskDocWeb: Both Retin-A and Retin-A Micro contain the same active ingredient but Retin-A Micro has the additional benefit of tretinoin and a patented microsphere delivery system that provides lower levels of irritation. Retin-A Micro is a water-based gel that can be applied immediately after you wash your face, unlike Retin-A, which requires a 20 to 30 minute waiting period. Retin-A Micro also reduces the appearance of facial shine and is easier to absorb.
Some people can use Retin-A Micro under their eyes, but can’t do that with regular Retin-A. One person reports using regular Retin-A for years but when they hit middle age it was just too irritating to their skin and it appeared to accelerate aging. They switched to Retin-A Micro and love it. While Retin-A Micro is less irritating than regular retin-A, it is not as effective.
Subj: Could it be the Retin A?
Date: 1/16/2007
I am 33 and have had been blessed with good skin my whole life. About 6 months ago I started to get terrible acne. I have been taking Retin A now for 5 weeks and my acne has improved slightly on my face but I look 10 years older with puffy and red eyes. I am prepared to continue with the medication but I have been sick for the last 5 weeks with Sinus problems and terrible headaches. I thought I just had the flu but after three separate antibiotics from my doctor which haven’t helped I am wondering could it be the Retin A?
Tara
AskDocWeb: Yes it could, and an easy way to find out is to discontinue it for a few days. You may need to go to an over the counter acne cleansing products or a lower dose of Retin-A, or use it only every other day.
Subj: Retin-A usage
Date: 1/18/2007
I have chronic Hep C, with enzyme levels only slightly high. Is Retin A OK for me to use?
Cindy
AskDocWeb: This is a question only your doctor can answer since he knows your medical history and current condition.
Subj: Concerned about Retin-A
Date: 1/18/2007
I use Retin-A and we have a four month old baby. I stopped using it when my wife was pregnant, but I started again a few weeks ago. Do I need to be concerned that it will harm my son? The tube says to keep away from children. I am concerned that some Retin-A might get on my son during nighttime feedings. Thanks for your help.
Jim
AskDocWeb: Wash your hands after applying Retin-A to your face and unless you are applying it somewhere else, your son should be fine.
Subj: Facial wash before using Retina-A?
Date: 1/19/2007
I have been using retin a for 1 year. I observed dark spots in my face and also redness and peeling. And it also helped throw away some of fine lines. I didn’t consult a dermatologist before using this medicine. But I saw improvements at my face. I only want to ask if is it ok to use any facial wash before using retina a instead of a mild soap?
Chris
AskDocWeb: Well, it isn’t okay to use just any facial wash, it has to be gentle to the skin and contain no abrasives or alcohol.
Subj: Retin-A doing wonders
Date: 1/19/2007
I used retin-a as a teenager- I have been using it for 3 months the renova 0.05 percent – my skin is great, and it’s doing wonders for my husband’s wrinkles.
Linda
Subj: Facial cleanser
Date: 1/22/2007
Is it ok to use a facial cleanser before applying retin A after 20 minutes?
Chris
AskDocWeb: It depends on what type of facial cleanser it is. You want to avoid any abrasives or alcohol because it has to be gentle. But otherwise yes, you can use a cleanser before applying Retin-a.
Subj: Breakouts are common, but
Date: 1/24/2007
I’ve been using Retin-A for 3 weeks now and have been breaking out quite a lot after using it, but I read that breakouts are common during the initial stage. The Retin-A helps pull out all the dirt and oil from beneath the skin up into the surface, hence why I began breaking out a lot. I have noticed that my face isn’t as oily and it has a nice glow. I recommend Retin-A, but give it time to show its good effects. It also combats wrinkles, which is a plus!
Sonia
Subj: Bumps and scars
Date: 1/26/2007
I just started using retin-a over 1 month and 1/2 now. I’ve suffered from acne or many years now off and on. I’ve never been confident leaving the house with makeup or even having a boyfriend for that matter because of the bumps and scars, I hate the daylight. it affects me with everything I do. Since using the retin-a I have noticed a significant improvement I am really happy and being in my mid 20’s it will help with wrinkles. I did get the initial breakout I was a little frustrated but at the same time I overall I noticed a change in my skin tone, pores, and blackheads. (with the initial breakout) so I kept using it only at night just a small amount 30 minutes after washing my face with cetaphil. In the morning I wash with cetaphil and use moisturizer with SPF. my skin is oily but at the same time it looks great! I am battling with the scars from before and think that a couple of peels with my derm and using a little of hydroquoine I will be back where I was before this stupid acne all started. the retin-a has most definitely helped with my breaking out and keeping it under control, the key is to use a little not alot! I have tried everything trust me and this has helped the most and think I found my miracle gel. hope this helps, and don’t give up.
CECE
Subj: Expiration date past
Date: 1/30/2007
I have used Retin-A in the past to treat flatwarts on my face. After stopping for some time during pregnancy and nursing I resumed and within 2 weeks had almost a boil where I was applying the medication. I believe I overmedicated but then I noticed that the expiration date is 6 months past due. Could it have “spoiled”? I thought most drugs just lose effectiveness after expiration.
Steffanie
Subj: No peeling yet
Date: 2/1/2007
I have been using Retin A 0.25 for about two weeks and I haven’t seen any peeling yet, not even redness just a little bit of dryness. I wonder if I should use O.50? What do you think?
Connie
AskDocWeb: We would give it a full month before deciding to up your dose, and to get that you should go back and consult with your physician.
Subj: Lyra laser therapy
Date: 2/1/2007
Can I use this with the aura and lyra lasers? The laser dry and flake as it is so should I take a break from the meds?
Melanie
AskDocWeb: The doctor in charge of your laser therapy should advise you about the use of Retin-A.
Subj: Long-term use of Retin-A
Date: 2/1/2007
I have been using various strengths of Retin-A since l985. I am 57 now and people think I am in my early 40’s. I am certain it is from daily retin-A use. I will continue to use it and happily so!
Deb
Subj: Retin-A on lips?
Date: 2/3/2007
I have Fordyces condition around my lips and one website said to treat it with retin-A…but on the bottle it says not to use it on/near my lips. Should I anyway? Also, I have a few chicken pock scars on my face, but they’re concave…will retin-A still help level the skin out overtime? (I was told it would).
Carrie
AskDocWeb: Using it on your lips is not recommended. That would be considered “off label use” and we suggest you talk to your doctor before doing anything like that. As for the chicken pox scarring the Retin-A may make them look less noticeable but it probably will not fill them in completely.
Subj: Benzoyl peroxide
Date: 2/3/2007
You are NOT supposed to use benzoyl peroxide with Retin-A! If you go the Retin-A website it tells you that the 2 will negate each other! Check out the brand website.
Don’t mix w/benzoyl peroxide
Subj: Worried about skin damage
Date: 2/4/2007
I have been using retin-a 0.025 for few years off an on, mainly in the winter because of the sun in the summer time. I have recently started using it again and have noticed slight peeling on my chin where I do have a few lines, but they seem to look worse. Could this be because I have like gone back to square 1 with the cream? Should I continue with the cream? Also through out the summer last year I was using Rosa Mosqueta oil. My skin felt great although I didn’t feel it tightened the skin as much as Retin-a. For the last 2 nights I have been applying the retina-a…waiting a while then applying the Rosa Mosqueta oil. The dryness has disappeared. I am worried that I may be causing my skin damage by using these 2 products together. Thanking you in advance,
Lisa
AskDocWeb: When you started using the Retin-A again your skin had to get used to it all over again, which is why your skin is peeling. By the way, when your skin is already saturated with Retin-A you don’t get much benefit from the Rosa Mosqueta oil.
Subj: Is this safe?
Date: 2/5/2007
After a skin evaluation, an aesthetician working under a doctor recommended that I extend my .025% Retin-A cream up into the orbital eye area to strengthen that sensitive, finely wrinkled skin. I am in my early 30’s. Is that safe? What are the potential side affects/risk factors?
Claire
AskDocWeb: An aesthetician is not a dermatologist. For your safety please consult with your dermatologist before using Retin-A in the orbital area around your eyes.
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