Feedback on Retin-A Side Effects and Usage, page 43
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: Moisturizer?
Date: 8/12/2008
I am currently using retin-a. I notice, after applying, my skin still feels dry from washing it prior. Is it ok to apply moisturizer over the retin-a? Will that lessen the effects? I assume it is better than going to bed with dry skin. Thanks for your time!
Joshua
AskDocWeb: Yes, users have reported getting the best results when they apply a moisturizer 20 to 30 minutes after applying Retin-A.
Subj: Why is the healing time so long?
Date: 8/16/2008
I’ve been using Retin-A .05 for exactly 29 days now. I experienced the initial pealing for the first week, and my face has been breaking out, a few new pimples every day between day seven and now. I’m dealing with it, and I know it’s normal “purging”, so I’m hopeful new pimples will stop forming soon. However, it seems that wherever I get a pimple a red spot lingers for a long time, like over one week! Even if the “pimple” is gone, the skin just keeps peeling there and remains very very red. This is driving me crazy! Because it makes my face look more “broken out” than it actually is! This didn’t happen before I started using Retin A. Why is the healing time so long? Should I avoid putting any Retin A on these areas? It’s kind of difficult to spread the cream around them.
Lovebaby
AskDocWeb: It may be difficult to avoid but applying Retin-A to areas where the skin is irritated is likely to increase the healing time.
Subj: No real change in my skin
Date: 8/19/2008
I have been using retin a for about a year now to eliminate blackheads. I did, however stop using after the first 2 or 3 months as I noticed no change in my skin. But a month or so after that, I started again as I read that retin a takes a long time, up to a year, to notice results. I am losing faith though as there is no real change in my skin i.e. blackheads are still noticable after a year of usage – maybe I need to increase my dosage or something…
Irishgirl
AskDocWeb: It does take awhile but that that time is measured in weeks, not months. Do check with your dermatologist about adjusting your dosage.
Subj: Joint pain
Date: 8/19/2008
I have been using Retin-A for about 18 months and I love it. I have periodic bouts of dryness, but I use a very small amount of Retin-A along with a small amount of Dermesse Balance (from a doctors office). My question is this; I have noticed alot of joint pain recently. Could it be the Retin-A or am I just feeling my 53 years (I also take Boniva). Thanks,
Sara
AskDocWeb: It’s more likely to be the years because joint pain is not listed as a side effect of Retin-A.
Subj: You just have to stick with it
Date: 8/20/2008
I have used retin-a and retin-a micro for about 10 years. I switched to retin-a micro within the last couple of years. By time I started using it I was concerned of wrinkles, and I really didn’t have a major case of acne. My daughter asks me if I think it works, and I tell her, “Who knows how I’d look without it”. I do still get the peeling after all this time, but I am guessing it is just exfoliating the top layer. The peeling usually happens if I stop for a couple a days. In my experience you just have to stick with it, it may look worse before you see any improvement. I am 43, and I love it. I do have small lines around my eyes, but none on my cheeks, forehead or anywhere else. I always wear sunblock, fragrance free. Never ever forget sunblock! I like olay sensitive skin 15, and face 45 by oceanpotion- I have tried many for a LOT more money and this one (face 45) is great for only a couple of bucks!
Pam
Subj: Over the counter retinol product?
Date: 8/23/2008
Is it okay or wise to use retin-A and an over the counter retinol product at the same time.
Anne
AskDocWeb: We would no do that unless instructed to do so by a dermatologist.
Subj: For a consistent look
Date: 8/23/2008
I have purchased the retin-a .025% to use for cosmetic purposes. I have fine to medium lines at the lateral aspect of each eye as well as a bit just below each eye. Do I use the cream only in those areas or must I apply to my face in general for a consistent look? The course of treatment seems to be rather vague. If I apply for 6 weeks – do I then stop for a period of time? Or do I just reduce the amount and frequency of the applications? I have never actually been told about moisturizers, or additional suppliments to use during the day to help with dryness or peeling. Thank you,
Victor
AskDocWeb: First you should know that this medication is not to be used if you are pregnant. The instructions seem to leave room for some experimentation. Some use it in dabs on problem areas and others use it in general for an overall consistent look. In any case a moisturizer is recommended. The most successful users report giving their skin a break from the Retin-A once in a while, using it every other day or every third day. Some even report discontinuing use for up to three months and then start again.
Subj: No improvement yet
Date: 8/25/2008
I have been using Retin A for about two weeks and my acne havent got worse but nor have I seen an improvement in my skin from using Retin A, I have real oily skin with pock marks and acne scars and I wanted to know should I continue to use this product?
Crystal
AskDocWeb: You should begin to notice results in the second or third week of treatment but more than six or seven weeks may be needed before consistent beneficial effects appear.
Subj: Breakouts clear up quicker than usual
Date: 8/29/2008
I’m 40 and started using retin-a cream (0.05) around 3 weeks ago. I have light acne and melasma on the cheeks & forehead; I also have bumps under the skin on the jaw line. I’m using it every night and have not had much reaction, a little red around the nose and chin and very slight flaking. I think my skin is a bit softer and smoother but it’s not really having any effect on the bumps and melasma (how long will this take to go away?) I’ve had a few outbreaks of spots but not in the usual areas which is a bit strange, as I expected to break out on the bumpy areas of my jaw line. Breakouts have cleared up quicker than usual. As a teenager I had perfect skin, my problems started in my early 30’s; therefore I’m hoping that retin-a will solve all my problems, fingers crossed…. and maybe also help eradicate fine lines and prevent heavier wrinkles from forming later on.
Wendy
AskDocWeb: It may take more than six or seven weeks before you get the maximum beneficial effects.
Subj: Hopeful
Date: 8/31/2008
My teenage son just started using Retin-A about a week ago. Other products did not seem to be working. Right now, his face looks terrible. I am hopeful, after reading the other comments, that he should see improvement within the next six weeks.
Beth
Subj: Red spot marks
Date: 9/2/2008
hi! I have been using retin-A gel for about 2 weeks now on my pimples n I must say it helps to clear it soon. Well, just want to know if this gel helps to clear red spot marks as well… kindly advise how to remove red spots soon!!! Thanx a lot.
Shruti
AskDocWeb: It may or may not help. It depends on the cause and nature of the red spots. Some redness may be caused by the Retin-A as your skin adjusts to it. If there are still red spots after six weeks of use then you may have to consult with a dermatologist to get rid of them.
Subj: Wondering
Date: 9/3/2008
I was wondering if retin-a will work on my face. My face has alot of little pores, like an orange peel…
Lisa
AskDocWeb: If you have an acne problem then talk to your doctor about it.
Subj: Skin irritation
Date: 9/4/2008
Im 32 and I’ve been useing Retin-A(generic 5%) for about 8 months now, for those having skin irritation problems my DermDoc to me to use it every other night or mix in some light moisturizer(especially around the eyes) to decrease irritation until my skin gets used to the product. I have still had some peeling around nose, mouth, and eyes(prep those areas with rose salve now and it works great). Don’t stop treatment early on, it can take a little while to get used to it and for all of the acne under the surface to appear and heal. I’ve seen a remarkable difference in my skin…Dont give up, and ALWAYS wear sunscreen!!
Vanessa
Subj: White blotchy patches
Date: 9/3/2008
My 13 year old daughter has been using Retin-A .05% for about 3 weeks now. She is putting it on her T-zone area and cheeks – the only area that has acne, the rest of her skin is in good condition. Well, she has tan skin, and starting about 3 days ago she has NOTICABLE white blotchy patches, all over where she is applying the cream. It is taking away the acne, but bleaching her skin! I know this can be a side effect – but when do you stop for fear of permanent damage? I would much rather battle acne problems for her teenage years than have permanent pigmentation problem. Thank you for any input!
Stephanie
AskDocWeb: We’ve not heard of any permanent pigmentation problems with using Retin-A but it sounds like you need to discuss this with a dermatologist.
Subj: Concerned about pregnancy
Date: 9/11/2008
I’ve been using Retin-A for almost 6 weeks as part of the Obagi System. I couldn’t be happier with the results so far. I am concerned though if I should get pregnant while using it. Are their any serious risks?
Lisa
AskDocWeb: The instructions say that if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, do not use Retin A.
Subj: My solution
Date: 9/12/2008
I get Retin-A from Mexico and have used it for 18 years. I do not use it under my eyes as this area is so sensitive (it’s the only place on my face now with wrinkles). Certain areas such as laugh lines are more tender and will peal and get more irritated than others. My solution after the initial 3 or 4 months of use was to apply the cream every other night. People are always commenting on how nice my skin looks. I do wear sunblock on my face always along with a good moisturizer. My only problem is that many places will not wax my brows since I use Retina-A because of the potential skin damage. I am 58 now and plan to continue using Retin-A.
S. K.
Subj: It’s a wonderful product
Date: 9/14/2008
A friend purchased a few Retin-A tubes for me while in Mexico. I’m not sure what strength it was but it is my understanding that it was a higher concentration. Retin-A really improved my acne scars and made them almost invisible. Unfortunately, I ran out of the product and wish I knew what strength to buy. I do not have very sensitive skin. It’s a wonderful product and little goes a long way.
Joe
Subj: My face is red
Date: 9/14/2008
I have been using Retin-A again starting this past week, I usually use Benzoyl Peroxide first then I use Retin-A 30 minutes later after my face dries. Last night, I thought my face was dry after I used Benzoyl Peroxide so I used Retin-A after that. Soon, my face started having this “burning sensation” I woke up this morning and my face is red. What should I do? How long will the redness go away?
Rayshelle
AskDocWeb: It may take a few days for the redness to abate even if you discontinue the Retin-A. It may be helpful if you read back through the comments of others here.
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