Feedback on Retin-A Side Effects and Usage, page 47

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: Acne is getting worse
Date: 1/6/2009
I have been using Retin A for about 1 1/2 weeks. I am 43 and having the worse acne I have ever had in my life. My acne is getting worse right now. However I have been reading what others have to say and I will give it a little while longer to see results. Will let you now what happens.

RW

Subj: Sinus congestion
Date: 1/7/2009
I have been using Retin A micro for two months. While my skin looks much better, I am experiencing sinus congestion constantly. If I stop the retin A for a few days, the congestion subsides. Is this a known side effect of Retin A? Could I be experiencing an allergy to this product?

Michelle

AskDocWeb: Sinus congestion is not listed as a side effect of Retin-A so an allergic reaction is a possibility.

Subj: Perioral dermatitis
Date: 1/9/2009
I have been using retin-A (generic .025) to treat milia and help with wrinkles. I have a lot of milia under the eye area so it was difficult to avoid getting the retin-a near my eyes. I have been using the product every other day for three months. A month ago I developed very painful skin under my eyes (right under lashes). It is bumpy, red, and swollen. It almost appears to be a rash of some kind. I stopped using the Retin-a. I went to my Derm and she diagnosed me with Perioral dermatitis for the eyes. She prescribed an topical antibiotic and Tetracycline. It is not helping. In fact it hurts more today than ever. Any thoughts on if my condition is related to my previous exposure to Renit-A? Why does it seem to go away and come back even though I discontinued use of Retin-a??

Stephanie

AskDocWeb: Our first thought is that the Retin-A may have aggravated a pre-existing condition, although it is also possible that your condition has nothing to do with the use of Retin-A. There have been several reports of Perioral dermatitis from those using birth control pills and a few reports that the condition disappeared when the birth control pills were discontinued.

Subj: I discontinued Retin-A
Date: 1/13/2009
I used Retin-A micro for 6 months last year. For the first 2-3 months I thought my skin looked better. However, my complexion began to look grey and dull. I also started to have cyst-like eruptions under my skin on the chin area. I discontinued the Retin-A and used the Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Rejuvenation kit. My acne has improved and my skin color is better. I know Retin-A is supposed to be the “gold standard” of skin care but I am hesitant to use it.

J

Subj: Moisturizer
Date: 1/15/2009
I started using this product a few months ago and then stopped because my skin was peeling so much and it started to sting whenever I touched the area. In any event, I started using it again and so far I’ve had peeling, redness, stinging and itching, but luckily nothing severe like blisters or crusting. My Dr. advised me not to stop using it and these symptons go away in time. Do you happen to know of a good moisturizer because everything I use irritates my skin even further? Thanks!

Nicole

AskDocWeb: Consumers report good results with the following moisturizers:

Almay
Aquaphor
Cetaphil facial moisturizer
Kiehls
Loreal moisturizer
Neutrogena Moisturizer for combination skin
Neutrogena oil free moisturizer with SPF15
Oil of Olay moisturizer
ROC moisturizer

Just remember that what may work for someone else’s skin type may not work for yours. You may have to experiment a little to find one just right for you.

Subj: Get rid of the crown feet
Date: 1/15/2009
Hi, I been using Retin-A cream 0.1% for about 5 days and it started to make my skin worst. My face is really red and very dry. I don’t know if I should stop using it? I’m 36 and I want to get rid of my wrinkles. Especially, around my eyes. I really want to get rid of the crown feet. Is there anyone who could help me?

Kanlayani

Subj: Thrilled with the results
Date: 1/15/2009
Can retin-a and renova be used at the same time? I have just started using 0.05 retin-a and in three days my skin looks tighter when I get up in the morning and when I put moisturizer on my skin it glows. I am thrilled with the results thus far. I have aged well for my 56 years and would like to get rid of one comma line on the side of my mouth (I only have one comma line) and two finely etched lines between my eyebrows. Is that what renova does, gets rid of lines? Also, I walk in the early mornings and live in the desert. I use spf 50 and I wear a large brimmed hat. Is that ok to walk outside since I am using retina? I always walk before noon to stay out of the worst sun of the day. The rest of the time I stay out of the sun. I wear spf 50 clothing also.

Maureen

AskDocWeb: Retin-A and Renova are brand names of the generic drug Tretinoin. Renova does the same as the Retin-A but at a slower pace.

Subj: Loved the results
Date: 1/18/2009
I just started using Retin-a for the second time in my life. I used it as a teenager and absolutely loved the results (the only time I have ever had beautiful skin)-now I am 35 and starting it again for adult acne. I am only in the beginning stages and am experiencing slight peeling and a little itching. For those who are having a horrible experience, be sure that you are using a very little amount and also applying a moisturizer over the retin-a and in the morning.

Amber

Subj: Best product ever!
Date: 1/20/2009
Hello to all! I have been using Retin-A for about 15 years. It is the best product ever!! I do go to Mexico to get it because it is made by Johnson & Johnson or Janssen-Cilag. I pay about $20 for a 40g tube on .10% They also sell the .05% for about $10. Start with the .05% if you are worried. The burning and peeling is natural. Eventually it get less because you will always have new skin on top. I will be 60 this year, and people still say I look like I am 40ish, always asking what cream I use. Nice.

Here is the correct usage: You must use it for the rest of your life. Make sure your skin is completely DRY after washing it. If it is damp, you will break out. Actually, for the first 12 weeks or so, you may breakout, only do to the Retin-A pulling everything to the surface, hence, it is acne medicine. ALWAYS use a SUN BLOCK when in the sun. Sun Screen is not enough coverage. You can put you make-up right over it. You will never have to buy the products on the market for ‘younger skin’. I have discussed this product with my doctor and my dermatologist; both believe this is still the best product on the market. Even if you have had laser work done, you can use Retin-A. AND yes, use it on your eyelids, watch your eye shadow look perfect with no wrinkles to cover. If you are still too sensitive, use Retin-A at night and you regular face cream during the day. You will get the same results. I use Retin-A exclusively because I have oily skin.

J.

PS: I also use it on my neck, front and back. I have NO ‘rings’ around my neck, it is just the best…. To have a really good peel, when you are showering, let you face and neck soak, and just before you wash it, use your fingertips to gently exfoliate the dead skin. Your skin will feel like satin.

Subj: Sun damage?
Date: 1/19/2009
I used Retin A for 20 years and now have a lot of tearing of my capillaries under the skin. Have you heard anything like this happening after using Retin A long term? The dermatologist says it is from sun damage…

Lisa

AskDocWeb: We haven’t heard of Retin-A causing damage to capillaries but it does make your skin more sensitive to the sun and susceptible to damage caused by sunlight. That is why sunscreen is recommended.

Subj: Red skin
Date: 1/21/2009
I’ve been taking Retin-A .05% for about 11 days now. I’ve had flaky skin…its gotten red…it has sort of stayed pinkish redish for about 5 days. I’m not really concerned. I look at it as a necessary step for clearer skin. I haven’t had a pimple since I’ve started taking it but my skin hasn’t gotten any better either. I still have blemishes and black/white heads. How long until I start to see a difference in my skin? I have accutane 25G as well.. should I take 1 pill a day for 3 months for a while?? I’m 23yrs old, Male. In Perfect health.

Kohkane

AskDocWeb: More than 6 or 7 weeks of treatment with Retin-A may be needed before you see the consistent beneficial effects. As for the use of Accutane, we suggest you follow your doctors instructions.

Subj: Same acne
Date: 1/26/2009
I’ve been using retin a for 3 months and I have the same acne as I did before I started using it. How long should I use it before moving on?

Paolo

AskDocWeb: Since you should have seen results by the second month, it sounds like it may be time to check back with your doctor.

Subj: Which is better micro or cream?
Date: 1/30/2009
I’m curious which is better between the micro or the cream? I’ve been using the cream .025% since November and didn’t have many problems just a little dying so my derm switched me to the micro .04% and my goodness it has done a whammy on me! I broke out on my chin which I haven’t had in 4 mths, and I started peeling, so what gives? I thought the micro was suppose to be less irritating? Why would it cause a breakout? Also, does anyone know if one is better than the other the micro vs. the cream in the long run in treating acne and what about the strengths, is a higher strength better? Hope someone can shed some light here.

Allison

Subj: Retin-A for wrinkles?
Date: 1/30/2009
Can retin-a be used for wrinkles?

Jane

AskDocWeb: Using Retin-A for wrinkles would be an “off-label” use that is not approved by the FDA. The only approved use we can find for Retin-A is for the treatment of acne. That doesn’t stop doctors from prescribing it though. According to an article in the New York Times, half of the $100 million in yearly sales are for treating wrinkles.

Subj: Reducing wrinkles?
Date: 2/1/2009
What percentage of Retin-A is better for reducing wrinkles? .1%, .04% or .025%?

Christiane

AskDocWeb: Sorry, the FDA does not approve of the use of Retin-A for wrinkles.

Subj: Treatment of wrinkles?
Date: 2/2/2009
Does Retin A-01 help the treatment of wrinkles? If so, how often should it be applied?

Mary

AskDocWeb: If this sounds familiar it is because there are a lot of people looking for help with wrinkles. Unfortunately our government, in this case the FDA, wants to help us by making this choice for you and they say no to using Retin-A for wrinkles.

Subj: Dry hair and constipated
Date: 2/8/2009
I find that my hair is dryer since I’ve started retin a and that I am constipated. What do you think about this?

Laurie

AskDocWeb: Neither are listed as side effects of Retin-A.

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