Feedback on Retin-A Side Effects and Usage, page 50
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: Pushing collagen too far?
Date: 4/10/2009
I’m 52, and have been using Retin-A (red label -0.5?) for longer than I can remember. Of course, my face looks fantastic for my age! Sometimes when I forgot to use it for a few days I use it twice a day to ‘catch up’ with great success – no dryness or other visible problems. My question: Is there any non-visible danger to pushing your collagen too far? Thanks!
Debbie
AskDocWeb: There are no reports of any long-term damage involving collagen, however, there is one non-visible danger that you need to remember and that is the photosensitivity issue. You can’t see the photosensitivity in your skin but the results can be painfully obvious. Retin-A makes your skin burn more easily from exposure to ordinary sunlight.
Subj: In response to the open question
Date: 4/10/2009
I’ve been using Retin-A for almost one year; I’m 51 years old. Prior to using Retin-A, my under-eyelid skin was loose and crepe-like, and it has firmed up quite a bit although there has been no diminishment of the smile lines. I’m happy with the results. In response to the open question: I’ve found that hydroquinone works for lightening hyper pigmentation, also glycolic acid peels, however, you must stay out of the sun, or it will return. You must avoid the sun also if using retin-A. In my 30’s I had a pregnancy mask that was eliminated using retin-A.
Adrienne
Subj: I love it
Date: 4/11/2009
I have been using Retin-A for about 12 years. I can easily obtain it in Mexico without a prescription. People tell me that I look the same as I did in high school. I am 37 years and people cannot believe it. I’m told I look 25. Two years ago was the last time someone asked to see my ID to buy alcohol. This is the real deal and I love it.
Esther
Subj: THE SECRET
Date: 4/13/2009
I have been using Retin A for many years. I was using 0.1%. I went through the period of redness, irritation, etc. It is unavoidable. THE SECRET to have a good effect of RetinA is this (for me, anyway). Clean your face well, and make sure it is DRY. (If it moist – it will create irritation!!! Remember that!) Apply the Retin A – your recommended dose ( you start with 0.025% first) on DRY skin. When it gets absorbed by the skin very well – A FEW MINUTES MATER -APPLY A SIMPLE MISTURISER- I USE “PONDS” the Dry SkinFormula. THIS HAS BEE A LIFESAVER FOR ME! let the Retin A do its job – use it on DRY skin – and then apply PONDS. Or other harmless, uncomplicated good moisturiser, that does not have any complicated compounds. Having said all this – I am concerned now about the following: I have overheard, that long use of Retin-A MAY HAVE ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE BRAIN!!!! I am concerned – I tried to find something on the net – but not much right now. ANYONE? SUGGESTIONS for Articles or a website to inquire further? Thank you. So – far – the Retin A has taken off 10 years off my age.
Ty
P.S. One more thing – START with 0.025% – for 3-4 months; then increase 0.05% for another 3-4months minimum. THEN – you may go to 0.1% successfully. Don’t expect it to work overnight! It works well over time.
Subj: Shoulders and upper back?
Date: 4/14/2009
Can I use Retin-A Micro on my shoulders and upper back to get rid of acne?
Danak
AskDocWeb: That would be an off-label use because it is prescribed to treat acne on facial skin. There is however, one post from someone who tried that but they were disappointed with the results.
Subj: Good moisturizer?
Date: 4/14/2009
I’ve just started using Retin-A Micro & a I’m experiencing tightness on my face. What would be a good moisturizer that will not effect the treatment of the cream?
Grace
AskDocWeb: Readers have reported good results with Almay, Aquaphor, and Neutrogena. The new LifeCell is touted as the best moisturizer in the world because it can penetrate through 20 skin cell layers but it is expensive.
Subj: Tretinoin for maintenance?
Date: 4/15/2009
I’ve used Tretinoin 0.1% for a few years, I’m 66 years old and as maintenance am using it 3 times a week. A new Dermatologist recommended using a lower strength .25% everyday. Should I continue using 0.1% 3 to 4 times a week or go to .25% every night? Thank you.
Wanda
AskDocWeb: If you have used it for a few years now you must be satisfied with the results. It is likely that your dermatologist meant .025% rather than .25% which makes sense for maintenance purposes.
Subj: A little bit of eye redness and watering
Date: 4/15/2009
Hi. I’m using retin-a for 11 days, for every other 3 days. I read “eye redness and watering (conjuntivitis), notify your doctor if you experience that, my question is why? Is dangerous, what is the problem? Because days ago I stared with that simtoms, just a little bite.
Paty
AskDocWeb: Eye problems may result from the product being used to close too the eyes or if too much is being used. You may want to reread the instructions or discuss proper usage with your doctor. The instructions do say to keep it away from your eyes, mouth, nose, and mucous membranes.
Subj: Nasolabial folds
Date: 4/17/2009
Can Retin A Micro be used on nasolabial folds? Mine are not very bad, but I would like to know if Retin A Micro can soften them a bit. Also, can it also be used under the eyes on the fine lines? Or should I use Renova under the eyes, instead? Will Retin A Micro plump the skin somewhat? thank you.
Denise
AskDocWeb: Yes, Retin-A can smooth out nasolabial folds a bit. Although it may take a few months, it can make them less visible, smoother and the face more lifted in that area. The instructions for Retin-A say to keep it away from your eyes. You can use Renova under the eyes but avoid getting it in your eyes.
Subj: Hypersensitivity to the sun
Date: 4/20/2009
I use Retin A now and again for fine lines and wrinkles. I was out in the sun during the weekend for a few hours and when I woke up this morning I couldn’t open my eyes. They were completely swollen and puffy. When I went to the doctor he asked me if I was using any acne creams. It was then that I put two and two together. Once I re-read the leaflet it mentioned hypersensitivity to the sun. Here are my questions: 1) I didn’t use the cream during the weekend, only once or twice during the week. How long before this Retin A gets out of my skin and system? 2) I only use Retin A on my face. If I put on sunscreen factor 30 on my face, can I expose the rest of my body to some sun or will the hypersentivity still reveal itself in the form of puffiness to my face and eye area? Thanks.
Maeve
AskDocWeb: The hypersensitivity to the sun is limited to the area where you apply the cream but may last for several weeks after you discontinue use.
Subj: Retin-A and pregnancy
Date: 4/23/2009
I have a question. What if you didn’t know you were pregnant and you know that you used Retin -A .1% less than two times during the first 3 weeks of your pregnancy? Will this small amount affect my baby?
Caro
AskDocWeb: It is highly unlikely that small amount of use would cause any problems. Congratulations!
Subj: Anxiety?
Date: 4/23/2009
Can Retin-A-Micro cause anxiety? Also, being on Femhrt along with using a retin-a product, can this cause anxiety?
Carol
AskDocWeb: Anxiety is not listed as one of the possible side effects of Retin-A.
Subj: Sensitive skin
Date: 4/24/2009
I was prescribed Retin-A 0.1% with a skin lightener by an awful dermatologist despite the fact my skin was very sensitive. My face was extremely swollen, painful and did bleed at times. I stopped using it and still have a problem with facial redness and damage from it years later. I am now having Intense-Pulsed-Light therapy for the redness, however this isn’t permanent, so Retin-A has ruined my skin! I really wouldn’t advise it if you have sensitive skin.
Chloe
Subj: Replenix 3x
Date: 5/1/2009
Hi. My MD recommend the Obagi system with a non-prescription retinol called Replenix 3x instead of Retin A since I tried before and couldn’t tolerated. I understand it’s not as strong. I’m using almost every night and I’m not even peeling yet and its been 2+ weeks. I am a little dry but that’s it. What should I do?
Lou
AskDocWeb: Since the product you are using is not as strong as Retin-A, it may be possible to get some of the benefits without going through a peeling phase. You may want to use a moisturizer to avoid the dry skin.
Subj: My face looks terrible
Date: 5/1/2009
I started using retin a for 3 weeks now to treat my acne, and my doctor told me to use it every night but that was not possible, cause my skin becomes extremly dry flaky red itchy stinging on the third day of application of the cream so I have to stop for 2-3 days untill the itchining, flaking…etc. stops then start using it again and I see no marked improvment I’m not sure if I should discontinue the use of the drug or not. Plzzz help my face looks terrible…thanks,
Doya
AskDocWeb: During the early weeks of acne therapy, a worsening of the condition may occur due to the action of Retin-A on deep, previously unseen areas of inflammation as these areas are brought to the surface. This is not a reason to discontinue therapy, but do notify your doctor if it occurs. You should begin to notice positive results after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment but more than 6 or 7 weeks of treatment may be needed before consistent beneficial effects appear.
Subj: Stop using it?
Date: 5/1/2009
I want to know what happens if I stop using retino A? Does it affect my skin? Can I stop using it?
User
AskDocWeb: It appears that many women continue to use Retin-A even after their acne is under control because it makes their skin look younger. If you discontinue, both the benefits and the photosensitivity of the skin gradually decrease over a few weeks time.
Subj: Mild acne that is cleared up, but
Date: 5/3/2009
I have used retin-a for 2 years. At first I had some dryness and redness, but my doctor had me use it every other night until it got better (which wasn’t that long). I had little bumps on my forehead that went away after about a month. I had mild acne that is cleared up… but if I stop taking the medication, it comes back. Its been 2 years. I don’t want to take this stuff forever…
Valerie
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