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Retin-A is fab

Aziraphale

Veteran

Any other Retin-A users out there? I've recently started it and I am very pleased. I'm using it because I still get the odd spot on my face, and I'm also starting to get fine lines around my eyes, and I had heard that it is really the only cream that has been shown to improve both of these things. I'm a firm believer in the scientific method, lol. Apparently it causes the outer layer of cells to slough off, revealing the fresher layers underneath, and may even encourage the underlying collagen layer to thicken over time. I was initially cautious, because I had heard that it can cause redness and irritation and/or a worsening of your acne. My doctor prescribed me one of the lower doses, and I've been using it sparingly for several weeks. WELL. My skin is better than it has been for ages. No redness, no acne, no nothing except very soft skin. I'm not sure if it's doing anything to the fine lines (although I think you have to use it for months before it does that) but my skin texture is better than ever and it's very healthy-looking and radiant.

Just thought I'd post this in case anyone else wanted to give it a whirl. It's seriously the ONLY thing I've ever put on my skin that has had noticeable results.

For those of you who would like more radiant skin without having to put salad oil on your face, Retin-A might be worth a try.

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It has never worked for me, Elisabeth. I have tried over and over again with my Dermie - in all sorts of strengths. I am too sensitive. I'm glad it works for you though. I believe it's a good product.

I do enjoy a vitamin C serum though. And I put jojoba oil on my face as a finishing touch after the tinted moisturizer. (I like the look of shiny skin). I achieve a dewy look this way, and am happy to have found a solution.

deb

Veteran

I am unable to use retin-A but can use the lesser strength retinol. I use it every night and a vitamin C serum in the morning.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have used it for years and it really makes a difference.

I recently started facial oil and I like Ren rose oil. I like the way it makes my skin look glowy

Having said that, I did a laser treatment (both fraxel and v-beam) in November and I was very pleased with the results. It got rid of some stuff that Retin-A had not prevented.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Angie, Deb: it's true that not everyone can use it. Hence my initial caution. It can be irritating. In fact I'm only using it on my forehead and cheeks, not on my nose, which is prone to pinkness.

I posted this in case anyone else might be interested in trying it -- it might work and it might not, but for many people it's worth a try! It wouldn't have occurred to me to ask my doctor for it, except one of my girlfriends mentioned it a while back. So I thought I'd pass it on.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Ummlila, thanks for the tip about v-beam and fraxel. I'm not ready to start anything like that, but one day I might. I think those things are minimally invasive. I'm a big supporter of aging naturally, and Botox makes me snort with laughter, but minor laser therapy is something I would consider.

Marilyn

Veteran

Have not used retin_A but I'm a huge fan of glycolic acid which has the same exfoliating action. I started with a 5% formulation and now use 10%. It stung like a son of gun in the beginning but I stuck with it and my skin adjusted. I too noticed very positive results.....no more flaky spots, more radiant, less blemishes. I think it has worked a bit on spots but I still have some light ones.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Marilyn -- yes, glycolic acid will also exfoliate, but I'm pretty sure Retin-A is the only topical chemical that has been shown to increase collagen thickness over time. I guess I'll have to wait see if it actually does that in a meaningful way. I've never tried glycolic acid, but my Retin-A cream doesn't sting or burn at all. Not even at the beginning.

trekkiegirl

Veteran

I've been wanting to try it but haven't yet, so I'm watching this for info and opinions!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Trekkiegirl, I've read enough online reviews to know that the odd person has disastrous results with Retin-A. So I think it can happen. But the positive reviews far outweigh the negative. I asked my doctor about that and she said that it doesn't work for everybody, but sometimes the problem is that people use it wrong -- they goop it on from day one and their skin freaks out. So I'm careful to follow the instructions carefully.

Gaylene

Veteran

Interesting. I've been using a retinol product mixed with Vitamin C serum from Paula's Choice for a few years now and like the results. I also alternate an AHA product with my Clarisonic brush which seems to provide sufficient exfoliation for my skin. And I've been a fan of hyaluronic acid for keeping wrinkling to a minimum after being introduced to Euercin Hyaluron-Filler cream a few years ago The CeraVe moisturizer I'm currently using contains hyaluronic acid along with ceramides and niacinamide which are also supposed to help the skin.

I might ask about Retin-A the next time, but, so far, at 65, I seem to have very little wrinkling and my skin is still in very good condition. Most times the docs are surprised when they see my age on their charts.

Anonymous

I asked my derm for a prescription for RetinA a few years ago. I did experience severe flakiness (yes , I followed the instructions for initial use to a T) and persevered for awhile, but didn't see any noticeable effect. I have also tried Roc 's creams a few times - and again,never was sure I was seeing anything different. I am curious enough about Retina A because of it's science and proven results on others to perhaps try again. Note to self to ask Dr for a prescription next time I'm in

Eliza

Veteran

I use a prescription retinol cream that I switched to about 4 years ago after the OTC retinol products (Roc) seemed to loss their efficacy. I have fair, sensitive, dry, almost 60 skin (the rest of me is 42 and holding lol). I use it with lots of moisturizers/serum at night and morning. I notice it helps fill in the lines around my mouth and overall reduces wrinkling, though genetics may play a more important role. I don't have acne, but do have a tendency towards freckles and I don't see much reduction in them post-retinol. I am so hyper about sun protection that I haven't experienced the increased sensitivity with retinol. I am with Angie- love a dewy sensation on the skn.

Interesting topic and I like hearing what works for others. There is a lot I would not do, but this seems to help without causing problems at this point.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Gaylene, I think retinol is just a milder form of Retin-A, so it probably works in a similar way. I also use CeraVe moisturizer and I really like it. I'll keep an eye out for the Euceryn Hyaluron-filler cream. Might be worth a try. My skin is pretty good too, especially considering all that time I had to spend outdoors while we lived in California (I used a lot of sunscreen!) but I'm noticing fine lines around my eyes now, which I think is related to age and genetics as much as anything. Also, I'm finding that my once full cheeks have thinned a lot. I don't really have lines around my mouth and my nasolabial creases are still faint, but my face is definitely more angular than it was.

LisaP, I was warned that Retin-A can cause flakiness for quite some time, but I can imagine it's hard to persevere when you don't know for sure that it's going to work later on! But maybe you could try a lower dose?

Eliza, it's true that genetics probably play the biggest role (next to sun exposure). And no matter what you do, I've noticed that, wrinkles or no wrinkles, one of two things happens to people's faces as they age: either the subcutaneous fat layer thins out a lot, causing underlying bone structure to show more and sometimes causing gauntness, or else most of the fat stays in place but starts to migrate downward, causing sagging cheeks and jowls. I don't think any amount of sunscreen or creams can totally prevent these things!

JayS

Veteran

I'm a longtime Retin A user. Even so, I have to be careful with it.
It's good to give yourself a little time between cleansing your skin and applying the Retin A..20 minutes or so. Also, if flaking is a recurring problem, mix a little Retin A with a moisturizer..I like CereVe PM. I use 1 pump of CereVe with a less than pea size amount of Retin A. A little does go a long way. Also, when the air is dry, skip a day or so. When it's more humid, use more often.
I also moisturize heavily 15 or 20 minutes after application. I use Atopalm mixed with Waleda Skin food. YMMV

jackiec

Veteran

I'm glad it's working for you! I have friends who use it and their skin looks fab. I've tried it in different strengths and, unfortunately, like Angie, it has never worked for me. The last time was this past fall, and I gave it a solid 3 months. My periodic "spots" became worse and worse, and the light flakiness never subsided, despite lots of good moisturizer. I find that my skin looks more beat-up than ever when I use retin-A products. I've recently added a vitamin C serum before my moisturizer and so far so good. I learn a lot from this place

K.M.

Veteran

Oh, there it is--your Retin-A post! Very useful!

Anonymous

I too agree that Retin A is a miracle worker for those who need it and can tolerate it. I am lucky that I have great skin. I have had glycolic peels in the past that helped brighten my complexion and I use Mario Badescu hyaluronic acid serum with vit C under my CeraVe moisturizer followed by sunscreen. I use sunscreen faithfully on my face, neck (front and back) and chest.

I use Alpha Hydrox glycolic body lotion on my arms and legs and their foot lotion on my feet and I have the softest skin and the nicest heels that I love to show off in the summer in my sandals.

MsMaven

Veteran

I've used Retin A for several years, but I can't use it every day unless I want to look like a strawberry. It does seem to help keep the skin clearer and smoother. I asked my dermatologist it it helps prevent pre-cancers and she said the jury is still out. I do have a problem with precancerous stuff on my face and upper chest, and had a bit of basal cell cancer on my nose. She said it is worth it to keep using it as much as I can tolerate, just in case it does help.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I was interested to read this, thanks. I've got a lot of forehead wrinkles, oh well. And high five to Angie because I like using jojoba too.

Kim

Veteran

I'm off to see the derm in February about a venous lake on my lip and I'm asking for a script for Retin-A as well, while I'm there. I'd be happy if it helps with the fine lines around my mouth. I think laugh lines might be too much for it, but hey, I've lived a great life if all I have to complain about is "laugh" lines! Thanks for the info, I'm going to refer back to this thread when I get my stuff.

Mona

Veteran

Thanks for sharing. I have recently finished a 5 month course of accutane and my skin is clearer than it has been in years. I am going for a follow up appointment with my derm in two weeks. I will see if she is willing to prescribe retin-A for me.

Aziraphale

Veteran

MsMaven, I hadn't heard anything about Retin-A and cancer prevention, but I'm glad to hear there is a possible link.

Columbine, I love jojoba soap! It smells so nice.

Kim, I've got the laugh lines too, and truth be told I quite like them -- I just don't want them to spread out of control! I like the overall 'glow' that Retin-A seems to give, regardless of what it does (or does not do) for crow's feet.

Mona, glad to hear that Accutane worked for you! As you know, I've heard a few wonder stories about that drug.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have used retin-a on and off for several years. My skin is quite insensitive, but very prone to hyper-pigmentation and various other poxes. Anyway, I just consulted a new dermatologist about the discoloration and he said my skin is actually in good shape (and he gave me a new treatment for the hyper-pigmentation, to be followed with some sort of device treatment if it doesn't work). Hmm. I am not interested in fillers or botox, but am interested in doing what I can to improve the clarity and texture of my skin. I also use a vitamin c serum in the morning under my sunscreen and do think that helps a lot.

Echo

Veteran

I have been gradually ramping up my skin care to include more drastic measures. I have some freckles/sun spots that I'd just as soon not get worse (ideally, I'd like to see them fade), and my laugh lines are becoming slightly visible when I'm not laughing. So I get periodic glycolic acid peels and have considered Retin-A. I will have to ask my derm about it next time I am there. I do alternate between a vitamin-C serum and a retinol serum at night and consistently use sun protection, but alas I did not use the sun protection I should have when I was much younger.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Gosh, here is the thread where I get to feel like an oddball. (Here and on the serums thread). I literally didn't know what a serum was until today (had to look it all up). I had heard of retinol and retin-A but basically don't do anything to my skin. It's dry so I don't use soap. I sometimes use a washcloth or an sugar exfoliant. And day and night, I slather it with an inexpensive moisturizer. (Right now I am using Cetaphil cream, which does not get great reviews from Paula's Choice, I learned today. Worse, it's supposedly full of parabens, BUT while the website lists them as ingredients, they are not on the label of my jar and the EWG doesn't mention them. However, they rate the cream as a 3 -- not great. Cerave gets the same rating, by the way, and it does have parabens according to EWG.

OY....what's a woman to do? I tried to find an inexpensive and effective moisturizer for dry skin recommended by both Paula's and EWG -- nothing doing. That item does not seem to exist. Meanwhile, Cetaphil feels great on my skin, soothing and fresh, and leaves it soft and dewy, as Angie says. Something I really appreciate.

I can't tolerate lots of sunscreens so often go without. (Horrors, I know; I promise I don't do it when the sun is high or if I am going to be out for very long.) I suppose I am paying for it with laugh lines and the rest.

Clearly, I need to put some effort into this whole thing.

karymk

Veteran

Retin A user since the age of 23. 50 now and still have good, wrinkle free skin. Use lots of high spf when you're using it!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I never tried RX retinol products. Tried roc. Didn't do much except irritate. I prefer serums and a good sunscreen. Serums don't do much for wrinkles but do improve texture on me. Oh and I do like fillers and the Bo. When I can afford them. They are effective, you'll not find me judging. I agree with Eliza DNA plays a big roll. I have paper thin freckle prone skin so look every bit my 56 years, from the neck up at least.