Retin-A 911 Help!
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Feb 21, 2017
Jackie S.
So at the end of January my derm prescribed the generic version of Retin-A. I used it as directed, and my face reacted - became almost burned looking (besides the dry skin). Called my derm and she said it was normal, and my plan of only using 2x/week was good. However, my skin looks horrible. I'm very self-conscious and wanted to know what could be done. It looks better in pictures, but my skin is red and blotchy, and it never was like that before.
Thanks! (excuse the tired look!)
Feb 21, 2017
Kathryn C.
I think you should trust your derm that it's most likely working and that it'll clear up soon, but how self conscious are you about this? When you say it looks red and blotchy, does it have any sensation when you touch that part? If so I wouldn't apply much product at all to your face. Sorry for all the questions, but what foundation brand are you currently using? I also find that bb cream helps cover up red spots.
Feb 21, 2017
Jackie S.
I am not wearing makeup currently. Since my skin is never this blotchy, that's what's concerning. Let's just say that I feel like I look like a teenager and I haven't been a teenager for quite some time. My skin is very sensitive, sometimes it feels like it's burning. If feels this way even when I put my CeraVe lotion on.
Feb 21, 2017
Kathryn C.
I should say ask your derm of different lotions that they recommend, because if you have that sensation that probably isn't good and it's good that your not wearing any makeup rn, don't want to make things worse. Hope this gets better!!
Feb 21, 2017
Kitty K.
Retin - A takes a good amount of time so it will be a while and what you're experiencing is normal. I would start including an occlusive in your routine such as Aquaphor, and after applying your retin - a wait before applying any other products. I've seen users report they have to wait up to an hour or the following products will burn.
Try doing 'short contact' where you apply the product on the skin for about 2 hours - 20 minutes, then rinse your skin off with water and continue your product routine. (This is typically done with synthetic versions but it may help you).
'Buffering' is another method users do. You can do it by applying moisturizer first, mixing it in with a serum or moisturizing and then applying it. Basically avoid applying it directly and the mix of a great moisturizer/serum that contains lots of skin goodies can help.
Don't apply it immediately after washing your skin. Wait for your skin to be fully dry as the wet skin can help it to be absorbed easier.
Stick to applying it at night as skin is sensitized and the sun exposure won't be helpful and lots of sunscreen! You may have to include a lot more moisturizing serums and occlusives in your routine.
Feb 21, 2017
Nicole A.
My daughter has been using this on and off for a while and this is always what it looks like in the 1st 2 weeks or so, definitely make sure that you are staying away from direct sunlight or at least wear a very heavy spf, also try using a face cream called "first aid beauty" I buy her the ultra repair cream it's for intense hydration. I get it at sephora.com, it is for super sensitive skin and works great for her. her dermatologist always says "it will look worse, before it looks better". I completely agree because after regular use combined with an antibiotics within a month you will see a difference (:
Feb 21, 2017
Jackie S.
After I wash my face with my glytone face wash, I wait till my face is dry. Then I combine my Retin-A with my CeraVe before applying to my face. This is only done at night time. During the day I wear my CeraVe face lotion with SPF.
I understand that some things take time, but my face is worse than what it was before.
Feb 21, 2017
Kitty K.
If you don't feel comfortable with the process of Retin A than I agree with the suggestions on asking your derm for a different medication. I've seen users deal with the effects of Retin A for 8 to 9 months. You could express to her that you enjoy wearing make up and prefer a medication that won't compromise your moisture barrier so much. She may recommend using BHAs and AHAs as some use it to deal with the dry skin but if the Retin A is burning you may not handle it well.
Feb 21, 2017
Leuca S.
Aquaphor will probably help though you'll need to grow accustomed to having it on your face at night.
Retin-A is basically jumping in and telling your skin to kick itself into shape. It's kind of like going from no workouts to really intense sessions. You will ache for a while but the later result is worth it; you just need to have a good method of protecting your skin by caring for it before and after application.
Feb 22, 2017
Jackie S.
I spoke with my derm again, and she said I probably just can't tolerate Retin-A. She said I could try ROC if I wanted. She also recommended microdermabrasion, but I can not afford to do that 1x every/other month. Are there any products that will give me the same sort of results? I am using my Glytone wash, which is a glycolic acid wash. I need something for small texture issues (once my skin heals from the Retin-A).
Thanks!
Feb 22, 2017
Kitty K.
What results are you looking for Jackie?
Feb 22, 2017
Jackie S.
Well, firstly to get my skin back to how it was (non red, blotchy, or peeling). Then I want to tackle the texture I have on my forehead and my slight sunspots on my cheeks. Plus the overall health of my skin.