Irritated Skin From Retin A!! How To Calm The Burn?

Apr 19, 2013

Annie K.

So I got some retin a micro for wrinkles because I'm starting to see way to many, and I have slightly sensitive skin. I have used it as a teenager and know what it can do to your skin if used to much, but like a dumbass, I gave in to that thought that if a little is good, more must be better, put it on 2-3 times a day to start for 3 days, and now my skin is an angry red, peeling, burning mess!! And I knew better!! What can I put on my skin to soothe it, take the burn out, or calm some of the irritation?!! I put Olay lotion on and it burned, I put sunscreen on and it burned. I'm afraid to touch it now and I'm going out to a social event in 2 days!! At this point, I don't even really care what it looks like, I just want it to stop burning. And it didnt help that I used my clarsonic a little much this morning to help with the peeling. Why do I do this to myself??

Apr 19, 2013

Erika E.

I would recommend robbing cool Cucumber. avoid anything with Alcohol in it and stay away from the sun. My Dermatologist gave me a few samples and thanx God I did my Research, because I also believe "more must be better" how I applied it was a dabbed of retin A and dabbed of non-comedogenic/ fragrance free moisturizing cram. I don't think I would apply it again tho.

Apr 19, 2013

Shelley W.

Leave the Clarsonic alone ASAP. That is just adding more damage to the current drama going on with your skin. I highly suggest picking up a moisturizer that is fragrance free and geared towards sensitive skin ( Aveeno, Neutrogena). A gentle cleanser is also needed...must be sulfate free (sulfates are drying to the skin) and make sure that is fragrance free as well. Basically you want a cleanser and moisturizer that is super gentle. Once your skin balances itself out then you go step it up and re-introduce your skin to the rest of your routine. Though if you go back to the Retin A I highly advise using maybe twice a week followed by a moisturizing spf during the day.

Apr 19, 2013

Nehal K.

Yup aloe vera gel n ice cubes or cold pure rose water do not use much else till your skin heals.

Apr 19, 2013

Jen H.

Agreed, no more Clarisonic! At least, not for a long time. Get some Cetaphil cleanser and gently cleanse, followed by an equally gentle moisturizer, such as Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Eucerin. Lay off the Retin-A for at least 2 weeks. You have given yourself a chemical burn and require at least 2 weeks, if not 4-6, to heal. Later, when you're ready to resume Retin-A, start low and go slow: no more than a pea-sized amount, every other night, for several weeks. After at least 2 weeks you can slowly start working your way up to every night. Always use at night only, and always always ALWAYS wear sunscreen during the day to prevent burning. Even with all your effort, you may find that the side effects are too much. It's estimated that nearly half of all people who try trenitoin cannot tolerate the side effects and will eventually stop using it.

Apr 19, 2013

Tanya G.

Try pure aloe Vera.. Hope this helps

Apr 19, 2013

Leah C.

Get vitamin e capsules break a few open and put them on your face that will heal the burn

Apr 19, 2013

Annie K.

Thank you all so much.

Apr 20, 2013

Ty R.

Aloe Vera!