Retin A serum/moisturizer - which one to buy?

[pearaffair]

I know you folks have wonderful beauty recommendations. I want to try Retin A - am I a good age to start? I'm 28... thanks for any recommendations!

 

[ame]

The RX? Really the earlier the better, but yes, do it. And ease in.

 

[pearaffair]

The RX? Really the earlier the better, but yes, do it. And ease in.

Yes, I would've started earlier but I'm nervous because I've heard it can make your skin dry and flaky?

 

[AGBF]

I started very, very late. My dermatologist recommended Roc Retinol. It is over the counter. I use the deep wrinkle cream at night. I have, now, bought another Roc Retinol cream to use during the day, but I wanted to ease into the products. When I first started the deep wrinkle cream I did have some itching and redness in a few spots. I eased up on use and they went away in time. But I also use serum and moisturizer during the day. It is a special line, Mineral Evolution, created by a friend of a friend from the Netherlands, an aesthetician, Bernadette Van der Ploeg. Many moisturizers make my nose run, but Bernadette's have no additives, so they do not. I really love this. Plus, they work! (I have been reading up about moisturizers that give a temporary fix versus those that actually help the skin in the long run.)

By the way, Bernadette's whole line of make-up is all minerals. No additives. Most so-called mineral make-up just has minerals added to make-up.

Here is a link to an article in a Connecticut family newspaper about her line...http://www.ctpost.com/home/article/Mineral-makeup-application-video-3377133.php

AGBF

 

[Arcadian]

In the states retin A needs a script. Retinol does not. If you want retin A, start at the dermatologists office (or sometimes your GP) go low and slow and you'll always have to wear a good sunscreen.

Retinol also causes increased sun sensitivity so be sure you wear sunscreen with it as well.

 

[wildcat03]

I used Retin A for a bit - I just used the generic kind because my insurance didn't cover it so I paid out of pocket. It worked really well, but it did break me out some. I don't think it was because it was comedogenic. I think it was bringing some deeper stuff to the surface. The nice part is that while I was using the retin A, it all healed really quickly so I didn't have to worry about it for long. I am really fair so for the summer I switched to a non-prescription retinol. I used the Rodan and Fields retinol, which you combine with a vitamin c gel. That also worked great - my skin was so smooth and soft. It also lightened a lot of the sun damage I had.

 

[pearaffair]

So the general consensus is that it works? And maybe I should start with the non-prescription stuff and work up to the prescription?

 

[wildcat03]

So the general consensus is that it works? And maybe I should start with the non-prescription stuff and work up to the prescription?

You can start with either. The run-in on the prescription stuff can be a little painful. The effects are delayed. You'll put it on one night and wake up the next day and think it did nothing. But then the next day you'll start having some flaking and maybe a little redness. So, at first I only used it every third day or so and just a TINY amount. Then I increased it to every other. I don't think I ever really started using it every day.

 

[chrono]

Whichever you chose, go SLOW. I burned my face. Yes, it was red and raw and it healed into scabs.
It was also non-prescription.

Use only once a day, twice week for a month, then you can increase it from there. Reduce usage as soon as you notice dryness or peeling.

 

[Missy]

So the general consensus is that it works? And maybe I should start with the non-prescription stuff and work up to the prescription?

This is what my dermatologist told me. Get the Rx Retin-A or a generic prescription. Get the lowest percentage. Mix it with your moisturizer. Start with 1/3 Retin-A and 2/3 moisturizer and apply twice a week sparingly. Then after a month or so go to every other day and eventually you can try 1/2 ratio moisturizer to Retin-A and take it slowly and see how your skin reacts. We are all different regarding what we can tolerate so slow and easy is the way to go.

Good luck.

 

[Arcadian]

So the general consensus is that it works? And maybe I should start with the non-prescription stuff and work up to the prescription?

Sure try non prescription. Just be aware that if you get a gel, it may not work well with your moisturizer. creams seems to be the best. Your best bet, start with every other day. Use a small amount (like pea sized or smaller) for your entire face. IMO best to use at night, not during the day. Also wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen during the day. Less than that and you could burn.

I used this sunscreen https://eltamd.com/product/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46/ If you're dark, it still can give a white cast. I would just rub in in really really well. (I'm a huge fan of zinc oxide) I have very oily skin and its never caused any issues.

You might in the beginning experience breakouts. This is ok. your skin has to purge (its not pretty) Basic consensus is use no more than 3 things at a time on your face, and keep the routine simple so its not a chore and something you can do without thinking about it.

If you decide to go with retin A, you have 2 options more or less can be dependent on skin type. there's the gel (which doesn't do well with moisturizers) and there's the cream.

Go with the lowest you can get... like .025 or .050. Be careful around eyes and nose and sides of your mouth (its where people get "burned" the most) And again, a pea sized amount or less for your entire face is all you need. Also, don't use on eye lids. just don't.

 

[AGBF]

Also, don't use on eye lids. just don't.

This made me smile, Arcadian. I was so frightened of going near my eyelids with anything that I didn't even use my kind and gentle moisturizer on them until recently! The idea of putting retinol on them never occurred to me. But it is a great warning. Younger women probably do not have tissue thin eyelids like me. They may think that they can do anything to them and survive. (On the other hand, I probably thought that younger women's eyelids could survive anything!)

Deb

 

[momhappy]

So the general consensus is that it works? And maybe I should start with the non-prescription stuff and work up to the prescription?

This would be my recommendation. Don't bother with the over-the-counter stuff unless you're going to use it to work your way up to a prescription-strength product. I would start with an OTC and use it every other night or so. Once you've worked yourself up to daily use, switch to a prescription-strength (and again, you can use it every other day to reduce irritation).

 

[wildcat03]

I will admit...I've used retin-A near the lower eyelid, never upper. It worked WONDERS on some crepiness that was forming there. I wouldn't put it anywhere near the crease of the upper eyelid, though!

FWIW, I think my skin responded really well to even OTC retinol. Yes, it's weaker but the Retinol + Vitamin C combination made some real progress on my hyper pigmentation and skin texture. That being said, I'm mid-30s and fair-skinned but with far less sun exposure than average. My friend had similar results from the Sunday Riley Luna Oil which is quite pricey.

I'm not sure if you are in your childbearing years or not, but one thing that's important to know is that both retinol and Retin-A are contraindicated while trying to conceive, pregnant, and breastfeeding. I'm not aware of any documented adverse events with retinol (but still wouldn't use it if I might get pregnant). I did read up and found a few case reports of women using topical RetinA who had babies with birth defects consistent with tretinoin exposure.

 

[momhappy]

^I also use it under my eyes. It helps with wrinkles/fine lines.

 

[BeekeeperBetty]

I haven't used it, but my sister has. She has had terrible acne in the past, including cystic acne. She skin needs a lot of help from a Derm, and uses the prescription stuff.

Be super super careful about it and pregnancy. It is known to cause severe birth defects. In fact, some docs will not prescribe it to young women at all unless they have solid birth control in place such as an IUD or have had a tubal. It's potentially a big deal.

 

[momhappy]

^Some studies have suggested adverse affects associated with topical retinoid use while others have reported no hazards. However, with pregnancy, I think most moms-to-be would prefer to play it safe, so in that sense, I would certainly avoid it during pregnancy. It's definitely not worth the risk (no matter how small) in my opinion.

 

[Arcadian]

Well Deb, let me just say that experience can be a mutha....lol

I learned the lesson very early on about retin A...in about 2 days. Eye lids are just a no. If a person can do eyelids with retin-a, they must have skin thats tough as nails. The closest I will go is to my eye brows.

In my case I never used retin A for wrinkles. (I am blessed to not have any at my age!) The only times I had to take breaks were in summer...this summer won't be any different though I'm also not using it now so I can acclimate.

 

[ame]

The RX? Really the earlier the better, but yes, do it. And ease in.

Yes, I would've started earlier but I'm nervous because I've heard it can make your skin dry and flaky?

Yes it can, but if you start low and slow, that will help. LOTS of moisturizer and buffering it will help. And sunscreen is your new best friend.

 

[pearaffair]

Thanks for all the insight, everyone! I am pregnant so I won't be able to try it for some time, but I love planning