Retin A

[gingernuts]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of using Retin A gel.I have been prescribed it for persistent adult acne. I am finding it very drying & harsh. Just wondered if anyone had any tips/advice?

 

[dirty~d~]

I hated that crap when I was younger. If you just started using it, it will take a few weeks for the 'drying' to diminish some. I recommend trying a lotion similar to Oil of Olay's Regenerist daily serum. It's very light, works great and it won't burn irritated skin. Don't give up on the medicine (you will get frustrated with it half way through.) Use it for as long as the doctor indicated. Hopefully you get the results you're looking for. Good luck.

 

[gingernuts]

I am frustrated now and it's been only 1 week!My skin is sore and the breakouts worse. My skin has cracked around the corners of my mouth. I am persevering though - I have had acne since the age of 12 and am nearly 30 now so am really wanting to get it cleared once & for all!

 

[gregory]

I am frustrated now and it's been only 1 week!My skin is sore and the breakouts worse. My skin has cracked around the corners of my mouth. I am persevering though - I have had acne since the age of 12 and am nearly 30 now so am really wanting to get it cleared once & for all!

Don't stop using whatever you do. It may get much worse for you in the weeks to come. The infection is in effect "coming out" and you're shedding layers of sking at a very accelirated rate. Use a lot of lotion, lip balm and sun screen. The time on Retin A will suck, but it will be well worth it. You'll get nice new skin with a dramatic reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. Keep it up and stay positive.

 

[Sassy69]

If there's any saving grace here, I've also had acne since my elementary school years. Guess what? It has settled down SO MUCH with age. (LMFAO! The only good thing to come w/ age....) I just turned 39.

But yes I can commiserate - I was prescribed Retin A way back like 1980 and it just hurt. I seem to recall an oral of some sort at one point. I'm currently using a noxzema facial wash & I keep a thing of OTC acne medication around for "That time of the month". Lots of water, etc.

Not sure how to help you deal w/ the Retin A. Have you talked to your doc about some alternative or something to use w/ it?

 

[annielovesBB]

Has your doctor talked to you about an alternative cream to Retin-A, like Differin cream, not the gel, which can dry the skin? I used to be on Retin-A in my teens, but another derm suggested differin, which is so less drying and has helped my acne significantly. The gel is out, it drys my skin. I hated Retin-A too. My skin is soo clear now, its worth a try. Ask for samples to start.
Keep us posted.

 

[gingernuts]

I have tried milder lotions such as dalacin t for a few years.I am also taking oral antibiotics along with using the gel.seems to be improving things though.I read on the leaflet that came with the pack that if the burning/dryness gets too bad then you should just apply it once a day - so I missed putting it on for two mornings & it is much better.I am determined to clear my skin up.

 

[LaDyBuG]

HI gingernuts, i actually work for a dermatologist so this seems right up my alley! haha...retin a, differin gel and most of the other topical acne meds are very drying...my doc suggests patients start out applying the retin a every 3 days and then build up to every other day and then to every day...this kinda of helps your skin grow accustomed to the drying effects of the medicine...also, feel free to use any oil-free moisturizers you wish...i know cetaphil makes a pretty good one that is non-comedegenic (doesn't cause blackheads)...drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and don't give up on the medicine like the other girls said...these topical medications tend to take 3-4 months to really show good effects...my doc usually prescribes benzaclin along with the retin a (use one in the morn and the other in the evening) and also an oral antiobiotic (like minocyclin) to get it under control and then later for flare-ups....someone else also mentioned differin (gel or cream)...this can be used in place of retin a....the cream tends to be less drying...hope this helps a bit! good luck!!!

 

[Sassy69]

It just occurred to me how interesting it is that they haven't really come up w/ a better solution to acne since practical the late 70s ....???