Tretinoin 0.1% - qn for retinoid experts!

[Cloclomomo]

I currently use tretinoin 0.05% in maintenance mode (every 2-3 days) but am considering upgrading to 0.1%. If I do that, do I need to go back to applying it every night for c. 6 months, or just continue in maintenance mode? Thanks in advance!

[JohnCheese]

Why are you considering upping to the higher strength? Why not just increase to using 0.05% every night?

You could try using 0.1% on one night per week, instead of 0.05%, and continue 0.05% on the other nights and gradually phase out the 0.05%, and replace it all with the 0.1%.

[Bodhicitta]

Can I ask where you get it from and what other serums/regime you're using? I want to start using Tretinoin but it seems so complicated to get right

[sergeantmajor]

Just marking my place as I am a retinoid beginner and am gobsmacked by how much Roche-Posay Redermic has improved my skin already. I am planning to upgrade to Tretinoin in due course.

[macnab]

Bodhicitta I got mine in Spain, a friend was going there and kindly brought it back for me. She asked in a pharmacy, said the girl there was very helpful, and gave her the 0.05 and 0.1 creams! (prescription not needed in Spain) It was cheap too

If you know anyone going to Spain soon, or if you're going yourself, it would be worth buying there or using it as an excuse to book a holiday

[Cloclomomo]

JohnCheese - I thought the aim to was to move to the maximum strength in order to get maximum benefit (in my case, banishing wrinkles) and to do it in maintenance mode (I presume for less hassle, or to alternate with glycolic acid or something)? Have I misunderstood?!

Bodhicitta - I previously got the tretinoin cream from my Dermatologist but the price increased astronomically (I think because they were struggling to source the usual generic version, so had to get the Obagi branded one from the States instead). As a result, I have just purchased from someone on eBay (I would never normally do this, but I heard other people were, so took the plunge!). It was only £16 for a 20g tube, whereas the last time I bought from my Derm it was over £80! As macnab mentioned, Tretinoin is an over-the-counter medication in some countries (i.e. you don't need a prescription), so I think the eBay user has just bought some home from Spain or Thailand or somewhere. The listing has finished for the moment though, so I can't give you the link. Also, people on previous threads recommended buying online from United Pharmacies.

Anyway, the Tretinoin is AMAZING and I can't believe there isn't more hype! It literally turns back the clock. But it can be quite difficult to use and you need to do your research. I can come back later and post more info, but basically:

• only use in the evening
  
• always wear a high SPF in the day (my Derm says to reapply every 3 hrs)
  
• other products (facewash etc) must be mild
  
• wait a while after washing your face (up to 30 mins) before applying, otherwise the side-effects (peeling, redness) may be more aggressive. I only wait 5 mins, but I think my skin is quite tolerant
  
• you can use in conjunction with a moisturiser initially, called "buffering"
  
• use a pea size amount for your whole face.
  
• start out using it once every three days and slowly build up to using it every night. Once using it every night, continue for 6 months, then you can go into "maintenance mode"
  
• don't start out with 0.1% as it will be too harsh
  
• be prepared for some peeling and redness which usually happens when you start out
  

Bodhicitta - I will come back later to let you know the rest of my regime!

If anything I have written here is not right, please someone correct me!

[JohnCheese]

My understanding is that there is no real evidence that 0.1% is any better than 0.05%, but I stand to be corrected.

I consider 'maintenance' is using it every night. Then consider slowly introducing 0.1%. OR, you could start using 0.05% straight after washing your face - when it's slightly damp. (Don't wait 30 mins) Your skin absorbs much more while damp.

[CoconutAmericano]

Can anyone tell me is tretinoin otc in Lanzarote?

[JohnCheese]

CoconutA I'm pretty sure it is

[CoconutAmericano]

Thanks johncheese

[Cloclomomo]

Bodhicitta - in response to your question, this is my daily regime (I would describe my skin as normal/combination btw):

Morning - wash face with Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser (usually foaming face washes are bad, but this one is good!). Then mix my moisturiser (Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion) with a few shakes of Exuviance Vitamin C Booster powder and apply to face/neck. Previously I used Skinsceuticals C E Ferulic vitamin C serum, but I found it went off fairly quickly and was also quite expensive, so my Derm recommended the Exuviance powder instead.

Apply a non-comedogenic SPF. It must protect against UVA rays as these are the ones that cause wrinkles! UVA rays also cut through clouds so apply even on overcast days. My Derm recommended Heliocare as a brand that doesn't make people break out and I have to say that it is the best one I've tried. She said you need to apply every 3 hours which I am guilty of not sticking to, but if I'm going out for a while in the afternoon I will reapply before going out. I use the Silk Gel 30+ (which has the nicest texture) most of the time, but if I'm really going to be out in direct sun I'll use the Gel 50+. I also just tried a sample of their new 360 degree version and I really loved that and will probably buy it next time. These products are all available on Amazon. I also often wear hats now and try to walk on the shady side of the street (I got that tip from an interview I read with Julianne Moore - she has amazing skin!).

Evening - this was my original regime, if I recall correctly: wash face with same Epionce foaming cleanser. Apply Epionce Lytic Lotion (this is also a wonder product with high levels of Salicylic Acid, so it is like a chemical exfoliator and really retexturises your skin). Wait five mins. Apply same Epionce moisturiser as above. Wait five mins. Apply Tretinoin 0.05%. (Apparently the moisturiser buffers the Tretinoin so the side effects are not as extreme, but I think it may also make it less effective.)

This is my current evening regime: wash face as above, then on alternate nights apply the Lytic lotion or the Tretinoin. I don't use a moisturiser as I don't need to buffer any more and I read that to get the full effects of the Tretinoin you have to apply the Tretinoin, wait 30 mins (or was it an hour?) and THEN moisturise (I can't be bothered with this, plus my skin doesn't really cry out for a moisturiser so I'm happy to go without). I also tend to apply the Tretinoin straight after washing my face, but this causes problems for some people.

So, in summary, under my current regime, one night I apply the Tretinoin and the next night I apply the Lytic. I should probably do Lytic every night, but I am too lazy...

I occasionally also use Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish (with Glycolic Acid).

I get the Epionce products from a UK website 'Beauty Product Online' but they are much cheaper to buy if you (or someone you know) goes on holiday to America.

Also, I have read that many Derms recommend Cetaphil facewash when using Tretinoin. That is quite a bit cheaper than my Epionce facewash, but I feel like it never really removes makeup or mascara, which is why I prefer the Epionce foaming one. Apparently it is important to avoid foaming facewashes which contain sodium laurel sulfate.

Again, if any of this info is wrong, please someone speak up!

[Cloclomomo]

JohnCheese - so would you say the 0.1% is more appropriate for dealing with acne and to just stick with 0.05% for targeting wrinkles? Any other advice? Thanks in advance!

[burnishedsilver]

Yes, it is available in lanzarote under the name Retrides.

[JohnCheese]

I'm no expert but yes, I would absolutely use the 0.05% every night. If you can tolerate that, you could try introducing the 0.1% a few nights a week and see how it goes.

I love Neostrata SPFs. I use this one. Bought it again the other day. Was going to try the Exuviance one but it wasn't in stock.

[Cloclomomo]

Thanks for the advice JohnCheese. I'll try the Neostrata SPF next time :)

[ExtremelyConfidential]

I use 0.1%....I slather it on a couple times a week like a creamy face pack research suggests 0.05% loves equal anti-aging benefit but I like greater routine flexibility of using it half as frequently. Beware it really is strong!

Used it for years, always astounded that people would pay $$$$ for serums etc unless they're covering the basics with this cheap miracle.

[Bodhicitta]

Thank you for such detailed posts about your regime Cloc
I hope you don't mind but I copied and pasted it so I can really look into the products you use. I am very intrigued and need `Retina A in my life.
I really appreciate you taking the time to write out everything you do X

[Cloclomomo]

My pleasure Bodhicitta! There are probably cheaper alternatives but it at least gives you a starting point for your research!

[cocobean123]

Hi all! I know I am a few years late to this conversation but i'm hoping someone can help me! I've just started using 'Retirides' cream which i purchased from Spain after reading reviews. I'm only on week 1 so fingers crossed it works eventually! I'm just wondering, whats the difference between this Retirides cream and Tretinoin as i cant quite figure it out! Is it the same stuff? please help! thank you x

[silver1977]

I think Retirides is the brand name, if it says Tretinoin in the ingredients it's the same thing, usually says a percentage so either 0.025%, 0.05% or 0.1%? Use very sparingly to begin with.

[cocobean123]

Hi! Ah yes or does thank you so much!!

[lindyloo57]

I had finished my 0.5 retirides, so when I was in menorca last September I went to buy some more, but he only had 1% which I did buy, but I can still only use 3 to 4 nights a week and moisturize on top, with the 0.5 I used every night with no moisturizer.