Has anyone used Retin A ?

[lookingfoxy]

Hi, wasn't sure whether to post here or health!

Im 35 and still plagued by blackheads and spots on my face, neck, back and chest, getting really fed up with it especially covering up in the summer!

I've read great things about Retin A (wrinkle busting as well) and wonder if anyone else has used it.

yeah I used it about 15years ago (jesus, am I that old?!) - I got cream & pills (can't remember which the Retin-A was?) from the dermatologist at the hospital & they did the trick

I remember my skin getting really really dry (but of course don't know if this was due to the pills or cream) the inside of my nose got so dry & sore I was putting Vaseline on cotton wool buds to put up there!

Summer might not be the best time to start as I think you're supposed to stay out of the sun too?

I think it was the pills that contained really high levels of Vit A, and I remember having to sign a consent form saying (something along the lines of) I understood that I would have to have an abortion if I got pg. (I was in my early 20's at the time, so getting pg wasn't something I was planning on doing any time soon)

I did notice a marked improvement in my skin & I'm glad I used it, but I started having regular facials a few years ago & they have also really made a difference so I kind of wish I'd tried them first...

sorry I can't be of more help - it was too long ago to remember properly!

I used the cream to little effect when I was a teenager. I also used the pills - Roaccutance - and they got rid of the spots (along with some good facials) but they dried my skin very badly. My lips were massive and sore for ages. The pills are now linked to suicide and other horrible things so avoid them. Try the cream but maybe try some other things. I found the Guinot Cathiodermie facials helped a lot (they do extraction as part of it which helps a lot with the blakcheads) and I had them once a month (think you can get them for your back too). Get out in the sun as much as you can this summer too. Helps a lot.

I used a face cream with Retin A some years back and it was too drying and irritating for my skin. Go and see a dermatologist to discuss your options.

I used to use the cream and didn't really rate it.
My skin improved alot when I starting using MD Formulations.

How do I see a dermatologist, do I go through my GP first?

Yep, in my teens I tried several creams from the GP, and tried a version of the pill which they found to be good at controlling spots, but they ended up referring me to the dermatologist at the hospital who was lovely.