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Original poster

Retin A. Please tell me this gets better

15 replies

hawleybits · 14/10/2015 17:59

Have purchased retin a 0.25% (like a sheep) and have been using it carefully and moisturising loads but I am now a complete mess! My skin is red, dry and peeling. I know this is all part of the process but I swear I have never looked worse!

Is it possible I have started an irreversible process of destruction to my skin? My wrinkles are way worse and I wonder if I should call it a day, after two weeks or push on through to discover it's been worth it. I'm too scared to carry on much longer if this is how it's going to be.

Can someone tell me it'll be OK and if so, how long does this stage of extreme ugliness last?

OP posts:
CadiM · 14/10/2015 18:31

How often are you using it?

derektheladyhamster · 14/10/2015 18:34

Definitely reduce the days you are using it. I've been using the same strength for 2 months and have just started using it 3 times a week

derektheladyhamster · 14/10/2015 18:36

Also make sure you use a suncream ( don't rely on SPF moisturiser/foundation)

bigbuttons · 14/10/2015 18:36

What I always do( I use the strongest one) is to apply until my skin complains, back off until my skin is happier and then carry on. I have never pushed through sore skin though.
At first my skin peeled like crazy but it wasn't ever red, just sensitive.
Why don't you apply a cream /oil on your skin before you apply the retin? it will help.
I would stop until your skin has calmed down and reintroduce very slowly.

Original poster
hawleybits · 14/10/2015 18:48

I have probably not been as careful as I first thought Blush

I started using every other night but used it on two consecutive nights Sun/Monday and now I've irritated my face.

I shall back off a bit, let it calm down and try every third night. I started off so positively - even thinking I could see early improvement and now this!

So, I haven't started something I'm likely to regret?

OP posts:
Original poster
hawleybits · 14/10/2015 18:51

*derek, are you noticing any change with only using it three times a week?

OP posts:
Original poster
hawleybits · 14/10/2015 18:53

And how about you bigbuttons does your method bring results?

I thought I had to build tolerance and that meant keeping going through the worst stages.

OP posts:
Alibabsandthe40Musketeers · 14/10/2015 18:53

This stuff used to be only available on prescription/under guidance from a Dr or even a dermatologist. I find the way people slosh it around on here really alarming - you are thinning your skin!

BlairWaldorfLovesShopping · 14/10/2015 19:04

I'm pretty sure that is still the case Alibabs! These type of posts scare me too.
The most worrying thing that no one ever seems to mention is that you should not use these drugs while pregnant, TTC or breastfeeding. On a parenting website!!

Wolpertinger · 14/10/2015 19:04

Stop now until your skin is completely happy again. When you restart go much much slower max twice a week for at least 6 weeks and only go alternate days when you are sure your skin can take it. I'd also recommend a moisturiser like Craven that has ingredients that help skin barrier function

Naicecuppatea · 14/10/2015 19:12

Slap on loads of good moisturiser. Restart again slower with it, and I always find it helpful to put it on a clean face then about half an hour later use my usual moisturiser. Your skin will be fine!

bigbuttons · 14/10/2015 20:57

hawley it's difficult for me to say whether using retin as an individual treatment has made a difference as I also use other things. What I do know is my skin is looking so much better now than it did say 8 months ago when I started my new regime. I started a thread on it in April. What I do is double cleanse , use acids, including home made vit c, retin and argan oil and I religiously apply sunscreen, everyday without fail.
You must use sunscreen if you are using acids and retin otherwise you will cause more damage to your skin. I look younger now than I did a few years ago. My skin is smooth and clear of blemishes, it has an even skin tone and is paler. Hth !

maybemyrtle · 15/10/2015 12:00

Is it possible I have started an irreversible process of destruction to my skin?
Perhaps, yes. Perhaps not.

Can someone tell me it'll be OK and if so, how long does this stage of extreme ugliness last?
A doctor could probably tell you if it'll be ok, after examining your skin and working out if you should be using it at all. The hypersensitive, red and peeling skin may never stop (I've posted about this before, but it didn't stop for me despite taking every possible mitigating measure over a period of about a year).

Also, ITA with what Alibaba and Blairwaldorf posted. Retin-A is not suitable for everyone and was never meant to be. Is it worth the risk?

Floisme · 15/10/2015 23:21

I had a similar experience to myrtle only not even caused by Retin-A but just by overloading my face with bog standard, off the shelf products.

I agree with myrtle, Alibaba and Blairwaldorf and I'm suprised that posters are advising that your skin will be fine. I don't see how they can possibly know. Retin-A is known to cause severe reactions in some people.

I ignored all the early warning signs because I had never had a problem with any product before. I now have very sensitive skin, which is why my advice is to chuck the stuff in the bin and, if your face doesn't clear up very quickly, see a doctor. I hope it calms down soon.

squoosh · 16/10/2015 00:08

Listen to your skin and knock the retin a on the head.

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