Retin A

[awishes]

If you have been using Retin A prescription strength for some time ,can you see a beneficial difference in your skin?

[Dustbunny1900]

Op have you tried the derma roller or needling??

[awishes]

No I haven't although I did have an appointment when it was recommended. Finances didn't allow at the time and I was slightly scared as well!
Is it something you would recommend? I would prefer it to fillers.

[ilovecherries]

I've been using it for about a year now. Started with .025, recently went to .05. I got mine on private prescription initially, then stocked up in Spain this summer, because you can buy from a pharmacist there. I'm late 50s, and it's made a huge difference to skin texture and firmness. Wish I'd tried it years ago. I still only use it every second day.

[ProperLavs]

I've been buying it from Geoff's pharmacy for years. I use the strongest gel most nights. I've recently being applying it to my eye area.
Lots of flaking on face initially. If my skin feels sore I back off. You must use a sun screen religiously or don't do it. Sunscreen even through winter.
My skin is much smother.

[allinclusive]

I have been using it for the past few weeks, it's good. A great tip is to wait until your skin is completely dry - I wait half hour after washing face - before you apply it. Apparently it reacts with water to irritate the skin, and I'm not getting breakouts and irritation, as I did when I tried the weaker non prescription stuff. I have had some flaking but totally manageable. If you have acne, I use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and I have had hardly no purging/initial acne.

But yes, it works but it takes time. I've used strivectin sr before I moved on to presc strength but the non presc stuff works just as well, just takes longer.

[Walkingdead11]

I'm going to try it for the first time, what strength do you recommend I go for?

[SilentlyScreamingAgain]

Start with the weakest, .025.

Wait at least 20 mins after washing face.

Pea sized amount, avoiding the most sensitive parts of your face to start with; upper lip, corners of mouth and the crease where you nose meets your face and eye area.

To start with, leave it on for 20 mins, then apply your moisturiser, this has a buffering effect.

Twice a week to start with.

Don't use it on the same night as any kind of exfoliation.

You must wear a proper sunscreen forever more.

Peeling isn't a treatment effect, it's a reaction. If your skin starts to peel scale back.

[NigellasGuest]

I've used retin A 0.5 loads and it's worked wonders - I can't say it's done much for wrinkles but I'm not that wrinkly anyway, but it's definitely improved texture. I also love how it makes my skincare regime so quick - I just apply it to clean dry skin at night and that's that.
WalkingDead start with the 0.025.
Really important to use sunscreen even in winter.
I'm having difficulty finding the 0.5 version at the moment. Does anyone have an eBay link? Geoff doesn't seem to have it ATM and also they're not accepting online payment - or at least they weren't the last couple of times I tried to order from them.
I used to get it on prescription but discovered I could get the real deal much cheaper elsewhere - until now!

[awishes]

If you pm me I can give you details of who I buy through..

[NigellasGuest]

@awishes I have pm d you

[Piratesandpants]

A combination of fillers and Botox works well for my acne scarring. Needling, dermarollet etc really don't do anything for proper scarring.

[Walkingdead11]

Can i wear foundation etc the next day after using it? Geoff's pharmacy has it for £9.69.

[NigellasGuest]

Yes you can wear foundation and normal make up the next day!
Does Geoff have 0.5 though ?

[lavenderbees]

Op needs the 0.025 first. Also remember to put on just before you turn off your bedside light at night as any light will make it less effective.

[lavenderbees]

I also use it on my hands, neck and chest.

[lavenderbees]

Cannot stress enough if you are someone who forgets to wear sunscreen EVER then it's not for you as you can bugger up your skin permanently.

[awishes]

That's interesting thank you. How long do the fillers last for?

[shereebobbins]

Does anyone know if you can buy it in the pharmacies in Poland?
I'm going there next week if Ryanair doesn't cancel me.

[Crazy8]

Lavenderbees Which sunscreen do you use? Also, can you wear make up over the sunscreen?

[ProperLavs]

it depends on the sunscreen. It is recommended that physical sunscreen is the very last thing you put on your face, so no you wouldn't put make up over the sunscreen.

[ProperLavs]

Chemical sunscreen is supposed to be in contact with you skin. As I understand it that is how it works. The physical barrier of sunscreen should be the last to be applied according to caroline Hirons and the democratic she talks to, can't remember his name.

[SilentlyScreamingAgain]

The Koreans have chemical sunscreens that are sold to be worn over make up, as a top up, so I imagine that there might be different technologies available.

Hot&Flashy has a fantastic video about different physical sunscreens and how they wear under makeup.

www.hotandflashy50.com

In the nicest possible way, CH often misunderstands/misrepresents things, particularly science based things.

[ProperLavs]

yeah, she can be a bit dodgy at times. I also saw a very good piece of advice from [[http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/sun-care/how-to-apply-sunscreen.html here. I didn't know that uva is the same strength all year round.

[SilentlyScreamingAgain]

Yes, PC, says that physical sunscreen should be the last skincare step, with makeup applied on top three minutes later, when it's sunk in...