Retin-A / Tretinoin - lack of flaking

[sangel0]

I've been on Tretinoin cream .025 for over a month now, every night. I wash my face, dry it then put it on and put moisturizer on right afterwards. I have not had one flake. Not one! I remember trying Retin-A micro gel (can't recall strength) many years ago and I was a flaky mess. I am thrilled to report my acne is soooooo much better but do you think I am getting the anti-aging benefit as well where I have had no flaking?

[Deleted]

I'm glad it's working so well for you. For anti-aging, my dermatologist recommends working up to the highest strength you can tolerate. I personally would want to bump it up to at least .05%, and I am now on .1%. My skin adjusted to the higher strength and I have no flaking or adverse side effects from using the highest strength.

ETA: I did peel a lot when I was on .05% and my skin was getting used to the medication. Once I stopped peeling on the .05%, I moved up to .1%, expecting to be a peeling mess again. Surprisingly, the transition went just fine and I didn't peel even after moving up in strength.

[sangel0]

Thanks GoDawgs. Was thinking of maybe increasing the %. Perhaps I'll try that.

[ILikeSloths]

If you were on Retin-A Micro a few years ago and were a flaky mess then you were probably on a higher strength than what you're on now.

I was on .025% to start with and had minimal flaking, then my doctor bumped me up to .05%. I had more flaking and sensitivity with it in the beginning but I'm seeing better results quicker.

I agree with GoDawgs about asking your derm if he/she can bump you up to see what % your skin can tolerate.