Starting Retin A

[namasteak]

My derm wants me to start using this but I’m nervous since I already deal with dehydrated skin. What should I add to combat the dryness it will cause?

Current routine
AM
-splash with water
-thayers alcohol free rose water witch hazel
-cosrx snail mucin 96
-drunk elephant b hydra (not attached just using up the bottle)
-Mizon black snail AIO cream

PM
-Clinique TTDO balm
-Hada Labo foaming cleanser
-thayers alcohol free witch hazel
-cosrx snail mucin 96
-drunk elephant b hydra (not attached just using up the bottle)
-mizon black snail AIO cream

I would like to add a hydrating toner but Hada Labo and klairs both broke me out so I’m not sure what to go for next. Maybe the COSRX galactomyces whitening power essence? But I think that’s more ph balancing vs hydrating.

[pantsparty]

I would probably use CeraVe/Cetaphil in the tub. There's also CeraVe Healing Ointment (blue bottle) that's awesome and doesn't break me out. Straight-up vitamin E oil also works great, although it's a little tougher to apply. I press it into my skin. It's also never caused breakouts.

[pantsparty]

Oh, and with Retin A wash your skin and then wait about 20 minutes before applying. It will feel uncomfortable, but drier skin means less of the product will be absorbed, so it won't be as harsh on your skin.

[namasteak]

Apr 9, 2018 19:58:39 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

I would probably use CeraVe/Cetaphil in the tub. There's also CeraVe Healing Ointment (blue bottle) that's awesome and doesn't break me out. Straight-up vitamin E oil also works great, although it's a little tougher to apply. I press it into my skin. It's also never caused breakouts.

I’ll have to look at the blue bottle because I avoid “cones” and cerave/cetaphil have dimethicone.

Vitamin e oil sounds good too!

[pantsparty]

Apr 9, 2018 21:39:07 GMT -5 namasteak said:

Apr 9, 2018 19:58:39 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

I would probably use CeraVe/Cetaphil in the tub. There's also CeraVe Healing Ointment (blue bottle) that's awesome and doesn't break me out. Straight-up vitamin E oil also works great, although it's a little tougher to apply. I press it into my skin. It's also never caused breakouts.

I’ll have to look at the blue bottle because I avoid “cones” and cerave/cetaphil have dimethicone.

Vitamin e oil sounds good too!

Oh yeah, I don't know if it has any cones in it. I was scared to use vitamin E but no breakouts! And a small bottle will last you the rest of your life, I think. LOL.

[jaycee]

What strength did she give you? My derm started me on the .05% and I couldn't deal so I had to request the .025%.

Also I think the application really matters. Start with the absolute tiniest amount. I mainly focus it my forehead. I can put basically as much as I want on my forehead without any problems, the minute I put it on my chin, though, I will have dry patches. Also I have to avoid my eye area, which I was bummed about at first because the skin around my eyes can use some help, but I found the retin-a really does somehow improve that area even though I don't directly apply it there.

When I first started, I could only use it twice a week, lol. Just go really really really slow.

[Alps79]

namasteak, just curious, why does your derm want you to start using retin a?

I do use it but I don't have dry skin. I'm up to using it nightly and I think it's really helped with fine lines. I'm still at 0.025% but want to ask her to increase it next time I need a 'script. Of course, that will be in like a year since it lasts so long. I also apply to my neck and décolletage and rub whatever is left on the back of my hands. Actually, since I am now using it so liberally I should go through this tube more quickly.

[namasteak]

jaycee 0.025% she said to use a pea sized amlunt every 3 days for a week, then every 2 days for a week, and then use it every other day.

[namasteak]

Apr 10, 2018 8:12:13 GMT -5 Alps79 said:

namasteak, just curious, why does your derm want you to start using retin a?

For acne and anti-aging

[SallyJ]

I like Clinique gel moisturizer for day use. I have to be careful how many 'cones' I use and avoid cocunut derived ingredients. I also love rose hip oil for night use.