Retin A
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I've been using topical prescription retonoids for several months now. I love how they make my skin firm, smooth, and blemish free. They've taken 5 - 10 years off my face. Anyway, I recently switched from Differen 0.01 to Retin A 0.05 and have had significantly more irritation with the retin A. It has gotten much better over the past month but still have to skip a day now and then.
Does anyone else have experience with retonoids. Frankly the Differen wasn't strong enough and I think I may have too strong of a Retin A. Should I stick it out longer hoping it will get better or should I speak to my doctor about a less potent strength? What are your experiences?
Thanks,
sly -
The main thing would be to communicate with your dermatologist(or doctor) the effects of your new topical prescription. They know better than any of us the short and long term effects. What may work for me may not work for you. If the Retin A gave you better results and less irritation than the Differen I could only assume that your body reacts to it better.
Why the switch? Cost? Availability?
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I switched because the Differin had only a modest effect on my acne. The Retin A completely cleared it up but it can cause severe irritation if used too frequenly, but it's ideal to use daily once you can tolerate it. I'm just not sure if I should be having irritation, albeit minimal, after a couple months.
thanks fellas,
sly -
Your question got me thinking…. why would a company manufacter a drug for which another drug was already on the market treating people? Why re-invent the wheel?
Looking at the two medications, theyre both equally effective over the long run.
The only thing that stands out is that adapalene seems to start working a little bit quicker than tretinoin. But what about those side effects, and you said theyre bad…
Just look at the tretinoin patients…theyre getting hammered!!Looking at that second chart I'm able to answer my question...why make the drug? Well remember in the first chart that the adapalene patients get a slightly faster response than the tretinoin patients? Thats a big deal in a patient group who, because theyre young, are prone to stop anything which does not appear to be working quickly.
So in other words, adapalene has all the benefit, but half the pain, of its older, harsher brother-drug tretinoin.
Frankly the Differen wasn't strong enough and I think I may have too strong of a Retin A.
The problem is that for you, in your mind, youre equating "strength" with how harsh the stuff feels. Youre thinking, because one doesnt hurt as much as the other one, it must be because its not as effective. But as the first chart clearly shows, the difference in effect over the long run is statistically insignificant.
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Thanks Spintendo for the input. What you provided is most informative, but I'm not necessarly using it for acne. Although acne is a concern, the main reason for my usage is cosmetic. It makes my skin appear more youthful, and successfully at that. It just took my skin a lot longer to acclimate to the use of Retin A than it did for the Differin (wich had poor results on the appearance of my skin). I'd recommend Retin A for anyone whose is looking to reduce fine wrinkles and to make the skin appear more youthful.
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This is too funny. I've been interested in trying it for pure vanity as well. So you use the prescription strength one? May I ask how much you pay per day to use it?
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Ahh using for wrinkles? Well then its a good thing you switched to tretinoin. All the studies Ive seen on anti-aging have used that. It increases the anchoring fibrils in the epidermal layer, and improves the collagen underlying the basal lamina. Apparently theres an increase in Langerhans cells, go figure lol…. The improvements keep coming at 10 months and beyond, although most of the dramatic changes occur in the first 6–10 months, not much after. (not that it stops working, it just stays at the same level looks-wise and doesnt get any better.)
Take a look at the differences in a scope @ x40 mag:
Beginning is letter A. 6 months later, B. At 12 months C and 48 months is D.
Note the thickness and compact hyperkeratosis… by the time you get to letter D its a thin, tight line whereas A was like a wet sponge full of air.Anyways good luck with that and dont forget -- ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN !!
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Well, I'm pretty much sold. I just don't know if I can sell it on my MD to write me a prescription. I might have to wait until I'm in mexico next and go to el pharmacia… :laugh:
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So you use the prescription strength one? May I ask how much you pay per day to use it?
There isn't an over-the-counter version of any of these drugs. It's available in generic and probably runs $20 - $35 every month or two. My insurance pays but many will not for adults, because it's perceived as being used for cosmetic purposes.
Any doctor will write you a prescription no worries. It's basically harmless if used properly, but can take months for you skin to tolerate frequent use. But it's well worth it. Start out slow and work your way up. Good luck.
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After a bit more use my skin has become less sensitive of the medication and continues to look better all the time. I've had several people ask me how I keep my face looking so good. I almost don't want to tell them, but once I swear them to secrecy I let them know. My mom, after notice my skin's improved appearance started using it herself and is very pleased. Also, if you have any scars on your body it makes them appear much better. I have one on my arm I've been using it for. Initially it became very red but my dermatologist told me to keep using it and after three months you can barely see it.
It does make you skin flake and peel like crazy but with proper care it usually isn't a problem. Just be very careful not to do much to irritate your skin until you've very slowly titrated up the frequency and dosage of the medication.
I know I may seem vain but after using it for acne for a while (with moderate results, use antibiotics instead) and noticed how much it approved the appearance of my skin, I was amazed.
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I have been using Retin A .05% since 1990. Make sure you face is completely dry before applying. Do not use more than an english pea size dab of the cream. The first six weeks are the worst, but will resolve. Use a mild cleanser, sun screen, try using every other day until the initial adjustment period resolves. Moisturizer is essential, but try and stay away from ones loaded with AHAs until you adapt to the treatment. I am now 49 and rarely does anyone guess I am over 33 years old. That's without any cosmetic surgery.
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Hmmmm, I use a moisturizer that claims to have both Retinol and AHAs built in.
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From what I've read about Retinol, is that is technically a retinoid but one with has no biological activity. There is some debate as to if retinol can metabolize in the skin to all trans retinoic acid (tretinoin), the active ingredient of Retin A. But animal studies to determine if this is true, find virtually no detectable amount of tretinoin in the tissue after application.
Also Retinol is highly reactive and oxidizes very easily. So much so that it is no practical way to store and distribute the stuff without it oxidizing and becoming inert before it could be applied. Even if you could keep it in pure form, it would most certainly oxidize and become inert the instant you applied it to your skin and long before it would be absorbed into the skin where the metabolism process might take place.
I read products that contain retinol is very expensive, more so than their prescription counterparts. But may people swear by the stuff. Do you think it has improved your skin?
As for AHA I know very little except for I see it marketed in all types of skin care products.
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It's not that expensive, it's like about 40$ per 50ml tube. I've been using it for less than a month, but I can assure my skin has never looked better, it is clearing up by itself, acne is slowly subsiding and I don't get any more blackheads.
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Perhaps the science for Retinol is lacking or biased against it by the drug companies, who for the most part conduct these trials, and have no interest in proving an unpatentable substance is comparably effective as the drug company's patent counterparts.
However with Retinol, I believe that any benefits it may poses, are very limited and is only measured by subjective responses. You also mentioned that this product was a moisturizer. Regular use of a quality moisturizer alone, that is well suited for your skin type, will greatly improve its appearance and texture by itself. You also mentioned it contained AHA which is an defoliant. Regular exfoliation also improves skin appearance and texture.
I image the benefits you're experience are likely mediated mostly through the moisturizer and the AHA. I suspect the Retinol has little effect, but the combined synergistic effects of the other ingredients is what gives you the benefits. Another factor may be that you are following a more strict skin care routine i.e. using less harsh soaps and on a more routine basis.
But I still think it well worth it throwing down $12 to get the prescription stuff. Not only will you notice an unmistakable improvement, you'll find others notice it as well, and start making comments.
Just my two cents. If you can't tell I'm sold on Retin A. Moisturizers are very important too. My skin is oily and I have a difficult time finding one that doesn't leave my skin oily and that isn't outrageously expensive. But when I do skimp on the moisturizer my skins appearance does begin to suffer. It becomes very sensitive.
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First off I actually read that not all AHA containing creams are working as the acid needs correct ph level in the product to work. Well, I hope the cream I use isn't rubbish in that aspect.
Also I kinda shook up my routine a bit, I also switched my toner for a different one containing all kinds of good stuff (tea tree oil, rose water, triclosan, citric acid) and started using a DIY scrub from poppy seeds. I guess the results come from the synergetic effects, but like whatever, I like what I see ::)
Though from reading about all the benefits I could ask my doctor for a prescription the next time I have an appointment.
If you have a problem with shininess / oiliness you can just use a piece of tissue to blot your face, I know it works only for an hour or so, but that's what I do before going out, makes me feel better about myself ;D Or sometimes I just use translucent powder or baby powder, whatever I have in my close vicinity, to have a longer lasting effect. -
Hi guys, let me know if you are still receiving notifications from this thread as it's 2 years ago. If you guys are interested, I can explain better what AHA does, Retinoids do, Adapalen etc…. like which "class" the skin pathway do they attack the acne. I read through the post and I see much confusion. I can also recommend some newer products that I'm using.
Beleive me, I used to have pizza face, but now, no one can even tell I have acne as a child. I've done my share of researching on this topic.
Let me know if this topic is still alive and if you guys are interested and i'll respond.
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I've been using tretinoin .05% cream for nearly 10 years and use Anthony Logistics Glycolic facial cleanser to help wash away any dead flaky skin. My skin is as smooth as a baby's bum. Make sure you use sunscreen every day rain or shine. Ceravé is a great inexpensive moisturizer with 30 spf. In my humble opinion, its as good as any of the pricier stuff.
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As mentioned in the previous replies, using Retinoic acid can cause some irritation at the beginning. keep using it after sometimes and it will fade. if it doesn't, may be apply less than the usual or stop and consult to a physician.
also this drug makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is usually advised to apply it in the evening or after sunset. also, always use sunscreen when going out during the day.
