** Anyone ever try Retin-A or Renova for wrinkles ???
Yes and no! My Dermatologist gave me Retin A for a blemish I was concerned about. But said that a side effect would be the reduction in wrinkles as the product was used over a period of time. The break-down and formulaic variations are for slightly different uses or skin types. I'm on 25% which is your standard starting point. (Higher and it's really rough on your skin/comfort levels). The secret with this stuff is HOW you use it versus WHEN you use it. 1. Wash your face with a mild cleanser in the evening - give up on the soap issue as long as you're on Retin A. I liked Cetaphil in the States but it's impossible to find in the UK. So use something like Tesco's Skin Wisdom Cleanser or Wash. WAIT 20 MINUTES. 2. Apply your Retin A. "More" doesn't actually work in this context. Use only what you need to cover the skin. IN THE MORNING YOU MUST APPLY A SUNSCREEN! 3. If you're experiencing problems/discomfort get in touch with your Dermatologist. You may have to scale back and use the Retin A every second or third night. Give over on all other glycolic/peeling products during this time. Or use in-between on your nights "off" the Retin A. 4. Get into including a "good" cream in your ritual. After a couple of hours of your Retin A application doing it's thing, slather on some generic cream over it. I liked Cetaphil again but E45 is medically recommended in the UK. Now for wrinkles: this product will smooth out and reduce lines caused by surface skin dryness, getting there is unpleasant tho' and takes perseverance. Will it remove frown lines and nasio-labial marks? Reduce squint-lines? No! It will soften them a good bit. You'll look roughly 5 years younger after about a year's treatment on Retin A. The longer you use it the greater the benefits and the younger you will appear, because it does help to get your body to reproduce collagen faster, which declines as we age. So you're looking at a long term commitment on this programme. The longer you use it the better of correcting any and all sun damage. Want to have the deep wrinkles fixed? At this stage Retin A won't repair any of those. These your Dermatologist will sort-out with Botox or similar or implants. It's these treatments that make the most impression and take 20 years off your looks.
Does anyone on here ALTERNATE between retin a micro & differin? What's your experience?
These are both retinoids. Differin (adapelene gel) seems to cause less irritation in some people and can be used simultaneously with benzoyl peroxide, while Retin-A Micro cannot. Switching between the two wouldn't seem to make much sense since they are both in the same family of medications. However, using Differin and benzoyl peroxide together can cause irritation and sensitivity in the skin of some patients, but it is a commonly-prescribed (and effective) acne regimen. You should stick to one or other medication and allow it to work. You only get your best results with retinoids after several months of use.
I have been using Retin A since the ‘80s, hence no wrinkles, but my eyelids aren't as firm. I’m 64. What do I do in the eye makeup department?
Are you asking for advice on eye shadow applications to reduce the appearance of sagging? If so, here's a technique that is effective for me.Use a domed crease brush with a pointed tip to make your crease slightly above your natural crease line. First apply a neutral light tone to your entire lid. An eye primer will help keep everything in place. A dab of organic coconut oil works well if you don't have an eyelid primer.Using the opposing hand, cup your the top of your brow gently with your fingertips, to tighten the skin while you run a dark accent color through the crease and just above the crease. When you open your eyes, you should be able to see that crease. Another trick is to draw a 1/2″ straight line across the area above the crease with a medium toned shadow, beneath your brow’s arch, in the crease of the eye. Then do a “V” with a dark shadow at the outer corner of the lid and under your lower lash line. Blend all of the shades, toward your tear duct, to make it appear seemless. Apply white shadow below the brow and at the tear duct corner to make your eyes look brighter.Unless you have large eyes, avoid eyeliner or only apply it to your lid line and slightly below the lashes no more than 1/4″ in. Blend with your “V” color to soften any harsh lines.This may take some practice. Refer to YouTube for videos, for a visual on how to do this, if needed.
Is it safe for my skin to use retinol at age 23?
Is it safe to use Retinol at age 23? Yes. The real question though should be - Do you need it? What purpose will it serve?23 is still young as far as skin goes. If you haven’t abused your skin, aren’t trying to reverse pigmentation damage from acne or sun exposure, then your focus would be better spent on other skin care options. Naturally one focus is on using good broad spectrum sun protection. The other would be antioxidants. If your skin is healthy, and you aren’t trying to correct a specific issue, then getting into anti-aging products or treatments, such as Retinol, will not give you much benefit. In fact overdoing aggressive anti-aging treatments/products too young can actually backfire and trigger premature aging of the skin. One result of using Retinol is increased skin exfoliation. If you overdo this, you risk thinning the skin, taxing its resiliency, and possibly sensitizing your skin.
Skin Care: What is the best age to start using retinol/anti aging creams? Specially if you're really light skin.
There is no right answer for this. Since your face and skin is the first impression you make, skin health should be the goal. Your skin shows what is going on in your life. A "healthy glow" is evident to everyone. This is achieved with good genes, nutritious diet, and proper exercise.So if your skin is not healthy, vitamin A products (Retin-A, retinol, retinaldehye) can be used as early as necessary, even in the teens. For a non-prescription product, I have switched my preference from retinol to retinaldehyde, which is more effective and less irritating (@http://bareskincare.com/products...).But in general, if your skin is healthy, then I advise starting a Vitamin A product about 30-35, when collagen begins to deteriorate as part of the aging process.
Why isn't Retin-A working on my skin?
Retin-A, is a type of retinoid, that is commonly prescribed for the skin. There are other forms of retinoids they can be prescribed to help clear the skin.I think the main question here is what are you hoping to achieve by using this cream? Are you hoping to clear acne, or are you trying to get rid of wrinkles? Are you trying to get rid of discoloration or decrease the Orly Ness of your skin? Perhaps Retin-A cream is not the best for you and you should use a different type of rest tonight. Have you considered Consulting a dermatologist to better assess your skin and to provide a cream that better addresses your needs?
Has anybody ever tried Retin-A?
I am like you...isnt it unfair that we have acne and wrinkles at the same time? Retin A has been a miracle worker for both things though! The cons are that its very drying and you do have to constantly wear a very high SPF on your face. The pros are smooth clear skin and no more fine lines! Its a bit expensive but well worth it in my opinion.