RetinA Users HELP!!!!

[Browndilocks]

I have been using retin a 0.25% cream to treat acne for almost 4 weeks. During this time, my face has never looked so terrible in places that I would have never expected!!! I'm especially breaking out in places where I've never had pimples before, like ALL OVER my chin. The skin there is really rough and dry like sandpaper. From a distance looks like I have a rash but close up, its really a bunch of blackheads that are so tiny that I cannot extract myself.

:cry2: Is this normal??

I think I was having a bad reaction to the original soap (Pears) that I was using because my skin would burn after I washed and applied the retin a. I've since switched to Cetaphil antibacterial bar, and for the past 4 days there has been no burning. Oh, and every other part of my face is clear and glowing. The area on my chin has softened up a little bit but it is so ugly and swollen and red. Now I'm starting to get whiteheads on my chin as well. I popped a few this morning before I washed my face and loaded the make up on because I don't want to look like a freak. What am I doing wrong? Please help. Please!!! Here's my regime:

Morning
1 - Pop pimples/ squeeze blackheads, if any

2 - Wash with cetaphil bar, pat dry

3 - Apply cetaphil moisturizing lotion - (the regular kind that comes in a large bottle. I cannot use oil free moisturizer with sunscreen because it burns my fae and makes me peel)

4 - make up (oil free/spf)

Evening

1 - pop pimples/squeeze blackheads, if any
2 - wash with cetaphil bar, pat dry
3 - wait 15-20 mins
4 - apply retin a all over face

If you have successfully used retin a, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks. :cry:

:crying3:

[lexi08]

Hi, I am sorry you are having problems with your skin. I have used the Retin a creme in the past and also the Retin a Micro Gel with good success a few years ago. My derm did tell me that peeling could occur with the use of retin a and that there was a possibility that my skin could look worse before it started looking better. I did experience some mild peeling and dryness when I used Retin a Micro gel a few years ago, but the peeling stopped after a few months. I would recommend that you stop wearing makeup! This is not helping your skin, it can only make it worse especially when you have acne. I know this can be hard especially since your skin looks bad in that area, but you are really doing more harm than good. Also do not squeeze blackheads or pop pimples, this only causes further trauma to the skin and can lead to scaring and dark spots. The acne meds should dry the acne in time. Plus putting the Retin A on broken skin can cause burning and irritation. If you have blacheads or acne bumps that don't dry on their own, go to your dermatologist for extractions. I have had this done in the past and I did not have any scarring, only a few dark spots which is very common with AA skin. I hope this helps. Be patient your skin will clear-up with time.

[SweetNic_JA]

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. I do not have any advice except for you to stop picking your skin every morning. That could be doing more harm than good. Also, are you staying out of direct sunlight and/or using sunscreen? Perhaps sun exposure has something to do with the effects you're seeing. If you reduce exposure and explain your symptoms as well as your routine (in detail) to your doctor then, perhaps he/she can tell you why this is happening.

[Plenty]

get accutane

[angellazette]

I would definately stop popping the pimples/blackheads. If you really feel as though you must extract, use an extractor. It looks like this:

http://www.skinrxclinic.com/schamberg.jpg

Tweezerman, Revlon are two of the brands I'm familiar with. The reason I recommend this is because if you are popping them with your fingers, you can be spreading bacteria and irritating/breaking your skin, making you break out even more. The extractor works by pressing it against the blackhead/whitehead and all the gunk comes out. These are what aestheticians and dermatologists use.

Next, maybe try switching to the Cetaphil cleanser in the bottle, it may be less drying on your skin than the bar. The makeup can also be possibly irritating or clogging your pores, making the situation worse. Lastly, if you're using the Retin A every night, try using it every other night. That may lessen the dryness, as Retin-A is naturally a irritating product. Remember, with products like Retin-A, less IS more! You don't want to apply more than necessary, thinking it will speed up the process. It'll just cause more irritation.

Most importantly though I would say stop popping them and give your face some time to heal.





I have been using retin a 0.25% cream to treat acne for almost 4 weeks. During this time, my face has never looked so terrible in places that I would have never expected!!! I'm especially breaking out in places where I've never had pimples before, like ALL OVER my chin. The skin there is really rough and dry like sandpaper. From a distance looks like I have a rash but close up, its really a bunch of blackheads that are so tiny that I cannot extract myself.

:cry2: Is this normal??

I think I was having a bad reaction to the original soap (Pears) that I was using because my skin would burn after I washed and applied the retin a. I've since switched to Cetaphil antibacterial bar, and for the past 4 days there has been no burning. Oh, and every other part of my face is clear and glowing. The area on my chin has softened up a little bit but it is so ugly and swollen and red. Now I'm starting to get whiteheads on my chin as well. I popped a few this morning before I washed my face and loaded the make up on because I don't want to look like a freak. What am I doing wrong? Please help. Please!!! Here's my regime:

Morning
1 - Pop pimples/ squeeze blackheads, if any

2 - Wash with cetaphil bar, pat dry

3 - Apply cetaphil moisturizing lotion - (the regular kind that comes in a large bottle. I cannot use oil free moisturizer with sunscreen because it burns my fae and makes me peel)

4 - make up (oil free/spf)

Evening

1 - pop pimples/squeeze blackheads, if any
2 - wash with cetaphil bar, pat dry
3 - wait 15-20 mins
4 - apply retin a all over face

If you have successfully used retin a, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks. :cry:

:crying3:

[Browndilocks]

Plus putting the Retin A on broken skin can cause burning and irritation.


OMG - I've been putting the retin a on freshly popped pimples after I wash my face!!!!

I feel a change coming...thank you!

[Browndilocks]

I would definately stop popping the pimples/blackheads. If you really feel as though you must extract, use an extractor. It looks like this:

http://www.skinrxclinic.com/schamberg.jpg

... Lastly, if you're using the Retin A every night, try using it every other night. That may lessen the dryness, as Retin-A is naturally a irritating product. Remember, with products like Retin-A, less IS more! You don't want to apply more than necessary, thinking it will speed up the process. It'll just cause more irritation.

Most importantly though I would say stop popping them and give your face some time to heal.

I'm going to try using it every other night and see what happens. I'm really going to try to leave my face alone and drop the make up.

Thanks to everyone for your resoponses! I really appreciate it.

[DigitalRain]

OMG - I've been putting the retin a on freshly popped pimples after I wash my face!!!!

I feel a change coming...thank you!

I agree putting retin a on irritated skin is a big no no. I've been on RAM off and on for 3 years, and I find that its best to use a mild cleanser and to treat the skin VERY gently, no vigorous hard scrubbing, no harsh alcohol toners and astringents.. Also don't forget your sunblock, sunlight on skin being treated with Retin a can make it even more sensitive.

[Brownshugaz]

Please stop picking your skin! Switch to the Cetaphil liquid cleanser and wash your skin gently. Pat dry and wait 15 minutes. It allows your skin to build up a slight oil barrier. It's a way to protect your face. Then gently rub the Retin A into your skin. Keep in mind that your skin will get worse before it gets better. But be persistent and stop piling on the makeup. That will only make matters worse and hinder the progress of the Retin A. I personally use the Retin A at night and an antibacterial like Erythromycin in the morning. Speak to your dermatologist about using a lower dosage of Retin A. I currently use the 0.025% and it works fine. Good luck.

[SouthernGirl]

Had to respond - sorry, but I haven't read the previous responses, so hear goes...

I first have a few questions:

1) How long have you been using?
2) How much are you using?
3) I assuming you only use at night (you should be)?

Okay, let me first recommend that you have your derm switch you to .04%. That's what I use because the one you have is stronger and wrecked my face as well. Also, make sure you get Retin-A Micro!!!!!! The other stuff is way too harsh.

Re: pimples, it will get worse before getting better. Give it at least 4 weeks of consistent use. Here are the things you MUST do when using this stuff:

1) Use literally a pea-sized amount. I know, it will look too small, and you won't think it will do the trick, but trust me, if you use too much (even with the Micro, you will not be happy)
2) Make sure you wash your face and dry completely before adding product
3) You need a heavy-duty moisturizer that will get rid of the dryness so your face won't chafe. Only La Mer works for me, but it's very expensive. I can't even rec. anything else but maybe someone else will. I also have to use a toner. Origins has this one in a green bottle, not sure of the name, but it actually adds moisture.
4) DO NOT peel your skin too early. You need to use it for at least 1 week before you start peeling off the dead skin, so that what's underneath will be new skin. Otherwise, you will have red, scarred skin that will take forever to heal. When it is time for me to peel, I do it in the shower under warm running water with my hands. It comes off super easy this way, and teh water really soothes it.
5) I never had to do this (and my skin is super-sensitive), but you may need to alternate days using it at night. If you can get the .04% Retin-A Micro, you should be OK

Hope this helps!!

Don't worry, it will get better. The pimples and blackheads you see are just rising to the surface. BTW, I've been using this stuff off and on for years so trust me, I've had some bad reactions in the past to certain strengths as well.

SG

[Divine Inspiration]

I would definitely recommend using a toner. I've been using one by Earth Science for a while and I love it. It's called "aloe vera complexion toner & freshener." It removes dead skin, dirt & impurities. Best of all, it's alcohol free and has no parabens. It's packed with good stuff like aloe vera, panthenol, sea kelp, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile extract. They carry it at Whole Foods & Vitamin Shoppe.

I just started using Retin-A micro as a result of some RANDOM acne that has come clean out of nowhere! I just finished my first week, and like the ladies said, it will get worse before it gets better. Mine has gotten worse, but it seems like they're healing quicker than before...I dunno. Keep us updated!

[Browndilocks]

Had to respond - sorry, but I haven't read the previous responses, so hear goes...

I first have a few questions:

1) How long have you been using?
2) How much are you using?
3) I assuming you only use at night (you should be)?

Okay, let me first recommend that you have your derm switch you to .04%. That's what I use because the one you have is stronger and wrecked my face as well. Also, make sure you get Retin-A Micro!!!!!! The other stuff is way too harsh.

Re: pimples, it will get worse before getting better. Give it at least 4 weeks of consistent use. Here are the things you MUST do when using this stuff:

1) Use literally a pea-sized amount. I know, it will look too small, and you won't think it will do the trick, but trust me, if you use too much (even with the Micro, you will not be happy)
2) Make sure you wash your face and dry completely before adding product
3) You need a heavy-duty moisturizer that will get rid of the dryness so your face won't chafe. Only La Mer works for me, but it's very expensive. I can't even rec. anything else but maybe someone else will. I also have to use a toner. Origins has this one in a green bottle, not sure of the name, but it actually adds moisture.
4) DO NOT peel your skin too early. You need to use it for at least 1 week before you start peeling off the dead skin, so that what's underneath will be new skin. Otherwise, you will have red, scarred skin that will take forever to heal. When it is time for me to peel, I do it in the shower under warm running water with my hands. It comes off super easy this way, and teh water really soothes it.
5) I never had to do this (and my skin is super-sensitive), but you may need to alternate days using it at night. If you can get the .04% Retin-A Micro, you should be OK

Hope this helps!!

Don't worry, it will get better. The pimples and blackheads you see are just rising to the surface. BTW, I've been using this stuff off and on for years so trust me, I've had some bad reactions in the past to certain strengths as well.

SG

1 - I have been using it for more than 3 weeks.
2 - I'm following the directions: putting a dot on my forehead, chin and cheeks then rubbing it in...4 little peas.
3 - Yes, I'm only using it at night.

I'm following all the written directions and I'm using the lowest dosage available. The skin on my chin was straight-up crusting, and feeling like sandpaper. I haven't used the retin A since posting this thread a few days ago, and I have noticed that my chin has calmed down and softened considerably. I'm assuming that I've been using too much, which is causing such irritation.

It is very hard to resist popping the pimples I confess, but I have been doing my best to keep my hands off my face. I've even considered getting a silk wrap or acrylic tips applied to my fingers just so that I'm prevented from popping the pimples. :(

Like you, I have to use a heavier moisturizer, as the oil free ones simply do not work for me. I'm finding that the regular Cetaphil lotion (not the facial moisturizer) is working well for me.

I'm going to wait about 3 more days & see of the skin on my chin softens a bit more. Then I'll resume the retin A at night with 1/4 of what I was using before and see what happens. Thanks so much for your advice and I will keep you updated. :)

PS: Southerngirl, I love your beautiful hair.

[Browndilocks]

I would definitely recommend using a toner. I've been using one by Earth Science for a while and I love it. It's called "aloe vera complexion toner & freshener." It removes dead skin, dirt & impurities. Best of all, it's alcohol free and has no parabens. It's packed with good stuff like aloe vera, panthenol, sea kelp, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile extract. They carry it at Whole Foods & Vitamin Shoppe.

I just started using Retin-A micro as a result of some RANDOM acne that has come clean out of nowhere! I just finished my first week, and like the ladies said, it will get worse before it gets better. Mine has gotten worse, but it seems like they're healing quicker than before...I dunno. Keep us updated!

Thanks and I'm definitely going to purchase a toner this week. I'll go to Whole foods and look into your suggestion.

[Neen]

I haven't read it all yet but only use a pea sized amount for the WHOLE face. This prevents the whole "getting worse then better" period. Using more will only cause unnecessary irritation and has no benefit. I guess Dermatologist just figured that out (that's what mine said). Oh, and to make sure your face is completely dry before using it, like waiting 30 minutes after you've washed your face. Also, I wouldn't squeeze or pick...I have pock marks and scars from doing just that over the years and they won't ever go away without some invasive, expensive procedure. BTW, I'm also using retin-a micro .025%. Do you use a oral medicine like tetracycline or monocycline. Those are helpful, as far as dealing with it internally.

[stunningmane]

be careful using that stuff--- stay way outta the sun or you'll have huge problems. It gets worse before it gets better so don't start and stop because it is pulling oils from deep within and eventually it'll work. Try not to wash your face 20 times a day, it only irritates the skin. Even if your skin is oily its better than irritated. Just give it time. This may sound strange but you should wash your face with urine. If you just tinkle on a wash cloth in the morning and wipe with that, then just let water rinse it in your shower it works wonders. It is ureac acid and it may sound strange, weird, gross, and everything else but I read this in a homeopathic remedy book once and thought 'no way', but later on said 'way'. Good luck.

[Divine Inspiration]

Thanks and I'm definitely going to purchase a toner this week. I'll go to Whole foods and look into your suggestion.

You're welcome mama...let me know how it works out for ya if you decide to go with that...

I hear Bert's Bees tomato toner is good too...or was it lettuce? :lachen: one of the vegetables...anyway, it's supposed to be good...I really do think it's tomato, but don't quote me

[Divine Inspiration]

Thanks and I'm definitely going to purchase a toner this week. I'll go to Whole foods and look into your suggestion.

hey, maybe we can be Retin A buddies...I know I need some encouragement right about now! :(

[star]

I have been using retin a 0.25% cream to treat acne for almost 4 weeks. During this time, my face has never looked so terrible in places that I would have never expected!!! I'm especially breaking out in places where I've never had pimples before, like ALL OVER my chin. The skin there is really rough and dry like sandpaper. From a distance looks like I have a rash but close up, its really a bunch of blackheads that are so tiny that I cannot extract myself.

:cry2: Is this normal??

I think I was having a bad reaction to the original soap (Pears) that I was using because my skin would burn after I washed and applied the retin a. I've since switched to Cetaphil antibacterial bar, and for the past 4 days there has been no burning. Oh, and every other part of my face is clear and glowing. The area on my chin has softened up a little bit but it is so ugly and swollen and red. Now I'm starting to get whiteheads on my chin as well. I popped a few this morning before I washed my face and loaded the make up on because I don't want to look like a freak. What am I doing wrong? Please help. Please!!! Here's my regime:

Morning
1 - Pop pimples/ squeeze blackheads, if any

2 - Wash with cetaphil bar, pat dry

3 - Apply cetaphil moisturizing lotion - (the regular kind that comes in a large bottle. I cannot use oil free moisturizer with sunscreen because it burns my fae and makes me peel)

4 - make up (oil free/spf)

Evening

1 - pop pimples/squeeze blackheads, if any
2 - wash with cetaphil bar, pat dry
3 - wait 15-20 mins
4 - apply retin a all over face

If you have successfully used retin a, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks. :cry:

:crying3:
This is normal there is a brief ugly period using the retin-A which is vitamin A which drys the top layer of skin. After that new skin comes just trust me on this one it works. This is a topical approach similar to a chemical peel. Do not bust black heads this will 100% make it worse plus it make skin sore. Use a hot washcloth over the area or bump to soften it and then slighty rub it with washcloth. It should bust on its on if it does not, do not force if you do it you will have scar later once the bumps on gone. Try to have a little patience retin-A is one of best out there and it does work.

[SouthernGirl]

1 - I have been using it for more than 3 weeks.
2 - I'm following the directions: putting a dot on my forehead, chin and cheeks then rubbing it in...4 little peas.
3 - Yes, I'm only using it at night.

I'm following all the written directions and I'm using the lowest dosage available. The skin on my chin was straight-up crusting, and feeling like sandpaper. I haven't used the retin A since posting this thread a few days ago, and I have noticed that my chin has calmed down and softened considerably. I'm assuming that I've been using too much, which is causing such irritation.

It is very hard to resist popping the pimples I confess, but I have been doing my best to keep my hands off my face. I've even considered getting a silk wrap or acrylic tips applied to my fingers just so that I'm prevented from popping the pimples. :(

Like you, I have to use a heavier moisturizer, as the oil free ones simply do not work for me. I'm finding that the regular Cetaphil lotion (not the facial moisturizer) is working well for me.

I'm going to wait about 3 more days & see of the skin on my chin softens a bit more. Then I'll resume the retin A at night with 1/4 of what I was using before and see what happens. Thanks so much for your advice and I will keep you updated. :)

PS: Southerngirl, I love your beautiful hair.

Thanks Girlie!!

Sounds like you're doing everything right. I'm glad it's calming down a bit, but I'm hoping that you will still get the benefit of fewer pimples/scarring. Using a bit less will probably do teh trick, but please keep us posted!

SG

[Browndilocks]

hey, maybe we can be Retin A buddies...I know I need some encouragement right about now! :(

Okey Dokey Pokey :) Stay encouraged Ms Inspiration!! I'll PM you to check your progress.