Retin-A

I am older, cough, cough, ah hem (40's) and I have used retin-A for years. Currently, I use the cosmetic version called Refissa. It is a bit easier on my skin than regular Retin-A. Even after many years of use, I still cannot use it every day or the area around my mouth gets raw. I use it every other day and even with that if I have skipped too many days, I will tend to get very flaky skin - again, mostly around the mouth. When I apply my Refissa, I use what is called a Blender, made by Obag, in equal parts - it works as a skin lightener - mainly for left over acne spots and freckles. I do moisturize more when my skin flakes but you need to be careful because if you go overboard - at least for me - my skin clogs up and it breaks out. Sort of defeats the purpose.

-

I hated Retin-A. It made my skin feel so raw. It thins your skin as well. Last time I used it, it made my face look like I had a sunburn all over, it was hurting and raw. Took me over a week for that to heal.

I have used Retin A on and off since I was a teenager. I have found that it is too harsh for my skin and looks terrible on the spot where it was applied a few days later. Lotion after the fact just doesn't seem to help. My sister works at an office with an esthetician and I got a Retinol cream from her that I have been very happy with. I apply a small squirt and mix it with lotion and apply at night one or two times a week (or less depending on how much I am planning on being in the sun as the sun can react with it). There is a small amount of peeling a few days later but it has dramatically improved the clarity of my skin.

I have used it on and off for 20 years. I usually use it the week I get my period since you aren't supposed to be pregnant when using it. I use it until my skin peels and is very red...this way it exfoliates nicely. It does burn and itch a little, so I use moisture and anti flake lotion and some nice base make up to hid the redness.

I have people tell me all the time how nice my skin is and it does peel off the wrinkles with continued use. I use it on my neck too.

I also use it with the Dr. Roller (acupuncture type roller which pokes tiny needles in skin which stimulates collagen. Combined with Retin A, this really helps the cream penetrate the deeper layers.

It really does work, but you have to be consistent with using it.