couple (ok several) odd retin A questions
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free skin care · Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:33 pm

About how long does a 20gm tube last for you? I want to order some from alldaychemist but I haven't any idea how much to order, and I don't want to over order since I have heard some people saying their items are close to expiring when they get them.

Is there any way to completely avoid serious flaking....or is this just inevitable? I remember my friend being on it and flaking really bad....like, with my work I can't afford to flake that bad. Does easing into it have much affect on this side effect or does it just rely on your skin type and how you react?

I heard some people using dry brushing to remove flakes...does this work? Sometimes when I have super dry winter skin I try to do this and it makes it a million times worse to mess with the flakes, more pop up in their place and any skin underneath gets super irritated.

I read that mixing the retin a with moisturizer or applying moisturizer, then waiting 20 minutes, then applying retin A can lessen the irritation and flaking. I also read when you have a bad rash of flaking to take time off, and that it's better to try to take the retin a more often if you can handle it...so wouldn't it be smart to start out using it as frequently as possible even if you must dilute with moisturizer?

I realize some of these questions I'm going to have to solve with trial and error bc no one's response will be exactly the same, I was just kinda wanting to hear some experiences to give me a better idea of how this drug operates. I'm also interested if you care to share whatever moisturizers you have tried while on retin a.

Thanks for your help! Very Happy

free skin care · Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:20 pm

I don't worry too much about the expiration date. I just finished a very expired tube of Retin-A (several years expired) and while it definitely wasn't as potent, it still worked fine.

I would buy several tubes to make the shipping fee worthwhile. Because I'm using the dermaroller on my body, I'll be purchasing a minimum of 12 tubes of Retin-A and at least two more of Tazorac when I order next week. I use Tazorac on my face and I bought two tubes last time and I've barely made a dent in the first tube--I got the order in the mail in mid-February. Because I don't get as freaked out about expiration dates as some, I'd prefer to have a stockpile rather than run out or need to order and pay that shipping fee for one measly item.

I don't have flaking problems if I spread out my usage. For example, I'm using it every other day and my skin isn't flaky. I do use the dry brush and yes, it helps for me. I don't dilute it with moisturizer. If I need to use moisturizer I apply it an hour later. Also, the Tazorac (I have much better results with Tazorac on my face as opposed to Retin-A) from ADC is very moisturizing.

As a new user, I'd definitely recommend that you ease into the Retin-A use. Use it twice a week at first and gradually move up.

Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:41 am

Hopefully others will pop in with more info too!

free skin care · Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:01 pm

I read a bunch of these threads, but there's a lot of reading and I didn't run across anyone talking about expiration or how much to use measurement-wise. I know to use a pea-size, but I've only ever been on Duac and I can't remember what size the tube was....didn't want to order 25 tubes of retin a if one tube was supposed to last a couple months Smile

I think I'll take the plunge now...hopefully I can keep the flaking at bay without tearing my skin up underneath.

free skin care · Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:17 pm

If you're not using everyday it will definitely last you a couple of months. Mine has. I'd get 3 tubes - not more than that. Personally I believe a little over expiration is one thing but years over... that's something else. One of my tubes from ADC expires this month and I have half to go on it and I'm okay with that.
Nice to know ADC sells tazorac. I'll have to add that to my order next time. Thanks.

free skin care · Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:20 pm

A 30 gram tube of tazorac will last me about a year. I apply a tiny amount on my finger and spread that over an area and then repeat till I've covered my face. HTH

free skin care · Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:20 pm

I use Retin-A Micro 0.04% and have never had redness, peeling or flaking. I had to order it from CanadaDrugSuperStore.com though, as it's not available from ADC. InHousePharmacy's price was higher than CDSS.

free skin care · Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:00 pm

Hi Mex! I've been using Taz for a few years now. In the beginning there was a LOT of flaking, but I've found you can minimize that by using the smallest amount possible (the size of a small pea--- one tube should last for months!), alternating days if the flaking is hard to deal with, and of course, having a seriously potent moisturizer on hand. My two faves for fighting the flakiness are Arcona's Chamomile Balm (great for redness too), and Korres' Thyme Honey 24 hour moisturizer which is very thick and soothing.

What kind of foundation do you usually wear? I wear mineral make up and sometimes my skin doesn't seem too dry, but after I apply my MMU the flakes become really evident. In this case I mist on some of Zenbiotic's Phyto Moisturizer (it's a spray) and this takes care of the flakes without disturbing my make up.

I hope some of this is helpful--- keep us updated!

free skin care · Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:26 am

Flaking doesn't happen at the same time for everyone, and is usually when the skin and tissue becomes really accustomed to the Retin A your using and does its job. Retin A does encourage the cells to turn over faster and in so doing, it can push any damaged or dry bits of tissue to the top layer of the skin.

Easing into it, is a much better idea, but also starting off on a lower strength. The Retin A microgel is timed released when applied, but its at a high strength 0.1% and your not wise to start with that as it might cause some similar flaking. Instead, go for the lowest strength, or avoid Retin A and try retinol products instead. They do a similar thing but take longer to work at the same layer as Retin A does, but then again Retin A is a prescription drug for that very reason.

Dry brushing or a mini exfoliating tool like a microfibre cloth can help but it sounds like you may have relatively sensitive skin thats reactive to exfoliating.

Re mixing retin A with a moisturiser, many people believe this is actually going to prevent the ingredients from getting as far into the derma as they normally would, because the moisturiser interferes with the absorption. The most common rule I have heard is that you need to wait for 25-30 minutes after applying the Retin A so as not to interfere with the absorption.

Flaking doesn't always have to happen to mean that the Retin A is working, and often times you can find some people use it easily for 6 or even 8 months without any flaking whatsoever, but it does seem to appear at some point in the useage.

I have often put on oils (after waiting some 30 minutes after applying the gel) as a moisturiser, like Rosehip or even Squalene and I have found this seems to really work for me. I have had flaking, and did do some dry brushing and it worked for me, but everyone is different.

Sat Jul 04, 2009 12:35 pm

I heard from a dermatologist that because the skin gets used to Retin-A over time eventually it does not have the same effect on the skin. Her suggestion was to start at the lowest %, starting with use every 3rd night and then increase frequency and strength gradually over time. At some point you should stop Retin-A, switch to AHAs for a few months so the skin forgets about Retin-A and then start the process over again. That's her suggestion for what its worth!

I started using Retin-A 0.25% a little over a month ago for my adult acne. My skin is pretty sensitive and I always have a little flaking in the perioral area.

I apply the Retin-A 20 mins after cleansing, and then 20-30 mins later I apply my G M Collins eyecream and Aveda moisturiser to the perioral area and neck.

I started with using it every 3rd night and have now bumped it up to every other night.
It seems like I have less irritation now that I use it every other night, but that's probably just because I'm now acclimating to it.

My mother on the other hand started out with 0.05%, had a little flaking a few days after her 1st use and then never again, everyone's different.

I also agree with the comment about MMU making it look worse. Now when I am flaking really bad I use a liquid MMU mixed with sunscreen which looks a LOT better.

I too bought the 20g tubes from ADC and have only used about 1/4 of it.

I only bought 4 tubes for me and 4 for my mom. Next time I am going to order a bunch to use on my thighs for cellulite.

free skin care · Mon Jul 06, 2009 12:34 pm

Differin is a version of vitamin a that is similar to retin a. It is good for acne but causes less reactions. Studies I have read say its slower for helping with lines. I use it for acne at night. Using BHA stuff during the day with it helps a lot with my acne and with scars.

It is also available from ADC, so maybe you could try that in place of retin a, or while working your way up to retin a.

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