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Wed Aug 09, 2006 11:23 am  |
I am currently using Differin for acne and anti-aging benefits and for various reasons would like to add a retinaldehyde prodcut to my regimen. I don't want to give up using the Differin since it has worked very well for me so I was thinking of using the Differin one night then one of the Avene retinaldehyde products the next night. I have considered just switching from Differin to RetinA but am really reluctant to do that for fear of irritation. However, I feel that the Differin/retinaldehyde combo would be a good compromise. Is there any reason why this would be a bad idea?
Also, any thoughts on what would be the best strength of retinaldehyde (.025,.05 or .1) to start with? One the one hand I have very sensitive skin but on the other hand I have been using the Differin for 8 years and do not experience irritation from it (except when I first started using it). I also have been using the Proheal serum which has 1% retinol without irritation. BTW I would switch to a C serum without retinol if I started using the Avene.
One more question. I have considered the Diacneal as an option but am reluctant to use it because my skin does not react well to daily glycolic acid use. But I am thinking that if the glycolic acid is being used mostly as a penetration enhancer as opposed to an exfoliator then it would be okay to use. Does anyone know the pH of the Diacneal? If not from personal experience, would you say that the glycolic acid in the product produces exfoliating effects? TIA |
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Wed Aug 09, 2006 7:32 pm |
Hi TheresaL - I really like the relative gentleness of Avene Ystheal. It's my understanding that Avene Diacneal contains salicylic acid (BHA) as well as a greater percentage of retinaldehyde. Since you're already using a prescription retinoid, even though it's the gentler Differin, why not try Ystheal first? You could always apply it more often or more liberally if you can tolerate it, and then graduate to the Diacneal line.
Differin was the only prescription retinoid I could tolerate without major irritation, so take that into account. Although many Ystheal users say they never experience peeling, I will eventually peel a little when I use it regularly. Sorry, I don't know the pH value of either. |
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Thu Aug 10, 2006 6:52 am |
m.april I was planning on using Retrinal first (this has the same active ingredients as the Ystheal but is what they call it in the US, I believe that the inactive ingredients may be slightly different that the Ystheal though). I thought that Diacneal was retinaldehyde and glycolic acid but regardless I cannot use either glycolic acid or salicylic acid on a daily basis so I doubt that I will be using the Diacneal. I do know that you can get a .1 version of the Retrinal/Ystheal which has the same amount of retinaldehyde as the Diacneal.
Since you have used both the Differin and the Ystheal, how would you compare the two? Do you use them for acne, anti-aging or both? And how effective are each at acheiving the benefits you want? What strenght of Ystheal do you use and did you start out with that strength or did you start with a lower strenght? Also, what other prescription retinoids did you use? I am considering using RetinA and maybe even Tazorac but am unsure if I could tolerate them. Sorry for all the questions but it is great to find someone who has used or tried all these different retinoid/retinaldehyde products!! |
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Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:04 am |
Hi again - I used Differin years ago for adult acne issues. The only thing I remember about it is that it helped, and didn't irritate my skin. Retin A and Renova were way too irritating -- I tried for months and years at a time but could never get to the point where I didn't have crusty patches and redness. The way the irritation made my skin look was much worse than any acne I had!
But I think because of the price of prescription retinoids, I started using OTC ones and glycolics (which I can tolerate with no problem). I started using Avene Ystheal last winter when I simply had to give up on SkinCeuticals Retinol .5%. Even though the SC Retinol I tried is the weaker strength, it was still too irritating! My skin got very dry even using it just 2 or 3 times a week, AND looked lined and crinkly -- certainly not my goal!
Avene Ystheal Emulsion (there are also Creme and Gel versions) contains .05% retinaldehyde. I also use Ystheal Contour des Yeux which has .015%. But I've decided to back off all exfoliators (enzyme or lactic peels, AHA) in summer when I get a lot more sun exposure (to avoid getting more freckles). I've only been applying it once a week at most, just to keep any acne in check and to (hopefully) keep my skin somewhat accustomed to retinoids. Now that I'm 54, acne isn't much of an issue for me as it was in my 40s though, and I'm using retinoids mainly for their anti-aging effect. I'm content with the Ystheal line and don't feel terribly compelled to keep searching for another retinoid product.
I've never been able to tolerate salicylic acid products either. My skin has always been combo, but dry in winter. I guess it's really more for oilier types. |
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Thu Aug 10, 2006 1:52 pm |
WOW!! m.april your skin sounds like it is really sensitive to retinol. Honestly I was suprised that adding the Proheal serum with 1% retinol and Vitamin C did not irritate my super sensitive skin. But then again unlike you I cannot use glycolic acid everyday! I always an amazed how we all have very different reactions to product ingredients!!
I spoke with the Derm Store about this and they said that I would probably be able to start with the .1 Retrinal which has the highest level of retinaldehyde but I am not sure. I may start with the .05 and see how it goes. It is probably better to start there and be patient instead of wanting to use the strongest one first.  However, I think that I will continue with just Differin for a while before adding the Rerinal. I have so many products and samples that I have never tried and don't want to add a new active while trialing other things.
Thanks a lot for your input. I will update once I finally get around to trying the Retrinal. |
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Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:11 pm |
I tried a sample of Proheal last year. I wasn't particularly fond of the oiliness, but I suppose the oily texture is by design to counteract drying and possible peeling from the retinol in it.
I'm not opposed to peeling per se, in fact I use acids/exfoliants purposefully. But my skin obviously doesn't like strong retinoids. Otherwise, I don't have any other sensitivities aside from BHAs, which really dry out my skin.
In my case, Ystheal refines without irritation. For others with oilier, tougher skin, it may not produce the same results. Your link about retinoids on another thread mentioned the differences in chemical action between retinaldehyde and other retinoids. I suspect this has something to do with with my particular reactions to both.
Good luck if you decide to try it! |
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