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viviensmom
New Member
 
Joined: 04 Mar 2010
Posts: 2
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Fri Mar 05, 2010 12:16 pm  |
Hi, there. New here just yesterday. I'm 30 years old with normal-to-dry skin. I live in Colorado where it is extremely dry. I started using Retin-A (tretinoin cream, 0.05%) 10 days ago for mild hormonal acne and anti-aging. It was prescribed by my dermatologist and filled at a local pharmacy.
Prior to starting RA, I was lucky to have extremely small pores that were even invisible in certain areas. However, in the past 10 days since starting RA, my face has begun to look like an oily pumice stone! (in terms of appearance, not texture). I suddenly have larger pores than I ever imagined, and I'm unusually oily for whatever reason. The pores don't look clogged. They look like empty little craters. What is going on with my skin?? My first instinct was that my skin was overcompensating for the drying effect of RA, so I have been slathering on heavy cream -Weleda Skin Food- at night (applied at least 90 minutes after I apply the RA), and Eucerin facial moisturizer with SPF and/or Cetaphil moisturizer 2-3 times throughout the day. I'm also using hyaluronic acid once in the morning to retain more moisture.
It's so frustrating that RA is supposed to - if anything - SHRINK pores, and my skin is experiencing the very opposite result.
Other than the enlarged pores and oiliness, I haven't experienced much in terms of the harsh side effects that are so common with RA. I do get occasional itching and flaking around my chin, but that is alleviated almost immediately with a mid-day moisturizer application. I also get a mild tightening sensation throughout the day, but that, too, is alleviated with moisturizer.
Two nights ago I tried a clay Bentonite mask in an attempt to draw out the extra oil and close my pores. After the mask dried, I washed it off as directed, toned, and moisturized. Well, that did nothing but worsen the situation. The very next morning is when my skin officially looked liked the surface of a oily pumice stone.
I should also mention that I'm cleansing twice a day with Cetaphil facial cleanser, and toning at night with Boots No. 7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner.
I realize I do not use any high-priced "fancy" products. And this is for two reasons: 1) I would have no idea where to even start, so I'm afraid of spending lots of money on something that is totally wrong for my skin. If there was something out there that was my cure-all, then believe me, I would buy it at any price. So, suggestions are welcome! 2) My dermatologist - who, by the way, has AMAZING skin herself - swears by two drugstore brands for skincare: Eucerin and Cetaphil.
Anyway, thanks for reading. Any insight or feedback would be so appreciated! |
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Fri Mar 05, 2010 2:56 pm |
There are plenty of good drugstore products. Its not necessary to use high end items IMO.
Sounds like your skin is just getting to use the retin-a. It can be a rough time for some. I dont think its necessary to apply moisturizer more then twice a day unless you have really dry skin. |
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Fri Mar 05, 2010 7:48 pm |
| I think your skin is just getting adjusted to the Retin A. (You know nothing can "shrink" pores, all a product can do is make ones pores appear smaller.) It actually sounds like you may be over moisturizing. Have you tried using just the Retin A at night and no moisturizer afterwards? What percent of Retin A are you on? |
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Fri Mar 05, 2010 8:05 pm |
I thought the same as rileygirl, that you might be over moisturizing.
If you dropped to the lower strength RA and ease into using it will make your adjustment period easier. |
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Fri Mar 05, 2010 9:08 pm |
Hi,
Perhaps also try cleansing just at night. My understanding is that too much cleansing can cause your skin to start producing more oil.
K |
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viviensmom
New Member
Joined: 04 Mar 2010
Posts: 2
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Fri Mar 05, 2010 10:52 pm |
| Thanks, everyone. I think the general concensus is that I'm over-moisturizing, so I'm going to cut down on that and see what happens. I really appreciate the feedback! |
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