Excellent article on Retin A
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:37 am

Someone posted the link to this article on imminst.org. It is a great article on Retin A. Give it a read.

http://www.wwltv.com/medical/stories/wwl103009tpretinoids.26b7ba02e.html

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:44 am

Thanks Rileygirl

I never would have found Retin-A had it not been for Obagi.

Can you put Retin-A on your face neat without blender?

Lo

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:53 am

Hi, lifecoach. Yes, you most definitely can apply RA without the Blender!

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:01 pm

I will try that tonight then. I have been using retin long enough for my face not to burn.

Thanks Rileygirl Very Happy

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:06 pm

Thanks for posting this article Riley. I would just like to mention the following information regarding Renova (which I believe is the medication approved for aging skin).

The label indicates that "RENOVA (tretinoin emollient cream) 0.05% is indicated as an adjunctive agent for use in the mitigation (palliation) of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial skin in patients who do not achieve such palliation using comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance programs alone". It further goes on to state RENOVA DOES NOT ELIMINATE WRINKLES, REPAIR SUN DAMAGED SKIN, REVERSE PHOTO-AGING, or RESTORE A MORE YOUTHFUL or YOUNGER DERMAL HISTOLOGIC PATTERN.

RENOVA has demonstrated NO MITIGATING EFFECT on significant signs of chronic sun exposure such as coarse or deep wrinkling, skin yellowing, lentigines, telangiectasia, skin laxity, keratinocytic atypia, melanocytic atypia, or dermal elastosis. The effectiveness of RENOVA in the mitigation of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial skin has not been established in people greater than 50 years of age OR in people with moderately to heavily pigmented skin.

You can read more about Renova here:

http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=917

Basically what I am saying is the article slightly over-states the benefits of topical retinoids. However I would agree wholeheartedly that it is the BEST treatment available for aging skin (along with sun protection). I think this article reinforces what most of us knew already, but its nice to see our opinions confirmed in writing!

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:15 pm

Thanks for posting this article Rileygirl.

I already know all the stuff the article speaks about but many people don't. Sometimes they read a thread here or there that may make them afraid to try Retin-A or Renova. They start thinking it'll make their skin terrible looking and that they'll have lots of side effects if they start using a prescription strength retinoid.

It's really too important of a skincare product not to use.

The main issue is that people start out slowly and that will depend on how resistant their skin is. Many people start out trying to use the product way to often and at a much higher strength than they should. Many think if the product is so great for skin, using it more will be even better. Some think because they aren't experiencing any redness, irritation or peeling that the retinoid is not working. If your using Retin-A or Renova and not experiencing any irritation, the product is working, your just using it the correct way, slow and at a lower strength at first. then slowly move your way up in usage and strength over time.

Retinoids help us to have beautiful healthy looking skin.

I just posted about this topic in another Retin-A thread. I don't like to see others turned off to Retin-A before even trying it themselves. Many are in such a rush to see results that they overuse it in the beginning, then experience irritation, sometimes major irritation. Then they stop using it and sometimes scare others from giving it a try. The problem usually isn't the product but the person who was applying the product, either too often, at to high of a strength or both. You need to take it slow and easy when starting prescription retinoids. The goal is not to look more wrinkled, red or have flaky peeling skin. If this is happening, just back off for a day or two or switch to the next lower strength. Your skin will get used to the product in time. You don't have to look bad while waiting for your skin to get used to retinoids.

There are many knowledgeable ladies on this board that give great advice on Retin-A and Renova including Rileygirl. If your hesitant about starting to use a retinoid product, especially prescription strength just ask these ladies your questions. They won't steer you wrong. The biggest idea you'll need to get used to is taking it slow. It took your face years to acquire the damage and wrinkles your trying to get rid of. Don't be in such a rush expecting a product to get rid of them in 30 days or less or even 60 days or less. Retinoids take months to show results and those results are sooo worth it. Just start low and slow and in a few months you'll start seeing why so many of us will never be without our beloved Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Differin etc.

Another important point is to not use alot of other products on the night you apply your retinoid, especially in the beginning when your skin is getting used to it. In the beginning just use the retinoid and a decent moisturizer and eye cream if you need one. Just wait a bit until the retinoid is fully absorbed into your skin. You don't need to use any other antiaging products with it. If you want you can use your other nightime products on the nights your not using a retinoid.

In a few months when you start to see what a retinoid product can do for your skin you'll know why it's the gold standard for antiaging. You won't need to blow a ton of money looking for your antiaging Holy Grail. You'll have already found it.

This is based on my personal experience with Renova and Retin-A. It can't totally erase the hands of time but it will slow the aging process down and reverse some things like fine lines, soften wrinkles and help remove pigmentaion issues.

I've used alot of skincare products inexpensive and very expensive. Noon of them have ever done anything near what Renova and Retin-A has done for my skin.

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:25 pm

Thanks for posting the article rileygirl. It makes me feel good about what I'm doing by using Retin A.

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:45 pm

keli13 wrote:

I already know all the stuff the article speaks about but many people don't. Sometimes they read a thread here or there that may make them afraid to try Retin-A or Renova. They start thinking it'll make their skin terrible looking and that they'll have lots of side effects if they start using a prescription strength retinoid.

It's really too important of a skincare product not to use.
........................

Well, I thanked some of your posts already, but I have to tell you Very Happy

that you are writing posts about Retin A like that you can read questions in my mind

You broken up many of my dilemmas

Thank you again

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:04 pm

I am a living proof of retin a benefits. My skin never looks better. All i use is retin a and avocado oil. That's it. My skin is tightening, pores shrank, skin tone brighter and lighter. While spots are there, they're less noticeable. I started using it for pimples, but because I saw the side benefits, I started to use it all over my face.

I don't get any peeling though. Should my skin peel with use?

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:24 pm

Bira wrote:

I am a living proof of retin a benefits. My skin never looks better. All i use is retin a and avocado oil. That's it. My skin is tightening, pores shrank, skin tone brighter and lighter. While spots are there, they're less noticeable. I started using it for pimples, but because I saw the side benefits, I started to use it all over my face.

I don't get any peeling though. Should my skin peel with use?

Your skin definitely does not have to peel to get the benefits, Bira. Some people can just handle Retin A with no problems at all. Great to hear of your results with such a simple routine!

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:50 pm

Thanks Riley,
Great Post! I have only ever tried an OTC product it didn't do a thing for me, you have me thinking a stronger rx just might be the route for me, sans eyes! We know my eyes just don't tolerate much of anything! umm I think I need to find some, any recommendations for strength? My skin tolerates anything!
Thanks Again

DM

Thanks Lacey53 for the added information, very helpful!

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:57 pm

Thanks Rileygirl for the article. Even though I know from experience it's the #1 product for anti-aging I didn't know it actually repaired & gave you younger DNA.
So many good reasons to keep using it.

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 4:19 pm

I'm a huge believer in Retin A, despite the fact that I had so much irritation from it that my dermatologist recommended that I drop it in favor of an OTC retinoid that I might tolerate. No question that it has by far the best science behind it, at least for now.

I've been using an OTC retinoid for the past several years, and even the weaker OTC retinoids have made a pronounced difference in my skin. I'm thinking about giving Retin A another go one of these days. Maybe I can figure out how to ease into it more successfully, or maybe my longterm use of a strong OTC retinoid will make it less reactive. Worth a shot, I think.

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 4:50 pm

keli13 wrote:

The biggest idea you'll need to get used to is taking it slow. It took your face years to acquire the damage and wrinkles your trying to get rid of. Don't be in such a rush expecting a product to get rid of them in 30 days or less or even 60 days or less. Retinoids take months to show results and those results are sooo worth it. Just start low and slow and in a few months you'll start seeing why so many of us will never be without our beloved Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Differin etc.

Excellent post, Keli. Anyone thinking of starting on the retinoids that has not used them before, this is the best advice. Start on the lowest strenght, and go slow and steady!

Thanks Lacy for the additional info!

Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:56 pm

I’ve been using Retin A for about six weeks with little irritation and some light peeling. I used 0.025 for two weeks and then I started using 0.05%. I’m 53 and I wish I had started using it 20 years ago.

I was surprised to read in the article that they encourage people to use Retin A on lips and eyelids. Does anyone have experience using it on the lips? I’d love to use it on my lips. Short contact, maybe, or over some lip balm? C’mon, I know somebody has tried this.

The doctor in the article just says to use oils and moisturizers “in conjunction with” the retinoids. Does that mean before or after? I guess I’ll start experimenting, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:35 pm

Myrna Speaks wrote:

I’ve been using Retin A for about six weeks with little irritation and some light peeling. I used 0.025 for two weeks and then I started using 0.05%. I’m 53 and I wish I had started using it 20 years ago.

I was surprised to read in the article that they encourage people to use Retin A on lips and eyelids. Does anyone have experience using it on the lips? I’d love to use it on my lips. Short contact, maybe, or over some lip balm? C’mon, I know somebody has tried this.

The doctor in the article just says to use oils and moisturizers “in conjunction with” the retinoids. Does that mean before or after? I guess I’ll start experimenting, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I was totally diggin' the article until I read the part about putting it on lips and eyelids. I absolutely disagree with that. It will leach into the eye's and maybe mouth too, and certainly irritate the corners of the lips. Sounds cuckoo to me!!

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:28 pm

mountaingirl,
Just chiming in to agree! I wouldn't chance it in those areas either!

DM Embarassed

free skin care · Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:05 pm

You ladies are correct! From the warnings on Renova (from the link I posted earlier):

RENOVA should be kept out of the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Topical use may cause severe local erythema, pruritus, burning, stinging, and peeling at the site of application.

And there is this from WebMD about topical Tretinoin:

Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-3956-tretinoin+top.aspx

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:22 am

I read the part about using it on ur lips too, I was wondering about that. Do you think it could cause little bumps or milia if you used it on tender areas like the lips? Those would be really hard to remove. I do use it on my eyelids tho, even tho I know it says not to. I havent personally had any adverse effects but I just use the smallest amount.

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:30 am

Lacy53 wrote:

RENOVA should be kept out of the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Topical use may cause severe local erythema, pruritus, burning, stinging, and peeling at the site of application.

And there is this from WebMD about topical Tretinoin:

Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water.

Somehow it seems to me that this warnings are about mouth and eyes, not eyelids, eye area at all or lips. What are you think?
As for all creams - we have to avoid getting them in the eyes, inside the nose and mouth?

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:51 am

*mirjana* wrote:

Lacy53 wrote:

RENOVA should be kept out of the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Topical use may cause severe local erythema, pruritus, burning, stinging, and peeling at the site of application.

And there is this from WebMD about topical Tretinoin:

Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water.

Somehow it seems to me that this warnings are about mouth and eyes, not eyelids, eye area at all or lips. What are you think?
As for all creams - we have to avoid getting them in the eyes, inside the nose and mouth?

That's my take on it, too, marijana! I use RA on my lids without problems. When using Nu Derm (which is heavy in Retin A) that is what is recommended. Also, there are doctors that will tell you to use Triluma on your lids if you have discoloration. I have no fear of anything "leaching" into my eyes. I do not apply a huge amount, just the tiniest amount.

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:53 am

Myrna Speaks wrote:

I’ve been using Retin A for about six weeks with little irritation and some light peeling. I used 0.025 for two weeks and then I started using 0.05%. I’m 53 and I wish I had started using it 20 years ago.

I was surprised to read in the article that they encourage people to use Retin A on lips and eyelids. Does anyone have experience using it on the lips? I’d love to use it on my lips. Short contact, maybe, or over some lip balm? C’mon, I know somebody has tried this.

The doctor in the article just says to use oils and moisturizers “in conjunction with” the retinoids. Does that mean before or after? I guess I’ll start experimenting, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Actually on this forum there was at least 1 person using it on her lips and she was happy. I know 1 person is going to try this - hopefully she will see this post and keep us update.

I think for the oils/moisturizers that should be used after the retinoids. I am using Argan oil under my eyes and I apply the RA and let it be for at least 1 hour before I apply anything else on top of the RA. Just my 2 cents.

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:55 am

amonavis wrote:

I read the part about using it on ur lips too, I was wondering about that. Do you think it could cause little bumps or milia if you used it on tender areas like the lips? Those would be really hard to remove. I do use it on my eyelids tho, even tho I know it says not to. I havent personally had any adverse effects but I just use the smallest amount.

I wouldn't think it would cause milia there. I thought milia was mostly caused by using heavy skin products in the area?

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:27 am

I use retin-A with blender from Obagi on my eyes and lips and have had no problems and am pleased that I did.

free skin care · Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:53 am

lifecoach wrote:

I use retin-A with blender from Obagi on my eyes and lips and have had no problems and am pleased that I did.

Lifecoach, what results did you have using that on your lips?

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