Retin-a flakes - how long does it last??
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free skin care · Thu Oct 07, 2010 8:50 am

Ok I'm getting ANNOYED by this now! I look like the mummy from hell - I don't get a chance to check out my face all the time at work, and sometimes, after a good half day, I look in the mirror only to see a million flakes, esp around the mouth/chin area - AAARGHH. I must look like I don't wash/scrub Shock

How long does it last? I keep using retin a on and off (5 days on, then 5 days off type thing) because I need some moisture, or cos I forget - am I starting the cycle over again every time or is the flakiness here to stay?

Any experience with retin-a flakes over a long period?

free skin care · Thu Oct 07, 2010 8:54 am

Flakes don't always happen at the same time for everyone, or at the same time for people, so it really depends on a persons skintype etc. I've used Retin A for over 40 years now and wouldn't be without it, but I've encountered flaking at several stages. What kind of strength are you using?

Many people mistakeningly believe they got to use highest dosage, but its not true at all.

free skin care · Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:10 am

Ive been using it since june, and seen flakes since 3 weeks in...

i thought i wouldve been past that stage now?

I am using micro retina 0.04 so not very strong

free skin care · Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:49 am

mowgli wrote:

Ive been using it since june, and seen flakes since 3 weeks in...

i thought i wouldve been past that stage now?

I am using micro retina 0.04 so not very strong

I think you are prolonging your flaking by using it 5 days on and then 5 days off. I would try every other night, or every 3rd night and continually build up to nightly use. It normally takes 2-6 weeks for the flakes to go away.

free skin care · Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:11 am

I agree with rileygirl, up your usage. It is generally advised to not leave more than 2 nights in between applications (so, using it every third night).

free skin care · Thu Oct 07, 2010 11:43 am

TheresaMary wrote:

Flakes don't always happen at the same time for everyone, or at the same time for people, so it really depends on a persons skintype etc. I've used Retin A for over 40 years now and wouldn't be without it, but I've encountered flaking at several stages. What kind of strength are you using?

Many people mistakeningly believe they got to use highest dosage, but its not true at all.

40 years, you have some experience than. Smile

May I ask what strength you use?
I have been using tretinoin since a year back now, at 0.025% strength - is that enough in your opinion? I use it every night. Don't experience any Big dryness anymore, and the only this I might dislike, is the thinning of my skin, I had already thin skin in my face before I started.

free skin care · Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:56 am

I started Retin-A back to July 2009 and the flaking lasted for 6 months, even I used it almost every night.

free skin care · Fri Oct 08, 2010 4:28 am

Well I alternate between Micro 0.1 and the ordinary cream at 0.5, but I worked with a derm for that period, but yes I've had some experiences I can tell you.

I've been loyal to my derm though, and he's known me for that entire time, and you know even 0.025% strength is enough to deliver results, although they may be slower coming, your likely to avoid all the horrible side effects. So I'd keep using it if I were you (obviously with sun protection). Using it every night is fine, but I've at times been told to use it every other night, just because you keep the product longer, and its not as costly as say using it every night - but its worth saying also that the major studies at pub med that talk about its antiaging benefits were all done for at least a year (if not longer) and were used nightly!

Vanilj wrote:

40 years, you have some experience than. Smile

May I ask what strength you use?
I have been using tretinoin since a year back now, at 0.025% strength - is that enough in your opinion? I use it every night. Don't experience any Big dryness anymore, and the only this I might dislike, is the thinning of my skin, I had already thin skin in my face before I started.

free skin care · Fri Oct 08, 2010 4:30 am

Whilst its not very strong, it means its doing its work. Obviously your not working with a derm, but you know the flakes are just a reaction that your body has at present - but your not destined to have them forever.

Flakes for me came and went in batches. I've not had them for quite a while now - say a good few years, but the last time I did was when I moved up to try a 0.1% cream instead of the microgel that I had used at 0.1% and my derm had run out so we figured it was worth trying and yikes flakes galore, but ca la vie!

mowgli wrote:

Ive been using it since june, and seen flakes since 3 weeks in...

i thought i wouldve been past that stage now?

I am using micro retina 0.04 so not very strong

free skin care · Fri Oct 08, 2010 11:18 am

Thanks - I think I have not been helping by dropping off retin-a usage now and again. I do miss using oil on my face at night though!

I'll try going back to mon-fri with sat/sun off, and see it through the flakies- it will be 6 months soon!

free skin care · Fri Oct 08, 2010 4:12 pm

I originally started my journey into serious skincare with the Obagi products (all of which is based upon the usage of Retin A). I started and continued my Obagi treatments under the guidance of a Cosmetic Skincare Physician. I was actually rather young when I became interested in taking better care of my skin (mid 20's) and started the Obagi program. Although I feel Obagi is one of the best skincare programs available and truly love several of their products, I had to give up on the overall Obagi system because my skin NEVER adjusted to the Retin A. My skin always looked either pink, or red, dry, or peeling, flaking or chapped...it never ended. Didn't matter if I used a lower strength, everyday usage, every other day usage, etc. Retin A just does not work well on my skin type. My HG has been Copper Peptides and many of the Skin Biology products - Never any major skin irritation issues. So I suppose my message to you is to try a lower dosage, try to use it less frequently, and if you are still experiencing peeling & flakes that look that unsightly, maybe just accept that Retin A is not for your skin type and try another system of skincare like Copper Peptides or perhaps Retinol would be plenty strong enough for your type of skin.

HTH

free skin care · Mon Oct 11, 2010 4:47 am

The flakes don't necessarily ever stop, even after years of use. Mine are most visible in the drier, winter months, so I cut back to 2-3 times a week. Just remember its a sign that your skin is turning over and altho' its not an attractive thing, know your Retin A is working its magic!

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