Comments on: How To Pick A Retinol Product http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product Anti-aging skin care secrets to fabulous, smooth, glowing skin! Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:09:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=9846 hourly 1 By: Kristen http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-114004 Kristen Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:22:25 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-114004 Lots of interesting feedback. Clearly everyone has different experiences because they all have different skin types. Prob the best info on this article was the focus on the packaging of retinol no matter what types you are buying. Someone had asked about O'my Goodness Organic Retinol Facial Moisturizer and since it is not packed in a tube or small mouth container and therefore exposes more of it to more air and light then I wold not use it. Whatever you do please use sunscreen. Not only does it prevent further aging including sunspots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and worsening rosacea. Also retinol can make you more sun sensitive so only use it at night (I've heard sunlight can deactive retinol but I haven't confirmed this is based on fact one way or the other), slather on the sunscreen during the day and use a higher spf like 20 or 30 and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Personally I have found that slowly introducing my skin to retinol is best. I started with the lowest grade afirm and recently worked my way up to 3X which I hope to receive soon. Drugstore.com has a great sale on the right now for only $36.00 per tube. It normally goes for $40 plus they throw in free shipping so for those who love this product check it out. If I could go to the doc for a prescrip retinol I'd still personally start with an otc retinol just to build up tolerance. Nothing more annoying then wasting $$ on a doc visit and a prescrip only to find out your skin can't handle it. If you can afford it and your skin will tolerate certainly go for the higest retinol you can get. Prescriptions will ultimately work best but there is still benefits to otc retinol. It decreases oiliness in my skin and does help my newly acne prone skin (very recent event for me). For those who are familiar with Dr. Baumann's book Skin Type Solutions she states prescription retinols are best for treating and fighting wrinkles and otc stuff is better for prevention purposes. Hopefully I wasn't to repetitious (except about the important stuff like sunscreen :D) and I hope it helps. Good luck all! Lots of interesting feedback. Clearly everyone has different experiences because they all have different skin types. Prob the best info on this article was the focus on the packaging of retinol no matter what types you are buying. Someone had asked about O’my Goodness Organic Retinol Facial Moisturizer and since it is not packed in a tube or small mouth container and therefore exposes more of it to more air and light then I wold not use it. Whatever you do please use sunscreen. Not only does it prevent further aging including sunspots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and worsening rosacea. Also retinol can make you more sun sensitive so only use it at night (I’ve heard sunlight can deactive retinol but I haven’t confirmed this is based on fact one way or the other), slather on the sunscreen during the day and use a higher spf like 20 or 30 and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Personally I have found that slowly introducing my skin to retinol is best. I started with the lowest grade afirm and recently worked my way up to 3X which I hope to receive soon. Drugstore.com has a great sale on the right now for only $36.00 per tube. It normally goes for $40 plus they throw in free shipping so for those who love this product check it out. If I could go to the doc for a prescrip retinol I’d still personally start with an otc retinol just to build up tolerance. Nothing more annoying then wasting $$ on a doc visit and a prescrip only to find out your skin can’t handle it. If you can afford it and your skin will tolerate certainly go for the higest retinol you can get. Prescriptions will ultimately work best but there is still benefits to otc retinol. It decreases oiliness in my skin and does help my newly acne prone skin (very recent event for me). For those who are familiar with Dr. Baumann’s book Skin Type Solutions she states prescription retinols are best for treating and fighting wrinkles and otc stuff is better for prevention purposes.
Hopefully I wasn’t to repetitious (except about the important stuff like sunscreen :D) and I hope it helps.

Good luck all!

]]> By: Sara http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-108849 Sara Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:30:04 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-108849 Sorry...again just personal experience, but hoping it adds some context to the RetinA conversation. Insurance companies have become more watchful of RetinA and its usage. It was originally used for acne, and when it's benefits re: wrinkles became apparent, insurance companies started monitoring it more closely. Using it for acne makes it medically necessary vs wrinkles being cosmetic and unnecessary, therefore not covered by some companies. I had stated in my previous post that I use it primarily for acne, but there were times when my insurance company wdnt even cover my refills without a new MD visit (as though my acne would clear up in a month or 2!). Anyway, I wanted to say, also, that the redness, peeling, drying, etc is due to the excessive sloughing of the skin. It's what RetinA does!! It affects us all differently and according to the MDs, the effect it has can depend on the condition of the skin (how oily or sensitive, etc). Another factor is the amount we use, even a small amount can produce big results right away (good or bad)! The bottom line is, if RetinA is used regularly, we are, essentially, peeling off our outer layer of skin at a much faster rate than it would be done naturally. That said, how you use the product can determine the rate at which this peeling is done. If you have trouble, scaling back may be all that's necessary, but I'm not a MD so...again, just trying to give the benefit of my experience.... I'm going to try some of the retinol treatments that have been suggested on this site. I doubt I'll have the same results, but will let you guys know how close it gets. Sorry…again just personal experience, but hoping it adds some context to the RetinA conversation. Insurance companies have become more watchful of RetinA and its usage. It was originally used for acne, and when it’s benefits re: wrinkles became apparent, insurance companies started monitoring it more closely. Using it for acne makes it medically necessary vs wrinkles being cosmetic and unnecessary, therefore not covered by some companies. I had stated in my previous post that I use it primarily for acne, but there were times when my insurance company wdnt even cover my refills without a new MD visit (as though my acne would clear up in a month or 2!). Anyway, I wanted to say, also, that the redness, peeling, drying, etc is due to the excessive sloughing of the skin. It’s what RetinA does!! It affects us all differently and according to the MDs, the effect it has can depend on the condition of the skin (how oily or sensitive, etc). Another factor is the amount we use, even a small amount can produce big results right away (good or bad)! The bottom line is, if RetinA is used regularly, we are, essentially, peeling off our outer layer of skin at a much faster rate than it would be done naturally. That said, how you use the product can determine the rate at which this peeling is done. If you have trouble, scaling back may be all that’s necessary, but I’m not a MD so…again, just trying to give the benefit of my experience…. I’m going to try some of the retinol treatments that have been suggested on this site. I doubt I’ll have the same results, but will let you guys know how close it gets.

]]> By: Sara http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-108793 Sara Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:56:32 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-108793 Thais, (and everyone else) I hope this helps! I've been using RetinA (off and on) for 10years til I lost my insurance and can no longer afford the luxury of a dermatologist. I've been reading this site looking for a solution for my facial blemishes, acne and aging skin! The comments made by Thais are absolutely based in fact (altho you say youre not an MD, you sound like every MD I've been to). My dermatologist has said the very same thing about these products, and my experience with RetinA has been very similar to yours, Thais! I do have adult acne. My skin was worse than some of the commercials we see for teenagers! I had oily skin, internal pimples, exploding pimples, scarring, large pores...you get the picture! As an adult, this was embarrassing, and I was desperate!! I was prescribed RetinA and it cleared up my skin immediately! I used smaller than a pea sized amount once a day (if I used it in the hot FL daytime, I would feel my face get red but it ddnt affect how it worked on my problems!). By the end of a week there were notable changes for the better, and by the time my acne cleared up, I looked refreshed and as though I actually had good skin!! My dermatologist says that by using the RetinA, the cell turnover rate is much faster than the OTC products (including retinol). He says that it doesnt stop pimples from occurring (the pore may still get clogged), the skin just sloughs off so rapidly that the pimple doesnt have time to sit. As far as blemishes, again, the skin cells are sloughing off rapidly so it doesnt take as long for the blemished skin to be replaced by the newer, undamaged skin underneath. This skin turnover rate is also beneficial in our quest to look youthful. Using RetinA, we are always showing off newer, more refreshed skin. As I said previously, since I can no longer afford to go to a dermatologist (no job/no insurance), I came to this site in hopes of finding the closest thing to my beloved RetinA in an OTC version! Thais, (and everyone else) I hope this helps! I’ve been using RetinA (off and on) for 10years til I lost my insurance and can no longer afford the luxury of a dermatologist. I’ve been reading this site looking for a solution for my facial blemishes, acne and aging skin! The comments made by Thais are absolutely based in fact (altho you say youre not an MD, you sound like every MD I’ve been to). My dermatologist has said the very same thing about these products, and my experience with RetinA has been very similar to yours, Thais!
I do have adult acne. My skin was worse than some of the commercials we see for teenagers! I had oily skin, internal pimples, exploding pimples, scarring, large pores…you get the picture! As an adult, this was embarrassing, and I was desperate!! I was prescribed RetinA and it cleared up my skin immediately! I used smaller than a pea sized amount once a day (if I used it in the hot FL daytime, I would feel my face get red but it ddnt affect how it worked on my problems!). By the end of a week there were notable changes for the better, and by the time my acne cleared up, I looked refreshed and as though I actually had good skin!!
My dermatologist says that by using the RetinA, the cell turnover rate is much faster than the OTC products (including retinol). He says that it doesnt stop pimples from occurring (the pore may still get clogged), the skin just sloughs off so rapidly that the pimple doesnt have time to sit. As far as blemishes, again, the skin cells are sloughing off rapidly so it doesnt take as long for the blemished skin to be replaced by the newer, undamaged skin underneath. This skin turnover rate is also beneficial in our quest to look youthful. Using RetinA, we are always showing off newer, more refreshed skin.
As I said previously, since I can no longer afford to go to a dermatologist (no job/no insurance), I came to this site in hopes of finding the closest thing to my beloved RetinA in an OTC version!

]]> By: Thais http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-108403 Thais Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:15:08 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-108403 Thank you Viola, As I said, I don't work for Retin A, am not an aesthetician or a dermatologist (or even close to being one) and I was only recommending the product as per my personal experience. That's actually pure chemistry: Retinoic Acid works deep inside the skin, Retinols do not, that simple. Whether it will work for everyone's skin that's not up to me, each individual should listen to their own body and see what's best for them. I now also use every other night a serum with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) for it's exfoliating properties and it's working pretty well. I didn't wanna have to use Retin A every single night so I found something to use on nights when I'm not using Retin A. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer to the best of my knowledge but you can also visit makeupalley.com, sign up and take advantage of the wonderful world of skincare products reviews. If you go to product reviews and type in "retin A", you will see first hand hundreds of reviews from people all ages, different skin types, etc. Actually, before I purchase any products I go to makeupalley.com, type in the product name and get so many reviews. Usually that'll help me decide whether I should buy a product or not. Also, I like the site beautypedia.com, and there you will also find thousands of products reviews. Good luck everyone and have a wonderful summer!!! Thank you Viola,

As I said, I don’t work for Retin A, am not an aesthetician or a dermatologist (or even close to being one) and I was only recommending the product as per my personal experience. That’s actually pure chemistry: Retinoic Acid works deep inside the skin, Retinols do not, that simple. Whether it will work for everyone’s skin that’s not up to me, each individual should listen to their own body and see what’s best for them.
I now also use every other night a serum with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) for it’s exfoliating properties and it’s working pretty well. I didn’t wanna have to use Retin A every single night so I found something to use on nights when I’m not using Retin A. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer to the best of my knowledge but you can also visit makeupalley.com, sign up and take advantage of the wonderful world of skincare products reviews. If you go to product reviews and type in “retin A”, you will see first hand hundreds of reviews from people all ages, different skin types, etc. Actually, before I purchase any products I go to makeupalley.com, type in the product name and get so many reviews. Usually that’ll help me decide whether I should buy a product or not. Also, I like the site beautypedia.com, and there you will also find thousands of products reviews. Good luck everyone and have a wonderful summer!!!

]]> By: viola clemente http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-108225 viola clemente Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:24:17 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-108225 the girl Thais Defalco she did her reseached very well,i have been looking for a good retin-A that is high and will work. Thank you so much.sign Vi the girl Thais Defalco she did her reseached very well,i have been looking for a good retin-A that is high and will work. Thank you so much.sign Vi

]]> By: Thais Defalco http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-94691 Thais Defalco Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:58:00 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-94691 I'm not even going to waste time posting a long reply to Jess. I do NOT work for any advertising company or for Retin A, for that matter. I was just stating my own personal experiences with the product and how wonderfully it worked for me, after spending years looking for a good and effective product. It managed to clear my skin and pores and get rid of a fine smile line I had. Guess what, Jess, I also started using a non prescription Retinol product before starting on REtin A and you would be able to see that if you had read all my posts. Use whatever works for you but I will keep what I said: Retinol doesn't work as well as Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid, Retin A is just the brand name) and if you really do your homework you'll find many studies that back up what I stated on my post. Even my dermatologist told me not to waste time and money using OTC Retinol products for a long period. Oh, and FYI, my derm prescribed tretinoin to me for its rejuvenating properties since I never really had much acne (except when I'm close to getting my period.) And yes, lucky me I only pay $2.00 a tube of 0.025% strength that lasts about a month. I swear by tretinoin and will use it to preserve my youthful look forever. Just please, don't assume I'm advertising any products just because I'm saying good things about it. For everyone else out there, research research research, don't take mine or anyone's word for it, talk to your doctor, your dermatologist and you'll find something that works for you. I found my holy grail in tretinoin, which happens to have a brand name REtin A and love the way my skin looks!!! Don't forget to use sunscreen on your face every day, all year long, and obviously, on your body if you'll be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. T I’m not even going to waste time posting a long reply to Jess. I do NOT work for any advertising company or for Retin A, for that matter. I was just stating my own personal experiences with the product and how wonderfully it worked for me, after spending years looking for a good and effective product. It managed to clear my skin and pores and get rid of a fine smile line I had. Guess what, Jess, I also started using a non prescription Retinol product before starting on REtin A and you would be able to see that if you had read all my posts.

Use whatever works for you but I will keep what I said: Retinol doesn’t work as well as Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid, Retin A is just the brand name) and if you really do your homework you’ll find many studies that back up what I stated on my post. Even my dermatologist told me not to waste time and money using OTC Retinol products for a long period. Oh, and FYI, my derm prescribed tretinoin to me for its rejuvenating properties since I never really had much acne (except when I’m close to getting my period.) And yes, lucky me I only pay $2.00 a tube of 0.025% strength that lasts about a month. I swear by tretinoin and will use it to preserve my youthful look forever.

Just please, don’t assume I’m advertising any products just because I’m saying good things about it.

For everyone else out there, research research research, don’t take mine or anyone’s word for it, talk to your doctor, your dermatologist and you’ll find something that works for you. I found my holy grail in tretinoin, which happens to have a brand name REtin A and love the way my skin looks!!! Don’t forget to use sunscreen on your face every day, all year long, and obviously, on your body if you’ll be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

T

]]> By: Jess http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-94601 Jess Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:40:48 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-94601 The posts by Thais DeFlaco read like advertisemenst and not all of the information presented is supported by research that has been done on retinol I went to a dermatologist, guess what, he recommended that I start with a non-prescription Retinol product, then move to a prescription level product. With the non-prescription product I did see a change in deep wrinkles and it cleared age spots on my face and neck completely. I'm 64, have good skin, with no looseness in the skin on my face and neck, but the age spots (some very dark brown) all cleared using a non-prescription product. And while I did get some peeling at first it only lasted about 2 weeks. I used one container of Olay ProX, but switched to SkinCueticals. I may move to a prescription product after one more container of non-prescription product, but I have to consider the cost. It is not a product covered by my insurance and the cost of each tube is around $135.00. Sometimes in younger people they can get around the insurance coverage issue by prescribing it to treat acne. My dermatologist said that the best thing anyone can do for the skin on their face is sunscreen. Using a stand along product, even under makeup. You should not put it on every exposed surface unless you're going to be in the sun for hours and/or you are in a swim suite. People need sun to produce vitamin D, which is very important in healing and nerve health and sun screen interferes with that process. He said that people who have never "broiled on the beach" and avoided sun burn have better skin quality when they get old. The posts by Thais DeFlaco read like advertisemenst and not all of the information presented is supported by research that has been done on retinol
I went to a dermatologist, guess what, he recommended that I start with a non-prescription Retinol product, then move to a prescription level product. With the non-prescription product I did see a change in deep wrinkles and it cleared age spots on my face and neck completely. I’m 64, have good skin, with no looseness in the skin on my face and neck, but the age spots (some very dark brown) all cleared using a non-prescription product. And while I did get some peeling at first it only lasted about 2 weeks.
I used one container of Olay ProX, but switched to SkinCueticals. I may move to a prescription product after one more container of non-prescription product, but I have to consider the cost. It is not a product covered by my insurance and the cost of each tube is around $135.00. Sometimes in younger people they can get around the insurance coverage issue by prescribing it to treat acne.
My dermatologist said that the best thing anyone can do for the skin on their face is sunscreen. Using a stand along product, even under makeup. You should not put it on every exposed surface unless you’re going to be in the sun for hours and/or you are in a swim suite. People need sun to produce vitamin D, which is very important in healing and nerve health and sun screen interferes with that process.
He said that people who have never “broiled on the beach” and avoided sun burn have better skin quality when they get old.

]]> By: Thais Defalco http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-93888 Thais Defalco Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:55:40 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-93888 Hi everyone, I am not anything close to a dermatologist and can only recommend products based on my own experience and researches I did online. It doesn't matter what type of product you use or what brand you use, all I know is that if you are expecting real results with long-term effects you gotta try Retin A, the only FDA approved cream to treat acne and wrinkles. There are 1000s of products out there that claim to have massive amounts of Vitamin A but the real ingredient you should be looking for if you're serious about rejuvenating and treating your skin is TRETINOIN, which is only sold via prescription (I got my Rx from my derm and pay ONLY $2.00 for a tube of Retin A cream, which lasts me 1 month a tube) Please read below for a more clarifying explanation about the difference between retin a (tretinoin/retinoic acid) and Retinol: "So what’s the difference between the two? Retin-A is a brand of tretinoin also referred to as trans-retinoic acid or simply retinoic acid. Retinol and retinoic acid are related but quite different. Retinol and other forms of vitamin A, such as retinal and retinyl palmitate, do not have much direct effect on the skin. The reason why retinol doesn’t have any direct effect on the skin is a little tricky to explain. Since biology was not my strong suit in high school, I’ll do my best to make this as easy as possible to understand: retinol first needs to be converted by special enzymes into the active metabolite (substance produced during metabolism of another substance) – retinoic acid. In effect, only retinoic acid directly affects skin cells and helps reduce some signs of aging. Guess what? Retinoic acid is also known as tretinoin! The bottom line seems to be pretty clear – a retinoic acid sold as Retin-A provides a better shot at eliminating fine lines and reducing wrinkles than even the best retinol formulations. When selecting two types of anti-aging products, you might want to opt for the one that contains retinoic acids or tretinoin (aka Retin-A) over the one that contains retinol." As you can see, tretinoin or Retinoic Acid (Retin A, Renova) are the ones you should go for if you're expecting to see real, long term results. Before using Retin A I had heard that in the first 4 weeks of use the skin goes berserk, it peels, it get red, it dries out, etc, but I didn't experience any of those nasty effects because I started using it slowly, once every 3 days and AT NIGHT TIME ONLY (when on Retin A, don't ever use it during the day as the Tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to sunburn) Then after about 2 weeks I started using it every other day and then after another 2 or 3 weeks I started using it every day, again, at night time only. If I feel my skin is too dry the next day I skip one night and use it again the following night. You have to listen to your body and not go crazy with Retin A. To me, since the results are so amazing and long term, I decided to go slowly and that paid off. I'm 30 yrs old and my skin looks much better than it did 10 yrs ago, my pores are so much smaller, skin is smoother and I now barely have any pimples, they now usually only pop up when I'm about to get my period but they dry out a couple of days after. I couldn't be happier with Retin A and highly recommend it to everyone. I will probably use it for the rest of my life! But guys, don't forget: don't waste your time and money buying products that contain Retinol, Retinol IS NOT AS EFFECTIVE AS TRETINOIN OR RETINOIC ACID and the results are not the same. Retinol doesn't really any direct effect on the skin and you WILL NOT SEE THE RESULTS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR, NO MATTER WHAT THE PRODUCT PROMISES YOU. You want real results? Go to a dermatologist, tell him you're interested in starting a Retinoic Acid (Retin A/Renova) regime and he'll prescribe it to you. Take it slowly, start by using it 2 or 3 times a week then gradually increase the amount of times you use it until your skin is comfortable enough for you to start using it every day (every NIGHT actually) It might take at least 6 months of continuous use for you to see any visible results but don't give up, this product really delivers. And if your skin starts purging, peeling, getting red, just give it a break for a few days but don't stop using the product. These side effects are very common and will go away eventually. By the way, on nights when I feel my skin is a bit too dry and I want to give it a break, I only use a very mild moisturizer for sensitive skin and call it a night. And I can't stress this enough: DON'T USE RETINOIC ACID/TRETINOIN DURING THE DAY, THIS CREAM IS MEANT TO BE USED AT NIGHT TIME ONLY. Hope this helps. Thais Hi everyone,

I am not anything close to a dermatologist and can only recommend products based on my own experience and researches I did online. It doesn’t matter what type of product you use or what brand you use, all I know is that if you are expecting real results with long-term effects you gotta try Retin A, the only FDA approved cream to treat acne and wrinkles. There are 1000s of products out there that claim to have massive amounts of Vitamin A but the real ingredient you should be looking for if you’re serious about rejuvenating and treating your skin is TRETINOIN, which is only sold via prescription (I got my Rx from my derm and pay ONLY $2.00 for a tube of Retin A cream, which lasts me 1 month a tube) Please read below for a more clarifying explanation about the difference between retin a (tretinoin/retinoic acid) and Retinol:
“So what’s the difference between the two?

Retin-A is a brand of tretinoin also referred to as trans-retinoic acid or simply retinoic acid.

Retinol and retinoic acid are related but quite different. Retinol and other forms of vitamin A, such as retinal and retinyl palmitate, do not have much direct effect on the skin.

The reason why retinol doesn’t have any direct effect on the skin is a little tricky to explain. Since biology was not my strong suit in high school, I’ll do my best to make this as easy as possible to understand: retinol first needs to be converted by special enzymes into the active metabolite (substance produced during metabolism of another substance) – retinoic acid.

In effect, only retinoic acid directly affects skin cells and helps reduce some signs of aging. Guess what? Retinoic acid is also known as tretinoin!

The bottom line seems to be pretty clear – a retinoic acid sold as Retin-A provides a better shot at eliminating fine lines and reducing wrinkles than even the best retinol formulations.

When selecting two types of anti-aging products, you might want to opt for the one that contains retinoic acids or tretinoin (aka Retin-A) over the one that contains retinol.”

As you can see, tretinoin or Retinoic Acid (Retin A, Renova) are the ones you should go for if you’re expecting to see real, long term results. Before using Retin A I had heard that in the first 4 weeks of use the skin goes berserk, it peels, it get red, it dries out, etc, but I didn’t experience any of those nasty effects because I started using it slowly, once every 3 days and AT NIGHT TIME ONLY (when on Retin A, don’t ever use it during the day as the Tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to sunburn) Then after about 2 weeks I started using it every other day and then after another 2 or 3 weeks I started using it every day, again, at night time only. If I feel my skin is too dry the next day I skip one night and use it again the following night. You have to listen to your body and not go crazy with Retin A. To me, since the results are so amazing and long term, I decided to go slowly and that paid off. I’m 30 yrs old and my skin looks much better than it did 10 yrs ago, my pores are so much smaller, skin is smoother and I now barely have any pimples, they now usually only pop up when I’m about to get my period but they dry out a couple of days after. I couldn’t be happier with Retin A and highly recommend it to everyone. I will probably use it for the rest of my life! But guys, don’t forget: don’t waste your time and money buying products that contain Retinol, Retinol IS NOT AS EFFECTIVE AS TRETINOIN OR RETINOIC ACID and the results are not the same. Retinol doesn’t really any direct effect on the skin and you WILL NOT SEE THE RESULTS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR, NO MATTER WHAT THE PRODUCT PROMISES YOU. You want real results? Go to a dermatologist, tell him you’re interested in starting a Retinoic Acid (Retin A/Renova) regime and he’ll prescribe it to you. Take it slowly, start by using it 2 or 3 times a week then gradually increase the amount of times you use it until your skin is comfortable enough for you to start using it every day (every NIGHT actually) It might take at least 6 months of continuous use for you to see any visible results but don’t give up, this product really delivers. And if your skin starts purging, peeling, getting red, just give it a break for a few days but don’t stop using the product. These side effects are very common and will go away eventually. By the way, on nights when I feel my skin is a bit too dry and I want to give it a break, I only use a very mild moisturizer for sensitive skin and call it a night. And I can’t stress this enough: DON’T USE RETINOIC ACID/TRETINOIN DURING THE DAY, THIS CREAM IS MEANT TO BE USED AT NIGHT TIME ONLY.
Hope this helps.

Thais

]]> By: Lori http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-92561 Lori Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:18:29 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-92561 Thanks for keeping this page up. The information was so helpful and confirmed the question that prompted my searching, which was Peter Thomas Roth Retinol PM, or Philosophy's Help Me? I've been using one of Neutrogena's products with retinol with no discomfort, so I'm ready to upgrade to the stronger product. Thanks for keeping this page up. The information was so helpful and confirmed the question that prompted my searching, which was Peter Thomas Roth Retinol PM, or Philosophy’s Help Me? I’ve been using one of Neutrogena’s products with retinol with no discomfort, so I’m ready to upgrade to the stronger product.

]]> By: Lai http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product/comment-page-1#comment-91730 Lai Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:00:16 +0000 http://www.savvyskin.com/how-to-pick-a-retinol-product#comment-91730 I was reading this article on the cream you are using, I would love to try it but I work outside so it would be impossible for me to stay out of the sun. Any suggestions or any other cream I could start using. I just turned 30 and feel old. Thanks you. I was reading this article on the cream you are using, I would love to try it but I work outside so it would be impossible for me to stay out of the sun. Any suggestions or any other cream I could start using. I just turned 30 and feel old. Thanks you.

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