I went to the Dermatologist yesterday for the first time in three years. I picked yet another doctor at the same Dermatology clinic, because I like to see a different doctor every time, so that I can learn as much as possible about skin care. First I had him check my suspicious moles on my back for skin cancer, and he said they were totally fine, and nothing to worry about. Despite knowing what to look for with skin cancer, I still get totally confused, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Wrinkles and Acne
The other main reason I was there was to get a presciption for topical acne/wrinkle products. I have been using Differin for several years for acne, however I don’t know if it’s the best treatment to use for fine lines as well. I have used Retin-A Micro in the past, but it was pretty harsh on my skin, so I wanted to avoid that. After some research, I discovered that Renova looked like a promising alternative. Renova is basically Retin-A, but in a moisturizing base. For some reason, I thought Renova contained pore-cloggers, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
The doctor gave me a prescription for both Renova .05% cream, and Differin .03% gel. Differin is usually preferred over Renova for acne, however now that my acne is minimal, Renova should be strong enough for my acne, and it will give me a chance to see if it works better on wrinkles than the Differin. If I end up hating the Renova, then I will just go back to Differin. I had been using the .01% Differin, but the doctor said the new .03% isn’t any harsher, and that I might as well try the stronger one. Renova is generally not covered by insurance for acne (but my insurance doesn’t cover Differin either) so I order my products through a reputable online pharmacy.
Blackheads
The only acne I can’t seem to get rid of are the blackheads on my nose. They are super annoying, and they are always there! I also asked the Dermatologist for a prescription for Tazorac, because I’ve read that is the best treatment for blackheads. Luckily he gave me some sample tubes of it, which I will only use on my nose. Tazorac is similar to Differin, but it’s stronger, and also harsher. It’s probably better for someone with oily, non-sensitive skin.
Eyebrows
Finally, I told the doctor my eyebrows have been thinning a lot – especially the outer edges of them. They also feel itchy all the time – like something is crawling on them. Ugh. He said they look fine, and since there’s no redness or scaling, that there’s nothing he can do. He said it’s probably just heredity, or possible an auto-immune problem, but he had no suggestions. I briefly mentioned I have been struggling with hair loss for five years, but he had no comment or suggestions.
This is why I hate going to the doctor – they rarely have helpful answers to anything. It’s extremely frustrating going to the doctor, only to feel worse than before you got there. That’s why I do all my own research, and figure out what will be the best choice for me on my own. I just get frustrated when I have a problem I can’t fully solve (hair loss, thinning eyebrows) and the doctor knows less than I do.
Anyway, I will keep you informed on my experiences with the Renova and Tazorac!
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April 1st, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Interesting … I look forward to reading your results. I have an appt in a couple of weeks to get some sort of retinoid … gotta get these fine lines outta here! Have you had a full thyroid panel for your hairloss? I had been complaining about hairloss for years and my docs checked my levels, but never my anti-bodies. Turns out I have thyroid anti-bodies and that is impairing some functionality. Also the levels have been lowered to what used to be considered normal, is now hypo. Definitely worth looking into, my hair is now growing back, but I have all of these crazy short hair sticking up. But I am happy they are in my head :-)
April 1st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Have you had your thyroid checked? Supposedly, thinning eyebrows can be a sign that something’s not right there. I’m not a doctor, though.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
Meg,
Yes I’ve had my thyroid checked in the past, and it was “normal” however it was on the low end – so it was close to hypothyroid. I haven’t had it checked in a while, though, so I might do it again. Between my thyroid, waxing my eyebrows, and having laser Photofacials on my face (near my eyebrows), it could be a combination of all three problems! But, anyway, low thyroid is the most common reason for eyebrows thinning on the outer third of them!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:25 am
Critty,
I’m glad your hair is coming back! That’s exciting. My thyroid is “normal” but I will probably get it checked again soon, since I haven’t had it tested in a few years, and it was nearing hypothyroid several years ago. You can read all about my hair loss here: http://www.savvyskin.com/my-hair-loss-story . Did you have thinning eyebrows at all, and if you did, did they come back in at all? Did you go to an Endocrinologist, or what type of doctor did the thyroid bloodwork for you?
I am not so sure about the Renova now. When I ordered it today, I ended up having to get a generic that is custom-blended by the pharmacist, so it will only last a few months before going bad. The non-generic was $149, and that’s the discount price! The regular Retin A (or Retin A Micro) seems to be way cheaper, and easier. Let me know which one you end up getting!
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:51 am
I am interested in hearing about your hair loss/eyebrow problem. My sister is having the same problem and no one can help her. She also has really itchy skin all over and scratching leaves awful marks. If you have any further developments, I would be interested in them! Thanks for all of your sharing, it really does help others!!
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I use Renova and have generally noticed mild results on fine wrinkles with it and it helps with melasma when used in conjunction with various lighteners. One thing of note though is that while the generic version is much cheaper, it also is a different base, and I find it to be much harsher because of that. I also thought that the generic broke me out, while Renova does not. So even though insurance won’t cover it, I suggest getting the real thing.
I have not noticed it helping my acne though. I have been planning to try differin gel for that. I just need to make an appointment!
April 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Carleen,
When I went to buy the Renova online, it was $149 for the .02%, and this was with a discount. Since my prescription was for .05% I opted to get the generic ($55), but the pharmacy said they compound it themselves, and since it doesn’t have preservatives, it will only last 3 months. I’m thinking about getting Retin-A Micro next time, and just mixing it with a moisturizer. That would be way cheaper, and it works on acne and wrinkles. However I hated how much my skin flaked with the Retin-A Micro, and I don’t know how effective it is to mix it with a moisturizer – but Renova is basically Retin-A Micro with mineral oil.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Thinning of the outer eyebrows is a telltale sign of a thryoid problem, also the thinning hair in general. I know. I went to umpteen doctors, before one finally told me I might have a slight thyroid problem but not one that was making me sick enough for them to medicate me. (The American scale that decides if your blood tests are within the limits of what they define as sick, is different than all the other countries. They’re trying to get it changed but to no avail.) Still I would get a blood test run. Thyroid issues are supercommon in women. Also, I personally had an ovarian cyst that was throwing off my throid just a bit, enough to cause hair loss. Just a few ideas for you. It took me five years to get this information from the umpteen different doctors, and I’m glad to share it with you. You might have your progesterone levels checked as well, shifting hormones can cause hair loss, it’s very common. I now take natural PROGESTERONE, not progestin (synthetic), my skin has cleared the hair loss has completely stopped and all the hormone related issues like that have disappeared. Have a great day!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:01 am
Mid America,
I’m not sure if you’ve seen my hair loss post – http://www.savvyskin.com/my-hair-loss-story but it goes into detail about all the tests I’ve done in the past. I’ve been tested for a thyroid problem in the past, and while the doctors said it was within the normal range, it was borderline-hypothyroid, according to the stricter standards I personally follow. But, like you, it wasn’t enough to need medication. However, I haven’t been tested in a few years, so I could definitely have a problem now! In the past, I read how changing your diet, and exercising, can naturally improve your thyroid, so I had been attempting to do that. I really should get bloodwork done again!
I share your frustration with doctors, because I’ve been to so many as well, and answers are always so elusive. I started using natural progesterone cream (after reading a book about women’s hormones) because I had all the symptoms of low progesterone. However, I had bad side effects from the cream, and after a few days I realized I probably am not supposed to use the cream since I’m on the pill. So I stopped using it. You’re not on the pill, are you?
My gyno told me I could switch from Yasmin to Yaz bcp, which has a lower estrogen level, so that would possibly make it less necessary for as much progesterone. I haven’t switched yet because the Yasmin has worked really well for my mood and skin, and I’m afraid switching could make my hair loss worse.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Try taking biotin at least 3000, also take a good multi vitamin. My hair was falling out and starting this and it has almost stopped.
December 17th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Hi!
I just thought I would add my two cents on the blackhead issue. I have the same problem you do. My face produces alot of oil..hence blackheads on my nose. I started using Burt’s Bee’s Acne Solutions Spot Treatment. I’m not using it as a spot treatment..it doesn’t work on pimples. But..it has natural salycilic acid(willow bark) in it. I put this on my nose every night and every morning. I have seen a huge improvment. They are not totally gone..but definately under control. The best way to put it on is a q-tip. Just turn it upside down and let it drop onto the q-tip a few times then rub the q-tip all over your nose while it’s still very moist. or just put it on with a clean finger. It works better than any other non-natural product I’ve tried. I’m not sure why, maybe because it is not synthetic. It got rid of all the tiny white heads on my forehead too! Give it a try! The smell isn’t great..and it can sting a little bit. Make sure to put your moisturizer on (I use Clinique too!). It feels very soothing once you do. Good luck with everything..and don’t worry..you’re not the only one!
May 25th, 2010 at 6:57 am
re Hair loss
I thought I was losing my hair and the dermatologist confirmed it. He said that I had two problems. I was losing my hair mostly on top which he said pointed to iron levels. Any iron level under 70 is not enough to produce hair. The normal range is 50 so a doctor may say levels are fine but get the number. I had a baby so this was the main reason my iron was so low and I don’t like to eat a lot of meat. It is very IMPORTANT to know iron level before taking a supplement because it is very easy to end up with iron toxicity which is very dangerous. Also check levels every 6 months after starting supplement to ensure iron level is not toxic. Palafer is a good choice. Takes a few months for a change.
As well I had started to grow fine wirey hairs on the top of my head. This is a type of hair loss as well. To combat this a product like Rogaine is needed. My doctor gave me 5%. Wash your hands after use to avoid hairy hands and use at dinner time to avoid getting it on your pillow and growing facial hair. Use morning as well. Keep it away from your face.
Hope this helps and if you lift your hair from the top of your head with your fingers and can see through it easily and see your scalp then you may have a problem.