Retin-A Micro...getting dry again, not sure why?

[CassBH]

OK, ladies, I am stumped! I am usually a greasepit on my face once the weather starts getting warm (like now) but recently, I have been getting these dry patches that look even worse when I apply my mineral makeup.

Now, my routine has not changed. I have been washing with Johnson's & Johnsons cleanser at night (very mild) to take off my makeup, then let my skin dry a bit, then apply my Retin-A Micro. When I first started using this, it did dry my skin out, but I got used to it and all was well.

Now it seems I am getting dry again and I don't know why!!??? Every cleanser seems to make my skin feel tight (even Cetaphil).

Has anyone experienced this before? Also, if you have, what types of cleansers have you used that are really gentle but still take off your makeup?

Is anyone using Retin-A micro for anti-aging?

Thanks for the help!

Cass

 

[Kathy]

I'm not using Retin A micro, but I didn't hear you say anything about a moisturizer. Do you use one? And one with a sunscreen? You definitely should be if you're using Retin A.

 

[beautynista]

Are you using the gel or cream?

Try using a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, it's a brilliant moisturizer! Use a honey mask a few times a week. For me it works great at smoothing out dry patches.

Also, you might want to switch to a moisturizing cleanser?

 

[Dragonfly]

I've been using Retin A for close to 20 years. Originally for acne, now more for it's anti aging properties.

You didn't mention this but are you using sunscreen? Retin A can make your skin burn more easily - this counteracts the anti aging properties.

Are you exfoliating on a regular basis?

I have heard that using an alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy lotion encourages the exfoliation process more so than a mechanical one (scrub).

Because the Retin A is causing cells to be replaced at a quick rate, you might just have a build up of cells that need to be exfoliated.

In February, I increased my strenght to 0.10%. My face is having a difficult time adjusting because it is so strong. My face gets really dried out. I exfoliate once a week - mix tsp of baking soda with cleanser.

Every third day I apply lots of vaseline on my face - this helps to prevent flaking.

The cleanser I use is Jergens clean and clear liquid soap. I stay away from unnessary irritants like fragrance and colouring.

It is stronger that Cetaphil but it gets my face clean and doesn't irritate my skin.

 

[sunshine478]

maybe you are applying too much to your face? my dermatoligist advises only a pea size amount each day or your skin will get red and flaky.

 

[jessiej78]

Sometimes skin can just change. I used to be able to tolerate retin A and now, now matter what I do or what strength I use, it is just too irritating.

 

[CassBH]

Originally Posted by kaville /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm not using Retin A micro, but I didn't hear you say anything about a moisturizer. Do you use one? And one with a sunscreen? You definitely should be if you're using Retin A. I use a moisturizer about 20 min's after applying the Retin-A (sorry,should have mentioned that!). And I ALWAYS use sunscreen of at least 35!

Originally Posted by beautynista /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are you using the gel or cream?Try using a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, it's a brilliant moisturizer! Use a honey mask a few times a week. For me it works great at smoothing out dry patches.

Also, you might want to switch to a moisturizing cleanser?

I think it is the gel (the lesser %).
What moisturizer do you like with the hyaluronic acid?

And what type of honey mask are you using that you like?

Originally Posted by cyw1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are you exfoliating on a regular basis?I have heard that using an alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy lotion encourages the exfoliation process more so than a mechanical one (scrub).

Because the Retin A is causing cells to be replaced at a quick rate, you might just have a build up of cells that need to be exfoliated.

.

I actually use Alpha Hydroxy acid every day

 

[beautynista]

Originally Posted by CassBH /img/forum/go_quote.gif I use a moisturizer about 20 min's after applying the Retin-A (sorry,should have mentioned that!). And I ALWAYS use sunscreen of at least 35!


I think it is the gel (the lesser %).

What moisturizer do you like with the hyaluronic acid?

And what type of honey mask are you using that you like?

I actually use Alpha Hydroxy acid every day

The moisturizer I use is Simple Regeneration Nighttime moisturizer (British brand), it has hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate). If I were you I'd try a hyaluronic acid serum. SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Candessence are some of the brands that have HA serums.
To really reap the benefts of a honey mask, I suggest using pure honey on your face. That's what I do. If you find it too sticky, mix it with some yogurt.

Good luck!

 

[CassBH]

Originally Posted by beautynista /img/forum/go_quote.gif To really reap the benefts of a honey mask, I suggest using pure honey on your face. That's what I do. If you find it too sticky, mix it with some yogurt.
Good luck!

OK, does this go on a wet or a dry face? How long do you leave it on for?
Thanks!

 

[beautynista]

Originally Posted by CassBH /img/forum/go_quote.gif OK, does this go on a wet or a dry face? How long do you leave it on for?
Thanks!

On a dry face. I leave it on for 30 mins or so.

 

[CassBH]

Originally Posted by beautynista /img/forum/go_quote.gif On a dry face. I leave it on for 30 mins or so.

Is it easy to rinse off? I would think it would be very sticky and not come off easily.

 

[Jesskaa]

I think your suppose to leave it on over night?

 

[CassBH]

Originally Posted by Jesskaa /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think your suppose to leave it on over night? Leave honey on your face overnight?????????????????

 

[beautynista]

Originally Posted by CassBH /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is it easy to rinse off? I would think it would be very sticky and not come off easily. No you don't have to leave it on overnight! 30 mins - 1 hour if you want maximum results. Obviously it's not the easiest thing to remove.

I remove it with a thick damp cotton pad, or you can do it with a muslin cloth. Also, don't use a facewash to remove it if you really want to feel the suppleness of the skin afterwards.

 

[Jesskaa]

No, wait. LOL. i got confused, nevermind me.

 

[CassBH]

Originally Posted by beautynista /img/forum/go_quote.gif No you don't have to leave it on overnight! 30 mins - 1 hour if you want maximum results. Obviously it's not the easiest thing to remove.

I remove it with a thick damp cotton pad, or you can do it with a muslin cloth. Also, don't use a facewash to remove it if you really want to feel the suppleness of the skin afterwards.

OK, I will give it a shot. When you mix it with yogurt, does it still work as well? I would think it would at least make it easier to wash off.