What is Retin A?

I keep seeing it being mentioned on beauty threads as something that one needs a prescription for? What is that thin exactly and what does it do?

Re: What is Retin A?

Retin A is vitamin A, which sounds sweet and cute, but don't be fooled - it's very strong.

It is something that you would use a pea-sized amount for your entire face, and not a bit more.

Some new pumps of it have been developed as they are designed to pump out the exact amount you would need to apply - which is helpful, but when you pump it into your palm, it seems nuts that it could cover your face entirely.. but it's strong.

your skin has cells, and it will increase the cells turnover rate, meaning it will purge it of the bad and form new ones. It will basically remove a fine layer of your skin.

If you are using it for acne or wrinkles,
usually your skin will peel, you will have sensitivity to light and sun, and you will look a wreck (usually if you have acne it will look worse before it gets better)

You can use it for stretch marks, also, but not if you are pregnant currently.

They seemed to have fine-tuned it now with gels and microgels, but I used it back in 1996 as a cream and it ate away my face. I have damage from it in parts of my cheeks that are left reddish. It was my own fault, i didn't listen and used more.

All in all, it can be a godsend or a disaster (if you don't listen to the directions) and it takes patience.. about 7 weeks to notice any good changes.

Hope this helps.

Re: What is Retin A?

SpeakTheTruth, thank you for the thorough review! I think I will try Oil of Olay Regenerist first.... That stuff sounds a a little extreme!

Re: What is Retin A?

My mom used to use it years ago for her acne. small amounts and you're not allowed to go in the sun for a while after applying (i think..)

its very strong stuff!

Re: What is Retin A?

It is strong and like PP said either a godsend or disaster.

You should stay out of the sun when using it and because you put in on your face waxing should be avoided as well (or don't apply for 48 hrs prior to waxing and 24 hrs after).

Re: What is Retin A?

Posted by WhatNow

SpeakTheTruth, thank you for the thorough review! I think I will try Oil of Olay Regenerist first.... That stuff sounds a a little extreme!

Re: What is Retin A?

I've used it properly on and off for years and have never had a problem with it. You definitely have to moisturize when you use it and use sunscreen as previously mentioned. When I do use it, I use it every 3rd day so it's not as drying.