Retin A questions!!

Dec 30, 2017

Hannah S.

If any of you have used RetinA, you know it can be really drying. I’ve thought about mixing it in with my night moisturizer to try to combat some of the flakiness. How do you fight the dryness?

Dec 30, 2017

Aleena P.

Ok I started to write this up and it got longer tha. I meant it to because I wanted to add more and more of what I've learned. sorry in advance. I wouldnt mix the moisturizer. I don't know the ingredients but there may be something in it that inhibits the retin a from either reaching the skin or soaking in properly. I've heard several times to wait 15 minutes or more before moisturizing to let the retinoids do their thing uninterrupted for a bit. there's debate about whether retinoids are PH dependent as well, and I would err on the side of caution and act like they are. the retinoid won't help moisture sink in better though so either way I don't think you'll get the result you want from doing that.
moisturizing after and throughout the day should be enough. I was already dry and used a combination of oils to moisturize. I added a second moisturizer to my routine (dr. jarts ceramidin) to add cholesterol and ceramides to the mix. ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol together are all part of a "balanced diet" for the skin. they are the three components of a healthy skin barrier. I would really try to look for something that contains all 3 (I get fatty acids from the oils) or a mix of things that do. you want a good ratio for your skin issues so do a search or two to find what would work.

Dec 31, 2017

Leuca S.

Part of using retin a is getting through that period of flakiness and dryness. Your skin’s turnover is being massively accelerated and there’s little you can do to prevent the symptoms from occurring if you are using per your doctor’s instructions.

Retin a should not be mixed if you want it to work properly, but it can be followed with a moisturizing routine once you’ve given it time to absorb.

You can alleviate the flakes by using a microfiber/muslin cloth in a warm shower to lightly exfoliate the flaky skin in the morning. It is worth speaking to your doctor to see if they recommend decreasing frequency or strength to give you more ability to acclimate.

Aside from that you’re just going to have to invest in a more intense hydration/moisturizing routine. If you have a workable budget that can help with recommendations.