Information on Retinoids - Page 6

wilsondog · 01-16-2010, 11:15 AM

I am using vit c serum(the recipe from here)in the am. In the evening I am using green cream level 6. It doesn't seem to be doing anything any longer as far as tingling,or peeling so I guess it's time to move up. My dr. has prescribed tazorac, differin, and atralin for me in the past for breakouts. I am going to him this week to get one of these for wrinkles as I am figuring they would be stronger than an over the counter like green cream. Which one should I ask for? Also I have brown (age spots) on the back of my hands and have been applying Vit C serum for about 8 months but am not seeing much improvement. Could I use the stuff I get from the dr.?Or what would lighten the spots?? Thanks.

LightenNLift · 01-16-2010, 07:29 PM

For your face, Differin would be the best option as you are transitioning from Retinol (Green Cream) to the world of Retinoids. There is little to no irritation associated with Differin and if you tolerate that well then you can move upto Retin-A later on in the future. For the hands, try SkinActives Comprehensive Skin Brightening Cream in conjunction with the Vitamin C to see some significant improvement and results with consistent use. Remember too, once you apply anything to the hands, be careful not to wash it off - people tend to wash their hands a lot which would explain why they see slow results or none at all on their problems.

Cleo · 02-01-2010, 11:40 AM

Wilsondog you reminded me of my own plight. I have been using retin A .05 on my hands for about three months, regularly every night and sometimes during the day too. (I use an umbrella, wear gloves and no sun block-somehow I feel like sun block makes my sun sensitivity worse!) My problem is I have not peeled! I cant find the .1 strength in any pharmacy so I am stuck with .05. My hands look the same, (fine lines and discoloration). What to do? Buying things from abroad is a hassle cuz shipping is outrageous, do I have any real options?

LightenNLift · 02-01-2010, 07:56 PM

I am sure your pharmacy sells Hydroquinone 4%, use that in conjunction with the Retin-A 0.5% and sunblock, you will be good to go.

Kaz1 · 02-11-2010, 01:32 PM

H all,

I'm new here and looking for some info on lightening red marks - left over from acne. I'm 49 and still have red marks and overall erythema. I am caucasian with very fair skin. Think my skins quite sensitive as I had n-lite on a test patch of skin a few years ago and it left me with a purpura which then left a pock mark, so dont want to try any more lasers! I have been using isotrexin for a few days and seem to be tolerating it so far. Am thinking of doing some lactic acid peels and perhaps vit C. Is there any other product I could use to lighten the red marks? Also have very oily skin and open pores - will the isotrexin help with this? Is the isotrexin, lactic peels, vit c combo a good place to start? I'd be really grateful for your advice.

LightenNLift · 02-11-2010, 01:55 PM

All you need for the red marks are:

Cosmetic Skin Solutions Vitamin C 20% (L-Ascorbic Acid) Serum
Use it during the day with a sunblock such as Neutrogena with Helioplex or La Roche Posay

For oily skin, use a Glycolic Acid and DMAE skin. The Glycolic Acid used at night will help with your pores and dead skin cells, revealing fresh layer and the DMAE will tighten your skin. You can get that here: Glycolic DMAE Cream

Forgo the Lactic Acid peels for now, come back to us one month after you have been on this regimen and then we can go further.

Ashes · 02-11-2010, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by LightenNLift

All you need for the red marks are:

Cosmetic Skin Solutions Vitamin C 20% (L-Ascorbic Acid) Serum
Use it during the day with a sunblock such as Neutrogena with Helioplex or La Roche Posay

For oily skin, use a Glycolic Acid and DMAE skin. The Glycolic Acid used at night will help with your pores and dead skin cells, revealing fresh layer and the DMAE will tighten your skin. You can get that here: Glycolic DMAE Cream

Forgo the Lactic Acid peels for now, come back to us one month after you have been on this regimen and then we can go further.

LNL, you know alot of answers to everyones questions, which is great, I am just curious how...school, internet, doctor, previous doctor..
and I am just asking ,as like I said, you always have answers..

**gymrat** · 02-11-2010, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by Kaz1

H all,

I'm new here and looking for some info on lightening red marks - left over from acne. I'm 49 and still have red marks and overall erythema. I am caucasian with very fair skin. Think my skins quite sensitive as I had n-lite on a test patch of skin a few years ago and it left me with a purpura which then left a pock mark, so dont want to try any more lasers! I have been using isotrexin for a few days and seem to be tolerating it so far. Am thinking of doing some lactic acid peels and perhaps vit C. Is there any other product I could use to lighten the red marks? Also have very oily skin and open pores - will the isotrexin help with this? Is the isotrexin, lactic peels, vit c combo a good place to start? I'd be really grateful for your advice.

I don't know how deep your scars are or if they are only spots where you once had acne, but here are a few things that helped me.

You can try spot treating those areas with TCA peel. You don't have to do your whole face, just in the area's of concern. Another thing that really helped was getting a few microdermabrasions. I had them done professionally which really is the best route to go for excellent results.

Also remember to always wear sunscreen!! If you don't those scars will only get darker as time goes on.

Kaz1 · 02-12-2010, 09:28 AM

Hi LightenNlift

Thanks for your reply. As I said, I'm new here but have read lots of your posts and you certainly seem to know your stuff! Can I use the glycolic DMAE with the Isotrexin?

Hi Gymrat

Thanks for your reply also. I do have some rolling scars and a couple of ice picks but its the red marks that actually bother me more, plus overall redness. I may try the microdermabrasion but was thinking of peels and I've read here you can do one or the other but not combine them?

LightenNLift · 02-12-2010, 09:38 PM

If you are using Isotrexin, then I really dont recommend you use anything else because that medication by itself is VERY drying as you have already experienced, its the topical version of Accutane. I would not suggest chemical peels or microdermabrasion either because the Isotrexin may have sensitized your skin. Your best option is to do thorough research and find the best dermatologist in your area and then have a consultation; be sure to tell them all your concerns and let them see and feel your skin; ask for a treatment for the red marks. They will most probably prescribe you something like Epiquin Micro 4% or Lustra AF which are both Hydroquinone products with Vitamin E and other antioxidants; the Epiquin Micro 4% will be quite effective for your red marks.

LightenNLift · 02-12-2010, 09:46 PM

Kaz1, one more thing I forgot to add. The Vitamin C Serum will strengthen your skin, regardless of whatever product you are on. It will also help your pigmentation and redmarks. I have had my eye on a particular Vitamin C product from a trusted seller called skincarecentral.biz - it was their Triple Vitamin C Serum which has Ascorbyl Glucoside that helps tremendously for marks. You can get it from here: Highly effective Vitamin C Serums at affordable prices! You can use the Vitamin C serum and Hydroquinone 4% (Lustra AF or Epiquin) together with sunblock during the day to diminish the red marks.

I also have a final gentle option for you if those two dont deliver: its called Lemon Peel Bioferment and comes in a dropper bottle, you tranfer some to a cotton ball pad and apply over the marks; its quite effective. Lemon Peel Bioferment - Safe, Effective Skin Lightening 1 oz*-*NCN Professional Skincare - Anti Aging Skin Care Products That Makes Your Skin Look and Act Younger

Kaz1 · 02-13-2010, 07:19 AM

Hi LightennLift

Thanks once again for your reply. I really am very grateful. Its great that you take the time to reply to so many people. I'll certainly try all that you suggest. Thanks again!

LightenNLift · 02-13-2010, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by Ashes

LNL, you know alot of answers to everyones questions, which is great, I am just curious how...school, internet, doctor, previous doctor..
and I am just asking ,as like I said, you always have answers..

Its a combination of memory from dermatology articles I read, consulting doctor friends for ones I am not certain about, applying common knowledge of ingredients to the skin care question, etc. I have a thing for taking in information and distributing them as the most accurate answer for the specific question; and the ones I cant, I ask and learn from all the knowledgeable and keen members here.

Ashes · 02-14-2010, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by LightenNLift

Its a combination of memory from dermatology articles I read, consulting doctor friends for ones I am not certain about, applying common knowledge of ingredients to the skin care question, etc. I have a thing for taking in information and distributing them as the most accurate answer for the specific question; and the ones I cant, I ask and learn from all the knowledgeable and keen members here.

You do have a strong passion for it, and I hope you are making some money with your knowledge

Angel · 02-15-2010, 01:50 PM

Wow LNL, you look better looking than what I thought and what great skin!!!

...I wish more man will take care of their skin like you...

**gymrat** · 02-16-2010, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by Kaz1

Hi Gymrat

Thanks for your reply also. I do have some rolling scars and a couple of ice picks but its the red marks that actually bother me more, plus overall redness. I may try the microdermabrasion but was thinking of peels and I've read here you can do one or the other but not combine them?

Actually to get the best results it is recommended to microderm before doing a peel. I actually did a series of microderms (by my Dr) followed by professional peels and had amazing results. Cleared majority of my acne scars up.

But........if you are taking Accutane or using any type of Isotrexin, DO NOT USE ANY PEELS!!!!! You need to wait at least 6-12 months after finishing your course of Accutane before attempting to do any type of peel or procedure.

Kaz1 · 02-18-2010, 04:59 AM

Hi Gymrat

Thank you. I didnt realise you couldnt use peels with Isotrexin, I thought it was only with oral (ie accutane). I dont want to damage my skin any further!

**gymrat** · 02-19-2010, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by Kaz1

Hi Gymrat

Thank you. I didnt realise you couldnt use peels with Isotrexin, I thought it was only with oral (ie accutane). I dont want to damage my skin any further!

You are welcome. Here is a great article that explains the pro's/con's with Isotrexin gel. Scroll all the way down it explains about peels etc.
Isotrexin gel (isotretinoin, erythromycin)

Best of luck to you!! I hope it works it's magic and you have clear skin afterwards-

scorpgirl · 02-22-2010, 12:32 AM

Hi all, not sure if this is right thread for my question but it is a retinol question (two actually).

Does anyone know if using alpha lipoic acid added in moisturizer or as a supplement nullify the effects of retinol cream (I just started using the retinol cream skinceuticals .1% and have all the peeling, redness etc.)

Also I know retinol cream has to be used for many months before benefits are seen on the skin. Would it be good after using the cream for the first initial 6-12 months to eventually take a break from using it for a month or two then start again, or would that be like never having used the cream at all?

**gymrat** · 02-22-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by scorpgirl

Hi all, not sure if this is right thread for my question but it is a retinol question (two actually).

Does anyone know if using alpha lipoic acid added in moisturizer or as a supplement nullify the effects of retinol cream (I just started using the retinol cream skinceuticals .1% and have all the peeling, redness etc.)

Also I know retinol cream has to be used for many months before benefits are seen on the skin. Would it be good after using the cream for the first initial 6-12 months to eventually take a break from using it for a month or two then start again, or would that be like never having used the cream at all?

I posted an answer back to you on this thread-
http://www.skincaretalk.com/basic-sk...tml#post124528