I want to make sure I am doing this right. MY retin A arrived and I want to use it on some marks left by spots. I want to know should I apply it just on the marks or on the whole face. The ambi I am waiting to receive says just on the marks but I would like to now if it is the same for the retin A. I know I probably should have asked this before.

Both ways can work. You can start by spot treating the darker areas and then once you have seen some improvement then use the RETIN A on the entire face. Some also start by applying on the whole face. Both methods will work. Therefore it is entirely up to you. I would advise that you do carry out an appliction on a small area as RETIN A can be very irritating. Also ensure that you use a pea sized amount for an area like the face as a little does go a long way. you can combat any dry areas using a bland moisturiser. Good luck

Thanks for the suggestion. I have been spot treating for the last couple of nights and will then start to use all over next week. Hopwfully that should be ok.

Make sure that you are using an effective sunblock as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun now.

Never leave home without it

Today it's been raining so I have been able to put up my umbrella to hide the two red spots on my forehead. I think it is from the retin A as I am not spot prone but I am hoping that they will fade fast as they look really red. I am used to wearing concealer on the dark marks I have on my face but these spots are quite raised and noticeable.

It sounds as though you are going through the purging stage which is typical when using Retin A.The Retin A also works well to clear up the spots so keep going and hopefully this stage will pass quickly

spots did clear up by themselves. Thank goodness. Getting a small amount of peeling but nothing dramatic.

Retin A is a wonder product. You will reap the rewards of using it.

Where do you get your retin a from?

I got mine from all day chemist. Just type in that name and retin A and it should come up.

I got a 3 more pimples on my nose. I hope this doesn't keep happening for much longer. I realise it hasn't been long really but apart from the makari incident I rarely get breakouts. and putting on concealer to cover the marks and now the spots just doesnt look great.

And just to add that you should try to buy in bulk to offset the big shipping charge of $25.

KIM


The purging stage can be a difficult one. I am a bit like you and never get spots so am surprised when one rears up. I have had them turn up when I have thought it was all over so don't be surprised if there are more that turn up. The good thing is that the Retin A really does get to work sorting them out too. I haven't had any problems lately so fingers crossed it will be plain sailing from now on.

Thanks for the site suggestion. There are a few so what is the best one to start off with?

yogi you can start off on the 0.25 or the0.5% depending on whether your skin is sensitive. I think they say the 0.1 is only for those who have been using it for a long time. Hope that helps

Maharani, yes I have had two more spots turn up and my skin is feeling really dry. Have had to really keep up the moisturising which is difficult as I wear make up to cover the dark marks.

If you have the time a couple of times a week you could make yourself a hydrating moisturising face mask.

Try something like mixing some manuka honey and plain natural yogurt and leave on for 20 minutes. Or you could try mashed banana, yogurt and plain oats. All great for giving the skin back some moisture.

sounds good enough to eat !! Thanks for the suggestion. I think I am beginning to see some improvement on the marks. No way have they disappeared but they seem to need much less covering up with concealer. So I am really pleased. Stil have some way to go but everythig is looking promising. my combo is retin A and ambi.

It will be a gradual process. In general anything that gives very rapid results often has hazardous ingredients. It is always good to be gentle with the skin and take your time about correcting problems.

I am noticing some slight peeling which is from the retin A and with the combination of the concealer I use to cover the marks it does not look particularly good. Hopefully now the marks are fading I wont be doing the concealing for much longer but any ideas of how I can avoid the peely look ? lol

Maybe gently use a microfibre cloth to remove the peeling areas. Make sure not to overdo it though.

thanks for that suggestion. I already have one of those that I use on my rough parts when I remember. Will try using it gently as you suggest.

I am sure I read that retin A may counter the effects of steroids in products. If you have read my other post I mentioned there is speculation that the fair flawless gel may contain steroids. This really worries me. I don't want a face full of spots. Do you think if I cut back with it and add in the retin A it may help stop it. Apart from the high price I paid for it, I really don't want to stop using it as the results have been really great so far.

I am not absolutely sure that retin A can be used to counter the effects. It may well help with any irritation and pevent bad breakouts but you need to use this product now with caution if what you say is correct. Definitely do not slather yourself in it and I would not use it every day either. But that is just my opinion.

Havent started using the retin A but plan to do this and am still hopefull that it will help me avoid any bad reaction with f/f. That along with using it less frequently.

Remember to introduce it slowly as it can easily irritate the skin. Test it first on an inconspicuos area and then if all is ok then mabe use it every 2 - 3 days, at night only. Then you can slowly increase the frequency as your skin gets accustomed to it. A pea sized amount is all that is needed for an area like the face and neck. My only concern would be that RA does break some people out and if the 5 x F is also causing breakouts, that you may get confused as to what is causing it. Hopefully you will not encounter any major problems but like I mentioned in another post, just keep an eye on how your skin is.