I have decided to start using retin-a in my attempt to smooth my shallow scarring and enlarged pores, as well as FINALLY get rid of my blackheads. However, after doing research I found that there are a few weeks of MAJOR BREAKOUTS. i was wondering if there is a way to lessen this by prepping your skin beforehand by using an over-the-counter retinol before using prescription strength. Does this make any sense? You know, exfoliate with a less intense version so as to lessen the amount of "stuff" that's being brought to the surface during the real treatment. Does anyone have any ideas? I would appreciate any input! Thanks.

I have a feeling that you would just increase the time span of the "adjustment period". It might be milder but last longer so it's up to you. You should ease into any retinoid anyway to let your skin get used to it, but I'm guessing your doc will have you start applying every third or every other night to start out.

Basically, all the acne you currently have under your skin will come to the surface just so yes, it will suck for a while. Try to think that every zit you get, you would have gotten it anyway, so you might as well get it out of the way now!!

Be sure to follow the instructions your doctor had given you...

go on an anti biotic first!!!! i use differin (same concept as retina a) and i was on clindamycin (a topical antibiotic) prior. i didnt get an initial breakout and had absolutely no problems. the antibiotic kills the bacteria the causes that initial breakout to happen... i really think all derms should perscribe antibiotics with retinoids

not true for everyone. i did the same thing both times i tried retin-a, the first time with metrocream and the second with clindamycin. my face was still completely ruined both times.

ah, I have a bottle of retin-a micro just sitting on my bathroom counter, waiting for me to gain the courage to use it. I'm terrified of the IB, and I too want to lessen the purging effects it may have. I currently use Dan's regimen, plus his AHA+ and jojoba oil. I'm hoping that by getting mostly clear on this, and also by using Queen Helene's mint julep mask (really helps to purge clogged pores!) I can start Retin-a micro and experience nothing more than a mild IB, hopefully one that can be concealed by make-up. I totally feel you on this one. Even if retin-a micro is the solution to my acne and the last link to make my skin 100% clear, I'm not sure I could deal with weeks of horrible breakouts.


Can anyone tell me (who has used retin-a/micro) what their experience was with it? How was your acne before starting it? How is it now? How did your skin react when you started it? Did retin-a help with hormonal breakouts?

Could someone point me in the direction of a good retin-a micro log, with pictures?

Thanks, and good luck elizabeth, let me know how it goes!

The first time I tried it I used it religiously for seven months. And my face never looked worse. I didn't clear up until after I stopped using it, and literally every scar I have is from the cysts that I got from this round of retin-a.

The second time, I started with renova for a month and then i did retin-a for two months. my skin got so bad, and i didn't want to have a repeat of what happened the first time, so i just stopped.

also, it makes your skin peel massively and it basically hurts 24/7. no matter what you do, even if you use shea butter, your skin will be extremely dry and will be too dry for makeup to look good
fyi, i was on this because i have a history of depression and my mother didn't want me to take accutane.

i do believe that retin-a works eventually, but if you already have low-self esteem from what you have now you won't want to leav your bedroom if you're on retin-a.

try finacea instead.