2 replies to this topic

[xoxofromme]

I started using retin-A .1% a couple of weeks ago...I have read that a few people are using a lotion with glycolic acid during the day. I have a gly gel w/ 15% glycolic acid...it isn't a lotion, it's really smooth and seems like more of an oily substance. Would this be ok to use during the day?

I really don't have a problem with peeling..yet....
I'm also considering using BP during the day? Which should i do?

I'm using the tretonin(sp?) for my mild acne, but mostly for anti-aging reasons, i'm only 24, but you can never start too early right?

also....what kind of face wash should I be using? currently I'm using neutrogena anti-blemish, anti-aging face cleanser, but what does everyone else suggest?

[sweetheart519]

Make sure to use a gentle, non-medicated cleanser while using a retinoid. I recommend Purpose cleansing wash. BP will help with bacteria and inflammation, so you can use it if you have trouble with inflamed pimples. Glycolic acid will exfoliate, which is a lot of what the retin-a is doing already, so it may be overkill.

[Siouxsie]

^ Definitely don't apply BP and retin-a at the same time, they de-activate each other. You can use them interchangeably though. I use BP in the morning and retin-a at night.

I also suggest a gentle cleanser. Any of the DKR recommended cleansers are good options. I personally like Cetaphil a lot.
The facewash you are using now has both salycic acid (bha) and glycolic acid (aha) actually. Honesty, your facewash isn't on your skin long enough to allow them to really take effect, so you're better off with a non-medicated cleanser and using a moisturizer with an AHA. Moisturizer sits on your skin, allowing the ingredients to penetrate pores & do their job.
Salycic acid can be used with retin-a, but it can also be more drying. You don't want to overload your skin with too many active ingredients.

A moisturizer with an AHA like glycolic acid might be great for you; it definitely helps with dryness and flakiness that can be side effects of retin-a. 15% glycolic acid is pretty strong though. You may want to start with a lower concentration & work up to that, because AHAs do sting at first and your skin has to adjust a bit.
I use Lac-Hydrin Five with lactic acid. Lactic acid is an aha also. It's not as strong, but that makes it more gentle on the skin too. A lot of people like Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion, which has glycolic acid (8% I think). You might consider that. You still want to make sure your moisturize well, so a light lotion may not be enough. You can spot treat with that lotion though, which can help active pimples heal faster.

Hope that helps