6 replies to this topic

[worseat29]

Hi,

I'm new to retin-A. After having mild acne most of my life with it somehow getting worse as I age, I finally went to a dermatologist who put me on the Tretinoin cream (0.05%). So far, it's worked fantastic for my fine lines (seriously, this stuff is better than Botox - hey I live in SoCal, who here hasn't tried it?) but I'm still waiting (6 weeks in) for it to clear up my acne.

I'm wondering whether I can wax and/or get a chemical peel while I'm on it. Anybody tried it?

Thanks!

[SC4R F4C3]

a definite no for chemical peels but as for waxing im not sure

[Wynne]

No waxing and as for chemical peels, it would depend on the pH, the chemical, and the percentage strength of the chemical applied. For instance, a very mild salicylic acid or lactic acid or even perhaps glycolic acid peel might be safe, but a deeper TCA peel might not be.

Retin A is actually suggested by some chemical peel companies for 'prepping' the skin prior to a peel, to help even out the outer layer of skin so that the peel penetrates evenly across the surface of the face. But there are also protocols to follow and I do not remember all the protocols; some include stopping retinoid products for 24 hours or more prior to the peel and not resuming until two weeks after you finish peeling. Again, depends on the manufacturer, the chemical, and the strength.

I would ask your doctor for a GEL form as the cream itself can be comedogenic. The inventor of Retin A himself states that the cream form is not for acne, it is really for wrinkles. But if you have some improvement, the cream may not bother you as it does others.

Remember also that it takes a minimum of three months for the improving effects of a retinoid to be felt; that is due to its exfoliative nature and how the retinoid changes the structure of the skin. Improvements in wrinkles would not be permanent if you were to stop the retinoid, but can be continued with continued use of the retinoid. Please wear sunscreen as any retinoid makes the skin more liable and susceptible to sun damage (and that's where wrinkles and age spots come from mainly!)

[worseat29]

No waxing and as for chemical peels, it would depend on the pH, the chemical, and the percentage strength of the chemical applied. For instance, a very mild salicylic acid or lactic acid or even perhaps glycolic acid peel might be safe, but a deeper TCA peel might not be.

Retin A is actually suggested by some chemical peel companies for 'prepping' the skin prior to a peel, to help even out the outer layer of skin so that the peel penetrates evenly across the surface of the face. But there are also protocols to follow and I do not remember all the protocols; some include stopping retinoid products for 24 hours or more prior to the peel and not resuming until two weeks after you finish peeling. Again, depends on the manufacturer, the chemical, and the strength.

I would ask your doctor for a GEL form as the cream itself can be comedogenic. The inventor of Retin A himself states that the cream form is not for acne, it is really for wrinkles. But if you have some improvement, the cream may not bother you as it does others.

Remember also that it takes a minimum of three months for the improving effects of a retinoid to be felt; that is due to its exfoliative nature and how the retinoid changes the structure of the skin. Improvements in wrinkles would not be permanent if you were to stop the retinoid, but can be continued with continued use of the retinoid. Please wear sunscreen as any retinoid makes the skin more liable and susceptible to sun damage (and that's where wrinkles and age spots come from mainly!)

Thank you so much for all the information! I will definitely ask my doctor about getting the gel instead of the cream.

[worseat29]

No waxing and as for chemical peels, it would depend on the pH, the chemical, and the percentage strength of the chemical applied. For instance, a very mild salicylic acid or lactic acid or even perhaps glycolic acid peel might be safe, but a deeper TCA peel might not be.

Retin A is actually suggested by some chemical peel companies for 'prepping' the skin prior to a peel, to help even out the outer layer of skin so that the peel penetrates evenly across the surface of the face. But there are also protocols to follow and I do not remember all the protocols; some include stopping retinoid products for 24 hours or more prior to the peel and not resuming until two weeks after you finish peeling. Again, depends on the manufacturer, the chemical, and the strength.

I would ask your doctor for a GEL form as the cream itself can be comedogenic. The inventor of Retin A himself states that the cream form is not for acne, it is really for wrinkles. But if you have some improvement, the cream may not bother you as it does others.

Remember also that it takes a minimum of three months for the improving effects of a retinoid to be felt; that is due to its exfoliative nature and how the retinoid changes the structure of the skin. Improvements in wrinkles would not be permanent if you were to stop the retinoid, but can be continued with continued use of the retinoid. Please wear sunscreen as any retinoid makes the skin more liable and susceptible to sun damage (and that's where wrinkles and age spots come from mainly!)

And yes, I wear sunscreen religiously even though I think it might aggravate my acne (I use Clean n' Clear ultralight 15 which seems to be the least aggravating of the ones I've tried). I literally don't leave the house without it on during the day, even if it's raining. Shortly after I moved to SoCal, I met a surfer girl who was 32 but literally had wrinkles deeper than my mother which provided me with a good example of what not to do.

[Wynne]

Glad to help.

[HolisticJane]

I get just my eyebrows waxed with retinoid use but I don't put retinoids on that area. It can be a little irritating but my wasxer is very careful and knows I've been on Differin, Retin-a and tazorac as of lately. Since I don't put the retinoids near my eyes, I can regularly wax my eyebrows and she puts some ointment on the waxed areas right after and I'm fine. Just have to find someone who knows what they are doing.


Be careful with chem peels. I was on retin-a and had one. Even though I stopped the Retin-a, I had a horrible reaction and I'm still paying for it everyday when I look in the mirror. I really don't like chemical peels at all now. It destroyed my skin.