5 replies to this topic

[Serpent]

Hi there people, This is my first post on the Acne.org community Forum and i look forward to join you on the perennial quest to defeat acne!

Just a quick question on Retin-A 0.01% Gel, I was recently prescribed this topical retinoid and the doctor advised me to use only a thin layer at night. Exactly how much is this thin layer? i keep getting the feeling that i'm putting too little on!
The Gel is clear and very thick which makes it quite awkward to put it on evenly on the face, what i currently do is squeeze 2x the pea size amount into the palm of my left hand and then take my index finger from my right hand and rub it in to the Gel until it is slightly moist with the Gel, i then rub the finger gently onto problem areas, after this i experience a burning sensation which subsides after about 3-5 seconds.
As you can imagine, there is still fairly a large amount of Gel still on my palm, i wash this off.

Is this the right method to apply the Retin-A Gel and am i using enough?

[HapaMommy]

It depends. I use retinoids and I used to use Retin A. Do the directions say a think layer or a pea sized amount? When I used it the tube squeezed the right amount for me. I experienced irritation the first weeks weeks but it subsides. To reduce irritation you should wait 15 minutes after washing your face to apply and mix the right amount in some moisturizer. That's what my term recommended and it reduced the irritation dramatically once i started on retinoids again.

[markm90]

I'm also using the .01 gel. Personally, I use a lot more than a pea size amount. The consistency of this gel is really weird. It makes it hard to tell how much to use. I'd say using a little more is better, unless it's too irritating on your skin. How long have you been using retin a? Are you also using an antibiotic? If you've just started retin a, I have to warn you that the initial breakout can be pretty unbearable. Adding an oral or topical antibiotic to your regimen might be a good idea, if you're not already on one.

[Serpent]

Thankyou for the replies!
Really helpful

I'm also using the .01 gel. Personally, I use a lot more than a pea size amount. The consistency of this gel is really weird. It makes it hard to tell how much to use. I'd say using a little more is better, unless it's too irritating on your skin. How long have you been using retin a? Are you also using an antibiotic? If you've just started retin a, I have to warn you that the initial breakout can be pretty unbearable. Adding an oral or topical antibiotic to your regimen might be a good idea, if you're not already on one.

I just started on the Retin A gel, so far i have no break outs (Day 4), i am unsure of whether i'll have the 'purge' because i already had it when i was using BP, i am not using any oral antibiotics either. My skin feels alot better to touch, however, it hurts somewhat around my lower cheeks, but there isnt any sign of redness or irritation ?

It depends. I use retinoids and I used to use Retin A. Do the directions say a think layer or a pea sized amount? When I used it the tube squeezed the right amount for me. I experienced irritation the first weeks weeks but it subsides. To reduce irritation you should wait 15 minutes after washing your face to apply and mix the right amount in some moisturizer. That's what my term recommended and it reduced the irritation dramatically once i started on retinoids again.

Thanks for the reply!
How exactly do you mix the moisturizer in? Apply it before, after or whilst applying Retin-A gel?

Edited by Serpent, 16 February 2012 - 05:13 PM.

[HapaMommy]

I wash my face, wait 15 minutes and mix the retinoid with moisturizer. I put a pea sized amount on the retinoid in the palm of my hand and using the other hand use a small amount of moisturizer (but enough for all of it to cover your face) and mix it together. Then you spread it on your face. Just make sure you avoid the eye area, corners of the nose and around your mouth. Easily get them peely and irritated.

[Serpent]

I wash my face, wait 15 minutes and mix the retinoid with moisturizer. I put a pea sized amount on the retinoid in the palm of my hand and using the other hand use a small amount of moisturizer (but enough for all of it to cover your face) and mix it together. Then you spread it on your face. Just make sure you avoid the eye area, corners of the nose and around your mouth. Easily get them peely and irritated.

Ok great! Thanks alot