11 replies to this topic

[JR86]

what should i use after accutane? i like retin A, but it is pretty harsh, and i don't want to be flakey and red. and i've never tried differin, is it any good?

[Thargama]

Differin doesn't do a darn thing for me! I prefer Retin-A, but I have pretty oily skin. What type of skin do you have?

[JR86]

Differin doesn't do a darn thing for me! I prefer Retin-A, but I have pretty oily skin. What type of skin do you have?

i had combo, not too oily, but it's not oily at all now because of accutane, i know differin isn't as strong as retin a but, i don't think i'll need something too strong after accutane.

[fire_starter]

i had combo, not too oily, but it's not oily at all now because of accutane, i know differin isn't as strong as retin a but, i don't think i'll need something too strong after accutane.

i've been on both and i recommend retin-a. go for the milder one - 0.01 for instance, also ask for gel rather than cream, gel is much better.

[Spott]

Actually, differin is more mild than retin-a. It's 0.01% adapalene vs. 0.01 retin-a. adapalene works just like retin-a but milder. And if you're shooting for mild, go with the cream rather than the gel. I prefer gel because it spreads easily, but if you want mild, go for the cream. Differin works well, but I would buy a Buf-puff to gently exfoliate and get all the dry skin off in the morning because it still might dry you out.

[Shanon]

I thought the cream was comedogenic...atleast with retin a cream, that's what I heard. Differin gel is already very very gentle, I'd go with that. Retin a would be too strong I think...especially for someone coming off accutane. Maybe you could try the weakest strength of retin a?

My skin is sensitive and combonation...oily in the t zone, but normal on my cheeks, and I have to be very careful with retin a. Otherwise it can wreck my face. I really like Retin A though. I prefer it over differin, because differin doesn't seem to do anything for me. But if you don't want flaky and red, go with differin. But stick with gels, not creams. And like Spott said, exfoliate, if you go with Differin

[His Royal Highness]

I'm know I'm not a dermatologist, but my recommendation would be to stay away from both. I think it's definitely necessary to have some sort of Accutane maintenence, but I din;t think it's good to be on an acne medication forever. The key to maintaining clear skin after Accutane is to keep the pores clear from the outside. While this is what retinoids do (ie. Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac), they are too harsh on the skin.

Here is my advice: Use some sort of product with either Retinol or an AHA (like Glycolic Acid) at night starting a month after you end your Accutane course (or whenever you feel your skin has recovered from the dryness/sensitivity). Or, try exfoliating twice a week with fruit enzymes.

Hope that helps

[The_Snow_Queen]

If you're going to try Retin-A, might I suggest Retin-A Micro? It has a controlled delivery system, making it gentler and supposedly more effective than regular Retin-A.

The advantage with Differin, other than its mildness when compared with other prescription retinoids, is that it remains stable in the presence of benzoyl peroxide.

Prescription retinoids, though they may initially be irritating, have been found to have long-term benefits for the skin when used regularly.

[kanmi]

I'm know I'm not a dermatologist, but my recommendation would be to stay away from both. I think it's definitely necessary to have some sort of Accutane maintenence, but I din;t think it's good to be on an acne medication forever. The key to maintaining clear skin after Accutane is to keep the pores clear from the outside. While this is what retinoids do (ie. Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac), they are too harsh on the skin.

Here is my advice: Use some sort of product with either Retinol or an AHA (like Glycolic Acid) at night starting a month after you end your Accutane course (or whenever you feel your skin has recovered from the dryness/sensitivity). Or, try exfoliating twice a week with fruit enzymes.

Hope that helps

What products would you personally reccomend to use for maintenence after accutane?

[His Royal Highness]

I'm know I'm not a dermatologist, but my recommendation would be to stay away from both. I think it's definitely necessary to have some sort of Accutane maintenence, but I din;t think it's good to be on an acne medication forever. The key to maintaining clear skin after Accutane is to keep the pores clear from the outside. While this is what retinoids do (ie. Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac), they are too harsh on the skin.

Here is my advice: Use some sort of product with either Retinol or an AHA (like Glycolic Acid) at night starting a month after you end your Accutane course (or whenever you feel your skin has recovered from the dryness/sensitivity). Or, try exfoliating twice a week with fruit enzymes.

Hope that helps

What products would you personally reccomend to use for maintenence after accutane?

Well, I know that when I end my Accutane course, I'm going to use a nightcream with retinol everynight and an exfoliating fruit enzyme mask twice a week. Here are the two I plan on using:

Bioelements Sleepwear
Bioelements Kerafole

The Bioelements line is amazing. I'm using several of their products right now while on Accutane. Very basic and gentle products. Here are a few additional products:

Bioelements Quick Refiner
Green Cream
Murad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask

[onyxraven]

Or get Green Cream D. I'm on a GC promotion kick right now.

[Laura123]

Yea perhaps use green cream if you don't want something as irritating. I prefer retin-c to differin, I feel it is more effective.