My physician's assistant recommends that I try a retinoid, as my skin is very slow to heal after breakouts and scars from most of them--i.e., develops real scars (indentations). Plus, I'm still getting cysts and nodules at age 37, which feels very unfair. (She also recommends a retinoid because it's a good anti-aging product.)

I'm debating which retinoid to try, as there are so many of them available nowadays. (I'd prefer an ultra-gentle one to start.) I also would like to know what brand of oil-free sunscreen you apply during retinoid use--assuming that it's gentle and doesn't cause you additional breakouts.

Thank you,

PI

My skin is the same way, slow to heal and almost every pimple leaves a hyperpigmented spot, ugh. I was just prescribed Retin-A Micro at 0.04%, and I'm finding it to be pretty gentle so far. I have, however, been using 2.5% benzoyl peroxide for 10 years and my skin has always handled that extremely well so I'm not a great judge of a product's gentle-ness. I use Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture with SPF15 on top of it, and if I need extra I use Neutrogena sensitive skin SPF 60+.