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Hi, Advice please!! I've been using Retin A for 11 weeks. I've had mild to moderate acne since I was 16 years old, now I'm 40 years old. Over the last few years my skin has looked quite good but I was aware of the fact that the treatment I used (Proactiv) was basically keeping the spots from surfacing and that there was irritation below the skin surface, that's why I changed to a Retin A. About ten days ago, just before my period my skin looked better than ever, I really felt that I was finally free from this awful acne. Then I got my period and it's flared up again and looks worse than ever. Also it seems more sensitive to the sun when I get my period. Has anyone else experienced this? I use sunblock every day but I work in the sun and feel that the glare from the sun irritates my skin more. I'm really good about eating a healthy diet, hardly drink alcohol, have a balanced life style and I apply the Retin A half an hour after washing with Roche Posay (all my products are Roche Posay) and then I use a moisturizer immediately after applying the Retin A. Any advice? How long did it take for people with similar cases? I don't mind waiting but I could go with some reassurance that it is going to work!! Thanks do much.
Hi Kate,
It sounds like you're doing everything right, and 11 weeks should have been enough time to know if the Retin A is helping. The problem with Retin A is that it doesn't kill bacteria so you can still have a tendency to get pimples if you're using the Retin A alone.
Maybe it's a good idea to add on a benzoyl peroxide treatment (like Dan's treatment), and alternate it with the Retin A every evening. Maybe that would help decrease the sun sensitivity a little bit too...
Thanks so much David. I will give the Retin A a few more weeks and if I'm still getting break outs I'll use Proactiv a couple of times a week and Retin A the other days.
I must say its great to be part of a forum where people with similar experiences can share their thoughts and suggestions, thanks again..