Retin A

[HansNZ]

I have naturally an extremely fair complexion - grey/white skin and blond hair. My natural skin colour is pasty grey - which makes me look like I am sick. I have been using a sunbed for the last 3 years and look 1000% better than before. I have minimal pigmet so it takes me some time (about 6 months) to build up a noticable tan, and I need to be consistent otherwise it fades really fast.

I am, however, constantly being bombarded with criticism that someone with fair skin shouldn't tan because it is so aging, etc, etc. You've no doubt heard the comments. I take the normal precautions - i.e. moisturising and taking a break if my skin gets red. Yet UV is still UV and it will inevitably be aging my skin.

Because of this I feel that maybe I need to do something for my skin beyond simple moisturiser. I would like to try Retin A because I have been told is it so effective in rejuventating the skin and reversing aging.

I have also read in my investigations that you can't use it in conjunction with sun exposure, i.e. sunbed. Does this mean I can't use it at all, or that I can use it on the days I do not use the sunbed?

I have read that glycolic cream is also effective? Is this true? Can I use this in conjunctioon with tanning? Is there anything else I can use?

I am looking for something for my skin with kick here, not just some glorified moisturiser. Something which is the skin rejuvenating equivalent of replacing anabolic steroids with a few OTC supplements is not what I am enquiring about.

Thanks.

 

[SCOTTY-TWO-HOTTY]

Retin A cream is a variant of the same drug in the acne medication Accutane(Trentonin/Isotrentonin). Unless you are showing severe signs of aging, such as serious wrinkles etc, I do not reccommend you use Retin A for this purpose. People that have used the Trentonin cream for aged lookng skin, use it as a chemical peal. A few months of applying Retin A nightly, is essentially the equivalent of seeing a plastic surgeon for a chemical peel. The only difference(and its a big one)is that your skin will look BAD for the duration of the treatment. Your face will look as if you're SEVERELY sunburnt. Whereas the plastic surgeon would have you looking 10 years younger a week after you had the peel. People who use the Trentonin cream for acne only put it on the spots where there's a pimple, so they're whole face isn't as affected. You'll be applying it to your entire face, you'll look red.... like you spent a week spring skiing in the Canadian Rockies.

If you continue to use the sunbed while you're on Retin A, it will intensify how burnt your face looks.

Peace,
S.

 

[HansNZ]

Is there anything else you or someone else can recommend instead? How about the glycolic cream? Would this be a good option? Anyone?

 

[jayjay24]

People who use acne for pimples do NOT only apply it on the areas of the pimple. They apply it on their entire face to prevent future breakouts. The treatment usually lasts about 5 months.