The #1 Anti-Aging Treatment
The #1 anti-aging treatment is a prescription retinoid. Topical retinoids boost cell turnover to fight fine lines. It baffles me, on a daily basis, the number of people I know that don’t know this simple fact. Well okay, it seems simple to me. Prior to visiting my dermatologist, I guess I would have to admit I didn’t know this either. However, I must point out that I certainly knew the importance of visiting a dermatologist once I hit 30. Since then, it has become part of my annual or semi-annual routine for me. My skin has never looked better, brighter or clearer. Now in my late 30s, wrinkles are my worst enemy! I will do everything humanly possible to treat wrinkles while preventing new wrinkles from forming (if that is actually possible).
Using a retinoid:
You will apply your retinoid once a day, at night, 10 minutes after you have cleansed and moisturized your skin. It’s important, especially if you have dry skin, to let your night time moisturizer sink into your skin prior to applying a retinoid. Please note: if you are a beginner, go easy. Differin cream seems to be a good starting point for most (as was for me with sensitive skin and acne rosacea). You should use once every third day to see how your skin adjusts to the product before applying daily. If you experience any reactions, please consult your dermatologist. Within 6 months to a year, you may be able to graduate to the Differin gel, which is about the same strength as Retin-A Microgel (I switch up between these two). If your dermatologist confirms that your skin cannot handle a retinoid, ask for other prescription recommendations.
Buyer beware
It kills me when I hear “retinol products aren’t really necessary” from skin consultants (I won’t mention names). About 6 months ago, I was shopping with my sister, who is one year older than I and completely clueless to proper skin care. We went into a self-titled skin/beauty store to pick up an antioxidant for her. The skin consultants, both in their mid-twenties, had the gull to say that retinol products aren’t really necessary. Not really necessary….blasphemy! I am sorry, I couldn’t resist…I had to pick a fight. I spit more facts out of my mouth in less than 30 seconds to send these girls’ heads spinning. The moral here, your dermatologist knows best.
Stumble it!
Hi Catherine!
As promised i am back to give feedback on my new retinoid regimen.
Right before i was supposed to start on Differin, I went back to my dermatologist and she asked me to try Tretinoin .025%. She put me on an every 3rd day schedule so that we can very gradually see how i adapt to the tretinoin. Wonder of wonders now i am on an every other day sked ( alternating with Neutrogena Anti wrinkle Intensive )with no irritation! In a month or so if i am ok with it i can move up to nightly use. Its been great and i cant wait to see more wonderful
results.
I think the real challenge for someone on a retinoid is really using it gradually to help the skin adapt better. Also vigilant sunblock use is a must!
Here is my daily routine:
AM
Cleanse with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
VMV Lift Physique Moisturizer ( Glycolic 1% and Kinetin )
SPF 15 Dermacia or SPF 30 Nivea
PM
Cleanse with Cetaphil
after 20 min or so Tretinoin .025%
alternately Neutrogena Anti Wrinkle Intensive.
Hope this helps somebody!
Wow! I pay $55 for it. Aren’t you lucky! Can’t wait to hear how it works for you.
Thank you Catherine! I will definitely write you on my progress. By the way, i was really surprised to see that a tube of Differin here sells cheaper than Neutrogena!! ( i got my Neutrogena Deep wrinkle for around 19 USD when Differin( Galderma ) sells for around 11 USD…so i sure hope it works for me!!!
Start slow - every third night, to see how your skin tolerates the Differin. If it’s too much, stop. If it’s fine, then go for every other night until you are using it every night. I have to assume, since Differin is a prescription, that your dermatologist recommended and prescribed Differen for you and your skin type. Only use at night - and make sure you have a good sunscreen (high % of zinc) for the day. Good luck! And report back in - I would love to know how it works for you.
Thanks Catherine! I mentioned previously that i was just about to start Differin. My skin is ok with the occasional breakouts, but with fine wrinkles and freckles so i am using it as an anti aging tx. Just a little nervous about it though because ive read that some people cant tolerate it. Thanks again!!!
Hi Iolanthe,
Great to have you here! And great point to bring up about oily skin and retinoids. You should apply Differin before your moisturizer. As for the type of moisturizer, look for oil control or oil free such as Bioelements Oil Control Sleepwear. If you want to experiment by not applying moisturizer to see how your skin adjusts, that’s fine as well. However, just be aware that Differin helps expedite skin cell turnover and sloughing of the skin. You may experience dry patches or flakes during your first couple of weeks. Reach for moisturizer when you feel your skin is asking for it. I hope this helps!
Thanks,
Catherine
By the way you mentioned moisturizing at least 10 min before you apply differin…what moisturizer is a good one to apply? Can i just start without any moisturizer if my skin is a bit on the oily side?
Hi its very reassuring that you have had great results from differin. I myself am looking forward to starting my differin regimen in 2 weeks. I am now acclimating my skin with an OTC retinol ( neutrogena ) but i want the great results that i keep reading about. Hopefully i will be able to tolerate it( crossing my fingers) Any tips? More power to you!!
This is a really informative website on skin care and what products to consider seriously. I’ll revisit later.
Zinc shields against UVA and UVB rays. Read this article to learn more. I think I still have your address. I will send out some samples to you next week.
Catherine, samples would be great. What exactly is the zinc for?
Hi Kimmie,
9% zinc is great - especially if you can find that over the counter. Sometimes you can find a small tube of Blue Lizard in the drugstore. Other times, you have to order it at the pharmacy. I am in love with DHC’s Suncut Q10 30+ - it has 20% zinc, has a very thin consistency and leaves a nice sheen. It’s on sale for $12 through April. My advice, don’t by anything that doesn’t have at least 4% zinc in it. I am happy to send you some samples, if you like.
Catherine, I looked today at the many varieties of facial moisturizers with SPF, but not very many had zinc, and if they did, it was minimal amounts. I did find one online that is available through dermatologists, however, with I think 9% zinc oxide. But the ones I did look at all claimed to help with both UVA and UVB rays. I don’t know what to do. There are so many different kinds! Kim
Catherine, the SPF is 30, and it doesn’t state that it has zinc as an ingredient. I guess I could try different varieties until I find one that works for me without making my face so oily. What are the zinc and titanium dioxide for? I take zinc in capsule form 3 times a day (recommended for acne) and I will reduce to once a day after 6 months. Do you mean a makeup powder with rice starch in it to use over my foundation. I read about a “micronized cotton powder” from Paula Dorf, a primer, which “sops up excess oil so makeup looks fresh all day” from Prevention mag. I guess I could try something like that.
I will wait on trying the reversion system until I continue the Differin for at least 6 months.
Hi Kimmie,
Which SPF are you using? It’s important that you use one with at least 4% zinc (go higher, like 10%+, if you can) and titanium dioxide. You might need to switch to a powder with rice starch in it. I do that in the summer to cut the shine. It works really well.
I am eager to hear about when you start using the Theraderm Reversion kit - please do keep me posted. I hope you start to see progress soon. I know it can be frustrating. Just focus on the future and what skin will soon be revealed.
Catherine, I just wanted to let you know that my progress with Differin is about the same. I have been using for about 2 months or so. I have a question though. I am using spf 30 lotion every day because I read to do that when using retinoids. But it makes my face so shiny and more oily than it already is. By the time I walk out the door my face is already shiny, and I am having to tap my face with paper towels all day to sop up oil and shine. Do you have any suggestions? I use minimal foundation from covergirl, which is very blendable and I love that. Then I use neutragena healthy skin face powder. Thanks, Kim
Any time, Kimmie. Please send me your information so I can get a surprise package out to you!
I just wanted to say thank you! It is so nice to have someone to ask who has used these products before. Kimmie
The burning and redness (and dryness) should dissipate. But timing is hard to tell. I would definitely keep in touch with your derm - I remember in the beginning applying a cream over top (that helped with the irritation). If you have been using the BP and Differin for 6 months without any results, that’s when we need to be concerned. Let me think on some other options.
I use 5% Benzoyl Peroxide gel. I mentioned going up to the 10% to my derm. But he didn’t seem to think this would be a good idea. I would be willing to use the Clindamycin if I had to. But I would like to see if it will go away without the additional cost. Also, my face is still red everyday from application, and this leaves a white ring around my mouth where I don’t put it. Will this eventually stop, the burning I mean, or should I expect this to continue?
Hi Kimmie!
I wish I could tell you when your acne will vanish - but it takes time. For me, it took 6 months. That might seem like an eternity to you now, but honestly it was just a blip on the radar screen. Make sure you are using a good, penetrating moisturizer to keep the peeling at bay. Cetaphil is a good one if you can’t get the Theraderm one. The Benzaclin gel is a combination of clindamycin (1%) and benzoyl peroxide (5%). What strength BP are you using? That could make all the difference in time. I know you are worried about the cost. Does your insurance help to cover it at all? Ask your derm doc for more samples (they have plenty….they will give you more if you ask).
Thanks,
Catherine
P.S. Glad to hear the bleaching worked well.
Hello again! I wanted to update you on how I am doing with the Differin. I am not seeing any progress, and it has been approxiamtely 1 month since I started using it, in combination with Benzoyl Peroxide gel. This is making me feel discouraged, because my acne really seems to be getting worse. I know this is to be expected, but I thought I would see my face clearing up a little by now. Should I try the Differin solo, without the BP, or continue as my derm. suggested? He had actually prescribed Clendamycin, or BenzaClin, to be used with the Differin, which I tried with samples that they supplied. This seemed to be clearing up my pimples fast. But unfortunately, I don’t want to pay that much money for it. So he said use the BP and Differin together. I put on lotion and the BP, and then wait a while before I put on the Differin. My face gets chapped and peels some, but it isn’t as bad as I had expected. And I tried bleaching and it didn’t cause too much peeling. So that is great news! Well, just give me any suggestions that you can. My acne really bothers my self-image, and I just want it gone! Thank so much!
Kimmie,
Try a bleaching cream from your local drug store or Sally’s Beauty Supply. Test it on another area first (like your arm) just to ensure your skin reacts well. However, it should only effect the hair, not the skin, so I am thinking you should be fine. Since you use Differin at night, my recommendation would be to stop using it for a day or two, bleach in the morning, and wait until the next night to apply your Differin. You could also consider waxing … but I would recommend that you stop using Differin for 7 days prior to waxing. Bliss’ Poetic Waxing is super easy to use and works great!
As for increasing the prescription strength of a retinoid - for me it’s about anti-aging. If my skin can tolerate it, it’s worth increasing for better anti-aging results. (Plus, it’s great for my rosacea.) You are much younger than I - and you are using it to treat acne. Consult with your derm after a year+ of using Differin (or when your acne ceases) to see if you can discontinue use all together, stay on the same prescription or increase prescription strength. Please keep me posted on all accounts!
Thanks,
Catherine
The Theraderm line is out of my range for price. I am considering natural remedies that I have been reading about for acne, such as chasteberry for hormonal balance, and zinc. What are the benefits of upping the strength of Retin A Micro? Do you have to do this to get more benefits? Also, I have noticed that the hairs above my lip are darker now that I have stopped birth control. I bleach this, but it doesn’t seem to last long. I am afraid to bleach now that I am adjusting to the differin. Do you have any suggestions for better bleaching products, or other ways to help with this problem? Thanks!
Great to hear your skin is adjusting well to using Differin every night. I would stick with that for a while before switching over to Retin A Microgel. Although there are similarities between the two, it’s a good idea to keep a routine between moving over. I used Differin for well over two years before I switched to Retin A Micro. And as of this week, I just uped the prescription strength of the Retin A Micro … which was another year in the making. You will see a difference within 6 months of using Differin every night. I know it seems like an eternity, but you are doing the right thing. If your derm wants to add anything else along the way once your skin can tolerate it, then trust him/her. But also go with your gut. If you are afraid to add Proactiv or Theraderm for acne, then don’t do it. However, do make sure you have a great cleanser and moisturizer - and that’s where I say the regular Theraderm cleanser and enriched formula moisturizer rock!
I was misinformed about the combination of the 2 Rxs. He gave me only differin, along with my old routine of Benzoyl peroxide gel, to be used together to treat the acne. We are going to wait to see how that does before going to retin A micro. I don’t know yet if I am seeing results from the diff., but I have moved to using it every night, and my skin seems to be adjusting well. I feel like it is looking brighter, and more supple. I fear using anything else, like proactiv along with this regimen. But I have not heard of Theraderm. I will research. But for now I plan on sticking with the diff. to see how I do with that. Do you feel that the retin A micro would be more beneficial than the differin? I would have gone ahead and switched to that, had I not already filled the Rx for differin. Let me know what you think. Kimmie
Hi Kimmie,
I definitely see the need for Differin and I am wondering if you should try every night versus every other night before moving to Retin A micro. Retin A micro and Differin are very similar in results…so I am confused as to why you would use both. Ask your derm for a detailed explanation and also ask for other recommendations. What skin care products do you use for your acne? Have you tried the Theraderm line for acne or Proactiv? Having the total package to help with your skin condition will make all the difference.
Thanks,
Catherine
I have acne. I am 24. my derm has prescribed both differin and retin a micro, to be used together. Do you know the benefits of this, and why do I need both? I have used the differin along with Benza-Clin, every other night with the differin. I am not using the retin a as of yet, because it is expensive, and I don’t know if I really need two products. Any suggestions?
Here, here! I finally got my sisters to visit a dermatologist and now they use a prescription retinoid (yeah!). They also have a better understanding of their skin.
Hi Catherine,
I have started visiting a dermatologist regularly as someone nearing her 30’s. I think you’re absolutely right. Instead of trying 500 different products and seeing what does or does not work towards say Melasma, sun damage, wrinkles….one visit is all it takes to get that prescription which can be combined w all those great luxe products. In fact I think they enhance the qualities of these products. I recently started using Tri-luma for some minor sun damage and rightly it disappeared within ten days after which I went back to normal routine. A doctor’s visit is worth a 1000 products!
Hi Dollianna,
How fantastic is that! Wonderful. I am so happy to hear that your skin has taken well to Differin. It took my skin two weeks to adjust but once it did … yes, I had the glow. So good for you! Use the Differin gel for at least six months before you advance in strength. However, the Retin-A Micro .04% is approximately the same strength as the Differin gel. It looks like the one in your local shop is a little less potent. I also have the .1% version of Retin-A Micro … just haven’t tried it yet. Please keep reporting in. I am hoping your success spurs others to hop aboard the retinoid train!
Hi Catherine. I am scared my skin looks too good. And its only been a few days could it be the Differin? Did you experience the same thing as in glowing skin? I follwed the instructions and have had little or no side effects (so happy). If its the differin then I WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT A RETINOID. Found a shop that stocks Retin-A gel 0.025% i think thia strength will be okay for me as its mild.
Makes me want to bring you along with me everywhere with that affirmation - thanks! And please do keep me posted on how Differin works out for you.
Ok, thanks. Just to let you know the compliment is not to be nice but you REALLY do look young for your age. 37!! I would never have guessed. I would have said maybe 28. You are obviously doing everything right keep up and all the best. Will keep you posted on how my retinoid works out.
Yes, that is my picture. You are so sweet with your compliments - thank you! Young and fresh … I guess that’s relative - I am 37. Moisturizer does not dilute…no worries. Just give it a good 10 minutes before you put the retinoid on top. The retinoid should be your last step in your skin care process (and only use a retinoid at night). You can definitely use a retinoid on your neck (I do). And that’s a great question! Your neck shows age sometimes faster than your face so everything that you apply to your face should be applied to your neck.
Thanks Catherine, I have now added your site to my favourites. Is that your picture (the black and white one?) You are pretty and look young and fresh in it.
I read in a site that putting moisturiser and retinoid will dilute the retinoid but I dont think this is true. What do you think? Also I want to know if I can use retinoids on my neck? Sounds scary. lol.
Hi Dollianna,
Welcome from Nigeria! I hope you will subscribe and contribute on an ongoing basis. So glad to hear you are using Differin. Make sure you apply your moisturizer first and let is sit for a bit before applying Differin. I have dry skin, too - but my skin does really well on both Differin and Retin-A Micro. The key is hydration to your skin. Good luck to you!
I keep hearing how useful retinoids are and a MUST for any skin care regimen. I just bought Differin gel as the cream is not available in my country (Nigeria). I understand from your post and other sites it might be too harsh as I have dry skin but I will use it only every other day. It’s the only choice I have got. Thank you. And yes most supposed skin specialists have not a clue about essential products they just want to sell the lines they carry at all cost even to the detriment of their clients.