<p>I’ve been using Retin-A from a Mexico pharmacy, (I know, probably not the smartest idea) for two years now with GREAT results! Make sure to use a water based moisturizer with it, never oil based.</p>
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<p>No, these are different ingredients. People tend to lump them all together because they all are Vitamin A derivatives, but chemically they are different molecules (different CAS numbers = different chemical entities :))
Here is a good popular article describing them all:</p>
<p>[Retin</a> A & Vitamin A Creams](<a href=“http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter63.asp]Retin”>http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter63.asp)</p>
<p>Yep. I would have said that…but I’d just written a long screed and didn’t want to do another. I should have said…one of the differences is that they are different strengths as well as being different deriviatives of A. Hey, 3 diffs in one sentence! </p>
<p>Anyway, Retin-A should only be used under a doctor’s supervision esp. if your skin is sensitive, thin, or easily burned…like mine. No product is for everyone. If you are not sure, see if you can get a sample and try it on the inside bend of your elbow. The skin there is very similar to the skin on your face.</p>
<p>I think you should rub yourself all over with weird mushrooms. (and if that doesn’t work, you might decide to ingest them…;))</p>
<p>mowc - does that mean NO sun if I use the retin-A?<br>
Hate to admit it, but I like a little color - can’t give that up just yet. :)</p>
<p>wow - where did all those posts come from!
That’s what I get for posting before “refreshing”!</p>
<p>Now I have some catching up to do - sorry!</p>
<p>mini - LOL!!! Now you will be targeted not only by you know whom ;), but also by the multibillion-dollar cosmetic products industry for trying to undermine their profits!</p>
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<p>Self tanning products have come a loooooong way from the orangey look of highschool.</p>
<p>“but also by the multibillion-dollar cosmetic products industry for trying to undermine their profits…”</p>
<p>Hey, I didn’t invent the s-h-itake complex thing…Help! Help! They’re coming to use me for ‘animal testing’! Now I’m really going to have a sh-itake complex! :rolleyes:</p>
<p>mafool, you can cut the Retin A 50-50 with plain moisturizer; use it half strength for a week or two to let your skin get used to it. Also, don’t use a scrub at the same time, too irritating.</p>
<p>I thought Retin A was for acne? Or does it do both?</p>
<p>It does both (acne and wrinkles). You can still get some sun- you just need to be careful because your skin will burn/tan faster with the Retin-A. I don’t really have a problem with it and I am outside a lot exercising.</p>
<p>I think that retin A is to speed up the cell change over rate- so it helps with both acne and wrinkles.</p>
<p>I’ve always felt betrayed by the presence of acne and wrinkles at the same time. I thought there’d be a window of fabulous skin. Oh well.</p>
<p>bzz210: Try some of the mineral makeups. They’ll give you color without sun damage.</p>