Blog with Dr. IrwinTag >> Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams In what order should I use these products??? It's so confusing!Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Cell growth factors, Antioxidants, 2012 on Apr 12, 2012 | Permalink New reader and I love your site. You have already answered a lot of questions except I am still a bit confused on order of product application. Currently, in the
AM.
Cleanse
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, wait 15 min
Skinceuticals B5 gel
Skinmedica TNS Essential Serum
Journee bio restortative day cream w/ SPF 30 or Skinceuticals UV physical 50 tint
PM.
Cleanse
Skinceuticals 1% Retinol
Confused on the TNS Essential Serum and think I should apply in the evening, but would not know which order is most effective to use first. I thought Retin a should be applied to a clean dry face to be most effective with no other products. Please help, don't want to be using all these great products and not be using them properly.
Thank you! It's so confusing isn't it, but you have the basics down. So here's some fine tuning. Part of the problem is there really isn't much data on this so what I'm telling you is... more Acne, oily skin and Retin A gelPosted in Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Acne, 2012 on Apr 04, 2012 | Permalink I've been using Retin A Gel for my acne... but since I started using it at night, I wake up with a super super oily skin... I thought this was supposed to make my skin drier but no, it is more oily, am I doing something wrong? Thanks for your advice!
You don't mention how long you've been using it and whether or not you are male or female. You're probably thinking .... why does that matter? For example, oil production is primarily... more
Why am I having these constant problems with Tazorac, Retin A, Retin A Micro, etc.?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Acne, 2012 on Mar 20, 2012 | Permalink Hello Dr. Irwin
thank you for taking your time to answer my question.
I used tazorac years ago and it was fine but for a last year i've tried so many creams like tazorac,retin a,retin a micro,atralin..all they do is make my skin oily/shiny and moisturizer sits on top. it also burns. nothing i use on face make it better.even vaseline irritates. my skin does peel but does nothing for clogged pores. i can see a layer of creepey dehydrated layer on top. should i go with retin a 0.025? i used tazorac gel around eyes now that area is so irritated.my lashes fall and gets swollen.
please help.
PS you are sooo beautiful..
I think the problem you are describing is not uncommon. I was just at the American Academy of Dermtology medical meeting in San Diego. To make a long story short, one of the lectures I... more Can I use Tazorac at night and retinol in the morning?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Cosmeceuticals, Antioxidants, 2012 on Feb 27, 2012 | Permalink I'm 47 years old and have been using Tazorac for years. I started using the cream and have now been using the gel for the past year. My skin is very tough, this product doesn't cause me any drying or redness. The question is, I use the Tazorac at night, can I use a retinol during the day such as Skin Ceuticals Retinol or would I just be wasting my money?
You'd be wasting your money since light tends to inactivate the retinoids (Renova, Tazorac, tretinoin, Retin A, retinol, etc.). You'd be far better off adding a good antioxidant Vitamin C... more
Can I continue to use Retin A if I have rosacea?Posted in Rosacea, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2012 on Feb 04, 2012 | Permalink I just found you web site & it is great. I am 65 yrs. old & just developed a mild case of rosecea. I have used retin a for 30 yrs, first to clear up bumps & continued for aging. I have tolerated the retin a well & my skin looks 15 years younger. I am using metrogel 1 x day. Should I continue using the retin a with rosecea. Thank you so much for your help.
Yes! For many years dermatologists recommended against this afraid it would cause more irritation. But, a few years ago, several studies were done which showed that Retin... more
Can tretinoin/Retin A etc., cause hair loss?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Dec 31, 2011 | Permalink Have you ever seen tretinoin/retinol creams cause hair loss or thinning? My doctor does not believe my use of retinoids is related to some hair shedding I've been experiencing, but I have found other reports of bloggers/forum users who say it has made their hair worse. Thank you!
I agree with your doctor on this one. You'd have to be using way too much or eating it (jk) to cause any effect on hair. You just need a pea sized amount for your face. Dr.... more
If I only have time for one product, what should it be?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Dec 08, 2011 | Permalink Dear Dr. Irwin, Your website is the best one out there and I have used it for my research prior to a Thermage treatment I'm having done next week. I am one of these women who have always been low maintenance and I hate putting on a bunch of products several times a day. I don't wear makeup unless it's a party but I do use metrocreme for rosacea now aggravated by hot flashes. My question for you is this: Is there a beauty regimen in which I only use one product that will moisturize, de-wrinkle, firm up and shield from sun damage. I know I'm asking for a miracle creme, but I know myself well, and I know I will not buy a handful of products, because they will sit around until I toss them out. I've spent hundreds of dollars on products, and would rather just buy one really good thing for maintenance. What do you say?
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!! I would say that if you only had one product to use and you are over 40, use Renova or Refissa (if you're really dry). Retinoids are still the... more How can I continue to look great while I'm raising my children?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Antioxidants, 2011 on Nov 20, 2011 | Permalink I'm in my mid 30s. I just had my last baby. I want to start looking great again. You have many wonderful products and treatments listed. What are the best products that I should be using. My doctor recommends Obagi, but I'm open to anything that is the best (highest amounts of the good stuff, like a 20% vit. c). I just want to look good while I'm raising my kids. Also, what are the best lasers for wrinkles and general youthful appearance on the market today? Just found your site and love it!
Thank you! See the question right before this for the laser answer. Obagi has some good products my concerns with that line are that it's overly irritating for many and they tend to put... more Advanced skin care - in what order do I use these products?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Sep 30, 2011 | Permalink I use Renova at least 5 nights a week; I use a cream with glycolic acid on other nights to help with dryness. I am wanting to incorporate the TNS Recovery Complex in my daily regimen. I read that for best results it needs to be used twice a day for the first 3 months. Would I need to use this each night under my Renova at night or alternate these two?
Thank you
You bring up some good issues. In general, if you use Renova regularly, you don't need to use the glycolic (can often aggravate dryness and does similar things but less). If you're having... more What is the difference between generic and brand Vitamin A prescriptions? And, what about primers?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Sep 11, 2011 | Permalink Dr Irwin,
Would you please clarify the difference between generic and brand versions of prescription Vitamin A (tretinoin vs Retin-A/Renova, yes?) and explain your preference?
What do you think about such cosmetics product as primer in light of its good or bad effect on skin? Thanks.
The difference is in the base if you have the same concentration. But...... the base can really matter. Most of the generics and brand versions are formulated for 16 year old skin with Do you have an opinion on Nia24 skincare line? Thanks :)Posted in Wrinkles, Vitamins for Skin, Vitamin C, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Aug 18, 2011 | Permalink There's no data that niacin in these concentrations in skin care products performs better than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova, etc) and a Vitamin C serum in the 10-20% range. You'll very... more
The Problems Behind Yoga, Sweating, Acne & Vitamin APosted in Sweating, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Acne, 2011 on Aug 18, 2011 | Permalink For the past seven months I’ve been practicing Bikram yoga 4-5 times a week, I love the practice but experience acne in the areas that most of the sweat occurs. I keep a very strict clean diet and have started taking Vitamin A, C, D, E, B-complex and Zinc in hopes of clearing my skin. The problem I’m having now is Vitamin A [I think] is interfering with my periods [late last month and this month]. Is there anything else you recommend me doing, should I stop Vitamin A to get my periods back on track?
Thank you! These are all good questions. Your period change could be due to many things. It makes sense to me to try stopping the vitamin A first (and never take more than 5,000 iu a day anyway). ... more Does Differin work as well as the other retinoids?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Jun 11, 2011 | Permalink I read you tip of the week on May 19, How to get the glow back in your skin. Will Differin work as well as the other retinoids? Thanks!
Yes. There are slight differences among the retinoids but over the long term (months-years) they are not significant. The main thing is that you find one you like and can tolerate well so... more
Will my eczema skin care be a good antiaging regimen?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Mar 31, 2011 | Permalink | View Comments (1) Dr. Irwin, I am 41 y/o and recently diagnosed with eczema. The PA I saw at the dermatologist office recommended that I use Cerva-Ve cleanser, lotion (for face), cream (for body). Then Aqua phor for flare ups.
Are these products still good as part of an anti aging regimin? I currently have only fine lines across my forehead. The PA did prescribe a retin A cream for me. Any other recommendations?
Your products are really for eczema control - not antiaging. But....... they are very important. Get your eczema under control first and then you can cautiously add some antiaging... more
In what order should I use my products????Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Antioxidants, 2011 on Mar 20, 2011 | Permalink ello Dr.
If i use Renova at night, should i still use skinceuticals C E Ferulic? in day or night?.. In day put on skin medica Essential Serum then a suncreen after. Thanks :)
I answered something similar to this last week so I know this is confusing. In general, put your antioxidant (C E Ferulic) under your sunscreen because it helps to prevent the damage from... more Can I use Renova cream near my eyes on upper and lower lids?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Mar 20, 2011 | Permalink Can I use Renova cream near my eyes on upper and lower lids?
The eyelid skin is usually too thin and sensitive to tolerate the retinoids like Renova. You could try it but I'm guessing you'll get red and irritated! Dr.... more
How can I put together an optimal product regimen?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Antioxidants, 2011 on Mar 16, 2011 | Permalink Hello Dr Irwin,
I use renova at night ( luv it) and skin medica produts in the day> Can you help me put together a day routine from my produts with skin medica, so i dont repeat or over product my skin. TNS essnecial serum after i wash my face Should i use a toner? and what moisturiner from skin medica Here's what I would do. It's hard to get all the categories in .... sunscreen, Renova/Retin A (Vit A cousin), antioxidants, cell growth factors and possibly some peptides or anti-glycation... more Which do you recommend and why: tretinoin or a vitamin A cousin?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Mar 16, 2011 | Permalink Which do you recommend and why: tretinoin or a vitamin A cousin?
I wish this whole area was less confusing to consumers! And, it is confusing! For your specific question, the answer is easy because tretinoin IS a Vitamin A cousin. This whole group... more
Questions regarding Tazorac!Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Jan 31, 2011 | Permalink I have been using Tazorac 0.1% cream for about 5 years and tolerate it well accept for a few days in winter(live in Utah). I read that Tazorac 0.1% gel is the most affective retinoid for wrinkles and sun damage but is more irritating. Is this true? Should I use the gel in summer months and the cream in winter? Which is the most effective retinoid? I am 38 with combination skin and have a lot of sun damage.
It's actually not true that Tazorac is the most effective for wrinkles and sun damage. The studies done showed a slightly faster onset of improvement but there is no difference long term. ... more What would be an alternative to Obagi ?Posted in Wrinkles, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Jan 28, 2011 | Permalink Dear Dr Irwin
I amm 44 with fair skin which freckles in the sun, oily t zone and wrinkles around eyes. In august i started to use obagi nu derm with great reluctance because of the hydroquinone. However i thought i would do the 18 wks then stop and go onto something else i am now being told i need to stay on it for life as my skin will return to its previous state and i could suffer hyperpigmentation. pigmentation was not a problem for me anyway i went on nuderm for wrinkling and sundamage and to refine the skin. i enjoy using the tretinoin but have been told it doesnt work if i dont use the blender with it. I just want to follow one of your regimes and have purchased tns already> please help. regards Jo
The ingredients in Obagi are the same ones available both by prescription and over the counter. In the Obagi system, they are just packaged and applied in a certain order which can be very... more
Do you or your partner sell Retin A or Renova?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Jan 28, 2011 | Permalink Do you or your partner sell Retin A or Renova?
We do not sell it online. For our in office patients only, we sell in the office (legally) 4 prescription products - Biafine, Triluma, (when it's available), Latisse and Renova. We price... more
Should I use both Retin A and a glycolic?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Antioxidants, 2011 on Jan 22, 2011 | Permalink I would like to know if it is beneficial to use both Retin A and glycolic acid. I use the Cellex C serum in the morning and usually Retin A at night but I have heard that you should also use a glycolic product. If you should use both can I alternate nights and still get the benefit.
I'm glad you asked this. If you are using Retin A or one of the other Vitamin A category creams, you don't need to use a glycolic also. You would be better off with an antioxidant (like... more
Can I use tretinoin at age 24 for acne? What about for aging?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Jan 20, 2011 | Permalink Hi Dr.Irwin i'm a woman of 24 years old I used to have very bad breakouts but since I started to use tretinoin in gel at 0,025% per 3 months now my skin is all clean so my question is can I keep using it? only at night? if I want to prevent the wrinkles under the eye area can I use tretinoin 0.05% in cream? my skin is very light and sensible I get red quickly, thankyou for your time, Love your website!.
That's great that it's working so well for your acne. It's fine to keep using it as long as you are sunscreening every day. I usually have my patients stop it one week before sunny... more Help! I'm having problems with irritation from Renova/tretinoin.Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Dec 18, 2010 | Permalink I used Renova for six years and Tretinoin for a year. Tretinoin worked fine for a year then it started irritating my skin a lot (despite using it on top of a moisturizer), excessive peeling of the skin, cuts, scratches etc. Why am i not able to tolerate the product, is it an allergic reaction? If i am allergic to Tretinoin will i be allergic to all its cousins. Should i go back to Renova or can you recommend a gentler version? If i cant go back to tretinoin or its cousins, what other products do you recommend for wrinkle correction.
So here are some things to think about. When you started getting irritation from the tretinoin, had you been given a different strength (like a 0.05% versus a 0.025%) or a different... more Can I use my TNS retinol product/Renova on top of my TNS Esstential Serum?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Nov 20, 2010 | Permalink Can I use my TNS retinol product/Renova on top of my TNS Esstential Serum?
There have been no studies on it but I have used TNS Retinol over TNS Essential Serum for several years. Dr.... more
What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Pigment problems, Cosmeceuticals, Brown Spots, 2010 on Nov 09, 2010 | Permalink What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?
I think I'll just tell you the pros and cons in my mind because it's a little complicated. Obagi was one of the first doctors who tried to base skin care more on science, and for that I... more What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Pigment problems, Cosmeceuticals, Brown Spots, 2010 on Nov 09, 2010 | Permalink What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?
I think I'll just tell you the pros and cons in my mind because it's a little complicated. Obagi was one of the first doctors who tried to base skin care more on science, and for that I... more Is using Retin A too much for the skin after Fraxel?Posted in Skin Care Products, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Oct 17, 2010 | Permalink I have had several successful Fraxel ( Restore) treatments and now have a light treatment once a year for maintance. I hear that Retin A is wonderful for the skin. My question is.. Is Retin A too much after Fraxel? I am 57 and have good skin. I wanted to know if the kind of Fraxel treatments that I have is enough for my skin? Thanks
No, it's not too much. It would be a great way to help maintain the benefits you got. Just be sure you are really sun protecting. I often advise stopping it a week or two before a sunny... more In which order should I use my products??Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Sep 11, 2010 | Permalink Dr Irwin, I have ordered as per your skin care test- Topix Replenix Cream, Cellex-C Sea silk Moisturiser, Skin Medica Retinol Complex and TNS Recovery Complex, please help me as I have no idea in which order I should put them on my skin. Thank you for your time.
Okay - I know this is confusing and I wish I could figure out a way on the site to make it less confusing. We're working on it. So here goes. Is it okay to use tretinoin/Retin A, etc if I live in a sunny climate and am driving a lot?Posted in Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr Irwin,You are a very kind person to answer questions on your blog because I'm sure you are a very busy person. I can't personally visit your country to make an appointment with you but I do buy products through your links so I hope that helps. My question is regarding tretenion. I live in a very hot dry climate and I am exposed to the sunlight many days that shines into my vehicle as my job involves driving. I want to use tretenion but I read that you don't use it in summer. Could I be doing more damage to my skin by using it considering my climate with my particular job. I am very diligent with sunscreen and I reapply every few hours.
Thank you! Sorry it took me so long to get to your question since it's a good one. Car window glass does not block all UV rays as you pointed out. Window glass usually blocks UVB but... more In what order should I apply my products?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Aug 20, 2010 | Permalink I am currently using Skincueticals C+AHA and Suncscreen in morning and at night using Tazorac 1% cream. I would like to use TNS essential cream, since you spoke so highly of it. When would I use it during the day?
In your situation, it would be fine to put the TNS Recovery Complex under your Tazorac at night. Just use a gentle cleanser, put the TNS on, wait a few minutes and then apply the... more
Why am I irritated with Refissa/tretinoin and what can I do?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Aug 17, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. I,
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day to answer all of our questions. I am a 44y/o vietnamese female and have been using Refissa for the past 4 months. I try to use it twice a week, a pea size amount, but it causes more and more irritation each time. I tried to cut the strength by using a moisturizer ahead of time, but it does not help at all. Does using Renova 0.02% cream better and does it help with blotchy sun spots?
There are so many Retin A type products out that it's confusing isn't it? All these products have the same active ingredient - tretinoin. Tretinoin is prescription and comes in many forms... more Should I use Renova during the summer?Posted in Sun Protection, Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Aug 13, 2010 | Permalink Dr Irwin
Should i be using renova during the summer?
If you have an indoor job and really aren't outside much in the summer, it's fine to keep using it. If you are outdoors frequently, I usually recommend stopping or cutting back on use for... more Can I use tretinoin cream with hydroxy acids or ascorbic acid serum if I can tolerate it?Posted in Vitamins for Skin, Vitamin C, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Premature Aging, Cosmeceuticals, Cell growth factors, Aging Skin, 2010 on Jul 31, 2010 | Permalink Can I use tretinoin cream with hydroxy acids or ascorbic acid serum if I can tolerate it?
I heard that these ingredients inactivate each other when used together at the same time.
I've never seen any studies on this. One way to get around the issue would be to use the hydroxy acid alternating with the tretinoin at night and the Vitamin C serum every morning. Also,... more
Should I stay with tretinoin gel or switch to the cream?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Jul 08, 2010 | Permalink Hello, Dr.Irwin:
I have oily skin recovering from acne and my dermatologist recently prescribed me Tretinoin Gel 0.025%, in which alcohol (denatured with tert-butyl alcohol & brucine sulfate) is listed as the 4th ingredient out of 4 ingredients. I'm a bit concern about the alcohol content because I am a bit sensitive to alcohol. I would feel a burning sensation whenever I applied anything with a large amount of alcohol to my face. With this gel, there's a strong alchoholic smell to it and I felt a slight stinging sensation over certain areas of my face when I'm applying it, but not my whole face. And the sting disappears within seconds. I know Paula says alcohol can be damaging to skin and tretinoin may also cause the sting. I'm not quite certain whether I stick with the gel or ask my dermatologist to prescribe me a cream instead. Any sort of answer would be very much appreciated! Thank you for your time.
Definately switch to the cream!! Gels almost always have a higher alcohol content than creams. Dr.... more
When can I go back to tretinoin after having a rash on my face?Posted in Skin Care Products, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Jun 21, 2010 | Permalink I was on tretinoin for the last 7 years, after I came back from India where the temperature was 100 deg, I went for a facial laser session and after a few days my face became red and consulted a dermatologist after 15 days. Until then I was using tretinoin everyday without knowing i had burnt. The doctor prescribed me desonide for a week and after that she told me that I could go back to TRETINOIN. But this time the cream made my skin break, I could see peeling of skin here and there, which is not the normal reaction, why is this happening? Now my face is on rest and how long can I stay off of tretinoin (0.05%) without losing results? Can I ever go back to the product? Please advise. I love the product.
This is good question. Generally, what I tell my patients is that it takes the skin almost a full month to repair itself after an injury like a serious rash, sunburn, a bad reaction to a... more
Does Differin gel have the same benefits as Renova, etc.?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Oily skin, 2010 on Jun 16, 2010 | Permalink Does Differin gel have the same benefits as Renova, Retin-A, Tazorac, and Retinol? I seem to tolerate it better than the Retin-A micro gel I used in the past, but would like to know if it is helping build collagen. I am 47 and do not have active acne, just oily skin.
Lisa in Naples, FL
Pretty much! They are very close since they all are in the same class of medications called retinoids which are vitamin A cousins. The Differin is a good choice for you if you have oily... more
Should I use both Retin A and the Neostrata glycolic together?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Acne, 2010 on May 18, 2010 | Permalink It was recommended to me to use Retin A at night followed by NeoStrata Level 1 or 2. I was wondering whether it was necessary to use both a Vitamin A and glycolic product and if I should be using them together?
You didn't tell me your age or whether or not you have acne. But unless you have very tough, oily skin, I wouldn't recommend that combination to start out with. Why don't you try the... more Which order is the best for products?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on May 04, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin
You recommend that you use Retin A after your moisturizer. Does the Vitamin A penetrate the skin as well as it would if you used it first and can you use a Vitamin C moisturizer in combination with the Retin A? I was also wondering if it was safe to use the Retin A around the eye area?
Thanks
Yes with a couple of adjustments! You can't use a Retin A gel over a moisturizer but it works with the creams. Put a light layer of moisturizer on - WAIT 10 minutes - and then apply... more How do I construct a great skin care regimen?Posted in Vitamins for Skin, Vitamin C, Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Pigment problems, Maintenance, Cosmeceuticals, Cell growth factors, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Apr 18, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. I!I have a question regarding skin care products. I am such a fan that I have aquired the products you use and recommend to see what works for me. I guess at this point I have become a little neurotic/obsessed with my skin as I see the changes that I know are inevitable. So, how much is too much??? This is what I am doing right now. Night time: Obagi Nu-derm (hydroquionone 4%) for the brown spots, TNS Recovery Complex, Eye cream, Revaleskin Night Cream, and a moisturizing lotion (dry skin).Day Time is much harder for me to figure out. Obagi Nu-derm (hydroquionone 4%) for the brown spots, TNS Recovery Complex, Eye cream,SkinMedica Vitamin C & E, Moisturizer (Dry skin), Zincclear Sunscreen and I am trying to figure out if I can add a firming/wrinkle filler for the slight wrinkles that are NEW ON my cheeks and then Makeup (foundation, blush, lipstick)!!!!I\'m almost 40 and my skin has become dry, a few brown spots and NEW (very noticeable to me) wrinkles under the eyes and cheeks. Do the products work as well piled on??? I was told I should use a \"treatment\" type product such as \"Perricone Md\" face firming activator and/or \"Substiane\" (La Roche-Posay). There is just so much. I know a lot of it is trial and error and I know everyone is different. I apoligize for this \"book\" I have written in trying to ask you for your advise and what is too much product and if am I going over board if I throw in an extra wrinkle filler or two in my daily regimen??? Thank you for your time and for this website.
Whoa!! This is way too much so let's simplify and get back to basics a bit. Here's what I'd recommend: AM cleanse, Vit C & E (your antioxidant), eye cream, spot treat your brown spots... more Is there a limit as to how long Renova can be used?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Apr 12, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr.
How long can u use Renova, every and every?..Been using it for 4 yrs now i love the results....Is it a long term soulution?...
Tretinoin (generic name for Renova, Retin A, etc) is very safe long term. It has been studied for over 20 years and millions of people use it regularly. It helps with wrinkles, improves... more
Renova first or moisturizer? Which is it?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Apr 12, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin
I use Renova and was concerned with a little bit of drying. I was told to use the Renova fist, wait till it is aborbed and then use a moisturizer. I see that you recommend using the moisturizer first and then the Renova. Can you tell me why you would use it before the Renova and would you still get the same results?
Thanks
Okay - so I've never seen any data on this so I'm guessing. If you put the moisturizer on first, let it absorb for 5-10 minutes and then use the Renova, it may dilute it just a hair but... more
After growing up in Florida, at 25, what is the best way to deal with sun damage?Posted in Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Apr 06, 2010 | Permalink Dr. Irwin,
Your blog is fantastic, what a refreshing thing it is to find a blog that is so unbiased and full of in-depth information! I am 25 years old and had a lot of beach time and therefore sun exposure growing up in Florida. I was wondering if due to this high amount of sun I should use a skin care regimen made for more mature skin. I have clear skin that is a little dry with a small amount of hyperpigmentation. I just really would like to prevent all the damage I might have caused as much as possible. Besides a cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer, should I also use retinol and TNS recovery complex? And what should I do about exfoliation? Thank you for your all the great advice on your blog!
Warm regards,
Andreea Andrea - Thank you for the compliment! Growing up in Florida IS high risk for skin cancer and wrinkles. Since you already know that you have more sun damage than average for your age,... more Does the higher strength of tretinoin (Retin A) really make a difference?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Mar 21, 2010 | Permalink Dear dr. Irwin:
I started using tretinoin 0.025 % about 2 months ago. Recently I switched to 0.05% (about 5 days ago). My skin started to peel and I've noticed some fine lines starting to reduce.
My question is: are the lines really reduced or is it just swelling caused by increasing the concentration of the tretinoin? I don't have pain or redness.
I thank you in advance for your answer.
M. I think it's probably just the irritation from it. It takes 30-90 days to really see a difference in fine lines due to an increase in collagen. There may not be much benefit from using... more
Is Renova good for upper lip lines?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Feb 09, 2010 | Permalink DR. Irwin,
Is Renova the only and best form to use for lines or new vertical lines around the mouth..Been Using renova was just wondering what eles to add.
Ty The bad news on this one is that unless you are 30 years old and just have the faintest of lines on the upper lip, Renova (or any other cream for that matter) is not going to make a visible... more What moisuruzers work well with Renova?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Feb 01, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin,
what moisturizer work well with Renova...I read on your page about A.G.E. moisturizer from skinceuticals would that work well?..I'm looking for one even tho i read all your favorites.
Thank you This one's easy because any moisturizer that works well with your particular skin type will work well with Renova. Pick one that suits your level of oiliness, dryness, acne, etc and the... more Should Renova go on before or after moisturizer?Posted in Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Dec 29, 2009 | Permalink Hi Dr.
I have been using skincutitals b5 moisture, should i place it before of after when useing renova?
THanks! I know this is confusing because you'll see it both ways depending on who you consult. Renova works well either way but I counsel my patients to wash, apply moisturizer, wait 5-10 minutes... more
Is there a difference between Renova and Retin A Micro gel?Posted in Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Acne on Dec 29, 2009 | Permalink Hello Dr,
I'm using renova for awhile..what is the diff between Renova cream 0.2% and retinal mirco gel 0.4%.? Okay so there a lot of understandable confusion about creams that are vitamin A cousins (also called retinoids) because the names are all similiar. When you say retinal micro gel 0.4%, I'm... more
Should I exfoliate with Renova?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Exfoliation and Scrubs, Exfoliating on Dec 14, 2009 | Permalink Hello Dr.
When using renova, should u still exfolate your skin 2 a week? and if so, what brands that will work well when using renova, that wont be to drying since there is so much peeing of the skin with this product.
Thanks! Just exfoliate once a week when using Renova and many people don't need to exfoliate at all. Use a very gentle exfoliant. I like the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (a rice powder). It's... more
Should I Exfoliate with Renova?Posted in RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Exfoliation and Scrubs, Exfoliating on Dec 11, 2009 | Permalink Hello Dr.
When using renova, should u still exfolate your skin 2 a week? and if so, what brands that will work well when using renova, that wont be to drying since there is so much peeing of the skin with this product.
Thanks! Generally, with Renova, you don't need to exfoliate much if at all. This is because the Renova/retinoid helps to slough off the old, dead superficial cells faster. It's kind of like a... more |
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