Can Retin A, Renova, generic tretinoin, etc. damage the skin around the eyes?

Dr. Irwin
March 2, 2014
i have asked this question more than a few times and can not get anyone to answer me so my only conclusion is that yes...it IS POSSIBLE that retin a can damage my skin under my eyes. I have asked my dermotologist ( at the time ) told me it would be FINE to put retin a underneath my eyes..and for TWO YEARS and literally OVERNIGHT my eyes became puffy ( something that DOES NOT run in my family ) ive been asked.Ive been to three eyes doctors that can't figure it out. so I was HOPING you could tell me the truth. I have practically begged for someone there to PLEASE just either e-mail back in private if you did not want to put it on-line or please take the time to call me for 5 MINUTES ( i even gave you my phone # ) I have not heard or seen one thing helping me !!!! i have gone to therapy because im so upset about this happening to me and no one seems to want to help or be honest or touch this situation. I see you help people all time and its a great thing you do but when it comes to something hard or scary i see you do not touch it.im very disappointed.You were basically my only hope left of someone that i thought i could trust to tell me the truth and maybe help.

Dear writer of this email and readers –   It’s sad, but I really can’t hope to answer all the emails I get now.   I really wish I could but it’s just not possible (unless I can stop needing to sleep :)).   Also, I try to answer the questions that will be helpful to the most readers.  If it’s truly a very unique situation, it won’t be very helpful to other people necessarily.

Having said that, I can hear in your email that you are struggling and I think getting some therapy, like you’re doing, is a very good idea.  For all of us, if things about our faces are bothering us so much that it’s interfering with our ability to enjoy life, a therapist/psychologist may be very helpful.

The answer to your question is no.  Retin A does not cause permanent eyelid puffiness.  I’m assuming here that you stopped the Retin A as soon you noticed the puffiness.  I say this a lot and I’ll say it again.  If a product is stinging, burning, itching, causing redness or any other problem, stop the product and call your doctor, if it’s a prescription. More on sensitive skin here.

Also, there are many other causes of eyelid puffiness.  We often refer our patients to an allergist (MD who specializes in allergic problem) since problems with puffiness around the eyes are often related to allergies.

I hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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