Is the product I bought overseas really what it says?

Dr. Irwin
February 14, 2015
I hope this question helps many others too. I am 39 female, dry dull skin, live in the Mediterranean. I have been using Tretinoin (0.05%) for three and a half months now, I use it every night, maybe I get one free night and use just moisturizer. The strange thing is that, whilst others all have that shiny glowy mirror-like skin, mine still looks dull... I maybe just get some flakes around my chin, but that's just about it. Is it working? Shall I change the brand?? (its called Retirides and I bought it from Spain, but still tretinoin 0.05) . Do I need to exfoliate my skin? Help. I put so much dedication, and I long for that rosy glow.. Stella

Thank you for asking this.  This question is coming up more and more as we all travel and it’s tempting to pick up things in other countries to try to save money or…..to try a cheaper brand in countries where things like tretinoin may not require a prescription.

In my opinion, you should absolutely try changing to a well known brand first.   There is very little regulation of pharma companies, particularly in China and India, producing generics.

Also, even if it says, made in Canada for example, all the raw ingredients may have come from overseas and just been “compounded” (mixed together) in Canada.   Again, an attempt to mislead consumers, in my opinion. I would like to see all sourcing required on the packaging.

So try a well known brand first.  Cleanse, put a thin layer of your moisturizer on, wait 5-10 minutes and then apply about a pea sized  amount of the tretinoin all over very evenly.

More on retinoids like tretinoin, Retin A, Renova etc.  and  problems readers have had and their successes.  Several good non prescription retinols here.

Dr. I

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!

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

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
  • My medical office in Seattle has treated thousands of patients for 15+ years.
  • This site is not affiliated or financially tied to any product, treatment or device.
Ask Me Something
SkinTour Skincare
One of the best investments in your skin is your daily skincare. Why? Because you can prevent many problems with blotchy skin color, lack of glow, texture, some types of acne, and fine lines with good skincare products. You can also correct some of these problems with effective skincare products. Great skincare is often more expensive because quality ingredients are expensive. Some companies spend on research/development which benefits all of us and adds to the cost. Are they worth it? In general - yes! I have handpicked some of what I consider to be the best skin care products, and offer them for sale on SkinTour's shop. This is based on my team and I's testing and research at our clinic. Many of the products are in my own regimen. What could be better than using skin care products a dermatologist uses?!
Browse Shop