Retin A Micro?

I saw a dermatologist today for cystic acne. I'll be starting Retin A Micro (along with an oral antibiotic). I've been told to use it every other night for 2 weeks & then every night thereafter. I know this will make my skin very sensitive, so I'll have to change my usual skincare routine. I wanted to see what recommendation you all might have for me. My skin type is oily & acne-prone.

I already use sunscreen every day (either La Roche Posay SPF 15 or Neutrogena's Ultra Dry Touch SPF 45). I'll need new cleanser recs & moisturizer as well.

I'm currently using Desert Essences Tea Tree Oil Cleanser (which I suspect will be too harsh while on Retin A Micro) & Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil.

I'll be using a Neostrata Glycolic Acid every morning too, per the derm's medical estitician (sp?).

I'd appreciate any recs or tips. Thanks!

If it were me, I would be looking for a cream or oil-based cleanser to calm my skin a bit. I'm trying to keep my list to more natural options, but I've used good cleansers from the drugstore too.
-Burt's Bees Orange Essence Cleanser: Feels and looks oily and takes a little effort to rub into the skin, but I think it rinses away pretty well.
-DHC Cleansing Oil: rinses well and lots of people rave about it. I've only used samples.
-Alba Coconut Milk Face Wash: currently using this. It's a thin cream cleanser.


Drugstore:
-Oil of Olay Foaming Face Wash w/Aloe: This cleanser is very non stripping and feels great. I went through a couple of bottles of this before I discovered health food store skin care.
-Cetaphil: liked this one for a while too, but it doesn't take heavy makeup/sunscreen off well.

For moisturizers, I can think of two: Burt's Bees Radiance Day Cream (you might want to try a sample first to see if you like the frangrance, it is strong) and Desert Essence Daily Essential Facial Moisturizer. The Desert Essence is on the lighter side and is jojoba oil based.

Jennifer,

Thank you for the recommendations! I already have the Burt's Bees Orange Essence Cleanser & love it. I'll definitely look for the Alba Coconut Milk Face Wash. I am very much into using more natural options too, so I appreciate all your recs! I haven't seen the DE moisturizer in my area but I've been keeping an eye out for it. Does it have tea tree oil in it?

I don't have any natural options, but I used non-medicated skincare while on Retin-A (used Micro years ago, same idea basically). My skin got incredibly dry, sensitive, and flaky, so I tried to stick to a non-stripping cleanser and a heavier moisturizer. Hope it works for you!

Originally Posted by Zoe

Jennifer,

Thank you for the recommendations! I already have the Burt's Bees Orange Essence Cleanser & love it. I'll definitely look for the Alba Coconut Milk Face Wash. I am very much into using more natural options too, so I appreciate all your recs! I haven't seen the DE moisturizer in my area but I've been keeping an eye out for it. Does it have tea tree oil in it?

You're welcome! The Desert Essence does not have tea tree oil in it, it does list geranium essential oil in the ingredients, but it barely has a smell (I never noticed it). Here is the full list:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/pr...52&catid=21503

I agree with using a milky or creamy cleanser. Definitely avoid anything that could potentially dry/strip your skin!

I'd almost say you could use a moisturizing cream at night....you will probably realize that you want something pretty substantial!

I'm intrigued that the ME recommended a glycolic product...what reasons did she give you for using that? Keeping your skin from flaking?

I used:
*Aveda Tourmaline Exfoliating Cleanser in the am for the flakes. I also used it in the evening. It's a really gentle cleanser.
*Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Cream- this is really thick. I believe it was formulated as a LaMer knock off. I used this on nights I didn't use Retin A because the Retin A Cream was moisturizing enough for me where I didn't need anything after putting it on.
*Aveda Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion Spf 15/oil-free.

Thank you so much, everyone! I have a fantastic list now.

Stacey: About the ME, yes, she recommended the glycolic acid to ease the flaking/rapid cell turnover rate.

I just filled my RAM RX today. It's the 0.04% gel. Luckily the derm gave me a rebate card for it. My copay is $20 & the rebate is for $20, so I got it for free, essentially! What's wonderful is that I can use the $20 rebate for 3 RAM RX's. Yippee!!!

Originally Posted by Zoe

Thank you so much, everyone! I have a fantastic list now.

Stacey: About the ME, yes, she recommended the glycolic acid to ease the flaking/rapid cell turnover rate.

Cool! I like to quiz myself on these things to see how much I've learned. I hope the RAM works well for you. I know a couple of people who have had really good results with it.

Cetaphil for Oily skin & Oil of Olay Oily to Combination cream cleanser are both nice non-stripping cleansers. HTHS!