Sometimes getting started on Retin-A can be tricky, and I am guessing your GP wants to increase your ability to remain on the medication by starting out low. After the first tube, consider asking for the 0.025% gel to sustain the results. Also remember that in some cases, people experience a brief period of increased break-out for about two weeks. This passes if it happens at all.

Spectro Jel is a good cleanser and Cetaphil is a clean moisturizer. Your Retin-A may make you dry, but if you are very oily, it may just even you out. At night I would suggest NEOVA Perfecting Elixir because it is one of the best ways to obtain the benefits of copper peptides, necessary for good collagen formation, as well as potent anti-oxidants. Put your Retin-A on first, let it dry completely, then apply 1 to 2 pumps of the Elixir. Because it contains humectants to attract water, it will moisturize without clogging pores and leave you feeling clean but not dry.

Use the Cetaphil during the day as you are now. You are right, you’ll have a very difficult time finding an over-the-counter cream or product that contains sufficient amounts of antioxidants or copper peptides. NEOVA (ProCyte) has a patented copper product and delivery system that you will not find elsewhere. Please don’t lose hope. Your Retin-A will start to change the way your skin reproduces and the Elixir will help to nourish your skin. If you become red and stay that way for a few months, consider adding Relvale Intense Recovery Treatment either day or night.

Good Luck to you!

Dr. Bonnie

I was just prescribed Retin-A 0.01 yesterday by my doctor. I’m 25, I suffer from very oily skin, blackheads/whiteheads, acne and big pores….along with some very fine lines on my forehead and under my eyes. My doctor (GP) thought it would be good to start with the lowest strength gel and work up.

Now, my question is, because I am using this, what else should I be using in the morning and at night. I got some Spectro Jel cleanser and Cetaphil Daily moisturizer with SPF 50.

I keep reading about the importance of Anti-Oxidants, but also that over the counter creams may not have enough quality content in the mix. Are there any creams that you would recommend?

Also, how do you feel about copper-peptides? And if they work for firming the skin, what is a minimum % that I should look for?

Thank you SO very much!
Name withheld by request

While I do not know your age, if you are beginning to maintain fine lines you may be ready for a hint of Botox or Dysport. These lines are the result of continual muscle movement that is somewhat “automatic”. When done well, you will still be expressive, but will not maintain the lines. Fraxel Refine would help, but only for a very limited time (due to muscle movement) and mesotherapy, though around for quite some time, is quite unpredictable, and has had some not-so-good write ups including new infectious organisms caused by its delivery.

It is great that you take good care of your skin. It is the only one you get. Acids and retinoids help to keep the lines down also. Keep up the good work!

Dr. Bonnie

what do you recommend for slight appearance of fine lines on the forehead? Fraxel refine, carboxy or mesothetapy? I live abroad and wish to learn from your experience as a qualified doctor. Many therapist consider me blessed with good skin, partly genetic and because I take good care, never tan my face, just take my 15 min of sunshine that’s it:-)
thanks,
Joanna Saket