Talk to me about Retin-a

[Anonymous]

I'm almost 40, fair with decent skin in terms of wrinkles but some discoloration from sunspots and hormonal stuff from kids. I'm officially done with being pregnant or trying to get pregnant so ready to try retin-a. If you've used it- how long did it take to see some results, does it help with pore size, did your skin look awful for a period of time before it got better? I don't have any acne but the reviews online scared me a bit since people said they broke out in horrible pimples. What kind of thick moisturizer do you use? What level of sunscreen do I need? I'll ask the doc too of course but hoping to get it from my primary care doc since our insurance is changing to an HMO and I don't think they'll approve a derm visit. Anything else I should know? I want to try this before moving onto botox or lasers or other more expensive stuff!

[Anonymous]

Someone has posted a,link before to a site that supposedly sells the prescription-grade stuff. You could try searching the forum for it. I don't have any experience with the site.

[Anonymous]

Anyone know if there is anywhere to get Renova without a prescription?

[Anonymous]

It takes a couple of weeks to see real results. I don't use a thick moisturizer--I layer a moisturizing serum and a light moisturizer with sunscreen (usually SPF 30). Many people experience a short period (up to six weeks or so) of dryness/flaking, or even breaking out, but I didn't find it that bad. It helps to start with a lower concentration and build up if necessary. It can also help to start with every-other-day application. A tube is not cheap, but lasts a long time because you only use a pea-sized amount. Always apply at night.

I combine it with a salicylic acid exfoliant in the morning, and my skin looks great. Does a good job of eliminating sun spots, keeps pores clear, keeps skin smooth.

[Anonymous]

Thanks 11:25. What product do you use in the am?

[Anonymous]

Just fyi, many insurance plans will not cover retin A or its generic version if the patient is over a certain age (around 30).

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I figured I'd pay out of pocket but it's cheaper than injections

[Anonymous]

It is a magical potion. I used it from age 17 to 37 and never looked a day over 27. My skin was so smooth. (Birth control helped too.) Then I stopped while trying to have a baby and boy did my face go downhill in the last few years. Now I'm back on it and seeing improvement after a couple of months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know if there is anywhere to get Renova without a prescription?

Mexico

[Anonymous]

I just bought tretinoin (generic Retin-A) after not filling the RX for years, b/c I found a coupon to cover a significant part of the rx online. My insurance wouldn't pay for it at all b/c they consider it cosmetic, and my doc wasn't going to argue that it wasn't. Anyway, with the coupon, I was able to get it for less than $60, instead of hundreds.

https://m.goodrx.com/tretinoin

I've been ignoring the annoying "goodrx" commercials on tv, b'c I'm not a fan of drug companies keeping prices artificially high and discounting through coupons. However, I do have chronic medical issues, and I've now used the site a coupon times and been able to purchase medicine I probably otherwise would have ruled out due to expense. Unfortunately, the site is worth checking out. Make sure you input the correct dosage before you complete the info. -- Tip to save paper, I never print out the cards I just take a photo of them with my cell phone and then show it to the pharmacist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks 11:25. What product do you use in the am?

Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength 2%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just fyi, many insurance plans will not cover retin A or its generic version if the patient is over a certain age (around 30).

Huh. Mine is covered (I'm 40), because it's prescribed for acne and not wrinkles. I don't know any plan that will cover it for wrinkles.

[Anonymous]

I have heard alldaychemist.com referenced in DCUM threads as a decently reputable source for retin-A. Has anyone used? For me it is not just the cost, but the PITA of having to find a derm and scheduling appmt etc. A scam for the prescription creams.

[Anonymous]

You can get a script at Minute Clinics which is easier than finder a derm and making an appointment for six months from now.

[Anonymous]

What strength do you use?