BellaSugar

10 Important Things to Know About Retinoids

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:00:07 PDT

Retinoids have been used for decades, but oddly, they don't get much buzz. These underpraised and often overlooked topical treatments could help your skin in more ways than one, though. Not only do they effectively treat acne by unclogging pores, they can also slow signs of aging while keeping your complexion healthier. Retinoids - including drugs like tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene - are topical forms of vitamin A, and they're available only by prescription.

The good news is that retinoid medications can work wonders for your complexion. Unlike over-the-counter treatments, though, they require a little more attention. To find out what you need to know before considering retinoids like Retin-A, Tazorac, and Differin, just keep reading.

The Differin Diaries: Month Two

BellaSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 07:00:00 PDT

Welcome back to my "diary" of my experience being on Differin. The first installment explains what Differin is-essentially, a topical retinoid used to clear up acne. It's available only by prescription, so if you're interested in it, see a dermatologist. And as always, this is just my experience; everyone's skin is different, and only a doctor can work with you to see which treatment is best.

Now that I've been on Differin (and Klaron, an antibacterial lotion) for a little over two months, I'm definitely seeing an improvement in my complexion. At first, there was some peeling, but it wasn't painful or red. That's stopped, and now my forehead and nose are almost completely clear. Although I still have a tiny bit of congestion around the hairline, it's minimal, and I haven't had a horrifyingly large pimple there in at least a month.

To find out where Differin isn't doing wonders,

read more The only problem spot that remains is my chinny-chin-chin. It's not that Differin doesn't have an effect; it does. The blemishes sprout faster than they did pre-Differin; I'll feel one coming on in the morning, and by the time I go home after work, there it is in its pustulent glory. So I guess that's a good thing, since the zits rise and fall quickly. Additionally, when I do have a clogged pore, it clears up with just the lightest touch of pressure. Still, it's frustrating that while the rest of my face is mostly clear and healthy-looking, the chin is like a little oil field. Part of the problem is due to hormones, I'm sure. And I could probably be more consistent with my exfoliation schedule. I'm going to remember to exfoliate the chin every other day, and maybe this will improve things. Plus, I've been using my Zeno Pro in hopes that it will help kill some of the acne bacteria. I'll give it some more time and let you know how it goes.

The Differin Diaries: Month One

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:02:17 PDT

To paraphrase Dr. Vail Reese, people who escaped acne in their teenage years are more likely to experience it in their 20s. I'm definitely in this camp, unfortunately, and I know a lot of you are, too. I recently started a prescription plan to clear up my skin, and I thought you might be interested in following the progress. (Of course, everyone's skin is different, and if you're thinking of prescription medicine, you should definitely see your doctor. My experience isn't necessarily what yours might be.)

I don't have terrible skin, but this summer I developed some problems that weren't going away: some clogged pores on my forehead, sore cystic acne on my chin, and blackheads on my nose. I went to see my dermatologist, who prescribed Differin 0.1% cream for the evening, and Klaron lotion for the morning. To find out how the first month has gone,

read more I was happy that my dermatologist prescribed Differin, because when I tried Retin-A Micro a few years ago, it was very rough on my skin. Differin, like Retin-A Micro, is a retinoid, so it accelerates cell turnover while acting as an anti-inflammatory. To use it, I wash my face, wait 30 minutes, then apply a pea-sized amount to my face. Because retinoids can be drying, I followed the Differin application with Lush Skin Drink, a somewhat heavy moisturizer. (It doesn't smell so good, but you win some, you lose some.) In the mornings, I apply a few drops of Klaron before putting on my sunblock. The idea is that Differin will exfoliate my skin and regulate the pores, while the Klaron fights bacteria. I'm a little more than a month into this regimen, and it's been surprisingly gentle. These products do dry my skin out a little bit, but in a way that makes my skin feel tight-not red or flaky at all. The exciting thing is that my blemishes are quickly rising to the surface. I knew that the first eight weeks could accelerate pimples that were lurking deep in the skin, and occasionally I wake up with a pretty gross one (like, uh, today). The good news is that as quickly as these zits develop, they go away... and they don't come back. I don't yet have a flawless complexion, but I'm seeing an improvement. As time progresses, I'll let you know whether my skin does as well.

All of Your Most Common Acne Questions - Answered!

Jaime Richards — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:07:11 PDT

While 80 percent of teenagers will experience acne at some point or another, it's not uncommon for the condition to afflict women well into adulthood. "The good news is that we have really great treatments, and nobody has to suffer with it," says Dr. Linda Stein Gold, director of dermatology clinical research at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.

That's why I asked Dr. Stein Gold some of the more pressing acne questions: all the things you want to talk to your dermatologist while you're visiting his office, but either don't have the time to fit in or simply forget to inquire about. So to see Dr. Stein Gold's top acne advice, just keep reading.