retin-a...is it working?

[karlg]

ive only applied it twice, but i havnt experienced any redness, skin peeling, slight burning sensation or anything.

does this mean that its not getting absorbed? or will it take time before i notice these 'side effects'?

also how long should i leave it on for before washing? i was going to apply it half hour/hour before pplying my RU at night before bed. is this ok?

another thing, i noticed the dauber i used to apply it turned kinda dark blue/green first time i used it. is this normal? i got it from www.minoxidil.com.

 

[KeepTheHair]

yeah, I am interested in this as well.


I am going to use retin a very soon.

 

[MrBastard]

Just a quote from minoxidil.com
"Since retinoic acid is decomposed by strong light, it should only be applied at night."
In case you dident know... about it working, i got no idea.

I'm interesting in trying it myself and will start once or twice a week and gradually increase to every night as it is recomanded if i get it past the customs

 

[karlg]

It apears it was working, i applied it 2 days in a row and on the 3rd day everywhere ive applied it has started peeling, i think i will follow the advice on minoxidil about slowly upping the dosage as it felt like my head was on fire.

Still have no idea about the dauber turning green, tis very strange.

 

[fallout2rocks]

Quick Question: Can you obtain Retin-A over the counter in your local third world pharmacy? I understand most people buy it in solution form via online websites. However, I am based in Asia and I am curious if I am able to buy it over the counter?

Anyone? Does Retin-A go by a different name by any chance? (For example, Nizoral = Ketoshine = Ketoconazole, etc...) How many different type of forms does Retin-A come in? Do you prefer cream or solution?

 

[skallagrimur]

Quick Question: Can you obtain Retin-A over the counter in your local third world pharmacy? I understand most people buy it in solution form via online websites. However, I am based in Asia and I am curious if I am able to buy it over the counter?

Anyone? Does Retin-A go by a different name by any chance? (For example, Nizoral = Ketoshine = Ketoconazole, etc...) How many different type of forms does Retin-A come in? Do you prefer cream or solution?

Check this out out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tretinoin

It names a few of the brands that have tretinoin. Retina-A has %0.025 tretinoin in it. Keep in mind that some of the other brands have %0,05. I know that Aberela for example has %0,05 tretinoin.

 

[fallout2rocks]

Skalla: Much Thanks! I paid my pharmacist a visit this afternoon. Surprisingly, the Asian pharmacy does have it! I was able to find an off-label 0.1% version. I've also been warned by the pharmacist concerning the dosage percentage so I'll have to wait for him to procure the 0.05% version. Will post more info once I have the actual product on hand.

 

[fallout2rocks]

Just a quick update: I obtained Airol 0.05% and the 0.1% version from my pharmacy this last weekend. Anyone starting up, interested in doing a comparison model with me, please PM me, thanks

 

[merkur]

I just wanted to add my experience so far with retin-a...

I have been taking Accutane (a similar oral version of tretinoin) for acne off and on for many years now (started early in my 20s and did a few courses of it in my mid and late 20s, I'm now 30) and decided to give topical tretinoin a chance. I started my 5% minoxidil regime this past April 20th and have been steady with it since. A month or so into the minoxidil I added topical 0.05% retin-a and apply it at night before my minoxidil. I apply it all over my scalp (hair line, top, crown, back, etc). So far maybe only twice I can remember I have had peeling but nothing that a shower with Nizoral/Neutogena T-Gel couldn't fix.

Overall I would say if your skin can tolerate it, add it to your regimen. There are plenty of studies (do a search in the forum and on google for links) that state that retin-a alone has potential for hair growth (how successfull I don't know) and helps with the absorption of minoxidil (which is why I'm taking it).

Feel free to ask me questions if you have any.

 

[KeepTheHair]

Can't using both accutane and retin-a be harmful to your hair and cause them to fall out? I mean... I read something about that on Dr.lees site minoxidil.com and he says it's not a good idea to use both at the same time since it can cause hair loss actually.


Any thoughts on this?

 

[merkur]

KeepTheHair,

Initially I was taking accutane for my severe nodular acne. At my worst in highschool, my shoulders back and chest were covered. I never had acne on my face other than the usual teenage pimple on the forehead and nose and chin areas. I was worried about the accutane further accelerating my already rapid diffuse hairloss but the doctors I consulted with for acne said it would only be temporary.

I have read somewhere using pubmed that accutane can adversely affect hair because it inhibits biotinidase. That enzyme being involved with biotin which is necessary for hair growth. I would guess that is why doctors say that when you stop taking accutane your hair will recover since biotinidase will no longer be affected.


And yes, I would agree with your statement that taking accutane and retin-a would be strongly discouraged. I am not an advocate of such a regimen. I was taking a low dose 10mg accutane pill once or twice a week but haven't been on that medication since i started my minoxidil this past April. The addition of retin-a was months after I stopped the 10mg accutane. Hope that clears things up.