Two weeks of no important personal engagements is NOT long enough to take one’s self through the highly challenging, ‘peeling like a snake’ on Retin A process. I’m sure not everyone experiences the same thing but even with a 3 day break and moving back to the .04% I am leaving my DNA everywhere I turn. I do feel like a bit of a failure but I have to stop, let the flaking finish and when I have another space in time when I can stand to look like this, I will begin again with only the .04% this time. I’ll keep you posted.

Marlee Davis, AntiAging Medical & Laser Clinic Staff.

Okay I admit, I couldn’t stand it anymore and I probably should have started with the Retin A .04% instead of .1%. Lesson #1 — when it comes to trying to create changes in ones’ skin, going at it too fast and using products that are too strong is not always the best move. Patience is key and produces the least amount of side effects. I began developing a reaction at the corners of my mouth and around my nostrils that somewhat resembled pirate ship scurvy: red, peeling, sore, not attractive on any level. So Days 5, 6 and 7 were a Retin A holiday. I’ll begin again tonight with a lower strength.

Marlee Davis, AntiAging Medical & Laser Clinic Staff.

Pink, itchy, flaky…not my best look. Switched to a heavier day moisturizer and of course, sunblock. I prefer Jan Marini’s antioxidant daily face protectant 30 SPF. It’s waterproof yet it’s not greasy and it actually smells nice.

Tonight when I washed my face I used some cleasnser on a face cloth and in gentle circles went around my face, lightly helping lift some of the dead skin. I’m not a huge fan of scrubs so I find that the face cloth is just enough of a push without being too harsh. My skin felt a little sore as I was putting the Retin A on afterward. I may consider taking a night off from it tomorrow. Being someone who likes big results fast, this is not an easy decision for me.

Marlee Davis, AntiAging Medical & Laser Clinic Staff.

Last night I washed my face with a gentle cleanser, made sure it was completely dry and used a pea-sized amount of Retin – A Micro Gel all over.

I put it as close to the eye area as possible (within reason) avoiding my eyebrows…no need to peel them I’ve lost enough of them from over- plucking in the 1980’s.

I put a light moisturizer on top as my skin tends to be dry anyway.

I didn’t have any tingling and this morning and in fact my skin looked slightly plumper…is that possible?

We’ve only just begun, stay tuned.

Anne David, AntiAging Medical & Laser Clinic Staff

Is it time for Retin A?

My skin feels a bit looser. My pores are enlarging and although most people would say I look pretty good for my age, I can tell that things are changing. I have tried sticking with a trial of Retin A before but haven’t been able to last through the redness and peeling long enough to notice any difference…other than “thank goodness that’s over!”

Why bother you say? Because Retin A is a topical cream that has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles, remove fine lines and generally improve the skin’s condition and appearance. That is really all you need to know…except if you are thinking of getting pregnant…don’t use it.

I have seen huge improvements in the skin quality of many of my clients and have stumbled upon at least one 83 year old who looked like she could be my younger sister and the one common denominator? Retin A.

So I’ll start tonight with .1% Retin A Micro. If I’d never tried it before or wasn’t already using a retinol based cream 3 nights a week I would first go through a course of .04%. I’ll let you know if this turns out to be my first mistake.

Marlee Davis, AntiAging Medical & Laser Clinic Staff.