Got tretinoin from an online derm, here's how it's going

Couldn't get a dermatologist appointment for 5 months, so I tried one of those online subscription services. Filled out a questionnaire, sent selfies, got a custom bottle with tretinoin in it 2 weeks later.

I'm 3 weeks in. Things I've learned: tret is no joke, my chin is peeling like a lizard, and I'm breaking out more than before. Is this the famous "purge"?

Probably the purge! It's normal for the first 4-8 weeks, and it should be in places you usually break out. If it's new places or really painful, check with them.

kitstorm wrote:Probably the purge! It's normal for the first 4-8 weeks, and it should be in places you usually break out. If it's new places or really painful, check with them.

it's the usual spots, chin and jaw. ok. holding on

the lizard chin phase. I remember it well. moisturizer before AND after the tret (the 'sandwich method') saved me

Start every 3rd night if you aren't already, then go up slowly. I went every night from day 1 because I was impatient and my face looked sunburned for a month.

Sunscreen every day, even if you don't go out much. Tret makes you much more sensitive to the sun. Not optional.

plasma_frags wrote:Sunscreen every day, even if you don't go out much. Tret makes you much more sensitive to the sun. Not optional.

I wear it every day but I'll be honest, I skip it on weekends when I'm just gaming at home. Fixing that

@natkat UVA goes through windows, so if your desk is by a window it counts!

3 months in. The purge is over. My skin is smoother than it's been in years and the marks on my jaw are fading. The sandwich method and the every 3rd night thing made a huge difference. Thank you all.

@natkat congrats on graduating from lizard