Tips for avoiding irritation from your topical retinoid.

Although topical retinoid medications are the mainstay of treatment for acne, they often get a bad rap because of the irritation and peeling they can cause.  The different types of prescription topical retinoids, include e.g. tretinoin (brand names: Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova), tazarotene (brand name: Tazorac) and adapalene (brand name: Differin and Epiduo).

Here are some types to minimize your risk of irritation when using these products.

• Always use just a pea size amount of medication for the entire face.  Spot treating can cause us to use too much medication which leads to irritation
• Make sure to use the medication at night time
• Mix the medication with a moisturizer such as *Ultra Sheer from SkinMedica or *Dermal Repair also made my SkinMedica
• Make sure to stop your topical medications for 3-5 days prior to having any facial waxing or threading
• If still irritated decrease use to every other night
• For mature skin or when using retinol to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, it is best to use a product e.g. (*Retinol Complex from Skin Medica )that has a  unique patented MICROSPONGE® delivery system which provides gradual release of retinol over time to reduce irritation that is more commonly associated with prescription retinoids.

If you have tried all of the above and irritation still persists, it is best to call your health care provider.

* To find out more about the recommended products above please visit us at www.floridaskincenter.com