Thank you guys!

Hi all! I started tretinoin / retin-a about 8 weeks ago for the first time. I got my prescription from Curology specifically seeking tretinoin, which I told my doctor so he would be sure to prescribe it to me! Always tell them if you’re looking for a specific ingredient! 👩‍🔬What is tretinoin/Retin-A?  Tretinoin is a Retinoid; retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A (retinol, retinaldehyde, retinal, isotretinoin, adapalene are others.) Tretinoin’s intended and approved use is for acne, as it was created for acne treatment, but it is very often prescribed for anti aging and skin texture because through the decades of research, doctors found it was great for reducing wrinkles and large pores and repairing sun damage. Tretinoin increases cell turnover and exfoliates the top layers of our skin Decreases the shedding of dead skin cells into our pores + decreases inflammation It works much more deeply and much more effectively than its non-prescription counterparts, such as regular retinol Although strengths cannot be compared across the board, it has been observed that retinol is roughly 20 times less potent than tretinoin Decades of research confirm tretinoin as the holy grail, “gold-standard” in topical treatments for fighting acne + clogged pores, as well as smoothing out fine lines + wrinkles, reducing pigmentation from damage, and evening the skin texture Fun fact: retinol is roughly 20 times less potent than tretinoin 🙋‍♀️Who should use tretinoin? Tretinoin is suitable for most people; the only people who should be wary of it are those who have extremely sensitive skin, rosacea ❌Do not use tretinoin or any retinoids when pregnant or breastfeeding!❌ Dermatologists say that tretinoin is a great option for comedonal acne since it exfoliates + prevents plugging of the pores 💊Using/starting Tretinoin - tips from me + my dermatologist I’d recommend starting with tretinoin in a lotion/cream formula as it tends to be less harsh than the gel due to having soothing ingredients included in the formula. Curology has a cream formula that I absolutely love LOW + SLOW : start with a low dose (ask your doctor and give them your history) + go slowly with use. My derm recommended starting M W F of each week but do it less if you are experiencing too much irritation always follow instructions + advice from your dermatologist. With curology, I am able to send my provider messages and pictures with concerns and requests Simplify your routine! I did cut back to hydrating cleanser(s), hydrating toner or essence, thick moisturizer, my curology formula, + an oil on top to lock it all in. As your skin accustoms you will be able to slowly work those treatment products back in SPF ALWAYS🌞 I started tretinoin at 0.005% and upped to 0.01% after one month and I am seeing smoother skin and smaller pores, with very little purging. Pictures are from ordered from oldest to new except the first which compares starting with 8 weeks. XOXO GLOW RECIPE - Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm stratia - Velvet Cleansing Milk FIRST AID BEAUTY - Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner MIZON - Original Skin Energy, Peptide 500 PEACH & LILY - Glass Skin Refining Serum dear, klairs - Midnight Blue Calming Cream FIRST AID BEAUTY - Ultra Repair BarriAIR Cream Safe for Sensitive Skin HERBIVORE - Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a naturally-occurring chemical compound found in cannabis plants. It's one of the two primary active ingredients of cannabis, the other one being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike THC, pure CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it doesn't make you feel high. With healing properties, "cannabidiol offers some serious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits which can be beneficial in treating skin concerns like inflammation, dryness and free radical damage," says Ildi Pekar, NYC-based aesthetician. Research shows that CBD has the potential to decrease excess sebum (oil) production, possibly due to its balancing effect on the flow of skin’s oil. I have extremely sensitive and acne prone skin and using CBD products have really helped “calm down”. What I mean by that is my skin feels less puffy and less irritated. I have some redness on my face at times and CBD products really help soothe and take away the redness. My fav cbd product is HERBIVORE - Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil It’s the perfect lightweight oil that does a really good job at hydrating my skin and calming it. ✨I found all of my sources from the Internet!