Posted by Spoc on March 31, 2005, at 14:52:38
In reply to Re: Strivectin? » Spoc, posted by rainbowbrite on March 31, 2005, at 13:25:20
> Wow Thanks Spoc!!
> I thought there was talk on those products not being safe but it sounds like no...cool!No, like many things in life, especially things as subjective as beauty products, of course you will hear a lot of opinions. That's why it's good to try to stick with things that also have fact behind them, and NOT just from the sometimes impressive-sounding "data" or research of the manufacturer!!!!!
It can be hard researching this stuff and knowing what is reliable, so I'll mention one site that is pretty easy to use, and if you're not too familiar with evaluating info that you get in ordinary Google type searches, will help keep you on track more than just doing that. It isn't totally unbiased because things are sold there, but it's better than most. The woman behind it has a scientific background I think (it says), and she comments on whether many products actually do anything permanent/worthwhile or not: cosmeticscop.com. Look at the Q&A on the main page, and also under Learn > Product Reviews.
>> So I should post this on that site but Im here so Ill ask you anyway lol- is it safe for me to use now, before I really get them...Im 28?
Oh for sure!!! The earlier you start, the better! Tretinoin is something we should use our entire lives. Some people are what's called retinoid intolerant, and these products will irritate their skin too much, but it isn't that common. Note that when you first begin, you'll probably suffer through flaking that at the least makes it hard to get makeup on right, but it's worth it.
You may hear some people say that they think it's bad because they "swear" it thins their skin, but that is... b.s. Also, it is true that a small percentage of people will get some tiny broken capillaries from it, but that's not common at all and actually can be fixed with a certain type of laser. Don't be scared by any of that, tretinoin is wayyyyy safe and documented, and we hear potential bad things about everything.
Note that you CAN use it, carefully, all the way to your lash lines and it will help immensely there (may take months). Many people don't know that or will argue it.
You have to be SUPER sure to use strong sunscreen if not block while using it, especially at first when using it daily.
Most of the raves lately seem to be about a formulation called Retin-A Micro, that is supposed to do just as much good with less flaking and irritation. But my very respected derm, and pharmacist, don't think it's necessary (costs even more). I use a generic .1% that costs about $40 per 20 gram tube.
Ohh! I am not good with numbers, I had my percentages wrong before. It's a strength of at least .05, but preferrably .1, that you want to use.
Another product that seems to be proven combines, I think, a retinoid with something else effective. It's called Avage. As far as the copper peptides, I really don't know what the bottom line on those is yet or if there is one. Last I paid attention in the fall, it looked like maybe it was going to end up ranking as credible. But, it causes a lot of irritation, puffiness and other not-fun things in almost everyone as they get used to it. Lest you've suffered reason not to, I say go with tretinoin (which is a retinoid, to add more terms to make your head spin but hopefully help you be familiar with lingo you'll see).
Hmmm, problem with you going to the sites I mention is that you may get overloaded with other ideas. I'd really recommend that to start with, you just call your derm or maybe even another doc you already have and ask for an rx for tretinoin. If you want to go for the gold, also mention the Obagi Nu Derm program, most derms are familiar with it. Or, as this is one of the main other products in that program, also ask for an rx of hydroquinone 4%. (Tell me if you talk to a derm and decide to do the Obagi program. Many sell it out of their offices -- it isn't available in the drugstore, but only the tretinoin part is rx. So anyway they may try to sell you the whole line but it isn't really necessary.)
You can also get any of this stuff online. It costs more that way, although you save a consult fee if you don't have a derm yet. But again, you have to be good at evaluating sites or you may get ripped off.
>>> BTW I suffer from rugaphobia..;-) I think I just made that up LOL
Right over my head! Sounds more like a fear of losing your hair, or growing too much of it! ;-)
>> HAHAHA But you are a fountain of information :-P
Ok fine then, I'll just abandon my goal of someday returning to being more than brain hemispheres sitting on a chair, and hang around here! ;-)
SShhhh! I wouldn't want to become known as the Larry Hoover of beauty products!
poster:Spoc
thread:477945
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050330/msgs/478205.html