STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

nicoley · Coach

Had enough of my Face

member · Hermes

Is there anyway you could just call your dermatologist and ask him/her what to use or do? I know last winter, when I started some new face medication, my skin got really dry and I just called him. He was happy to tell me over the phone that I could use Cetaphil moisterizer on my face. Give them a call and see!

NCshopper · Hermes

I'd start using the Retin-A every other night instead of every night, especially during the winter. That's helped me a lot. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water and cut back on any exfoliator you may be using (you probably don't need one since you're on Retin-A).

I'd also recommend trying a humidifier for your room. That could probably help a lot.

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

Have you tried Philosophy's Oxygen Peel? I've been using a 10% BPO with sulfur and it's really cleared up my skin but after about four straight days of use I start to get really dry and flakey. I bought the oxygen peel and it's amazing. It totally restores moisture to my skin and leaves it really soft and smooth. I've posted about it before and other girls also said that they really liked it. It's kind of a pain to use but it's totally worth it. There are only 7 reviews on Makeup Alley but most reviewers loved it.

mikacat · Coach

i would go to every other day with the retin a, make sure your face is dry (apply about 30 minutes after washing) and do the things everyone suggested, the h20, humidifier, etc.

alb · Marc Jacobs

You got some great suggestions here but I'll add another one:

This is going to sound weird and kinda gross, but I used to use Retin A and struggled with dry peeling skin and this worked wonders for me. My derm that prescribed the retin a told me to do this btw. First, you should only be using about a pea sized portion of retin a for the entire face--any more than that is probably too much IMO. Second, to keep your skin from being irritated by the retin a--mix it with an equal portion (pea size) of vaseline. i know it sounds gross and it's greasy and all, but your face will not break out! it makes the retin a so much more tolerable and doesn't interfere with it's effectiveness at all. seriously, it totally solved the dry flaky red skin problem for me. a lot of ppl have discovered vaseline for really dry skin--it does not clog your pores like you would think. i haven't used retin a in awhile but i still will put a small amount of vaseline on my face before bed in the winter if my skin gets really chapped. best beauty trick i ever learned!

Seashells · Dooney & Bourke

I know this sounds coutnerintuitive, but it absolutely works! I promise.

You need to use toner in your routine. It helps get rid of any excess soap and skin cells that your cleanser left behind. It can be a mild toner that has no alcohol.

I never get flaky skin when I use toner. But if I skip toner a couple of days I get the flakes again.

I have used this with Retin-A also, so it def. works!

Let me know if it works for you

nicoley · Coach

Wow ladies... thanks for all the great ideas, you really helped me out!... I am definitely going to try them out and will let you know how it works out