Tretinoin Cream 0.025% and Sun

[Cemgirl]

I live in the south and avoid the sun as much as possible. However, I do have to go into the sun (of course with sunscreen).. yard work, picnics, pool sometimes,etc. I wish I could live a vampire life like my esthetician commands- - impossible!  I wear sunscreen everyday and all the time. I use Tretinoin every other night to assist with some sun damage. Should I discontinue using Tretinoin cream in the summer? Will the use cause more sun damage even with sunscreen?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Tretinoin makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Hence, it is advisable that if you re using tretinoin ,you need to use sunscreen protection in and out of the house .Tretinoin helps delay sun damage however, it has been shown to be less effective in reverting already damaged skin or severely sun damaged skin. Thus, you may discuss this with your physician.

Was tretinoin prescribed by your doctor?
What was the indication for the medication?
Are you having severe acne?

Your dermatologist/ prescriber will know best and will help modify the medications for you. I would not suggest that you discontinue it without informing your physician first.

[Cemgirl]

Hi
I have been going to a licensed esthetician for about a 1 yr and 1/2 to reverse some mild sun damage on my forehead and around side of face. (A dermatologist signs off on the script once esthetician completes eval.)

My esthetician said my face looked like I'd had been in the sun and had worsened. I have been borderline obsessive about sunscreen and staying out of the sun. However, I'm not going to obsess to the point of not doing yard work and living my life. I wear a hat and sunscreen but if the tretinoin will increase the possibility of sun damage, I would rather just not use and just maintain what I have. I'm 38 but people say I look late 20's so I must be doing something right even though my esthetician basically told me I look like ****. It was very disconcerting considering all the energy I have put into my face/skin.

This is my regiment:
I use Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser (1) - For Normal/Dry Skin morning
and night.
I use Obagi 35 sunscreen in the morning and Tretinoin Cream 0.025%
every other night.

Thank you for your insight.