It's Been a Weird Week lol

What would you have titled this vlog ???? Here are some of the contenders that almost made it:
"A Tale of a Broken Pinky"
"My Pinky is broken yet I can't stop gaming"
"GRWM and my # almost broken pinky"
"My face is peeling away"
.....LOL
Follow for more riveting content:
💕 IG: @allanaramaa bit.ly/3bweSCA
💕 TIKTOK: @allanaramaa bit.ly/3Pc9tS9
IN THE VIDEO:
Chanel Les Beiges B20 Foundation go.shopmy.us/p-531088
NYX Vanilla Bare with Me Concealer go.shopmy.us/p-466566
Westman Atelier Biscuit Contour go.shopmy.us/p-857447
Merit Mood blush go.shopmy.us/p-1205095
Rephr 04 Brush go.shopmy.us/p-469085
Nyx Nude Biege Lip Pencil go.shopmy.us/p-906526
Victoria Beckham Cherie Bitten Lip Tint go.shopmy.us/p-1205097
Benefit Clear Brow Gel go.shopmy.us/p-439900
Bobbi Brown Corrector Stick go.shopmy.us/p-755092
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base go.shopmy.us/p-725773
Benefit Porefessional Setting Spray go.shopmy.us/p-469070
Dior Miss Dior Fragrance go.shopmy.us/p-1205098
Raey dress go.shopmy.us/p-1205104
House of Dagmar Black Blazer go.shopmy.us/p-1164159
Melanie Auld Chain Necklace & Bracelet go.shopmy.us/p-1042114
*use code ALLANA for $$$ off
Costco Gold Earrings go.shopmy.us/p-1069354
David Yurman Cuff go.shopmy.us/p-1205113
Zara boots (old, but they come out with similar every year!)
YSL Messenger bag (old from 2018)
Keys Truly Becoming Serum go.shopmy.us/p-1205115
Keys Skin Transformation Cream go.shopmy.us/p-1205116
Keys Reviving Aura Mist go.shopmy.us/p-1205117
Ultra Violette Sunscreen go.shopmy.us/p-834109
Crop Shop Boutique Sports Bra go.shopmy.us/p-1205119
Music is from Epidemic Sound: allanalink.it/3EVYNmR
Edits by my future hubbi 2 be Dejan the Man Xx
This video is not sponsored and some links are affiliate links.*Staycation experience was gifted by Keys X Sephora

[@starship2235]

Meryl is a lady of mystery who will never reveal her true age. I love all her meows : )

[@amysteele1135]

Tretinoin pro tip(from RN), use aquaphore around eyes and lips before applying tret, it creates barrier so that you will not experience as much irritation ❤️

[@EEN63]

I love it when Meryl gets vocal! She can carry the entire conversation! 😍🥰😍

[@stephanietorres5679]

That cat is so talkative!! Bless her heart!!

[@juelclyne7392]

Happy Birthday Meryl. She’s the sweetest. Your skin looked amazing in the last segment with Meryl. Please don’t ever apologize for doing what is best for you Lan. Love you ❤to bits

[@nasaninrosado4819]

As a MUA, if I’m dealing with a client with flaking skin, I’ll exfoliate with a GENTLE liquid on a cotton round, mostly using the texture of the cotton round to exfoliate. The best liquid for this is the MAC Softening Liquid! Then, a good moisturizer, as you know. Also, you want to apply your products with a dense brush and only pat. No swiping, no circles. Finally, I wouldn’t draw on the face with products until the peeling is under control. Hope this helps!

[@hayleeframe9194]

happy gotcha day meryl! may your meows be ever loud and your adventures ever lengthy

[@violetviolet888]

14:00 Alanna: For all your flaking, use jojoba oil (which is closest to our sebum in molecule size) to apply to your skin, it will hide flaking, help your skin heal, and make it easier to apply product. Shaving skin + your tretinoin irritates it and will automatically cause flaking/exfoliation. Don't know what tool you're using, maybe use a different tool. For your tretinoin, you might consider "sandwiching" it. 1) Apply moisturizer first, wait 10 min 2) apply pea sized amount of tret, wait 10 min 3) apply moisturizer, wait 10 min 4) seal with jojoba oil. Done.

[@spicedfire]

I also peel like crazy with the 0.05%. I put it on top of my moisturizer and helps soooo much with the peeling and get the same results!

[@SyifaAdriana]

I also do the same some times, as diluting it with moisturizer makes it more bearable. However I also started with the 0.025% before changing to higher percentage. With 0.1% however, due to its potency, I find that Waleda skinfood is the only cream that works wonder with it. Xx😊

[@a_tots]

Yes, buffering really makes a difference

[@lidiyaz.7354]

same! i mix it with my moisturizer!

[@JacFash]

Yep, that's what my doc told me to do and I have gotten lucky and avoided peeling.

[@larissamaywilcox5072]

Yes! I heard it's called buffering. I mix mine with rosehip seed oil and almost never peel. If I do peel I go in with a light (5%) glycolic acid before makeup. Also wear your sunscreen!

[@ellahoward8455]

Thank you for the Meowryl update - I did it realise how much I missed her! - and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HER! 🎉

[@dianehutchinson9257]

Lan: How old are you, Meryl? Meryl: I'll never tell! Congrats on six years with the fur baby!❤️ And the retinoid peeling situation is rough but soool worth it!

[@a_tots]

We see the glow babe!!! 🤩 And happy Meryl anniversary! May she live long and loud! Meow!

[@bexski579]

I love the bootleg Retinol haha but also please don't forget to wear sunscreen every single if you use retinol (for everyone)!!!! You can really harm your skin if you don't wear sunscreen so gotta be religious about applying both!!

[@quadbox]

I've temporarily moved hemispheres so haven't had time for yt and I have either forgotten how stunning you are Lan or you have been living your best life and are absolutely glowing (besides the retinol a). Happy Gotcha day, Meryl! Meow meow. 🐾

[@ronni7167]

Happy Birthday Meryl. She’s so adorable. Love the bond you both share. ❤️❤️

[@meredithmacmillan8838]

I just bought that NYX concealer and it is SO GOOD! Wow it's been a while since I've been that impressed by a drugstore base product!

[@yvonnerahmes9618]

Oh my, congratulations on Merrill's birthday and 6 years together!!! She's beautiful, she's perfect, she's claimed you as much as you claim her as your daughter! I love Merrill, and I don't apologize :). Such a dutiful kitten. I am so sorry you had the pinky thing oh my! I have all my knuckles now just like that, I am turning into my beloved Italian grandmother, who is my "hero"- so I am not complaining :). Your skin/face looks stunning and beautiful, I think the tretanoin (?) is helping you, even as you must cope with the peeling. I will see a Derm soon, for aging stuff (I'm 66). I think playing the games can only be healthy and helpful, we all need escape and enjoyment in our lives. Your room looked lovely, I love to see your traveling (even close by) and rooms and get togethers! Thank you for a wonderful video, I truly enjoyed it all!

[@sweety31415]

Allana, in Thailand you can get the trentinoin without a prescription too. I've been using it for almost a year now and my skin had never been this clear and the texture is unreal. Also the peeling the first month is terrible. I also use it daily now because I built up a tolerance. As someone else said maybe start by putting a thin layer of moisturizer and letting it set for 20mins and then adding the trentinoin. After some time you'll be able to apply it directly and wait 20mins and put your moisturizer over it instead of under it. Happy trentinoin!

[@HelenaMadeleine]

I started using the Kiehls 0.5% retinol serum after using biotherms hydrating 0.25% for half a year and LET ME TELL YOU my face peeled for a week straight…. I did get a few breakouts which is super normal when starting on retinoids, so maybe that’s what you’re also experiencing. My skin is looking severely better though. I use a centella serum when my skin is extra sensitive in periods also❤️

[@DawnMGP56]

I'm soooo happy to see you, Lan!! You're looking spectacular, as always!! Happy Gotcha Day, to you both!! I'm very glad, your pinky finger is feeling better! I look forward to see your next video!! I can't wait for Spring either. 😉 Take care. ❤️

[@Juliaplanetearth]

Your makeup in the last scene is STUNNING. Routine please??

[@chereeriggs7671]

Oh my goodness u & Meryl chatting away is the most adorable thing I’ve seen lately. So cute, just 2 besties. U can tell how much she loves u🐱💖

[@11jacqueline11]

Great vlog! Thanks for sharing your skin care journey with us! ❤

[@ruthkrueger2264]

Ok, hearing about contraband skincare from Mexico was not what I expected today but I’m loving it! 😂 always so excited to see a new video alert 💙

[@lucigzz]

It's not contraband, just happens that in Mexico you can get it without prescription. 🤷🏼‍♀

[@laurengondos5508]

Definitely helps to put something like aquaphor around your lips and eyes to help prevent peeling! Can always use the sandwich method with moisturizer- that helped me a lot!

[@jackiereid1310]

You are such a refreshing personality on here. Thoroughly enjoy your videos - and any Meryl footage is just a bonus! :)

[@pinkstartwilight]

I’m still not over the new hair color! It looks so good!!

[@ruthkrueger2264]

Also re: retinol, I’m currently using Medik8’s Bakuchiol Peptides which I was recommended as a natural retinol alternative while pregnant. So far I’m really happy with it and my skin has been SO clear! I imagine it doesn’t have as many long-term benefits with wrinkles and such, but overall texture is looking smoother and the glow is real 👌🏻

[@lalucyinthesky1]

I’ve been using that same exact retin-a for years. Your face won’t fall off! It’s safe

[@joannacoham2712]

I’ve been using prescription tretinoin for like 5 years now and girl I could never go back to not using it! But yes the drying at the beginning is ROUGH but you just gotta push through and eventually your skin fully adjusts. Just keep moisturizing! I’m at the highest dose now and I use it every night! And my skin has never looked better!!

[@gabriellekent9977]

I just started tret a month ago as well and have been having amazing results. The best thing for peeling is to do the moisturizer sandwich! Moisturize below and over tret and that way you can use more than few times a week. My fave has been the FAB ultra repair it completely stops flaking in its tracks (which was me as well for first 2 weeks or so)

[@danthony7083]

I'm on Retin-A micro 0.04 and love it. I'm a year and a half in now, and even in this Canadian winter my skin is happy (now). When I started, for probably the first 8-10 months, my skin was so flaky with makeup on. One thing I found helpful, especially in winter, was sleeping with a humidifier on. I don't need it this year, but in my first year it made a huge difference!

[@shirleysanchez4360]

I bought the same retin A and it’s life changing! Try to use squalane with it and it’ll help with the peeling 😊

[@quinndiemer]

What type do you use? I feel like my chin has been peeling for a few days a week for months and I can’t seem to rid of it!

[@samanthaz341]

When I started prescription tretinoin it took awhile for my skin to acclimate. One thing my derm told me is to never use more than a pea sized amount of tretinoin since it is so powerful. It doesn’t seem like enough at first, but it totally is & makes the product last so much longer and less peeling! My skin doesn’t peel anymore when I used the correct amount. I also have found that my skin can’t tolerate a lot of other products or active ingredients but I don’t really need anything else because tretinoin is so awesome!

[@krystal6874]

Congrats on 6 wonderful years together! We love Meryl 🎉❤

[@jenniferdwilson1]

I have an Rx for the 0.025% strength tret gel .. gotta start low and slow. Literally 1x per week and build up from there. The peeling is REAL! Aquaphor is also a saviour when using topical retinoids. Keep at it!!! 😊

[@michellehitchener1849]

Try the Avene cicalfate scar gel in the morning and the restorative balm over the tretinoin. Helped me a tonne with the shedding 😊

[@Ver0nica437]

Happy birthday meryl 🥺😍💕 and another video that I love by you ❤

[@sahonynatasha8136]

patiently waiting for your spring style/outfits video 🥰

[@Lifebeyondsalad]

Love how honest you always are with us Lan ❤ appreciate you being our guinea pig 😂 😘

[@safausmani1375]

Try applying the tret on top of your moisturiser - it acts as a buffer, and helps a lot with the peeling

[@BrookeHarrington-yn8du]

Hi allana! I have super dry skin too and I have been on tret for about a year and a half now. I am up to using .1% every night now and some tips: I use two layers of moisturizer during the winter time. One gel moisturizer like a water cream and one super heavy cream. It has helped a lot! Also, if I don’t put on makeup until later in the day, I will take my makeup eraser cloth with water over my face to remove any peeling skin and redo my moisturizer and sunscreen. I feel your pinky pain. I sliced my pinky open a few years ago and I could not grip anything with it for months. It still feels numb on the scar. It is so weird how much your pinky adds to your grip strength!

[@aslbyweller]

Meryl is so sweet. I have used Retin A for years and never had peeling. I have heard some people say the tatcha overnight recovery helps with Retin usage. I use it when on my Retin A nights. Beautiful texture and feels so moisturizing.

[@cinthiac30]

You can put a barrier cream around the mouth area before putting the tret. Dr Idriss who has a KZbin channel (pillow talk derm) recommends that when you have sensitive areas.

[@erinleighpil]

I use la Roche posay's adapalene and it's been fantastic for skin texture, acne, and fine lines. My favorite thing about it is the texture:it sinks in with 0 stickiness

[@mahamsiddique1093]

Try using the la roche posay cicaplast balm with retinol. Works like a charm.

[@margomcbrearty3116]

Hey!! i use Tretinoin 0.025% and i’ve used it for a couple years now on and off but recently a new dermatologist told me if it is causing more sensitivity or dryness i can just mix it in with my moisturizer and i tried that and it definitely wasn’t as drying! Love the Vlogs always! ❤️

[@jordanchance2338]

I just started Tretinoin too! I got it through a teledoc appointment with an online company specifically for skincare, so I’m basically unsupervised as well lol. I’m using the .025 and peeling like crazy. Very ready for the glow to begin!

[@gosiakidd5646]

Happy anniversary to you and Meryl. She’s a treasure. And her sweet talking makes me smile. I’ve a chatty, joyous ginger boy Larry who I also adopted and he was thought to have been 2 in 2013 so he’s going to be a 12yo mature lad this year. On the tretinoin topic, glad Retin-A is working for you. It didn’t work for me. However, nearly after a year of using the oral tretinoin my skin took to it magically and instantly cleared up - yep, no purging at all. And the texture…mmmm, as if I haven’t had acne for 30odd years. Noble prize for those that discovered the vit A treatment success.

[@roxanneotto]

I’ve been using tretinoin for 3 years now. It’s amazing and I’ve had dermatologists tell me that every woman over 35 should be using it. Good for you for buying it in Mexico! I was just there and wish I would have known. I’m very lucky on the sensitivity, I’m able to use a pea sized amount every day. I will also say this - don’t forget the neck! I also put it on my hands a couple times a week. It’s not just the face that needs to look young 😉

[@aaairotcivvv]

My dermatologist recommended I put my tretinoin on top of my moisturizer as a last step. It helps if you have sensitive skin and if you’re getting really dry -still just as effective! Also the Laneige Cream Skin Mist has helped with my dryness SO MUCH. It’s the only thing that’s worked on me.

[@teresawilliams1201]

Happy anniversary and glad the little finger is on the mend

[@joanneblakely2498]

Happy Anniversary Allana and Meryl. Great vlog.

[@tonii2019]

I’ve been using that same exact retin-a for years now and it has been GREAT. I don’t use it year round though. I usually use this retin-a or any other active product once or twice a year for a skin revamp. 👍

[@S.E.01]

I love your enthusiasm and energy

[@swolfhopeful]

I just started tretinoin too! I’ve used it before and it caused really bad dry skin and peeling so my dermatologist gave a few tips. Wait 20 minutes after washing your face to apply it in order to let your skin dry, it absorbes more on wet skin and can cause irritation. I’ve also been applying a hydrating serum first and letting that dry then applying the tretinoin, both have helped so much with the irritation!

[@hessas8727]

Love you and appreciate you so much for posting a half hour vlog🥹🥹 you’re the best🤍

[@n36style]

My husband is playing Hogwarts Legacy and yes, it’s called an RPG 😅 I can attest to its addictive nature 😂 I don’t think that’s harmful to the brain though. Scrolling through social media is passive while gaming is more active and exercise to your brain. I hope that could help with the guilt of not reading as much 😄

[@jocelynsloan7801]

LOL YEAH we can see the pinky difference. 😅 Ouch!! 😢 any injury that’s finger related is the WORST!

[@beautywithkat]

sandwich method is so great! light moisturizer -> retina -> moisturizer

[@betsybeetz]

Omg please document your skin journey!!!

[@lacy6081]

Love my tret. I had to start slow and also avoid the chin area. Now I use every night after moisturizer and it works great.

[@juliam.9596]

I love Meryl so much, she's the cutest little meow

[@meaganevoy]

Your skin does look absolutely radiant! And Meryl, you young kitten, you look radiant too! 😂

[@iheartcleveland216]

Happy Six Year Anniversary, Allana & Meryl❣

[@tiffanycarroll3951]

If the peeling doesn’t get better or when you need a refill, I’ve had a great experience with the Agency. It’s an online Derm that gives you a custom tret formula at different percentages just for you. If they don’t ship in Canada there might be a Canadian company that does it. Good luck!

[@suepickering3181]

I live in Australia & I have been using an online prescription Trentinoin for nearly 2 years & love it. It’s great that you are starting on a low dose. You can use the sandwich method. Might help with the peeling. I wish I had started using it at your age 🥰

[@essie3714]

Your hair is looking amazing👏🏻

[@jessicab6305]

I use tretinoin. I would recommend buying 0.025%, instead of 0.05% and then you can probably use a pea size amount every other day with no peeling (or at least a lot less). Also I would NOT use a toner before applying tretinoin, it increases the effectiveness and apply a nice moisturizer over the light layer of tretinoin. Hope that helps!

[@dawndavis5410]

Tretinoin is a game changer in skincare!! I’ve been using .05 for years and I love the results.

[@jessicalumley1402]

Some tips that have helped with my tret peeling: don’t put it on until your face is completely dry, sandwich your tret with moisturizer and don’t use any other actives or exfoliates at the same time. I also put a hydrating mask on the morning after I use tret before I put on my makeup. Hope that helps!

[@mackenziecarlson1429]

Meryl melts my heart! 💜

[@MariaLopez-rc5es]

Lovely to see your beautiful cat! ❤❤ thank you.

[@ToNtOn012]

Your makeup is soooo gorgeous when you were talking about tretinoin. Would you be able to do a tutorial? I’m thinking of doing it as my bridal look!!

[@celinamagana6249]

I thought you looked lovely without foundation btw! I was loving the look!

[@TheHoodedLid]

Delighted you're using Tretin-A (I wish I started much younger!). I never went through a peeling stage because I always buffer. Most people say to apply to clean, dry skin. However, my skin is sensitive, so I first do essences, a niacinamide serum (a great partner with TretinA), other serums, and only then a mix a pea sized (same amount as you would apply to clean dry skin) in my hand with a light, almost watery moisturizer - mix the two together very well and then apply to face. I've been using for two years, every other day, and still buffer most of the time. Give it a try, you might find that you will peel less or not at all. I use the lowest strength available (I think yours might be higher) - I think it's great you're starting with just twice a week (and you may want to stay there for six months or more) there's no reason to rush into Tret, it's all about the long game and the less irritation, the more likely you'll stick with it! Good luck!

[@cortneydampier4950]

I’m also going through the tret peelies and my eyelids ALWAYS peel. I asked my doctor about it and she said it will migrate onto your eyelids and it’s very common. What’s helped me is BEFORE applying tret I will put Aquaphor on my eyelids - haven’t had a problem since. Additionally - prepping my skin with the skin fix triple peptide cream has made it so my peelies stay at bay under makeup for a few hours!

[@melanie-1027]

Tret has been amazing for my skin. I always put a good layer of eye cream on first and keep the active away from my eyes. I don't have super sensitive skin but when I first started using it I would put my moisturizer on first and let it sink in before going in with the tretinoin.

[@mrsjessicastamm]

Using the weleda skin food as a moisturizer saved my skin after starting tret!

[@blamecanada20]

I’m glad the retinal is helping you. I’ve been on a Rx 15% azelaic acid for over a year. It’s made such a difference in my rosacea skin. But I still peel a lot. I wanted to say that Mac face and body is really great for not showing all the peel. Salt New York sneaky balm is always wonderful for this. I also moisture sandwich. So I put a layer of moisturizer on after all my skincare, then I use my Rx, then a another layer of moisturizer. It’s kinda like slugging I guess. I also do like 3-5 layers of a hydrating toner at the beginning of my skincare routine. It’s called the 7 skin method. This one’s really helped with dehydration in my skin. Just pile it on so your skin can drink it up. ❤❤

[@LindseyN1223]

In all the years I’ve followed you, I’ve never felt more seen than your video game tangent 😂 I only play video games on easy/story mode because ya girl ain’t playing to be stressed!

[@HChihachi]

I also bought some in Mexico last month, I’ve been using it too and it’s a little drying but oddly less so than when I was using the Shari Darden retinol

[@lorevanvliet6256]

Here she is again .. making my laugh every time! HAHA the armpit massage ..

[@carlicopeland-pp4ef]

I have been using retina for about 7 years. It’s done wonders for my skin and honestly I don’t have a single deep set wrinkle at 40 and my skin is glowing, always! It truly is a wonderful product but it changed my relationship with makeup, a lot. Even 7 years i always have dry patches somewhere, the flaking stopped maybe year 3 but the dryness never does away. I just can’t really wear makeup anymore. Patches that don’t show without anything on immediately show with makeup. I wear a light coverage tinted moisturizer now and that’s it, my skin has never really looked good with heavier makeup on since starting. Honestly, my skin looks so good I don’t need anything more then light coverage.

[@lindaablitz2227]

I’ve used Retin A for 25 years I’m 72 and have very very good skin I think number one treatment but you have to start slow it’s a process

[@ohheyyola5416]

You look lovely w no base makeup! Tret is a blessing if you figure out how to work around the flaking. I find doing my skincare routine then letting it dry/set in then applying tret saves me.

[@lindatrinh11]

Happy birthday to Meowryl. I love how vocal she was. Your skin is radiant. I need to start using retinol/actives but so scared cause I have dry sensitive skin that already peels without actives

[@ashleyjohnson3663]

Not all screentime is the same! Choosing to spend time playing a game that brings you delight is very different from passively scrolling TikTok. Also, books aren’t inherently better than video games! Be nice to yourself out there, people! Get your joy!

[@orangeucute579]

I never went to the dermatologist for my prescription tret either, I use Curology. I don't know if they have that in Canada but it's been perfect for slowly bumping up my strength. Also, I don't know what tips you are using, but I like to in the winter use a thin moisturizer under the Retin A to create a little barrier, and then top it with a heavier cream. I feel like that helps my dry skin. I think someone else mentioned that La Roche Posay and Avene both have a cicaplast moisturizer and they work magic!

[@irelandbrianna1649]

The “She went right in my armpit” bit sent me😂

[@jessical6605]

I used to use tretioin for cystic acne and it was great and I only stopped when I changed doctors. I don't get those breakouts anymore but you've inspired me to get a new prescription for my texture since your skin is glowing! The otc ones aren't the same. The initial peeling doesn't last but I had to be super super careful in the sun because I would burn more easily. Would you share your full skincare routine including moisturizer and spf? Thank you for sharing!

[@joannej7880]

I use retin A as well and I make sure not to use it around my eyes or lips (like the immediate surrounding area near the corners of your lip or right under) since my derm told me that area is most sensitive and may always peel. For chin, I just make sure to moisturize and cover the jawline without getting too close to the oral area.

[@Farmlifeglam]

Off to Mexico!!! 😂 We get a lot of “stuff” down there. My extended family gets all of their dental work done in Mexico as well.

[@VictoriaBC610]

Mexico is definitely more "chill" when it comes to prescription stuff. As in, what might be prescription ONLY in Canada/US, they have it over the counter🤷‍♀👍 And also, in BC we have "Telus health", which is great for those of us, who have no family doctors AND you can get an appointment that works for you and in the comfort of your own home! :)

[@aananya26]

I’m literally using the same retina from Mexico too 😂 it’s been more than a month now and still peeling away lol I’m trying the sandwhich method which helped.

[@stepherssays]

I get my tretinoin in Mexico too, along with azelaic acid. Mex is a 30 minute drive from me. I love it. My skin has improved so much!!

[@shelbychocolate]

I peeled so bad with retinol but stuck it out for about 3 months and then one day my skin just was ok with it. Now I can do higher doses of retinol. It’s annoying but once your skin gets use to it, the benefits outweigh the month of peeling

[@morganonawhim]

This may have already been commented, but the peeling will eventually stop with the Tretinoin if you stay consistent. I've used it for years, I'm up to .1% every day and I don't have issues with peeling. It's amazing for sure, glad you were able to get your hands on it. I'm not sure if insurance covers the cost in Canada but getting it in Mexico is for sure cheaper than paying out of pocket here in the US where most insurance won't cover it. PS- you started using it exactly how a Dr would tell you to (or at least how mine told me)... sparingly once or twice a week until your skin adjusts. You can start using it more frequently once your skin feels ready if you feel like it'd benefit at all.

[@melissabridge5687]

Funny enough.. most countries except Canada, America , England sell Tretinoin over the counter. I’m American. I have been on .025 Tretinoin since July. My derm will bump me up to .050in May. Slow and steady is the way to go. The peeling will aventually subsides. I use it 5 times a night. And put a ton of moisturizer on before I apply it. ( it helps with peeling) the nights I don’t use it I slug my face with laroche posay cicoplast balm b5. Moisture is key to successful Tretinoin use.And make sure you use plenty of SPF!

[@shorty06111]

Put thick moisturizer around eyes and mouth before putting on retinol. This will help reduce the mouth and eye peeling. Also make sure you use the tiniest amount of retinol to spread on your face.