Hi everyone,

I love reading everyone's opinions, so here's my new dilemna - since I've been using the Neutrogena Healthy skin retinol product, I've developed acne on my forehead.

To give some background:  I'm an ORNW, I use Clean and Clear Morning burst cleanser, Oil of Olay Compete Moisturizer SPF 15, Bobbi Brown Make-up, Dove Nightime Moistuizer, and Arbonne Eye Cream, and the Neutrogena Healthy Skin retinol.

The only 2 new products are the Clean and Clear and the Neutrogena Retinol.  I was already using some recomended products - BB make-up and Dove Nightime Moisturizer.  A daytime moisturizer is not recommended for my type, but I've never had a problem w/ Oil of Olay moisturizer and like that it has SPF and I hate to throw away full bottles of stuff.

I started the non-prescription recommendations about a month ago.  I used the C&C and the Neutrogena for about 2 weeks with no problems.  I've used the Neutrogena retinol every night since starting.  I know you're supposed to ease into it, but apparently I'm very resistant b/c I never got red or flaky.  Then about a week and a half ago I started getting pimples on my forehead.  They're not whiteheads, but are bumps on my forehead and if I do mess with them (trying hard not to) they do get red and irritated.

I've never had acne problems in the past, even as a teenager.  I get the occasional pimple, but it's not a huge problem.  A few products in the past have made me break out but very few.

I read the book and started the recommendations to begin an anti-aging regimen (I'm almost 31).  I was really happy the first couple of weeks, but now just stunned that something is going wrong.  So what's happening - is the retinol purging a bunch of junk that's been hiding in my forehead?  Should I quit using the Neutrogena? 

Ideas ladies???

Hi everyone,

I love reading everyone's opinions, so here's my new dilemna - since I've been using the Neutrogena Healthy skin retinol product, I've developed acne on my forehead.

To give some background:  I'm an ORNW, I use Clean and Clear Morning burst cleanser, Oil of Olay Compete Moisturizer SPF 15, Bobbi Brown Make-up, Dove Nightime Moistuizer, and Arbonne Eye Cream, and the Neutrogena Healthy Skin retinol.

The only 2 new products are the Clean and Clear and the Neutrogena Retinol.  I was already using some recomended products - BB make-up and Dove Nightime Moisturizer.  A daytime moisturizer is not recommended for my type, but I've never had a problem w/ Oil of Olay moisturizer and like that it has SPF and I hate to throw away full bottles of stuff.

I started the non-prescription recommendations about a month ago.  I used the C&C and the Neutrogena for about 2 weeks with no problems.  I've used the Neutrogena retinol every night since starting.  I know you're supposed to ease into it, but apparently I'm very resistant b/c I never got red or flaky.  Then about a week and a half ago I started getting pimples on my forehead.  They're not whiteheads, but are bumps on my forehead and if I do mess with them (trying hard not to) they do get red and irritated.

I've never had acne problems in the past, even as a teenager.  I get the occasional pimple, but it's not a huge problem.  A few products in the past have made me break out but very few.

I read the book and started the recommendations to begin an anti-aging regimen (I'm almost 31).  I was really happy the first couple of weeks, but now just stunned that something is going wrong.  So what's happening - is the retinol purging a bunch of junk that's been hiding in my forehead?  Should I quit using the Neutrogena? 

Ideas ladies???

any new hair products lately? reason I asked,I had the same thing occur to my forehead and it was the hair spray I was using..just a thought..

Thanks Lynn. I haven't switched hair care products, but I wouldn't have thought of that.

You are not alone. The only new thing I added to my regimen was the Replenix retinol serum and I am breaking out all along my forehead too. I am acne-prone but usually breakout on the lower half of my face. I too am hoping this is just purging as I have been using retinol for 2 to 3 weeks. I have my fingers crossed that soon we will both be clear ;D

Hi Jen and getmeclear,

Today my doctor prescribed Differin cream to me. It looks like we have different skin types, but Differin is a retinoid facial cream. When I picked it up from the pharamcist, I was told that my skin might get worse before it gets better because the retinol increases your skin's rate of sloughing. How is your use of retinol coming along?

I've actually used Differin before, but not over a long enough time period.