I've tried Retin-A micro twice, and each time, I developed little red bumps all over my face after 2 or 3 uses. I'm prone to skin allergies, but these bumps are unlike my usual hives - they're smaller and don't itch.

The bumps didn't respond to acne products, exfoliating, hydrocortisone cream, or oral Benadryl. They went away over 3-4 weeks only after I stopped the retinol treatment.

I recently discovered that I have mild rosacea (small pustules, easy flushing, and "broken" blood vessels in my cheeks). Were these rosacea papules? Some other form of allergy? I tried Renova at a later date, but it was way too greasy to use more than once. So I'm not sure if it was just Retin-A Micro or if this will happen with all retinol products. Honestly, I'm too scared to try another one lest I have another month of bumpy-face. Any ideas?

As long as I'm asking about it, is there anything else that has similar effects to Retinol that I might be able to try? I've looked into a form of vitamin C called AAP that looks promising, but I don't think it's quite the same.

Thanks!
-Jen

PS. BTW, I'm OSPW. I don't have my numbers on hand, but it's generally:

Very Oily - huge pores on nose, forehead, & chin, blackheads on nose & chin, acne rosacea pustules (very small) on my chin and around my lips

Mildly sensitive - More specific issues than general sensitivity (like the retinol problem). I also have skin allergies - Royal Jelly is one - that put me in the "S" category.

Quite pigmented - Mediterranean background mixed with central European - pale olive-toned skin that used to tan very well and now just gets brown spots (I'm a faithful sunscreen user, but sun worshipped as a kid). Not sure if it's related, but I have tons of moles, and new ones pop up all the time.

Somewhat wrinkled - I'm not a natural W; I think it's from excessive sun exposure and smoking, both now in my past.