What Skin Products Have Retin-a In Them?

The options for skin care products are almost endless, but dermatologists agree that vitamin A derivatives such as Retin-A are among the most effective skin care treatments available, according to dermatologist Audrey Kunis on the website DermaDoctor.com. Since its development in the late 20th century, Retin-A has become a starring ingredient in a number of skin care products.

Identification

Retin-A is a synthetic form of vitamin A that's stronger than the naturally occurring form of vitamin A known as retinol. Retin-A may appear on skin care labels as tretinoin or tretinoin topical, its generic names. Retin-A is sold under the brand names Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin A Micro Gel, Retin-A and Tretin-X, according to Drugs.com.

Function

Skin products with Retin-A stimulate collagen production beneath the skin and inhibit the development of skin enzymes that break down collagen, says Susan Stuart, a San Diego-based dermatologist, on the Huffington Post. Products with Retin-A also exfoliate your skin, cleaning out pores and boosting cell turnover.

Benefits

Retin-A is commonly found in acne products because its exfoliating power helps clear up existing breakouts and prevent future pimples from forming. Retin-A also shows up in a number of antiaging products because its collagen-boosting abilities help to plump up thinning skin, making wrinkles and dark circles less noticeable, while its exfoliating power helps to even out skin tone and texture.

Considerations

Products with Retin-A come in a number of formulations, so you can choose the one that works best with your skin type, says dermatologist Audrey Kunin on DermaDoctor.com. If your skin tends to be dry, look for a creamy version of Retin-A that can hydrate your skin while it exfoliates. If your skin is more oily, a gel version of Retin-A will give you benefits without excess oil. You can find Retin-A in cleansers, moisturizers and eye creams.

Warning

It's fairly rare, but skin products that contain Retin-A can cause serious allergic reactions, including hives, difficulty breathing and facial swelling. If you're using a product that contains Retin-A and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Using products with Retin-A also increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so it's important to wear sunscreen if you use Retin-A.