About Retin-A
Retin-A is a topical treatment of retinoic acid with an active ingredient of tretinoin; its ingredients are derived from Vitamin A. Only available with prescription, Retin-A is sold as a gel or cream. Patients are recommended to use Retin-A once a day in the evening, following a gentle cleansing. Retin-A is typically prescribed to patients who suffer from acne, hyperpigmentation or poor skin texture. However, it has gained attention for its outstanding anti-aging properties as well. Many patients and dermatologists agree that Retin-A is one of the best skin care treatments to prevent and reverse the signs of aging.
How Retin-A Works
Retin-A contains the active ingredient tretinoin, which increases the cell turnover rate. The cell turnover rate is the rate at which the dead skin cells on the surface slough off, revealing the newer skin cells underneath. In addition to encouraging dead skin cells to exfoliate more quickly, Retin-A promotes the growth of collagen, the protein that gives skin its elasticity.
When a patient applies Retin-A in the evening, the treatment begins encouraging the epidermis layer to thicken. At the same time, Retin-A also limits the thickness of the outermost layer of the skin. With continual use, patients achieve enhanced collagen production and skin that exfoliates at a faster rate. These two factors often lead to similar results following a microdermabrasion or chemical peel.
Side Effects of Retin-A
Retin-A has been available for more than 30 years, but some patients are hesitant to use Retin-A because of its side effects. Patients may adversely react to Retin-A if they have sensitive skin or are using a strong concentration of the treatment. Some of the most common side effects of Retin-A include skin breakouts, redness, peeling, dryness and a feeling similar to a light sunburn. Most dermatologists recommend slowly introducing the skin to Retin-A by first applying the treatment once every few days until the skin develops a tolerance to daily applications. Most side effects of Retin-A subside within eight weeks as the skin becomes acclimated to the treatment.
Retin-A Risk Factors
Patients who begin using Retin-A are advised to apply sunscreen vigilantly, as the skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight during treatment. Many dermatologists also advise to avoid facial waxing, which could tear sensitive skin. Topical glycolic acids and Vitamin C are also discouraged during the first few weeks of Retin-A use. Retin-A is also not recommended for pregnant women or those with rosacea.
Member Comments