How To Use Topical Retinoids Video

Topical retinoids are very beneficial for your skin, especially as anti-aging and acne treatments. Learn how to use topical retinoids in this video from a professional dermatologist.

Take Action

Start slowly
Apply retinoids before bed after washing face
At first use every other night

About this Author

Lisa Rhodes, M.D. received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio, where she graduated valedictorian. She completed her dermatology residency at North Western University in Chicago and currently works in Austin, Texas. Her favorite part of her job is diagnosing skin conditions and treating them in order to help patients live better lives.

DR. LISA RHODES: Hi, I'm Dr. Lisa Rhodes with Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Retinoids are commonly used medications that can help with anti-aging as well as acne. The way that they work is they cause a little superficial exfoliation of the top layer of the skin, which manifest itself as redness and peeling. So, the best way to use a retinoid is to start slowly. What I recommend is after you wash your face at night, wait a few minutes before you put the retinoid on. Put a small pea sized amount on your hand and then spread it all over your face. You can even extend it down onto your neck. Start on at every-other-night basis until your skin gets use to it, and then go up to every night. If you notice that if every other night, you're still getting really red and peely from it, you can cut back to every third night. I have some patients who have to do what's called short contact therapy, where you put it on for just five or ten minutes and then wash it off. These are an excellent medication though that can help in many different ways. So, I highly recommend their use. Just go slowly so that you can tolerate their use.

How to Use Topical Retinoids Video

Take Action

About this Author

Member Comments