Retin-A is a topical prescription medicine that is derived from an acidic form of vitamin A. The generic name is tretinoin or retinoic acid. Although the drug was originally meant to treat acne, dermatologists have found that creams like Retin-A are also extremely effective in fighting the signs of aging, including wrinkles, dark spots and sagging. This article will tell you everything you need to know about using Retin-A to reduce wrinkles, allowing you to turn back the clock!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Part 1: Getting started
Step 1. Understand the anti-aging benefits of Retin-A
Retin-A is a vitamin A derivative that has been prescribed by dermatologists for over 20 years to combat skin aging. At first, it was a treatment for acne, but patients who used the drug for this purpose soon found that their skin was becoming firmer, smoother and even younger-looking thanks to the treatment. Dermatologists then began researching the benefits of Retin-A as an anti-aging treatment.
- Retin-A works by increasing cell turnover within the skin, stimulating collagen production and exfoliating the upper layers of the skin to reveal the fresher, younger layers of the underlying skin.
- In addition to decreasing the visibility of wrinkles, it can prevent the formation of new ones, reduce discoloration and damage caused by the sun, reduce the risks of developing skin cancer and improve the texture and elasticity of the skin.
- Currently, Retin-A is the only topical wrinkle treatment approved by the FDA. It is extremely effective and both doctors and patients guarantee the achievement of incomparable results.
Step 2. Get a prescription for Retin-A
Retin-A is the brand name of the generic drug known as tretinoin. It is only available with a prescription, so if you are interested in trying this treatment, you will need to make an appointment with a dermatologist.
- The dermatologist will do an evaluation of your skin and determine if Retin-A is a good solution for you. When used correctly, it can work wonders on most skin types. However, as it dries the skin and has irritating characteristics, it may not be suitable for people with skin problems such as eczema or rosacea.
- Retin-A is applied topically and is available in both cream and gel form. It also features a variety of concentrations: cream containing 0.025% active ingredient is prescribed for general skin improvement; the one containing 0.05% is prescribed to reduce wrinkles and expression lines; the one containing 0.1% is widely used for the treatment of acne and blackheads.
- Your doctor will usually prescribe a weaker strength cream at first until your skin gets used to the treatment. After that you can continue with a stronger cream if needed.
- Retinol is another vitamin A derivative found in many over-the-counter products and beauty creams from major brands. It produces results similar to those of Retin-A treatments, but, as its formulation is weaker, it is not as effective (although it causes less irritation).
Step 3. Start using Retin-A at any age
It is such an effective treatment that you will notice a visible improvement in the appearance of wrinkles as soon as you start applying it, regardless of your age.
- Starting Retin-A treatments after you turn 40 and continue during your 50s and beyond can move the clock backwards, plumping the skin, fading age spots and reducing the visibility of skin. wrinkles. It is never too late to start!
- However, women in their 20s or 30s can also benefit from using Retin-A, as it increases collagen production under the skin, making it thicker and firmer. Consequently, starting a Retin-A treatment at an early age can prevent the formation of deep wrinkles right away.
Step 4. Pay attention to costs
A cons of Retin-A treatment is that the creams themselves can be quite expensive. The price of Retin-A can vary between 60 and 100 euros required for a single month supply of cream.
- The cost will depend on the concentration of the cream, which varies between 0.025 and 0.1%, and on whether or not you want to choose a more well-known brand, such as Retin-A (among others), or the generic version of the drug, tretinoin.
- The advantage of choosing the branded version is that these companies have added an emollient moisturizer to these creams, making them less irritating than the rest of the competition. Additionally, Retin-A and other brands have a more advanced product release system, which means active ingredients are absorbed more efficiently by the skin.
- If you live in the United States, the use of Retin-A for acne treatment is usually covered by insurance plans. However, many insurance companies do not cover the cost of this treatment if it is prescribed for cosmetic reasons, such as an anti-aging treatment.
- Despite the high cost, it is important to remember that many commercially available skincare products belonging to the exclusive brands will cost about the same as Retin-A cream (if not more) and, according to dermatologists, the latter product is more effective in fighting the signs of skin aging than any other cream available on the market.
Part 2 of 3: Part 2: Using the Retin-A
Step 1. Use Retin-A only at night
It should only be applied at night, because the components of vitamin A that characterize this product generate photosensitivity, therefore they will make the skin much more sensitive to sunlight. By applying the product at night, you also give your skin the opportunity to fully absorb it.
- When you begin treatment with Retin-A, your doctor will likely recommend that you only apply it every two to three nights.
- This will give the skin a chance to adapt to the cream and avoid irritation. Once your skin gets used to it, you can move on to using it every night.
- Apply Retin-A to dry skin about 20 minutes after thoroughly cleansing your face.
Step 2. Use Retin-A sparingly
This is a very strong cure, so it is imperative to use it correctly and apply it only in very small quantities.
- The amount of cream that is applied to the face should be at most the size of a pea, and a little more if you put it on the neck as well. A good technique is to dab the product on the areas most affected by wrinkles, age spots, etc., and then spread any remaining traces of the cream on the rest of the face.
- Many people fear the use of Retin-A because they start with too heavy applications and find themselves enduring the negative side effects, such as dryness, irritation, itching and acne breakouts. However, these effects can be greatly reduced if the cream is applied in moderation.
Step 3. Always use it in combination with a moisturizer
Due to the dehydrating effects of Retin-A treatment, it is very important to always apply a product that hydrates, day and night.
- In the evening, wait 20 minutes for Retin-A to be fully absorbed into the skin, then apply your moisturizer. In the morning, wash your face thoroughly before applying another moisturizer that contains a high sun protection factor.
- Sometimes, it can be difficult to spread the recommended pea-sized amount of Retin-A on all areas of the face where it is needed. A good solution to this problem is to mix Retin-A with the nighttime moisturizer before applying it to the face.
- In this way, the Retin-A will be spread evenly all over the face. It should cause less irritation thanks to the diluting effects of the moisturizer.
- If your skin starts to dry out and your regular moisturizer doesn't seem to be enough, try applying extra virgin olive oil to your skin before going to bed. The oil contains fatty acids which are extremely nourishing, as well as being very delicate.
Step 4. Address any sensitivity or irritation issues
Most people will notice dryness and irritation after starting Retin-A treatment, and fewer people will experience acne breakouts. Don't worry, as these irritations are completely normal. As long as you use the treatment correctly, any irritation should disappear within a few weeks.
- To decrease irritation, it will be helpful to make sure that you gradually increase the number of evenings you use the cream, apply only the recommended amount, which should be pea-sized, and moisturize your skin frequently.
- You should also make sure you use a very mild, non-irritating cleanser when washing your face. Choose a very natural product, without the addition of dyes or fragrances. Also try a gentle scrub once a week to get rid of dead skin cells.
- If the skin becomes irritated and very sensitive, reduce the number of applications of Retin-A or stop using it directly until it has recovered slightly. After that, you can gradually start using it again. For some skin types, it takes longer than others to get used to Retin-A.
Step 5. Don't rush to see the effects
The time it takes for Retin-A treatments to produce noticeable results varies from one person to another.
- Some people will notice an improvement after just one week, while for others it may take longer, for example eight weeks.
- Don't give up anyway. Retin-A generates positive results that have been proven and is arguably the most effective wrinkle cream there is.
- In addition to Retin-A, the only most effective way to combat wrinkles is represented by Botox or Dysport based treatments, injectable fillers and surgical solutions.
Part 3 of 3: Part 3: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Do not use it in combination with products containing glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide
Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two other ingredients commonly found in skin care products. However, they can also dry out considerably, so it's best to avoid using them in conjunction with an aggressive treatment like Retin-A.
Step 2. Do not wax areas of skin treated with Retin-A
This drug works by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin. Therefore, the skin can become thinner and more fragile. Hence, it is not a good idea to have a wax while using Retin-A cream.
Step 3. Do not expose your skin to sun damage
Treatment with Retin-A makes the skin hypersensitive to sunlight, which is why the cream is only applied at night. However, you should also take precautions during daylight hours by applying sunscreen every day. It doesn't matter if it's sunny, raining, cloudy or even snowing, your skin needs to be protected.
Step 4. Do not use Retin-A if you are pregnant
Retin-A creams should not be used by women who are pregnant, who suspect they are, who are trying to be, or who are breastfeeding, because some published reports indicate fetal deformities following the use of tretinoin treatments.
Advice
- Do not apply more cream than you have been prescribed. It will not increase the benefits.
- Test your Retin-A sensitivity. It is advisable to start with the lowest dosage.
Warnings
- Do not mix Retin-A with other topical treatments prescribed by your doctor, as it may cause excessive peeling or burn the skin.
- Avoid direct sunlight when using this product.
