Retin-A is a prescription topical medication made from an acid-derived form of vitamin A. The generic name is tretinoin or retinoic acid. Although this drug was originally designed to treat acne, dermatologists have found that Retin-A cream is also very effective against signs of aging including wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin. This article gives you everything you need to know about using Retin-A to reduce wrinkles, so you can turn it clockwise!
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Part 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Understand the antiaging benefits of Retin-A
Retin-A is a vitamin A derivative that has been widely prescribed by dermatologists to fight aging for more than 20 years. Initially it was used as an acne medication, but patients taking Retin-A for the purpose of curing acne soon found their skin to be firmer, smoother and younger looking as a result of the treatment. Dermatologists then began researching the benefits of Retin-A for antiaging treatments.
- Retin-A works by increasing cell turnover in the skin, stimulating collagen production, and exfoliating the top layer of skin, revealing younger, fresher skin underneath.
- In addition to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, Retin-A can prevent the formation of new wrinkles, disguise uneven skin tone and sun damage, reduce the risk of skin cancer and improve skin texture and elasticity.
- Currently, Retin-A is the only FDA-approved wrinkle-fighting topical treatment. The drug is highly effective, and both doctors and patients are confident in the results.
Step 2. Get a prescription for Retin-A
Retin-A is a brand name version of the generic drug known as tretinoin. This medication is only available by prescription, so you will need to make an appointment with a dermatologist if you are interested in trying it.
- A dermatologist will examine your skin and determine if Retin-A is a good choice for you. If used properly, this remedy works effectively for most skin types. However, its drying and irritating effect may not be suitable for people suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.
- Retin-A is applied topically and comes in the form of a gel and cream. This remedy is also available in different strengths: 0.025% cream for general skin improvement, 0.05% cream designed to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, while 0.1% is widely used to treat acne and blackheads.
- Your doctor will usually start using the lowest strength cream until your skin is used to this treatment. Then you can continue with a stronger cream if needed.
- Retinol is another derivative of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products and big brand beauty creams. The results are similar to the Retin-A treatment, but because of the weaker formula, it is not as effective (but causes only minimal irritation).
Step 3. Start using Retin-A at any age
Retin-A is an effective treatment, you will notice an easily visible improvement in facial wrinkles regardless of how old you are when you start using it.
- Starting a Retin-A treatment in your '40s, '50s and above will have the effect of turning back time as it makes skin supple, reduces age spots and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It's never too late to start!
- However, women in their '20s and '30s can also benefit from Retin-A, as it increases the production of collagen under the skin, making it thicker and firmer. As a result, early use of Retin-A can prevent deep wrinkles from forming in the first place.
Step 4. Realize how much it costs
One drawback of Retin-A treatments is that they are quite expensive. The price of Retin-A varies from IDR 800,000 to IDR 1,500,000 for one month of use.
- The price depends on the strength of the cream itself, which ranges from 0.025 to 0.1 percent, and also depending on the type you choose, whether the branded version includes Retin-A or the generic form, namely tretinoin.
- The advantage of choosing the brand version is that the manufacturer has added a skin-softening moisturizer to the cream, so it's less irritating than the generic type. In addition, Retin-A and other brand versions have a better release system, which means the active ingredients can be absorbed by the skin more efficiently.
- In some countries, the use of Retin-A to treat acne is usually covered by insurance. However, most insurance companies there will not cover the cost of Retin-A treatment if it is prescribed for cosmetic reasons, such as antiaging treatments.
- Despite being quite expensive, keep in mind that most commercially available skin care products from well-known brands are at least the same as, if not more, than Retin-A creams. In addition, according to dermatologists, Retin-A cream is more effective in reversing the signs of aging than commercially available creams.
Part 2 of 3: Using Retin-A
Step 1. Use Retin-A products only at night
Retin-A products should only be used at night, because the vitamin A compounds they contain are photosynthetic and make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight. Using this product at night also has a better chance of being fully absorbed into the skin.
- When starting Retin-A treatment, your doctor will likely advise you to only take it every two to three nights.
- This will give the skin a chance to get used to the cream and to avoid irritation. Once the skin is used to it, you can continue with the use every night.
- Apply Retin-A to dry skin, about 20 minutes after thoroughly cleansing your face.
Step 2. Use Retin-A only as needed
Retin-A is a very harsh treatment, so it is recommended that you use it properly in small amounts.
- At most you can apply a pea-sized amount of cream to your face, and less if you use it on your neck. The trick is to apply the cream on the area of your face that has the most wrinkles, dark spots, and the like, then rub the rest on the rest of your facial skin.
- Many people are afraid of using Retin-A because they start using it too heavily and experience negative side effects such as dry skin, irritation, stinging sensation and breakouts. However, these side effects will be greatly reduced if the cream is used in moderation.
Step 3. Always use with moisturizer
Due to the drying effect of Retin-A treatment, you should always wear a moisturizer that hydrates your skin day and night.
- At night, wait for 20 minutes for the Retin-A to be fully absorbed into the skin, then apply a moisturizer. In the morning, wash your face thoroughly before using another moisturizer with a high SPF.
- Sometimes it is difficult to apply the recommended amount of Retin-A which is the size of a pea all over the face where it is needed. A good solution to this problem is to mix Retin-A with a moisturizer you use at night before applying it on your face.
- This way, Retin-A will spread evenly across the face. Due to the diluting effect of the moisturizer, Retin-A is also less irritating.
- If your skin is starting to feel really dry and your regular moisturizer doesn't seem like enough, try rubbing extra virgin olive oil on your skin before going to bed. This oil contains fatty acids that deeply moisturize the skin, in addition to making it very soft.
Step 4. Treat any sensitivity or irritation that may arise
Most people will experience irritation and dry skin after starting treatment with Retin-A, and some will develop acne. This reaction is completely normal, you don't need to worry. As long as you use this treatment properly, any irritation should subside within a few weeks.
- Things you can do to reduce irritation include making sure that you gradually increase your use of cream every night, only use as much as a pea as recommended, and apply moisturizer frequently.
- You should also make sure that the facial cleanser you use is very gentle and non-irritating. Choose a cleanser that is very natural, without added dyes or fragrances. Also try to use a gentle facial scrub once a week to remove dead skin.
- If your skin is very sensitive and irritated, reduce your use of Retin-A or stop altogether until your skin has healed somewhat. Then you can use it again gradually. Some skin types take longer to adjust to Retin-A than others.
Step 5. Give this treatment a chance to start working
The length of time it takes for Retin-A treatment to show results varies from person to person.
- Some people will see improvement within a week, while others may take up to eight weeks.
- But don't give up, Retin-A has proven positive results and is probably the most effective anti-wrinkle cream available today.
- On top of Retin-A, other treatments that are more effective against wrinkles are just Dysport or Botox treatments, wrinkle filler injections, or considering surgery options.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Do not use Retin-A 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, both of these ingredients can be quite dry, so it's best to avoid using them in combination with harsh treatments like Retin-A.
Step 2. Do not wax treatment on skin treated with Retin-A
Retin-A works by exfoliating the top layer of the skin. As a result, the skin becomes thin and brittle. Therefore, waxing your face while using Retin-A cream is not a good idea.
Step 3. Do not expose the skin to the dangers of the sun
Retin-A treatment makes your skin hypersensitive to sunlight, which is why you should only use it at night. However, you should also take precautions during the day by wearing an SPF sunscreen every day. Your skin needs to be protected – whether it's sunny, rainy, cloudy, or even snowy.
Step 4. Do not use Retin-A if you are pregnant
Retin-A cream should not be used by women who are pregnant, suspect that they are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, as there have been several reports of physical abnormalities of the fetus following tretinoin treatment.
Tips
- Do not use Retin-A more than prescribed. Excessive use will not add to the benefits.
- Test your sensitivity to Retin-A. It is recommended that you start at a lower dose first.
Warning
- Avoid direct sunlight when using this product.
- Do not mix Retin-A with other topical medications as it can cause excessive peeling or burning sensation on the skin.
