Topical vitamin A–based drugs called retinoids—the most used and most studied anti-aging compounds— may reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Tretinoin, under the brand name Retin-A, was the first retinoid.
Retin-A doesn`t improve appearance instantly. But within a month or two, dermatologists say, the drug visibly plumps up the skin, smoothes fine wrinkles and begins to reverse other, less visible, sun damage. Those effects can be fleeting, though.
High-strength retinol – 0.3%-1%
Those with stubborn skin concerns, like deep wrinkles and pronounced uneven skin tone may want to consider a high percentage retinol cream, serum or treatment. Look for those with a retinol percentage of between 0.3% and 1%.
First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.
When you first start using Retin-A, apply it every other night or every third night. The flaking and irritation are usually the worst in the first two weeks. As your skin adjusts to the medicine, you can apply it more frequently.
As a result of its effects on your skin's cellular turnover speed, tretinoin reduces the appearance of wrinkles, evens out your skin's pigmentation and also treats skin issues such as acne. The end result is smoother, younger looking skin that's much less affected by fine lines, wrinkles or other common signs of aging.
However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent—and the best results take six to 12 months. Because retinoids can cause skin dryness and irritation, doctors often recommend using them only every other day at first and then gradually working up to nightly applications.
Two of the most common products used to keep skin in excellent condition are hyaluronic acid and retinol. What should a person use between hyaluronic acid or retinol? Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production.
For those who would rather get their solution in a jar, the same powerful, prescription-strength retinoids you rely on to speed cell turnover on your face (Renova, Retin-A) can be used on your neck.
Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If it accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once. Before applying tretinoin, wash the skin with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water by using the tips of your fingers.
While prescription-strength retinoids may have an effect in a matter of weeks, it can take up to 6 months for OTC retinols to produce the same results. You may notice a difference in conditions like acne after 12 weeks, but sun damage and signs of aging can take much, much longer to improve.
Tretinoin is a medication used to treat acne and sun-damaged skin. It can't erase deep wrinkles, but it can help improve the appearance of surface wrinkles, fine lines, and darks spots.
In many ways, Retin-A can be thought of as reversing the outwards signs of aging on the skin. The earliest effect of Retin-A is that the outer layer of keratinocytes start shedding off, leaving the skin fresher, smoother and more evenly pigmented.
Additionally, Retin-A comes in a variety of strengths such as 0.25% (the lowest), 0.5% and 1.0 % (the strongest). You'll definitely want to start using the lowest dose once or twice a week.
So, should I use vitamin C or retinol for wrinkles? Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.
Retinoids for Wrinkles
Because retinoids help your skin make more collagen, they soften wrinkles and fine lines. They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your skin a rosy color. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth rough patches. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a popular prescription choice for aging skin.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
Botox and fillers are some of the most common procedures used to reverse wrinkles. The treatments are done by a professional, but they are short and don't require expensive equipment or extensive preparation — you can go to the spa for one of these treatments and be headed back to work after the procedure.
When it comes to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines, injectable therapies such as Botox and other botulinum toxin injections are the clear winner. Injectables such as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin are derived from botulinum toxins, which are safe in small amounts.
ARE FOREHEAD WRINKLES REVERSIBLE? Yes—well, sort of. “In some cases if lines are not deeply set into the skin, you can totally reverse them,” says New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. However, he cautions, “If lines are deeply etched into the skin, you may not be able to completely eliminate them.”
Retin-A contains the active ingredient, Tretinoin, a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It works by speeding up the skin's metabolism to promote cellular turnover. It increases the production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizer in the skin.
Doctors generally recommend using no more than a pea-size dab for the entire face. They advise using the product once every three nights (or once a week if skin feels irritated) for a couple of weeks, then every other night, eventually working up to every night if the skin can handle it.
Avoid any additional facial treatments, such as massages, chemical peels or microdermabrasion, within 24 hours of your appointment. You may also wish to avoid using makeup and other topical creams like Retin A for at least 24 hours after botox injections.