Retinoids, like tretinoin, are thickening the basal cell layer. This is the layer deeper in the skin where new skin cells are formed. The result is brighter, more even skin. The outer layers look more luminous and glowing.
Contrary to popular belief, tretinoin is not a “bleaching agent” or medicine designed specifically to lighten your skin tone. While tretinoin can even out patches of hyperpigmentation and cause a mild change in your skin tone, it doesn't affect melanin synthesis.
It'll appear like it's exfoliating your skin, creating new layers, but in actuality, they are side effects of the ingredient. "The telltale sign of over-'retin-Aed' skin is a shiny forehead and red flaky skin," described the expert.
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.
Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
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.
After 4 – 6 weeks. After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even. A lot of the initial irritation will settle down and true “retinization” of your skin is in full force.
Retin-A achieves a very important goal in anti-aging treatments: it helps boost collagen levels in the skin. Collagen provides skin with firmness and elasticity, but as you age, your cells produce less collagen, allowing wrinkling and sagging to occur.
Tretinoin may be a better choice than Botox for many people, because it is less expensive, doesn't involve needles, and can last longer.
Begin in Your Mid 20s or Early 30s
"Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol," says Ellen Marmur, M.D. "Many patients who have used it for years swear by it."
Retin-A can improve skin texture and fade dark spots and freckles because it causes skin cells to turn over more rapidly. It shrinks dilated pores and improves cell turnover within the pores so they are less likely to clog and become blackheads and whiteheads.
These vitamin A derived products can help with pigmentation, sun spots and skin textures. Your skin will feel smoother and will look less dull. Another great benefit of Retin-A is to help with acne and even scarring.
Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.
Is retinol good for undereye circles? Yes, and there's research to prove it! Retinol creams can help get rid of dark circles, crow's feet wrinkles and undereye bags.
Retinoid creams, found in beauty stores, can also help promote collagen production and improve the appearance of dark eye circles. These vitamin A-derived creams also decrease the melanin content in the skin. Melanin is what gives skin its color.
Retinol increases cell turnover, which makes the skin look brighter and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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.
Tretinoin is a more potent retinoid than retinol and will show results faster. While these active ingredients both combat signs of photoaging (aka wrinkles, rough skin, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores), tretinoin-based products like Night Shift are more effective for fighting acne.
Usually a minimum of two to six months are needed to see noticeable results. Tretinoin is also safe to use over the long term, with some studies examining the effects of tretinoin for as long as four years.
After 6-9 months of regular Tretinoin use, you may notice firmer, less saggy skin around the eyes and jawline and fewer wrinkles. Be sure to use a good sunscreen every day (SPF 30 or higher) when using Retin A.
If you're using topical tretinoin to reduce wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, and/or rough feeling skin, it can take 3–4 months or up to six months before you see results. If you stop using the medication or are inconsistent with your treatment, any improvements you see may disappear over time.
Simply put, yes. If you're interested in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other common signs of skin aging, tretinoin is one of the few medications that's backed up by a large amount of real, high quality scientific research.
Tretinoin may cause dry, peeling skin at first; start by applying 2–-3 times a week as tolerated. Make sure always to wear sunscreen (SPF 15+) and moisturize adequately. For extended sun exposure, use SPF 50+ lotion, and reapply every two hours. It may take up to 16 weeks for the treatment to take full effect.
Answer: Dryness from Retin-A
Using it twice a week is still great and you are getting cell turnover. If you can build up and tolerate it more, great, and if not, twice a week is just fine.
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. But what percentage of retinol is effective? Look for formulations with a percentage between 0.3% and 1%, with retinol 1% being the strongest option.