Tretinoin had significantly superior effects in the axillary lesion group than glycolic acid (p < 0.05%). Thus, tretinoin was more efficacious in the treatment of axillary lesions.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, glycolic acid is a top anti-aging ingredient. Take a stroll down a skincare aisle at most stores, and you'll likely see a plethora of glycolic acid products with anti-aging claims. This is because the exfoliant helps refine the appearance of pores and make skin appear smoother.
Retinol is probably the best for anti-aging. Glycolic is more for brightening but I find it easy to tolerate. SA works well for acne in particular because it dissolves in oil and stays in the pores. If you do use retinol, do it only at night.
Products that contain glycolic acid can be used with tretinoin, but the combination can increase skin irritation so be careful. To help people avoid skin irritation, I've developed the Complete Facial Skin Care Routine Kit.
Another randomized vehicle controlled parallel comparison trial of tazarotene cream at various strengths compared to tretinoin 0.05% cream and found tazarotene at higher concentrations (0.1%) was associated with improved mottled hyperpigmentation and fine wrinkles compared to the tretinoin 0.05% group.
Retinaldehyde is considered the closest over-the-counter alternative to tretinoin and is suitable for all skin types. It provides comparable skin renewing benefits while being less irritating, making it a suitable choice for those looking for effective yet gentle retinoid options.
Tretinoin had significantly superior effects in the axillary lesion group than glycolic acid (p < 0.05%). Thus, tretinoin was more efficacious in the treatment of axillary lesions.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
It helps to counteract the dryness and flaking effects of Tretinoin by drawing moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. It can also help calm irritation which makes it a good ingredient especially for thsoe with more sensitive or dry skin.
The best retinol we tried for dark spots is The Inkey List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum. It also features apricot kernel oil and squalane in its formula to provide deep nourishment while resurfacing the skin's texture, evening out tone, and addressing dark spots and other blemishes.
Long-Term Anti-Aging Effects:
A long-term study published in Dermatologic Surgery (2003) compared the effects of glycolic acid and retinoids. It concluded that while both improved skin texture and tone, retinoids had a more pronounced effect on reducing wrinkles and promoting collagen production over time.
You should aim to use tretinoin every night, however, you must start slowly as your skin needs to get used to it. The first 2 weeks apply it 2 to 3 nights per week, after that try applying it every other day, and then if your skin can handle it, apply it every night.
Target age group
The skin is very soft and fragile when you are young, so it's better not to use such skin products so early. The right age to begin using these glycolic acid-based skin products is in the late or mid-20s. You can even start using them after the age of 30. It's never too late.
Dr Malvina Cunningham: Retinoids like tretinoin and vitamin C work well together as they both promote collagen production and enhance each other's effect. Vitamin C is generally less of an irritant so these can often be applied in combination. Retinoids like tretinoin and niacinamide work well too.
Retinoids have been implicated in causing mild-to-moderate elevations in routine liver tests, but these elevations are usually asymptomatic and transient, resolving spontaneously even with continued therapy.
Option one: The sandwich technique
After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.
Tazarotene may get you results much faster than tretinoin, especially if you have a lot of very visible sun damage on your face, and in one study tazarotene worked more effectively for photodamage, fine wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, and coarse wrinkling.
It's an active smoothing ingredient that evens out the skin's texture and minimises the appearance of wrinkles by increasing cell regeneration and getting rid of excess dead skin cells to leave skin soft, clean and youthfully fresh.
But in general, salicylic acid is the most beneficial. Since salicylic acid is a BHA, it decreases the oils in the skin. This is an important step as these oils can clog pores, possibly leading to an acne breakout. Excess oils can also promote bacteria which is a common cause of acne.
Morpheus 8 is an effective non-invasive laser treatment that can give you a smoother and tighter appearance without any downtime. The results of this laser treatment are so spectacular that celebrities like Kim Kardashian swear by it.
“Argireline is a neuropeptide that works very similarly to Botox. It softens fine lines, reduces pore size, and gives the skin a nice taut and firm appearance.” It also comes recommended by board-certified dermatologist Laura Scott, M.D. for its simple formula and ability to “smooth out fine lines.”
Alternatives to tretinoin include both prescription options, such as third-generation retinoids like Differin and Tazorac, and natural alternatives like bakuchiol, rambutan, and rosehip oil.