Have you ever wondered why children have extremely bright, smooth, and vibrant skin, while adults have duller, rougher complexions with wrinkles?
Photodamage and a slowing of skin cell turnover are primarily responsible for this difference.
Fortunately, women and men can counteract these effects with Retin-A –a topical treatment that many believe to be the holy-grail of antiaging.
So, is Retin-A right for you?
Here’s what you need to know about this vitamin A derivative and the benefits of Retin-A for wrinkles.
What Is Retin-A?
Retin-A is an acidic form of vitamin A and a member of a class of compounds called retinoids, which are known for their ability to promote cellular renewal.
Also referred to as tretinoin or retinoic acid, Retin-A is the most popular of the retinoids, and many dermatologists consider it the gold standard due to its potency and efficacy.
What’s more, this topical treatment is FDA-approved for the clinical treatment of photodamage, acne, and wrinkles and has corrective and preventative capabilities.
How Does Retin-A for Wrinkles Work?
In order to appreciate the benefits of Retin-A for wrinkles, it’s important to understand its mechanism of action.
Transepidermal time is the amount of time it takes for new skin cells to migrate from deeper layers of the skin to the surface, where they are sloughed off. When we are younger, skin cells are extremely active and turnover quickly. However, as we age, skin cells become lethargic and this process slows.
Accordingly, Retin-A speeds up skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen to counteract lines and wrinkles and make skin look younger and more vibrant.
How Can You Introduce Retin-A into Your Skincare Regimen?
With the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. West, you can determine if Retin-A is right for you and slowly introduce it into your skincare regimen.
To start, most patients usually apply Retin-A one-to-two times per week and gradually increase frequency to every two-to-three days. If it’s well-tolerated, you will ultimately apply Retin-A every night or every other night after you wash your skin.
It’s also important to wait 15 minutes post-cleansing to apply a pea-sized amount of the product, dabbing it onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Finally, you will gently rub the product into the skin using an upward motion.
If you are considering Retin-A for wrinkles, please call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tina West.