What to Expect From Retin-A Acne Treatment

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderately severe acne. It belongs to a group of medications called topical retinoids, medications that are derived from Vitamin A. Retin-A can help improve inflammatory acne and works especially well for treating comedonal acne (lots of blackheads and whiteheads).

This medication comes in both gel and cream forms. It’s used topically, meaning that you apply it directly to your skin wherever acne breakouts are a problem. The treatment may cause some side effects that you should know about, but you can take some steps to manage them.

Verywell / Emily Roberts 

Uses

Retin-A works as a comedolytic to keep pore blockages from forming. When your pores aren’t clogged, pimples and blackheads can’t develop.

First, Retin-A speeds up cell turnover rates, rapidly exfoliating your skin and decreasing the buildup of dead cells within the follicle (i. e., pore). This reduces the formation of comedones, which are the beginnings of every pimple.

DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND 

Retin-A also makes existing blackheads less “sticky,” helping the plugs make their way to the surface to be expelled. As it exfoliates your skin and clears out the follicles, it can make enlarged pores look smaller too.

Acne Scars and Dark Marks

Unfortunately, the reviews of whether or not Retin-A will get rid of depressed, pitted, or raised acne scars are mixed. Retin-A stimulates new skin cell growth, so it will give your skin a smoother and more even texture. This can make superficial acne scars less obvious.

But for anything other than the most minor of scarring, you’ll need professional scar treatment procedures to see good results.

However, if pimples leave dark discolorations on your skin after they have healed, Retin-A can help fade those marks. Those spots aren’t true scars but rather, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

As Retin-A causes skin cells to shed more quickly, it also helps eliminate excess melanin (the protein that gives skin its color and, in the case of hyperpigmentation, excess color).

Anti-Aging Benefits

The benefits of Retin-A go beyond just treating acne. It’s also a popular anti-aging treatment. Retin-A reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and makes the complexion brighter and smoother. If you have adult acne, and aging is a concern of yours, you’ll clear your skin while getting this added benefit as well.

Retin-A Formulations

Retin-A is a brand name for the medication tretinoin. There is no considerable difference between Retin-A and tretinoin. Retin-A brand isn’t the only medication that contains tretinoin, either. Other medications that contain tretinoin are Retin-A Micro, Avita, Renova, and generic tretinoin.

Because they all contain the same active ingredient as Retin-A (tretinoin), they will all work in essentially the same way. The only differences between these medications are the “vehicles.” This is the term used to describe all of the other ingredients in the medication. The vehicle is used to deliver the active ingredient to your skin.

Retin-A and Retin-A Micro, for example, are different versions of tretinoin. Retin-A Micro is formulated to release its medication more slowly. Because of this, it can be less irritating and less drying than traditional Retin-A.

Tretinoin vs. Isotretinoin

There is a big difference between tretinoin and isotretinoin. Although they sound alike, these medications aren’t interchangeable. While tretinoin is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Retin-A Micro, isotretinoin is better known by the trade name Accutane.

Isotretinoin is taken in pill form, rather than as a topical cream. It’s a powerful medication that’s reserved for severe inflammatory acne.

Retin-A vs. Retinol

Although the names sound incredibly similar, Retin-A and Retinol are not the same thing. Retinol is an over-the-counter ingredient found in many anti-aging products. Like Retin-A, Retinol is derived from Vitamin A. But it’s not as strong as Retin-A and can’t be used interchangeably to treat acne.

Contraindications

People who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not use Retin-A, as it hasn’t been extensively studied in pregnant women. There are better acne treatment options (with proven track records) that are preferred during pregnancy.

Oral tretinoin has been linked to birth defects. Although there’s no indication that topical tretinoin has the same effect, pregnant women are advised not to use topical tretinoin for caution’s sake.

Side Effects

As with all medications, you might notice some side effects when you start using Retin-A. The most common ones are as follows:

• Dryness, flaking and peeling. Nearly all Retin-A users develop dryness of the skin to some degree. You’ll probably get some peeling or flaking, and you may even notice some redness and itching. These are typically worse during the first few weeks, and gradually improve as your skin becomes more tolerant of the treatment.
• Stinging or burning. When you first apply Retin-A, it might sting. You may feel a warming or burning sensation. Your skin may even turn red for a while immediately after application. This is all normal and typically subsides after a few minutes. If the burning seems excessive, stop using your medication and call your doctor.
• Photosensitivity. Retin-A causes photosensitivity. You’ll be much more susceptible to sunburn and sun damage while using this medication, even if you typically don’t burn. Stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds. Also, use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher every day to protect your skin.

What to Expect From Treatment

Most side effects are worst during the beginning weeks of treatment. Your skin may actually seem to get worse for a period of time, especially if it gets red or peels. This is generally normal and your skin will start to look and feel better as it develops a tolerance for the medication.

As far as acne goes, don’t expect any immediate improvement. Expect to get new pimples during this stage. This doesn’t mean Retin-A isn’t working. It’s just going to take a little time to see results. Try “feeling” for results first. Does your skin feel softer? Smoother? Less bumpy? That’s all good news and hints of positive changes to come.

After several weeks of using Retin-A, you’ll find new pimples are smaller and not as red, and you don’t get them quite as often. It can take up to four months before your acne is considerably under control, so don’t give up on treatment too soon.

After your skin has cleared up, you will have to continue to use your Retin-A treatment, although less frequently, to keep breakouts from returning. This is true for nearly all acne treatments, not just Retin-A.

If you’ve used Retin-A consistently for several weeks and still aren’t seeing any improvements, your dermatologist might add another medication to your treatment routine or give you a new one to try.

t’s disappointing if you don’t get the results you want from an acne treatment, but try not to get too discouraged. You’re one step closer to finding the combination of treatments that work for you.

Tips for Using Retin-A

Most people who use Retin-A will experience dryness and peeling to some extent. But with a little extra care on your part, you can limit irritation and reduce discomfort. Below are some tips:

• Make sure you are using your medication as directed. More is not necessarily better! Use gentle, non-medicated cleansers.
• A moisturizer will go a long way in soothing tight, dry skin. Use a gentle, oil-free and non-medicated moisturizer at least twice a day, more often if needed.
• If the dryness and peeling are so bad that you just can’t stand it, there are several things you can do. First, use your medication every other day for a while. Once your skin feels better, you can start using it every day again. Try applying your moisturizer first and Retin-A over the top. This helps buffer the medication just a bit.
• If your skin is particularly irritated, try applying Retin-A for just a short time, say an hour or so, and then washing it off. Slowly build up the amount of time you wear the medication.
• Peeling skin driving you bonkers? Don’t use abrasive scrubs. These are too harsh for your skin right now. Instead, gently remove some of the flaky skin with a soft washcloth as you wash your face.
• Use your Retin-A regularly. The results you get are directly related to how consistent you are with your treatment.

A Word From Verywell

Like most acne medications, it takes time for Retin-A to work. You probably won’t see any changes for several weeks, and it might take a few months before you notice a real difference in your skin. Just keep at it and be patient.

Your dermatologist is a great resource, so if you have any questions about your Retin-A medication or acne treatment in general, don’t be afraid to ask.

Retin-A /Tretinoin For Wrinkles: Before/After Photos & Review!

Retin A Before and After: Here it was after 6 years of constant use. Age 35

Welcome! In this post I will talk about my personal experience with the constant use of Retin-A/Tretinoin for more than 13 years explaining how it changed my skin forever!

I will show you a few images of me at different ages, trying to demonstrate the before and after while using Retin-A as anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, and anti-acne!

Many women are using Tretinoin cream for wrinkles so I wanted to give you a detailed review, opinion and great tips on how to use it correctly to get the most beneficial effects on your skin!

WHAT IS RETIN -A / TRETINOIN CREAM AND WHAT DOES IT DO TO YOUR SKIN?

Retin-A cream (Tretinoin or Retinoic Acid) is a derivative of Vitamin A and is used mainly to treat acne and skin scars for its power to regenerate the most superficial layer of the epidermis and create new collagen.

In normal cosmetics, you won’t find tretinoin but Retinol, its “weaker” derivative:  This substance is not what I want to talk about today, as the concentrations of Vitamin A in Retinol are low and have no scientifically proven effect on wrinkles, as opposite to Retin-A/Tretinoin.

I have been using the Retin A cream/gel at the highest concentration  (0.1%, not sold in the UK and Europe) since the age of 29, so I have 13 years of daily-evening-continuous use of retinoic acid on my back and I can safely say (also supported by scientific studies dating back to the 1970s) that:

TRETINOIN / RETINOIC ACID (ACTIVE PRINCIPLE OF RETIN-A) IS THE ONLY CREAM WITH PROVEN ANTI-WRINKLE AND ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET. WITHOUT A SHADE OF DOUBT. HARVARD UNIVERSITY ALSO AGREES IN

THIS ARTICLE.

Important Premise:

I haven’t started using Retin-A/ Tretinoin as an anti-wrinkle aid. My dermatologist prescribed it to me to treat very bad cystic acne that has disfigured me for more than a year and I will talk about it in a separate article.

The side effect that I was not aware of is that in addition to treating acne, it literally turned my skin’s biological clock back by years, erasing the wrinkles I had and preventing new ones from forming. The more I used it consistently (for months/years, the anti-wrinkle results don’t show for a long time) the more the result is evident.

By constantly exfoliating the outer layer of my skin, the Retin-A boosts the production of collagen, necessary to keep a healthy youthful appearance 🙂 

HOW MUCH DOES THE TRETINOIN COSTS AND HOW LONG IT TAKES TO WORK?

Prices vary a lot from country to country. I lived in Mexico for 2 years and for about 20/30 dollars for a 40 gr tube at 0.1% concentration (lasting about a year), I managed to permanently cancel within 3-4 years  2 deep wrinkles on my forehead that I had at 29. In the USA it costs between $ 50 and $ 100 depending on the type of cream prescribed, in Canada, it costs slightly less.

Retin-A is the best-known trade name for tretinoin, but you can search for the cream under different names, the most common:

• Isotretinoin cream /gel

• Airol 

• Renova

• Avita

WHERE TO BUY THE TRETINOIN ONLINE AND IN PHARMACIES

It is easier to find Retin-A / Tretinoin in online pharmacies in Canada, the US, and Asia, but be careful that they are legitimate and consider the shipping costs.

It is still worth it because one tube lasts for a long time, but the price might go up. If you can’t find it in your area, check the user reviews first and take a look at the forums. This is a strictly controlled cream and is prescribed for acne, so usually is not prescribed if you ask for it as an anti-wrinkle.

When you find your trusted pharmacy, online or not, do not give it up anymore because at least you are sure of the seriousness of the seller.

Don’t despair though, Tretinoin cream can initially be difficult to find online, but a careful search is enough to find who is (honestly) selling the product. If possible ask for the expiration date and order at least 2 tubes.

BONUS TIP:

If you go on a trip to Mexico (or you know someone who is planning to) take advantage of it! Tretinoin there costs much less than in other places, the quality (I have personally tested it)  is good and above all, for a surplus of the price (it costs about 20/30 $ depending on the pharmacy) no prescription is needed.

In tourist areas, you can find it in almost all pharmacies at very low prices. I still have mine for almost a year now.

ADVICE ON ONLINE PHARMACIES: 

Be very careful and arm yourself with patience. The online pharmacy business is a jungle full of scams! To find a serious pharmacy follow these tips:

• They require a medical prescription: Sometimes for a higher cost, they prepare your prescription from their certified doctor. These are the sites, in my opinion, where even if you spend more you have a greater guarantee.

• Beware of those who don’t ask for a prescription: A serious pharmacy does not ship potentially harmful drugs without a prescription. Having said that, see the next point, some of them sell legitimate products.

For  Tretinoin / Retinoic Acid, if you decide to try online, as well as find a safe pharmacy, depending on what state you live in! It would be better in your state/country but it’s not always possible, you also need to know the trade names used elsewhere. Here is a list:

COMMERCIAL NAMES OF TRETINOIN IN THE USA:

• Renova
• Avita
• Retin-A /Retin-A Micro
• Refissa
• Altreno
• Atralin
• Tretin-X

COMMERCIAL NAMES OF TRETINOIN IN THE UK:

• Retin-A
• Tretinoin same (the generic version, identical to Retin-A)
• Iso Tretinoin (Slightly different composition from the original molecule but with comparable results, I tested it at 0. 1% and personally found it stronger than normal Tretinoin)

COMMERCIAL NAMES FOR TRETINOIN IN CANADA:

• Rejuva-A
• Stieva-A Cream/Forte/Gel/Solution
• Vitamin A Acid

COMMERCIAL NAMES OF TRETINOIN IN SPAIN:

• Retin-A
• Retirides (Until recently they were selling it without a prescription in Spain, not sure if they recently changed it or not)

HOW DOES TRETINOIN WORKS TO REDUCE & ERASE WRINKLES?

The only real Retin A “Before And After” Photo I can show right now. This is an example of the effects of Tretinoin after 11 years of constant use (at the time the second photo was taken). Obviously, it is CLEAR that I have aged, it is not the absence of wrinkles that makes a face look young. But when it comes to wrinkles, I remained the same as when I was 25. I just don’t have any yet.

Retin A Before and after photo. Date November 2019, 42 years old. The 2 horizontal wrinkles I had at age 29 on the forehead disappeared at 33, after about 4 years of daily use of Tretinoin and in the meantime, no other major wrinkles have formed. The complexion during use is more healthy and here I’m no wearing any makeup.

On the left a more recent photo, at 42, therefore with more years of active use of Tretinoin. Here you can see how my skin is free from both hyperpigmentation, but also from wrinkles.

After 13 years, I have the color of a vampire, but with a little bit of blush/self-tanning lotion I look human again (and I do not give up enjoying the beach with an SPF 50 ++ protection)

Retin-A/ Tretinoin action is simple: it constantly exfoliates the superficial layer of the skin (which is why it is also used for acne because it helps to avoid the formation of blackheads and cysts).

As an anti-wrinkle, it means that by exfoliating the skin daily, they don’t have time to form, and as a bonus, the skin creates a greater amount of collagen which makes it more:

• ELASTIC
• PINKISH/HEALTHY COMPLEXION
• SMOOTH

But Also:

• A LOT MORE SENSITIVE TO THE SUNLIGHT
• MORE DELICATE/VULNERABLE

As you can see, there are also cons to using Retin-A.

Firstly, you can forget about tanning (naturally) on your face. It is highly contraindicated to expose yourself to the sun or even to daylight without sunscreen, even if it is cloudy or you are indoors, but close to the windows.

Retin A Before and After photos: Sorry for the light, but I took this one to show you the expression lines we all have naturally.

IMPORTANT INFO:

When I say that Retin-A has erased my wrinkles I don’t mean that my face has a mummified look: D Obviously if I get surprised or laugh or get angry, I get the normal expression lines like everyone else.

But first of all, they are no longer as pronounced as they used to be, but the nice thing is that having a more elastic, younger-looking skin when I don’t use my face muscles everything returns to its place and the expression lines don’t turn into wrinkles.

That’s why I swore eternal love to Tretinoin and I even brought it with me to the Namib desert.

I never skip an evening, even when I was sick with malaria! (Yeah, I swear this is the truth)

I could go into the scientific details of why Retin-A (Retinoic Acid / Tretinoin) is so powerful in fighting and preventing skin aging, but I prefer to refer you to scientific articles, supported by decades of experimentation, which therefore have definitely proven tretinoin effectiveness as an anti-wrinkle.

You don’t have to trust me, go to Google and search for the scientific texts on Retin-A, you’ll find plenty of them.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRETINOIN AND RETINOL ANTI-WRINKLE CREAMS

Source: Donna Moderna (Note the prices ranging from 30 to over 90 euros for minimal product quantity), with promises of wrinkle removal and other quite unlikely claims.

The Retin-A is not to be confused with the RETINOL, which is part of the same family and is present in many cosmetic creams, but its power is not even remotely comparable to that of Tretinoin (Retin-A). The only thing these creams can do is, from personal experience, hydrate the first layer of the epidermis and let some active ingredient penetrate with a visible but temporary improvement of the skin.

If Retin-A, the strongest Vit. A molecule we know takes months (or even years) to produce initially minimal appreciable results, you can imagine what retinol, the much lighter form, can really do in terms of removing wrinkles!

So to close the Retinol parenthesis, I’m not saying that these products (with or without Retinol) are worth nothing. Some creams and serums, which I mention in the article about my best anti-wrinkle creams for women over 40, are very valid products indeed.

What I’m saying is to not trust the promises of significant wrinkle reduction or (visible to the naked eye) improvement in sagging skin.

Appreciate other characteristics such as the sensation of hydration, the temporary firmness of your skin, and much more. But for the real wrinkles ladies … I still rely on my dear old Retin-A.

HOW TO USE TRETINOIN TO AVOID IRRITATION AND MAXIMISE THE ANTI WRINKLE EFFECT?

Retin A photos before and after use: No redness, irritation, or other adverse effects. How did I achieve this? (photo October 2019 = 42 years)

I remember the first time I had to apply Retin-A on my skin for acne. I was terrified by reading the online reviews about inflammation, flaky skin, redness, very heavy peeling and worsening of the acne itself in the first few months. It took me two weeks to find the courage to try (now I’m so glad I did!).

Everything I read was more or less true, at least in the first few months. But (and it’s a big BUT) … it’s possible to minimize these side effects and get through the weeks when the skin is adapting with only minimal issues.

Here’s How I Did It!

1| I STARTED USING THE LOWEST CONCENTRATION (0.01%):

You need to be patient. Retin-A is more of a “skin marathon”, rather than a sprint. In Italy, the versions on the market (both in cream and in gel) are 0.010%, 0.025%, 0.05%.

The concentration that I use now after years is 0.1%  (bought in Mexico) and is the strongest you can find. Don’t worry, when the skin is not used to the tretinoin, even the lowest % are totally fine, actually, they are recommended. If you’ve never applied Retin-A, start with the 0.010/0.025% concentration.

2| I USE A VERY LITTLE AMOUNT (A PEA SIZE QUANTITY IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE WHOLE FACE)

The classic mistake we all make (including me!): To think that if you abound in applications, the results come sooner. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that but it is also counterproductive because it creates irritation, hence it is necessary to leave the skin alone for a few days, disturbing the continuity of the treatment. I use a tiny bit for the whole face. That’s why Retin-A if stored well, lasts up to a year, and you save money without destroying your skin. The results will come none the less, don’t worry!

3|I INITIALLY AVOIDED THE EYE AREA AND THE NECK

Some women never apply Retin-A on the eye area. I try from time to time but I’m hesitant because initially, the result is terrifying in my case: The skin under my eyes gets super wrinkly from the dryness and flaking.

To fix this,  I put on a little moisturizer, and then I carefully massage the retin-A from my cheeks up under the eyes. It doesn’t have the same regenerative effects but I can see some results. However, when you are starting out, I’d avoid that area.

4| I STARTED WITH 2 APPLICATIONS PER WEEK SO THE SKIN COULD ADJUST GRADUALLY

Like we use to say in Italy, those who go slowly go healthy and far. Don’t rush it and put it on every night. Test how your skin reacts, as it takes several days to see it, even after just one application. If you don’t immediately see any irritation or peeling, don’t put it on again because “it doesn’t do anything to me”.

The first month, try twice a week if your skin can handle it (a minimum of flaking, in the beginning, is normal and it means that the skin is adapting and the Retin-A is doing its job).

The next month switch to 3 times a week until you apply it every night without adverse effects. I have been applying it every day for years and have no (visible) flaking or redness because I have accustomed my skin gradually over the course of 13 years.

5| IF THE SKIN IS IRRITATED, I DISCONTINUE FOR 2 DAYS AND USE A REPAIRING CREAM.

Despite all the precautions, sometimes it happens that the skin is more sensitive or dry and becomes irritated with the use of Retin-A. In this case, I stop for about 2 days and let the skin rest, while I pamper it with repairing cream (to avoid infections if there are skin cracks in the corners of the mouth).

The Connettivina cream is FANTASTIC, it is pure Hyaluronic acid and helps the skin to regenerate in no time, leaving it hydrated. It is the only thing I use if I have it at home, along with pure organic coconut oil, if my skin is irritated by Retin-A. Click on the images to see and buy the products.

6| I DIDN’T GIVE UP WHEN MY SKIN INITIALLY WORSENED

You know what they say: before it gets better, it gets worse. This is indeed a valid concept when applied to Tretinoin. The before and after results are broken by an intermediate “bad” phase. Unfortunately, that’s the way it is. Except in rare cases of skins that can withstand everything, you will see your skin worsening from about 2 weeks to 2 months.

Dry skin, which peels more or less markedly, preventing you from using foundation and powders without it being noticed, and also a sudden worsening of acne. This is what you should expect in the first few months. But seriously, DO NOT GIVE UP!

It is not exactly a walk in the park, but it can be overcome, knowing that in the end, you’ll have smooth skin like a peach, rosy, without spots and without marked wrinkles!

Why does this happen? First of all, the skin is getting used to a much faster cell turnover than usual and finds itself exposed to atmospheric agents, sun, and pollution, so it gets irritated.

The superficial layer of the skin is exfoliated daily and for those with oily skin, there are also acne issues. All the “dirt” under your skin comes to the surface, giving you unsightly pimples.

Fortunately, Retin-A has an incredible power to accelerate the healing of these pimples and spots, using it every day, after a few weeks of “pizza face”, you won’t even need to put foundation on if you really don’t like it. Once the pimples and flaking phase has passed, the skin looks almost perfect. Actually, you should take some before and after pictures to remember what you went through (I wish I did!)

I remember after the first 2 years of constant use, the worsening phase for me lasted 4 months due to horrible acne, then almost suddenly the spots, pimples, and scars disappeared and the skin was so radiant that several people made remarks on how beautiful and radiant my skin looked. No one in my life had ever commented positively on my skin before.

8| I CLEAN THE FACE WELL AND APPLY THE TRETINOIN ONLY WHEN THE SKIN IS COMPLETELY DRY.

A very important action that is often forgotten or overlooked. Why use Retin-A only on super dry skin? Because the residual moisture means that a greater amount of product is absorbed, irritating the skin and making the flaking more visible.

9| I AVOID APPLYING OTHER CREAMS BEFORE / AFTER THE USE OF TRETINOIN

Forget the wild tan if you use Retin-A (and your skin will thank you anyway!) You can always use some great self-tanners!

I give you this advice based on my personal experience. There are people who, after putting on Retin-A, allow enough time for the skin to absorb it completely (about 20-30 min) and then apply their anti-wrinkle or moisturizer cream. I avoid it carefully for a couple of reasons:

1) I have oily skin and although initially, I feel that the Tretinoin is drying my face, during the night my skin balances it all out by producing enough oil to compensate.

In the morning, I wash my face with warm water, eliminating any residual flaking and oil and I treat my skin well with the creams and serums I talk about in the article on the best anti-wrinkle cream after 40 years.

2) I don’t want to minimize the effect and benefits of Retin-A: Although the skin has absorbed everything, adding other products (depending on what you use) could affect the cell regeneration work that Retin-A is doing, so to stay on the safe side I avoid mixing 2 products together.

I only do it when I put the cream around the eye area before putting on the Retin A. NEVER AFTER: I did it once and some product migrated to the eye area giving me a “beautiful” wrinkled skin the next morning. But if it happens don’t worry, it’s a transitory effect.

10| I PROTECT THE SKIN FROM THE SUN WITH THE HIGHEST SPF, AND USE PHYSICAL FILTERS (ZINC OXIDE)

This is of paramount importance. As already explained, Retin-A and the sun do not get along, they are actually sworn enemies.

Remember, when you use Tretinoin you are missing the first layer of skin, the protective one, made up mostly of dead cells. So the sensitivity to the sun increases exponentially putting you at risk not only of burns and irritation but also of more serious problems.

Therefore I highly recommend one of the sunscreens with physical zinc oxide filters for the face. FURTHER READING: Unmissable mineral sunscreens to have a younger skin.

Anyways, any sunscreen is better than nothing until you find the right one for your face. ALWAYS use it even if it’s cloudy or raining.

The harmful rays, the UVA, always pass even if there is no sun. If you don’t feel like using solar 365 days a year, then you better not use Retin-A. You would do more damage to your skin than anything else.

You need to be very careful, tretinoin is not your common anti-wrinkle cream (and that is why Retin A is the best there is, but you shouldn’t use it lightly).

SO WOMEN WITHOUT WRINKLES AT 40/50 ALL USE RETIN-A?

Retin-A? Botox? Jennifer Aniston’s Before and After photos

Ok the makeup and the right lights, but you can see that the skin of this FIFTY-YEAR OLD woman is in excellent condition, it doesn’t take much to see it.

When you see Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston still having great skin in their 50s, their REAL secrets can only be the ones listed below. In combination or individually:

• They won the genetic lottery (it’s rare but it happens, lucky them, my skin sucks).

• They use Botox (more or less extreme, in some cases you can barely notice, in others it is terrifying).

• They have been using Retin A, probably for decades, with admirable consistency, every night.

• They undergo aggressive peels like TCA (I will create a specific post about it because I also tried it).

• Constant use of very high protection sunscreens even in cloudy conditions or in winter.

• They had a facelift in combination (or not) with the points mentioned above.

Another necessary premise: I’m not here to preach. I know people who don’t really care about wrinkles and are also proud of them (ok … maybe the only really credible one was my grandmother), but some women are not particularly worried/obsessed with them anyway.

While others, like me, are keen to keep their skin in good condition, as far as nature and genetics allow it, because sooner or later we all age, let’s face it 🙂 Why am I saying this? Very simple.

Because all the creams, lotions, and miraculous serums advertised out there (although some are valid in improving the appearance of the skin) DO NOT ERASE REAL WRINKLES THAT ARE ALREADY THERE. FORGET IT.

I know people who spend their salaries on creams from famous brands that promise to erase wrinkles, pull up the skin, and even plump it (are we serious ?!), all this in 30 mg little tubes for “only” 150 euros, and then they criticize those who use Botox.

Such misinformation that Botox is often confused with Hyaluronic Acid injections which, if done badly, give the mouse/hamster effect: D

I have heard comments on photos of celebrities clearly using Hyaluronic Acid fillers with a “Look at her, she ruined her face with all that botox!”

Those who criticize are often women who buy super expensive creams, which should be used to achieve the same result (fewer wrinkles, younger / fresher face).

A result that is obtained with the Botox they criticize so much (because they associate it with the mummified look of some celebrities?).

Botox, compared to my beloved Retin-A gives immediate results that last for at least 3-4 months. Without ruining anything. The Retin-A is not immediate but just as effective in the long run and doesn’t cost that much. In short, I find the reasoning of those who criticize these methods and then buy expensive creams hypocritical.

If you don’t love your wrinkles and you know of a proven method (Retin-A and/or Botox) that gives you real results, why spend hundreds of dollars on “anti-wrinkle” creams and criticize those who use the methods that really work? In the end, you spend a LOT less and you get what you really want.

Anti-aging creams and serums, the good ones, do work, and in fact, I recommend them, but only to improve the appearance of the skin, and prevent further damage. They do not plump anything, unfortunately. Better buy a few targeted but good products!

Before and After photos: Too many fillers on the cheeks (not Botox, that is not done on the cheeks! ) And certainly she has also used a tad too much of the latter, but it has nothing to do with the “hamster” effect given instead by the hyaluronic acid injected into the cheeks ” squick squick! “: D

And here we are at the end (for now!) of this article. I wanted to post the most frequently asked questions also related to the use of Retinoic Acid for severe acne, but I will be posting a dedicated article, avoiding any mix-up.

Have you ever tried Retin-A? Do you have any before and after to share? Leave a comment, or if you have any doubts, let me know and I will try to help!

Grazie!Clelia

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My Life with Retin-A | The New Yorker

When I was thirteen years old, the skin on my chest was overtaken by a
mysterious outbreak of inflamed red dots. I attended an all-girls
boarding school in the Dehradun Valley, in India, where our bodies were
carefully watched over—our height, weight, molars, incisors, fevers, and
vaccinations each measured every term. Spots on the face were deemed
normal, maybe even healthy, vanity being one of the undesired traits
that the institution promised to eradicate. A smattering of inflamed
spots across your chin or cheekbone might even earn you sympathetic
offers from your peers. (“Do you want me to buy you a new loofah the
next time I go out?”) But, as I discovered that year, the neck marked an
invisible geographical border, and the appearance of acne below it
turned magnanimity into suspicion among friends and authority figures
alike: “Is that a rash?” “Are your sheets clean?” “Are you bathing
every day?” The wide square neckline of our school uniforms made my
breakout impossible to conceal. Despite walking around with my forearms
carefully folded across my rib cage, I quickly acquired a reputation as
the girl with the chest pimples.

After begging the school nurses to let me see a dermatologist, I was
sent for an appointment with Dr. Judge, whose clinic signage pronounced
him a specialist in “Skin Diseases and Leprosy.” He was a pale, thin
man, with uncommonly gray eyes. He didn’t speak a single word to me, or
ask any questions about when or how the breakout had begun. But he peered
sympathetically at the damage, scribbled some things on a pad, and
proffered a small, unimpressive-looking tube of ointment labelled “0.1% tretinoin.”

Dr. Judge’s prescription said to apply a thin layer of the cream once a
week, but in my desperation to be cured I instead slathered my chest
generously several times a day. By Day Three, the pimples seemed to have
dried up. By Day Seven, the first flakes of dry skin were floating off
my chest and settling on my sweater. I took this as evidence that the
cream was finally working, and rubbed it on with even more dedication,
carrying the tube around like a talisman. By Day Fifteen, triumph turned
to horror: the cream had certainly cleared out the zits, but it had also
obliterated the entire layer of skin that they’d occupied. In its place
now were a multitude of angry, pink dry patches that peeled off in the
shower in grotesque sheets. With the casual cruelty that comes so easily
to teen-agers, a girl in my dorm took a look at my chest and offered
that, if she were me, she’d be contemplating suicide by now. I threw out
the tube of cream and endured the chafing of a woollen scarf until the
peeling finally stopped. During the winter holidays, my mother, a firm
believer in impeccable self-presentation, and never one to mince words,
took one look at me and asked, “What have you done to yourself?”

Today, hundred-and-five-dollar retinol serums can be purchased at
Sephora in apothecary-inspired bottles, enhanced with added azulene oil
and blue tansy. But the original, all-chemical, prescription-only
retinoid skin cream is not a glamorous product. Nearly indistinguishable
from hemorrhoid cream, the blue-and-white, plastic-capped metal tube
doesn’t lend itself to performative #selfcare on Instagram. Its design
is seemingly immune to the passage of time, having remained true to the
same aesthetic since 1971, when it first got F.D.A. approval. My mother
credits her teen-age commitment to the cream for the singularly lineless
forehead and wrinkle-free nasolabial folds she now sports in her
fifties.

Within the field of dermatology, retinoid and its family of
Vitamin-A-derivative compounds—retinoid’s less potent offspring,
retinol; its purest form, tretinoin, or retinoic acid, of which Retin-A
is a common brand name—are spoken of with mythic reverence. Retin-A,
which works by purging old skin cells and forcing new ones to form at an
astonishing rate, is the insufferable overachiever of skin treatments,
known not only to blast away acne but to boost collagen production,
dissolve unwanted pigmentation, and, as if that weren’t enough, treat
skin lesions before they turn cancerous. Whether you’re hoping to get
rid of wrinkles or acne or malignant cells, though, a retinoid-improved
visage cannot be attained without enduring the carnage of red, inflamed,
and flaking dry skin along the way. And whether you adhere to using the
cream once a week, or go overboard, as I did, peel you will—perhaps not
enough to elicit suggestions of suicide but enough to make onlookers do
a double take, as if to silently confirm that, yes, that is indeed your
face, and it seems to be doing something usually seen only in National
Geographic specials about snakes and crustaceans.

Since Internet access was strictly forbidden at my Indian boarding
school, it wasn’t until my second major breakout, at the age of
twenty-three, when I was living in New York, that I found the reams of
message boards, subreddits, blog posts, and magazine articles devoted to
what are fittingly called the “retinoid uglies.” It was my face, this
time, that erupted in cystic pustules that ached and throbbed angrily if
I smiled too widely. I’d wake up with pinpricks of blood littering the
spot where I’d been sleeping. When I visited home, in October of 2015,
my mother took one look at me and asked, “What have you done to
yourself?”

I saw an Upper West Side dermatologist—tall, blond, with
intimidatingly great skin—who prescribed me another round of Retin-A.
This time, previous experience, and the advice of strangers on the
Internet, had prepared me for the flake-pocalypse. I stuck to the
prescribed treatment, a thumb-size dab once a week. A couple of months
into the regimen, the “purge” began. “Think of it as your skin taking
out the trash from inside the house,” my dermatologist explained. She
wrote me prescriptions for moisturizers, separate ones for morning and
night. I began lying on my left side in bed when the right side of my
face became too inflamed to position flat on the pillow.

Having adult acne is far from the worst way your body can betray you. It
was a blow to my vanity, certainly, and a minor indignity—even as a
tax-paying, apartment-renting, health-insurance-having citizen of the
world—to have to battle once again a condition I thought I’d left behind
along with braces and weeknight curfews. But there is a unique cruelty
in Retin-A’s way of making the problem worse before it gets better. The
before-and-after photos on Reddit didn’t prepare me for what I underwent in between—the farce of maintaining eye contact
during conversations, even as I could see the person I was talking to
glance involuntarily toward the raw patches along my jawline. Unlike the
wounds from a face-lift or a surgical procedure, the recovery caused by
Retin-A does not take place underneath bandages. The inevitable shedding
of skin violates one of the tenets of being an adult—and, especially, a
woman—in polite society: it is a public display of the concerted, and
occasionally painful, effort that goes into maintaining an appearance of
outward normalcy.

Like love and bankruptcy, clear skin, when it finally came, did so
gradually, then all at once. It’s been two years since I uncapped a new
tube of Retin-A 0.1% and more than six months since a zit last invaded
my face. My forehead now emits a truck-headlight-like glare in iPhone
photos owing to its somewhat artificial, Barbie-esque smoothness.
Occasionally, I still feel the throbs of a nascent pimple that threatens
to emerge from deep underneath my skin, but it never actually does. Just
in case, I keep a gnarled, half-squeezed tube of Retin-A on my dresser,
dusty from disuse. I didn’t get to post my own before-and-after shots
to Reddit—my phone fell into a puddle and all the photos from my
retinoid years were wiped out. But, last month, my mother peered into
the grainy screen of our weekly WhatsApp video call. “Skin looks good,
Iva,” she said.

Retin-A for Skin: The Complete Guide

A few years ago, a friend told me both she and her mother had discovered the secret to anti-aging—Retin-A. “Why in the world would you use that stuff? You have flawless skin!” I told her. “Honey,” she said, “This is why I have flawless skin.” My friend was a few years older than me—in her mid-30s—and she wasn’t the first person I would come to know whose dermatologist prescribed Retin-A (or tretinoin) as a way to combat fine lines and wrinkles. “Retin-A improves the appearance of the skin by helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reducing inflammation related to acne, providing the skin with exfoliation to prompt cell turnover. It can also improve issues with skin texture, tone, and hyperpigmentation,” says dermatologist Dr. Stacy Chimento. 

Being in the business of beauty and skincare, I’ve found that dermatologists agree on one thing: The only anti-ager on the market that has proven again and again to reduce fine lines and wrinkles is retinoids, such as tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A. We spoke to experts to learn more about Retin-A. Keep reading for more on this super anti-aging ingredient.

Retin-A

Type of ingredient: Exfoliant

Main benefits: Increases cell turnover, antioxidant.

Who should use it: In general, anyone who wants to prevent bad acne or wrinkles.

How often can you use it: Once a day, maximum. Any more and you’re risking serious irritation.

Works well with: Hydrators, antioxidants.

Doesn’t work with: Vitamin C, physical and chemical exfoliants, other retinol formulas.

What is Retin-A?

PLAINVIEW/Getty Images

“Retin-A is the brand name for tretinoin or all-trans retinoic acid, a form of acidic vitamin A, that has been classified as a drug or medicine, that was first discovered in the ’60s by Dr. Albert Kligman. It was first used to treat severe acne and later discovered as an effective solution to treat wrinkles and aging skin,” says cosmetic chemist David Petrillo. “The epidermis is made up of rows of skin cells and when exposed to the sun and its different wavelengths, the rows of cells become disorganized, more adhere to the surface, and decreases in its ability to replicate, which leaves a wrinkled appearance. Further environmental stresses limit the production of the proteins collagen and elastin, which give the skin its strength, elastic structure, and ability to snap back when stretched.”

An exfoliant that helps with skin cell turn-over. Retin-A purposely irritates the skin, shortening the life of skin cells so that new skin cells take their place, revealing fresher skin. “Retin-A penetrates the outer keratinocytes of the epidermis, causing a reaction to remove the dead superficial cells sitting on the surface, increasing the blood flow in the skin and thus, increasing the rate of new epidermal cell replication and collagen organization in the dermis. This process allows for a healthier, less wrinkled appearance. Retin-A has also been found to significantly reduce blemishes on the skin, and Harvard Medical School indicated it improves the overall quality of the skin. Retinoids essentially make it more difficult for comedones to form, and the P acne bacteria become less prolific due to oxygen exposure of pores,” says Petrillo.

Retin-A—which comes in gel and cream form—is stronger than over-the-counter retinol. “Retin-A is prescription-strength retinol that is stronger and quicker to yield results on the skin than over-the-counter retinoids,” says Chimento.

Benefits of Retin-A for Skin

Retin-A promotes cell turn-over in the skin leading to these benefits:

• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduced inflammation related to acne
• Decreased hyperpigmentation
• Improved texture of the skin
• Increased collagen synthesis

Side Effects of Retin-A

“When starting to use Retin-A, it is recommended that you maintain a gentle skincare routine free of chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid and salicylic acids. Another ingredient to avoid is benzoyl peroxide, which is commonly used to treat acne, but if used in conjunction with retinol, both effects can cancel each other out,” says dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling, MD. “Products like cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen should remain in your skincare routine. Just make sure they are fragrance-free.”

Start slowly with this product, which initially can cause redness, peeling, and flaking. Too many women give up after just a couple of weeks because they are alarmed by the initial effects of tretinoin. Start by using it twice a week, then slowly move to every other day until your skin adjusts.

Javier Diez / Stocksy

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t expose skin to the sun when using retinoids or retinol. You’ll want to cover up with sunscreen and a hat, as vitamin A makes skin a little more susceptible to sun damage.

Because skin can become irritated while on Retin-A if you find your skin has become dry and reddened, stop your skincare regimen and slather on an oil-free moisturizer.

You should avoid tretinoin products if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant because it could cause birth defects.

How to Use It

“First, thoroughly clean the face of any makeup, dirt, or impurities. Be careful not to scrub harshly; exfoliation during the cleansing process can cause the Retin-A to irritate the skin,” says Frieling. After the skin is patted dry, apply a thin layer of Retin-A on the treatment area. Frieling also says that Retin-A should be used once a day, prior to bed. Moisturize your face and wear sunscreen when using Retin-A.

my experiences with retin-a micro gel

This past August, I had my first appointment with a dermatologist to start my tattoo removal process (I have a small star on my wrist from a poor decision ten years ago). Because I was already there, I asked my doctor about what can be done about larger pores. I have pretty large pores on my nose that have always bothered me, but I haven’t found anything that actually reduces them in size, so I wanted an expert’s opinion. Unfortunately, she said that pore size is genetic and not much can be done to change that, but she has seen some success with a tretinoin cream, and since I had a bit of acne on my chin, it may be successful for me for both of my concerns.

Tretinoin causes skin cells to divide and die more rapidly, which increases epidermal turnover, while also stimulating collagen and elastin. The end results is that the new cells should replace the cells of acne, wrinkled, and hyper-pigmented skin (this article describes it in more detail if you are interested).  My skin concerns are really the hyper-pigmentation from acne scars, occasional pimples, and now that I’m in my late twenties, starting to be more proactive against wrinkles, so this seemed like a great option for me. Cost all depends on your insurance, but with my insurance and a coupon card from my doctor, it ended up not costing me anything out of pocket.

I was prescribed the 0.08% Retin-A Micro, and have been using it for four months now. Because I have fairly sensitive skin, I continue to use it the same I did when I started. Every other night, I wash my face, then wait a minute or so to make sure my face is truly dry. Then I use about a chickpea size of the gel, and rub a small amount on each section of my face. I then follow up with generous amount of Vanicream, a horribly-named but efficient moisturizer recommended by my dermatologist.

For the first week or so, I didn’t really notice any difference in my skin. Then all of a sudden, my skin started to peel like crazy. Ugh, it was so so bad for quite a few weeks. There was just nothing I could do to get my skin from peeling – I tried gentle exfoliation, extra moisturizing, different moisturizers, less of the gel, more of the gel, layered under and over moisturizer. I probably was in that state for a good month.

I would say that for the last month or so, so about three months after I started using the Retin-A micro gel, my skin is finally getting over the peeling and dryness side effects. Things that have worked well for me are: gentle exfoliation with a konjac sponge every time I shower, using the First Aid Beauty Hydrating Gel every morning (review here), using the Vanicream at night, and using the Origins Drink Up Mask on nights when I don’t use the gel.

So the results have been pretty good and worth it, in my opinion. I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is that my hyper-pigmentation has drastically decreased. I used the picture below in my review of Paula’s Choice BHA toner, but you can see how the acne scars really have almost disappeared from where I was a year ago. I think the BHA toner helps me a lot more with my acne than the Retin-A micro, just because I forgot to use the toner for like two weeks a few weeks ago, and my skin really blew up. But my scarring is decreased, my acne is reduced (from a combined effort, it seems), and I would say my skin overall is more even. I don’t know if it has really had an effect on “wrinkles” because although I have some fine lines around my eyes, I don’t really have that many wrinkles yet. And while the original reason for starting the cream was for enlarged pores, I haven’t really noticed a change in them – they are still as present as they were before :/

Retin-A micro is a prescription medication, and with all medications that are certain side effects. Of particular importance if you are female is that this is a Category C drug that has shown to have adverse effects on fetuses, so if you are or planning on being pregnant in the near future, this prescription drug isn’t recommended. It’s not to the level of Accutane (a Category X drug) so you don’t have to prove that you aren’t pregnant/be on several modes of birth control, but definitely worthy of noting. I am actively trying not to get pregnant at this moment of time, so this didn’t change anything for me, but will be something to consider in the future.

So that has been my experience with starting and continuing to use Retin-A micro. I am very happy with my results, especially now that I have figured out how to control the flaking, so I intend to use it for the long-term. Several of you have asked about my experiences using a tretinoin cream, so I hope that answers some of your questions! Have any of you had success with a prescription tretinoin cream?

Disclaimer: I am not yet a doctor, nor would I ever give medical advice on the internet. I’m just a girl sharing my experiences with a prescription medication – this is not medical advice. Please talk to your own doctor if you are interested in starting this medication! 

Do retinoids really reduce wrinkles?

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. It was used as an acne treatment in the 1970s, but researchers later discovered that it also fades actinic keratosis spots, evens pigmentation, and speeds the turnover of superficial skin cells.

Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. 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. Wear a sunscreen during the day, because retinoids increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. These drugs must be used continually to maintain their benefits.

Tretinoin (Retin-A, generic), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin) are prescription retinoids. Adapalene is also available over the counter (in a 0.1% formulation versus the 0.3% prescription version). Other retinoids are undergoing clinical trials.

In addition, several over-the-counter products containing retinoids, such as retinol, are available. Because they’re not as strong (and thus less irritating), they are not as effective in reducing wrinkles as tretinoin; but they do improve the appearance of photo-aged skin. Tretinoin can be used with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for additional skin-smoothing effects.

To learn more about ways to care for your skin, buy Skin Care and Repair, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

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Ranking and Reviews Of The Best Retinol Creams!

Luckily for your skin, the secret on retinol is out…

Called the #1 anti-aging ingredient by dermatologists, this vitamin derivative has long established itself as a proven “miracle worker” for smoother, better-looking skin.

In fact, wrinkle creams with this ingredient have shown in numerous clinical studies to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, shrink pores and rebuild collagen.

Not bad for an ingredient that’s been around for 40 years!

If you use the right retinol wrinkle cream, you can combat the signs of aging and improve your skin better than just about any other product you can buy without a prescription.

As anyone who’s used it will tell you, it’s truly that amazing…

But just as the popularity of it has grown over the years, so has the number of wrinkle creams, serums and lotions that contain it.

You can find tons of different retinol creams on the internet, in doctor offices, at cosmetics counters in department stores and even at your local drugstore!

How can you possibly know which one is best for your particular skin?

Hopefully that’s where we can help you out…

Because we’re obsessed with anti-aging skincare, we’ve taken the time to rank and review all of the most popular retinol wrinkle creams on the market.

And unlike most beauty “review” sites, we actually go out and buy the product we’re reviewing, thoroughly try it out and then report the results right here on our site!

You’ll quickly know which products work, how much they cost, who should be using them and what exactly’s in them.

Bottom line– we’ll tell you everything you need to know to find the perfect wrinkle cream for your unique skin!

So click here to see our list of the best retinol creams, or keep reading to learn more about what it can do for your skin.

What Is Retinol And What Can It Do For My Skin?

Retinol, available in many forms, is a topically-applied derivative of vitamin A.

So, it’s simply an ingredient found in many wrinkle creams, it’s not a “brand” or anything like that.

We’re not going to get too technical here, but your skin takes retinol and turns it into retinoic acid, which is responsible for the many great things it does for your skin.

The stronger, prescription version is called retinoid and was approved by the FDA back in 1971 as an acne treatment.

After awhile of using it for acne, dermatologists started noticing that their patients not only cleared up their acne, but also had brighter, softer, smoother skin with less wrinkles.

So a whole new use for retinoids was born; as an anti aging super ingredient!

And while you can still get prescription retinoids today, most people now prefer the milder, better-tolerated version that scientists developed called retinol (which is available without a prescription).

So now that you know a little bit about retinol, you’re probably wondering why it’s so great and why everyone loves it so much?

The answer is simple.

Decades of clinical studies have shown that retinol does more for skin than just about any other skincare ingredient on the planet.

First and foremost, it promotes healthy cell turnover, which is super important for beautiful skin.  This is what makes skin look younger, smoother and tighter.

Next, it fades pigmentation and reverses signs of sun damage… so age spots, discoloration or blotchiness is evened out.

Further, retinol also shrinks your pores, which is why it works so great on acne.

And finally, it stimulates the growth of collagen and bolsters skin thickness, which is critical to keeping wrinkles at bay.

With that long and impressive list of proven benefits, is it any wonder why so many celebrities, models and everyday people swear by it?

Click here to learn more about the differences between wrinkle cream ingredients like retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid and kojic acid.

Who Should Use Retinol and At What Age?

Now that you have a better idea of all the great things retinol can do for your skin, you’re probably wondering who this stuff is for?

Believe it or not, that’s actually a pretty easy answer.

If you’re in your 20s and have any fine lines or wrinkles (or have exposed your skin to a lot of sunlight or tanning beds) then you’d be wise to start using a retinol cream.

There are really no downsides to its use– and the earlier you start protecting and renewing your skin the better!

For all others, most dermatologists recommend adding retinol to your anti-aging regimen once you turn 30.

There’s quite of bit of evidence that the early use of retinol creams can help delay the onset of fine lines.

In fact, Chicago dermatologist Dr. Carolyn Jacob summed it up nicely by saying, “I recommend retinol to everyone.  It’s never too early to start using a retinol product”.

So now that we’ve covered who should use this wonder ingredient, the next question is how long should you use it?

Studies have shown that you can use a retinol cream for one year or longer and still get substantial benefit.

In fact, Johnson and Johnson recently did a study that confirmed this.  The researchers concluded that even after a year, retinol keeps on working and improves the signs of aging.

So what do you do after a year or two of use?

Well, many dermatologists suggest using a cream with a higher concentration than what you were using before.

So, if you were using a wrinkle cream with 0.5% retinol, after a year or two you may want to use one that has a 0.75% or 1.0% concentration.

You can see continued improvement in your skin with this approach.

Now, before moving on to the next section, we wanted to quickly go over who may not want to use retinol.

Those with ultra-sensitive skin may want to start their retinol use very slowly, perhaps using a product with a low concentration and applying just once a week.

Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not want to use retinol.  In either of those cases, be sure to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional.

Do I Need A Prescription To Use A Wrinkle Cream That Has Retinol?

The short answer is no.

However, as we discussed earlier, there is a stronger version of retinol called retinoid.

And those do require a prescription (they go by names like Retin retin-A, Tazorac, and Differin).

So what’s the difference between these ingredients?

Prescription retinoids are very concentrated and very strong retinoic acid. And because their molecules are so small and can penetrate all layers of the skin, they can cause a lot of redness and irritation.

In fact, many people cannot tolerate them at all!

On the other hand, retinol found in wrinkle creams must first be converted to retinoic acid once it’s applied to your skin.  So it isn’t active until it starts to interact with your skin.

Basically your cells can “hang onto” retinol until they need it (at which point they convert it into retinoic acid).

So what does that mean exactly?

Over the counter creams have dramatically lower negative effects like peeling, sun sensitivity and redness.

Yet, these creams give you the same beneficial effects as prescription retinoids, (it just takes a bit longer to see the results).

Another benefit of retinol creams versus prescription retinoids is newer technologies like microencapsulation allow manufacturers to add other ingredients to boost the effects of the retinol.

So that summarizes the trade-off between using prescription versus over-the-counter retinol.

Prescription works faster but can have substantial side effects.  Non-prescription works slower but has no to minimal negative effects.

In our opinion (and those of most dermatologists), both forms work equally well at improving the skin!

For more on prescription retinol, take a look at our article, “What Is Retin-A and Are There Any Non-Prescription Alternatives“.

Is It Ok To Use Retinol Around and Under My Eyes?

As long as you don’t get it directly in your eye (duh), then yes.

In fact, studies show that people who apply retinol right up to the eyes tend to get the best results.

And if you think about it, that’s usually where many people need it most (because the skin is so thin there).

Crow’s feet and wrinkling under the eyes are both very common on just about everyone on the planet.

For these areas, you have two options…

First, you could just apply your nighttime wrinkle cream right up to your eyes along with everywhere else on your face.

Or second, you could use a special eye cream that contains retinol as one of the ingredients.

We’ve seen it work wonders both ways!

Is It Safe?

We can say with confidence that it’s absolutely safe!

You just have to make sure you use it correctly (at night) and don’t overdo it, especially if you go the prescription route.

Retinol’s been around in both prescription form and available over-the-counter for over 40 years.  It’s been used by literally millions of people in one form or another over that time.

And unlike most anti-aging ingredients, retinol has been extensively studied in clinical trials for both efficacy and safety.  So there’s not much to worry about here.

Most of the safety concerns are based on the prescription form, which can be irritating and cause redness, peeling and sensitivity.

The good news is, for those who experience any of that, skin usually adapts to retinoic acid within 2-3 weeks.

For those who use over-the-counter wrinkle creams with retinol, these side effects are mostly a thing of the past.

Especially if you begin their use gradually as we recommend in our how to use retinol tutorial.

Of course, if you have any concerns, just talk to your doctor or dermatologist 🙂

What Do Celebrity Skincare Gurus and Dermatologists Have To Say?

You can probably tell by now how great we think retinol is as an “all-purpose” anti-aging ingredient.

When it comes to speeding up cell turnover, reducing wrinkles, shrinking pores, reversing sun damage and fading pigmentation, you can’t do much better than retinol!

But instead of just taking our word for it, here’s what a few famous dermatologists and skincare gurus have to say about this little anti-aging miracle:

Kate Somerville, A-List beauty guru to stars like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Debra Messing says:

“I believe that one of the most effective ways to stimulate your skin is through topical ingredients such as retinol.  It’s amazing– it can transform your life.”

Dr. Dennis Gross, NYC Dermatologist and Surgeon simply says:

“Retinol is unique and brilliant.”

Dr. Harold Lancer, Beverly Hills dermatologist to celebs like Beyonce and Victoria Beckham said:

“Retinol is a key ingredient for skin renewal.”

And Oprah.com had this to say:

“Lotions or creams that contain retinol are your best bet at making your skin look younger.”

Finally, Dr. Oz said this recently on one of his shows:

“Vitamin A derivative retinol can stimulate collagen production, which firms skin and increases elasticity.”

When one doctor or person says something great about an ant-aging ingredient, it may or may not mean something.

But when virtually every dermatologist, esthetician and skincare expert in the world says it, it’s time to take notice!

This is the part you’ve been waiting for and why you probably came to this site!

We all know how great retinol is for your skin…

But now I’m sure you’re wondering which retinol products work best?

Since every “skin” cream has different concentrations, ingredients and delivery systems there can be a lot of variation in their effectiveness.

But don’t worry…

We’ve got you covered with our constantly updated ranking and reviews of just about every retinol product out there.

Once we buy one, we’ll thoroughly check it out and let you know how well it worked, what it felt like, and if there was any smell.

We’ll analyze the ingredients, see how long it takes to get results and report any side effects.

Then we’ll look at where you can buy it, how much it costs and if it’s worth the money.

Once we’ve completed our review, we’ll post a video and a blog post right here on this blog.

And of course, we’ll update our ranking of the 10 best wrinkle creams on a regular basis.

We do all the work (and spend a bunch of money) so you don’t have to!

So take a look at our ranking of the best retinol creams and get ready for beautiful, younger-looking skin!

Sincerely,
Jessica and Staff

Buy iMac – Apple (RU)

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90,000 my retinol is BEAUTY ADVISOR

I know how long you’ve been waiting for this column. It has been a little over a year since I first started using retinoids in my care.During this time, I took 2 courses of retinol: the first with The Ordinary Retinol 1% (3 months), the second with Medik8 r-Retinoate (4.5 months with short breaks) and one separate course of skin care around the eyes (1 month). And this is how it was.

Important: This column is based on personal experience. I do not recommend that you independently prescribe the cosmetics described in this material. Remember, an important skin care principle is do no harm.

Something about retinoids: The pioneer in the development of retinol-containing cosmetics was the American dermatologist Albert Kligman, who created the first Retin-A tretinoin cream in 1967.It was intended to treat acne, the anti-aging effect of using Retin-A was noticed by patients after a while, reporting that along with the rashes, wrinkles disappeared, the skin became smoother. The anti-aging agent with tretinoin was registered only 30 years later – it was Renova cream, licensed (as well as Retin-A) by Johnson & Johnson.

All retinoids – derivatives of vitamin A . Cosmetics with retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl retinoate are freely available and anyone can buy them, because they work more gently; Tretinoin medications, Retin-A and Renova creams are usually prescribed by a doctor.

Topical retinoids stimulate the renewal of keratinocytes, participate in the process of cell differentiation (important for the regeneration of damaged tissues, for example), increase collagen synthesis, make the skin denser and more elastic, eliminate pigmentation. Retinol cosmetics work both against acne and wrinkles.

In order to start working, any form of retinol must be converted to retinoic acid. Here is the conversion diagram for retinyl palmitate, a type of vitamin A derivative: retinyl palmitate> retinol> retinaldehyde> retinoic acid.The rule is the following: the closer the vitamin A derivative to retinoic acid, the better – such a remedy will work faster and more efficiently.

I started using retinoids in the wrong way, with the strongest product in The Ordinary’s line, Retinol 1%. Then the company had not released milder forms, and I, in turn, thought that skin trained with other active care (vitamin C, acids, niacinamide) would react normally. Looking ahead, I will say that nothing terrible happened, but I made a mistake: dermatologists advise to follow the so-called “retinol ladder”, starting with a low concentration and gradually increasing it.

RETINOL FOR FACE. 16 good remedies with retinoids

UPD. I will constantly expand this list and add new creams here. Their location on the page is not from the best to the worst, I recommend them all as good. I will add new ones from above.

On this page are collected products with retinol for the face (and 1 for the body), which I have tried myself and which I can recommend in response to the question “recommend a good remedy with retinol”.

All tools can be categorized as “good” and working, but they differ from each other! By the form of release, activity, add.ingredients and texture. Everyone will work, but in a slightly different way and specifically for your skin, something may suit at the moment more than anything else. And they are also different in price – from £ 8 to £ 80 +

Reviews and mentions of all products are in the videos about acids and retinol, which are collected in one playlist. There you can also find videos for newbies on how to introduce retinoids into care and how not to overdo it.

Over time, the list may be supplemented and changed.

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM

Another excellent serum with a complex working formula – Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM with 1.5% retinol and powerful antioxidants – vitamins C and E.

This serum contains microencapsulated retinol (delivered to the skin gradually) and thanks to this we avoid irritation, but at the same time we get good results after the first application.

Oil-like, fits well with any care. It will be good and beneficial for all skin types. We use only at night. Suitable for both beginners and advanced students.

Buy at LOOKFANTATSIC COM, Lookfantastic RU, Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay

PIXI
Retinol Tonic

For everyone! Easy to fit into any care.The effect is slow, cumulative, supportive. Can be used as a complementary treatment with retinoids. Can be used during the day (but remember about SPF).
Buy PIXI Retinol Tonic at Cult Beauty, LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU, Beauty Expert, iHerb

ALGENIST
Advanced Retinol Serum

This serum is more suitable for advanced, beginners with thinner and more delicate sensitive skin. Dries stronger than average retinoid.Only for the night!
Buy Algenist, Advanced Retinol Serum at LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU, Cult Beauty, SpaceNK

ELIZABETH ARDEN
Retinol Ceramide

This product perfectly combines retinol, peptides and ceramides. Suitable for everyone! But for beginners and those with sensitive skin – be careful and inject slowly. Top with moisturizing serums and creams. Great anti-age mix! Only for the night.
Buy Elizabeth Arden, Retinol Ceramide at LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU, Beauty Expert, Feelunique

DISCIPLE
Dreamy Skin Retinyl Oil

For everyone! Very light retinoid in oil (+ to restore the limit barrier and soothe the skin). Additional care for the evening, especially if there are inflammations. Easily combines with acids. It is more comfortable to use at night.
Buy Disciple, Dreamy Skin Retinyl Oil at Cult Beauty (and mini bundle)

INDEED LABS
Retinol Reface

Frivolous may not like it.Medium light retinol. Cream that is dense in texture, can roll, not compatible with all care. Good anti-aging formula. Only for the night!
Buy Indeed Labs, Retinol Reface is available at Cult Beauty, LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU, Beauty Expert, Asos, Boots

THE INKEY LIST
Retinol Serum

Aggressive retinol with a simple formula, no additional care. Be careful for beginners. Requires compensation for moisturizing and restoring the skin with other ingredients and products.Only for the night!
Buy The Inkey List, Retinol Serum at LookfantasticCOM, Cult Beauty

LA ROCHE-POSAY
Redermic [R] Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment

For everyone! But it can be a little too light for those who have been using retinol in their care for a long time. Not a bad first face retilon, which gives the effect quickly enough, but not too aggressive. By default only for the night!
Buy La Roche-Posay, Redermic [R] Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment available at LookfantasticCOM, Beauty Expert, Pharmacy

DR.DENNIS GROSS
Retinol Ferulic Acid

Active! Excellent anti-aging formula. For beginners, do it slowly, it is best not to be the first retinol product for you. Only for the night!
Buy Dr. Dennis Gross, Retinol Ferulic Acid is available at Cult Beauty, SkinStore, LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU

THE CHEMISTRY
Retin-Oil Body

Excellent body oil with retinol! Suitable for everyone.Skin care and renewal. Can be easily used after acids.
Buy The Chemistry, Retin-Oil for Body at LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU, Beauty Expert

SARAH CHAPMAN
Overnight Facial

For everyone! Perfectly balanced formula with vitamins (anti-aging and prevention of changes). Less often for beginners. Average activity. Only for the night!
Buy Sarah Chapman, Overnight Facial at LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU, Cult Beauty, FeelUnique, SpaceNK

EVE LOM
Time Retreat Face Treatment

Medium activity serum.A complex formula, but more for those whose wrinkles are not yet so active. Or we reserve ourselves with patience. Only for the night!
Buy Eve Lom, Time Retreat Face Treatment at Cult Beauty, LookfantasticCOM, SkinStore, SpaceNK, Beauty Expert

VERSO
Super Eye Serum

Serum for the area around the eyes, therefore, by default, be careful everyone! Apply away from the eyes. Only for the night!
Buy Verso, Super Eye Serum at LookfantasticCOM, Cult Beauty, FeelUnique, SpaceNK

PAULA’S CHOICE
Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Excellent strong anti-aging formula.The effect is cumulative, but you will see the first mild results pretty quickly. Only for the night!
Buy Paula’s Choice, Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment at LookfantasticCOM, LookfantasticRU, Beauty Expert, Cult Beauty, SkinStore

THE ORDINARY
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

For everyone! But for beginners, be careful. The formula is simple, we need additions for the norms. anti-age effect. But the form of the retinoid itself is more gentle with OK effectiveness.Pipette packaging – do not delay use. Only for the night!
Buy The Ordinary, Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is available at Cult Beauty, SkinStore, Asos, bundle on Lookfantastic COM, bundle on Lookfantastic RU

KATE SOMERVILLE
+ Retinol Vita C Power Serum

For everyone, but we introduce them carefully. Balanced medium active. This means that the effect is cumulative, but even after one use there is an improvement.Good anti-aging and prevention formula with vitamin C. Low consumption. For the night.
Buy Kate Somerville, + Retinol Vita C Power Serum at Cult Beauty, SpaceNK

In the series # advise a good product, there are already collections of good products with acids, with retinoids, with vitamin C, for the eyelids.

And another selection of basic recommended brands for those who don’t know where to start or want to try something new.

This post is not sponsored by any brand or store, but contains affiliate links.Details on this page

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Vitamin A (Retinol acetate) instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Vitamin A (Retinol acetate) Capsules (53511)

Medik8 Smart Retinol | Official exclusive website of cosmeceuticals

RELIABLE AND PROVEN

Retinol is one of the most well researched and researched ingredients in skin care.Retinol has been proven by experience and time and is considered the gold standard in anti-aging skin care. We will never use retinol esters (like retinol palmitate) because we just don’t believe in their effectiveness.

But there is also a downside to the coin – retinol has its drawbacks. If taken too quickly, it overloads the skin and causes irritation, which manifests itself as burning, dryness, redness, etc.Another problem is that retinol is extremely unstable in the formulas. And after oxidation, it becomes almost useless. Retinol is sensitive to everything: oxygen, heat, light. Many other brands have simply come to terms with these disadvantages and position them as inevitable side effects of retinol use. But at Medik8, we don’t make such compromises.

OUR ORIGINAL RETINOL

We are significantly different from other brands.At the heart of our developments is the pursuit of excellence and innovation. Naturally, we couldn’t rest until we found a solution to our retinol problems. First, we developed Retinol 3TR ™, an uncompromising formula that overcomes the weaknesses of retinol and delivers incredible vitamin A results. In this serum, we have applied two technologies that neutralize all the deficiencies of retinol and deliver real, visible results.

First is Time Release ™, which releases retinol slowly and gradually into the skin.The technology is based on a polymer reservoir that acts like a dam on the skin, controlling the delivery of retinol. This helps to minimize the irritation traditionally associated with vitamin A. We also recommend gradually introducing vitamin A into your skincare regimen following a simple regimen. Retinol Ladder helps you avoid skin overload so you get the most of your retinol without irritation.

Secondly, whey is based on nourishing safflower oil.It not only fills the skin with moisturizing ingredients, but also protects the capricious retinol from contact with water. Water can speed up the oxidation process, so the anhydrous formula ensures that retinol is protected from oxidation. We were the first to create anhydrous retinol serum. Another nemesis of retinol is oxygen. With this in mind, we produce retinol serums in a special chamber filled with nitrogen. This protects retinol from harmful oxidation and gives us absolute confidence in the long-term stability of retinol.

Our serums contain antioxidants that protect retinol from free radical damage. Finally, all of our retinol serums are bottled in dark brown glass, which helps prevent light destabilization of the active ingredient. The products undergo rigorous HPLC testing, so that even after 12 months, the formula retains the same amount of active retinol as immediately after opening the bottle.

OUR SMART RETINOL

We are constantly innovating and working to improve our formulas. We have created an enhanced version of our iconic retinol serums to meet the solvent requirements of our loyal customers. We call this version Intelligent Retinol. Retinol TR Intense contains a special ingredient – the revolutionary retinol booster Climbazole. This ingredient enhances the anti-aging effectiveness of retinol, but does not increase potential skin irritation.And that’s not all: the formula is based on squalane, which nourishes and nourishes the skin while providing additional hydration.

All our retinol serums are scientifically developed and innovatively manufactured. So you can be sure you are getting the absolute best of the best vitamin A. Why settle for less when you can get the most with Medik8?

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90,000 Review Apple MacBook Pro with Retina 15 ”(A1398)

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina 15 ”(A1398), released in mid-2015, is a very high quality, stylish and functional device.The main difference between this model and its predecessors is the updated hardware with a discrete video core from AMD and a very fast SSD-drive on the PCIe x4 bus, as well as an innovative clickpad with Force Touch.

Design and external interfaces

The design of the Apple MacBook Pro 15 ”is exactly the same as that of its predecessors: that is, stylish and memorable.

The lid of the device is made from a single piece of light silver aluminum.On the sides it has barely noticeable bevels, and in the center it is decorated with a large glowing apple – the Apple logo.

The interior of the laptop, like the lid, has a simple and pleasant design: the top case of the Apple MacBook Pro A1398 is made of light silver aluminum, the separate keys are made of matte black plastic, and the display and its narrow black frame are covered with protective glass.

In general, due to the abundance of aluminum, straight lines of the case, its small thickness and simple, pleasant design, the design of the Apple MacBook Pro with Retina can still be called a benchmark in the laptop segment – the device looks really stylish, elegant and interesting.

The external interfaces of the laptop are represented by a rather modest set of connectors: on the right side of the device there is a card reader for SDXC memory cards, a digital video output HDMI and a USB 3.0 port, and on the left side there is an audio jack for headphones, a second USB 3.0 port, two Thunderbolt connectors and a power connector.

Hardware and battery

The hardware of the MacBook Pro A1398 is based on a platform from the Intel company and is equipped with powerful Intel Core i7-4770HQ, Core i7-4870HQ and Core i7-4980HQ quad-core processors with Haswell architecture.They are complemented by 16 gigabytes of LPDDR3-1600 RAM, an integrated Intel Iris Pro 5200 Graphics drive, which in some configurations works together with a decent discrete AMD Radeon R9 M370X video adapter, as well as an unusual solid-state drive Apple MacBook Pro A1398 for 256, 512 or 1024 gigabytes. using high-speed PCIe x4 bus.

In general, the performance of this laptop is at a high level: thanks to its powerful internals, it is excellent for performing resource-intensive tasks such as video editing, rendering or photo processing, and of course, it runs compatible applications and many modern games at high or medium levels without problems. graphics settings.

The MacBook Pro A1398 battery has a record capacity of 99.5 mAh. Of course, with such a capacious battery, the battery life of the laptop is simply excellent: in reading mode the device works for about 11-12 hours, web surfing discharges the battery in 8 hours, and watching a video in 6 hours. Overall, the MacBook Pro with Retina is quite capable of lasting a full working day without recharging – a truly record-breaking result for such a productive laptop.

Display

MacBook Pro with Retina 15 “, as the name suggests, features a 15.4” ultra-clear Retina display.At the heart of this screen is an IPS-matrix with a resolution of 2880 by 1800 pixels, which is characterized by a good margin of brightness, high contrast, wide viewing angles, accurate color reproduction and excellent color gamut, which almost completely corresponds to the sRGB reference space.

Overall, the MacBook Pro A1398 display can rightfully be called one of the best displays in the laptop segment – thanks to its excellent matrix characteristics and high pixel density, it displays very high-quality, clear and realistic images that will be appreciated even by professionals working with graphics, photos and video.

Keyboard & Clickpad

The MacBook Pro A1398 keyboard is large and very comfortable. Large separate keys are made of matte black plastic with a flat surface and have a smooth, deep and elastic travel with a clear pressure. The layout is comfortable, but, like all Apple laptops, it is very unusual for Windows users: in the lower left corner, instead of the Ctrl key, there is the Fn key, on both sides of the spacebar there are unusual Cmd keys, and in the top row F1-F12 are swapped with keys designed to operate the laptop functions.As for the rest, the layout is practically reference: cursor keys are allocated in a separate block, and all symbols are large and well thought out.

The Force Touch clickpad on the mid-2015 MacBook Pro has learned to recognize the force of pressure, which has expanded the arsenal of available actions that can be performed with this pointing device. In addition, the Force Touch clickpad has completely ceased to be pressed – from now on it is a stationary element with a touch surface, and the physical response from pressing on it is imitated by electromagnets.This tactile click response feels so believable that it is almost indistinguishable from the usual keystrokes of a traditional clickpad.

Output

As a result, the 2015 MacBook Pro with Retina 15 “is another evolutionary model from Apple with a couple of interesting innovations. At the same time, the MacBook Pro A1398 is still a unique device, which, in terms of the totality of its characteristics, has no analogues in the segment of laptops, and due to this it is very popular among users who are not indifferent to high-quality, stylish, productive and convenient devices.

The Inkey list Retinol serum | Customer Reviews

More than a month behind, I am telling you about the results.

Serum with two types of retinoids from the rather budgetary brand The lnkey list , which apparently follows the path of The Ordinary.

Serum for skin renewal and improvement of collagen production.

Contains 1% of regular retinol.

And granactive retinoid, which is higher than retinol in the list of ingredients, that is, it is more than 1%, but the exact content is not specified.

Its peculiarity is that it does not irritate the skin.

Saturated composition. The base is here with moisturizers, lipids, squalane. Which is understandable and commendable, since retinol usually dries out the skin and is great to support it right away.

The composition also contains stable vitamin C and vitamin E.

And in the very tail there is a complex of peptides. As I understand it, due to this there was a promise to increase the production of collagen.

The texture of buttery milk with a slight oily odor.

Packing – tube.Terribly inconvenient for such a fluid texture. You have to store the tube upside down so that when you open the serum does not flow out uncontrollably.

So, about the main thing.

The texture is comfortable, softens and moisturizes well, the skin breathes. For oily skin it is completely self-sufficient, for other types you will need a cream.

I have never had side effects in the form of peeling or irritation. And this is with sensitive skin prone to redness.

Almost immediately the skin was dry, but not critically dry.I have done quite well with denser textures and masks.

Any inflammation and pimples with this serum were extinguished immediately.

And here it is necessary to underline and underline.

Reducing oil content and relieving acne is a clear and quick effect of the serum. And I would say – the main one.

Which makes it an excellent remedy for oily problem skin.

But I wanted an anti-aging effect.

I wanted to smooth out the micro-relief, get the effect of smooth, radiant skin, young and fresh.And on my skin retinol has such an effect.

But in this direction the progress is very small.

For a week and a half I used this serum at night, and in the morning there was a simple care.

I did not notice any particular effect and added a serum with mild acids and vitamin C. It went better. Most likely in tandem.

But one serum did not give me any significant anti-age.

And another moment. Even with the retinol serum and mild acid tandem, my skin still needed an extra exfoliation at least once a week.

This is my relatively thin skin prone to dryness.

Photos before and after 5 weeks. At the same time, the last three weeks plus serum with mild acids.

The skin is generally lighter, but the pigmentation is uneven in place. The microrelief is slightly smoothed out.

But in general, I don’t see anti-aging here.

(The previews are cloudy, you need to click on the picture to “enlarge”, then it will open in normal resolution, sharper)

In general, I have the opinion that this serum is rather weak as an anti-aging agent.

Possibly for my age or in comparison to my usual care.

Because my 37-year-old friend with thin dry skin praises this serum very much as a rejuvenating agent, she sees smoothing of the micro-relief, and radiance, and everything else.