Above: Prescription Retinoids
There’s no doubt about it. Retinoids are considered to be the ultimate anti-aging skincare product, other than sunscreen itself. Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that deliver proven results and are considered to be a top anti-aging product.
Whether you use a prescription containing Tretinoin or a product containing Retinol, Retinoids are used to prevent and treat wrinkles, acne, uneven skin, sun spots, sagging, dullness, excess oil production… well- as you can see, just about everything!
Prescription versions are much stronger and you’ll see results faster. Nonprescription creams and treatments take longer to achieve the same results, but they are just as beneficial. Depending on your skin type and tolerance to Retinoids, you’ll find that one or the other works better for you. I personally prefer straight-up prescription Retin-A, and my skin is highly tolerant of it. Regardless, there are still clear-cut rules that you need to follow when you start using ANY Retinoid!
My weapon of choice- straight up Retin-A!
1. More is not More. Less is more. Gradually build up your tolerance and use frequency with any Retinoid. I use Retin A 6-7 months each year, during the late Fall through early Spring. I stop for several months to give my skin a break and because the sun is so powerful here in SC. When I start, I use the product every 3 nights. I progress to every 2 nights. I never use it daily. On off days, I use the Clarisonic skin brush at night.
2. Apply only at night. This is when your skin does it’s most important repair work. And most importantly, sunlight deactivates the retinoic acid in Retinoids and can cause inflammation.
3. Don’t apply Retinoids to wet or even damp skin. As a rule, you should allow your skin to dry for 20 minutes after cleansing. Water increases the intensity of Retinoids, which can cause increased irritation.
4. Moisturize! Retinoids are drying, so slather on a good moisturizer after your application. For all using prescription Retin A products- remember, all you need is a tiny pea-sized amount of product when you apply! Use a moisturizer rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients and in particular, peptides. These work with Retinoids to increase collagen production and decrease wrinkles.
5. Avoid the eye area with prescription products, but don’t ignore your neck, chest or hands! The skin around the eyes is far too delicate for prescription Retinoids. If you are tolerating your nonprescription Retinoid product well, you can proceed with caution towards your eye area. As a rule, always treat your neck, chest and hands with the same anti-aging products that you use on your face. These areas also show signs of age, and often before your face does! Don’t give up your age with crepey and discolored hands and neck…
6. Use your “other” skincare treatments in the morning, or on off-days. Skin acids, benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C and other anti-aging products shouldn’t be used at the same time as your Retinoid, as this increases potential irritation.
7. Wear SPF, religiously. Retin A makes your skin more vulnerable to the sun. A sunscreen should be worn daily, but wear at least an SPF of 30 every day when you are using Retin A, even on off days! I wear SPF 55 every day of the year, even cloudy days in winter.
8. Exfoliate regularly. The Clarisonic brush is the tool of choice, and helps the cellular turnover caused by Retinoids to be “assisted”. You will probably notice, in your Retinoid use- some peeling or flaking skin. As long as you have no redness or irritation, this is normal- and why some additional exfoliation is helpful. I use the Clarisonic brush every other day when I am using Retin A. You can also use microdermabrasion creams to accomplish the same results.
9. If you do become irritated despite these precautions, stop using your Retinoid for several days and soothe your skin with an anti-inflammatory lotion. Not sure what to use? Something for sensitive skin. These products habitually contain anti-inflammatory agents, usually some natural ones.
10. No waxing! Waxing is a 100% no-no if you use prescription Retinoids. If you are using nonprescription Retinoids and have very sensitive skin, you should also avoid waxing. Also recommended: avoiding pore strips. Both waxing and pore strips can stress and tear your skin when you are using Retinoids. And when it comes to pore strips, on Retinoids, you most likely won’t have much need for clearing out your pores.
11. If you go to an esthetician for a facial, always tell them immediately that you are using Retinoids, especially prescription Retinoids! They may avoid certain treatments with you, or specifically choose products and treatments that work best for their clients using Retinoids.
Good luck! I have been counting down the days to being able to start my Retin A treatment again, as the results I had last year were so amazing. Even though I have been using Vitamin C, Clarisonic and monthly microdermabrasion treatments while off Retin A, I see a noticeable difference in my skin- especially my pores, and skin texture.
xoxo
Miss K
Some popular non-prescription products containing the Retinoid, Retinol:
Green Cream is very popular and comes in 3 strengths. Order at pharmacymix.com
RoC is a popular Retinol-containing brand. Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, Order at drugstore.com
Philosophy On a Clear Day Retinol Clarifying Lotion, order at drugstore.com
