Benefits: Retin-A can erase or seriously improve fine to medium-depth wrinkles and diminish discolorations by increasing the metabolism of the skin, in turn, causing the dead, outer layer to shed which allows the skin to return to normal structure and thickness. According to Dr. Revis, tretinoin products (Retin-A, Renova) are the single best skin care product that has ever been developed.

Risks: Retin-A can sensitize your skin to the sun because it stimulates the skin to shed, you will lose some of that dead outer layer which protects you from ultraviolet radiation. Thus, wear sunscreen (if you wear makeup, look for a line with sunscreen in it). Anyone who deliberately gets a tan (whether it be from the sun or a tanning booth) is not a candidate for Retin-A, because you're actually not going to do yourself any good by repeatedly peeling off the top layer and then re-accumulating the sun damage on the new layers beneath. Retin-A's safety during pregnancy is unknown.

Retin-A before laser resurfacing or a chemical peel:
Retin-A has been shown to improve and speed up healing following various resurfacing techniques (chemical peels, laser). Thus, healing quicker means less likely to scar and less likely to develop pigmentation abnormalities. Therefore, if you are having laser resurfacing or a chemical peel, then your surgeon will probably prescribe Retin-A for at least three weeks prior to your treatment (and you would stop using it 3-4 days prior to the actual procedure date).

A prescription is required. There are several different companies that sell Retin-A products, such as BioMedic and Obagi. But, the ones available at the drug store are exactly the same and are available in the following strengths:

Cream: 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%
Gel 0.01%, 0.025%
Solution 0.05%

Directions: Apply a pea-sized amount and spread evenly over entire clean, dry face at bedtime. Keep away from the corners of the eyes and corners of the mouth to avoid too much irritation. At first you will experience some irritation, burning, redness and peeling. This indicates the product is working and is the worst at the beginning of treatment. This will improve with time, and you can adjust your dosage so your skin is not irritated or peel too much, yet still achieve an improvement of the skin's appearance. Depending on how your skin reacts, you may use on a daily basis or every other day or even every third night. Most patients begin with the 0.1% cream unless sensitivity occurs, then you may want to try Renova, which is formulated for sensitive skin. Use the strongest % you can tolerate as often as you can (nightly if possible) to achieve maximum benefit.

For sensitive skin: If your skin is sensitive, start every third night and, if possible, work up over a month or so to every other night. You must use it at least every other or every third night. Alternatively, Renova is formulated for sensitive skin but still delivers the same active ingredient.

Additional Benefits: Retin-A is also used to improve acne and Retin-A has been shown to lessen the occurrence of skin cancer by regulating the cell cycle, and it also can cause you to spontaneously shed any pre-malignant lesions that may be present on your skin but are too small for you to have noticed them yet.

Thank you, Dr. Revis for your help with this article!

Retin A Links

Retin A - by Dr. Sherwood Baxt of Paramus, NJ

Retinol - by Dr. Reath, Knoxville, TN

New Jersey - Tennessee

New Jersey Plastic Surgeons

Retin A - by Dr. Sherwood Baxt of Paramus, NJ

Tennessee Plastic Surgeon

Retinol - by Dr. Reath, Knoxville, TN

AllAboutPlasticSurgery.com :  Cosmetic Procedures:  Retin-A