When used correctly, tretinoin can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin pigmentation and increase collagen. The trick is finding the right concentration for your needs.
A dermatologist will advise you on the best concentration for your skin. A pea-sized amount is usually enough to have an effect.
Improves Skin Texture
Retinol’s cousin, tretinoin, has been shown to improve the appearance of aging skin by increasing collagen production and decreasing the breakdown of old collagen. This results in a fresher, less weathered appearance.
Tretinoin also speeds up the turnover of cells in the outermost layer of your skin, which helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin pigmentation. This also helps keep pores clear of blemishes like blackheads and whiteheads.
In one controlled clinical trial, tretinoin was found to reduce the collective signs of photoaging (including dyspigmentation, fine wrinkles and tactile roughness) more effectively than hydroquinone alone in the same patient population after six months of treatment.
When you begin using tretinoin, it’s important to make sure your skin is clean and completely dry before applying the medication. Use only a small amount, about the size of a pea and be careful not to get it in your eyes or mouth. It’s also a good idea to avoid exfoliating agents such as alpha or beta hydroxy acids and harsh facial cleansers until you know how your skin reacts to the medication.
Reduces Appearance of Wrinkles
Retinoin and adapalene (another type of retinoid) help reduce fine wrinkles and improve the appearance of other signs of sun damage, such as mottled hyperpigmentation. They also help fade actinic keratosis spots and speed up the turnover of superficial skin cells.
Because retinol is fat-soluble, your body can store it in the liver for long periods of time. Your liver then converts retinol to tretinoin, which is more powerful and can be used for different biological functions. Retinol is available in many over-the-counter skin products, but tretinoin is only available by prescription.
Several studies have shown that tretinoin improves the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of sun damage. However, the results vary depending on the concentration of tretinoin and the strength of your skin. For example, in a study conducted by Kligman and colleagues, high-strength tretinoin was more effective than low-strength tretinoin. Another factor is how often you apply tretinoin. Generally, twice or thrice weekly is better than once weekly.
Evens Out Skin Pigmentation
The outer layer of your skin is a protective barrier that holds in hydration, blocks harmful pathogens and ultraviolet radiation. But with time, it becomes thin and dry, resulting in mottled hyperpigmentation and roughness.
Unlike retinols that work in the upper layers of your skin, prescription tretinoin penetrates deep into the dermis, where it works to even out pigmentation, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and increase collagen production.
It also unclogs pores, shrinks oil glands and helps to lighten dark spots from acne scarring. In a clinical study, tretinoin showed more dramatic results than hydroquinone in lightening hyperpigmentation and acne marks in African-American patients.
If you’re new to tretinoin, it can take your skin some time to get used to the active ingredient. Start with a low-concentration formula and use it every other night, then build up to every night. Remember to always listen to your skin and pause or slow down treatment if you experience irritation.
Prevents Breakdown of Old Collagen
Tretinoin has been proven to significantly increase collagen in the skin, which improves its texture and elasticity. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pores, pre-cancerous changes and brown spots. Over time, tretinoin can also help improve the overall tone of the skin.
When it comes to wrinkles, tretinoin works by promoting the shedding of old cells and stimulating new cell growth. This increases the turnover rate of the skin and can smooth out fine lines, but it will have less of an effect on deep creases. It can also help even out the dark spots that doctors call hyperpigmentation, decreasing their concentration and making them less noticeable.
When used long-term, tretinoin is one of the best prescription medications for wrinkles. However, it can be harsh on the skin and should not be combined with other exfoliating agents such as salicylic acid. This can lead to redness and peeling. Instead, you should opt for a low to moderate strength tretinoin cream or gel and follow a proper skincare routine. Tretinoin for Collagen
Leave a Reply