Retin-A and Wrinkles

Retinoids, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin, …..What is all this stuff? And what is the difference between all of them.

To start: All Vitamin A derivatives for treating skin are called Retinoids. These include topical treatments such as Retin-A (which is a brand name for Tretinoin) and Tazorac (which is the brand name for Tazarotene.) Other brand names for Tretinoin include Avita, Renova, and Differin.

Retinoids are powerful and highly potent skin treatments that have been proven to increase collagen, reduce wrinkles, and reduce acne. But because of their strength people must use caution when using these products. Misused, Retinoids can lead to ugly and dangerous.

Things to Remember:

1) Start out with your dermatologists recommended dose. Usually your doctor will recommend you not put the treatment on more than twice a week at first.

2) Even so, you may experience redness, itching, and overly dry skin. To combat this, a daytime moisturizer or low-dose corticosteroid cream, such as 1% hydrocortisone, may help.

3) Avoid the sun! Avoid the sun all you can and wear sunscreen at all times.