Retin-A Review

 Updated On:

Overview

Retin-A is a common name for the generic substance “tretinoin topical.” This retinol derivative is an ingredient that is often found in many topical acne fighting treatments, and in some wrinkle fighting creams. A few of the major name brands that include Retin-A are Avita, Tertin-X and Renova. Like retinol, Retin-A is actually a topical form of Vitamin A, which has shown some promise in clinical trials when it comes to nourishing and renewing skin cells. Since so many different products include Retin-A on their ingredient lists, the concentration of the substance found in any given product is an important piece of information for the consumer to establish.

Primarily, it seems like Retin-A is more often included in acne treatments than in wrinkle fighters, and to get a potent formulation you’ll probably need to get a physician prescribed treatment from your dermatologist. It also appears in creams intended to “soothe” the skin and help with red spots and blemishes. Retin-A is also associated with several product warnings. Like retinol, it tends to make skin highly sensitive to sunlight, meaning that anyone using a skin care regimen featuring Retin-A should be extra diligent when applying sunscreen (at least SPF 15) every day, especially on days where you plan to spend significant time outdoors. Additionally, avoid getting any Retin-A based product in your mouth or eyes, and do not use any of these products during pregnancy.

Product Details

Retin-A is a topical form of vitamin A that is frequently included in commercial acne fighters. It has also been included in a few wrinkle fighting topical creams, but it is currently regarded primarily as an acne treating ingredient. Retin-A is usually found in prescription-strength creams, and there are various clearly stated warnings associated with this ingredient. Users of Retin-A based products should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and make sure to take protective precautions.

The Good

  • Retin-A has been the subject of clinical trials.
  • This is an ingredient in several popular topical treatments.

The Bad

  • Retin-A products increase sunlight sensitivity and users should take increased precautions.
  • Retin-A is more of an acne/skin irritation treatment than a wrinkle fighting ingredient.
  • Potent Retin-A based products are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
  • Not suitable for women who are pregnant or who are nursing.

The Bottom Line

Retin-A is another useful tool in any company’s skin care arsenal. Retin-A, also known as tretinoin, is not a specific product. Rather, it is a Vitamin A derivative ingredient that is found in many different skin care products. Primarily, Retin-A is an acne and blemish fighter, though it is also included in some commercial wrinkle treatments. Retin-A usually appears only in prescription strength products that require a doctor’s prescription, and it does come with several side effects, the most severe of which is increased photosensitivity.

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
CAPTCHA
To prevent SPAM, please input text as displayed on image below:
Image CAPTCHA
Copy the characters (respecting upper/lower case) from the image.

** Our Top Skin Care Choice **

Top Wrinkle Cream for 2010: Hydroxatone

After looking at literally hundreds of wrinkle reduction and prevention treatments, Hydroxatone is our top choice. This product offers customers a Risk-Free Trial, and contains all four of the most effective and exciting ingredients for reversing and preventing wrinkles: Matrxyl 3000®+ Argireline® + SPF + Hyuloronic Acid. No other formula combines these ingredients into one cream, and the Hydroxatone® website has testimonials from customers who have seen results. Argireline® and Matrixyl 3000® are two clinically proven and patented wrinkle-fighting peptides, while SPF provides sun protection and Hyuloronic Acid penetrates tissue to keep skin young and supple. Clinical data that a formula works says it all, and the Hydroxatone® website provides ample proof. When you factor in the trial offer, the potent formula, the user testimonials and the clinical studies, it's easy to see why Hydroxatone is our top anti-aging pick. >> Read more about Hydroxatone

Optional – For Enhanced Results: Hydrolyze®

After looking at so many anti-aging treatments, we've seen that the delicate skin around the eyes can be a real problem area for many people. Dark circles can make you look years older, and for some people even a good night's sleep won't make them go away. That's why we were so excited to find Hydrolyze, which has been formulated by industry experts specifically as an under-eye treatment. The makers of Hydrolyze are so confident in their product that they offer potential users a Risk Free Trial so they can see the results for themselves. Hydrolyze contains the break-through ingredient Haloxyl, which has been shown to reduce under-eye discoloration between 40%-60% in a clinical case study. By offering consumers a way to erase the dark circles and wrinkles that often occur under the eyes, Hydrolyze is revolutionizing the skincare industry. >> Read more about Hydrolyze