For years, my mother has been reminding me of the benefits of Retin-A. The first time she suggested I use Retin-A was when I was 16 years old, and struggling with acne. The hope that this magic cream might effectively obliterate all those nasty pubescent blemishes I was warring with peaked my interest. I began using Retin-A, and low and behold, it worked! A couple years later, my mother told me dermatologists also suggested a Retin-A regimen for the fight against sun damaged skin. After a few months of use, my skin began to show marked improvement as all those dark spots borne from my countless days in the sun, began to fade away. This year, following my 31st birthday, my mother reminded me that Retin-A has been proven to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. I have to believe her on that one, she does look great for her age.

Tretinoin also known as Retin-A is an at-home treatment used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration, stretch marks and acne. Similar to Vitamin A, Tretinoin works because it promotes the removal of the skin’s outermost, damaged skin cells. This results in a lightening of the skin and a lessening of wrinkles. Furthermore, Retin-A is known to be extremely effective against acne, unplugging the follicle and keeping acne at bay. Time again, this at-home treatment has proven to provide lasting and effective results.

Retin-A is available in a cream or gel, and sold by prescription only. In general, the gel is stronger and more effective than the cream because it allows for more effective skin penetration. Although it is beneficial when used on its own, optimal results are achieved when Retin-A is used in combination with alpha hydroxyacid treatments.

Retin-A is very easy to use. It is suggested that a pea sized amount be applied in the evenings 10-15 minutes after cleansing the face. If the skin becomes too dry or red, applications may be reduced to every other day or every three days, until the skin becomes accustomed to the medication. Because Retin-A makes the skin sensitive to sunlight, it is highly recommended that sun exposure is minimized and that a sunscreen of 15 or higher is applied every morning following cleansing. Although there are few risks associated with the use of Tretinoin creams or gels, they are known to cause dryness and redness of the skin for the first few months of use.

Personally, I have found Retin-A to be an easy and effective skin care solution. If you are interested in the treatment for yourself, contact your dermatologist to see if it is right for you.