Retin-A – The key to younger looking skin

Perhaps one of the most visible (and therefore in many cases one of the most distressing) signs of aging is the development of wrinkles, creases and lines and other signs of skin aging, especially on the face. While some of us might be lucky enough to have inherited a genetic makeup that means that they will be spared from the worst of the ravages of the passage of time, we will all succumb to a greater or lesser extent as we get older.

But just because the development of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging might be inevitable, that doesn’t mean to say that we can’t or shouldn’t try to do anything about them. Ordinary moisturizers might help to stop the skin from drying out and may help to keep the skin more supple, but on their own ultimately they will not be able to hold back time. Retin-A, on the other hand, contains Tretinoin (also known as ‘All-Trans Retinoic Acid’ or ATRA), and has been shown to reduce severe wrinkles and completely remove fine lines within a matter of just 6 weeks! No wonder so many expensive skin creams rave about the small amounts of Retin-A they contain.

Before we look at Retin-A in more detail, let’s first consider the question of why our skin ages in the way that does. Armed with that information, you will be able to better understand how Retin-A works and the benefits that this remarkable substance can bestow.

Why does our skin age in the way that it does?

The aging of our skin is a complex biological process. It’s influenced by the interaction of several intrinsic (internal, inherent) and extrinsic (external) factors. Unfortunately for us “intrinsic or chronological aging is an inevitable, genetically programmed process”(1) although the exact mechanisms at play are unclear.

What is known is that as we age the skin’s outer layer known as the epidermis begins to thin even though the actual number of cell layers remains unchanged. At the same time, the number of pigment-containing cells called melanocytes decreases. The melanocytes that remain, increase in size. These two changes result in the thinner, more translucent appearance that we associate with aging skin. In sun-exposed areas age spots or liver spots may also appear.

But not only does the skin appear thinner and more translucent with age, it also becomes more wrinkled, creased and lined. This is due to degenerative changes in the skin’s fibrous connective tissue known as collagen which reduces its strength and elasticity. Collagen forms the main structural component of the dermis (the lower layer of the skin between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissues). Bundles of collagen molecules pack together throughout the dermis - in fact these collagen bundles account for three quarters of skin’s dry weight. Collagen is responsible for giving skin its strength, while elastin provides flexibility.

As we age, cellular proteins hook together or change shape. These changes keep the proteins from doing their jobs properly resulting in a loss of collagen and less firmness to body tissues. This process, known as elastosis, eventually leads to wrinkles.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the way in which our skin ages. They include:

• Sun exposure (photoaging)
• Smoking
• Gravity
• Genetics
• Repeated movement of facial muscles

For many people, sun exposure is probably the major factor related to the accelerated appearance of changes that we normally associate with aging. Indeed, the Australasian College of Dermatologists estimates that chronic sun exposure is probably responsible for over 90% of the visible signs of aging in Australians!

The process of aging due to sun exposure (photoaging) can lead to a whole host of skin irregularities. Wrinkles, lines and creases are especially pronounced in sun-exposed areas of skin. As mentioned above, colour changes can also occur in sun-exposed skin. Brown age spots and liver spots, uneven or blotchy colour changes, broken capillaries and freckling can all develop as a result of sun exposure. You only have to compare your facial skin to skin that is less sun exposed to get some idea of the damaging effects of the sun’s rays on the skin.

And don’t be fooled into thinking that the sun is not going to affect your skin during the winter months or on overcast, cloudy days because, even in these types of conditions, you can still receive significant amounts of UV light that are great enough to cause skin damage. Photoaging is a chronic ongoing process and over the years the damage adds up. Continued excessive sun exposure can stop your immune system from working properly which results in damaged cells no longer being removed and other repair mechanisms failing to work effectively.

If you smoke as well, then you will simply be exacerbating the problems of sun damage and skin aging in general. Smoking is known to damage the skin in a number of ways such as affecting its elasticity, and is particularly associated with the development of wrinkles, acne-like changes and drooping. Although these changes, like those associated directly with sun damage may take years to develop, their affects upon the visible signs of aging are undeniable.

What is Retin-A?

Given society’s seeming obsession with youth and the fact that we will all develop visible signs of aging as we get older - if we let nature take its course - it’s hardly surprising that pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies have invested millions of dollars into the development of creams and lotions that promise to help us stay looking as young as possible for as long as possible.

However faced with such a dazzling array of products that range from the ridiculously cheap to the ludicrously expensive, many of which if you believe all that the manufacturers tell you, can turn back the hands of time, how do we know which product to use?

Look no further than Retin-A. Retin-A is a topical cream that has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles, remove fine lines and generally improve the skin’s condition and appearance. As mentioned previously the active ingredient in Retin-A is Tretinoin - an acid form of Vitamin A. Indeed, Tretinoin is classed as a retinoid. Retinoids are a group of chemical compounds that are all chemically related to Vitamin A.

Initially developed to treat acne, Tretinoin is still commonly used as a form of acne treatment. In fact Tretinoin was the first retinoid developed for this type of topical use. But, in terms of dermatological applications, its capabilities extend far beyond the treatment of acne and Tretinoin is now the best studied retinoid in relation to the treatment of photoaging¹.

And the use of Retin-A, is not just limited to the face - it can also be successfully used on the back of the hands.

How does Retin-A work?

As yet, the action of Retin-A’s active ingredient Tretinoin remains largely unknown. However, what is known is that when applied to the skin, Retin-A acts to improve blood supply to the skin which in turn increases the turnover of dead skin cells. This results in new, more youthful looking skin.

With regard to the treatment of acne current evidence suggests that when applied topically, Tretinoin decreases blackhead formation and stimulates an increased turnover of the follicle cells that push out (extrude) blackheads.

How effective is Retin-A?

The effectiveness of Tretinoin has been well researched, particularly with regard to the photoaging of the skin. Overwhelming clinical evidence and histological evidence (i.e. anatomical study of the microscopic structure of the skin tissue) indicates that topical retinoids such as Retin-A can reverse to an extent certain structural changes induced by excessive sun exposure. As researchers have noted the use of Tretinoin has demonstrated “beneficial clinical and histological effects”².

According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists creams such as Retin-A are especially useful for what dermatologists might class as the ‘milder’ changes of aging including fine lines, wrinkles or roughness. They may also improve minor colour changes. Used for a period of just 6 weeks, the results can be quite astonishing - fine lines completely gone, severe wrinkles greatly reduced with the skin has regaining a youthful glow.

Is Retin-A suitable for treating any other conditions (apart from aging skin or acne)?

The use of topical Tretinoin is not just limited to fighting the visible signs of aging and for treating acne prone skin. It can be used to:

• Treat and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by increasing the production of collagen in the dermis
• Speed up the rate of skin repair after cosmetic surgery

Tretinoin also appears in some hair loss treatments and, although not in its topical form as with Retin-A, you may also come across reference to Tretinoin as a treatment for at least one form of cancer - acute promyelocytic leukemia (or APML).

Recent research has also suggested that Tretinoin (again not in its topical form) may also be useful in treatment of the lung condition emphysema.

Dosage

Retin-A is available in three different strengths:

• The 0.025% cream is for general skin improvement
• The 0.05% cream is designed for reducing wrinkles and fine lines
• The 0.1% cream, is the strongest strength available and is designed for acne and blackhead removal

If you have never used Retin-A before, it is strongly recommend that you start with the lowest strength cream and if necessary, work your way up slowly.

How do you apply Retin-A?

Retin-A should be applied sparingly to the skin's surface until it has been completely absorbed. Initially you should do this 5 times a week and thereafter about 3 times a week. Avoid any contact with the eyes.

It is also recommended that you use a moisturizer and a high factor sunscreen because Retin-A increases skin sensitivity.

Side effects

As with all medications whether taken internally or applied topically, Retin-A may cause some unwanted side effects. However, most people can tolerate Retin-A well. It is quite usual for Retin-A to cause a little skin reddening at first. This is due to the improvements in the skin’s blood supply.

More sensitive patients may also experience scaling, itching, and burning.

In all cases a gradual increase in the frequency and amount of Retin-A is best, as this allows for your skin to adequately adjust to the treatment. The advice of your health care professional should be followed.

As mentioned above, Retin-A increases skin sensitivity. This means that the risk of developing extreme sunburn is increased and extra care should be taken to prevent over exposure of treated skin to ultraviolet light. The use of high protection sunscreen and protective clothing, as well as avoiding exposure to sunlight during the middle of the day should be adopted.

Retin-A may also cause a thinning of the skin. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that patients who are using Retin-A should not remove hair from treated areas by waxing. This is because when hair removal wax is pulled off, the wax takes with it the top layer of epithelium (skin). A red, inflamed, sore mark will be left behind which will remain for several days. You should consult with your aesthetician or dermatologist to ascertain the most appropriate methods of hair removal to employ both during and after Retin-A use. You may be advised to wait anything from a few days to a few weeks after stopping Retin-A use before waxing again. Tweezing or threading (epilation) are acceptable hair removal alternatives both during and after Retin-A use.

Warnings

Retin-A must not come into contact with the eyes. Rinse eyes immediately with cold water if accidentally placed there.

Do not apply Retin-A to skin suffering from psoriasis, eczema, or if you are suffering from a form of skin cancer, unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Tretinoin is a teratogen i.e. it is an agent that can cause birth defects. Although the risks of the topical application of Tretinoin (as in Retin-A) to the unborn child appear to be limited, women who are or may be pregnant, or who are seeking to become pregnant, are warned against using it.

References

1. Stefanaki C, Stratigos A, Katsambas A. Topical retinoids in the treatment of photoaging. Journal Cosmetic Dermatology. 2005 Jun;4(2):130-4.
2. Stratigos AJ, Katsambas AD. The role of topical retinoids in the treatment of photoaging. Drugs. 2005;65(8):1061-72.

Reduce wrinkles with Retin A

Retin-A is an acne treatment that also removes wrinkles and improves skin appearance and condition.

Retin-A, containing tretinoin (sometimes called retinolic acid), derived from vitamin A, can reduce severe wrinkles within only 6-weeks and completely remove fine lines. Indeed, many expensive skin-creams currently on sale boast of their extremely minute quantities of retinolic acid!

Retin-A acts by improving blood supply to the skin, which in-turn increases the turnover of dead skin cells. Accordingly, new more subtle and younger looking skin appears at the surface. An additional use of Retin-A is to speed up the rate of skin repair after cosmetic surgery.

Use:
There are two versions of Retin-A available: The 0.05% cream, which is designed for wrinkles, and the 0.1% cream, which is designed for acne. If you have never used this product before, we strongly recommend that you start at the lowest dosage and if necessary, work your way up slowly.

Apply sparingly to the skin's surface until it has been completely absorbed, avoiding the eyes, at first 5 times a week, and thereafter about 3 times a week. Without your physician's advice, do not apply to skin suffering from psoriasis, eczema, or if you are suffering from a form of skin cancer.

It is recommended that a moisturizer be used, (see NeySkin or Only You Body Lotion) and in addition a high factor sunscreen (see Solaris). This is because Retin-A increases skin sensitivity.

Side effects:
Retin-A may cause skin reddening at first, this is quite normal as the skin's blood supply is improved and younger looking skin begins to appear presenting that youthful glowing affect.

Caution:
Avoid the eyes. Rinse with cold water immediately if accidentally placed there.

What our customers say...

It's true; after several weeks I saw even deep wrinkles on my skin disappearing and as I continue to use your Retin-A I don't see them coming back! This is a great anti-aging product!
L.C., Australia.

Using your Retin-A has been so wonderful that people keep asking me if I've had a face lift!
P.A.V.Z., Monaco