“Why in the world would you use that stuff?
You have flawless skin!”
“Honey,” she said, “This iswhyI have flawless skin.”
Tawni Bannister for BYRDIE
Meet the Experts
Keep reading for more on this super anti-aging ingredient.
Retin-A
punch in of ingredient:Exfoliant
Main benefits:Increases cell turnover, antioxidant.
Who should use it:In general, anyone who wants to prevent bad acne or wrinkles.
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How often can you use it:Once a day, maximum.
Any more and you’re risking serious irritation.
Works well with:Hydrators, antioxidants.
Javier Diez / Stocksy
Doesn’t work with:Vitamin C, physical and chemical exfoliants, other retinol formulas.
What is Retin-A?
Retin-Awhich comes in gel and cream formis stronger than over-the-counter retinol.
“Products like cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen should remain in yourskincare routine.
Just see to it they are fragrance-free.”
Start slowly with this product, which initially can cause redness, peeling, and flaking.
Start by using it twice a week, then slowly move to every other day until your skin adjusts.
After the skin is patted dry, apply a thin layer of Retin-A on the treatment area.
Frieling also says that Retin-A should be used once a day, prior to bed.
Moisturize your face and wear sunscreen when using Retin-A.
Retin-A can be used nightly.
With regular use, you could expect to see the results of Retin-A in four to six weeks.
If used once a week, it may take as long as three months to see results.
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.
2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443
Harvard Health Publishing.Do retinoids really reduce wrinkles?
2016;9(3):139-144. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.191653
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?
Browne H, Mason G, Tang T.Retinoids and pregnancy: an update.The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.
2014;16(1):7-11. doi:10.1111/tog.12075
