Retinoids

What are Retinoids?

Retinoids are essential for every anti-aging skin regimen today.  Retinoids have been widely used for years to treat acne and to prevent aging.

Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the most common retinoids used today.  The vitamin A derivatives have been around for about 40 years, and dermatologists still regard them as indispensable in their anti-aging arsenal.  They first came to market in the early 1970s as an acne-fighting drug and is still among its primary uses. Since then, they have been used to treat psoriasis, warts, wrinkles and blotchiness caused by excessive sun exposure. They also seem to work on intrinsically, or naturally aged skin.  A Retinoid can effectively speed up skin cell turnover, smooth out skin, reduce break outs and create younger, firming looking skin.  The skin cells which are responsible for skin pigmentation are melanocytes.  Melanocytes are suppressed by retinoids to decrease skin discoloration and uneven skin tone.  Retinoids minimize the appearance of wrinkles, bolster the thickness and elasticity of the skin, slow the breakdown of collagen, and lighten brown spots caused by sun exposure. They are safe for long-term use, and they offer a protective benefit from damaging rays.  For dermatologists, they are a favorite because there is so much science behind them.

 Several of the studies on tretinoin or other retinoids confirm that maximum improvement of the skin is seen after about 4-6 months of use.  The safety profile of retinoids suggests there are no significant adverse effects of using them or tretinoin for long periods of time. To maintain the beneficial effect on the skin, a maintenance regimen is required. If treatment is discontinued, benefits will fade. 

Retinoids are available by prescription ranges from a concentration of 0.025% to 0.1% in cream vehicle. They are also available in gel vehicles as well which pentrates the skin better and is formulated in concentrations of 0.01% to .025%. Retinoid preparations cost between $60-$115 for a 40g tube. Typically, this should last for 4-6 months of treatment.  Look under Topical Retinoids for more information on the different prescription strength products.  Search under Retinoid Creams to learn more about the different over the counter products.







Prescription Retinoids vs. Over the Counter Retinoid Products