Retin A – What Can It Do for Your Skin?

By Marcia G. Yerman HERWriter June 2, 2010 - 3:59pm Rate This

With the state of the economy at the top of everyone’s list of concerns, women are looking hard to find beauty solutions that are gentle on the pocketbook. One of the answers they are turning to is a topical product that promise rejuvenating results for their skin.

The class of products getting attention is those that contain a form of Retin A as the active ingredient. To understand the difference between the various offerings, I reached out to an array of sources including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and a cosmetic chemist.

One of San Diego's top experts in dermatology, Dr. Susan Stuart, answered a string of my questions via e-mail. She wrote that dermatologists are using Retin A “because it works and is the only anti-aging product proven effective in double blind studies.” She stated that Retin A was able to “boost collagen production and reduce production of collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen.”

Dr. Alexander Rivkin, a cosmetic surgeon specializing in non-surgical options, explained that as a topical product that “exfoliates and declogs pores,” Retin A was originally used to treat acne. The medical community took notice of the fact that it also improved the quality of the skin and decreased the appearances of wrinkles. Dr. Rivkin clarified that Retin A works like “any other exfoliant (i.e. microdermabrasion). It stimulates the cells to turn over and form new collagen.”

Collagen, which is the principal protein of the skin, tendons, cartilage, bone and connective tissue, is the operative world. As collagen in the skin is rebuilt, it boosts the skin’s elasticity. As a result, the skin looks tighter and firmer.

For those who visit a dermatologist and receive a retinoid prescription such as Tazorac, Dr. D.J.

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