Is your regular skincare regime simply not cutting it? Still experiencing the effects of sagging skin, wrinkles or unappealing acne?
Over time, a trade secret has reached the marketplace. From its breakout years back, Tretinoin really has been a vital ingredient to successful skin treatment.
Usually called Retin A or Vitamin A, Tretinoin Creams has been shown to effectively decrease the look of acne, fine wrinkles, wrinkles, enlarged pores and even skin discoloration.
It is necessary to notice that Tretinoin Creams only offer short-term results. So, it’s also a good choice to put on a physical sunblock when using Tretinoin Creams to beat photoaging.
There have been several successful case studies of people using tretinoin for anti aging. Like this one.
However, to maximize the potential of a tretinoin cream, we recommend that you use an anti wrinkle cream that also has other anti aging ingredients like peptides, DMAE and other collagen boosting ingredients.
What is Retin A (Tretinoin) and how does it work?
Retin-A (Tretinoin , generic name) was crafted more than three decades ago, and it has ruled the world of acne treatment ever since. Moreover, it is an ideal solution for the treatment of wrinkles, and it has a track record of effectiveness among millions of users who have used it to exorcise the ghosts of acne and wrinkles.
Retin-A has become the most popular term used when referring to topical tretinoin treatments. But there are several companies that manufacture topical tretinoin.
Some offer tretinoin treatments under brand names that you’ve probably heard before: Retin-A Micro, Avita, and Renova. Generic tretinoin is also available, which is the medication that you have.
This is a prescription product, and you can’t just collect it from the drug store anyhow unless a doctor has recommended it.
Apart from getting rid of acne, it cleared sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, oiliness and skin radiance. Materials trapped in skin pores are also eliminated. In the process, collagen and new blood vessels formation are stimulated improving skin appearance.
Retin-A works through the activation of its main ingredient which facilitates the clearance of old skin cells and the growth of new ones. This vital process ensures that your skin pores don’t get clogged, and the result is that you are less likely to suffer from acne, which thrives in an atmosphere of a clogged skin.
The formula can be used in various forms. For instance, you can get it in the form of cream or gel.
It is worth noting that Tretinoin Creams do not last long. If you are using them, it is advisable to apply sunblock to mitigate effects of photosensitivity brought by the cream. Sunlight causes a person to age quickly because of skin damage, and it is good to protect yourself.
Possible side effects
Although the Retin-A is a safe product, there is a need for caution so that you don’t end up with adverse side effects. You should be cautious if you have sensitive skin, or you are allergic to Retin products. Some of the side effects of Retin are listed before as follows:
- The first common side effect is irritation
- The second side effect that some users complain about is skin peeling
- The third side effect of Retin is dry and sensitive skin, and hence you need to use sunscreen during the day to avoid this effect
Best alternatives to Retin-A (Tretinoin) for wrinkles and why you might need them?
Usually, over the counter retinol creams like Paula’s Choice Retinol serum work as great alternatives to Retin-A. Here is more information on difference between Retinol and Reitn-A.
However, typically retinol creams don’t provide as powerful effect as Retin-A.
Below is a list of the best retin-A alternatives that don’t require a prescription.
The funny thing is LifeCell doesn’t even contain retinol, yet we had to list it on the top. Rather it contains Dermaxyl/Matrixyl 3000 that mimics the effects of retinol.
You see, even though most retin-A products are considered to be a safe substitute for anti-aging or cosmetic surgery, you need to be cautious because if you land on the wrong product, you are going to get your skin inflamed.
The biggest problems while choosing a retin-A product for anti-aging are –
A). You have to chose based on your skin type: creams are generally best for dry skin, lotions for normal to combination skin, and serums or gels for oily or congested skin.
B). You don’t know what retin-A strength is good for you: You choose too light a concentration, it won’t work. You choose too strong, you may get reactions on your skin.
It might be a lot of trial and error.
If a retin-A cream like Renova or serum in a particular concentration (eg. 0.1, 0.05, or 0.025) doesn’t seem to be working well for you after a few weeks, try another; it might take some experimenting to find your perfect match.
To be honest, there isn’t a single best retin-A product—because everyone is different and reacts differently to the varying products offering various textures and strengths: so finding the one that’s right for your skin type and skin concerns can be a daunting task.
Our advice? If you’re new to retin-A, begin with a lower concentration serum or moisturizer. If you’ve used retin-A in the past and had great results, consider a moderate-strength product.
And, for more tenacious concerns like deep wrinkles and a pronounced uneven skin tone, look to higher-strength retin-A or retinol products. You can also alternate lower and higher strengths, based on how your skin responds.
If you want a simpler route, we recommend you check out LifeCell , a Dermaxyl based product, similar to retinol and retin-A, that works for most skin types and has a better safety profile.
LifeCell is a product created by a beauty company called South Beach Skincare that has been in business for almost 30 years. Opening in 1986, LifeCell was the first to market its unique formula, which was blended to repair and regenerate tissue. This product, originally created as a companion to skin grafts for burn victims, is the source of LifeCell’s success, as it propelled LifeCell into the spotlight through its ability to perform as suggested, providing regeneration and renewal to thousands of men and women around the world.
Dermaxyl or Matrixyl 3000 is the ingredient that makes LifeCell cream both unique and effective. Besides it also has peptides, DMAE and other collagen boosting ingredients.
Dermaxyl is a component used to mimic the effects of retinol. To mimic the effects of vitamin A, Dermaxyl prompts communication between cells, resulting in the reparation of skin damage due largely to age and sun exposure.
While some have found that retinol and retin-A and compounds like them cause irritation in significant doses or topical applications, dermaxyl provides the same results without the irritation and potential over-exposure.
Overall, LifeCell is a great anti-aging peptide system devoted to stimulating the production of collagen, resulting in greater elasticity and youthfulness in skin. This particular ingredients is unique, in that it works to improve skin long-term, rather than providing short-term or temporary solutions.
Research and anecdotal evidence has demonstrated that LifeCell is able to provide twice the amount of collagen than other retinol based creams needed to achieve lasting results, and is therefore extremely effective at its job.
So, we just had to recommend LifeCell as the top of this list here.
This is another product containing dermaxyl/matrixyl 3000 and Hyaluronic acid (for skin hydration)
How can you measure a good retinol-based product and what are the results that you can expect from them?
A good retinol-based product needs to make your skin firm again and ensure that wrinkles are repaired.
Besides, it needs to make sure that your skin tone, texture, and glow are improved as it regenerates cells and the collagen your skin needs to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Lastly, a good retinol product has to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.
The ingredients dermaxyl/matrixyl 3000 and Hyaluronic acid in Instant wrinkle reducer take care of all these issues.
3. Skinmedica Retinol Complex .25
This is one of the best over the counter retinol products, and it is free from fragrance, and it is best suited for those users with dry skin. The product is a combination of anti-oxidants, cell-repairing components and other ingredients that ensure that skin cells communicate properly.
4. Neocutis Nouvelle + Retinol Correction Cream
This is another highly priced but effective cream that combines various anti-oxidants that are appropriate for all types of skin. The cream does not contain fragrance and any ingredient that may make your skin sensitive to light.
The cream is also known to be effective in reducing the signs of sun scorching. However, it is not the best product for anyone who is suffering from skin sensitivity or rosacea.
5. Algenist Retinol Firming and Lifting Serum
This is another commendable formula that is known to be effective in facilitating the communication of skin cells, repairing and oxidizing the skin. It is also ideal and safe for use by users of all types of skin. Also, it is good at dealing with the effects of wrinkles
6. Jan Marini Research Age Intervention Retinol Plus
Age Intervention Retinol Plus is another good retinol-based moisturizer, and it is ideal for use among users with dry skin. But what makes this product tick? First of all, it is full of anti-oxidants, and this makes it a useful tool in ensuring that your skin is free from inflammation.
Second, it is loaded with fragrance-free safflower extract which is very rich in fatty acids that help to repair your skin. Lastly, it is rich in peptides which are good at enhancing the communication power of cells. The lack of fragrance in the product makes it an excellent choice for users with sensitive skin.
