Retin-A Review

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Editor's Review: 3.0 / 5.0

What You Should Know

How Retin-A Compares with Leading Beauty Products
 
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Nue Science (2013 Editors Choice)
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IQ Derma
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Dermitage
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Strivectin
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Juvederm
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Meaningful Beauty
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Retin-A
(3.0)  
   
*Picks were chosen by editor based on reader contribution. Details Here

Retn-A, which is generically known as Tertinoin Topical, is a common ingredient found in several popular skin care products. As the generic name implies, it is a topical ingredient. Retin-A is another form of retinol, which is itself a heavily studied derivative of Vitamin A. Retin-A is said to increase skin cell turnover. It has shown the most promise in anti-acne treatments, and specifically in those that are designed to treat blackheads and whiteheads, and to prevent the formation of new skin impurities. However, it does also appear in anti-wrinkle treatments as well, although this aspect of Retin-A has been the subject of fewer studies to-date.

Some of the big-name products that include Retin-A are Avita, Renova and Tertin-X. Retin-A is a potent ingredient, and many products that incorporate it are available with a doctor’s prescription only. This could be more trouble and expense than some users looking for a wrinkle cream wish to deal with. Retin-A is usually included in products for logn-term use, and the results window for many acne treatments that feature this ingredient is actually 6-9 weeks. The wrinkle treatments that do incorporate Retin-A say that it could take a whopping 6 months before significant results become noticeable.

Product Details

Typically, Retin-A shows up in anti-acne treatment creams. Directions indicate that product should be applied at night, in a thin layer, before bed. One side-effect of Retin-A is that it often dries the skin out significantly, so avoid using any other harsh facial cleanser and also apply a gentle moisturizer in the mornings. Retin-A also dramatically increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, and it should not be used by women who may be pregnant or nursing. Initially, users will likely be directed to apply a Retin-A based products only every other night, or even every three nights.

The Good

  • Has been the subject of multiple clinical studies.
  • Has shown great promise when it comes to fighting blackheads.

The Bad

  • Retin-A increases sensitivity to sunlight, to the point where users are cautioned to wear at least SPF 15 when going outdoors.
  • Often requires a doctor’s prescription.
  • Should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
  • In the case of Retin-A based wrinkle treatments, results can’t be expected for at least 6 months.

The Bottom Line

After getting the facts, it looks to us like Retin-A is more of an acne treatment than a real wrinkle fighter, although it is marketed with wrinkle fighting as a secondary use. Retin-A is a pretty serious ingredient to find in any product, and usually users will need a dermatologist’s prescription to get hold of a product that features Retin-A on it’s ingredient list. It also comes with several potential side-effects and cautions, the most significant of which is increased sun sensitivity, so be careful!


** Our Top Skin Care Choice **

Nue Science Bottle

Top Wrinkle Cream for 2013: Nue Science

Editor's Review: 4.8 / 5.0

After looking at literally hundreds of wrinkle reduction and prevention treatments, Nue Science Cell Revival is our top choice. This product offers customers a Risk-Free Trial, and makes sure to both repair and protect the skin with Matrixyl 3000 for collagen and Uniprotect-PT-3 for UV protection. No other formula that we've seen takes such a holistic approach to skin care. Matrixyl 3000 is a clinically proven and patented wrinkle-fighting peptide, while Uniprotect-PT-3 is one of the most advanced sun protectors currently on the market. User testimonials on how a formula works says it all, and the Nue Science website provides ample proof. When you factor in the trial offer, the potent formula, and the testimonials and the clinical studies posted on the official site, it's easy to see why Nue Science is our top anti-aging pick. >> Read more about Nue Science Go



Facial Toner

(Optional- For Enhanced Results): Facial Toner

Editor's Review: 4.6 / 5.0

We’ve reviewed thousands of anti-aging treatments, and we’ve never seen anything quite like this! The Facial Toner offers a unique, low-maintenance system to promote young, healthy skin. It’s also a great value compared to expensive surgical procedures that still require periodic maintenance. The Facial Toner users cutting edge electronic pulse technology to stimulate the face’s Mimetic muscles, causing them to tone as they instinctively contract. After evaluating this unique product, we feel that it truly revolutionizing the skincare industry. >> Read more about the Facial Toner Go



One Comment/Question/Answer to Retin-A

  • 1

    Elaine

    Does Hydrolyze (for the dark circles under the eyes) contain Retin A?
    thank you

    [Reply]



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