TRETINOIN
SCIENCE & RESEARCH
Background & History
- Discovered as a pharmacologically active form of Vitamin A in the 1960s
- First introduced & marketed as an acne treatment by Johnson & Johnson
- Soon after its debut, patients using the cream (branded as Retin-A) noticed other lasting benefits (improved skin elasticity, less fine lines/wrinkles & age spots)
- Now recognized as the benchmark when it comes to a slew of aesthetic skin concerns
- Clinically proven to enhance rapid skin cell turnover
- While OTC face creams contain retinol, retinoid is the more potent form of Vitamin A
- Vitamin A depletion occurs as we age, but topical Tretinoin can reverse signs of aging
- FDA approved to treat fine facial wrinkles
Longevity Benefits
- Enhances skin cell turnover & instantly boosts collagen production
- Clinically proven to reduce deep lines & wrinkles
- Repairs UV damage & diminishes age spots for a more even skin tone
- Proven treatment for adult acne
Research & Studies
A 2019 clinical study concluded “Vitamin A and its derivatives are among the most effective substances slowing the aging process. Vitamin A is the first vitamin approved by the [FDA] as an anti-wrinkle agent that changes the appearance of the skin surface and has anti-aging effects. Anti-wrinkle properties of retinoids promote keratinocytes proliferation, strengthen the protective function of the epidermis, restrain transepidermal water loss, protect collagen against degradation and inhibit metalloproteinases activity.”
A 2012 clinical investigation stated daily use of retinoids (i.e. Tretinoin) “can prevent the appearance of wrinkles; they penetrate into the skin, can work on the extracellular matrix—the collagen and elastin fibers. … A retinoid is very important to use even for Botox patients that want to maintain youthful skin.”
A randomized, controlled comparative study of wrinkle reduction benefits (cosmetic product regimen vs. prescription 0.02% Tretinoin regimen) evidenced that “Topical tretinoin is considered a benchmark treatment for the mitigation of fine facial wrinkles. The cosmetic regimen significantly improved wrinkle appearance after 8 weeks relative to Tretinoin, with comparable benefits after 24 weeks. Cosmetic anti-wrinkle products (i.e. over-the-counter) are well tolerated but are generally presumed to be less efficacious than Tretinoin.”
How It Works
Tretinoin is a form of Vitamin A, also known as a retinoid. As we age, our skin is depleted of our natural reserve of collagen and vitamins. Retinoids can reboot this deficiency on a deep, cellular level. Applied topically, they penetrate beneath the dermis (top) layer of skin into the dermis (lower, 2nd layer of skin), and are easily absorbed and metabolized in the body.
Tretinoin use is akin to hitting a “reset” button on your face. Old skin cells die off, get replaced with newer skin cells and the look and feel of skin greatly improves. More obvious changes in the skin, such as deep wrinkles caused by the sun or the natural aging process, appear diminished over time too.
Think about it: When you’re younger, your skin maintains an easy natural cell turnover rate that you likely don’t even notice. (Remember the days when you could go to sleep wearing make-up or a bar of Dial soap cut it for a full skincare regimen?) The older we get, the harder and longer it is for this skin cell turnover to take place. This leads to dullness, the formation of wrinkles and lines and to lasting, visible sun damage.
Tretinoin creams are the most scientifically substantiated products on the market for treating fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and crepey or rough skin on the face caused by UV/UVB sun damage and age. And topical retinoids like Tretinoin are the number one prescribed treatment for premature aging and aging skin.
Science + Expertise = Real Results
Tretinoin Anti-Wrinkle Cream from AgelessRx contains heavily researched and dermatologist-selected ingredients to produce noticeable results for even the most sensitive of skin types. Our pharmacy-compounded and specialized formula contains a blend of retinoic acid, hyaluronic acid, and ascorbic acid.
Tretinoin is one of those products that, when used correctly, often causes a speedy purge of old, outer layer skin cells. This can lead to facial dryness, flakiness and a “it’s worse before it’s better” type of feeling. That’s why it’s essential to lock in skin’s moisture while being treated with Tretinoin—and why we include hyaluronic acid in our specialized blend.
Our Tretinoin Anti-Wrinkle branded cream will help to add some “soothe and plump” to your ongoing skin reboot. As a result, you get the benefits of rapid cell turnover, a potent collagen power-up, as well as less skin irritation and a more dewy complexion. We like to call it “glow.”
Important Safety Information
& Side Effects
As with any prescription product, there may be side effects. Generally, the vast majority of side effects will subside after the gradual use of the product over 3-4 weeks. If serious burning or irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Most Common Tretinoin Side Effects
Sometimes referred to as “retinoid reactions,” you may experience:
- Itching
- Burning
- Redness
- Peeling
Less common side effects may include Erythema nodosum (severe skin inflammation), Edema (swelling), Rash Skin hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and/or Skin hypopigmentation (light spots).
Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight and weather extremes, such as cold and wind, while using this product. To reduce sensitivity and chance of skin irritation, AgelessRx recommends the following:
- Start by using gradually (2-3x per week) at bedtime to see how it’s tolerated
- Use with a hydrating serum or moisturizer with aloe or ceramides
- Use a daily SPF 30 (or higher)
For a complete list of possible side effects, click here.
Possible Drug Interactions
Before starting any new prescription, be sure to tell your doctor or healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
You should not use topical Tretinoin if you take medication that further increases your sensitivity to sunlight, including but not limited to: Tetracyclines (e.g. doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline), Sulfonylureas (e.g. acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide), Thiazide diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide/HCTZ or any drug containing HCTZ, chlorthalidone, bendroflumethiazide, methyclothiazide, metolazone), phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, promethazine, perphenazine, thiethylperazine, thioridazine), or Fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin).
Additionally, using retinoids concurrently with topical drying agents, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, can increase the drying effects of retinoids. Do not apply these agents to the same areas as your topical Tretinoin.
Other Important Safety Information
Do not use Tretinoin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (including trying to get pregnant or are unsure whether you are pregnant). Tretinoin has been associated with miscarriage and birth defects. Additionally, people with an allergy to Tretinoin, or any of its ingredients (including hyaluronic acid and/or ascorbic acid), should not take Tretinoin.
Note: All information included on this page is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medication, talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Explore Tretinoin
- Enhances skin cell turnover & instantly boosts collagen production
- Clinically proven to reduce deep lines & wrinkles
- Repairs UV damage & diminishes age spots for a more even skin tone
- Proven treatment for adult acne
Starting at $60/mo