I need clarification on Retin A
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Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:09 am

Hello all,

Retin A is clearly one of the best topical products out there, proven over the years.

I've reviewed many threads on this forum that discuss Retin A, many users suggest that it thicken the skin and help build up collagen.

However, I do read on other websites that discusses skin care that it cause thinning to the skin due to the peeling effect of it.

I have some shallow acne scars and Ive been advised to use Retin A in my daily skin care routine, but I'm not sure about the effect that Retin A does to the skin, especially that I read that it might be harsh on the beginning.

Any ideas?

free skin care · Thu Aug 27, 2009 1:24 pm

Yes, some people will got even worse on their acne when they begin to use retinol...But after insisting for about one month, the skin will get clarified and smooth. So remember you should start with a low level of retin-A.

Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:33 pm

Thanks for the reply. But what about whither it thickens or thins the skin?

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 2:41 am

Retin-A thins the epidermis, the outer layers of our skin, by exfoliation. At the same time Retin-A thickens the dermis, the deeper, inner layers of our skin, by promoting collagen growth.

Your shedding the older dead skin cells and growing healthier new skin cells at a much faster rate.

Here is a quote from an article in the Dermatology Times:

There is also a general misconception that retinoids thin the skin. In a study that was conducted by Dr. Kang, skin biopsies show that the skin doubled in thickness.

Actually a retinoid can thin the epidermis over time, because it speeds up the rate at which the skin cells proliferate, so not as many layers of ketatinocytes and thus corneocytes will form. Hence why you will become more sensitve to the sun, and more prone to flushing (if you have fair skin) while using a retinoid.

But retinoids don't thin the skin overall. They actually thicken the dermis, by helping build up and protect collagen, elastin and other structural proteins in the dermis. It also can protect skin from skin cancers, reverse dun damage, and so on.....retinoids are good stuff....

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:08 am

keli13 wrote:

Retin-A thins the epidermis, the outer layers of our skin, by exfoliation. At the same time Retin-A thickens the dermis, the deeper, inner layers of our skin, by promoting collagen growth.

Your shedding the older dead skin cells and growing healthier new skin cells at a much faster rate.

Here is a quote from an article in the Dermatology Times:

There is also a general misconception that retinoids thin the skin. In a study that was conducted by Dr. Kang, skin biopsies show that the skin doubled in thickness.

Actually a retinoid can thin the epidermis over time, because it speeds up the rate at which the skin cells proliferate, so not as many layers of ketatinocytes and thus corneocytes will form. Hence why you will become more sensitve to the sun, and more prone to flushing (if you have fair skin) while using a retinoid.

But retinoids don't thin the skin overall. They actually thicken the dermis, by helping build up and protect collagen, elastin and other structural proteins in the dermis. It also can protect skin from skin cancers, reverse dun damage, and so on.....retinoids are good stuff....

Yes, that is what I have heard about retinol. But this is much more detailed. Thank you.

Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:40 am

Thanks everybody for the info.

I have an oily skin with acne breakouts from now and then, some parts of my face are not as smooth in texture as the rest of the face and they are kind of darker because of the acne and the oily skin I've had over the years.

Does retin A retain the original brightness/color of the skin?

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:52 am

eastern spirit wrote:

Thanks everybody for the info.

I have an oily skin with acne breakouts from now and then, some parts of my face are not as smooth in texture as the rest of the face and they are kind of darker because of the acne and the oily skin I've had over the years.

Does retin A retain the original brightness/color of the skin?

Retin A may make skin brighter because it evens out your skin tone - at least that's what has happened to me. I don't think it would make your skin lose brightness.

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:22 pm

eastern spirit wrote:

and they are kind of darker

Are you making sure to wear a good sunscreen every single day? Retin A will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and that could cause areas to get darker.

Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:30 pm

yes i do wear sunscreen everyday, altho my exposure to the sun is very minimum.

Does the sun sensitivity continue even if I stop using Retin A?

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:31 pm

Which is the crem with more percent of tretinoin?

There is a glotherapeutics serum with 3% retinol, would be this the better option?

Fri Aug 28, 2009 3:06 pm

as far as i know, retinol is not as stronge as Retin A.

I have used retinol before and it didn't cause me any redness, peeling or irritation.

free skin care · Fri Aug 28, 2009 6:46 pm

I found this web site to have a lot of Q&As about Retin-a you might find useful.
http://www.askdocweb.com/retin-a14.html

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