Baton Rouge Retin-A doctors

Sun exposure causes wrinkles, dark spots, aging, and skin cancer. Retin-A helps reverse and helps prevent these same skin issues, so one should think of them as opposing forces. While you "can" get sun exposure on the body while using Retin-A on the face, it will cause all of the above issues. In other words, any sun exposure is best avoided without protection. Activities in the sun are best enjoyed while wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. That said, however, sun exposure does not cause more harm than it otherwise would when Retin-A is being used.

Patients will often ask what the best form of Retin-A is... cream, gel, solution, etc. In reality, any form of tretinoin (the generic name) is effective. Which brand, strength, and vehicle (cream, gel, etc.) you use is purely patient preference.

There is no solid data that a certain brand or strength works better than another, but it does make sense that a higher strength would be more effective. However, it will also be more irritating to the skin, and may cause a bit more dryness. Cream and gel are the most popular vehicles: cream is more moisturizing, gels are better for oily skin.

Retin-A Micro is probably better than the normal generic because it is a bit less irritating, but it is also much more expensive. Brand name or generic will help you achieve the benefits of a retinoid, though.

There is no safe time to tan. This question is akin to: "How long after taking off my seatbelt can I begin to drive 100 mph and text my friends?" Unfortunately, tanning naturally or in a bed will reverse all the positive effects you've been trying to achieve with Retin-A. Tanning will lead to DNA damage, which appears as photoaging (spots, wrinkles, and discolored skin), and skin cancer.

Skip the beds and keep the Retin-A going... try a spray on tan instead.