Treatment for Wrinkles Caused by Retin-A

Retin A doesn't cause permanent wrinkles. It is a collagen promoter and mild exfoliator which can cause crinkling of the dead skin as it is getting ready to lift off the old skin. If the old dead skin doesn't come off all at once then continued use of retin A or a chem peel will get the rest off. Sometimes, if you over use Retin A, it will cause swelling or edema which can cause creases temporarily until the swelling goes down which a steroid cream helps resolve. Since you have been on a... more

The wrinkles you are seeing are most likely just temporary effects from the dryness that Retin-A can cause when you first start using it. Retin-A is actually the most powerful wrinkle fighter available. It is a member of the retinoid family, and retinoids have been shown, scientifically, to reduce wrinkles. No other cream, lotion, or potion has as much rigorous science behind it to support claims of wrinkle reduction. The downside to Retin-A use is dryness of the skin when you first... more

Whatever reaction you had from Retin A should resolve with time. In many cases when our patients go on Retin A they have some flaking that can cause tiny lines to appear. Once they acclimated to Retin A these lines disappear. Your physician was probably right on the money with the anti-inflammatory because in some cases, the skin can get inflamed, red and flaky after initial Retin A use. If you give yourself some more time off the Retin A, these lines will resolve. Next time, slow down... more