Could Retin A worsen the "age" situation? (photo)

Question

Hello, i have been using tretinoid 0.05% for the past 8 months and i find myself in a much worst situation than when i did start. I kept on thinking i just had to stick in there and things would improve. But i am now losing hope and wonder if i shall just not stop altogether. My skin is wrinkly, dry (even if I moisturize a lot) and feels ever more sagging. Are there any exceptions to Retin A working fab for older skin? Thank you

Theresa M. Jarmuz, MD · Answer

Retin-A is one of the most effective ways to combat aging however it must be used properly. Keys to using Retin -A are waiting 15 minuets after washing your face to apply and only use a pea sized amount. Water is a barrier to Retin-A so if you apply while the skin is still moist, the Retin-A will activate on the surface. Your face will become very dry and flaky causing you to look older and feel extremely dry. You can also switch to gel which tends to be a little more hydrating than the cream. 
Good luck!

Tal Dagan, MD, FACS · Answer

Retin A is part of the armamentarium of professionals treating the skin (dermatologists, facaial and general plastic surgeons, etc.) with expected improvements in skin texture, including diminished wrinkles and brown spots. Retin-A can improve skin texture and fade dark spots and freckles because it causes skin cells to turn over more rapidly. With that said, looking at the pictures you have attached there is a laxity underneath your lower facial skin that is causing slight jowls (saggy swirly cheek skin) and some indentations in the skin. The potential treatment of the lower face may either include a liquid facelift, a non invasive way of correcting aging changes underneath the skin surface using dermal fillers alone or for a more long lasting solution a mini facelift can correc the jowl and corner of the mouth area which seem to be lax in the photo.

Could Retin A worsen the "age" situation? (photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Retin-A

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Could Retin A worsen the "age" situation? (photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Retin-A

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.