Is .04% Retin-A Micro effective for diminishing wrinkles?

After sunscreen (with zinc oxide), retinoids are my favorite thing for skin rejuvenation.  Studies show that after 6 months of regular use (even 3 days/week), benefits are seen.  The percentage doesn't matter as much - higher percentages will provide results quicker but ALL produce results at 6 months.  So, most Dermatologists will find the concentration that works best for the individual patient.  I recommend applying a pearl sized amount to your entire face at night (blend to neck and around eyelids) - more product can be more irritating and not necessarily more effective.  Once dry, you can apply a moisturizer.  When your 20 g tube runs out in about 2-3 months, if you are experiencing no redness or peeling, ask your Derm to increase to the 0.1%.

While 0.04% of Retin-A may not sound like much, it is actually a mid strength preparation. Retin-A comes otherwise in 0.1 %, 0.05% and 0.025%. Different physicians have different philosophies in prescribing Retin-A. Some like to start with a smaller dose and work up. I personally start with the highest dose and work down if needed. You should be cleansing your face, preferably with an alpha hydroxy cleanser, and applying a pH balancer like a specific Toner or, preferably, Vitamin C Serum (10% to start). The amount of Retin-A you should use for your entire face is a line a little more than 1/2 inch long. If you begin to get some peeling and redness of the face, continue that amount. If you get neither or minimal, then increase the amount of Retin-A. You can increase the amount up to a little more than double. Once you have increased that amount, then, the next time you need a refill, get the 0.1%. You will need to put less around the eyes and in front of the ears as the skin is thinner there and it absorbs better. If you get marked redness in any area, especially in the creases, etc., then just wipe it out of those areas and put it where you have minimal reaction. The redness and peeling only lasts usually 4-8 weeks before you skin gets used to it. You also need a good Zinc Oxide sun block each morning every day all year.