What is a Milder Alternative to Retin A?

Question

I have fair skin with rosacea (pretty much under control with Metrogel). I am looking for something to reverse sun damage and make my skin look younger. Cannot tolerate Retin-A. Is there anything else?

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

We offer a milder form of Retin-A , called Retinal from SkinTx.  Check with your physicians office on what medical grade skin care products they carry.  Always make sure you are using "medical" grade to insure you are getting your money's worth in product.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Retin-A, by prescription, is the most studied and most effective topical antiaging product. It should be started at a low concentration, and slowly the strength can be increased (e.g. every 4-6 months). If you have difficulty tolerating it, you can try using it as short contact therapy (e.g. wash off after 1 hour), and then work your way up. Or, put a moisturizer on over top of it. Or finally, go with a milder form such as over-the-counter retinol.

Margaret Mann, MD · Answer

Retin-A (tretinoin, retinal) is a great product for improving sun damaged skin. For most of my patients, the main reason for not tolerating Retin-A products is due to too frequent application initially. There are several tricks I use to make the product more tolerable for my patients.

	1. I always advocate starting slowly-- a pea size amount is sufficient for the entire face. Use only twice a week (i.e. Mondays and Fridays) for a few weeks, then if tolerated, go to every other night. Finally, if you can tolerate every other night application, you can try doing it every night.

	2. If it is still too drying even with infrequent application, I recommend using a moisturizer such as Cetaphil or Neutrogena first, then applying the Retin-A. This often will reduce irritation.

	3. Next I would consider changing from generic versions of Retin-A to several new formulations which are much more hydrating for the skin. Both Renova and Refissa by Spear Pharmaceuticals contains tretinoin in an emollient base. Atralin by Valeant Pharmacueticals contains a glycerin based humectant. Avita, by Mylan Bertek, comes in a lower strength tretinoin so it is generally less drying. These brand name versions are usually more expensive. While they are not necessarily more effective for wrinkles, they are definitely more tolerable to use.

	4. And Finally, some of my patients really do have very sensitive skin that just can't tolerate retinals. In those cases, I would recommend using an over the counter product containing retinols. Retinols are precursors to retinals. Since our bodies do not readily convert all of the retinols into retinals, they are usually more tolerable, though they tend to be less effective as well.

	No matter which you choose, make sure you use a sunscreen during the day!

Patricia Farris, MD · Answer

I have lots of rosacea patients that can not use Retin-A. Rosacea patients generally have more sensitive skin and have trouble using retinoids like Retin-A and retinol. I like to use vitamin C creams for rosacea patients. Vitamin C is a great anti-inflammatory so it makes the rosacea better. It also improves the appearance of aging skin and helps to reduce sun damage. Sounds like a win-win for you.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

You still might tolerate Retin A in another form. There are four Retin A's which have been designed for patients whose skin is sensitive and irritated by the standard Retin A's. 
A new one has recently hit the marked called Refissa. It is made by Spear Pharmaceuticals. It has extra emollients and is an elegant product. My patients seem to like it. 
Renova, made by Ortho, the company which manufactures Retin A, also is a much less irritating product than its progenitor. Similarly, Avita and Atralin are smoother and can be used by patients who find Retin A too harsh. 
You can certainly add a moisturizer. My favorites are Cerave ( non-prescription) and Bionect. The latter has the additional benefit of hyaluronic acid and the catechins from green tea. 
Retinol, which is OTC, can deliver the same benefits as Retin A. It is not as potent since it requires the skin's conversion of the alcohol form (Retinol) to the acid form. However, the alcohol is less irritating to the skin. My favorite in this group is Roc Retinol Correxion (sic).

What is a Milder Alternative to Retin A?

Answers (6)

Answer: If you can't tolerate Retin-A, try Vitamin C

Answer: If you can't tolerate Retin-A, try Vitamin C

Answer: Many alternatives for Retin A

Answer: Many alternatives for Retin A

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Retin-A

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What is a Milder Alternative to Retin A?

Answers (6)

Answer: If you can't tolerate Retin-A, try Vitamin C

Answer: If you can't tolerate Retin-A, try Vitamin C

Answer: Many alternatives for Retin A

Answer: Many alternatives for Retin A

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.