Retin-A Gel Vs Cream for Aging Skin?

Question

I go to my dermatologist in 2 weeks. I have been using Tretinoin Cream (.05% Obagi) on my face to improve overall skin quality - texture, very fine lines, minor discolorations (along with Obagi Blender - only on the dark spots/areas). I have had irritation only once. After 3rd night of use, I had very slight flaking and redness around my mouth and nose. I skipped the next night and have been fine ever since. I think I need something stronger -- but am confused about the creams, gels, and different strengths. I like to be informed -- Help! Thanks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has altogether switched from Retin A products to the RR Retinoid Repair Cream because of improved tolerance with the latter. We have felt that the RR cream has less side effects when compared with the retin A products while the results are equivalent. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Tretinoin cream is used for skin rejuvenation. The gel is too drying for mature skin unless it is very oily. Continue with the .05% cream, you do not need to have continued irritation for it to be effective. Studies have shown that the .1% cream will not offer any additional improvement in rejuvenation over the milder strength. Remember to use sun protection.

Rebecca Lambert, MD · Answer

I frequently recommend that patients use the highest strength of Retin-A that they can tolerate. However, I have seen a study that showed that although Retin-A shows significant improvement in photoaging there was no difference between the lower and higher strengths of Retin-A. Retin-A gel allows for better penetration of the retinoid into the skin. Because of this, there is a lower percentage of the active ingredient in Retin-a gel. Retin-a cream comes in .025%, .05% and .1% and Retin-A gel comes in .01% and .025%. Some patient with very oily skin prefer the gel because they find the cream too greasy. However, in my experience, the majority of patients find the gel too drying. Unless your skin is very oily, I would recommend staying with the cream, but increasing the strength to .1%.

Retin-A Gel Vs Cream for Aging Skin?

Answers (3)