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 steroid creams for several weeks then it is less likely that any further use will change the creases since they evidently are not due to the inflamation or over use of Retin A. The lines may just be dynamic creases due to active muscles causing them. In this case, then Botox would be a consideration. Also, dehydrated skin looks creased and dry. Wetting your skin with water then applying a good moisturizer may help also.
David Hansen, MD

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 the usage pf Retin A and allow your skin to acclimate to it by using it once a day, once every other day or even once every three days. Good luck.

What you are likely experiencing is an irritation called retinoid dermatitis that occurs when you first start using Retin-A. This leaves the skin dry and peeling and should be treated with a heavy moisturizer and a mild cortisone cream. Most patients get over retinoid dermatitis in a couple of weeks as their skin gets used to the RetinA cream. In the long run the Retin-A will prevent wrinkling by boosting collagen production.