A recently published New York Times article discusses the benefits of over the counter Retinol products for the skin. For those who have tried retinol containing products and would like to try something stronger, prescription products like tretinoin (Retin A) or tazarotene (Tazorac) should be considered.
These FDA approved medications have been shown to improve the texture and color of the skin and fade fine lines when used consistently over time. The end result is smoother, younger appearing skin. Side effects include potential skin irritation and sun sensitivity so it’s important to apply sunscreen on a daily basis. Waxing for hair removal should be avoided or the product must be held for at least a week before waxing. Retinoids should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
These products are generally applied nightly but should initially be applied 2-3 times weekly at night to minimize the risk of irritation then gradually increased to nightly as tolerated. If you’d like to try one of these medications please schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
