'creams'

The retinoid conundrum – results are great, but patient compliance is lousy

LAS VEGAS — With a strong body of clinical research backing up their efficacy, retinoids represent one of the best anti-aging tools dermatologists can offer, but they come with a big caveat – frequent non-compliance, said Kathy A. Fields, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery.

“The pitfall of retinoids is that they are difficult to use and they’re irritating, so doctors often have to deal with a lack of compliance,” said Dr. Fields, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California in San Francisco.

Physicians can try to boost compliance, however but not giving up too easily. “If you want patients to get the benefits of retinoids, try starting by suggesting use just two times a week,” she suggested. “If they can manage that, then try going to three times a week. It’s still better than nothing.”

We always give a thorough program to help prevent side effect, also we sell discounted retinoids as we believe they are important in our care.

Retinoid creams

It’s not enough to try and fix what’s already wrong with your skin. You also need to think about your future and try to prevent more damage from occurring.

Retin A and Renova are the best known brands of tretinoin (short for trans-retinoic acid), a substance related to but distinct from vitamin A.

To be precise, tretinoin is a biologically active metabolite of vitamin A. Tretinoin produces multiple effects in the skin. It works by triggering molecular switches in skin cells called retinoid receptors. These switches affanti-aging effects on the skinect many intracellular processes including cell growth and differentiation, synthesis of proteins (including collagen and elastin), sebum production(skin oil), and possibly even the cell’s lifespan clock. Furthermore, tretinoin indirectly inhibits the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, the skin’s key structural proteins. These enzymes become overactive as we age and contribute to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Topical tretinoin is one of very few substances whose anti-aging effects have been documented in many well-designed studies.

It was found to reduce fine wrinkles and skin roughness, increase epidermal thickness and stimulate deposition of collagen. Typical strength of topical tretinoin creams is 0.025 – 0.1 percent.

Side-effects are not uncommon and include skin-irritation, dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity. With tretinoin, more is not necessarily better.

Studies indicate that 0.025 percent tretinoin may be almost as effective as 0.05 or 0.1 percent, but with lower incidence of skin irritation. According to the studies, improvement on tretinoin may continue for up to a year of continued use.

The first tretinoin brand to appear on the market was Retin A, initially developed to treat acne and later adopted as an anti-wrinkle product. Later, other formulations were developed in an attempt to reduce skin irritation and other side-effects. Those included Renova (tretinoin in a highly emollient base to reduce dryness), At present, all topical tretinoin brands are sold by prescription. Users should watch out for the side-effects even with supposedly less irritating formulations. If persistent, the side-effects of tretinoin may lead to skin damage and accelerated aging, i.e. the result opposite to the goal of the treatment.

There are two types of skin aging, intrinsic and extrinsic, and both contribute to wrinkling,” says dermatologist Dr. Ellen Gendler in The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women. Intrinsic aging is something that happens as the genes we’ve inherited from our parents trigger a reduction of two connective fibers, collagen and elastin. Collagen supports the skin and elastin gives it flexibility. Together collagen and elastin give skin structure and tone. After age 30, connective fibers start to break down, and the skin starts to become more lax. So its about time you did something!

Extrinsic aging is aging that comes from environmental factors, especially sun damage, says Dr. Gendler.

As we age, this process normally slows down and layers of dead, sun damaged skin cells build up on the skin. This causes our skin to look dull and thick; pores look large and we see the visible effects of sun damage such as age spots, uneven skin tone and less elasticity.

Using a retinol cream will encourage the exfoliation of these dead skin cells so healthier cells can surface. Skin will appear softer and smoother and pores will appear smaller. Skin will look younger and healthier. With the stimulation of collagen production, skin cells will be plumper, more like they were in our youth.

(Tanning salons should be called wrinkling salons. So don’t use them- use a fake tan, there are great natural looking products out there- Clarins, Shiseido.)

At FRESHface Clinic, we provide a complete skin care assessment, with the view to reversing age changes and preventing further changes,

so call now on 1300 46 37 37 (GO FRESH) to kick start your skin care! We sell these products at discounted rates!