What does Retin-A do?

Tretinoic acid is a form of prescription Vitamin A which goes by different names such as Epiduo, Retin-A, Dr. Anita PM Cream and Renova. These products are not the same as Retin-ol which is a larger molecule with an -OH attached that makes Retin-ol difficult to penetrate the skin and is bought over the counter without a prescription. Different formulations of Retin-A are used to improve the appearance, thickness and texture of the skin, as well as to improve acne.

To smooth the surface of the skin, to promote collagen formation to maintain a healthy natural refreshed look, follow these easy steps:

1. Wear sunscreen daily and practice good sun-safe habits. We suggest Dr. Anita Remember Me no tears sunscreen. Don’t use Drugs or smoke. Don’t drink excessive alcohol. Get 8 hours of sleep. Prayer, Yoga, regular exercise. Eat a. Low Carbohydrate low inflammatory diet. Watch more comedies than tragedies
2. Wash your face with tap water and non-soap cleanser twice a day. We suggest Dr. Anita Foam Me cleanser
3. Moisturize daily with Dr. Anita Counter Intelligence. This time saving combination of an anti-aging, brightening, serum and moisturizer allows you to use Retinoids -without the red, drying effects. Counter Intelligence was formulated to increase compliance by decreasing drying side effects in people using Vitamin A medications
4. At night, apply Tretinoic acid prescription or Dr. Anita PM Cream (Tretinoic Acid) as follows:

• Rinse your face with tap water and pat dry. Wait 5 minutes.
• Apply a small pea-sized amount of PM Cream to each of the regions of your face. This is not a moisturizer so apply a thin layer. Be careful to keep away for corners of mouth and nose where chapping is more likely to occur.
• Right and left forehead
• Right and left area around the eyes (avoid contact with the eye itself)
• Chin
• Upper lip and lower lip
• Jaw region
• Massage in well

When starting Vitamin A treatments, begin with this application schedule:

• Two nights per week for two weeks
• Three nights per week for three weeks
• Five nights per week for three weeks
• Nightly thereafter as tolerated for maintenance

1. If redness, peeling, or irritation develops, discontinue use. Always apply moisturizer the day after using PM Cream or Retin-A. After the skin has settled down, CONSIDER starting again more gradually. We are here to guide you. Usually with time the skin can tolerate nightly use. You will see results in about 3 months. Please call us with any questions.
2. To stay hydrated, we recommend using SOS transparent moisture mask and Counter Intelligence – Use these products every morning and the nights that PM cream is not used. SOS is a clear mask that can be left on and can serve as a rescue treatment or part of a daily maintenance program especially in wintery climates. Do not use moisturizers or anything product at the same time as Retin-oid products. Vitamin A PM Cream is always a solo act- never shares the stage with any other product.
3. VERY IMPORTANT: Retin-A should NOT be used 3 days prior or 3 days following any laser treatment. Wait until the skin is completely healed and any scabs have completely fallen off. Lastly, Retin-A can only be used on completely DRY skin, if your skin is damp or wet when Retin-A is applied, the skin may become chapped, raw and very irritated.
4. Platelet rich plasma facial micropen treatments every few months to maintain active collagen activation.
5. Ultherapy Orange transducer glow treatment every 6 months.
6. Dorian Gray peels every 3 to 4 months with Tretinoic acid.
7. Anita skincare for the best anti-aging maintenance and prevention.

To learn more about Retin-A treatment or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anita click here!